Category: Most Eligible Widow-Bachelor in the Six Realms (Page 6 of 10)

Chapter 44

 

When Si Lan heard Haowei’s words, his wings twitched, and he turned around. His pitch-black eyes were full of curiosity. “Didn’t Grandmaster Jiaheng say that after he achieved Buddhahood, his disciple reincarnated as a human?”

 

“Yes, that disciple indeed reincarnated as a human, but that doesn’t mean there’s no more connection between him and Jiaheng. Over ten thousand years ago, a young Buddha emerged from the Thirty-Three Heavens. It’s said that he did good deeds throughout his many lifetimes without committing any evil. Therefore, at the age of twelve in this life, he attained Buddhahood. On the day of his ascension, he chose to become a disciple under Grandmaster Jiaheng. However, he later fell into the Demon Realm two thousand years ago.”

 

Si Lan couldn’t believe it. “Could it be… the Demon Buddha, Yu Wuxia?”

 

Si Lan had heard this story from Luo Hui’s mouth even before he hatched, though at that time, he treated it as gossip. It was said that this disciple deeply connected to Buddhism, Yu Wuxia, on the day of his ascension in the Thirty-Three Heavens, resonated nine thousand nine hundred and ninety-nine bronze bells, with their ringing resounding endlessly. Buddha light illuminated a hundred thousand miles, shaking the Six Realms.

 

However, this disciple, once under Grandmaster Jiaheng, gradually faded from public view. The next time news of him surfaced was when he fell from the Thirty-Three Heavens into the Demon Realm.

 

“Are you suggesting that Yu Wuxia might be that disciple?” Si Lan asked again.

 

“It’s just speculation.”

 

“However, the reason Yu Wuxia fell into the Demon Realm seems rather inglorious.” Si Lan recalled the scrolls he had read before, his mouth twitching involuntarily.

 

“Three Fox Demons Battle the Handsome Monk for Seven Days and Nights”

 

“The Celibate Monk Falls in Love with the Peerless Fox Demon”

 

These two books still remained in his collection.

 

It was reported that Yu Wuxia, while subduing demons in the Demon Realm, fell in love with a fox demon. He often descended to the mortal realm to frolic with her, eventually bringing her to the Thirty-Three Heavens.

 

When Grandmaster Jiaheng discovered this, he advised Yu Wuxia to abstain from lust, but Yu Wuxia instead intensified his actions, gathering a group of fox demons to revel in the Thirty-Three Heavens, indulging in carnal pleasures and even involving his fellow disciples in such activities.

 

This time, Grandmaster Jiaheng did not condone Yu Wuxia’s actions and severely injured him.

 

Enraged, Yu Wuxia fell into the Demon Realm.

 

Haowei nodded gently. “This disciple Yu Wuxia has a fiery red mark on his brow, likely a manifestation of accumulated desires from countless lifetimes, concentrated at his brow.”

 

Si Lan was astonished. “A fiery red mark on his brow?”

 

It seemed like he had seen such a Buddhist disciple before, even when he was just a sticky mass of egg yolk. He remembered a monk in white robes with a demonically charming face, a red mark on his brow.

 

That monk’s figure seemed to hover in the vast and boundless world for an instant before disappearing.

 

He remembered it so clearly because when that monk appeared, he felt excruciating pain all over his body, as if the egg yolk had been scalded.

 

Just as he was about to succumb to the agony, Luo Hui appeared.

 

Luo Hui gently embraced him with her two wings, her cooing voice soothing the discomfort outside the eggshell. By the time he opened his eyes again, the monk’s figure was no longer visible in the boundless world.

 

Thinking of this, Si Lan suddenly felt like he was enveloped in a massive conspiracy. This conspiracy seemed to have started the moment he arrived in this world. It felt like everything he did in the Demon Realm was under someone else’s control and surveillance, even this conversation with Haowei right now…

 

A chill ran down his spine, making him instinctively wrap his wings around himself.

 

Seeing this movement, Haowei found him somewhat adorable, looking silly and absent-minded, like the naive fool in the human world with only a shred of soul left.

 

“Not long after Yu Wuxia fell into the Demon Realm, three Buddhas consecutively fell from the Thirty-Three Heavens. This incident became a taboo in the Thirty-Three Heavens and is prohibited from being mentioned.”

 

Si Lan’s mouth twitched. It turned out even Buddhas had taboos.

 

It seemed that even after achieving Buddhahood, it was difficult to truly attain indifference and desirelessness, free from joy and sorrow.

 

“Where is Yu Wuxia now?”

 

“After falling into the Demon Path, Yu Wuxia’s whereabouts have been elusive. The last sighting was two hundred years ago.”

 

This audacious young Buddhist disciple, who indulged in pleasure in the Thirty-Three Heavens, became restrained and disappeared from sight for a century.

 

It was indeed quite strange.

 

“However…” Haowei paused, looking up at Si Lan.

 

Si Lan, upon hearing this, widened his round eyes and tiptoed, his tail erect, earnestly listening to Haowei speak.

 

Softening a bit, Haowei teased him deliberately, speaking slowly, “However, some days ago, scouts reported seeing Yu Wuxia’s figure appearing in Yingzhou.”

 

“Yingzhou?” Si Lan couldn’t help but lean closer to Haowei, a tuft of green fur on his brow trembling.

 

“Mm.” Haowei continued calmly, extending his hand to stroke Si Lan’s little head.

 

Lost in thought, Si Lan didn’t realize he was being petted until he reacted, caught in Haowei’s embrace.

 

He hurriedly flapped his wings, struggling to break free, but his claws were sharp and accidentally scratched Haowei’s back. He immediately stopped struggling, holding his breath, staring wide-eyed at the two wounds on Haowei’s hand.

 

Haowei glanced at the wounds, seemingly unconcerned. Instead, he asked, “What’s wrong? Is it uncomfortable for me to hold you like this?”

 

“… Si Lan.”

 

For a moment, Si Lan wondered if Haowei had been possessed, otherwise, why would his temper vary so greatly?

 

Previously, this person had a face like a demon, with cold words and little desire. Even after revealing his identity, he still intended to punish him. How did he suddenly transform into a gentle and considerate demeanor?

 

Could it be that he’s also brewing some grand conspiracy?

 

Si Lan suddenly recalled what Haowei had once told him.

 

“The reason why the Feathered Jia clan was exterminated is because their flesh grants immortality, their blood revives the dead, and their bones are divine treasures and immortal objects. Thus, they were not only sought after as supplements by myriad beasts but also coveted as weapons.”

 

Now, was Haowei planning to eat his flesh, drink his blood, or extract his bones?

 

The more Si Lan thought about it, the more guarded he became.

 

Seeing Si Lan remain silent, Haowei couldn’t help but bend down. His previously proud expression now carried an imperceptible tenderness and caution. “Did I hurt you?”

 

Si Lan’s face filled with terror. He folded his wings across his chest and swallowed nervously. “N-no.” He needed to find a way out of this unpredictable person’s grasp as soon as possible.

 

Otherwise, he might end up being devoured entirely, and when Qu Ze and the others came to collect his corpse, there wouldn’t be much left.

 

Haowei sensed that Si Lan seemed somewhat different from before, more resistant towards him. He attributed it to Si Lan recognizing his true form and feeling uncomfortable, so he didn’t think much of it.

 

At that moment, a celestial general’s voice came from outside the hall.

 

“Your Majesty, Fairy Qu Yu is injured and requests an audience with Your Majesty.”

 

Haowei responded indifferently, “If she’s injured, she should see a physician. Why come to see me?”

 

“The Fairy Qu Yu says she has an important matter to report.”

 

Haowei fell silent for a moment, glanced at Si Lan beside him, lifted Si Lan off and placed him on his lap, the desk in front conveniently blocking Si Lan’s figure.

 

“Summon her into the hall.”

 

Haowei had some insight into Fairy Qu Yu’s thoughts, but he had never taken her seriously.

 

Firstly, he hadn’t resolved the divine injury on his body, so he wasn’t considering personal matters.

 

Secondly, he didn’t like Fairy Qu Yu.

 

Fairy Qu Yu entered the hall with two young men, limping and covered in dust, their faces flushed red as if they had just lost a fight.

 

Seeing this, Haowei’s expression turned cold. “What’s the matter?”

 

“Your Majesty, you must intervene for us.” Fairy Qu Yu’s voice trembled with tears in her eyes, looking pitiful. “Your Majesty, earlier, Tongyi and Boqing and I took shelter near the Parasol Tree and encountered a strange wild rooster. Though it appeared like a wild rooster, it had phoenix wings. With those wings, it blew the three of us away, even uprooting the Parasol Tree!”

 

After Fairy Qu Yu finished speaking, the atmosphere in the hall abruptly fell silent, almost to the point where one could hear a pin drop.

 

After a moment, Haowei lifted Si Lan and placed him on the desk. “Is this the wild rooster?”

 

“…” Si Lan.

 

Can you be a bit more polite?

 

Fairy Qu Yu immediately stared wide-eyed at Si Lan, recognizing the culprit behind it all. She couldn’t help but feel wronged, tears streaming down her face as she knelt before Haowei.

 

“Your Majesty, it’s indeed this wild rooster.”

 

“Your Majesty, you must intervene for us.” Tongyi and Boqing also knelt, pleading with Haowei.

 

Today, Si Lan finally understood what it meant to be “the guilty party gets there first.” These three clearly insulted him and bullied him first, but when they couldn’t beat him, they ran to Haowei for protection.

 

Tsk tsk.

 

This is how people in the heavenly realm are.

 

Haowei lowered his head to look at Si Lan. Si Lan’s eyes, as black as precious gems, now carried a hint of disdain and arrogance. His two bright red wings were slightly raised, as if he was flexing them. Though his face was hidden by feathers, his expressive emotions were still evident.

 

Unable to help himself, Haowei chuckled indulgently and reached out to stroke Si Lan’s head. In a voice only they could hear, he said, “Do you know you’ve caused quite a stir? Fairy Qu Yu is the princess of the Phoenix Clan.”

 

Si Lan felt aggrieved. “I didn’t provoke them actively. They were the ones who bullied too much.”

 

Having spent so much time with Si Lan, Haowei naturally understood his temperament. Si Lan was not one to pick fights or be verbose. Facing Fairy Qu Yu and her group, he must have endured until he couldn’t anymore, risking exposure by revealing his phoenix wings to blow them away.

 

However, Haowei now wanted an excuse to keep Si Lan by his side. “Both you and Qu Yu claim to be in the right. How can I trust you?”

 

Si Lan’s mouth twitched. He turned his head away, refusing to look at Haowei, adopting an indifferent demeanor.

 

Fine, if it came to it, he would deal with him as he had dealt with others, and blow him away with a gust of wind, preferably straight back to the Demon Realm.

 

Haowei continued to lightly stroke his head, as if coaxing a child. Each word was deliberate. “The Heavenly Family has always had close ties with the Phoenix Clan. If I offend Fairy Qu Yu for your sake, I fear…”

 

Si Lan suddenly covered his ears with his wings, clearly indicating he wasn’t listening and didn’t care for Haowei’s lofty words. Why bother with such pompous talk? If he wanted to punish him, just do it directly.

 

Seeing this, Haowei couldn’t help feeling both amused and exasperated. He maintained a cold expression on his face.

 

Is this little wild rooster actually angry?

 

Seems like it.

 

But he had to admit, Si Lan looked quite adorable when he was angry.

 

Haowei shifted his gaze back to Qu Yu. “You must have mistaken it. It’s my pet, and it has no phoenix wings.”

 

“But Your Majesty, we did see a pair…” Qu Yu began, but met Haowei’s unwavering gaze and abruptly fell silent, as if overwhelmed by his imposing presence, fearfully lowering her head.

 

Haowei’s voice turned colder. “I released it to play earlier, and it returned injured. Did you have a hand in that too?”

 

“No, Your Majesty, we didn’t harm it!”

 

“Yeah, Your Majesty, we just mocked the little thing a bit. We definitely didn’t harm it!”

 

Tongyi and Boqing blurted out the truth in their desperation.

 

Qu Yu’s expression darkened upon hearing this, and he quickly gestured around with his eyes, signaling the two to be quiet.

 

They shouldn’t speak, so they shouldn’t add fuel to the fire.

 

Haowei’s gaze grew even more intense, and the oppressive atmosphere in the hall felt like a dense web, enveloping the three of them, making them uneasy.

 

“Hmm? Are you mocking him?”

 

The three held their breath, speechless.

 

Haowei continued, “He is my pet. Why mock him?”

 

Si Lan, upon hearing “pet,” curled his claws in irritation.

 

He knew Haowei had never considered him an equal.

 

Oh well, he had always thought of the little white dragon as a “little thing” anyway.

 

Qu Yu and the others paled even further at these words. None of them had heard that Haowei suddenly had a beloved pet chicken.

 

No wonder the chicken had remained calm when faced with their mockery earlier; its master turned out to be Haowei.

 

“Your Majesty, please forgive us! We truly didn’t know it was Your Majesty’s pet.” Qu Yu had wanted to please Haowei. Before seeking his judgment, she had even messed up her hair and injured herself in several places, hoping to garner Haowei’s pity.

 

But they never imagined that the chicken they provoked was actually Haowei’s pet.

 

Qu Yu felt extremely regretful.

 

Haowei sneered, “Oh… So if he wasn’t my pet, you could freely ridicule him?”

 

“Your Majesty, I… I didn’t mean that…”

 

“Forget it. For the sake of the Phoenix Clan’s face, I won’t hold you accountable, Qu Yu. However, from now on, you need not appear in the Jade Clear Palace.”

 

“Your Majesty…”

 

“Leave.” Haowei didn’t give Qu Yu a chance to explain and directly ordered the celestial attendants to escort her out.

 

Qu Yu left with red eyes, choked with emotion.

 

Si Lan hadn’t expected Haowei to dismiss Qu Yu like this. He had thought Haowei’s earlier words meant he couldn’t defend him.

 

Now, he realized he had misunderstood Haowei’s intentions and felt somewhat embarrassed.

 

This Emperor seemed to have a bit of conscience after all, just not much.

 

Haowei’s hand fell on Si Lan again, lifting his wings to inspect him. “Any injuries?”

 

“None.” Si Lan tried to retract his wings, but Haowei lifted him up instead. In the next moment, Haowei turned him upside down, parting his layers of feathers to check his condition.

 

Si Lan shivered involuntarily when his feathers were turned upside down, subconsciously gripping Haowei’s sleeve with his claws.

 

“What are you doing?”

 

“Checking your condition.”

 

“I told you I’m not injured. Now put me down!”

 

“Oh?” Haowei’s voice contained a hint of amusement. His gaze swept over Si Lan’s tail feathers, some of which were exceptionally beautiful. He figured those two feathers Si Lan had given him were also plucked from his tail.

 

His hand lightly touched the tail feathers with a hint of vengeance as he spoke, “Since you are both a divine bird and the son of the Heavenly Way, I wonder if your body is different from that of ordinary men?”

 

“…” Si Lan.

 

Si Lan had once teased Haowei like this. Later, he even scorned Haowei for having only one. Now, he found himself being teased, scared as he covered the tail area with both wings, his round black eyes widened, slightly frightened as he looked at Haowei, “Don’t talk nonsense! I’m perfectly normal!”

 

Haowei chuckled inwardly but showed no change on his face. He didn’t tease Si Lan further and let him go.

 

Even if Qu Yu and others have offended you with their words, you cannot simply dismiss them. Qu Yu is a princess of the Phoenix Clan. If she finds out you are Mo Zun Si Lan, it may lead to conflict between the Phoenix Clan and the Demon Realm again.

 

The relationship between the Phoenix Clan and the Demon Realm has always been poor, starting with the stories involving Si Shaoxun, Luo Hui, and the former princess of the Phoenix Clan, Ju Zhu.

 

Before Luo Hui appeared, everyone assumed Si Shaoxun would be with Ju Zhu, believing them to be the most compatible couple. Though they never had a formal engagement, the Phoenix Clan already considered Si Shaoxun their future son-in-law.

 

However, no one expected Si Shaoxun to be severely injured and fall into the Demon Realm, where he was saved by a “wild chicken” named Luo Hui. Luo Hui intervened and married Si Shaoxun, causing great humiliation to the Phoenix Clan, which severed ties with Si Shaoxun.

 

Later, Si Shaoxun fell into darkness, leading to direct opposition between the two sides.

 

It’s rumored that Luo Hui’s death was due to her jealousy of Si Shaoxun’s lingering affection for Ju Zhu. She attacked Ju Zhu but was fatally wounded by the divine mark on Ju Zhu’s body, leading to her demise.

 

The divine mark on Ju Zhu’s body was promised by the Lord of Sorrow to protect the Phoenix Clan. In this life, the Phoenix Clan has placed the divine mark on Ju Zhu.

 

Anyone who attacks someone protected by the divine mark will face its retaliation; their wounds will not heal, and their blood will not stop flowing, leading to a painful death.

 

Upon learning of Luo Hui’s death, Haowei understood why Si Lan was looking for Jiuying. Because the person Si Lan wants to kill, or deal with, is the Lord of Sorrow, whose cultivation has reached the level of a Son of Heaven.

 

Si Lan said, “The Demon Realm is not something the Phoenix Clan can provoke at will now.” When he blew away Fairy Qu Yu, he already suspected her identity.

 

Qu Yu should be the niece of that old witch Ju Zhu.

 

But so what.

 

He wasn’t afraid.

 

Haowei’s lips moved as if he wanted to say something but held back, only furrowing his brow and gazing deeply at Si Lan.

 

What does this little fool want to do, leaving him no choice but to help him.

 

Because, the little fool is his only warmth in the calamities of the mortal world.

 

“The fragment of the heavenly finger is also in Yingzhou,” Haowei suddenly said.

 

Si Lan was stunned, Yingzhou…

 

Yu Wuxia’s figure had also appeared in Yingzhou. Was this just a coincidence?

 

And why did Haowei suddenly say this?

 

Does he know about his grievances with the Phoenix Clan?

 

Yes, Haowei’s words imply that he has already investigated everything about him.

 

Since he is no longer hiding, Si Lan lowered his voice coldly, “Then you should know what I want to do with that fragment of the heavenly finger.”

 

“Well, ten thousand years ago, the Lord of Sorrow owed a favor to the Phoenix Clan. The Phoenix Clan proposed that he lay down the divine mark to protect the people of the Phoenix Clan. However, the Lord of Sorrow did not intend to harm your mother intentionally.”

 

“Yes, he did not intend to harm my mother, but if I kill Ju Zhu, it will inevitably break the divine mark. Will the Lord of Sorrow feel the disorder of the divine mark and come out to stop me?”

 

In Haowei’s heart, the phrase “I’m here” surged out, but before he could speak, he saw Si Lan turn away from him and look out of the hall.

 

Si Lan continued, “So I must find a way to restrain the Lord of Sorrow, so that my revenge will be foolproof.”

 

Moreover, is the Lord of Sorrow really innocent?

 

When he first gave the divine mark to the Phoenix Clan, he should have anticipated that innocent people might die under the divine mark, but he still didn’t care. Perhaps the Lord of Sorrow, like Bian Rang, sees all living beings as ants, without any empathy at all.

 

Thinking of this, Si Lan looked up at Haowei.

 

The Lord of Sorrow is one of the two emperors in the immortal realm, older than Haowei’s grandfather, and has the deepest qualifications in the immortal realm today. Therefore, if he really fights the Lord of Sorrow, Haowei will certainly stand on the Lord of Sorrow’s side.

 

Initially, when he learned that Haowei was his fated one, he was so happy because of this reason. He thought he could win over Haowei and make the heavenly realm stand on his side. Now, it turns out to be a misunderstanding.

 

Si Lan still felt a little lost in his heart. “Your Majesty, thank you for settling the dispute between me and the Phoenix Clan today. I still have things to do, so I’ll leave first.”

 

“Are you going to Yingzhou in the Eastern Sea?” Haowei asked.

 

“I… didn’t plan to go,” Si Lan said insincerely, fearing that Haowei would stop him if he knew he was going.

 

However, Haowei didn’t believe him. “Good, I have something to do and need to go to Yingzhou. You can accompany me.”

 

“…” Si Lan.

 

He really didn’t say he was going to Yingzhou in the Eastern Sea!

 

But Haowei didn’t give him a chance to explain. He lifted him with his wings and held him in his arms. “Be careful following me.”

 

His two claws were forced to step on Haowei’s palm, feeling the warmth of his palm, somewhat hot, while above his head was his chest.

 

He could feel the other’s eyes staring at him all the time, warm breath falling from top to bottom on his head. Feeling uncomfortable, he shifted his claws, trying to find a topic. “Yu Wuxia appeared in Yingzhou. Could she also be looking for the end of the paper for Heavenly Cultivation…”

 

“Well, it’s possible.”

 

The atmosphere fell silent again, and Si Lan tried to find a topic. “Some time ago, I went to Qiangjue Mountain to see the Divine Seer. The Divine Seer said that person’s purpose was not to harm the Six Realms.”

 

Haowei originally wanted to say the Divine Seer was unreliable, but suddenly remembered that Si Lan had relied on the guidance of the Divine Seer when he picked him up on Qianqiong Sand Island. So he held back his words.

 

That ancient turtle spirit, usually full of tricks and deceptions, ended up inadvertently helping Si Lan meet him.

 

“Perhaps his purpose is not to harm the Six Realms, but he also doesn’t regard the life and death of the Six Realms as important.” Otherwise, he wouldn’t have allowed Jiuying and Dayong to cause trouble in the mortal world.

 

Si Lan nodded, feeling like there was something he had overlooked, but despite recalling segments of memories, nothing came to mind. His mind was in turmoil, but he couldn’t make sense of it.

 

In the blink of an eye, he and Haowei had arrived at Yingzhou.

 

Yingzhou, where peach blossoms bloom year-round, immortal mist swirls, and countless exquisite buildings grace the land.

 

As soon as they landed, Si Lan felt a fragrance permeating the air, like the scent of peach blossoms mixed with something else. A gust of wind blew, petals fluttered down, painting the ground in crimson.

 

Si Lan asked, “Where is the end of the paper now in Yingzhou?”

 

Haowei explained, “After Jiuying killed Bian Rang, this long sword fell into Fan Yu’s hands. Fan Yu attempted to destroy the sword but was instead pierced through the chest, losing much of his cultivation. Later, Fan Yu had no choice but to seal the sword in Yingzhou in the Eastern Sea. Thousands of years later, this sword may have absorbed the spiritual energy of Yingzhou and cultivated into human form.”

 

No wonder it’s not listed on the Six Realms’ Weaponry List; it turned out it had cultivated into human form.

 

Si Lan asked, “Who holds this sword now in Yingzhou?”

 

“Yide Xianjun.”

 

“…”

 

Yide Xianjun is the lord of Yingzhou. Three hundred years ago, he entered reincarnation and later returned to his position. Unexpectedly, this immortal lord turned out to be a fragment of the heavenly finger.

 

Si Lan hesitated, furrowing his brow. “So, can he still transform into a sword?”

 

“If he jumps into the furnace, he naturally can transform back into a sword,” Haowei replied.

 

“…” Si Lan.

---

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!

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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

 

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

 

Chapter 43

 

Upon learning that his destined one had been killed by Haowei, Si Lan felt briefly melancholic. However, he quickly rallied himself and decided to prioritize advancing his career.

 

He set aside the matters of the Torch Snake and Little White Dragon for now.

 

According to the diviner, only the Immortal Jia Heng knew the story of tigers devouring the flesh of Buddhist disciples in the Unsubstantial Immortal Sutra. Si Lan planned to seek out Immortal Jia Heng in the Thirty-Three Heavens.

 

Every month, Immortal Jia Heng would open a sacred altar at the beginning of the month to teach Buddhism, open for listeners from all six realms. This made it convenient for Si Lan to find him.

 

However, Si Lan currently looked like a “wild chicken” and found it difficult to move around. Flapping his wings, he struggled to fly towards the Thirty-Three Heavens.

 

Unbeknownst to him, shortly after he left, Haowei arrived at Mount Zhiyun to find him.

 

As soon as Haowei landed at the foot of the mountain, he noticed unusual activity at Zhiyun Peak. On the mountainside, a group of demons had gathered on an open circular platform, men and women of all ages.

 

In the center of the platform, the brothers Song Cheng and Song Ye sat as if judging something, assessing each individual in turn.

 

Haowei glanced at them briefly, not thinking much of it, and went straight into the hall to find Si Lan. Not finding him there, he went to the Qixian Cave, but Si Lan was nowhere to be found.

 

With his cultivation greatly reduced now, where else could Si Lan have gone?

 

Haowei saw Xie Li sleeping on a rocking chair and walked over to wake him up. “Xie Li, where is your master?” Perhaps now that he knew about their intertwined past lives with Si Lan, he felt a strange affection upon seeing Xie Li, as if Xie Li were another father figure.

 

Xie Li opened his hazy eyes and mumbled softly, “Master… he said he went to advance his career…”

 

Haowei’s expression turned peculiar. “Advance his career…”

 

“What exactly is ‘career’? Is it a thing or a person?”

 

Xie Li chuckled and pointed to the sky, continuing, “After muttering something about men needing to advance their careers, Master flapped his wings and flew up to the sky. I guess his career must be up there in the heavens.”

 

“…,” muttered Haowei.

 

He had no idea there was an Immortal Lord named ‘Career’ up in the heavens!

 

With that thought, he immediately transformed into a white mist and flew towards the sky. Glancing back at the situation on Mount Zhiyun, he noticed more and more people queuing halfway up the mountain. He had forgotten to ask what they were doing.

 

Back in the Ninth Heaven, Haowei did not find any trace of Si Lan, so he attempted to contact him through his divine sense.

 

“Si Lan.”

 

As he called out these two words, his heart inexplicably skipped a beat, and he suddenly recalled Si Lan’s smile when they were together in the mortal realm.

 

Dumbfounded, silly, yet quite adorable.

 

At this moment, Si Lan had just flown into the heavenly realm. Suddenly, he heard Haowei’s voice in his mind, as if it were booming directly above him, sending shivers down his spine.

 

Instinctively, he closed off his divine sense.

 

He didn’t want to talk to Haowei right now, afraid that he wouldn’t be able to control his emotions.

 

Not hearing any response from Si Lan, Haowei called out for him again, only to find that Si Lan had actually closed off his divine sense!

 

Si Lan… must have accidentally closed it off.

 

Comforting himself in this way, Haowei then took out the two colorful feathers and tentatively shook them.

 

“Si Lan, are you there?”

 

Unexpectedly, even through the feathers, he couldn’t reach Si Lan. Haowei felt somewhat crestfallen, a touch of gravity in his expression, displeased. He called over an attendant and asked, “Is there an Immortal Lord named Career in heaven?”

 

“Your Majesty, are you referring to Lord Sini?” the attendant asked.

 

Haowei’s brow furrowed suddenly, standing up with an air as cold as frost, seeming to wrap around coldness. Without saying a word, he flew straight out.

 

“Lead me to the mansion of Lord Sini!”

 

—

 

Si Lan flew for some time, noticing that Haowei’s voice had disappeared and gradually calming his mood.

 

He didn’t know what else they could possibly discuss. He no longer wanted to play the fool and ingratiate himself with Haowei as his destined one.

 

Passing by the Ninth Heaven, two young celestial beings saw him and were astonished.

 

“How did a wild chicken fly up to the Ninth Heaven?”

 

“This is the first time I’ve seen a wild chicken fly so high!”

 

“…,” Si Lan ignored them, turned his head away, and flew on.

 

Seeing this, the two young celestial beings looked at each other.

 

“Can this wild chicken understand what we’re saying?”

 

“It’s truly miraculous. If he were a bit more majestic and powerful, I would consider keeping him as a mount.”

 

“…,” Si Lan.

 

Heh heh.

 

Young and already so bold.

 

Flapping his wings, Si Lan increased his speed and flew away from them. When his cultivation was intact, he could blink and reach the Thirty-Three Heavens. Now, weakened in cultivation, it felt like an insurmountable distance.

 

Tired from flying, he landed on a row of Chinese parasol trees to rest.

 

He took out some wild berries, just took a bite, and before he could swallow, a sudden gust of wind struck, nearly knocking him off balance and causing the wild berries in his hand to fall.

 

He quickly flapped his wings to steady himself, hearing mocking voices around him.

 

“Where did this ugly thing come from? How dare it land on the Chinese parasol tree?”

 

Si Lan’s scalp tingled upon hearing the sharp voice. He looked up and saw three proud phoenixes staring coldly at him.

 

In the middle was a phoenix, flanked by two phoenixes.

 

All three had brown eyes, red beaks, ostentatious golden wings, and colorful feathers. The character “仁” (benevolence) prominently displayed on their chests.

 

The one who had just spoken was the phoenix on the right.

 

Seeing Si Lan dumbfounded and silent, the phoenix on the right continued, “What? Is this little wild chicken seeing a phoenix for the first time?”

 

The phoenix on the left laughed, covering her beautiful face with her wings, “I suppose he’s been scared silly by us, he can’t speak now.”

 

“…,” Si Lan.

 

“Hey, you little thing, do you know where you’re standing? This is the Chinese parasol tree, reserved for our phoenix clan, not a place for a wild chicken like you.” The phoenix on the right sneered, then flapped her wings deliberately, blowing Si Lan off the tree again.

 

Si Lan almost fell to the ground but managed to stabilize himself by flapping his wings frantically.

 

The three phoenixes landed on the branch where Si Lan had just stood, looking down on him.

 

The phoenix in the middle, who hadn’t spoken until now, said, “Tongyi, Boqing, why bother with it?”

 

“Understood, Lady Quyu.” The two phoenixes quickly nodded in respect.

 

However, as soon as they finished speaking, a powerful airflow, akin to thunder and lightning, suddenly rushed towards them, blowing the three of them away along with the row of Chinese parasol trees.

 

“What… what’s happening?”

 

Caught in the tumultuous airflow, they couldn’t stabilize themselves and tumbled uncontrollably forward.

 

“It seems… like the aura of the Phoenix… Phoenix God?”

 

“How could there be a Phoenix God?”

 

Glancing back, they saw that the previously mocked wild chicken was nowhere to be seen. Instead, a pair of huge phoenix wings abruptly appeared, gleaming like golden blades as they slowly folded, imposingly intimidating them.

 

The fearful faces of the three soon disappeared into the distance.

 

Si Lan looked around cautiously, relieved that he hadn’t been discovered, and quietly retracted his wings.

 

To blow away those chatty phoenixes, he had to sacrifice some of his cultivation and transform into phoenix wings.

 

Sigh.

 

He wondered when he could return to human form.

 

As he sighed, he flew towards the Thirty-Three Heavens.

 

Approaching the Thirty-Three Heavens, the scenery changed dramatically. The clouds were extraordinary, edged with gold, and radiating Buddhist light. Floating in mid-air were numerous Buddhist halls, with constant sounds of bells and sutra recitations.

 

Countless gray-robed Buddhist disciples, holding prayer beads, moved through the clouds.

 

Seeing Si Lan, this “wild chicken,” appear, they didn’t find it strange at all, maintaining a calm demeanor.

 

Si Lan flapped his wings and hurried towards the sacred altar. Just as he caught sight of it, a solemn and deep Buddhist chant reached his ears, stirring a profound sense of awe within him.

 

Clusters of auspicious clouds piled up like Immortal’s hair bun, and above the altar, a large white light enveloped everything. Beneath this light, countless Buddhist disciples closed their eyes devoutly, bowing their backs and prostrating on the ground, listening to the scriptures.

 

Above the radiance was Grandmaster Jiaheng Immortal.

 

Due to the considerable distance, Si Lan couldn’t make out Grandmaster Jiaheng Immortal’s appearance clearly. He could vaguely see the figure dr4p3d in a crimson kasaya, seated on a lotus platform with a dignified and solemn demeanor. The majestic chanting of the Immortal echoed from all directions, swirling above his head.

 

Like a devout disciple, Si Lan spread his wings and prostrated himself on the ground to listen to the scriptures.

 

This session of scripture recitation lasted for three days and three nights.

 

Si Lan followed suit and listened for three days and three nights, afraid to lose focus or leave. He inexplicably felt as though the Immortal’s gaze was omnipresent, as if any hint of disrespect would offend the Immortal.

 

During this time, when he felt hungry, he quietly took out a wild berry. He used one wing to shield his actions from view and delicately nibbled on the berry with the other wing.

 

Perhaps his actions were still somewhat audible, as Si Lan distinctly felt the Buddhist disciples around him twitching their eyebrows. Fortunately, their cultivation was deep, and none of them opened their eyes to reproach Si Lan.

 

After three days, the scripture recitation concluded, and all the Buddhist disciples departed from the sacred altar.

 

On the lotus seat, Grandmaster Jiaheng Immortal remained, explaining to the remaining disciples who still had doubts.

 

Si Lan flapped his wings and flew over to join the queue.

 

He never expected that even queuing up would take three days and three nights.

 

Si Lan couldn’t help but admire Grandmaster Jiaheng Immortal’s ability to lecture and resolve doubts continuously for six days and six nights without rest, maintaining a smile and energy throughout.

 

When it was Si Lan’s turn, only he and a young black-robed Buddhist disciple remained.

 

He flew before Grandmaster Jiaheng Immortal. Grandmaster Jiaheng Immortal looked at him, his gaze briefly pausing on Si Lan for a moment before settling on his eyes, slowly revealing a hint of a smile.

 

“I wonder, venerable one, do you have any doubts that I can clarify?” Grandmaster Jiaheng Immortal asked.

 

Knowing that Grandmaster Jiaheng could deduce his identity from his actions, Si Lan didn’t conceal anything and said directly, “Immortal, some time ago I came across a Buddhist scripture. It is said that only you can decipher this particular scripture in the Six Realms.”

 

“Oh, what scripture is it?”

 

“In the forest, the Immortal practiced diligently and encountered a tiger, which eyed him hungrily. The Immortal cut his flesh to feed the tiger. This went on day after day until the Immortal turned into white bones, and the tiger, having eaten his flesh, attained Immortalhood.”

 

Si Lan recited the scripture slowly. As Grandmaster Jiaheng Immortal listened to the first sentence, his expression changed abruptly.

 

After Si Lan finished reciting, Grandmaster Jiaheng Immortal seemed to sink into contemplation, furrowing his brow deeply, remaining silent for a long time.

 

Si Lan also remained silent, patiently waiting for Grandmaster Jiaheng Immortal’s response.

 

After a while, Grandmaster Jiaheng Immortal snapped out of his reverie and asked, “How did you come across this scripture?”

 

“Some time ago, the human realm was afflicted by Da Yong. After subduing Da Yong, I came to the mountain peak where Da Yong was once sealed. I saw this scripture displayed at the mountain’s base. I believe it was intentionally left behind by the one who released Da Yong as a clue.”

 

Upon hearing this, Immortal Jakhong gently clasped his hands in front of him, his brow furrowing.

 

Seeing him like this, Si Lan couldn’t help but feel somewhat puzzled.

 

Was there something wrong with this sutra?

 

After a while, Immortal Jakhong opened his mouth, about to speak, when suddenly a voice from beside reported, “Immortal, His Majesty Haowei is here to see you.”

 

Upon hearing “Haowei,” Si Lan’s tail feathers immediately stood up, revealing a guarded demeanor as he swiftly tucked his wings behind the sacred altar.

 

Is Haowei here to capture him?

 

No, he had concealed his presence since arriving in the heavenly realm; Haowei shouldn’t know he was here.

 

Shortly after the report from the young disciple, twelve celestial horses pulled a carriage flying in from a distance, landing on the sacred altar.

 

Two purple and cyan celestial generals and six attendants respectfully stood on either side of the carriage.

 

A white-clad youth drew back the curtains, and the person inside the carriage then stepped out slowly.

 

Si Lan couldn’t help but sneak a glance, observing Haowei in this unfamiliar aspect, so different from his earthly demeanor.

 

Haowei wore a white robe embroidered with golden threads and jade patterns, exuding extraordinary grace. A white jade crown adorned his head, revealing his cold and handsome features. His figure was tall and slender, as if he had descended from the moon, his footsteps radiant, dispersing dust and clouds wherever he walked.

 

Si Lan only glanced briefly before hurriedly looking away.

 

This version of Haowei seemed somewhat unfamiliar.

 

Chongying, who transformed into a small white dragon, was proud and adorable, but that was him in his injured state.

 

Chongwei, wearing a hooded robe, was cool and silent, but that was only him hiding his identity.

 

And now, this current appearance of his, perhaps, was the true Haowei.

 

Si Lan suddenly felt a bit uneasy.

 

The real him and him, it felt like they belonged to two different worlds.

 

Haowei approached Immortal Jakhong, who folded his hands and greeted, “Your Majesty.”

 

“Immortal, I’ve come this time to consult you on a Buddhist scripture.”

 

“Please, Your Majesty, go ahead.”

 

“I came across a Buddhist scripture on Mount Dayong. It tells of a Immortal practicing in the forest, encountering a tiger that stared hungrily at him. The Immortal cut his flesh to feed it…”

 

After hearing this, Immortal Jakhong’s expression paused briefly, then his gaze subtly flickered towards the steps beside him.

 

Si Lan was hiding there at the moment.

 

What a coincidence that these two came to inquire about the same scripture.

 

“Your Majesty, this scripture is recorded in the book ‘Without Delusion.’ My understanding aligns with its meaning: the tiger eats the Immortal’s flesh, the tiger becomes a Immortal, and the Immortal becomes a ghost,” Immortal Jakhong slowly explained.

 

Upon hearing this, Si Lan felt certain that Immortal Jakhong must be hiding something. Just by observing his expression earlier, it was clear that this scripture probably didn’t have such a superficial meaning.

 

Haowei fell silent for a moment, then spoke after a while, “The tiger mentioned in the scripture… it must be you, Immortal Jakhong.”

 

While his words carried an element of inquiry, they were more affirming.

 

Upon hearing this, Si Lan was so shocked that he couldn’t help but cover his mouth with both wings, his black eyes widened in disbelief.

 

Immortal Jakhong… was the tiger who had eaten the Immortal’s flesh?!

 

Immortal Jakhong’s face paused slightly at the sound, but he did not speak.

 

Behind Immortal Jakhong, the young monk grew irritated, but facing the disrespectful person who was the Heavenly Emperor Haowei, the young monk didn’t dare confront him directly. He stomped his foot in frustration, accidentally stepping on Si Lan’s tail.

 

Si Lan’s eyes widened instantly, contorting in pain. Afraid to make a sound, he quickly stuffed both wings into his mouth to stifle any noise.

 

The monk seemed oblivious to having stepped on something and inadvertently stepped again.

 

Si Lan was in agony, almost rolling his eyes back.

 

What a calamity.

 

“If you’re angry, little monk, go step on the Heavenly Emperor instead. Why bother with this ordinary ‘wild chicken’?” 

 

He didn’t dare make a fuss, gently retracting his tail. His two glossy black eyes were veiled with a mist of tears, feeling incredibly wronged.

 

Immortal Jakhong remained silent for a moment. “Your Majesty, indeed, the tiger in the forest was me.”

 

“Immortal, please continue to enlighten me,” Haowei said calmly upon hearing his admission.

 

Immortal Jakhong seemed unsure how to explain, lost in reminiscence. His eyes carried a hint of melancholy. After a while, Immortal Jakhong smiled faintly, tinged with bitterness.

 

“This matter dates back thirty thousand years. In that life, I was the tiger in the forest, starving. I encountered a devout monk in the mountains. The monk was emaciated, with sharp eyes. I circled him, intending to devour him. Surprisingly, after sensing my intention, the monk voluntarily cut his flesh to feed me.”

 

Saying this, Immortal Jakhong lowered his head, closed his eyes, and uttered, “Amitabha.”

 

“As recorded in the ‘Without Delusion’ sutra, in the end, the monk died after giving all his flesh and bones. I consumed his flesh and immediately attained Immortalhood.”

 

Anyone who heard this would find it incredulous: the devout monk who fed the tiger’s flesh became a ghost, while the tiger became a Immortal.

 

This world indeed had so many things that defied reason.

 

“What happened to that monk in his next life?”

 

“He reincarnated as a human.”

 

“Did he hold any resentment?”

 

“He may have harbored dissatisfaction, but it didn’t form into resentment, so he still has future lives.”

 

“What about his next life…” Haowei furrowed his brow, tentatively questioning Immortal Jakhong.

 

Immortal Jakhong met Haowei’s gaze and slowly replied, “After I attained Immortalhood, I no longer concern myself with worldly matters.”

 

“Immortal, ancient seals on demons and monsters have been recently broken. Do you think it could be his doing?”

 

Immortal Jakhong fell silent before answering, “He shouldn’t have such abilities.”

 

Haowei didn’t press further. He wasn’t sure if Immortal Jakhong truly didn’t know or if he was hiding something. The conversation always seemed to hit a dead end. But now, at least, he knew that the tiger was Immortal Jakhong.

 

Perhaps finding the reincarnation of that monk could unravel everything.

 

As Haowei was about to leave, he suddenly heard the voice of a celestial general from behind the sacred altar.

 

“Your Majesty, look, there’s actually a wild chicken here listening to the sutras!”

 

Haowei looked up and saw a brown-feathered wild chicken fluttering its wings, attempting to escape, but it was caught by an immortal guard.

 

The guard held the chicken by its wing and walked excitedly towards Haowei. “Your Majesty, it’s still just a brown-feathered wild chicken!”

 

The “brown-feathered wild chicken” tried to cover its face with its wing but failed, forced to open its eyes awkwardly under the embarrassing scrutiny of Haowei.

 

Si Lan had been quietly listening to Haowei and Great Immortal Jiaheng’s conversation, but when he glanced up, his eyes met those of the immortal guard beside Haowei. Feeling uneasy, Si Lan tried to “fly away,” only to be caught.

 

Haowei couldn’t believe he had found the person he had been looking for so long here. Just a few days ago, he had nearly overturned the mansion of the Fourth Wilderness Immortal Lord in his search for Si Lan, but to no avail.

 

Yet here Si Lan was, in the Thirty-Three Heavens. Haowei guessed Si Lan, like himself, was here for the investigation regarding Linzhong’s tiger.

 

At least it wasn’t about the Fourth Wilderness Immortal Lord.

 

Haowei’s gaze fell on the hand of the immortal guard gripping Si Lan’s wing, his expression souring. He reached out to take Si Lan.

 

Seeing this, the guard hurriedly said, “Your Majesty, please don’t touch such a common creature. Let me handle it.”

 

Si Lan hesitated.

 

Si Lan vaguely sensed that when the guard said “handle it,” his throat moved, almost as if he was about to drool.

 

Suddenly, Haowei narrowed his eyes and sharply turned his gaze towards the Great Immortal. The guard immediately obediently brought the wild chicken to Haowei.

 

Haowei reached out to take Si Lan, sensing Si Lan’s intention to escape, and gently encircled him with his hand.

 

“Great Immortal Jiaheng, I have other matters to attend to today. I bid you farewell for now.”

 

“Safe travels, Your Majesty.”

 

Though Great Immortal Jiaheng’s words were directed at Haowei, his gaze was on Si Lan. Seeing Si Lan’s pleading eyes, Great Immortal Jiaheng was about to speak, but Haowei flashed away, leaving the holy altar without even boarding his carriage.

 

Seeing this, Great Immortal Jiaheng shook his head and smiled.

 

After Si Lan left, the only disciple left in the holy altar was a black-robed disciple with doubts.

 

Great Immortal Jiaheng looked at the disciple, who knelt respectfully, head bowed, face hidden.

 

“What doubts do you have that you need me to clarify?” Great Immortal Jiaheng asked.

 

“Immortal, trapped in attachment, everywhere is the round earth. Unable to dissolve my attachment, my heart is troubled. How can I achieve peace of mind and face things calmly?” the black-robed disciple said, raising his head. Though dressed as a disciple, his face was strikingly sinister, eyes like deep ocean ripples, with a subtle crimson mark between his eyebrows, devilishly charming.

 

Great Immortal Jiaheng’s expression changed abruptly upon seeing him.

 

—

 

Si Lan was brought back to the Ninth Heaven by Haowei, carrying a wild chicken in his arms. The immortal servants who saw Haowei’s expression were as if thunderstruck, staring dumbfounded and incredulous.

 

Si Lan silently prepared himself mentally. A few days ago, he had ignored Haowei’s attempts, but now he had no choice but to face him.

 

It didn’t seem worth it to confront Haowei directly over a snake demon fiancé he barely knew. But treating Haowei as he used to made him uncomfortable.

 

Though Haowei subjectively hadn’t deceived him, objectively he had killed his husband and taken advantage of his sincere feelings.

 

Shameless and despicable.

 

Haowei lifted Si Lan by his wings and placed him on the desk. Only then did Si Lan snap out of his thoughts and glance around. The spacious and dimly lit hall had tightly closed doors and windows, with no one inside, the atmosphere so silent it seemed like even the air had frozen.

 

His claws rested on the memorial, adopting a stance of neither attacking nor retreating, and he looked up at Haowei.

 

Unfortunately, he had to tilt his head and neck a hundred and eighty degrees just to meet Haowei’s gaze, as Haowei was over eight feet tall.

 

“Why couldn’t I contact you a few days ago?”

 

“Oh, these days I’ve been wholeheartedly immersed in Buddhist scriptures, casting aside all worldly distractions,” Si Lan couldn’t help but feel a twinge of relief at this moment, thankful that his transformed appearance, with feathers covering his face, hid any blush from Haowei when he lied.

 

Haowei’s tense expression softened slightly as he sat on the throne, lowering his head to look at him.

 

Perhaps due to their shared experiences in the mortal realm, at this moment, Haowei appeared calm on the surface when facing Si Lan, but his heart was in turmoil.

 

After his return to his position, he had no memories of his time in the mortal realm, yet unexpectedly, the deepest recesses of his mind retained memories of his time with Si Lan there. That was why he had seen the thatched cottage they once lived in and the two humanoid puppets inside the Extreme Sound Eight Trigram Array.

 

In that life, when he returned to the village, he couldn’t find Si Lan, and it seemed Si Lan’s spirit had already returned to his original form.

 

Perhaps that fragment of spirit didn’t carry memories, or perhaps it did but only as a vague dream, as Si Lan seemed to have forgotten it all.

 

The two of them had since occupied different realms—one ascended to the heavenly realm, the other standing in the demon realm.

 

For over eight hundred years, they had not seen each other again.

 

If not for his resurgence of divine wounds, falling into the demon realm again, perhaps they would never have been entangled.

 

At this moment, Haowei unexpectedly felt a trace of gratitude towards the person who had injured him and disrupted his tribulation.

 

“Why didn’t you come to find me when you came to the heavenly realm this time?” Last time, he had looked for him when he intruded into the Scripture Repository, but this time he had come quietly.

 

Si Lan carefully chose his words, “I know you’re busy with state affairs, so I didn’t dare to trouble you.”

 

“Not too busy.”

 

Upon hearing this, Haowei’s heart cleared a bit more, a faint smile tugging at his lips as he gently stroked Si Lan’s head.

 

It had to be said, Si Lan’s feathers were glossy and smooth to the touch.

 

“The affairs of the heavenly realm have been quiet recently,” Haowei added.

 

Si Lan opened his mouth but hesitated. It was clear Haowei had been idle, otherwise he wouldn’t be holding onto this “wild chicken” like this. After a moment, he said, “Your Majesty Haowei, I remembered there’s still something for me to handle in the demon realm. I’ll take my leave first.”

 

With that, he spread his wings, ready to fly away, when he heard Haowei’s unhurried voice from behind.

 

“Don’t you want to know the follow-up story of Linzhong Hu and the disciple of the Immortal?”

---

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 42

 

“Hao Wei…” 

 

“My lady?”

 

For a moment, Haowei wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry. How could this old gentleman’s eyesight be so poor that he mistook Si Lan for a woman?

 

Si Lan still didn’t understand anything and, upon hearing Taixu’s words, curiously poked his head out, his deer-like eyes staring at Taixu without blinking.

 

Indeed, the Divine Lord Taixu’s vision was not very sharp. Seeing Si Lan with just half of a wooden hairpin holding his long hair, skin as fair as snow, and an unusually beautiful face, Taixu thought Si Lan was a woman.

 

Stepping closer, Taixu noticed that Si Lan lacked the aura of an ordinary person. He couldn’t help but raise his head and take another look at Si Lan.

 

Si Lan turned out to be a strand of soul essence.

 

The owner of this strand of soul should be a demonic cultivator, using the Yin Qi of Mount Taixu to manifest a human form.

 

“Old sir, this cave belongs to us,” Haowei couldn’t help but speak up again.

 

The thatched hut at the foot of the mountain would be completed in a few days, but until then, they had to stay here.

 

“But old sir, in a few days, we can give you this cave.”

 

“Oh… it’s alright…” Taixu naturally wouldn’t argue with Haowei over a cave. He smiled and said, “I’ll just find another one. You two…”

 

As he said this, Taixu extended two fingers and lightly tapped them together, a hint of mischief flashing in his eyes. “Just stay here peacefully. I won’t disturb you two.”

 

Haowei…

 

For some reason, Haowei always felt that this old gentleman was teasing him and Si Lan.

 

This old gentleman was indeed advanced in years, but his mind was indeed so impure.

 

Thinking of this, Haowei intentionally frowned, his ears strangely turning red.

 

Taixu chuckled as he leaned on his cane, unsteadily walking out of the cave. Passing by Si Lan, he couldn’t help but glance at him again.

 

He never expected that just by descending to the mortal realm for a nap, he would encounter Haowei, who had crossed tribulations. It was truly fate.

 

From the looks of it, what Haowei had crossed should be the tribulation of love.

 

Tsk tsk, Emperor Haowei was truly worthy.

 

The object of his love tribulation was chosen to be even more beautiful than the celestial maidens in the heavens.

 

Si Lan saw Haowei driving the old man away and felt a bit sorry. This old man, with all his hair and beard white, might be eaten by wild beasts alone in the mountains.

 

Si Lan gestured to Haowei, who understood and fetched a basket of wild fruits to chase after him, only to find the old man nowhere near the cave entrance.

 

How strange. He looked around but there was no sign of the old man.

 

Where could he have gone in such a short time?

 

Thinking carefully, this old man appeared to be in his declining years. Could someone of his age climb Mount Taixu alone?

 

The more Haowei thought about it, the more suspicious he felt. He couldn’t help but concentrate, realizing they couldn’t stay here for long.

 

—

 

At nightfall, Chong Mingwei’s men came looking for Haowei again.

 

Haowei hadn’t enlisted in the last batch of conscriptions, but now with this new call for soldiers, if he didn’t go, he would miss the opportunity.

 

Haowei promised them that he would join the army for sure, and only after those men left did he look at Si Lan, who was asleep. His heart felt as if it were weighed down by a huge stone, suffocating and unable to breathe.

 

A solitary wanderer in his past life, now he unexpectedly had someone he cared about.

 

Not just joy, but also worry.

 

Si Lan, half asleep, opened his eyes drowsily, glanced at him, mumbled something, and then closed his eyes again.

 

Approaching Si Lan, Haowei was about to lie down when Si Lan instinctively curled up into his arms.

 

Though the cave was spacious, the only place to sleep was that large stone, so these days, Si Lan always slept nestled in his embrace.

 

Si Lan seemed afraid of the cold, always hiding his hands and feet. Sometimes when he couldn’t, he would hide them against Haowei’s body. Though he felt helpless, Haowei never pushed Si Lan away.

 

The oil lamp was about to burn out, flickering faintly and outlining dim lines on Si Lan’s body. His thick, long eyelashes were closed together, concealing his moist black eyes. His small lips were slightly pursed, revealing a hint of innocence and stubbornness. His two hands were tightly clenched into small fists, pressed against Haowei’s chest.

 

Haowei’s gaze slowly examined him, his heartbeat gradually accelerating.

 

In the world of mortals, it’s not the dust that is mortal, but the dust in the heart, turning into dust.

 

Was this person the “dust” he was destined to experience in this lifetime?

 

But this “dust” seemed more difficult to cross than ten thousand rivers and mountains.

 

Haowei reached out, wanting to touch Si Lan, but his rationality stopped him. Hesitating, as he was about to withdraw his hand, the oil lamp burned out, plunging the surroundings into pitch darkness.

 

Haowei’s hand naturally fell on Si Lan’s body, drawing him closer into his embrace.

 

The world was dark, nothing could be seen.

 

But his heart could now openly reveal its feelings without restraint.

 

Si Lan’s strand of soul essence didn’t quite grasp worldly emotions, but he could sense Haowei’s recent unease. Remembering the last time he gave Haowei a wooden flute and how happy it made him, Si Lan decided to give another gift to Haowei.

 

In recent days, Haowei would go down to the village to fetch peach blossom wine and return for Si Lan to drink. Every time, they ended up getting quite drunk, as if this could make them forget the impending separation.

 

Today, as Haowei returned carrying wine, he saw Si Lan sneakily stuffing something under his robe and holding a knife in one hand.

 

Pretending not to notice, Haowei set down the peach blossom wine and quietly placed a package of osmanthus cakes from his pocket in front of Si Lan.

 

Si Lan’s lips twitched, his eyes bursting with a hint of light as he smiled at Haowei, silently expressing gratitude, and then unwrapped the package, pinching off a piece of osmanthus cake and putting it into his mouth.

 

Like a child indulging in treats, after finishing, he even stuck out his pink tongue and licked his fingertips.

 

Haowei didn’t change his expression, averting his gaze as if he was feeling sleepy, lying down on the stone bed to rest. But in fact, he saw Si Lan sneak a glance at him, then surreptitiously reach for the knife again, doing something mischievous with his back turned.

 

Holding his breath, Haowei cautiously approached Si Lan from behind and discovered Si Lan carving a wooden puppet in the shape of a person. Judging by the puppet’s appearance, it resembled Haowei.

 

A soft spot in Haowei’s heart softened even more as he gazed at the back of Si Lan’s neck, motionless for a long time.

 

So, in this world, there was someone who simply thought of him.

 

Not for fame, not for gain or grudges.

 

Haowei saw Si Lan almost pricking his finger with the knife several times and couldn’t help reaching out, grabbing his hand from behind. Si Lan paused for a moment but didn’t resist.

 

Haowei held his hand, gradually carving the puppet.

 

The puppet’s figure was already outlined by Si Lan, but its features were yet to be carved. Haowei started with the eyebrows, slightly thicker as the strokes were added. The eyes were deep, so the eye sockets needed to be more pronounced. The nose was high, so the sides needed to be carved inward. The lips were slightly thin, and a simple outline of the upper and lower lips sufficed.

 

Si Lan held his breath throughout, not making a sound, allowing the other to hold his hand and slowly carve out the face he had seen countless times.

 

After finishing the carving, Si Lan held the lifelike puppet and turned around to show Haowei a silly smile.

 

Haowei asked, “Why did you want to carve me?”

 

Si Lan held the puppet, lips moving but no sound coming out.

 

Haowei knew he couldn’t respond, nor did he expect him to speak. Yet, a smile still appeared on his face, gently rubbing Si Lan’s head with his hand.

 

Like a child, Si Lan plunged into Haowei’s arms. Haowei’s breath caught as he lowered his head and saw Si Lan take out another humanoid puppet, placing the two puppets side by side.

 

“Xiao Qi, I’m going to leave for a while, maybe a long time, maybe I’ll be back soon.”

 

The words of parting were finally spoken.

 

Si Lan didn’t understand, continuing to manipulate the two puppets. He positioned them face to face, slowly moving them closer until their faces almost touched.

 

Their lips lightly touched, as if kissing.

 

Haowei had more words in his heart, but seeing this scene, he suddenly choked up, “You…”

 

Si Lan didn’t see anything wrong, continuing to make the two puppets face each other, mouths touching, as if playing a fun game.

 

Meanwhile, behind them, Haowei’s heart pounded like a drum, a rush of heat surged to his head, making his ears turn red, and his eyes involuntarily revealed a hint of intense warmth.

 

“Xiao Qi…”

 

Si Lan paused in his movements and looked up at Haowei.

 

Suddenly, Haowei lowered his head and kissed Si Lan on the forehead. Si Lan blinked, looking at Haowei in confusion. After the kiss, as if feeling it wasn’t enough, Haowei’s lips descended again, kissing Si Lan’s eyes.

 

Si Lan closed his long eyelashes, feeling the other’s breath lightly land on his face. The breath continued downward, reaching his nostrils, as if expressing annoyance, unexpectedly lightly biting his nose.

 

Startled, he shivered and shrunk into Haowei’s embrace.

 

A faint chuckle echoed in Haowei’s throat as a smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

 

Lying in Haowei’s arms, Si Lan furrowed his brows slightly in apparent distress, reaching up to touch his nose that had just been nipped.

 

He had thought Haowei was going to eat him.

 

Meeting his innocent gaze, Haowei’s eyes deepened further. The fair and clean figure in his arms seemed like a delicacy awaiting his tasting.

 

He knew even if he did something to Xiao Qi, Xiao Qi wouldn’t understand, but he didn’t want to bully Xiao Qi like this.

 

“Xiao Qi, you need to cultivate quickly.”

 

He heard that demons became more worldly-wise the more they cultivated.

 

“When I come back, I hope you can talk to me.” Haowei sighed, then added, “If you can’t speak, at least understand what I’m saying.”

 

A little response from him would be enough.

 

Seeing that Haowei wasn’t going to ‘eat’ him again, Si Lan focused on playing with the two puppets in his hands.

 

Before long, the house below the mountain was repaired. Haowei took Si Lan down the mountain. Si Lan was a bit reluctant to leave the cave, but when he saw the newly thatched house, he suddenly became fond of the new and tired of the old.

 

Now, Si Lan could go up the mountain to pick fruits when hungry, fetch clear water to drink when thirsty, and run into the house when it rained. He could light a fire and cook, having learned basic survival skills.

 

These days, Haowei had been telling Si Lan that he was going to leave, but Si Lan seemed not to understand what parting meant. On the day of departure, Haowei packed his bags, patted Si Lan’s head, and bid him farewell.

 

Si Lan thought he was going to the village as usual to buy wine and exchange food, so he smiled at him.

 

However, Haowei’s expression was serious and stern, making Si Lan vaguely feel something amiss.

 

So, Si Lan gave Haowei a humanoid puppet from his pocket. Haowei took it and saw that it was carved in Si Lan’s likeness.

 

Was he giving this to him in hopes that he would often think of him?

 

Haowei’s heart softened.

 

Although this little fool didn’t understand anything, he probably loved him.

 

But he didn’t dare linger any longer, stiffly turned away. He feared that if he stayed a minute longer, his heart would soften for a minute longer.

 

The journey of departure was extremely difficult step by step. Only when he was sure he couldn’t see Si Lan did Haowei dare to stop, turn around, and look back.

 

“Xiao Qi, I’ll come back as soon as possible.”

 

After he left, Si Lan took out another puppet, looked at its face, and his eyes showed surprise.

 

Huh, it seems he gave the wrong puppet.

 

He had intended to give Haowei a puppet resembling Haowei, but how did he end up giving away a puppet of himself?

 

He suddenly felt unhappy, like a child, furrowing his brows and sitting on the doorstep, waiting.

 

Normally, before the sun reached its peak, Haowei would return carrying things.

 

But this time, he waited until the sun set and the sky darkened, yet Haowei did not appear.

 

Anxiety crept into his heart, but he remembered Haowei’s instructions: not to leave the foot of the mountain and not to let anyone see him. So, he paced around the thatched house in circles, circling until the next day dawned and Haowei still hadn’t returned.

 

Did Haowei think he was stupid and didn’t want him anymore?

 

He felt sad, clutching the humanoid puppet of Haowei, sitting on a slightly raised hillside, his eyes reddened, staring at the village entrance.

 

Unfortunately, another day passed, and Haowei still did not return.

 

Day after day, he finally understood that Haowei might not come back.

 

Under this remote and lonely mountain foot, he lived like a lost soul, isolated from the world.

One day, dark clouds rolled in and torrential rain poured down.

 

It’s raining…

 

He looked at the misty curtain of rain before him and suddenly thought of the cave below the waist of Mount Taixu.

 

With rain this heavy, would Haowei seek shelter in the cave?

 

With that thought, he braved the downpour, climbed up the hill, and halfway encountered a mudslide, almost being swept away. He clung tightly to a large tree, barely steadying himself until the mudslide passed. Gripping wild grass and branches, he slowly and laboriously climbed halfway up the hill.

 

Entering the cave, he saw it filled with small animals seeking shelter from the rain, but Haowei was nowhere to be found.

 

His face turned pale, wet black hair clinging to his forehead, tears mixing with rainwater and streaming down his cheeks.

 

He stood motionless as if under a spell, unable to move.

 

So Haowei really didn’t want him anymore.

 

His emotions—joy, anger, sorrow, laughter, grief, thought, and fear—had filled this period of time, but now only grief and fear for Haowei remained.

 

Suddenly, footsteps echoed at the cave entrance. Si Lan turned excitedly and walked toward the entrance.

 

He couldn’t speak, but he couldn’t forget to cry out, as if calling Haowei’s name. However, when he reached the entrance and saw the face of the approaching person, the smile on his face froze instantly. The last glimmer of hope in his eyes, like fireworks, dimmed sadly.

 

The God of Taixu leaned on his cane, coughing with every step, slowly walking in. Seeing Si Lan standing in the cave, the God of Taixu wasn’t surprised and approached with a smile, “Why are you all alone?”

 

Si Lan gestured with his hands, and the God of Taixu vaguely understood something.

 

But the God of Taixu misunderstood. He thought Haowei’s departure was a return to his rightful place after a tribulation.

 

He reassured Si Lan, “Don’t worry, Your Highness. After he returns, he will definitely take you back to the Nine Heavens.”

 

Si Lan seemed curious about the Ninth Heaven, blinking at him. The Supreme Void continued, “The Ninth Heaven, hmm… quite fascinating. There are human-faced beasts, three-eyed generals, the Eight-Armed Buddha, oh, and plenty of delicacies from mountains and seas, much better than staying in this village.”

 

  

Seemingly lost in thought, Si Lan looked bewildered. The Supreme Void tapped his cane, and suddenly, a miniature illusion of the Ninth Heaven appeared before their eyes in the cave.

 

In the illusion, mist enveloped everything, cranes soared, and immortals in flowing robes rode on clouds. Palaces and pavilions of jade-like appearance shimmered, creating a carefree and elegant scene.

 

Si Lan extended a surprised hand towards the illusion, but as soon as he touched it, the vision vanished instantly. Startled, he pulled back his hand and turned to look at the Supreme Void, only to find him gone as well.

 

From above the cave, the voice of the Supreme Void echoed, “I’ll go ahead. No need to rush; His Majesty will come to fetch you.”

 

During this time, the Supreme Void secretly descended from the mountain to check on Haowei and Si Lan. Although Si Lan’s spirit seemed absent-minded, the Supreme Void hadn’t seen Haowei care so deeply about anyone else before. Surely, once Haowei returned to his position, he would come looking for this absent-minded “girl.”

 

Alone, Si Lan sat forlornly in the cave.

 

Haowei had left, the old man had left.

 

All that remained beside him were a few wild chickens seeking shelter from the rain…

 

—

 

One year later.

 

The border war finally ended victoriously, giving Haowei the chance to return and find Si Lan. With his military accomplishments, he now held some sway within the army, enough to bring Si Lan to the battlefield with him this time.

 

However, upon his hurried return home, he found the recently repaired house already in disarray. The roof had been torn off, the wooden door collapsed, and the eaves were covered in spiderwebs.

 

His heart sank as he stepped inside. Inside, the layout was exactly as it was when he left: a table with two chairs. In the inner room, there was a round wooden table covered in dust, with something placed in the center.

 

Approaching cautiously, Haowei realized it was a wooden puppet carved in his likeness. He picked up the puppet slowly, calling out Si Lan’s name, “Xiao Qi… Xiao Qi…”

 

Seeing the dust-covered state of the house, it seemed like no one had lived here for a long time.

 

Had something happened to Si Lan shortly after he left?

 

But Si Lan was a demon; ordinary people shouldn’t have been able to harm him.

 

Had he been targeted by a sorcerer?

 

The more Haowei thought about it, the more frightened he became. He inquired around the village but heard nothing about sorcerers visiting in the past year. Disheartened, he returned, thinking perhaps Si Lan hadn’t been captured but had returned to his own world.

 

He took out the wooden puppet from his embrace. Its face had been worn smooth.

 

When he was dragged by enemy horses on the battlefield, nearly dying, he managed to kill the enemy soldier and found the puppet with his face, now nearly unrecognizable from being rubbed against the ground.

 

His heart clenched painfully, as if struck by an enemy’s blade.

 

After that, he dared not bring the puppet onto the battlefield anymore, always keeping it carefully under his pillow, only taking it out occasionally when he missed someone.

 

He never expected this to be the only thing Si Lan left behind.

 

Haowei didn’t know if he would ever have a chance to see Si Lan again. If someday Si Lan returned to the mortal world and came back here, he hoped he would know that Haowei had come looking for him.

 

Placing the puppet with the worn-down face under his pillow, Haowei left again.

 

But his life in the mortal realm was destined to be a tragedy. He hadn’t had the chance to clear the grievances of the Chong family, only to be forced into rebellion.

 

Initially, three deputy generals sought him out, merely to exploit the remnants of Chong Mingwei’s influence and win over his former soldiers. Their aim wasn’t to clear the Chong family’s name but to overthrow the Yu dynasty.

 

Betrayed by his subordinates during battle, captured by the Li dynasty, he endured countless tortures and torments. Yet, in order to clear the Chong family’s name and to see Si Lan again, he endured all the pain, holding on until his last breath, awaiting rescue.

 

It was only then that he learned he had been captured because of a plot by the three deputy generals.

 

Seeing he wouldn’t obey, they planned to let the Li dynasty kill him completely, then use his death to incite public anger and resentment, falsely claiming they were seeking revenge for him and the Chong family.

 

Unfortunately, he survived.

 

He grew wiser, no longer opposing the deputy generals’ words. He reluctantly followed their plan. Two years later, he successfully overthrew the Yu dynasty.

 

The night before he entered the Yu dynasty, he killed three deputy generals. It was just that on the day he was crowned, he was also killed by someone.

 

With thousands of arrows through his heart, he died in front of the dragon’s throne.

 

At that moment of death, the only thing in his mind was that the green shadow.

 

That sudden emergence of spirits was the only warmth in his twenty-two years on Earth.

 

Si Lan seemed to appear, standing in front of him, his figure faintly visible.

 

How much he wanted to grasp that warmth, but in the end, he didn’t catch it.

 

In the twenty-fifth year of the Yu dynasty, Wei returned to his original position.

 

The memory of the people on Earth has been sealed in the past

 

Eight hundred years later, the sealed memories began to unravel one by one, countless scenes flooding Haowei’s mind.

 

Haowei recalled everything about Si Lan. His cold and composed demeanor gradually crumbled, eyes reddened with bitterness. The regret and longing that lingered in his heart at the moment of his death in the mortal world still swirled within him.

 

He thought of Xiao Qi, he was waiting for Xiao Qi.

 

But in that life, he couldn’t wait any longer.

 

Haowei’s body felt unsteady, staggering backward. Seeing this, Yu Wudao quickly steadied him. “Your Majesty, what’s wrong?”

 

Haowei shook his head, slowly closing his eyes to calm himself.

 

He bore the fate of the Lone Star of Heaven’s Demise, enduring a lifetime of hardships.

 

Although Si Lan had only appeared for a little over a month during his twenty-two years of trials and tribulations, that month was the only warmth he had known in the mortal realm.

 

Even though fate had long been written by the Purple Star Jade Disk, Si Lan’s appearance was still an uncontrollable process.

 

He finally understood why Si Lan had said he was his male husband; perhaps their fate had been destined in the cosmic order long ago.

 

“Si Lan… Xiao Qi…”

 

He silently repeated these two names in his heart, his heart softening.

 

Emotions that he had deliberately avoided and refused to confront surged forth at this moment.

 

He felt that he should fulfill the eight-hundred-year-old promise.

 

He needed to find his Xiao Qi.

 

His Xiao Qi must be waiting for him too.

---

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 41

 

It’s really strange.

 

Could it be a bewitching method of the Spirit Charm Clan, intentionally using fragrance to seduce people?

 

Thinking of this, Haowei furrowed his brow and his gaze carried a hint of warning. “Don’t attempt to use sorcery on me.”

 

With these words, Haowei withdrew his hand and distanced himself from Si Lan, though the fragrance lingering in the cave still permeated his breath.

 

Si Lan looked at him puzzled, not understanding why he suddenly got angry. He reached out to touch him, but Haowei recoiled as if avoiding a venomous snake, stepping back from Si Lan.

 

Although Si Lan was unfamiliar with worldly matters, he vaguely understood at this moment that Haowei disliked himself. Si Lan slowly withdrew his hand and moved a few steps back, curling up in a corner alone like a sulking child.

 

Seeing him like this, Haowei suddenly felt a twinge of regret.

 

Did he speak too harshly just now?

 

Could that fragrance be his natural scent rather than sorcery?

 

In fact, when Si Lan nestled in his arms last night, he faintly smelled that fragrance too, but it wasn’t as strong as today.

 

The more Haowei thought about it, the more regretful he felt. Unsure of what to do, he noticed Si Lan in the corner seeming unsettled, body trembling slightly.

 

He walked over to Si Lan, frowning. “What’s wrong?”

 

Si Lan’s eyes suddenly widened, unfocused, almost as if having a seizure, his body contorting.

 

Haowei quickly crouched down and saw Si Lan’s body becoming transparent, reminiscent of their first meeting, faintly visible as if about to vanish.

 

Grabbing onto Haowei’s sleeve tightly, Si Lan seemed in great discomfort, his features contorted with pain, eyes reddened, tears falling onto Haowei’s chest.

 

Haowei’s heart tightened at once, watching the figure in his arms gradually fading away, unable to help but hold him tighter. “What’s wrong with you? Are you in pain somewhere?”

 

At this moment, Si Lan whimpered softly, as weak as a mosquito, yet it tore at Haowei’s heartstrings.

 

Fortunately, after a moment, Si Lan’s almost fading figure gradually became clear again, his body calming down from severe convulsions.

 

His breathing also steadied, his two black eyes seemingly veiled with moisture, wet, delicate sweat seeping from his small and exquisite nose, as if he had just bathed.

 

Haowei didn’t know what was happening to him, but sensing that his condition was stabilizing, he frowned and asked, “Are you… feeling better?”

 

Si Lan didn’t speak, his long eyelashes fluttered lightly, having just heard a strange voice in his head, someone kept saying “soul come, soul come,” causing him great pain. He buried his head in Haowei’s arms, one hand gripping Haowei’s arm, closing his eyes, as if snuggling closer to Haowei could bring him comfort.

 

Because of the earlier convulsions, the grass covering his shame had been thrown aside, leaving him completely exposed.

 

Haowei was only wearing a pair of underpants himself. As the two pressed together, he keenly felt the warmth from Si Lan’s body seeping into his bloodstream.

 

Haowei’s blood seemed to ignite like a hot fire, burning his whole body red-hot.

 

He wanted to push him away, but seeing how clingy he was, he endured it. He stiffened his neck, staring straight ahead, forcing himself not to look or think too much.

 

Only when the breathing in his arms gradually calmed down did he slightly lower his head and glance at Si Lan.

 

Si Lan’s tension eased, his black hair falling behind him, a few strands mixed with rain or sweat, sticking to his body, contrasting sharply with his fair skin.

 

Haowei’s throat bobbed involuntarily, thinking this little spirit was truly naive.

 

Does he really believe in him like this?

 

Sleeping naked in his arms so directly…

 

Isn’t he afraid he might be a bad person?

 

Haowei gently released him, covered him with the grass again, then went to the cave entrance to catch a wild chicken and two sparrows, quickly draining their blood and gutting them before roasting them over a fire.

 

Si Lan was awakened by a wave of fragrance, slowly opening his eyes and sitting up from the ground. His gaze fell on the fire, gradually focusing on the wild chicken being roasted over it, his face suddenly turning pale.

 

He shrunk his shoulders and moved a bit away from the fire.

 

The heavy rain outside had stopped. When Haowei returned, he saw Si Lan staring fixedly at the roasting chicken. Remembering Si Lan’s reaction to the chicken yesterday, he said, “If you don’t like roasted chicken, how about trying roasted sparrows?” These two small sparrows were specially roasted for him.

 

However, Si Lan was even more frightened by these words, clutching the grass and retreating all the way to the corner.

 

He mistook those sparrows for baby chickens.

 

This person is really hateful.

 

Killing the chicken mother and roasting the baby chickens together.

 

Haowei hadn’t expected him to be averse to sparrows as well, hesitated for a moment, then turned and walked out.

 

Confused, Si Lan watched Haowei leave. After waiting for a while with no sign of his return, he began to feel that Haowei didn’t want him anymore, feeling instantly sad.

 

Remembering his modesty, he put on a loose shirt, slowly walked out, and stood at the cave entrance, looking around.

 

He didn’t know where to find Haowei. Just as he hesitated, a low growl suddenly came from beside him.

 

In the next moment, a fierce beast with earthy yellow fur and black stripes lunged at him from the forest.

 

Terrified, he quickly retreated into the cave, and the beast followed, growling lowly, as if intimidating its prey, slowly approaching him.

 

Stepping into a depression, he accidentally fell to the ground. The beast immediately pounced towards him.

He rolled over in panic, evading the beast’s pounce, but the tiger swiftly adjusted its body and charged at him again. Just as it was about to harm him, Haowei’s tense voice came from behind.

 

“Little spirit!”

 

The tiger beast turned its head towards Haowei upon hearing the voice.

 

Haowei picked up a piece of wood from the ground, engaging the tiger while gesturing towards the torch, indicating for Si Lan to use it to fend off the beast.

 

Although Si Lan was bewildered, he surprisingly grasped Haowei’s meaning at this moment and quietly approached the torch.

 

Sensing Si Lan’s intention, the tiger roared angrily and lunged towards Si Lan.

 

Before Si Lan could reach the torch, the tiger bit him.

 

Seeing this, Haowei had no time to think, rushing forward and striking the tiger’s head with the wooden stick.

 

However, the tiger seemed impervious to pain, tightly clamping down on Si Lan’s arm.

 

Haowei had to grab the torch and thrust it towards the tiger’s eyes. Only then did it sense fear, roaring in reluctance as it reluctantly released its grip.

 

Haowei advanced on it step by step, intent on capturing this fierce beast and selling it for a good price in town.

 

The tiger retreated under his pressure, its eyes evasive, glancing around as if seeking an opportunity to escape, but Haowei had no intention of letting it go.

 

Capturing this tiger could fetch quite a sum in town.

 

Glancing towards the cave entrance, Haowei spotted a depression. As expected, when the tiger retreated there, its footing became unsteady, stumbling and falling askew.

 

In the next instant, Haowei rushed over, lifting the torch and smashing it fiercely at the tiger. The beast’s head cracked open, blood flowing, and its fur singed from the fire.

 

Just as Haowei was about to deliver a final blow to the tiger’s head, Si Lan suddenly cried out from inside the cave.

 

He immediately abandoned the idea of hunting the tiger, turning back to check on Si Lan.

 

Si Lan was pulling at his sleeve, which was already soaked with blood. Some of the fabric had been bitten into by the tiger’s teeth, embedded in his flesh.

 

Si Lan couldn’t pull his clothes off, his face pale with pain, tears welling up in his eyes, looking pitiful and helpless.

 

“Don’t move, I’ll help you.”

 

Hearing Haowei’s voice from the cave entrance and estimating that the tiger had fled, he put down the torch and reached out to help Si Lan remove his clothes.

 

Si Lan’s entire right arm was soaked with blood, several puncture wounds oozing blood continuously.

 

Haowei watched this tragic sight, his heart wrenching as if those puncture wounds were on his own arm, feeling the pain.

 

Trembling slightly, he wiped away the blood stains from Si Lan, eyes tinged with crimson. “You’re supposed to be a spirit, but you can’t even handle a tiger.”

 

Si Lan looked quite aggrieved, his delicate brows furrowed, eyes fixed on the four puncture wounds on his elbow.

 

That tiger was so big and charged right at him, how could he fight it!

 

Haowei was about to carry him down the mountain to see a physician when he suddenly noticed the puncture wounds on Si Lan’s arm spontaneously stopping bleeding, gradually healing until there was no trace left.

 

His arm’s skin was fair and clean, without a single scar.

 

It was as if those four puncture wounds had never existed!

 

If Haowei hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, he wouldn’t have believed what was happening before him. He looked at Si Lan in astonishment.

 

Si Lan, however, seemed unfazed by the unusual occurrence, touching his arm and then carefully tucking it into his chest.

 

The four bloody puncture wounds hurt so much.

 

Haowei hadn’t expected this spirit to have such abilities.

 

While he might be naive, his body was indeed extraordinary.

 

“Does it still hurt?” Haowei asked.

 

Si Lan tilted his head, as if understanding Haowei’s words.

 

Haowei shook his head, feeling a mix of emotions. He reached into his arms and handed Si Lan some wild berries. “If you don’t want to eat roasted chicken or sparrows, try these wild berries.”

 

He had gone out just now to pick these berries for Si Lan.

 

Si Lan took the wild berries. They were dark and didn’t look very appetizing. He tentatively took a bite, smacking his lips as he tasted.

 

Fortunately, they were sweet and juicy.

 

Seeing Si Lan smacking his lips, Haowei couldn’t help but smile.

 

Truly a silly little spirit.

 

He reached out and rubbed Si Lan’s head. At that moment, Si Lan looked up at him with wet eyes, causing Haowei to pause, slowly withdrawing his hand.

 

After the house collapsed in the strong wind, it would take some time to repair, so Haowei decided to stay with Si Lan temporarily in a cave.

 

During this period, Chong Mingwei’s men found Haowei.

 

When Chong Mingwei was killed at the palace banquet, his three vice-generals were all dismissed. Over the years, these three vice-generals had ostensibly withdrawn from court politics but secretly strategized, intending to avenge Chong Mingwei.

 

They had kept in touch with Haowei, hoping that during the Yu Dynasty’s campaign against the Li Dynasty, Haowei could join the army, build military achievements, establish his prestige in the military, cultivate his own subordinates, and eventually clear Chong’s name.

 

Haowei knew that gaining power required military achievements. Now, he faced a problem: how to handle the imp he had picked up. He couldn’t possibly take the imp with him into the army.

 

Meanwhile, he noticed something strange in the village recently—a sorcerer in gray robes who constantly wandered around with a bell.

 

He paid two wild chickens to have the sorcerer help locate where the imp’s home was nearby.

 

Finding the imp’s home would allow him to return it.

 

Unexpectedly, after examining the area, the sorcerer told Haowei that this mountain used to be teeming with mountain spirits and demons, but they had all vanished three years ago, likely scared off by some ominous presence. Haowei remembered that three years ago was exactly when he arrived in the village.

 

“…”

 

So, this imp wasn’t some kind of monster, and thus wasn’t scared away?

 

Then what was it?

 

Haowei had no choice but to give the sorcerer two more wild chickens to check on Si Lan. However, the unreliable sorcerer took the chickens and promised to return in the evening but disappeared.

 

Later, Haowei heard from the village laborers that Lanlan had driven the sorcerer out of the village. Lanlan had spent a lot of silver to have the sorcerer summon spirits, but instead of achieving anything, he had just swindled her, nearly emptying Lanlan’s household.

 

“That Laner, I wonder if she’s gone mad, rejecting Wang Xiaozhi and insisting on a pretty boy.”

 

“Have you seen this pretty boy?”

 

“Never seen him, but he must look good, or else Lanlan wouldn’t have refused Wang Xiaozhi’s proposal.”

 

…

 

Haowei wasn’t interested in village gossip and didn’t continue listening. He bought some items at the market and also brought a jug of peach blossom wine.

 

During this time, he and Si Lan had been living in the cave. When the weather was good, the cave temperature was comfortable, but when it turned bad, the cave became bitterly cold.

 

Drinking some wine helped ward off the chill.

 

Si Lan seemed frightened since the incident with the tiger, and when Haowei wasn’t around, Si Lan didn’t dare to venture out.

 

When he returned, he saw Si Lan wearing a large hemp robe, sitting cross-legged on the ground, carving wood with a small knife.

 

He placed the wild fruits and peach blossom wine on a rock, approached Si Lan, and noticed that Si Lan had carved out a piece of wood into a flute.

 

He couldn’t help but marvel at Si Lan. Si Lan didn’t understand anything, so how could he carve a flute? Had he seen one before?

 

“Xiaoqi.” Haowei had picked Si Lan up on the seventh day, so he called him Xiaoqi. “Do you remember anything?”

 

Si Lan handed the wooden flute to Haowei. Seeing that Si Lan didn’t react to his words, Haowei wasn’t angry.

 

During this time, he had already gotten used to Si Lan’s simplicity. Looking at the wooden flute, he fell silent and said, “Are you giving this to me?”

 

Si Lan was like a child lost in his own world, distracted by other things. He turned around curiously to look at the peach blossom wine, missing Haowei’s reddening eyes.

 

This was the first time in seventeen years of his life that someone cared about him.

 

After arriving in this strange village, although no one knew his past, he still didn’t dare to interact too much with others.

 

Once, the matchmaker in the village saw that he looked good and came to propose marriage, but he just drove her away with a cold face. The matchmaker was offended and spread rumors in the village that he was eccentric and difficult to deal with, causing people in the village to avoid him.

 

But this suited him just fine.

 

And Si Lan was the only one who stayed with him and wasn’t affected by misfortune.

 

Perhaps because Si Lan wasn’t human.

 

Haowei picked up the flute and put it to his lips, tentatively blowing into it. He didn’t expect the flute to actually produce sound.

 

He then played a tune called “Thoughts of Birds.”

 

After finishing, he noticed that Si Lan, who had been distracted by other things, was now staring at him intently with his chin in his hands.

 

Si Lan even waved his hand, as if to indicate that he played it beautifully.

 

Haowei smiled and picked up the small knife from the ground. “I’ll give you something too.”

 

He glanced at Si Lan and then lowered his head, concentrating on carving.

 

Si Lan leaned closer to him, his eyes fixed, with a blank expression.

 

Soon, he carved a wooden puppet that resembled Si Lan. He placed it next to Si Lan’s face and gestured. The puppet looked like Si Lan, but not as handsome as the real person.

 

He handed the puppet to Si Lan, who joyfully caressed it and carefully tucked it into his pocket.

 

Seeing Si Lan cherish it so much, Haowei’s heart stirred slightly, and he lifted his eyes to look at Si Lan.

 

Si Lan happened to be looking at him too, and when their eyes met, it felt like threads of silk tightly binding them together—one thread burning hot, the other thread oblivious.

 

Suddenly, Haowei said, “If we meet again in the next life, I want to be the silent one, letting you pamper me every day.”

 

But he didn’t know if there would be a next life for him.

 

Born under an unlucky star, he was fated to harm his father, mother, and everyone around him. Even when he came to live in these mountains, the monsters here were scared away. So would someone like him have another life?

 

Even if there were a next life, this imp probably wouldn’t recognize him.

 

Unlike Haowei, burdened with sorrow and regrets, Si Lan’s essence of spirit didn’t seem to carry such weight.

 

He liked the scent of peach blossom wine, leaning over the wine jug to sniff it, gently extending his tongue to lick along the edge of the jug like a greedy little pig.

 

Haowei hadn’t expected Si Lan to love drinking so much. Most other children would cry from the spiciness of alcohol the first time they tasted it.

 

So, half jokingly and half seriously, Haowei said, “Since you love this peach blossom wine so much, why don’t we use wine to recognize each other in the next life?”

 

Upon hearing this, Si Lan suddenly turned around, his black eyes blinking, as if responding to Haowei’s words.

 

Unable to resist, Haowei reached out and ruffled Si Lan’s head.

 

His hair was surprisingly soft and smooth, nothing like what one would expect from a monster’s fur.

 

—

 

As the days drew closer to joining the army, Haowei still didn’t know how to settle Si Lan, but fortunately, Si Lan was a monster and monsters weren’t so easily killed.

 

Moreover, Si Lan could recover quickly from injuries, so as long as Haowei taught him the basics of survival, Si Lan could manage to live among humans.

 

The mountain they lived on faced south on one side and north on the other, with vastly different temperatures above and below. Therefore, wild fruits and grasses grew there throughout the year.

 

Haowei took Si Lan’s hand and led him up the mountain, demonstrating which wild fruits were edible and which were not. Later, fearing Si Lan might forget, Haowei simply cut down all the poisonous fruit trees and replaced them with edible ones.

 

He also taught Si Lan how to hunt, though Si Lan seemed uninterested in eating meat and instead got along well with mountain chickens and sparrows. Haowei didn’t force Si Lan to eat meat either.

 

He also instructed Si Lan to avoid the villagers. Even though Si Lan looks like an ordinary person, the more he interacts with the villagers, the easier it is for his abnormality to be discovered.

 

After gesturing a few times, Si Lan vaguely understood his meaning. From then on, not only did Si Lan avoid the villagers, but even the birds, beasts, and insects on the mountain also avoided him.

 

Haowei was astonished by his single-mindedness, “This world ultimately isn’t where you should stay. You should quickly remember how to return.”

 

Si Lan felt confused, thinking Haowei no longer wanted him.

 

During this period, Haowei always made him pick wild fruits and collect dew by himself. If he didn’t do well, Haowei would furrow his brow, looking serious.

 

Si Lan felt a bit sad and somewhat angry, thinking Haowei was rejecting him. So he shrugged off Haowei’s sleeve and walked into the cave.

 

Haowei noticed his sulking and reluctantly followed to explain.

 

“I will be joining the army in half a month. I can’t take you with me. By then, you’ll have to rely on yourself to survive here on earth.”

 

Whether it was from staying in the mortal realm for too long, Haowei felt that although Si Lan still couldn’t speak, he could understand and respond promptly to what was said to him.

 

Si Lan didn’t know what he saw in the cave, and suddenly stopped in his tracks.

 

Haowei thought he saw another wild animal and quickly pulled Si Lan behind him, only to find an old man with white beard leaning on a cane in front of them in the cave.

 

The old man wore a gray robe, his hair snow-white, tied simply with a headband behind his head. He couldn’t stop coughing, moving his shaky body slowly, and raised his head to look at the two of them.

 

Upon seeing Haowei’s face, the old man froze for a moment. “Ahem… Your Majesty.”

 

Haowei didn’t catch the “Your Majesty” clearly, just considering him as someone like them, living outside with difficulty.

 

Haowei asked, “Sir, are you here in the cave to seek refuge?”

 

The Old Man of the Tai Xu, slightly stunned, pointed to the mountain path. “This is Mount Tai Xu.” It was named in the mortal realm in his honor, dedicated to him.

 

Every thousand years, he would come here to rest.

 

The cave where Haowei and Si Lan lived was dug out by him twenty thousand years ago.

 

Haowei frowned, not understanding his meaning. Why did this old man suddenly mention “Mount Tai Xu”?

 

What’s wrong with Mount Tai Xu?

 

Although the Old Man of Tai Xu had dim eyes, he also sensed that something was wrong at this moment. The person in front of him looked exactly like Haowei, but he was a mortal.

 

The Old Man of Tai Xu stepped forward, approached Haowei, bent his back, and looked up at Haowei with difficulty.

 

Still the true Majesty Haowei.

 

Just, he had descended into the mortal realm and turned into a mortal.

 

In the Nine Heavens, Haowei’s descent into the mortal realm must be a big event, which would certainly be announced to the hundreds of immortals. Why didn’t it this

---

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 40

 

Haowei glanced at Lanlan and the physician, not catching their conversation. He only vaguely heard words like “young master” and “soul,” but didn’t think much of it.

 

That night, just as he was falling asleep, a heavy rain suddenly poured down outside, with raindrops hitting the roof and ground like stones, making it hard for anyone to sleep.

 

Haowei sat up in bed and closed the window tightly. Somehow, he thought of the spirit on the mountainside.

 

In such heavy rain, would the spirit get soaked?

 

But what did that have to do with him?

 

He lay back down and closed his eyes, but couldn’t stop thinking about that thin, green figure. In the desolate thorns, the green figure was sometimes clear and bright, and sometimes faint, almost nonexistent…

 

Haowei knew he shouldn’t be thinking about the spirit, but the more he tried not to, the more he did.

 

That seemingly silly spirit, would he even know to avoid the rain? Even if he got soaked, it shouldn’t be a big deal…

 

Forget it, he might as well go take a look.

 

At least the spirit hadn’t done anything harmful yet.

 

The heavy rain continued as Haowei donned a straw hat and raincoat, carefully shielding the lantern’s flame as he walked into the deep mountains. The mountains were often shrouded in thick fog and inhabited by wild beasts and ghosts, so villagers rarely ventured there.

 

Haowei usually only dared to go during the day, and this was his first time climbing the mountain at night.

 

When he found the spirit, he saw that the green figure was indeed still there, unmoving.

 

The rain fell continuously, drenching him. His hair stuck to his face in strands, making him look even more pale and helpless under the moonlight.

 

Haowei’s heart suddenly ached, thinking he should have come earlier, before the rain started.

 

He stepped forward and reached out to the spirit. In the darkness, the spirit’s face wasn’t clear, but seemed attracted by his gesture. Then, like a curious child, the spirit slowly extended his hand and grasped Haowei’s.

 

Earlier, Haowei thought the spirit wouldn’t have a physical form, but to his surprise, the spirit did, though his body temperature was unusually low, his fingers wet and chilling.

 

Haowei tightened his grip and led him down the mountain.

 

Cold rain pelted their faces, and the night wind roared in their ears. The lantern had long been extinguished by the wind and rain, but fortunately, the moonlight was bright enough to illuminate their path.

 

Back home, the spirit sat dazedly on a small stool, his green robe clinging to his body, revealing his slender frame. Water dripped continuously from the hem of his clothes.

 

Haowei brought hot water and placed it in front of the spirit.

 

“Wash up first. Leave the village tomorrow morning.”

 

Such a foolish spirit wouldn’t be able to deceive the villagers, so he should leave early.

 

That’s what Haowei thought.

 

Si Lan, the spirit, looked up at him upon hearing this. His eyes were wet, with a hint of redness, as if he had cried.

 

Haowei met his gaze, his heart softening and feeling a bit of pity.

 

A fleeting thought crossed his mind—maybe he should share some of his own spirit energy with him, just as an act of kindness.

 

But he quickly dismissed this absurd idea, thinking he must be crazy, being swayed by this spirit.

 

“Aren’t you going to wash?” Haowei’s face turned stern as he spoke harshly.

 

Si Lan moved his feet, looking at Haowei with confusion, as if he didn’t understand.

 

Haowei suspected this was a newly born spirit, possibly not understanding human language at all, feeling a bit helpless, realizing he had brought back trouble.

 

Why had he felt soft-hearted earlier?

 

He approached the spirit, mimicking the action of taking off clothes. “Understand?”

 

Si Lan didn’t speak, tilting his head slightly, his eyes dull. Then, he slowly and tentatively placed his hands on his clothes.

 

Haowei nodded, showing approval.

 

Seeing this, Si Lan immediately untied his robe, letting the green outer garment fall to the ground.

 

The white inner clothes clung to Si Lan’s body, who continued to undress, revealing his fair and clean body. Haowei couldn’t avert his eyes in time, and saw him completely undressed, making Haowei’s ears turn red. Just as he was about to say something, he saw Si Lan pick up the wooden basin and pour the entire basin of water over himself.

 

“…” Haowei.

 

Because of the rain, the room was already damp, and now with Si Lan’s action, the floor became a wet mess.

 

Outside, the rain continued, with the night wind bringing large raindrops through the door and window cracks.

 

Haowei felt a chill in his heart at that moment.

 

And the culprit, after making a mess, looked at Haowei with an innocent and confused expression. Probably feeling a bit cold, Si Lan shivered, his brows slightly furrowed.

 

Haowei took a deep breath to calm down.

 

No need to wait for tomorrow, as soon as the rain stopped, he would throw this spirit out.

 

However, he still couldn’t bear to see the spirit naked and shivering, so he found a rough cloth outfit for him to change into.

 

But Si Lan didn’t know how to dress, wrapping the clothes around his waist, only covering the front, leaving the back exposed.

 

Two white, tender cheeks, firm and round, swayed slightly with Si Lan’s movements, inexplicably making Haowei feel parched.

 

Haowei’s face turned red, gritting his teeth, and snatched the clothes, averting his gaze, stiffly wrapping them around Si Lan.

 

He was a head taller than Si Lan, so the clothes were loose, making Si Lan look like a child wearing an adult’s clothes.

 

After dressing, Haowei noticed Si Lan extending his hand, gazing at him, and touching Haowei’s chin with his fingers. Haowei instinctively grabbed his hand to stop him, realizing something when he met Si Lan’s “innocent” eyes.

 

If there were fools in the human world, there must be fools among the spirits too.

 

Si Lan might not be a newly born spirit, but a fool.

 

Because no matter how ignorant someone was, they wouldn’t be this foolish.

 

Understanding this, Haowei felt helpless, never expecting to bring back a fool.

 

Fine, just consider it an act of kindness.

 

His sleeping arrangement was simple, a bed made of stacked wood covered with a grass mat. Fortunately, it was large enough for two.

 

He was quite tired, so after tucking the little fool into the bed, he closed his eyes and quickly fell asleep.

 

When he woke up the next day, he found Si Lan curled up in his arms, sleeping lightly.

 

Si Lan was sleeping soundly, his eyebrows relaxed, breathing steady. His legs were bent, knees pressed tightly against Haowei’s abdomen.

 

“……”

 

Haowei’s face changed slightly as he pulled away from Si Lan. The sound woke Si Lan, who opened his eyes halfway, looking drowsy and a bit innocent.

 

“Awake? Do you know how to get back?” Haowei asked.

 

Si Lan blinked and quietly looked at Haowei.

 

Haowei felt a pause in his heart and frowned, “Don’t tell me you don’t know where you came from?”

 

Si Lan tilted his head and moved closer to Haowei, resting his head on Haowei’s chest.

 

He had no memory at all.

 

He was just a soul manifested from the three souls and seven spirits, lacking the emotions and rationality of a normal person.

 

Haowei hadn’t expected that his moment of kindness would lead to this situation. This spirit had no idea where he came from and couldn’t return.

 

If he threw him back into the deep mountains, it seemed a bit unethical. Haowei looked down at the spirit sleeping soundly in his arms and sighed helplessly.

 

In the morning, Haowei cooked some porridge and placed it in front of Si Lan, curious if he would eat it.

 

Si Lan looked at the porridge, picked up the bowl, and just as he was about to pour it over his head, Haowei quickly snatched it away.

 

“What are you doing?”

 

Si Lan looked at Haowei in confusion, thinking that the “porridge” was also meant for washing.

 

Haowei was a bit exasperated, suspecting that this spirit was so foolish that he had been driven out of his tribe and ended up in the human world.

 

Haowei picked up the porridge, scooped a spoonful, and demonstrated to Si Lan how to eat.

 

Although Si Lan was slow, he quickly learned by watching Haowei. He imitated Haowei, scooping porridge into his mouth, but he wasn’t used to the taste and his brow furrowed, showing a pitiful expression.

 

Seeing this, Haowei murmured, “So you need to absorb human essence?”

 

He had only read about spirits in ancient books and knew little about how they absorbed human energy. Moreover, the spirits in the books were all female, preying on passing men.

 

Did this male spirit also prey on men?

 

Haowei’s face turned slightly red.

 

Si Lan didn’t understand what Haowei was saying and just looked at him blankly, his gaze falling on Haowei’s red lips.

 

Curious, he tiptoed closer to Haowei.

 

Haowei held his breath, staring at him intently.

 

Was he going to absorb his yang energy?

 

This spirit didn’t even bother to disguise his intentions?

 

Shouldn’t he wait until he was asleep to absorb it?

 

Si Lan gently touched Haowei’s lips. Haowei’s lips were well-shaped, full, and the color of wilted roses. Si Lan was curious about how sound came from those lips.

 

He tried to pry Haowei’s lips apart, but Haowei grabbed his hand.

 

Haowei’s eyes flickered slightly, “What are you doing?”

 

The other person still looked curious, not speaking, just staring at him with dark eyes.

 

Haowei let go of his hand, wanting to say something, but in the end, he only said, “I’ll go hunting on the mountain. You stay here and wait for me.”

 

After a pause, Haowei added, “If you remember the way back, just go back. Don’t stay among humans; no fool here will let you absorb their energy!”

 

However, Haowei hadn’t been gone long before he started worrying about Si Lan and his hut.

 

Would Si Lan wreck his two small huts?

 

He lost the mood for hunting and quickly returned with just a wild chicken and rabbit. Because it had rained all night, the mountain path was slippery. On the way down, he slipped, scraping a large piece of skin off his elbow.

 

Wincing in pain, he glanced at his arm and continued rushing back, only to find Si Lan gone when he returned.

 

There was no trace of Si Lan left in the room, as if he had never existed, making Haowei feel like it was all just his imagination.

 

Haowei felt a sudden pang of melancholy but forced a smile, “I hope that foolish spirit finds his way back soon.”

 

He bled the rabbit, skinned it, cleaned it, and set up a small fire to roast it.

 

While roasting the rabbit, he chopped wood nearby.

 

The crackling sound made him oblivious to the movements behind him. When he finally sensed something was off and turned around, he saw that the spirit who had left was back, and he was gnawing on his rabbit contentedly.

 

“……” Haowei.

 

Haowei was both astonished and inexplicably pleased, though he didn’t realize it himself.

 

He walked up to Si Lan, who seemed to realize that stealing someone else’s rabbit was not right, so he meekly returned it.

 

Seeing the rabbit that Si Lan had chewed up, Haowei couldn’t help but laugh, “Aren’t you a spirit? Why are you eating wild rabbit?”

 

Si Lan didn’t say anything. Seeing Haowei wouldn’t take the rabbit back, he withdrew his hand, looking pale and pitiful.

 

Haowei sighed, “I still have a wild chicken, so you can have the rabbit.”

 

Si Lan’s usually wooden face showed a bit of expression, his eyes like a fawn’s, shimmering.

 

Haowei avoided his gaze and resumed cooking. He plucked the chicken, cleaned it, and set it on the small fire to roast.

 

Si Lan seemed curious about the chicken, frowning and watching it intently as it roasted.

 

Haowei thought Si Lan was still hungry, so when the chicken was done, he tore off a drumstick for Si Lan, “Want more?”

 

Si Lan stumbled backward, looking scared, eyes wide.

 

Haowei raised an eyebrow, thinking he was disdainful of the chicken, and said, “Roast chicken is just as tasty as rabbit. Won’t you try some?”

 

Si Lan suddenly stood up, still wearing Haowei’s loose black robe that dr4p3d generously around him. His eyes revealed a chilly refusal as he turned and stormed back into the room, seemingly throwing a tantrum.

 

  Haowei clicked his tongue. Why did this little mischief suddenly get angry?

 

  Could it be because he was mad that I only gave him one chicken leg?

 

  After filling his stomach, Haowei entered the room and saw Si Lan still sulking. His eyes, like two dark gr4p3s, held resentment as they stared straight at him.

 

  Haowei suddenly felt like he had committed some grave mistake. Hesitatingly, he said, “Next time… shall I give you the whole roasted chicken?”

 

  At these words, Si Lan’s eyes filled with even more resentment.

 

  Haowei couldn’t resist and changed the subject, “Where did you go earlier?”

 

  This little mischief had an exceptionally handsome face but wasn’t very bright. If he wandered around the village, he might attract the attention of ill-intentioned people. Moreover, with the ongoing conflicts, if he were kidnapped by bandit leaders, Haowei wouldn’t be able to rescue him.

 

  After asking, Haowei remembered that this little mischief couldn’t speak, so he cautioned again, “Don’t wander outside. It’s dangerous out there.”

 

  Just last night, Haowei thought the danger was the mischief that sucked away people’s vitality.

 

  Now, in the blink of an eye, it seemed the villagers were the dangerous ones.

 

  There was a slight movement in Si Lan’s furrowed brows, a response to Haowei’s words.

 

  Haowei hadn’t expected much of a reaction from him.

 

  Last night, the wind had lifted a part of the roof, so Haowei had woven thatch and stacked it on the ground. Si Lan saw this and tried to help, but only made things messier.

 

  He didn’t know how to tie thatch properly, and it ended up everywhere. Haowei shook his head helplessly and told him to sit aside.

 

  However, in no time, he seemed to find something amusing. He grabbed a handful of thatch and presented it to Haowei as if offering a treasure.

 

  Haowei focused and noticed a small green snake in Si Lan’s hands.

 

  “…”

 

  The little green snake seemed frozen with fear, trembling in his hand and forgetting to escape.

 

  Haowei’s expression froze slightly. He was somewhat afraid of such slender creatures and quickly knocked the small snake out of Si Lan’s hand.

 

  As the small green snake fell to the ground, it dashed away, hitting the leg of the table and knocking over Haowei’s only piece of guest furniture.

 

  The wooden table made a cracking sound as one leg broke off.

 

  Haowei’s gaze darkened instantly. Moreover, the little green snake continued to flee, not going out the door but along the wall, through the paper-covered window, leaping into the back mountain and disappearing.

 

  “…”

 

  Haowei rubbed his forehead. Last night, the strong wind had already broken several places in the paper-covered window. Now, with the small green snake’s disturbance, he would probably need to reapply the paper.

 

  Truly, when it rains, it pours.

 

  The roof, the window, and now the table—all had issues.

 

  He looked at the precarious thatched house and couldn’t help but sigh.

 

  Si Lan probably felt he had caused trouble and stood awkwardly in place, glancing gently at Haowei.

 

  Meeting his uneasy gaze, Haowei couldn’t help but laugh and cry, “You didn’t get bitten by the snake, did you?”

 

That small green snake was venomous.

 

Si Lan blinked, unable to understand Haowei’s words. Haowei walked over and took the initiative to check Si Lan’s body. When he lifted the oversized robe, he discovered that Si Lan had developed some red bumps, more like an allergic reaction than poisoning.

 

“You went to the edge earlier, didn’t you?”

 

Strange woods and wild creatures were everywhere in the village, even more so in the mountains. It was easy for ordinary people to have allergic reactions if they weren’t careful.

 

Si Lan gestured, and Haowei roughly understood. Shortly after Haowei left, Si Lan went out to look for him. However, he probably didn’t find him and returned.

 

This little mischief wasn’t bad with directions.

 

Haowei instructed Si Lan, “Wait for me at home. I’ll go buy some ointment for you.”

 

Si Lan blinked again, a response to Haowei.

 

The sky darkened further, layers of dark clouds gathering. The mountain wind rustled through the leaves, with raindrops starting to fall. Haowei quickened his pace, encountering two people head-on. Upon closer inspection, one was Lan Lan, the girl who had stolen his wild chicken last time. The other was a stranger dressed as a sorcerer, holding two bronze bells in his hands.

 

Their conversation floated faintly in the windy air.

 

“Since he was discovered nearby, his lingering spirit might also be nearby. After the rain stops, I’ll perform a soul summoning spell to see if I can guide his soul back.”

 

“Thank you, Master.”

 

…

 

Haowei reached the village entrance and went to the house of the old physician, where he got a bottle of ointment for treating allergies on credit. Just as he finished purchasing the medicine, heavy rain suddenly poured down outside, forming a misty curtain that obscured the surroundings.

 

“Chongying, you should wait until it clears up.” The old physician advised.

 

Thinking of the person’s discomfort, Haowei didn’t delay, thanked the old physician, and rushed into the pouring rain.

 

The ground, now wet from the rain, was unusually slippery. The rain pattered down, creating puddles of varying sizes. Haowei had to tread carefully, enduring gusts of wind that shook his clothes and distorted his features.

 

As a tall man, he nearly got blown over by the wind.

 

He couldn’t help worrying about Si Lan at home. He wondered if the mischief would be frightened by such strong winds.

 

His house was at the village’s end, a thatched cottage nestled at the foot of the mountain, the terrain sloping downward and ruggedly muddy. Therefore, apart from him, no one else lived here in the village.

 

The reason he lived here was that he had picked up this abandoned house and temporarily settled down.

 

As he descended a steep slope, he saw Si Lan standing in the pouring rain. Both of his small houses had their roofs blown off, and one side of a wall had collapsed. The remaining three walls looked precarious in the heavy rain.

 

“…” Haowei.

 

Seeing him, Si Lan seemed uneasy, gesturing with his hands as if trying to indicate that he hadn’t pushed the house over.

He didn’t have time to think about anything else; Haowei pulled Si Lan out of the house. If the remaining three walls collapsed, they might have been hit.

 

Luckily, Haowei paid attention to the situation on the mountain every time he went hunting, knowing that there was a cave where he could temporarily shelter from the rain.

 

He grabbed Si Lan’s hand, and the two stumbled into the deep mountains.

 

The branches were rustling loudly in the strong wind, like the tentacles of wild beasts waving ahead. Si Lan felt a little scared when he saw them and stayed close to Haowei.

 

Haowei noticed his fear. Initially holding his hand, he now wrapped his arm around Si Lan’s waist, and Si Lan snuggled into Haowei’s embrace.

 

Halfway up the mountain, Haowei pulled aside some wild grass, revealing a cave entrance about a person’s height.

 

Dim light filtered in, and inside the cave, there were small animals also seeking shelter from the rain—wild chickens, hedgehogs, sparrows, and the like.

 

The animals were taken by surprise at the sudden appearance of two people and issued warnings, but given the vast difference in size, they reluctantly made way.

 

Haowei squeezed Si Lan’s hand and cautioned, “Be careful; the cave floor is a bit uneven.”

 

Si Lan moved his fingers slightly, a response to Haowei’s words.

 

The end of the cave widened a bit, with a huge rock inside that Haowei had smoothed out and covered with thatch. On days when Haowei got tired from hunting in the mountains, he would rest here.

 

Haowei picked up a flint and struck it, soon sparking a fire torch. He took off his clothes, wearing only a small garment on his lower body, and placed his wet clothes near the fire torch to dry.

 

Si Lan followed Haowei’s lead, taking off all his clothes as well. Unlike the day before, perhaps after a day of learning about human affairs, he seemed less naive. He awkwardly shifted his legs, trying to cover up.

 

Haowei coughed lightly and handed the bundled thatch to Si Lan. “Use this to cover up first; your clothes will dry soon.”

 

Si Lan seemed to understand vaguely, clutching the thatch and curling up. His exposed back and neck formed smooth lines, and his fair skin had patches of allergic reactions.

 

Haowei’s face tensed as he took out the ointment and walked behind Si Lan, applying it to the allergic spots on his back. When he touched Si Lan’s skin, Haowei’s fingertips paused; the other’s skin was as smooth as jade, delicate and soft.

 

Haowei even wondered if a little more pressure might break the other’s skin. However, when he slowed down, he could clearly feel every inch of the other’s skin texture.

 

It seemed this mischief had never suffered. His exceptionally fair skin aside, it was also exceptionally soft, softer than freshly steamed tofu.

 

After a while, Haowei sensed a faint fragrance spreading throughout the cave. He suspected he had smelled it wrong and sniffed again, confirming the presence of a scent in the air.

 

And this fragrance…

 

It seemed to come from Si Lan.

 

Unable to resist, Haowei lowered his head, approaching Si Lan’s back where the ointment had just been applied. His skin was white with a touch of red, and the tiny pores seemed to emit a fragrance.

 

He leaned in closer, wanting to investigate further, but at that moment, Si Lan turned around suddenly.

 

Caught off guard, Haowei’s face collided with Si Lan’s, their noses lightly touching. In an instant, the fragrance became stronger, so intense that it made his heart race.

 

And the breath that Si Lan exhaled seemed even sweeter…

---

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 39

 

Back then, Lord Chushan first wanted Song Ye and asked him to train with him. However, Song Cheng took the opportunity instead.

 

Now it seems that everything Song Cheng did was to protect him.

 

He had been kept in the dark all these years, resenting and mocking Song Cheng. He couldn’t understand how Song Cheng managed to endure it. If it had been him, he would have broken down long ago.

 

At this moment, he finally understood why Song Cheng liked Si Lan so much.

 

Because Si Lan was Song Cheng’s salvation, whereas he himself was merely a burden to Song Cheng.

 

“Brother, I hate myself for not being strong enough. If I were as strong as the Lord, I could kill Lord Chushan, and you wouldn’t have to…”

 

“Song Ye, don’t blame yourself. This has nothing to do with you.”

 

Song Cheng’s voice also carried a hint of a sob. Song Ye was his only family in this world, and he had never blamed him.

 

“I’m such an idiot!”

 

After saying that, Song Ye’s branches and leaves wrapped around Song Cheng. Each leaf seemed to have a soul of its own, entwining Song Cheng in the moonlight, sticking tightly to him.

 

The night wind blew, making both of them rustle.

 

The barrier that had existed between them for so long disappeared at that moment. Song Ye finally felt the same closeness he had felt when he and Song Cheng trained together.

 

Their roots, their leaves, their hearts were so close.

 

Among the rustling leaves, Song Ye’s suppressed voice emerged.

 

“Brother, actually, I really like you.”

 

For some reason, Song Cheng didn’t answer. Song Ye’s leaves curled up restlessly, scratching at Song Cheng’s leaves.

 

Song Cheng had no choice but to speak, “You are just attached to me. You should find someone more suitable…” Deep down, he still felt unworthy of Song Ye. For so many years, he had avoided talking to Song Ye properly, punishing himself because he felt unworthy.

 

“Brother, you are the most suitable person for me.”

 

After saying this, Song Ye didn’t wait for Song Cheng to rebut and once again wrapped his leaves around Song Cheng, their roots inching towards him, tangling him up.

 

“Brother, it seems like you’re about to bloom.”

 

“Don’t talk nonsense!”

 

“Really, you smell fragrant.”

 

“Um, Song Ye…”

 

“Brother, you said you would always go along with me…”

 

—

 

Under the wisteria tree, Xie Li curiously peeked at the two intertwined wisterias and asked Qu Ze, “What are the two Protectors doing?”

 

Qu Ze kept a stern face and led Xie Li away, but Xie Li, full of curiosity, asked again.

 

Qu Ze had no choice but to reply, “They are brothers. This is a sign of closeness.”

 

“Oh, I understand.” Little Xie Li suddenly realized, then stood on tiptoe and threw himself into Qu Ze’s arms.

 

Qu Ze instinctively caught Xie Li, who wrapped his limbs tightly around him and said with a cheerful smile, “I also want to be close to Senior Brother.”

 

“…,” Qu Ze responded.

 

—

 

The next day, when Si Lan woke up, he found that Haowei was gone. He fluttered his wings and searched around Zhuyun Peak but couldn’t find Haowei. He realized that Haowei had returned to the Celestial Court.

 

He always left so quietly, without saying goodbye.

 

Never mind, Si Lan had to enter seclusion for training anyway.

 

He gathered a pile of Buddhist scriptures and texts in the cave. When he was in good spirits, he would read them. However, after reading through all the Buddhist texts, he still couldn’t find an explanation for the passage about the tiger eating the flesh of the Buddha in the Wuwang Sutra.

 

“The Buddha practiced in the forest and encountered a tiger. The tiger gazed at him intently. The Buddha fed it with his flesh. Day by day, the Buddha turned into white bones, and the tiger became a Buddha after eating his flesh.”

 

The literal meaning was easy to understand: evil people take the merits of good people and easily become Buddhas, while good people get no reward.

 

Was this person trying to convey something through this principle?

 

Si Lan thought he still needed to find someone to explain it to him.

 

Immediately, he thought of the fortune teller on Qiangjue Mountain, who knew the heavens above and the eighteen levels of hell below, with all phenomena contained in the tortoiseshell he held.

 

Perhaps the fortune teller would also know the story behind this Buddhist text.

 

Despite his injuries not yet healed, Si Lan couldn’t wait and flew towards Qiangjue Mountain.

 

The fortune teller still had his stall set up, with two tortoise shells in front of him. Beside the shells was a single burning incense stick, its smoke drifting lazily in the air.

 

A black bird was dozing on the fortune teller’s shoulder.

 

The fortune teller himself was also dozing, his white beard swaying in the breeze. He wore simple gray cloth clothes, which still gave off an aura of immortality and wisdom.

 

As soon as Si Lan landed, the fortune teller opened his eyes. Seeing a “wild pheasant,” he was about to shoo it away but then noticed the unique markings on its feathers, and his face showed surprise.

 

“Yu Jia.”

 

Si Lan was surprised that this fortune teller actually had some skill, recognizing his true form at a glance.

 

He pinched his voice, not wanting the fortune teller to recognize his identity, but then heard the fortune teller say, “My Lord, I never expected your identity to be so noble.”

 

“……”

 

After a moment of silence, Si Lan said, “Did the old gentleman predict I would come today?”

 

The fortune teller stroked his beard and said slowly, “Fortune-telling is either zero times or countless times. I knew that after you had your fortune told once, you would definitely seek me out again.” In fact, he had just done a divination and found that today’s business would be poor, with only one customer, an old one at that.

 

Seeing the demonic aura on this “wild pheasant,” which seemed familiar, and knowing it was his old customer, he naturally guessed that this “wild pheasant” was Si Lan.

 

“……”

 

After another brief silence, Si Lan got straight to the point, “Sir, I have a Buddhist text that I cannot interpret. Could you please explain it for me?”

 

The fortune teller looked at Si Lan in surprise, “My Lord, you are the first to come to me to interpret a Buddhist text.” After all, people usually came to him for children, marriage, or powerful medicine.

 

Si Lan smiled and handed over a millennium-old elixir to the fortune teller, who immediately beamed with joy and put it away. “My Lord, ask anything, and I will certainly tell you everything I know.”

 

Si Lan recited the Buddhist text about the tiger eating the flesh of the Buddha to the fortune teller.

 

After listening, the fortune teller fiddled with the two tortoise shells, chanting something under his breath.

 

A strange scripture enveloped the tortoise shells, with countless hieroglyphs forming a net-like pattern over them. After a moment, the two tortoise shells fell from the air and landed on the table, fitting together.

 

The fortune teller slowly opened the shells, and after seeing the signs inside, his face suddenly became serious. He looked up at Si Lan.

 

Seeing his expression, Si Lan couldn’t help but grow serious as well.

 

“What does it mean? What does the hexagram say?”

 

“My Lord, the hexagram indicates that you are facing imminent disaster.”

 

“……” After a pause, Si Lan asked, “Will it be life-threatening?”

 

“It could be severe or minor; it depends on your fortune.”

 

Si Lan felt that the fortune teller, as always, had said something without really saying anything. He felt a bit of heartache for that millennium-old elixir, feeling it was wasted on this old tortoise spirit.

 

Sensing a hint of dissatisfaction in Si Lan’s expression, the fortune teller added, “My Lord, the secrets of heaven must not be revealed. If I divulge them, not only will you and I suffer, but the course of fate might also change.”

 

Everyone’s destiny was predetermined, running according to the great plan of Heaven. If a piece moved wrongly, it would be corrected.

 

“Then let me ask directly. You just nod. The person behind showing me this Buddhist text, do they intend to overthrow the Six Realms?”

 

The fortune teller’s expression froze for a moment, then he shook his head.

 

“Besides you, is there anyone else who can explain this Buddhist text to me?”

 

“The Buddha Jiagang of the Thirty-Three Heavens.” After saying this, the fortune teller couldn’t help but chant “Amitabha” under his breath. “My Lord, please stop asking. Let me help you with something safer, like divining your future spouse.”

 

“……,” Si Lan responded.

 

“Did you follow my advice last time and wait for your destined one on Qianqiong Sand Island?”

 

“I did.” Si Lan’s face reddened slightly.

 

“Your destined one is highly skilled in magic, handsome, strong, and quite a heartthrob in the Six Realms.”

 

Hearing this, Si Lan’s face reddened even more, and he couldn’t help but think of Haowei’s face.

 

It seemed that Haowei did meet all these conditions.

 

“His mind is corrupted, with a demonic heart. If he does good, he will be a great benefactor. If he does evil, he will be a great menace.”

 

“A demonic heart? What does that mean?”

 

“The hexagram shows he has a demonic heart, indicating he is a serpent demon.”

 

Si Lan’s face turned a bit ugly, “Sir, are you sure?”

 

“I am sure. This divination method has never been wrong.”

 

Si Lan fell silent, lost in thought. He had indeed waited for Haowei on Qianqiong Sand Island.

 

He hadn’t seen anyone else around Qianqiong Sand Island at that time, so how could his destined one be a serpent demon?

 

Wait—

 

Si Lan suddenly recalled what the celestial soldiers had said on Zhuyun Peak.

 

“It’s a long story. A few days ago, the little prince was bitten by a fiery serpent and ended up in the Demon Realm…”

 

A fiery serpent, that fiery serpent… Could it be his destined one?!

 

But as far as he knew, the fiery serpent had long since died.

 

Could it be that Haowei killed the fiery serpent on Qianqiong Sand Island, and he mistakenly took Haowei back, thinking he was his destined one?

 

The more Si Lan thought about it, the more absurd it seemed, and his heart felt blocked, making it hard to breathe.

 

How could this be?

 

Wasn’t this just playing him for a fool?

 

With his face covered in feathers, the fortune teller couldn’t see Si Lan’s expression, but he could sense something was wrong from his aura. “My Lord, is there something wrong?”

 

Si Lan couldn’t help but ask again, “Sir, are you sure you didn’t make a mistake?”

 

“Of course, this method has never been wrong!”

 

Si Lan was left speechless. His wings drooped, and after a while, he mechanically lifted them and fluttered away from Qiangjue Mountain.

 

The fortune teller watched Si Lan leave, utterly baffled.

The divination showed that although Si Lan’s husband has a serpent’s gall, his fate is so noble that even the tortoiseshell couldn’t fully interpret it.

 

So why is Si Lan so dejected?

 

Si Lan had no feelings for that torch serpent he had never met. Knowing it was killed by Haowei, he didn’t feel sad.

 

He just hadn’t expected that Haowei, whom he always considered his fated person, actually wasn’t. So, all that happened between them was not destiny but mere coincidence.

 

Thinking about his behavior towards Haowei, Si Lan felt extremely embarrassed, wishing he could cover his face with his wings.

 

No wonder Haowei had always been cold and distant towards him. In Haowei’s eyes, he must have seemed like a pheasant wanting to eat a small white dragon.

 

Returning to Zhuyun Peak, the frustration and confusion in his heart had not dissipated. He went to the wine cellar and picked a pot of wine to drink.

 

He didn’t understand what mistake he had made, why every blooming peach flower was always cut off.

 

In the Six Realms, perhaps no one was more miserable than he was.

 

He lay drunkenly on the stone table, sighing intermittently.

 

“Why was I sent here in the first place?”

 

Qu Ze happened to hear Si Lan’s complaints as he walked over.

 

“Was it to make me lonely and undying?”

 

“……”

 

Qu Ze’s expression paused as he looked at Si Lan, his brows furrowing.

 

What happened?

 

Why is the Lord eager to marry again?

 

After sending Si Lan back to rest, Qu Ze went to find Song Cheng and Song Ye, who were still lingering together.

 

Years ago, the Demon Realm held a consort selection, but back then, the Lord’s reputation for being cursed to kill his wives was rampant. Upon hearing this, the women of the Demon Realm quickly got engaged, and even widows remarried…

 

Recently, the Lord’s reputation had improved somewhat. Most importantly, the one who had been spreading the rumor about the Lord’s curse was now preoccupied with romance and had no time for gossip.

 

Thinking of this, Qu Ze looked at the slightly taller wisteria. “Protector Song Ye, I want to reopen the consort selection for the Lord in the Demon Realm.”

 

Song Ye extended a vine, looking at Qu Ze. “Consort selection, are we selecting males or females?”

 

Qu Ze suddenly fell silent.

 

“Qu Ze, why do you suddenly want to select a consort for the Lord?” Song Cheng asked.

 

“Since returning from Qiangjue Mountain, the Lord seems to be in a bad mood.”

 

“Then let’s select, but in the Demon Realm, men and women are used to doing as they please. They may not be willing to participate in the consort selection.”

 

The Demon Realm was different from the Mortal Realm. For ordinary mortals, being selected into the palace as a consort was like a pheasant turning into a phoenix. But in the Demon Realm, people did not take marriage contracts seriously; they valued cultivation more.

 

Although the Lord had high cultivation, he did not practice dual cultivation techniques, and with his “bad reputation” outside, no male or female demon would hope to marry him.

 

“Then we’ll use both coercion and inducement, trick them into signing up,” Song Ye said calmly. After speaking, he looked at Song Cheng beside him. He had thought Song Cheng would react strongly to Si Lan’s consort selection, but surprisingly, he remained calm.

 

Song Cheng sensed Song Ye’s gaze but didn’t look at him. Instead, he continued to ask Qu Ze, “Wasn’t the man who stayed by the Lord’s side before his fated person?”

 

Qu Ze shook his head. “I don’t know what happened, but judging by the Lord’s current state, that person shouldn’t be his fated one.”

 

Song Cheng said no more, and Song Ye felt a sense of crisis.

 

Song Ye had known that Song Cheng liked Si Lan, and despite the heartache, he had tried to pair Song Cheng with Si Lan. Therefore, the spread of Si Lan’s “curse” reputation was partly due to Song Ye’s efforts. But now that he and Song Cheng had opened up to each other and explained everything;

 

“Then let’s hurry and select a consort for the Lord. We’ll choose males and females, young and old, fat and thin.”

 

“……” Qu Ze.

 

“……” Song Cheng.

 

Qu Ze rarely handled Demon Realm affairs and mainly took care of Si Lan’s daily matters, so the consort selection had to be left to the two protectors.

 

“Then I’ll trouble the two protectors.”

 

——

 

On the other side, after returning to the Heavenly Court, Haowei summoned Yu Wudao and Siming Xianzun.

 

Years ago, when he descended to the mortal realm to atone for his sins, only his mother knew about it, besides these two.

 

His fate and destiny were also determined by these two.

 

Yu Wudao, summoned in a hurry, did not know what had happened, but seeing Haowei’s serious expression, he thought it must be a significant issue.

 

Recently, Haowei had been staying in the Demon Realm. Could the issue be related to that Demon Lord?

 

“Your Majesty, are you sure you want to retrieve those memories?” Yu Wudao asked.

 

In that lifetime, Haowei bore the fate of the Lone Star, living a life of loneliness and suffering, unable to have what he desired, think what he wanted, or love whom he wished. In the end, he had nothing to live for, nothing to lose.

 

Such a miserable experience would only bring torment if retrieved.

 

“Yes.” Haowei only wanted to know the entanglement between him and Si Lan. “Wudao, Siming, do you know what the Great Void God was doing when I descended to the mortal realm?”

 

Siming played with the Ziwei Jade Disk, frowning. “The Great Void God should have been in deep sleep in the Great Void Mountain in the Mortal Realm at that time. Why does Your Majesty suddenly ask about the Great Void God?”

 

A thought flashed in Haowei’s mind. Perhaps the reason why the Great Void God mistook Si Lan for the “Little Prince’s” mother was that the Great Void God knew about his past with Si Lan.

 

However, this was just his speculation.

 

“I suspect I might have seen the Great Void God during my tribulation in the mortal realm. Siming, can you retrieve my memories from that time?”

 

Siming continued to play with the Ziwei Jade Disk. After adjusting the direction of the pointer, he replied, “Your Majesty, the Ziwei Jade Disk contains your memories. Are you sure you want to retrieve them?”

 

“Yes,” Haowei said firmly.

 

Hearing this, Siming placed the Ziwei Jade Disk before Haowei. Haowei looked down, and in the center of the disk, his birth date and eight characters appeared.

 

Those characters floated slowly, then merged together, bursting into a beam of golden light. In the next moment, all the hidden memories returned to Haowei’s mind.

 

He remembered many things.

 

In this life, he was born as the son of the illustrious General Chongming Wei of the Yu Dynasty. Just after his birth, the Chong family was falsely accused of rebellion and their household was ransacked. The men were all killed, and the women were sent to pleasure houses as servants.

 

He was secretly taken out of the residence by a groom who hid him in his belly, raising him anonymously in the mountains and forests.

 

When he was just learning to speak, the groom told him everything that had happened to the Chong family, instilling in him the idea of revenge at every moment.

 

When he was five years old, the groom fell gravely ill. On his deathbed, he entrusted Haowei to a childless couple in the village.

 

At six, the couple unexpectedly gave birth to a son, making him an unwanted burden. He was sold off for ten taels of silver to another household.

 

This next household was an old, crippled bachelor over fifty years old who bought him to work and care for him in his old age.

 

By seven, Haowei could already hunt rabbits and pheasants on the mountain, work in the fields, and cook meals. However, peace did not last long. War broke out, forcing the villagers to migrate north to escape.

 

The old man contracted the plague and died on the way, and Haowei also caught the plague, being thrown into a mass grave for the dead. Fortunately, he survived after two days and nights of high fever.

 

By eight, he could live independently, following the refugee group to the north and, after seven years of intermittent travel, returning to the capital where he was born.

 

He never forgot the groom’s words: the men of the Chong family were all dead, but thirty-seven women of the Chong family were still waiting for him to rescue them.

 

The grievances of the Chong family also awaited his redress.

 

Living alone at the foot of the mountain, his solitary and reserved nature soon made him an “oddball” among the villagers.

 

He met Si Lan in the twenty-fifth year of the Yu Dynasty, when he was seventeen.

 

While hunting on the mountain, he saw a black object fall straight from the sky into a lake, creating a whirlpool.

 

Curious, he approached the lake and retrieved a burnt black pheasant from the whirlpool.

 

The pheasant was barely breathing, covered in fresh blood, likely bitten by a wild animal.

 

Without much thought, he took the pheasant back, only to be stopped by Lanlan from the village on the way.

 

Lanlan frowned and righteously claimed it was her family’s chicken.

 

He glanced at the blackened pheasant in his hand, thinking he had never seen such a scorched chicken in the village. But since Lanlan said so, he didn’t want to argue with a girl and gave her the pheasant.

 

The incident passed just like that.

 

Until one day, while hunting on the mountain, he saw a man in green standing in a corner, pale and beautiful to the point of enchantment, curled up in the thorns halfway up the mountain. The man’s fragile expression was pitiful, like a spirit designed to captivate souls.

 

When the wind blew, the green figure flickered in and out of sight.

 

Haowei suddenly realized the green-robed man was not an ordinary person but a mountain spirit.

 

He recalled the ancient texts about spirits that seduce people, feeding on their essence to cultivate. He dared not look at the spirit again and hurried away.

 

The next day, however, he saw the same green figure in the same spot.

 

The man’s expression was blank, his eyes unfocused, his face even paler than before, seemingly unaware of everything around him.

 

How could there be such a stupid spirit? One that couldn’t even charm people.

 

Could it be a newcomer?

 

Haowei thought this to himself and hurried up the mountain.

 

Yet, while hunting, he couldn’t help but think of that green figure. He suspected the spirit had cast a spell on him.

 

So, on his way down the mountain, Haowei, with a stern face, coldly told the lingering spirit, “This mountain path is almost only used by me. You won’t deceive anyone by staying here.”

 

The spirit said nothing, still standing there woodenly.

 

Haowei frowned at him, and then the spirit’s eyes suddenly moved, looking at him.

 

His heart skipped a beat, and meeting those dark eyes, his heart raced.

 

He thought he was under a spell and hurriedly turned away, rushing down the mountain.

 

Don’t make eye contact with a spirit.

 

Especially not with such a dumb one.

 

He tried to convince himself of this, and as he passed the village entrance, he ran into a man dressed like a physician talking to Lanlan.

 

“I don’t think that young man is ill. He seems to have a soul separation disorder. He must have an injured soul, missing a piece of his essence.”

 

“Doctor, what should be done?”

 

“I’m afraid you’ll need to find a Taoist priest to help call back his soul.”

 

“Thank you, doctor,” Lanlan said.

---

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 38

 

“……” Si Lan.

 

Haowei’s lips twitched, as if suppressing a laugh, and he sat up, supporting himself with his hands on the bed. Si Lan stumbled and fell between Haowei’s legs, quickly flapping his wings to steady himself.

 

“Cluck cluck……”

 

“……” Si Lan.

 

To everyone’s surprise, he made clucking sounds as he spoke, startling himself and quickly covering his mouth with his wings.

 

Seeing this, Haowei’s smile deepened. He lifted Si Lan from the bed, lowered his eyelids, and asked softly, “Awake? Any unusual symptoms?”

 

Si Lan suppressed the urge to cluck, coughed lightly, and replied, “I’m fine.” Perhaps due to transforming into his original form, his voice had become somewhat childish, with a hint of softness.

 

Haowei extended his hand to check Si Lan’s spiritual state, “Rest well for half a month, and you’ll recover.”

 

“Mm.” It seemed he would have to find an excuse to seclude himself for cultivation again.

 

“How about Song?” Haowei inquired.

 

“You still care about him,” Haowei raised an eyebrow at Si Lan’s response.

 

Si Lan, oblivious to any oddity, continued, “After all, I used so much blood to save him, I certainly have to care.”

 

With that, Si Lan jumped off the bed. However, due to not transforming into his original form for many years, he misjudged the distance and crashed into the ground, nearly breaking his neck. The pain made him cluck involuntarily.

 

Haowei reached out and lifted him up, his eyes cold, “Can’t you use your wings?”

 

“Been too long.” Si Lan said awkwardly.

 

Perhaps years of hiding his true form had instinctively deterred him from living as his true self. Even when alone, he rarely revealed his true form, let alone use his wings to fly.

 

Haowei carried Si Lan to two clusters of wisteria. The thick, intertwining roots and overlapping branches made them inseparable, like twins nurturing each other from root to leaf, from birth to death.

 

“Your Majesty…”

 

Seeing Haowei carrying Si Lan, Song Cheng shook the wisteria vines, and a branch extended towards Si Lan.

 

Si Lan rubbed against him with his wings. Song Cheng seemed a bit shy, his branches and leaves trembling slightly. In the next moment, Song Cheng became angry, rolling his branches and leaves to envelop Song Cheng entirely. Whatever Song Cheng wanted to say was silenced.

 

In mid-air, one wisteria vine tightly entwined with another, accompanied by faint “umm” sounds.

 

“……” Si Lan.

 

It seemed this life-and-death experience had significantly deepened the bond between these brothers.

 

Suddenly, Si Lan’s vision went black as someone covered his eyes, a faint fragrance wafting around his nose. He was lifted, and Haowei’s emotionless voice sounded near his ear, “No peeking.”

 

“……” Si Lan.

 

Why did this scene feel so familiar?

 

He used his wings to push Haowei’s hand away and met Haowei’s ink-black eyes, feeling a slight pause in his heart.

 

This proximity was too close, with Haowei’s breath almost touching his forehead and gently trailing down his nose. The warm breath felt like gentle hands stroking his feathers.

 

Feeling uncomfortable, he jumped out of Haowei’s arms, flapping his wings to fly, and this time, he didn’t fall down!

 

He couldn’t help but cluck with laughter.

 

Some things, though seemingly useless, still had their uses.

 

Haowei looked at the “wild chicken” before him, excited because he managed to fly, with a hint of helplessness in his eyes. Was this Demon Sovereign also getting dumber because his original form weakened?

 

Acting like a child, silly and naive.

 

Si Lan flapped his wings, circling around Haowei, as if showing off that he could fly. But his body wasn’t fully healed yet, and just as he was enjoying himself, suddenly the world spun around him, a sense of weightlessness surged up, and he fell unexpectedly.

 

Haowei’s hand swiftly caught his spine, as if holding a chick, and placed him back on the bed.

 

With his wings folded across his chest and his breath weak, Si Lan felt dizzy, his head spinning as if the bed was rotating, making him uncomfortable.

 

Looking down at him, Haowei’s voice was cool, “If you’re weak, don’t fly recklessly.”

 

Si Lan tried to roll his eyes at Haowei, correcting him, “I’m not weak, just a bit dizzy.”

 

Men can be ugly, they can be defeated, but they cannot be weak.

 

Haowei’s lips curled slightly, saying nothing, and then transferred some spiritual power to Si Lan.

 

Si Lan immediately felt a warm current spreading from his brow, enveloping his body and even every feather, making him extremely comfortable.

 

He couldn’t help but close his eyes and hummed softly, “Thank you.”

 

If he remembered correctly, Haowei had also infused him with spiritual power last night.

 

Although this little white dragon was proud and fierce, his nature was not bad. He truly was his destined husband…

 

Thinking of this, unbidden, Lan Lan’s words echoed in his mind.

 

“He’s quite good-looking, but he’s not a local. I heard he stayed briefly in the village for refuge or something. His name is… Chong… Chong Ying, that should be his name.”

 

Chong Ying… Was it him?

 

Si Lan had intended to quietly investigate and then ask Haowei about it, but his cultivation loss now hindered his investigation. Yet he couldn’t bear it in his heart and asked, “Haowei, have you ever stayed in the human realm?”

 

“Why do you ask?” Haowei looked at the huddled brown-feathered Si Lan on the bed and asked in return.

 

“Oh, it’s just that yesterday, Lan Lan told me that years ago, someone named Chong Ying saved me. I was thinking, could it be you…”

 

Haowei’s eyes flickered, remembering something, and his facial expression slowly tensed. “Did she say anything else?”

 

“No, just that the person’s name was Chong Ying, which sounds similar to your name.”

 

After Si Lan finished speaking, there was a long silence from Haowei. Si Lan raised his head to look at Haowei, noticing his contemplative expression.

 

“Do you think… we might have known each other before…” Si Lan added.

 

Haowei lowered his gaze and met Si Lan’s eyes slowly. “I did indeed undergo the human realm’s tribulations, from the eighth to the thirtieth year of Yu Dynasty.”

 

Si Lan covered his mouth with his two wings in astonishment. “I fell into the human realm in the twenty-fifth year of Yu Dynasty.”

 

“…”

 

After their conversation, both fell briefly into silence.

 

“Do you remember picking up a wild chicken from the lake back then, oh no, Yujia?” Haowei shook his head, not having those memories of the human world.

 

“I don’t remember. Did you see me back then?”

 

“I didn’t see you. I was unconscious at the time, and when I woke up, I was on Lan Lan’s chopping board at home.”

 

“…” Haowei.

 

It seemed like their entanglement was only this much, but Haowei always felt it wasn’t that simple.

 

The first time he suspected there was a connection between him and Si Lan was in the Jiyin Gossip Array. The destroyed wooden puppet in the illusion phase looked like Si Lan upon closer inspection, although his identity was unclear. Haowei didn’t tell Si Lan about this.

 

Furthermore, during their last intrusion into the scripture repository, Taixu Shenzun said a lot of strange things. It seemed like Taixu Shenzun had known Si Lan long ago, rather than mistaking him for someone else.

 

Perhaps the tribulation experiences recorded in the Purple Wei Jade Disk had quietly changed at some point.

 

“Your Majesty.” Qu Ze’s voice suddenly came from outside, interrupting the thoughts of the two in the room, “Peak Lord Li Qing of Xianya Peak is here to seek an audience.”

 

Li Qing, like the Lord of Lu, was dissatisfied with Haowei’s position as the Demon Sovereign and had assisted behind the scenes in the previous trouble caused by the Lord of Lu.

 

Si Lan glanced at his current appearance. “What is he doing here?”

 

“Your Majesty, he has come to apologize on behalf of the Lord of Lu and insists on seeing you, or he won’t leave.”

 

Si Lan covered his face with his wings and sighed helplessly.

 

The Peak Lords left by Chu Shanjun always came to stir up trouble from time to time. This “apology” must be some new trick.

 

Now that he had turned into a “wild chicken” and couldn’t maintain his human form, meeting with the other party would inevitably reveal his identity.

 

Just as he was worried, Haowei cast a phantom form technique, creating an invisible barrier around him.

 

Inside the barrier, he still looked like a wild chicken, but from outside the barrier, others would see his human form.

 

Si Lan was immediately delighted. “Thank you, Haowei.”

 

Haowei’s cultivation was higher than Li Qing’s, so he doubted Li Qing could see through it.

 

Haowei responded with a faint “Mm” upon hearing the thanks.

 

Always attracting trouble and always being troubled by trouble, such was the life of this Demon Sovereign.

 

He wondered what kind of unfortunate fate awaited him in the Purple Wei Jade Disk.

 

　　Zhu Ri Pavilion.

 

　　Si Lan sat askew on the high seat, one wing propping his head while the other gently fanned the air.

 

　　Li Qing entered and bowed respectfully, “Greetings, Your Majesty.”

 

　　”Li Qing, what brings you to me?” Si Lan shifted to lie in another direction, head resting against the chair back. His wings fluttered lazily, his expression one of contentment.

 

　　But to Li Qing, this sight seemed peculiar. He couldn’t understand why Si Lan kept shaking his fair hands intermittently.

 

　　Fanning himself?

 

　　Li Qing’s lips twitched slightly, forcing composure. “Your Majesty, after Brother Lu’s reckless actions last time, causing you trouble, I’ve been feeling remorseful. And Brother Lu himself wishes to apologize. Therefore, I’ve brought eight handsome men to present to you.”

 

　　Si Lan’s wings paused, curiosity written across his face. “Eight… handsome men?”

 

　　Beside him, Hao Wei lowered his head, casting a faint glance at Si Lan.

 

　　”Yes.” Li Qing clapped his hands, signaling the entrance of the handsome men waiting outside the hall.

 

　　Eight elaborately dressed men entered in single file, each originally a peac0ck spirit. Tall and slender, they exuded an air of aloof elegance, yet their eyes and expressions carried a seductive charm, a mix of reluctance and willingness.

 

　　As they entered the hall, Si Lan felt the room brighten.

 

　　Their beauty was breathtaking, each one a masterpiece.

 

　　”Your Majesty, what do you think?” Li Qing smiled knowingly, aware of Si Lan’s fondness for “beautiful acquisitions,” and thus had sent these handsome men.

 

　　In truth, these men were Li Qing’s operatives.

 

　　As long as they stayed, they would eventually uncover Si Lan’s vulnerabilities.

 

　　Si Lan’s gaze swept over each of the men. He had to admit, Li Qing had chosen well. These men were fair and delicate, yet carried themselves with dignity and allure, igniting a desire to conquer in one’s heart.

 

　　However, Si Lan had no intention of taking them in just yet.

 

　　”Li Qing, I appreciate your kindness, but I plan to seclude myself for cultivation soon. I fear these beauties may feel neglected. Please, take them back with you.”

 

“Your Excellency, you needn’t worry about this. They already admire you and are content as long as they can stay at Zhuyun Peak. As for whether you’ll favor them or not, that depends entirely on you. If you like them, you can seek them out. If not, just treat them as little birds you’ve taken in.”

 

Si Lan realized that today’s “blessing” was unavoidable. Hesitating, he said, “But I don’t keep idle people at Zhuyun Peak. I’ll arrange some tasks for them; I’m not sure if they’re willing.”

 

“They’re naturally willing.” Li Qing responded with a smile, not hesitating to agree on their behalf.

 

As long as they could work, they would inevitably come into contact with Si Lan’s secrets.

 

“In that case, I’ll accept your kind offer,” Si Lan said with a grin.

 

Upon hearing this, Li Qing quickly bowed and took his leave. “Your Excellency, I’ll not disturb you any longer. These eight beauties will stay here to await your orders.”

 

“Alright.”

 

After finishing his words, Li Qing left the hall with a smile, unable to hide the scheming look in his eyes.

 

It seemed that Si Lan wasn’t very smart after all, easily swayed by beauty.

 

If he’d known this earlier, there was no need to seek out a divine phoenix last time. A handsome man would have sufficed.

 

Si Lan looked at the group of beautiful men in the hall, then turned to Haowei. Haowei’s expression was unreadable, his eyes deep and revealing nothing.

 

Si Lan then looked at Qu Ze. “Qu Ze, does the Nanfeng Pavilion need more people recently?”

 

Qu Ze was startled and hesitated. “I… I believe it does.”

 

“Good. Then take these eight men and have them work there. They can also contribute to the economy of the Demon Realm.”

 

Qu Ze was confused, not understanding what economy meant, but he comprehended the first part of the instruction and quickly withdrew to carry it out.

 

After everyone had left, Haowei asked, his mouth taut, “What kind of place is the Nanfeng Pavilion?”

 

“It’s a place for performing arts,” Si Lan replied carefully.

 

In the Demon Realm, customs were liberal, and indulgence in pleasure was common. Relationships between men were not unusual, and thus, establishments like the Nanfeng Pavilion, which catered to men, were widespread.

 

Haowei paused, and upon realizing the connotation of the pavilion’s name, his expression became strange.

 

The debauched Demon Realm truly had everything.

 

It seemed that the Demon Lord was quite familiar with these things.

 

Haowei’s gaze turned cold as it fell on Si Lan’s face. Si Lan, sensing his stare, instinctively said, “I’ve never been there.”

 

“Oh.”

 

The atmosphere suddenly grew silent, and neither knew what to say.

 

Si Lan thought about how, under normal circumstances, one man in the Nanfeng Pavilion could earn two thousand pills and ten thousand magic crystals a year. So, eight men would bring in sixteen thousand pills and eighty thousand magic crystals, a considerable income.

 

Li Qing’s unintentional act had turned out to be a good deed.

 

Haowei, on the other hand, was pondering why Si Lan felt the need to explain himself without being asked.

 

Si Lan always seemed eager to explain himself. Why so many explanations?

 

Did Si Lan really see him as his destined one?

 

How amusing.

 

Aside from descending to the mortal world and enduring deliberate hardships, no one had ever dared to predict his fate. That fortune teller must have been talking nonsense, deceiving Si Lan.

 

Si Lan intended to flap his wings and take off, but after just a few flaps, he suddenly felt dizzy and started to fall. Fortunately, Haowei caught him by the wings and lifted him up.

 

He panted lightly, his little claws tucking in due to nervousness.

 

“Your body is still weak. Don’t run around,” Haowei admonished.

 

Si Lan’s face darkened, but with his face covered in feathers, it was hard to tell. He pecked Haowei’s hand with his beak, expressing his dissatisfaction.

 

“I’m weak, not fragile.”

 

Haowei, indifferent, carried Si Lan like a chick, taking him back.

 

Si Lan felt Haowei was too rough. He used to cradle the little white dragon gently, but now Haowei was carrying him by his wings as if he were a chicken.

 

However, Si Lan was indeed very weak at the moment, his head heavy and muddled. He didn’t have the energy to complain. Once Haowei brought him back to his room, he collapsed weakly onto the bed.

 

Haowei glanced at him, closed the door, and left.

 

Si Lan’s injuries hadn’t fully healed, but his life was no longer in danger. There was no reason for him to stay in the Demon Realm any longer.

 

Moreover, he wanted to return to the Heavenly Realm to investigate the unresolved issues between them and the unanswered riddle from the Buddhist scripture at Dayong Mountain.

 

Xie Li descended on a cloud of seven colors, arriving at the palace door just as Haowei was coming out.

 

Xie Li, wringing his little hands, glanced furtively at the closed door and asked Haowei, “Is the Exalted One awake?”

 

“He just fell asleep,” Haowei replied, looking down at the little child. “Why are you looking for him?”

 

“Um, the Exalted One owes me candy. Yesterday he didn’t give me any. Four pieces a day, so now he owes me eight pieces,” Xie Li mumbled.

 

Haowei suddenly recalled what Si Lan had told him through the spell.

 

“Candy shouldn’t be eaten in excess; it causes tooth decay. But I can give you three pieces a day.”

 

“I only give Xie Li two pieces a day; you get one more than him.”

 

It turned out Si Lan was actually giving Xie Li four pieces a day, not two.

 

Xie Li was getting more candy than him!

 

Haowei’s expression darkened immediately.

 

This smooth-talking Demon Lord… he had been deceiving him all along!

 

What else was he hiding?

 

With this thought, Haowei conjured the two colorful tail feathers and asked Xie Li, “Do you have these?”

 

“This…” Little Xie Li stood on tiptoe, squinting at the feathers. “I don’t have them.”

 

Haowei’s face relaxed slightly as he put the feathers away.

 

At least there was something others didn’t have.

 

Haowei said nothing more and transformed into a white cloud, disappearing into the distant sky.

 

Little Xie Li scratched his head, watching Haowei’s departure. “Why did the Exalted One give him the locator? And two at that,” he muttered.

 

After grumbling, he plopped down on the steps, planning to wait for the Exalted One to wake up. But he waited until evening, and the Exalted One still hadn’t woken up.

 

Qu Ze returned, riding on clouds, holding a jug of celestial nectar. He saw Xie Li dozing off on the steps, a smile appearing on his lips. He handed Xie Li some sweet fruit he had picked from the mountain.

 

This fruit was juicier than regular fruits and sweeter than candy, with a crisp texture. All the little ones in the Demon Realm loved it.

 

“Thank you, senior brother,” Xie Li mumbled through a mouthful of fruit.

 

Qu Ze patted his head. “Don’t bother the Exalted One about the candy. He needs to rest well.”

 

“Okay,” Xie Li nodded obediently, biting into the fruit. “Is the Exalted One alright?”

 

“He’s fine.”

 

“And what about the Right Protector?”

 

“He’s fine too.”

 

Qu Ze looked up at the two intertwined wisterias in the distance, a rare hint of embarrassment on his usually stoic face. Though he knew wisterias grew together, seeing the two of them entangled day and night still surprised him.

 

Last night, worried about the Exalted One’s illness, he couldn’t sleep and paced outside the hall. He saw one of the wisterias fondling the other, causing its leaves to shake uncontrollably.

 

Such a sight was truly improper.

 

There was no need to guess; he knew the improper wisteria was Song Ye.

 

At this moment, Song Ye, unaware of being disliked, was immersed in his intimate interaction with Song Cheng, relishing his brother’s presence and warmth. He even thought this life-and-death tribulation was worth it.

 

He hadn’t dared to tell Song Cheng that he had hidden his injury, thinking it would be better to die and be remembered forever by his brother than to face his cold indifference daily.

 

He extended a tendril to gently cradle the wisteria flower’s top, as if holding a lover’s face, gently caressing it.

 

Song Cheng’s voice turned hoarse with irritation. “Song Ye, what are you doing?”

 

“Brother, are you about to bloom?”

 

Wisterias, regardless of gender, all bloomed.

 

“Song Ye, take your hand off.”

 

Song Cheng extended a tendril to push Song Ye away. Just as he was about to, Song Ye let out a pained cry.

 

“Ouch, my leg hurts…”

 

Song Cheng immediately withdrew his tendril, knowing Song Ye might be faking, but he couldn’t take the risk.

 

“You’re so kind, brother.”

 

“I’m not your brother,” Song Cheng retorted, a bit petulantly.

 

By human standards, they were merely companions, climbing the same trellis, their bodies entwined, but they weren’t truly brothers.

 

“Alright, you’re so fierce.”

 

“I see your energy seems to have recovered well. I don’t need to stay with you.”

 

“Brother, my leg really hurts.”

 

Song Cheng’s heart softened again. He extended a tendril to gently wrap around Song Ye’s main stem. Song Ye seemed very happy, his leaves rustling in the night breeze.

 

Song Cheng ignored him but subtly adjusted his branches to allow Song Ye better access to the moonlight.

 

As night deepened, Song Cheng grew tired. As he drifted off, he heard Song Ye’s voice again.

 

“Brother, you once said you’d listen to everything I said.”

 

Song Ye had repeated this sentence at least dozens of times today in Song Cheng’s ear, to the point where his ears felt numb.

 

“Brother, I want to know, why did you start hating me later? Did I do something wrong?”

 

Song Cheng’s drowsiness vanished instantly, feeling the cool moonlight seep into his leaves, wrapping around his body. He remained silent, but his leaves drooped.

 

Song Ye’s breathing seemed to halt, not daring to move, waiting quietly for his response.

 

Just as Song Ye thought it would be like before, with Song Cheng remaining silent, Song Cheng’s clear voice came through the leaves.

 

“It’s not that I hate you; you disgust me.”

 

“How could that be?” Song Ye quickly denied.

 

“Song Ye, you once said disgusting things to me.”

 

Song Ye fell into deep thought upon hearing this. Had he ever called Song Cheng disgusting?

 

All he remembered was that Song Cheng had taken his chance to cultivate and spent every day with Lord Chushan, which had made him furious.

 

Everyone on Mount Qi thought he was angry because Lord Chushan preferred his brother, but in reality, he was upset that his brother no longer saw him, caring more about Lord Chushan and cultivation.

 

At that time, he might have said harsh words to his brother, but he never truly believed his brother was disgusting.

 

“Brother, could there be a misunderstanding? I never thought you were disgusting…”

 

Song Cheng’s leaves suddenly rustled, as if losing control, his voice trembling.

 

“Actually, you were right. I am disgusting. I took your chance to cultivate, and during closed-door cultivation with Lord Chushan in the cave, I thought I could become stronger. But I never expected Lord Chushan to use me as a cauldron.”

 

That unbearable period, which Song Cheng had deliberately avoided recalling, now surfaced, bringing back the realization that he had never truly faced that humiliating experience.

 

Locked in the secret chamber by Lord Chushan, he endured endless torment without dignity, unable to tell Song Ye. He had to pretend to be happy about his cultivation every time they met.

 

Even when faced with Song Ye’s cold mockery, he couldn’t reveal anything. But one time, Song Ye had followed him into the secret chamber. By the time he noticed, Song Ye had already fled in panic.

 

He wanted to chase after Song Ye, but Lord Chushan restrained him. When he finally found Song Ye, covered in wounds, and reached out to him, Song Ye pushed him away, calling him disgusting.

 

It felt like falling into an ice cave, freezing his heart. Just as Song Ye said, he truly was disgusting.

 

He didn’t deserve to be with Song Ye anymore.

 

From that moment, he distanced himself from Song Ye.

 

It wasn’t until Si Lan defeated Lord Chushan and rescued him from the secret chamber that he found solace. Si Lan was the only one who, after seeing him in that filthy place, covered him with his own clothes, preserving his last shred of dignity.

 

Moreover, Si Lan had never looked at him with disdain nor spoken about his ordeal to anyone else.

 

This was why he admired Si Lan so much.

 

Song Ye was stunned by Song Cheng’s words, momentarily speechless. He had never imagined Song Cheng had gone through such an ordeal. Back then, consumed by jealousy, he had followed Song Cheng into the secret chamber.

 

He vaguely heard voices from inside, unable to distinguish them clearly. He wanted to get closer to see but was discovered by Lord Chushan, forcing him to flee in fright.

 

If only he had dared to look inside then, perhaps his brother wouldn’t have suffered so much.

 

“Brother, even now, you’re still lying to me. Back then, Lord Chushan intended to use both of us as cauldrons, didn’t he? You knew it all along, so you did everything to protect me, making Lord Chushan target only you…”

 

Song Ye couldn’t continue.

---

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 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~

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!

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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

 

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

 

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?

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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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