Category: Most Eligible Widow-Bachelor in the Six Realms (Page 7 of 10)

Chapter 34

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Si Lan couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.

 

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

 

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

 

“Yes, at least he had his doubts.”

 

“Then why didn’t Tao Yuan…”

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

…

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

“Mm.”

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

“Tao Yuan…”

 

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

 

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

 

Tao Yuan’s nearly unconscious obsession finally regained awareness.

 

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

 

“Tao Yuan, I’m actually not…”

 

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

 

“Pei Yu.”

 

“Pei Yu…”

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Without him, there would still be other hosts.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Thinking this, Si Lan glanced at Haowei beside him.

 

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

 

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

 

“…,” Haowei replied.

 

This meant returning to his old home.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

—

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

“Little Crown Prince? Little Crown Prince?”

 

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

 

“What’s happening?”

 

“Could someone have broken in?”

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

“Greetings, Lord Taiwu.”

 

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

 

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

 

Though elderly, his cultivation was formidable.

 

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

 

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

 

“What is Taiwei compiling…”

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

“Greetings, Crown Prince.”

 

“Is anyone inside the attic?”

 

“Lord Taiwu.”

 

“Oh.” A soft voice echoed from outside.

 

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

 

“Why has the Crown Prince come?”

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Haowei didn’t reply to him.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

A smile crept onto Si Lan’s face involuntarily.

 

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

 

“Your Majesty…”

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

“…” Si Lan.

 

“…” Haowei.

 

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

 

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

 

“Your Majesty…”

 

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

 

“…” Haowei.

 

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

 

“…” Haowei.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

And both of them often wore green clothes.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

Your Majesty…

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

The hasty Demon Lord.

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

How could this happen?

 

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

 

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

 

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

 

“Whoever obstructs me shall die.”

---

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

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 33

 

Si Lan, seeing the situation, immediately closed his eyes and reminded, “Your veil is torn.”

 

Haowei paused, freed a hand, and hastily tied the torn veil together.

 

After ensuring that Haowei had secured his hat, Si Lan opened his eyes and looked at the insect master wrapped up nearby. The insect master was still trying to escape, but clumsily darted around like a headless fly, trapped within the fabric.

 

“Are you okay?” Si Lan asked Haowei.

 

Haowei’s aura turned cold. Si Lan made sure the insect master was fine before asking him. So, he was less important than an insect.

 

“I’m fine,” Haowei muttered sullenly.

 

“Good. If you’re fine, let’s hurry back to the village.” Si Lan dusted off his clothes and started walking down the mountain.

 

Haowei looked at the back of Si Lan’s neck, his expression complicated. He was indeed kind-hearted. Unlike other demon lords who sought to destroy and slaughter, Si Lan tried every possible way to save the common people, as if he were the ruler of the Six Realms. Moreover, why wasn’t he curious about his appearance at all? Thinking of this, Haowei’s face tensed. Perhaps Si Lan didn’t care about him, which is why he paid no mind to what he looked like.

 

For some reason, Haowei felt even worse. Clearly, Si Lan hadn’t seen his face, and he should have been happy about it.

 

Sensing the insect master was in danger, the parasitic insect eggs within several villagers’ bodies began to stir, causing the villagers to convulse and foam at the mouth.

 

Haowei slowly squeezed the insect master, eliciting a heart-wrenching scream, sounding childlike but with a sharper edge.

 

Soon, the parasitic insect egg hosts rushed towards the insect master. Not only them, but also the insects on the mountain swarmed over.

 

Several sharp-eyed villagers, seeing this scene, were terrified.

 

“Oh my… what’s that on the mountain? A bunch of mushrooms?”

 

“No, it’s not mushrooms. It’s petals… no, wait, it’s monsters…”

 

Haowei asked Si Lan, “Have the mother insects inside them come out?”

 

“They have!” Si Lan saw more and more insects gathering, “Give me the insect master, and I’ll lead them away.” They couldn’t let these insects get close to the villagers, or they would parasitize them again.

 

Haowei glanced at Si Lan. “No need. Just stay here and guard.”

 

As soon as he finished speaking, Haowei took the insect master and walked towards the valley. The insects, sensing the change in position, crawled towards the valley.

 

Haowei stood on a high ground and threw the insect master into the valley. The insects swarmed towards the insect master, crowding around it.

 

A dense mass of white spread across the valley, like flowers covering the area—beautiful yet sinister.

 

Haowei found flint and set a fire. Soon, the insects in the valley were engulfed in flames, the air filled with a burnt smell.

 

When Si Lan arrived, he saw the valley ablaze and heard the heart-wrenching screams from within the fire. It reminded him of the great fire in the Holy Realm’s Insect Valley, making him close his eyes.

 

Haowei approached Si Lan. “If we don’t eliminate them completely, they’ll parasitize the villagers again.”

 

“Yes.” Si Lan seemed to imply something deeper, “The human world, the demon world, are all managed by the celestial realm. Who lives and who dies is already predestined.”

 

Haowei felt there was more to his words, but before he could scrutinize him, Si Lan turned and casually said, “We’ve resolved the insect problem. We are now benefactors of Tao Yuan. This gives us an excuse to stay close to Tao Yuan, understand his concerns, and conveniently head to Li Du. Isn’t that perfect?”

 

Haowei merely hummed in response.

 

Back in the village, the villagers parasitized by the insects had woken up, no longer in danger, but they still couldn’t move or speak. Their sores needed medicine to heal.

 

Si Lan went to gather herbs and ground them with a wooden pestle, planning to give each patient a jar to apply. Watching the herbs, Haowei remarked, “So, you really know about medicine.”

 

“Yes, when I finished reading novels, I had nothing else to do but study medicine.” Si Lan said while pounding the herbs, “That’s why in the demon world… cough, cough, in our village, many patients came to me for treatment.”

 

Haowei lowered his veil, seemingly stifling a laugh.

 

At this moment, the red barrier in front of them flickered. The barrier had been nearly invisible for a while, but now it suddenly reappeared!

 

Si Lan was both surprised and delighted, looking at Haowei, “Is the formation about to be repaired?”

 

“It seems so.”

 

Once the barrier was fully restored, they would be isolated from this world. Thinking of this, Si Lan wanted to say goodbye to Tao Yuan in person. But just as he reached the door, he saw the barrier closing from top to bottom.

 

Si Lan hurriedly picked up the pestle, dipping it in the medicinal juice, and wrote on the wall: Urgent matter, we must leave first.

 

Before he could finish writing “leave,” the barrier fully restored. In that instant, a surge of energy flowed into their spiritual void, healing all their wounds and making them feel rejuvenated.

 

Si Lan couldn’t help but take a deep breath, thinking that he must treat the Song brothers to some chicken legs when they returned.

 

In the Pei Mansion, a quarter of an hour earlier.

 

After the dense swarm of red insects broke through the barrier, “Pei Jia” directly slashed at the red gear-shaped formation on the ground. The ground instantly cracked open, and the formation wavered.

 

“Pei Jia” raised the sword again to strike the formation, but Song Cheng swung his sword from behind, attacking “Pei Jia.” “Pei Jia” didn’t move, the black aura around him automatically forming a shield to block Song Cheng’s attack.

 

“Pei Jia” twirled the sword swiftly, producing a flurry of black demonic energy from the sword’s arc, which crawled over the formation like mice, trying to erase it.

 

In the next moment, Song Ye dispersed the “mice” with a single strike. With all his strength, he moved so quickly that “Pei Jia” almost couldn’t react before he was behind “Pei Jia,” directly placing a demon-breaking charm on the back of his head.

 

The demonic energy within “Pei Jia” went berserk, like a trapped beast, causing Pei Jia’s limbs to contort violently.

 

Taking advantage of this, Song Cheng and Song Ye pulled out demon-binding ropes, tying “Pei Jia” to a pillar.

 

Perhaps the demon-breaking charm had taken effect, as the demonic energy within Pei Jia gradually subsided. Pei Jia stopped struggling, lowered his head, and quietly leaned against the pillar.

 

Song Ye let out a small sigh of relief, turning around to see Song Cheng already sitting cross-legged on the ground, casting a spell to repair the formation.

 

“Brother, how is the formation?”

 

“One section is disrupted. We need to work together to restore it.”

 

“Alright.”

 

Just as Song Ye sat down, he suddenly felt a surge of intense demonic energy sweeping towards Song Cheng, who was still focused on his spell!

 

Song Ye quickly swung his sword at the demonic energy, but it split into two, bypassing his sword energy and heading towards his brother.

 

He couldn’t think of anything else, his mind consumed by one thought: his brother mustn’t be harmed.

 

In an instant, he flashed to Song Cheng’s side, rapidly weaving a barrier and directing the two streams of demonic energy into the air.

 

Somehow, the demon-breaking charm on “Pei Jia” had torn, and his body once again emitted a continuous stream of demonic energy. Fortunately, the demon-binding rope still held, limiting his attacks.

 

The two streams of demonic energy attacked Song Ye simultaneously. He dodged and was about to strike at Pei Jia but held back.

 

His master had taught him not to harm mortals.

 

This battle could only be defensive, not offensive.

 

Song Ye flashed behind “Pei Jia,” intending to place another demon-breaking charm on him. However, “Pei Jia” suddenly twisted around, extending his hand, with fingers transforming into sharp blades, stabbing directly into Song Ye’s abdomen and gripping his demon core.

 

Song Ye’s eyes turned red with pain. He gritted his teeth, enduring the agony in silence, and swung his sword to cut off the demonic energy.

 

From a distance, Song Cheng’s voice called out, “Song Ye, are you alright?” He couldn’t see clearly, only that Song Ye was engulfed in demonic energy.

 

“I’m fine!”

 

Song Cheng wanted to get up and help, but Song Ye quickly said, “Brother, fix the formation first. I’ll handle this.”

 

Enduring the excruciating pain, Song Ye pulled out a demon-breaking charm and slapped it onto “Pei Jia,” finally subduing him.

 

He glanced at his abdominal wound, lifted his shirt to cover it, and sat cross-legged next to Song Cheng.

 

“Brother, let me help you.”

 

“Alright.” Song Cheng closed his eyes, not thinking too much about it.

 

—

 

Inside the barrier, Si Lan mused, “So, it turns out that last time at the Pei mansion, we didn’t impersonate the Tuoshan Twin Heroes; we actually are the Tuoshan Twin Heroes.”

 

Chongwei responded blandly with a “Hmm.”

 

All these events seemed to connect like jade beads in the palm of fate, appearing chaotic but in fact meticulously arranged.

 

The only painful thing was that, despite knowing the outcome, they still had to relive the tragic process.

 

In the illusion, Tao Yuan, knowing that Si Lan and Chongwei were busy preparing medicine, made some pastries for them. When he went to find them, he saw that they had left without saying goodbye.

 

On the wall was a line of elegant characters: Urgent matter, we must leave first.

 

Tao Yuan couldn’t help but frown and asked Pei Jia, who was beside him, “Did the divine doctors leave so hastily because of some urgent matter?”

 

Pei Jia, expressionless, asked, “You seem very concerned about them.”

 

“Of course, they are Xiao Qi’s saviors and also the village’s benefactors.” Tao Yuan, not realizing Pei Jia’s jealousy, continued talking, “That divine doctor with the veil, it’s hard to see anything. But the one in green, Doctor Si, he is truly a paragon of beauty, so refined and elegant. I’ve never seen anyone so good-looking.”

 

Pei Jia’s face fell. “No wonder you insisted on working with him earlier…”

 

“Huh?” Tao Yuan looked at Pei Jia in confusion, “That’s not the reason. I just wanted to save Xiao Qi quickly.”

 

Pei Jia sulked silently, picking up the pestle to continue grinding the unfinished herbs.

 

Watching Pei Jia’s profile, Tao Yuan vaguely felt he might be upset. He cautiously said, “I have no other thoughts about Doctor Si. You know I already have someone I like.”

 

Lowering his head, Tao Yuan shyly tugged at a corner of Pei Jia’s sleeve, hinting at something.

 

Pei Jia paused, looking at Tao Yuan’s fair forehead, and slowly said, “I understand.”

 

Si Lan hadn’t expected that Pei Jia would get jealous of him and Tao Yuan. No wonder when he treated Tao Yuan in the general’s residence, Pei Jia insisted on remote diagnosis.

 

Back then, he thought it was due to propriety between men. Now he realized Pei Jia’s jealousy hadn’t dissipated.

 

The two chatted a bit more. When some medicine splashed on Tao Yuan’s face, Pei Jia gently wiped it off. Their eyes met, and they couldn’t look away.

 

Pei Jia kissed Tao Yuan’s soft, vibrant lips, whispering his name.

 

“Tao Yuan.”

 

For some reason, this name felt deeply ingrained in his heart. Every time he said it, his heart raced.

 

Si Lan, out of habit, wanted to cover the eyes of the person next to him when he saw such a scene. But seeing that the man beside him was taller, he awkwardly rubbed his hands.

 

This time, it wasn’t the little white dragon following him but Chongwei.

 

“General…”

 

A deputy, finding the pharmacy, accidentally saw Pei Jia and Tao Yuan kissing and fled in shock.

 

Pei Jia and Tao Yuan quickly pulled apart, both breathing heavily and avoiding each other’s eyes.

 

Pei Jia lightly coughed, “They are soldiers, often reckless. Don’t mind them.”

 

“Mm.” Tao Yuan lightly bit his lower lip, a gentle smile on his face.

 

With the insect problem resolved, the Pei family army continued north, camping at the foot of a mountain after three days.

 

That night, Tao Yuan helped Pei Jia change clothes for bed.

 

Although their relationship had become closer in recent days, they maintained a respectful distance.

 

Tao Yuan slept on the bed while Pei Jia laid out a mat on the floor.

 

That night, Tao Yuan couldn’t sleep, tossing and turning. Pei Jia, also awake, heard him and asked, “Tao Yuan?”

 

“General, you’re still not asleep?”

 

“Hmm, thinking about returning to the capital. What about you?”

 

Tao Yuan murmured softly, “Just thinking randomly.”

 

Not hearing a response from Pei Jia, Tao Yuan thought he had fallen asleep. Just as he was about to turn over, he suddenly felt hands gently wrap around his waist.

 

He froze instantly, lying still, feeling the person behind him rest their chin on his shoulder.

 

“Tao Yuan…”

 

“Yes?”

 

“This pair of Double Moon Jade Pendants is a treasured heirloom of the Pei family, meant for the future Lady Pei. I’m giving it to you now.”

 

In the darkness, Pei Jia placed the jade pendant into Tao Yuan’s hand.

 

Tao Yuan buried his head under the blanket. “General, are you sure about this?”

 

“Don’t call me ‘General’. Call me Jinyu.” Jinyu was his courtesy name.

 

“Alright, Jinyu.”

 

Tao Yuan spoke softly, his voice faint yet clear to Pei Jia’s ears.

 

Pei Jia smiled and hugged him tighter.

 

Si Lan calculated the time; there were only ten days left until the anniversary of Tao Yuan’s death.

 

In other words, they had only ten days of peaceful time together before an eternal separation.

 

“Pei Jia and Tao Yuan seem very sweet. I wonder what Tao Yuan can’t let go of.”

 

“Let’s observe further.” Chongwei narrowed his eyes, a vague thought stirring in his mind, yet uncertain.

 

Si Lan gently gestured, and the scene in the illusion shifted to early morning.

 

Tao Yuan, half asleep, helped Pei Jia dress. When his hand touched Pei Jia’s leg, he was startled to find several prominent scars around Pei Jia’s knee joints.

 

Tao Yuan froze, and Pei Jia smiled as he explained, “My legs were not good when I was young. Doctors tried various methods to heal them, resulting in many scars.”

 

Tao Yuan looked up at Pei Jia, his eyes welling with tears.

 

Seeing this, Pei Jia quickly embraced Tao Yuan, comforting him, “It’s alright, I’m not in pain anymore, it’s all in the past.”

 

Tao Yuan said nothing, only clutching Pei Jia’s clothes tightly, his gaze fixed on the scars on Pei Jia’s legs.

 

Another night passed. Tao Yuan was stitching knee pads for Pei Jia. Although he hadn’t finished, his face was already weary. He resisted sleep, waiting for Pei Jia to return.

 

At this moment, Pei Jia was still discussing military matters with his subordinates.

 

Through the illusion, Si Lan saw several cloaked figures sneaking toward the camp. Remembering overhearing the officers’ conversation earlier, he realized Tao Yuan was in danger.

 

“Tao Yuan… Tao Yuan…” Si Lan’s voice couldn’t penetrate the barrier, his face filled with anxiety. “Tao Yuan is in trouble!”

 

“All of this has already happened.” Chongwei replied calmly. They couldn’t change the past; if they could, they wouldn’t be here now.

 

Meanwhile, Tao Yuan had already been drugged and stuffed into a sack, quietly carried out of the camp.

 

Halfway there, Tao Yuan seemed to awaken, struggling inside the sack. One of the cloaked figures hit the sack with a large fist, threatening harshly.

 

“You worthless thing. How dare you stay by the general’s side? If anyone finds out that the general marches with an entertainer, his reputation will be ruined forever!”

 

“Ugh… Ugh…”

 

Whether from pain or tears, Tao Yuan’s voice intermittently came from the sack.

 

The carriage stopped at the edge of a cliff. Several cloaked figures lifted the sack and threw Tao Yuan down.

 

Si Lan couldn’t bear to watch any longer and turned away.

 

Though Tao Yuan’s death was due to torture and suffocation, unrelated to the cliff fall, the height was such that even if he survived, Tao Yuan would likely suffer greatly.

 

In the illusion, when Pei Jia returned to the tent and didn’t find Tao Yuan, he assumed Tao Yuan had gone out. He sat down, picked up the knee pad Tao Yuan had made for him, and smiled involuntarily.

 

After waiting for a while without Tao Yuan’s return, Pei Jia realized something was wrong. He took a lantern and went out to look for Tao Yuan.

 

He searched near the camp for a long time, but didn’t find Tao Yuan. He instructed two lieutenants to lead soldiers to search the nearby hills.

 

Tao Yuan was usually obedient; if he felt bored inside the tent, he would at most stroll nearby and had never left the camp. Where could he have gone now?

 

The more Pei Jia thought, the more anxious he became, his fingers turning white as he tightly gripped the reins. He seemed unable to feel tiredness, calling Tao Yuan’s name repeatedly along the hillside until his throat was hoarse and his lips cracked.

 

The lieutenants felt for him, pulling him back to the camp, comforting him that Tao Yuan might return soon.

 

Until the first rays of sunlight rose from the east, and Tao Yuan still hadn’t returned.

 

Pei Jia felt immense regret. If he had known, he wouldn’t have stayed to drink with the lieutenants. Perhaps Tao Yuan wouldn’t have inexplicably disappeared…

 

After resting briefly in the tent, Pei Jia was about to go out to search for Tao Yuan again. The two lieutenants stopped him, urging him to prioritize the overall situation and wait in the camp to report to the capital soon.

 

The emperor already had grievances against the Pei family’s army; any further delay might anger him and bring disaster upon the Pei family’s army.

 

Throughout history, those who excelled often struggled to end well.

 

Just as Pei Jia and the lieutenants argued, a soldier rushed over in haste. “Lieutenant Xu… that person actually came back!”

 

As the soldier finished speaking, he noticed Pei Jia was there too and awkwardly closed his mouth, his expression odd.

 

Lieutenant Xu quickly winked at the soldier, but Pei Jia didn’t notice their exchange, rushing hurriedly toward the camp gate.

 

There, he saw Tao Yuan with disheveled hair, vacant eyes, clothes torn by branches, revealing bloody wounds.

 

His shoes were missing, barefoot as if a puppet, numbly walking toward the camp, leaving faint bloodstains along the way.

 

Seeing him like this, Pei Jia’s eyes instantly reddened. He rushed forward and hugged him, feeling the slight tremble in Tao Yuan’s arms, holding him even tighter.

 

“What’s going on?” Pei Jia asked each word deliberately, his voice holding restrained anger.

 

Behind him, the vice generals and soldiers paled at his words.

 

Tao Yuan’s eyes flickered, glancing past Pei Jia. The soldiers’ faces turned even paler.

 

“What happened exactly? Tell me, I’ll stand up for you,” Pei Jia said, lifting Tao Yuan and calling for a military doctor to tend to his wounds.

 

Tao Yuan remained silent for a while before shaking his head. “I… I accidentally fell off a cliff.”

 

“How could you be so careless?” Pei Jia carried Tao Yuan horizontally, summoning the doctor to treat his injuries.

 

Clearly shaken by the scare, Tao Yuan stayed in bed, refusing to come out.

 

The doctor examined him and prescribed medicine. Pei Jia personally brewed the medicine for Tao Yuan. However, instead of improving, Tao Yuan’s condition worsened. He became fearful, constantly scanning his surroundings. The slightest noise made him think someone was out to harm him.

 

Seeing Tao Yuan like this tore at Pei Jia’s heart. He stayed by Tao Yuan’s side all night, soothing him until he could finally drift off to sleep.

 

The Pei family’s army had planned to return to the capital within half a month for their report. But now, they had exceeded the deadline, and the Emperor had issued eight decrees urging Pei Jia to return promptly.

 

The Pei family had accumulated great merit over three generations, surpassing even the Emperor’s prestige among the people. Hence, the Emperor harbored some dissatisfaction towards Pei Jia, the sole male descendant of the Pei family.

 

These eight decrees were a test for Pei Jia. If he delayed further, he would face severe consequences.

 

Yet, Tao Yuan was now ill and couldn’t endure the strenuous journey back to the capital.

 

Pei Jia couldn’t bear to see Tao Yuan suffer like this. He decided to lead a select group of elite soldiers back to the capital to submit his report while Tao Yuan and the rest of the soldiers followed slowly behind.

 

On the day of departure, Tao Yuan still had a high fever. His cheeks were flushed red, and his eyes, misted with tears, evoked immense pity.

 

Pei Jia leaned close to Tao Yuan’s ear and whispered, “Tao Yuan, I will plead guilty to His Majesty when we reach the capital. After retiring from military service, let’s get married.”

 

Tao Yuan gripped the Double Moon Jade Pendant in his hand and nodded weakly.

 

Unbeknownst to Pei Jia, after his departure, two vice generals conspired with their subordinates to eliminate Tao Yuan.

 

“How could he survive such a deep cliff fall?”

 

“The military doctor said his pulse was almost nonexistent. Any normal person would have died.”

 

“He must be some kind of demon! I suspect he used sorcery to enchant the general.”

 

“We can’t let the general be misled by such a demon any longer!”

 

After their discussion, their eyes met with mutual determination.

 

In his semi-conscious state, Tao Yuan was grabbed and tied to a high platform under the scorching sun. He was like a withered flower, slowly being drained of life.

 

“Where did you come from, demon? Why did you fixate on our general?”

 

“I didn’t…”

 

“You won’t talk, huh? I have ways to make you talk!”

 

“I want… I want to see him…”

 

“The general has already left. You won’t see him! You better start talking!”

 

Tao Yuan couldn’t speak. Just as he closed his eyes, a sudden splash of cold water jolted him awake.

 

“Are you going to talk or not?”

 

“Talk or not?”

 

The voices of interrogation echoed relentlessly in Tao Yuan’s mind, pounding like a curse. His head throbbed with pain, nearly unbearable.

 

They hated him. He could always feel their hatred. But he wasn’t a demon, nor did he intend harm to Pei Jia.

 

He tried to explain, but they refused to believe him.

 

“The Emperor bestowed so many beautiful women upon the general in the past. Yet he never cared for any of them. Now, suddenly, the general loves you. You must have cast some enchantment on him!”

 

They kept Tao Yuan bound for two days, denying him food and sleep. Tao Yuan’s body quickly wasted away. His eyes sunken, his face devoid of its former radiance.

 

Unable to bear watching any longer, Sì Lán gently touched the Moonlight Grass. The scene shifted to several days later.

 

He overheard the vice generals and some soldiers talking. Though they didn’t outright state it, their intentions were clear. Whether Tao Yuan was truly a demon or not, he had to die now.

 

Because if Tao Yuan reported them to Pei Jia, they would be the ones facing death.

 

They had expected Tao Yuan to collapse sooner, but the frail Tao Yuan surprisingly held on for five days. Meanwhile, Pei Jia, who had been in the capital for his report, suddenly appeared back at the camp.

 

After meeting with the Emperor, Pei Jia wasted no time and rushed back for two days and nights, desperate to see Tao Yuan.

 

But what he saw when he burst into the camp was the small figure of Tao Yuan, tied up under the scorching sun, barely clinging to life.

 

Pei Jia dismounted, his legs weak, stumbling towards Tao Yuan. He reached out with trembling arms and gently caressed Tao Yuan’s face.

 

Tao Yuan was barely hanging on, waiting for Pei Jia’s return.

 

Tao Yuan slowly raised his head and smiled at Pei Jia. “General, I finally… waited for you…”

 

“Tao Yuan, what… what happened…”

 

“General, I composed a song… and haven’t had a chance to sing it for you.”

 

“Tao Yuan, don’t talk now. I’ll get you down from here.”

 

“That song is called ‘Play with General Pei’. Now I finally have the chance to sing it to you. Behind the vermilion gates and jade screens, General Pei leans and sips the wine. As for the pair of mandarin ducks in the play, their love and anger are cherished…”

 

Tao Yuan intermittently sang the song, his voice no longer as clear as before, but he kept singing until the end. “Cherishing happiness and worrying, only hoping to be with the gentleman soon.”

 

After finishing the song, Tao Yuan slumped in Pei Jia’s arms and slowly closed his eyes.

 

Pei Jia, however, seemed shocked. His eyes were bloodshot, tears welled up but didn’t fall. He choked out, “Tao Yuan… I didn’t know… you were waiting for… him…”

 

“Tao Yuan…” Suddenly, Pei Jia hugged Tao Yuan and laughed, tears more than smiles. “Tao Yuan, you fool. Do you know you’ve got the wrong person? The real Pei Jia died long ago, five years ago on the battlefield. I am Pei Jia’s elder brother. After his death, I led the Pei family army in his name.”

 

“So you’re the little singer Pei Jia always talked about, who loved making radish chicken soup. You’re the one he regretted not taking to the capital…”

 

“Tao Yuan, wake up… you fool…”

 

Pei Jia repeated Tao Yuan’s name over and over, but Tao Yuan seemed asleep, peacefully closing his eyes, without a trace of breath, quietly leaning against him.

 

Pei Jia keenly felt Tao Yuan’s warmth fading away, little by little.

---

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 32

 

Haowei did not turn around and said in a calm voice, “Please, officer, show some leniency.”

 

“Sure, sure, but you two better be careful not to offend our general’s eyes. Otherwise, you lovebirds will have to face the consequences.”

 

“Thank you, officer.” Haowei remained composed and showed no sign of panic.

 

Si Lan, however, felt his heart pounding like a drum, and at some point, his hands had quietly grabbed Haowei’s robe.

 

After Haowei put on his veil hat, he withdrew his hand, and Si Lan’s vision returned to normal. He propped himself up and looked at Haowei.

 

The moonlight was dim, and the shadows of the red hemp leaves fell on Haowei. Under the black veil hat, his face was unclear.

 

A cold voice came from beneath the veil hat.

 

“The situation came suddenly, and I had no choice. Please, don’t overthink it.”

 

After speaking, Haowei stood up and walked forward.

 

Si Lan was stunned for a moment, then also got up and left. Looking at Haowei’s somewhat stiff back, he couldn’t help but feel speechless.

 

Clearly, he was the one at a disadvantage, so why was Haowei acting as if he had taken advantage?

 

Si Lan couldn’t help but touch the corner of his mouth. Just then, Haowei turned around, seemingly wanting to say something, but when he saw Si Lan wiping his mouth, his expression instantly darkened.

 

This demon lord, was he savoring the memory?!

 

With a cold face, Haowei flicked his sleeve and strode away.

 

Si Lan felt Haowei’s aura inexplicably grow colder and followed behind him, puzzled.

 

Back at the old couple’s house, Haowei seemed to be deep in thought, his fingers tapping the armrest of the chair intermittently, looking like he didn’t want to be disturbed.

 

Si Lan broke the silence, “Do you want to wash up?”

 

The brim of Haowei’s veil hat moved slightly, and Si Lan instinctively added, “Don’t worry, I won’t look.” He knew Haowei was particular and wouldn’t remove his veil hat even to sleep, for fear of being seen.

 

He wasn’t the type to pry either.

 

A thousand years of being a demon lord had taught him many things: if someone wanted to tell him something, he would listen; if they didn’t, he wouldn’t ask.

 

After all, from a certain perspective, the more you knew, the more dangerous it was.

 

“No need,” Haowei said, then calmed his mind and remained motionless.

 

Si Lan, feeling awkward, said, “Then I’ll wash up.”

 

Si Lan carried a wooden basin and looked around. There was nowhere in the room to hide, and he was too embarrassed to ask Haowei not to look. So he awkwardly went to a corner, wet a towel with water, and began wiping his neck.

 

Haowei smelled that familiar sweet scent again and couldn’t help but look at Si Lan. The room was dimly lit, with only a kerosene lamp swaying gently in the wind.

 

Even in the faint light, Si Lan’s skin appeared fair and clean. As he wiped himself, that sweet scent became even more enticing.

 

Haowei’s eyes flickered, and he stiffly turned his head away.

 

This demon lord probably didn’t know that his blood was sweet and nourishing. If the six realms knew, he would likely become a coveted “human tonic pill.”

 

After Si Lan finished wiping his body, he took off his coat and lay down to rest.

 

He had intended to offer the bed to Haowei, but remembering Haowei’s reluctance to remove his veil hat, he decided not to bother.

 

Moreover, last night, he had fallen asleep leaning against the doorframe, only to wake up in bed, likely carried there by Haowei.

 

This person, though mysterious and sneaky, had a good heart.

 

Thinking about this, Si Lan drifted off to sleep.

 

The next morning, Si Lan was awakened by the sound of crying in the village. Haowei was also woken up.

 

Outside the window, the sky was still dusky, and they could vaguely hear the villagers talking.

 

“How did this illness suddenly strike?”

 

“I don’t know. I woke up to find my old man like this.”

 

“Village chief, please think of a way to save my old man!”

 

“The pustules are getting bigger! They look like they’re going to burst!”

 

As soon as these words were spoken, painful screams echoed as if someone had been injured.

 

Si Lan and Haowei immediately opened the door and followed the sound.

 

They saw several people clutching their faces, writhing on the ground in pain. Soon, red pustules began to appear on their hands, like tumors hanging from their skin.

 

“These pustules are contagious!”

 

They had accidentally broken the old man’s pustules, getting splattered with pus, and their faces quickly changed, sprouting pustules. The pain and itchiness made them roll on the ground in agony.

 

The initially afflicted old man lay motionless on the ground, his eyes cloudy. He struggled to breathe, his face turning blue from the effort.

 

“What do we do now? Village chief, please save my old man!” An old woman clung to the village chief’s clothes, kneeling and begging.

 

The village chief, both terrified and bewildered, didn’t know what to do.

 

Si Lan approached the old man, glanced at the pustules, and was about to touch him when Haowei stopped him.

 

“Be careful.”

 

“It’s okay. I’ll avoid the pustules.” Si Lan carefully lifted the old man’s chin, noticing that the pustules were not only external but also internal.

 

The old man’s mouth and throat were full of pustules, causing his breathing difficulties.

 

Si Lan asked the old woman, “Has he eaten anything unusual recently?”

 

“No, no, he eats with me three times a day…” The old woman, her eyes red from crying, saw Si Lan checking the old man and threw herself at his feet, begging, “Young master, do you have any way to save him? I’ll do anything if you can save him!”

 

Si Lan quickly helped her up, trying to offer comfort, but feeling unsure himself. He said, “Don’t worry, I’ll help him breathe. If anything changes, I’ll let you know.”

 

The old woman nodded vigorously, sitting on a stone bench, crying uncontrollably.

 

The village chief looked between Si Lan and Haowei, then asked Si Lan, who seemed more approachable, “You two don’t seem to be from the south. May I ask who you are?”

 

Si Lan blurted out, “We are the Twin Stars of Mount Tuo.”

 

“…” Haowei.

 

The village chief paused, trying to recall if there were such figures on Mount Tuo.

 

Si Lan, unfazed, said, “My senior brother and I know a bit about medicine, and somehow gained a bit of a reputation in the martial world.”

 

The village chief clicked his tongue, desperate enough to take any help, “Can you tell what this illness is?”

 

“We need more time to observe. Is this old man the first in the village to get these pustules?”

 

“I think so…”

 

Before the village chief could finish, a villager wearing a bamboo hat rushed over, “Village chief, something terrible has happened! The young man the general placed in my house has got the pustules…”

 

The villager had barely finished speaking when he covered his mouth in shock, pointing at the old man on the ground, “How did old man Xu get this too?”

 

“What? That young man has the same strange disease?” The village chief was shocked and hurried to see the young man.

 

Si Lan and Haowei followed, going down the hill to the villager’s house. There, they saw the young performer lying on the bed, eyes rolled back, chest heaving.

 

Si Lan examined the young man and found the same internal pustules as the old man. If not treated soon, he would suffocate to death.

 

Having read many medical texts in his idle time, Si Lan suspected this was not a disease but some kind of curse or poison.

 

Haowei also observed the young man, noting that the pustules were more severe than the old man’s and seemed to be moving under the skin.

 

Haowei had Si Lan step back and used a small twig to poke open the pustule. A snow-white worm emerged and wriggled on the ground for a moment before dying from lack of nourishment.

 

The villagers, witnessing this scene, were either paralyzed with fear or retching in disgust.

 

The village chief, mustering his courage, stepped forward and stammered, “What…what kind of illness is this? How can there be worms?”

 

Just as the village chief finished speaking, urgent footsteps were heard behind him.

 

Pei’s soldiers rushed in, forming lines on either side. Tao Yuan stumbled into the room, running to the bedside. Seeing the near-death state of Xiao Qi, his eyes instantly reddened.

 

“Xiao Qi…what happened to you?”

 

Xiao Qi’s eyelids fluttered at Tao Yuan’s call, but he couldn’t utter a word.

 

Tao Yuan wanted to touch Xiao Qi, but Si Lan immediately grabbed his hand, feeling the smoothness of Tao Yuan’s skin, as soft and tender as tofu.

 

“Don’t touch him, or you’ll get infected.”

 

Tao Yuan turned to Si Lan, murmuring, “You are…”

 

Before Si Lan could respond, the village chief interjected, “These two are the renowned healers of Tuoshan. With their expertise, this strange illness can surely be cured.”

 

Si Lan was taken aback. His casual lie was now exposed by the village chief.

 

Tao Yuan, recognizing the healers of Tuoshan, didn’t suspect a thing. Instead, with reddened eyes, he clasped Si Lan’s hand.

 

“Divine doctor, please save Xiao Qi.” He paused and took out some silver pieces from his pocket. “I have more money. As long as you can cure him, I’ll pay anything.”

 

Si Lan, called “divine doctor” repeatedly, couldn’t help but comfort Tao Yuan, “Alright, I’ll do my best to treat him.”

 

As they spoke, their hands intertwined unconsciously.

 

Nearby, Haowei and Pei Jia’s faces darkened.

 

Pei Jia subtly helped Tao Yuan away from the bedside. “Tao Yuan, let the divine doctors focus on their work. We shouldn’t disturb them.”

 

Tao Yuan shook his head. “I want to stay with Xiao Qi. He’s always clung to me. If he feels my presence, he won’t be so scared.”

 

Pei Jia relented at these words.

 

Only Si Lan, Haowei, Tao Yuan, and Pei Jia remained in the room.

 

Xiao Qi’s pustules were like nests for the worms, some already hatched, others still incubating.

 

The immediate task was to remove the worm eggs. If not, once all the worms hatched, they would devour Xiao Qi’s flesh.

 

While others were terrified of the worms, Tao Yuan showed no fear, watching Xiao Qi intently.

 

Whenever Xiao Qi struggled to breathe, Tao Yuan softly called his name, giving him strength.

 

Hearing this, Xiao Qi’s breathing steadied somewhat.

 

Currently, it was known that Xiao Qi had pustules in his throat and mouth, but it was unclear if his internal organs were affected.

 

“Have you noticed anything?” Si Lan pried open Xiao Qi’s mouth, unable to resist asking Haowei, who had been silent.

 

Haowei saw a filthy pustule about to drip onto Si Lan’s hand and discreetly wiped it away. “His internal organs don’t have worm eggs. If they did, he’d be dead already.”

 

Si Lan responded with an “Oh,” then extracted the worm eggs from Xiao Qi’s throat, listening to Haowei speak.

 

“The village probably has more infected people, not just these two.”

 

“Could this be some kind of curse?”

 

Haowei shook his head. “Unlikely. They must have come into contact with worm eggs, becoming hosts.”

 

Pei Jia, hearing their conversation, immediately ordered his men to investigate what Xiao Qi and the old man had come into contact with last night.

 

Tao Yuan also tried to recall the previous night’s events. He remembered taking Xiao Qi to a villager’s house, giving him a few instructions, then leaving.

 

Before that, Xiao Qi hadn’t been in contact with anyone outside.

 

Could it be that Xiao Qi had gone out after he left?

 

“If it’s a parasitic infection, shouldn’t we check the food and water?” Tao Yuan asked tentatively. He didn’t know much and feared saying the wrong thing, looking embarrassed after speaking.

 

“Yes, we need to check those.” Si Lan looked at Haowei. “Chongwei, could you investigate these things? I’ll extract the worms.”

 

“I’ll handle the worms. You do the investigation,” Haowei replied, leaving before Si Lan could protest.

 

Si Lan clicked his tongue, wondering why Haowei wanted the more dangerous task.

 

“Divine doctor, is there anything I can help with?” Tao Yuan asked.

 

Looking into Tao Yuan’s dark, round eyes, Si Lan thought for a moment. “Then follow me to investigate the village.”

 

“Alright!” Tao Yuan agreed eagerly.

 

Pei Jia, however, frowned slightly, unsure if he was worried or jealous. He reached out to grab Tao Yuan’s clothes to warn him to be careful, but Tao Yuan had already eagerly followed Si Lan.

 

As expected, the village situation was just as Haowei had guessed. Besides Xiao Qi and the old man, others were also afflicted, plunging the village into a state of fear and despair, with cries of anguish and alarm echoing throughout.

 

Pei Jia joined the effort to remove the worm eggs, following Haowei’s lead.

 

Although extracting the worm eggs improved the patients’ conditions, they remained unconscious, their lives slowly slipping away.

 

The urgent task was to find the source of the worms and treat the cause.

 

The village was located at the foot of a mountain, with a stream flowing down, winding through the village. Si Lan walked back and forth along the stream twice but found nothing suspicious. He then questioned the old woman about what the old man had eaten the previous night but found no clues.

 

The food and water were not the issue, so what could be the cause?

 

Si Lan decided to visit the homes of the other patients to see if anything unusual could be found.

 

Tao Yuan followed him cautiously, walking slowly. He had almost tripped while climbing the mountain earlier. Si Lan felt sorry for him and wanted him to go back, but Tao Yuan insisted on staying.

 

Si Lan hadn’t expected Tao Yuan, who seemed fragile, to be so resilient.

 

They reached the village chief’s house and saw the courtyard crowded with villagers, with the chief surrounded and looking worried.

 

“We’ve always been honest people, living here for generations without any problems. How could we suddenly get this strange disease?”

 

“Those young men arrived, and then this happened. Do you think they brought the disease?”

 

“That boy’s illness is worse than the old man’s. Maybe he infected the old man, who then spread it to the whole village!”

 

“Last night, I overheard two soldiers from Pei’s army talking. They said General Pei placed the boy in our village, and he’s not just a wandering child but a performer from an opera troupe.”

 

“No wonder! I was wondering why those boys look so delicate, not like laborers at all!”

 

“I heard these performers carry dirty diseases. When those diseases flare up, they get sores all over their bodies. Could it be that our village caught this dirty disease?”

 

At this, everyone started talking at once, exchanging their speculations. What began as wild guesses quickly turned into a consensus that the sores were caused by the boy’s disease.

 

Tao Yuan’s face turned pale, his eyes red, and he clenched his hands tightly.

 

It’s not like that.

 

They were just kids, playing minor roles in the opera, unnoticed by anyone. How could they have any dirty diseases?

 

Si Lan coughed loudly, and the courtyard fell silent. The villagers, seeing Si Lan and Tao Yuan, looked embarrassed as if caught gossiping.

 

Si Lan walked into the courtyard, ignoring the villagers, and spoke to the chief, asking him to accompany him to investigate the homes.

 

The chief, as if waking from a dream, nodded repeatedly, “Alright, alright…”

 

Si Lan turned and spoke to the chief in a voice loud enough for everyone to hear, “This disease is peculiar. If it were truly a dirty disease, it would require close contact to spread. Have the dozen men and women in the village all had close contact with that boy?”

 

“This…this isn’t true,” the chief stammered, feeling a sudden, inexplicable fear of the gentle-looking man before him. Despite Si Lan’s soft expression and slight smile, he felt a chill.

 

“He’s just a child. Spreading such rumors about him, what will he do when he grows up?”

 

The chief felt a lump in his throat and forced a smile, “It’s just some gossips talking nonsense. I’ll deal with them properly.”

 

Si Lan replied with a slow “Hmm” and then gave Tao Yuan a reassuring look. Tao Yuan smiled shyly and whispered, “Thank you, divine doctor.”

 

“It’s nothing.”

 

Their whispered conversation was noticed by Haowei and Pei Jia.

 

Haowei’s hat dipped slightly, while Pei Jia, with a hint of jealousy, asked Haowei, “Your friend seems to have a way with words.”

 

Tao Yuan rarely smiled, and Si Lan seemed to have made him laugh, a shy, lowered-head laugh.

 

The more Pei Jia thought about it, the more jealous he felt.

 

Haowei coldly replied, “He’s not my friend.”

 

Pei Jia looked at Haowei in surprise, “Aren’t you the renowned Tuoshan Healers?”

 

“We’re just partners.”

 

The chief opened the door to the old man’s house. Si Lan saw Haowei and Pei Jia in the courtyard, apparently having just removed worm eggs from the old man, with blood and filth on the ground.

 

Si Lan smiled at Haowei and went inside to investigate.

 

Pei Jia nudged Haowei, “Are you really just business partners? When he saw you, his eyes lit up.”

 

Haowei adjusted his hat and replied indifferently, “Did they?”

 

“Yes.”

 

Haowei said nothing more and walked into the house. Si Lan was squatting on the ground, carefully inspecting the corners. He found no worm eggs but did notice some dead rats and insects in a wall hole.

 

Standing up, Si Lan felt dizzy from crouching too long and wobbled. Someone steadied him by the elbow, a calm voice coming from behind.

 

“Did you find anything?”

 

Si Lan shook his head, “No, but it’s certain the parasites didn’t enter through food or water.”

 

Haowei paused, “The pustules continue to grow new worms even after removing the eggs. I suspect they weren’t just exposed to the eggs but were parasitized by the mother parasite, causing an endless cycle of worm growth.”

 

Si Lan’s face darkened. Parasitized by the mother parasite? Constantly producing worms?

 

What kind of creature was this? How could it be so terrifying?

 

Tao Yuan entered just then, tears welling up upon hearing this, unable to speak.

 

At five, Xiao Qi was sold to the opera troupe, being the youngest but the hardest working. He finally got to perform on stage, but then war broke out, the troupe leader died, and the troupe collapsed.

 

Tao Yuan led Xiao Qi and the others to escape, thinking finding refuge in Pei Jia’s village was the best outcome, only to encounter this crisis.

 

Tao Yuan gave a bitter smile to Pei Jia behind him. Pei Jia’s eyes softened as he reached out to hold him, gently pressing Tao Yuan’s head against his chest and comforting him in a low voice, “Tao Yuan, Xiao Qi’s illness can definitely be cured.”

 

Tao Yuan responded with a soft “mm.”

 

Si Lan found nothing unusual in the old man’s house and was about to leave. As he was about to step out, a small flower pot by the window caught his attention.

 

In the ceramic flower pot grew a small plant with four unusually large and white petals.

 

Si Lan asked the old woman, “What kind of flower is that?”

 

“I don’t know either. A while ago, the old man and the others dug it up from the mountain. They thought it looked nice, so they planted it at home.”

 

Hearing this, Si Lan walked towards the flower pot, with Haowei following closely behind.

 

The white petals seemed to sway gently in the breeze, the edges slightly curling and shimmering with a silver outline in the sunlight. This plant only had thin black stems and white petals but no leaves.

 

It was very peculiar.

 

Si Lan bent down and was about to get closer when, in the next moment, he saw the petals suddenly leap up towards his face. Although he had lost his cultivation, his reflexes were still quick, and he swiftly dodged the “petals.”

 

The four “petals” fell to the ground and started to scurry in different directions. Si Lan urgently called out, “Catch them!”

 

“Don’t touch them!” Haowei added.

 

Si Lan grabbed the flower pot and covered one of the “petals” with it, while Haowei used a twig like a dart to pin two of the “petals” to the ground.

 

Pei Jia quickly stepped on one of the petals but didn’t dare to exert much force. “What kind of flower is this? Why is it so strange?”

 

“It’s not a flower, it’s an insect.”

 

“Insect?” Pei Jia and Tao Yuan said in unison.

 

“Yes, I think we’ve found the source of the infestation.” Si Lan’s face showed undisguised joy as he used a twig to pick up one of the “petals.” The “petal” struggled vigorously, its body undulating like a cloud and emitting a ring of white light. The area where the twig pierced revealed brown filth, identical to the discharge from infected sores.

 

“So it’s this wicked thing causing trouble…” Pei Jia frowned.

 

“I suspect that all the families in the village who fell ill planted this ‘flower.’ The house where Xiao Qi stayed likely had it too. Xiao Qi must have been curious about the flower and got close to it, then was targeted by the insect’s mother body.”

 

Tao Yuan furrowed his brows, “Divine Doctor, how can we save Xiao Qi now?”

 

“We just need to lure the insect’s mother body out of Xiao Qi’s body…”

 

Typically, these mother bodies are afraid of fire and water, but this one seemed unaffected. Moreover, it was unclear where exactly it had parasitized within the human body.

 

Si Lan searched Xiao Qi’s body for a long time but couldn’t find it. As the second wave of insects was about to hatch, he grew increasingly anxious.

 

Suddenly, he seemed to think of something and headed up the mountain with Haowei following behind.

 

The insect mother bodies couldn’t be far from the male insect.

 

Some species have a male insect that acts as the leader, commanding all the mother bodies. If they could capture this male insect, they might be able to force the mother bodies out of the hosts.

 

Given that these insect mother bodies appeared in the village, the male insect must be nearby.

 

Si Lan and Haowei split up to search. After a while, Si Lan noticed Haowei had stopped moving, so he walked over. Following Haowei’s gaze, he saw clusters of white “flowers” growing in the crevices of a cliff. They were wriggling rhythmically, with one particularly robust “petal” stretching its white body and emitting waves of white light.

 

Just as Si Lan was about to ask something, Haowei quickly covered his mouth.

 

These insects would likely scatter if they heard any sound.

 

Haowei’s slender fingers, radiating a slight warmth, pressed against Si Lan’s lips. Instinctively, Si Lan looked up at Haowei, and despite the black veil between them, he felt as if he could see into Haowei’s eyes at that moment.

 

Uncomfortably, Haowei withdrew his hand, as if burned, curling his fingers slightly. Then he carefully climbed up the rock face to the top of the crevice.

 

With a silk cloth wrapped around his hand, he waited for the right moment and swiftly yanked out the male insect “by the roots.”

 

Immediately, the white insects scattered in fear, crawling away like a swarm of white ants along the cliff face.

 

The male insect wriggled incessantly in Haowei’s palm, trying to resist. Haowei clenched it tightly and prepared to return, but the cliff shook due to the movement of the insects, causing the rocks beneath him to give way, and he fell along with the rocks.

 

Seeing this, Si Lan didn’t hesitate and jumped down the slope, trying several times to grab Haowei, but he couldn’t even catch his clothes.

 

Si Lan, in a state of panic, feared for Haowei’s safety. In his distraction, he tripped over a branch and fell face-first, rolling down the slope like Haowei.

 

Fortunately, Haowei managed to brace himself against a tree trunk soon after falling, stabilizing himself and catching Si Lan as he slid down from above.

 

Si Lan’s forehead slammed into Haowei’s chest, causing him to gasp in shock. When he looked up, he saw that Haowei’s veil had torn, revealing a section of a smooth, pale chin.

---

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 31

 

At night, Tao Yuan slept in Pei Jia’s bed. Pei Jia had removed his armor and outer robe, and was resting with his eyes closed in a chair.

 

The next day, when Tao Yuan woke up, he found that Pei Jia was gone. He stumbled outside, following the sounds of training, and finally arrived at the training grounds. Seeing Pei Jia training the soldiers, he let out a sigh of relief.

 

Pei Jia noticed Tao Yuan’s presence and saw that Tao Yuan was barefoot. His brow furrowed slightly, and he immediately approached Tao Yuan.

 

“Why aren’t you wearing shoes?”

 

Tao Yuan gestured with his hands, but Pei Jia couldn’t understand and sighed.

 

Seeing Tao Yuan’s delicate skin and the rough gravel on the ground, Pei Jia simply picked Tao Yuan up like a small chick and carried him back.

 

Si Lan, witnessing this, couldn’t help but laugh and patted Haowei’s shoulder. “Tao Yuan really looks like a little chick.”

 

Haowei glanced down at his own “salty chicken hands.” Clearly, he thought, the little chick was himself.

 

—

 

“Although this is a military camp and safer than outside, you…” Pei Jia placed Tao Yuan back in the tent and looked at his face, “still shouldn’t wander around to avoid being bullied, understand?”

 

Tao Yuan obediently nodded.

 

Seeing Tao Yuan so well-behaved, Pei Jia couldn’t help but smile and instinctively patted Tao Yuan’s head.

 

A bright light suddenly flashed in Tao Yuan’s eyes. He nervously clenched his fingers. Pei Jia used to like patting his head like this.

 

Pei Jia originally planned to leave Tao Yuan and the other performers in a village once Tao Yuan’s injuries healed, as they needed to continue their campaign north.

 

However, unexpectedly, the other performers agreed, but Tao Yuan did not.

 

Tao Yuan gestured, but Pei Jia couldn’t understand, so Tao Yuan had to write two characters on paper. Though Tao Yuan didn’t know many characters, his writing was exceptionally beautiful.

 

“Stay… You want to stay with me?” Pei Jia looked at him in disbelief.

 

Tao Yuan nodded.

 

“Why do you want to stay with me?”

 

Tao Yuan’s face suddenly turned red, his lips slightly parted. He hesitated for a moment, then lowered his head.

 

Seeing his expression, Pei Jia slowly began to understand. His face also turned red. “Um…”

 

Pei Jia was at a loss, not knowing what to say.

 

Sensing his reluctance, Tao Yuan looked up, his eyes red and filled with grievance.

 

Pei Jia was momentarily stunned, then inexplicably said, “If you want to stay in the camp, it’s not impossible, but there are no useless people by my side.”

 

Hearing this, Tao Yuan immediately nodded, indicating that he would become useful.

 

That night, after discussing official matters with his lieutenants, Pei Jia returned to his tent and saw Tao Yuan mending his clothes by the candlelight. It was the tear from the day he fought the bandit leader.

 

Pei Jia stood silently, watching Tao Yuan.

 

Noticing Pei Jia’s presence, Tao Yuan smiled, tied a knot in the thread, and presented the mended clothes to Pei Jia, as if to say, “See, I can be useful.”

 

Pei Jia took the clothes and softly thanked him.

 

Tao Yuan’s smile deepened.

 

Pei Jia continued reading by the light of the lamp, while Tao Yuan made soup for him, intending to stay up with him. However, Tao Yuan soon fell asleep at the table.

 

After finishing his book, Pei Jia looked at Tao Yuan by the faint candlelight.

 

A strand of hair had fallen over Tao Yuan’s face. Unable to resist, Pei Jia gently brushed it aside, then found his fingers tracing Tao Yuan’s eyebrows and eyes.

 

In a moment of impulse, he leaned in and placed a light kiss on Tao Yuan’s forehead.

 

When he looked up, he saw his lieutenant standing in the doorway, holding a stack of books.

 

The lieutenant, seeing this scene, quickly retreated.

 

Pei Jia blushed, wanting to chase after him to explain, but realizing that it would only make things worse, he decided against it.

 

He sighed and patted his head in frustration.

 

How embarrassing.

 

To be caught doing something like this by his lieutenant!

 

Si Lan tugged on Haowei’s sleeve, signaling him to follow. They followed the lieutenant’s figure to the soldiers’ tent.

 

These were Pei Jia’s trusted men.

 

The lieutenant, holding the books, hesitated before speaking, “I just saw the general kiss that little performer in his room…”

 

A soldier snapped a twig in his hand.

 

“Could it be that the general really fancies that performer?”

 

“It seems so. We’ve even slowed our march to help him recover.”

 

The group fell silent, exchanging looks.

 

“The general’s lifelong reputation can’t be ruined by such a person.”

 

“Agreed.”

 

They left it at that, saying no more.

 

Hearing this, Si Lan felt uneasy, already guessing the cause of Tao Yuan’s eventual harm.

 

To protect Pei Jia’s reputation, a mere performer was nothing.

 

But they likely hadn’t anticipated Tao Yuan’s importance to Pei Jia, which led to Pei Jia’s madness after Tao Yuan’s death.

 

Si Lan was lost in thought and didn’t notice the red barrier in front of them starting to crack.

 

Tiny fissures quickly spread across the barrier, with faint light streaming through, connecting two entirely separate worlds.

 

Haowei closed his eyes and said, “The barrier is compromised.”

 

Si Lan looked up, seeing the countless cracks.

 

If the red barrier disappeared, they would lose all their powers in this world, becoming ordinary mortals.

 

If they couldn’t repair the barrier, they would be stuck here forever.

 

How could this happen?

 

Was the barrier attacked?

 

Haowei tried to seal the cracks with his magic, but they only grew larger. As their forms began to break through the barrier, Si Lan grabbed Haowei and fled the camp.

 

If they suddenly fell into the camp, they might be captured as spies.

 

Just as they escaped, the barrier shattered, and they fell to the ground.

 

Si Lan quickly steadied himself, holding tightly to Haowei’s hand. “Are you okay?”

 

“I’m fine.”

 

Si Lan could no longer feel his cultivation, his brow furrowing in anxiety and guilt. “The barrier must have been attacked! This is my fault for dragging you into this.”

 

Haowei ignored Si Lan’s words, instead saying, “Your two friends may not be highly skilled, but they’re not weak either. The only one who could attack the barrier must be Da Yong.”

 

Si Lan had thought of this too, his face turning pale.

 

Who knows what was happening in the human world now…

 

—

 

A quarter of an hour earlier.

 

At Pei’s residence, in the side room.

 

Song Ye was guarding the barrier, arms crossed, looking at Song Cheng opposite him.

 

Apparently, their earlier conversation hadn’t gone well. Song Cheng remained cold, eyes closed, meditating.

 

Song Ye pouted, glancing around in boredom. As he got up to walk around, Song Cheng opened his eyes and coldly said, “Don’t wander off.”

 

Song Ye halted, grumbling softly, “Brother, why do you care so much about the master? He doesn’t have feelings for you anyway.”

 

Song Cheng clenched his fists, veins bulging on the back of his hands, as he tried to contain his anger.

 

He wished he could sew Song Ye’s mouth shut.

 

Even a cow’s mooing in his ear would be more pleasant than Song Ye’s chatter.

 

Pretending not to notice Song Cheng’s anger, Song Ye cheerfully moved closer. “Brother, did you notice? Every time our master is in trouble, that man in the veiled hat saves him. I guess he followed the master into the illusion to protect him.”

 

Song Cheng said nothing, turning his head slightly to avoid Song Ye’s close proximity.

 

Song Ye continued, “He must have feelings for the master, but we don’t know who he is.”

 

“You sure like meddling in others’ affairs.”

 

“It’s all for you, brother.”

 

Song Ye placed his hand on Song Cheng’s shoulder with a smile. Song Cheng’s expression changed, trying to push it off, but Song Ye held on.

 

“Brother, it’s been a long time since we’ve been this close. Remember when we hadn’t yet taken human form? We were always entwined like this…” Song Cheng and Song Ye were twin vines. Even before breaking through the soil, their roots were intertwined, and once above ground, their vines wrapped tightly around each other.

 

Later, they took human form one after another and were taken in by the former Demon Lord, Chushan Jun, as disciples.

 

Song Cheng’s demeanor grew increasingly cold, his eyes seemingly frosted over. “Let go.”

 

Song Ye’s smile gradually faded as he slowly withdrew his hand. A dark glint flickered in his eyes. He couldn’t understand why his relationship with Song Cheng was becoming so strained.

 

It all seemed to change on the day Master Chu Shan decided to impart his cultivation techniques to them.

 

He had wanted to learn the heart method, but Song Cheng took his chance.

 

Since then, Song Cheng seized every opportunity to train, often spending time with Master Chu Shan. Upon returning from these sessions, he became more and more distant.

 

Later, when Si Lan defeated Master Chu Shan, Song Cheng immediately pledged his loyalty to Si Lan. Song Ye followed suit, serving under Si Lan as well.

 

He noticed that Song Cheng harbored unusual feelings towards Si Lan. Whenever Si Lan appeared, Song Cheng’s eyes would follow him intently, ignoring Song Ye completely.

 

Filled with resentment, Song Ye sought attention in every possible way, but no matter what he said or did, Song Cheng remained indifferent.

 

It wasn’t until a hundred years ago, during a battle with demons, that Song Ye accidentally injured his legs and became disabled.

 

For the first time, Song Cheng’s usually emotionless face showed a hint of concern. His eyes reddened as he looked at Song Ye’s legs and took on the responsibility of caring for him.

 

Song Ye was both flattered and anxious, fearing that once his legs healed, Song Cheng would revert to his cold demeanor. So, driven by a strange impulse, he pretended to be crippled, maintaining the act for a hundred years.

 

During this century, his relationship with Song Cheng improved, and he experienced unprecedented happiness.

 

But all this shattered once Song Cheng discovered that his legs were fine.

 

“Brother, do you hate me that much?”

 

Song Cheng did not answer, slightly turning his body away.

 

Song Ye wanted to ask more, but suddenly, a powerful surge of black demonic energy swept in, splitting the house open.

 

Fortunately, Si Lan had previously set up a barrier around them, which blocked the attack and preserved the formation.

 

Song Cheng and Song Ye immediately drew their swords, standing guard on either side of Si Lan.

 

Pei Jia, holding a sword like a puppet, approached step by step, surrounded by black demonic energy. His eyes continuously emitted dark energy, and his face was marked with mottled traces, resembling some kind of totem.

 

Song Ye exclaimed, “Has he succumbed to the demonic path?”

 

“No, he is being controlled by Dayong.”

 

Song Ye’s expression turned grave as he looked at Song Cheng. “Is Dayong planning to destroy the formation?”

 

Song Cheng remained silent, his brow furrowing.

 

If the formation was destroyed, their lord would become a mortal, stranded in the past.

 

Realizing this, Song Cheng’s eyes turned resolute. Black demonic energy surged around him as he protected Si Lan. He whispered to Song Ye, “Be careful,” before launching an attack on “Pei Jia.”

 

“Pei Jia” dodged Song Cheng’s attack, flashing to the barrier. He raised his sword and struck, but the barrier held firm, merely shaking without damage.

 

Song Ye immediately cast a spell, reciting an incantation to immobilize “Pei Jia.”

 

Realizing he couldn’t move, “Pei Jia’s” expression turned fierce. He struggled to break free, demonic energy spreading along his arms and transforming into claws that lashed out at Song Ye.

 

Song Cheng swiftly cut through the black energy with his sword, positioning himself on the opposite side of “Pei Jia.” Together with Song Ye, he recited the immobilizing spell.

 

“Pei Jia” roared, spewing a mass of black demonic energy that transformed into a giant demon, ready to devour Song Ye.

 

Seeing this, Song Cheng swung his sword at the demon. Unable to harm Pei Jia’s body, he attacked the demonic energy enveloping him.

 

The demonic energy, wounded, quickly turned into a whip, entwining Song Cheng’s sword and lifting him into the air. In an instant, the energy engulfed Song Cheng, who had to release his sword but was still ensnared by the energy.

 

The demonic energy tightened around Song Cheng’s body and slammed him into the ground.

 

Song Ye flew down, catching Song Cheng and striking the demonic energy with a palm.

 

However, this slight damage was insignificant to Dayong’s demonic energy. It rapidly regenerated and multiplied, enveloping the entire General’s Mansion, casting the world into darkness.

 

The demonic energy formed a net, enclosing the two of them. From all directions, countless blades materialized, stabbing at them. They narrowly avoided the blades, breaking through the demonic energy and rising above it.

 

Together, they launched a black energy attack at the demonic hand emerging from the darkness.

 

For a moment, the two sides were locked in a standoff, surrounded by swirling black energy and clouds of smoke.

 

Unfortunately, Song Cheng and Song Ye were no match for Dayong’s demonic energy. Forced back, they were struck, spitting blood and falling from the sky.

 

As they fell, Song Ye shielded Song Cheng with his body.

 

“Brother…”

 

“Song Ye, are you alright?” Song Cheng quickly asked.

 

Song Ye wiped the blood from his lips. “I’m fine. Brother, we can’t let Dayong destroy the formation.”

 

Dayong attacked the barrier again. The black energy transformed into countless tiny insects, gnawing at the barrier. Soon, cracks appeared, and the insects swarmed inside.

 

—

 

Meanwhile, after falling into the mortal realm, Si Lan and Haowei observed their surroundings and headed towards a village.

 

The red barrier separating the two worlds hadn’t completely disappeared, occasionally flickering but unable to fully form.

 

Si Lan remained silent, leading the way.

 

Haowei noticed something was off with Si Lan. Seeing a mud pit ahead that Si Lan hadn’t noticed, he quickly grabbed Si Lan’s arm and pulled him into his embrace, preventing him from stepping into the pit.

 

Lowering his head, Haowei saw Si Lan’s eyes were red and his arm trembled slightly, as if he were ill.

 

Haowei felt the coldness of Si Lan’s hand in his palm and couldn’t help but ask in a deep voice, “What’s wrong?”

 

Si Lan opened his mouth, his eyes growing redder, but he still couldn’t speak.

 

Haowei had never seen Si Lan like this before. Even last time at the Xuanling Sect, despite facing several difficulties, Si Lan had never shown any abnormal emotions.

 

He had always thought that this unruly devil didn’t understand what fear was.

 

Haowei’s voice carried a barely noticeable gentleness. “The barrier hasn’t completely disappeared, which means the formation isn’t entirely destroyed. We can still go back.”

 

After speaking, he hesitated for a moment and then reached out to pull Si Lan into his arms.

 

Si Lan lowered his dark lashes, his emotions in turmoil.

 

If they were stuck here forever, becoming ordinary mortals, how could he get his revenge?

 

All his hard work and effort would be for nothing.

 

He could never forget that rainy night when his mother’s blood soaked his clothes and stained the entire ground…

 

He had cast spells over and over again, trying to heal Luo Hui’s wounds, but nothing worked.

 

His mother’s warmth grew colder and colder.

 

The warmth that belonged to his mother in his memory slowly faded away.

 

He was so devastated that he trembled all over, convulsing, in pain that he couldn’t breathe, wanting to call out to his mother but unable to make a sound.

 

He missed his mother terribly at that moment, but he also felt guilty.

 

He might fail his mother’s expectations, unable to become the most powerful devil, unable to avenge her.

 

Haowei sensed Si Lan’s deep sadness, not just from losing his cultivation, but as if he was remembering something terrible. He slowly raised his hand and gently patted Si Lan’s back as if comforting a child.

 

Si Lan seemed to have lost half of his soul, silent and listless.

 

Haowei found a family in the village who agreed to let them stay temporarily. The elderly couple lent them a guest room and thoughtfully provided hot water.

 

They had traveled a long way, their shoes and clothes covered in dirt. Now that they had lost their powers, they couldn’t use a cleaning spell and had to deal with the dirt like ordinary people.

 

Haowei looked at the still-dazed Si Lan and hesitated before handing him a hot towel.

 

Si Lan, holding his head in his hands, was still in a state of collapse and didn’t react to Haowei’s gesture.

 

Seeing this, Haowei frowned. “I have a friend in the mortal city of Li. He might be able to help us with the return spell.” That friend was the Divine Monkey of the Heavens.

 

Si Lan finally looked up at Haowei, his eyes gradually refocusing. He stared at Haowei and slowly asked, “Really?”

 

“Yes.”

 

To manage the human world, Haowei had set up many earth immortals in the mortal realm, and there was one celestial lord who could directly communicate with him at the Yuqing Palace, the Divine Monkey of the Heavens.

 

However, the current problem was that they had become mortals. Traveling from this unfamiliar village to Li to find the Divine Monkey of the Heavens would likely be fraught with difficulties.

 

Si Lan took the towel from Haowei’s hand and roughly wiped his face. “Alright, let’s go find your friend now.”

 

Haowei held him down. “Rest first.”

 

“I’m fine.”

 

“I’m a bit tired.”

 

Upon hearing this, Si Lan’s lips moved, but he said nothing.

 

He let Haowei rest on the bed while he sat on the doorstep, staring at the night sky.

 

Haowei watched Si Lan’s figure, his brows slowly knitting together. For some reason, at that moment, he felt an endless loneliness and sadness from Si Lan’s heart.

 

Haowei realized he knew nothing about him. Si Lan might not be as carefree and indifferent as he had thought.

 

Often, it was because he saw through everything that he played around in the mortal world.

 

After a while, Si Lan fell asleep leaning against the door, his breathing soft but with a hint of sorrow in his features.

 

Haowei walked over and carried him to the bed, noticing how he curled up like a boiled shrimp, seemingly protecting himself in this position.

 

Haowei remembered that when he learned Lou Yu had died, he was also like this.

 

Could this be a self-protective behavior of the Shanji clan?

 

Thinking of this, Haowei’s lips moved slightly, his eyes growing softer. He sat in a chair, quietly watching over Si Lan, and eventually fell asleep as well.

 

Outside, the frogs croaked and insects chirped, the night wind rustling through the grass and trees.

 

The next day, Haowei was awakened by the sound of the door opening. Through his veil, he saw Si Lan opening the door, stretching in the sunlight.

 

Si Lan’s chin was raised, his face bathed in sunlight, looking gentle and delicate, full of vitality, a stark contrast to the dispirited person he had been last night.

 

Haowei stood up from the chair. Si Lan turned around and smiled apologetically, “Sorry, did the sound of me opening the door wake you?”

 

“No.” Haowei’s gaze carried a hint of scrutiny, secretly wondering if Si Lan’s abnormal behavior last night was due to possession. He hesitated and asked, “Are you alright?”

 

Si Lan, looking carefree, stretched his arms. “I’m fine. I figured it out last night. If we’re really stuck here and can’t go back, then in three months’ time, our village, I mean, the demon realm, should be in chaos without me. But it isn’t. The demon realm is as usual, the six realms are as usual, so we must be able to return.”

 

Haowei hadn’t expected that a night’s sleep would make him understand this reasoning. “Yes.”

 

“I remember the Pei family’s army is also heading to the capital. If we can blend in with them, we can travel with them and also investigate Tao Yuan’s obsession.”

 

“We might not be able to blend into the Pei family’s army that easily.”

 

Si Lan replied with an “Oh,” looking thoughtfully at Haowei’s veil. “Indeed, it won’t be easy.” After all, no one would travel day and night wearing a veil.

 

“Then we’ll just follow behind them,” Si Lan suggested.

 

“Okay.”

 

However, before they could go find the Pei family army, the army came to the village first.

 

The elderly couple who had taken them in mentioned that the Pei family army planned to place the rescued children in the village.

 

Now, all the villagers had gathered at the village chief’s house to see the Pei family army.

 

Si Lan and Haowei exchanged a glance and then joined the curious crowd to see what was happening.

 

Pei Jia had personally found the village chief and was talking with him in the main hall. Outside, a row of Pei family soldiers stood with long spears, expressionless and looking imposing.

 

The children, carrying their bags, stood timidly inside the house.

 

The villagers couldn’t stop praising the Pei family’s strict military discipline and majestic demeanor.

 

Si Lan and Haowei couldn’t squeeze into the crowd and had to stand outside, catching a glimpse of the scene inside. It was unclear what they were discussing, but the village chief kept nodding respectfully.

 

Then, Pei Jia looked back at Tao Yuan, who smiled slightly. Pei Jia couldn’t help but smile in return.

 

Tao Yuan, who had presumably recovered, had regained his voice. He had found foster families for each of his younger brothers, sending them off one by one, instructing them to be diligent, observant, endure hardships, and learn patience.

 

The younger brothers nodded obediently.

 

By the time they finished, it was late. The village chief insisted on letting the Pei family army rest for the night. Considering the long journey, Pei Jia agreed and ordered the troops to rest on the spot.

 

At night, Si Lan observed the Pei family army’s camp.

 

Haowei was dragged along, and the two of them hid in a field of red hemp, looking like thieves staking out a target.

 

Haowei’s breath was low and his expression under the veil was displeased, but he didn’t say anything.

 

He had never been this sneaky in his life.

 

Spending time with the demon lord had truly redefined his sense of dignity repeatedly.

 

Si Lan watched for a while and then frowned. “We can’t get in; there are people everywhere.” If he still had his powers, he could easily cast a spell to get to Tao Yuan, but now he couldn’t move at all.

 

Si Lan sighed, reaching out to touch the red hemp next to him, feeling something soft. Upon closer inspection in the faint moonlight, he realized it was a black bug.

 

Startled, Si Lan let out a scream and instinctively stepped back.

 

“Who’s there?”

 

The soldiers, hearing a sound from the red hemp field, immediately raised their spears and ran towards the noise.

 

Seeing this, Si Lan quickly grabbed Haowei’s sleeve and started running.

 

But before they could run far, they tripped over fallen red hemp stalks and fell to the ground, bringing Haowei down with them.

 

Haowei, caught off guard, fell on top of Si Lan. Hearing the footsteps approaching rapidly, he reached out and covered Si Lan’s eyes. Si Lan’s vision went black, and he couldn’t see anything.

 

In the next moment, he felt something wet touch the corner of his lips.

 

Si Lan’s heart instantly stopped, his eyes wide open, but all he saw was darkness.

 

This was the first time he had been kissed, even if the sensation was faint, almost nonexistent. Yet, the other’s breath carried a strong, unstoppable force that spread rapidly from the warm touch, enveloping him entirely, making him forget to breathe.

 

The soldiers arrived, and in the moonlight, they saw a man in black kissing someone in his arms, who was dressed in green, their face unclear.

 

The soldiers assumed Si Lan was a woman and teased, “So, it’s a pair of wild lovebirds hiding in the red hemp field!”

 

“…” Si Lan.

 

“…” Haowei.

---

T/N: I’m back!!! By the way, I had to re-read this series to remember what it was about. And don’t worry! The main CP (couple) will definitely get a good ending no matter what, after all…. they are fated, right?

Right…?

Hope you’re having a good day! Drink water and make sure to sleep early! (>w<)/

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

and many, many more!

 

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

Chapter 30

 

“Yes, you’ve been sleeping for a long time,” Pei Jia gently stroked Tao Yuan’s face.

 

Si Lan and Haowei watched the scene of intimacy between the two, feeling strangely eerie and shivering.

 

“Can you tell who’s controlling Tao Yuan’s body now?” Si Lan asked Haowei in a hushed voice.

 

“Right in front.”

 

Si Lan looked ahead as instructed and indeed saw a man in a black suit manipulating an invisible puppet before him with eerie finger movements.

 

Tao Yuan suddenly coughed, his breath frail as a thread, scaring Pei Jia into helping him and gently easing his discomfort.

 

His body was already delicate, and after “sleeping” for so long, it appeared even more fragile, like a withered branch that might snap at any moment.

 

Pei Jia carefully held him in his arms. “Tao Yuan, do you feel any discomfort?”

 

Tao Yuan shook his head. “Pei Lang, I’m fine now.”

 

Upon hearing this, Pei Jia suddenly stood up, drew his sword, and pointed it directly at Tao Yuan on the bed, the sword’s tip trembling slightly.

 

“Who are you, really?”

 

“Pei Lang… I’m Tao Yuan…”

 

“You’re not Tao Yuan because Tao Yuan never calls me Pei Lang.”

 

Upon hearing this, the person on the bed stopped pretending, his face no longer showing grief or weakness.

 

Other cultivators drew their long swords from their waists and confronted the Pei family guards.

 

“General, this actor is already dead; there’s no way he could be resurrected through magic in this world.” The person on the bed slowly stood up, shattering Pei Jia’s illusions.

 

Pei Jia couldn’t contain his anger. “Get out of Tao Yuan’s body, or don’t blame me for killing all of you.”

 

The man burst into laughter. “General, why deceive yourself? When I entered this actor’s body, I could already smell a rotting odor on him, a scent no incense could mask.”

 

This statement pushed Pei Jia to the edge. Rather than attacking the man, he turned and stabbed a nearby cultivator who couldn’t evade the strike, hitting him in the abdomen.

 

In the next moment, Pei Jia’s hand gripped the man’s throat, his nails sinking in, a fierce expression on his face. “Get out of Tao Yuan’s body, or don’t blame me for killing your comrades!”

 

“General…”

 

“I don’t have the patience to repeat myself a third time!”

 

Seemingly reluctant, the man cast a spell and left Tao Yuan’s body.

 

Tao Yuan instantly closed his eyes, falling backward. It looked like his head was about to hit the ground, but Pei Jia immediately rushed to catch him. “Tao Yuan…”

 

However, at that moment, Tao Yuan in his arms suddenly opened his eyes, and a dagger appeared in his hand, stabbing directly at Pei Jia. Instinctively, Pei Jia leaned back to avoid the attack, but the dagger struck his abdomen.

 

“General, don’t blame your subordinates for being heartless. It’s because you keep making mistakes!” 

 

Seeing this, Si Lan felt a shock in his heart and quickly cast a spell to rescue Pei Jia from the man’s grasp.

 

The other cultivators nearby, seeing this turn of events, brandished their swords and advanced towards Si Lan.

 

Haowei secretly cast a spell that immobilized their movements.

 

“Why can’t we move?”

 

“Is it the spirit of that actor causing trouble?” They instinctively placed the blame on Tao Yuan, who had long since passed away.

 

Si Lan was about to force the man’s spirit out of Tao Yuan’s body when he saw the man take something out of his pocket and swiftly put it in his mouth. In the next instant, Tao Yuan’s body exploded with a loud bang.

 

Pei Jia stood there in shock, blood pouring from his abdomen, yet he remained unaware, his eyes fixed on the spot where Tao Yuan had just stood.

 

There was nothing left but a rush of fresh blood.

 

In that moment, utter despair overwhelmed him. All his hopes and dreams were shattered.

 

How could this happen?

 

Tao Yuan had never done anything wrong in his entire life.

 

Why was the world so cruel to him?

 

Pei Jia lost his sanity, roaring as he raised his sword and charged at the cultivators. Fortunately, Haowei had noticed his impending madness and immediately used a spell to seal his acupoints.

 

Pei Jia was rendered motionless, his eyes filled with malice. “Release me, release me! I’ll kill them!”

“General Pei, you’re injured. Please calm down!” Si Lan swiftly pressed on Pei Jia’s abdomen a few times to stop the bleeding.

 

Pei Jia couldn’t feel any pain at all. At this moment, his mind was consumed with the desire to kill those people, no, to kill everyone.

 

He suddenly burst into wild laughter, tears mixed with blood rolling down his face. His black jade crown fell off his head, and his jet-black hair turned completely white in an instant.

 

Pei Jia’s eyes also underwent a transformation, shrouded in black mist, with only a glimpse of blood-red irises visible. His face turned as white as paper, and his lips were as red as blood.

 

Seeing this, Si Lan furrowed his brow in alarm.

 

Something was wrong.

 

Pei Jia was being consumed by dark forces.

 

Unbeknownst to Pei Jia, tendrils of black mist began to appear around his body, sliding like eels and entering his body. As these currents of dark energy entered him, they instantly unraveled the seals placed on Pei Jia.

 

After regaining his freedom, Pei Jia immediately swung his sword towards the fake cultivators.

 

Si Lan quickly used his whip to coil around Pei Jia’s sword, and Pei Jia glared at him. His voice had changed, now sounding sinister, filled with exhaustion and a hint of hoarseness, as if it came from the depths of hell. “Doctor Si, if you try to stop me, don’t blame me for showing no mercy!”

 

With that, a surge of black mist transformed into a razor-sharp blade and attacked Si Lan’s neck. Haowei swiftly pulled Si Lan away, creating a protective barrier to ward off “Pei Jia’s” subsequent attacks.

 

“Pei Jia has fallen into darkness!”

 

Si Lan, realizing that Pei Jia couldn’t be reasoned with, decided to take action. He drew his whip and flew into the air, positioning himself in front of Pei Jia.

 

Song Cheng and Song Ye, upon seeing this, stood behind Si Lan, swords raised, confronting Pei Jia.

 

The tension between the two sides was palpable, and a battle seemed imminent when suddenly, in the distance, a melodious tune wafted through the air.

 

“In the vermilion gates and jade-carved door frames, Pei Lang leans against the wall, sipping from a flower-shaped wineglass. Please tell me, when it comes to love, who is to blame? Loving and hating, he’s a beloved husband…”

 

Hearing this song, the black mist gradually dissipated from Pei Jia, and his gaze cleared. He dismounted and rushed toward the source of the voice.

 

The trace of obsession left by Tao Yuan had taken on a phantom form. This nearly transparent illusion stood on a theatrical stage, softly chanting the song.

 

Pei Jia reached out to embrace Tao Yuan, but his arms went through empty air.

 

He couldn’t hold onto the phantom.

 

“Tao Yuan, is this your soul?” Pei Jia stared blankly at the translucent figure, feeling as though his heart had been sliced open multiple times, making it difficult to breathe.

 

Si Lan hadn’t expected that Pei Jia, who had already fallen into darkness, would regain his sanity upon hearing Tao Yuan’s voice. Only Tao Yuan’s matters could affect Pei Jia.

 

Si Lan asked Haowei, “Haowei, if we kill Pei Jia, will it break the curse of Da Yang?”

 

“No, Pei Jia and Da Yang are linked through a sacrificial bond. Even if we kill Pei Jia, it won’t break the curse of Da Yang.”

 

“In that case, can sealing Da Yang release the curse?”

 

Si Lan didn’t dare to ask directly if Da Yang could be killed, as even the previous Heavenly Emperor hadn’t killed Da Yang but had instead sealed him away.

 

Haowei furrowed his brows and shook his head. When he was young, he had seen his father’s work, “Sealing the Demon Incarnate,” in the library. It detailed the method to seal Da Yang but didn’t mention how to break the curse or suggest that sealing Da Yang would automatically dispel the curse.

 

However, the information on curse-breaking might be found in other books. It seemed like a trip to the library was in order.

 

While Si Lan could sense a strong presence of dark magic in the General’s residence, he couldn’t detect Da Yang’s aura. If this ancient demon truly lurked within the General’s residence, it would have been teeming with dark energy. So where exactly was Da Yang hiding?

 

Haowei seemed to guess what was on Si Lan’s mind and said, “The scattered pockets of dark energy in the mortal realm are, in fact, fragments of Da Yang’s body.”

 

Si Lan was taken aback. Any curse usually had time and space constraints. This Da Yang’s curse had seemingly enveloped the entire mortal realm, but it turned out that Da Yang had torn his own body into countless pieces, scattered throughout the world to complete the curse.

 

Si Lan was at a loss for words.

 

The only medium through which Da Yang could be communicated with was Pei Jia. However, Pei Jia’s thoughts were entirely consumed by Tao Yuan, and he was speaking to that invisible obsession.

 

To make Pei Jia change his mind, they needed to first dispel Tao Yuan’s obsession.

 

Si Lan approached Tao Yuan’s obsession. Immediately, Pei Jia drew his sword, blocking Si Lan’s way. “What are you trying to do?”

 

“General Pei, now that Lady Pei’s physical form has dissipated, this obsession won’t linger in the mortal realm for long. Do you want him to leave with regrets?”

 

Pei Jia maintained a defensive stance.

 

Si Lan recalled that Tao Yuan had a good relationship with the Twin Masters of Tuo Shan. He continued, “General Pei, when Lady Pei was alive, she once told us that the greatest fortune of her life was having your care during her childhood and her love for you when she was young.”

 

Pei Jia’s eyes flickered, as if something in those words had struck a chord. “Did she really say that?”

 

“Yes.”

 

Pei Jia smiled bitterly. Clearly, his love for Tao Yuan was the greatest misfortune in Tao Yuan’s life. If he hadn’t met Pei Jia, Tao Yuan’s life might have been difficult, but he could have continued living.

 

He glanced at Tao Yuan’s phantom, which was growing increasingly faint, and the singing voice was fading as well. Would it disappear entirely?

 

“Tao Yuan, whatever it is that you want, or whoever it is, I’m willing to do it for you…” Pei Jia reached out to touch the phantom’s face, spoke with deep affection, then turned to ask Si Lan, “What should I do now?”

 

Si Lan extended his hand to touch the obsession, realizing that it was very fragile and couldn’t hold many memories.

 

He needed to perform the “Return Curse” and go back in time to see what Tao Yuan’s obsession was all about.

 

“General Pei, during the casting of the ‘Return Curse,’ I need an absolutely safe and quiet environment.”

 

“Alright.”

 

Pei Jia didn’t ask too many questions. Perhaps he trusted Si Lan or maybe, in his current state, he had nothing left to lose.

 

He ordered his servants and soldiers to guard the General’s residence from all directions, forbidding anyone from disturbing them. He stood guard outside the room himself.

 

Inside the room, Si Lan felt uneasy. He considered having Haowei and the Song brothers maintain the protective formation.

 

The Song brothers readily agreed, but Haowei, with a grim expression, neither consented nor refused.

 

“Your Majesty, does casting the ‘Return Curse’ cause any harm?” Song Cheng inquired with a furrowed brow.

 

Si Lan chuckled, “No, I know my limits.”

 

In truth, he didn’t have a clear grasp of his limits. Casting the “Purification Curse” once had cost him three layers of his cultivation. The “Return Curse” was likely to be equally taxing.

 

The last time, Jiuying’s aura dissipated after using the “Return Curse.”

 

Song Cheng was about to ask more questions when Song Ye interjected, “Big Brother, the way he’s fussing is just like His Majesty’s Lady. But alas, our Majesty is not someone to be tamed.”

 

“…,” Si Lan.

 

Song Cheng’s gaze turned sharp, shooting a look at Song Ye, who pursed his lips and turned away, crossing his arms and adopting a fearless expression.

 

“Your Majesty, he has always been outspoken. Please don’t take it to heart,” Song Cheng said.

 

Si Lan responded with a simple “Hmm,” and set up a protective barrier around the room.

 

He closed his eyes, bowed his head, and interlaced his ten fingers in front of his chest. He silently recited an incantation. In the next moment, he found himself standing between the gears of the Six Paths Reincarnation, with 333 gears spinning rapidly.

 

Then, a multitude of white light spilled from between the gears, obscuring his vision.

 

When he opened his eyes again, Si Lan found himself in an unfamiliar place. All around him was a vast desert, with billowing sandstorms obscuring the sky.

 

Behind him, a shadowy figure followed him.

 

Si Lan turned around in surprise to see that it was Haowei.

 

“Chong Wei, why are you here in this illusion?” Si Lan asked.

 

“I don’t know,” came the faint reply from within the hood.

 

“…”

 

Si Lan had a sense of déjà vu. Every time he entered an illusion, there was always a follower.

 

Before, it was a little follower, and now it was a big one.

 

“Listen, men,” a group of men’s voices in the distance played out, accompanied by the eerie sound of the wind and sand. It was like a devil’s incantation.

 

“The lead actor, this little performer, his mouth is small, but his cheeks are fairer than a woman’s.”

 

“I wonder if he’s as fair in the back?”

 

“Hahaha…”

 

The men’s conversation grew increasingly lewd, intermingled with faint sobs and pleas for help.

 

Si Lan and Haowei immediately followed the sounds and saw a group of men in crude linen clothing, wearing gray head covers, huddled in a circle, laughing and teasing each other.

 

A slender and fair ankle poked out from among them.

 

“Tsk, tsk, truly a famous actor, such fair skin, truly to be pitied!”

 

“Do you know how men do it with other men?”

 

“I heard they use the rear!”

 

“Disgusting, isn’t that very dirty?”

 

“You don’t understand, a few rounds with that mouth and it’ll be clean…”

 

The conversation of those men grew increasingly shameless. Si Lan, hearing it, couldn’t help but blush, and he unconsciously looked at Haowei beside him.

 

With a hood covering his face, it was impossible to discern any reaction from Haowei.

 

“Enough, I can’t wait any longer. We don’t need the filthy details!”

 

“Hahaha…” The men laughed uproariously.

 

Si Lan clenched his fist, his body hovering in the air, and he gazed at the young performer surrounded by those ruffians. After getting a clear look at the person’s face, his expression slightly froze.

 

It was indeed Tao Yuan.

 

Tao Yuan’s clothes were torn, and he shielded a group of younger actors with his hand, even though his own face was red, he still extended his hand to protect those younger performers.

 

“Brother Yuan, should we…”

 

“Don’t be afraid; I’ll protect all of you.” Tao Yuan’s voice quivered with determination, as if he had made a decision in his heart. He pursed his lips and, after a moment, took off the tattered cloth hanging from his shoulder, addressing those rowdy bandits, “These young ones are probably too delicate to handle, gentlemen. It’s better to let me take care of you.”

 

Hearing this, the men’s throats moved, and they chuckled.

 

“Haha, since the little beauty is so eager, we won’t be polite…”

 

The leader of the men grabbed Tao Yuan’s clothing and pulled him into a tent, and a few other bold men followed suit, joking that they wanted to be the groom.

 

Si Lan clenched his fists and, floating in mid-air, he looked towards the group of black-armored soldiers who had ambushed the area.

 

Hurry!

 

If they delayed any longer, things might take a turn for the worse!

 

Si Lan was so anxious that he wished he could snatch a sword from the soldiers and slash the tent open to rescue Tao Yuan.

 

Fortunately, the soldiers didn’t waste any time either. They moved in for an attack on the bandits. Most of the bandits outside the tent couldn’t react in time and were killed instantly.

 

A small group of them attempted to resist, passing on the message to those inside the tent.

 

“Boss, run! There are soldiers…”

 

“Soldiers? What soldiers?”

 

One bandit lifted the tent flap and was about to speak, but his words were cut short by a sword.

 

The one who struck him down was Pei Jia.

 

Pei Jia’s face was splattered with the bandit’s blood, but he remained expressionless. He lifted the tent flap, entered the tent, and a moment later, the sound of a scuffle, followed by the bandit leader’s pleas for mercy, could be heard. Yet, the last sound was eventually drowned out by the snapping of bones.

 

Si Lan finally breathed a sigh of relief. He murmured, “Thank goodness we saved him.”

 

This was likely the first time Tao Yuan and Pei Jia had seen each other after many years apart. After all these years, would their feelings still be as pure as they once were?

 

Haowei glanced at Si Lan and remembered how Si Lan had wanted to draw his sword and kill the bandits earlier. He couldn’t help but remark, “You seem to invest quite a lot of genuine emotions.” They were just spectators, and no matter how urgent they felt, it wouldn’t change anything.

 

Si Lan chuckled and said, “I’m a person with strong empathy.”

 

Haowei remained noncommittal.

 

Within the illusion, Pei Jia removed his clothes and dr4p3d them over Tao Yuan. He held Tao Yuan and walked out of the tent.

 

Tao Yuan’s face was pale, but his eyes shone brightly, and he couldn’t take his eyes off Pei Jia’s side profile. The tenderness in his eyes seemed as if it could melt into tears.

 

Pei Jia patted Tao Yuan’s shoulder and said, “I’ll go take care of some business and be back later.”

 

Tao Yuan finally released him, but his gaze still followed Pei Jia as he walked away. Then, a faint smile appeared on his face.

 

Si Lan looked at the Tao Yuan in front of him, who had grown even more dazzling and alluring than eight years ago, with skin almost translucent. He gave off a fragile, delicate aura, making Si Lan want to protect him.

 

This lively Tao Yuan, compared to the one who had been bedridden and turned into a living corpse, was like two different people.

 

The thought of their inevitable ending filled Si Lan with mixed emotions.

 

His empathy resurfaced once again.

 

“It seems that at this point, Pei Jia doesn’t seem to like Tao Yuan very much, while Tao Yuan is the one who’s deeply entangled.”

 

Haowei nodded.

 

Si Lan cleared his throat and said rather pensively, “I’ve read many love stories between generals and actors in books, and none of them have had a good ending.”

 

Haowei looked at him, unsure why he had brought this up all of a sudden.

“Do you think love with a significant class difference can have a good ending?” Si Lan asked this question, and as he did, he suddenly looked at Haowei.

 

Haowei fell silent, his life had never been troubled by such a question, and no one had ever bothered him with it.

 

“In the Demon Realm, despite being free-spirited, there are many unspoken rules that still shape people’s beliefs. For example, a chicken, cough, is not as good as a phoenix.”

 

“…”

 

So that’s what it all boiled down to.

 

Haowei spoke gently, “Comparing things in such a manner is a self-inflicted torture.”

 

Si Lan was at a loss for words, feeling that Haowei’s words didn’t strike him, and he didn’t know the pain. Over these thousand years, he had eaten so much hardship and suffered so much injustice in his quest to perform as a divine phoenix.

 

He had quietly promoted the idea of equality between demons and spirits in the Demon Realm, but it had little effect. The demons in the Demon Realm still only recognized birth and cultivation, and the elderly and frail demon beings were seen as food or trash.

 

“Do your sects adhere to these hierarchical rules? Do they have issues related to social standing?” Si Lan inquired of Haowei.

 

Haowei gazed intently and slowly replied, “Not mine.”

 

“Oh.” Si Lan’s lips curled slightly.

 

Inside the illusion, time had silently progressed into the deep night. After Pei Jia had finished his business, he thought of Tao Yuan and went to check on him. Tao Yuan had just fallen asleep, but when he heard the sound of the curtain being lifted, he woke up instantly, his eyes filled with fear as he looked outside.

 

Pei Jia felt that he had scared Tao Yuan, and he wanted to step forward to explain but also felt like leaving, caught in a dilemma.

 

When Tao Yuan recognized him, he immediately got out of bed without shoes and rushed into Pei Jia’s arms.

 

The joy of reuniting after such a long separation finally revealed itself at this moment.

 

The countless reunions in his dreams had finally come true. The missing piece in his heart had finally become whole.

 

Tao Yuan couldn’t help but choke up. So much had happened over these years, and there were so many things he wanted to tell Pei Jia, but he couldn’t find the words. So, he could only sob softly, like a child, his voice trembling with each sob.

 

Pei Jia’s hand hung in the air, and after a moment of hesitation, he gently placed it on Tao Yuan’s back, giving him soothing pats.

 

“Don’t be afraid; those bandits have been eradicated.”

 

Si Lan shook his head. He hadn’t expected Pei Jia, who had grown up, to be so unromantic. Tao Yuan wasn’t crying because of the bandits right now; it was because of him. At this moment, Pei Jia should have just embraced Tao Yuan and confessed his feelings, not stood there like a piece of wood.

 

It seemed that as he grew older, Pei Jia had forgotten how to be charming.

 

Perhaps these years in the military had changed Pei Jia’s character.

---

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 29

 

Si Lan and Haowei hurriedly made their way to Baixiang Garden. As they approached, they heard a melodious tune resonating within the courtyard.

 

“Behind the red gates, a young lord leans gracefully, sipping wine from a jade goblet.”

 

The voice was as smooth as water, gentle and pleasant, resembling a woman’s, yet more enchanting than one.

 

Si Lan and Haowei squeezed through the crowd and saw the courtyard adorned with lanterns, casting dancing shadows. Taoyuan, dressed in a red wedding gown, had a delicate and slender figure. His movements were graceful and tender, as if he were on a stage. With half-closed eyes, he sang a song with an absentminded look.

 

“Ask the music-loving lady and her lord, love and anger make a perfect couple. The young lord flees with flushed cheeks, the lady dances, enchantingly and smiling…”

 

The song seemed to narrate the first encounter of Taoyuan and Peijia.

 

Peijia leaned against the wall, watching as the lovely Xiao Lian sang the song next door. He teasingly asked if Xiao Lian was a man or a woman, and Xiao Lian playfully scolded him as her husband, which sent Peijia running in a fluster.

 

Peijia slowly reached out his hand towards the singer, his arms trembling slightly due to excitement. He embraced Taoyuan and choked out his name.

 

“Taoyuan…”

 

But Taoyuan seemed oblivious to his words, continuing to sing intermittently.

 

“Taoyuan, I’m Peijia. Look at me…”

 

Peijia called Taoyuan softly, but Taoyuan remained in a dazed state, showing no response. Peijia looked at Si Lan with teary eyes. “Doctor Si, what’s happening to him?”

 

Si Lan approached Taoyuan, placing his hand on Taoyuan’s Baihui acupoint, and realized that Taoyuan’s body was now under the control of a strong obsession.

That was a lingering obsession of Taoyuan that persisted even after his death.

 

Previously, Taoyuan’s body had been overtaken by impurities, preventing this obsession from entering his body. Later, Si Lan eliminated all the impurities near the General’s Mansion, allowing this obsession to regain control over Taoyuan’s body.

 

Si Lan didn’t respond to Peijia’s question. Instead, he asked, “General Pei, what is the song that Taoyuan is singing?”

 

“It’s ‘Playing with Peijia,'” Peijia replied with a moment of melancholy in his expression. “It’s a song Taoyuan composed himself to commemorate our first meeting.”

 

Si Lan frowned, realizing that Taoyuan’s obsession was related to their initial encounter. Resolving this obsession might briefly restore Taoyuan’s consciousness. Perhaps only Taoyuan’s words could make Peijia accept the fact that Taoyuan was already gone.

 

“Be careful,” Si Lan warned.

 

While Si Lan was deep in thought, Haowei suddenly grabbed his elbow.

 

In the next instant, a surge of malevolent energy rushed towards them, causing everyone to be knocked down by the energy, screaming in fear. The malevolent energy swept through the crowd and swiftly took Taoyuan’s body as if it were lightning fast.

 

Si Lan, followed by Haowei, immediately used their magic to chase after the malevolent energy. In the distant sky, a massive black cloud of malevolent energy roiled, and once Taoyuan’s body was absorbed into it, it quickly disappeared.

 

Si Lan entered the malevolent energy, and in an instant, everything turned black, with no visibility. Si Lan swiftly used his techniques to dispel the rolling malevolent energy, clearing the sky.

 

However, Taoyuan’s figure was nowhere to be seen.

 

“He went back,” Haowei said in a low voice and turned back.

 

Si Lan followed him without hesitation. As they got closer to the General’s Mansion, he felt the familiar malevolent energy again.

 

This cunning demon knew that the most dangerous place was often the safest!

 

Haowei landed in the General’s Mansion’s backyard, with Si Lan landing behind him.

 

The courtyard was overgrown with weeds, the walls were dilapidated, and the cold moonlight cast eerie shadows, making the surroundings appear sinister. It seemed to be an abandoned garden.

 

Si Lan spoke in a hushed tone and stepped forward, asking, “Are you sure it’s here?”

 

“Yes,” Haowei replied.

 

Si Lan concentrated and carefully observed the surroundings.

 

Tattered pieces of burial paper rustled in the night wind, a wooden door lay on the threshold, and the room was half bathed in moonlight, half drowned in shadows. Cobwebs swayed from the ceiling, and dust covered the floor, giving the appearance of nothing unusual.

 

But just as he turned to leave, he suddenly struck a palm at the person hidden behind the door crack.

 

The person had hidden their form, thinking they were safe when Si Lan turned away, but they were taken by surprise and struck by Si Lan’s palm.

 

The person grunted and quickly transformed into a black mist, trying to escape.

 

Si Lan, however, accurately seized the essence of that black mist with his hand. A cry of pain came from within.

 

“My lord… It hurts…”

 

The black mist gradually dispersed, revealing a man in white clothes with black hair. The man’s neck was still being held by Si Lan, and he was gasping for breath, his expression distorted and his face red from choking.

 

Si Lan released his grip, and the man in white clothes immediately clutched his throat, gasping for air.

 

“My lord, you were quite ruthless,” he complained.

 

Si Lan was astonished that the intruder causing chaos in the General’s Mansion was none other than Song Ye, who had been paralyzed for over a hundred years.

 

Si Lan gritted his teeth and looked around.

 

Then, another person, presumably realizing that they could no longer hide, revealed their form and silently approached Si Lan.

 

“I greet my lord,” Song Cheng said, with no signs of embarrassment at being caught, and he made a respectful bow.

 

Si Lan was getting increasingly furious. “What are the two of you doing here?”

 

“My lord, we came to the General’s Mansion to remove the Dayong Curse,” Song Ye explained after catching his breath.

 

“Oh, I see. So why were you sneaking around and not willing to meet me?” Si Lan asked.

 

Song Ye glanced at Song Cheng as if they were coordinating their stories, but Song Cheng seemed unwilling to continue the deception and said, “We seek your forgiveness, my lord. The Dayong was released when Song Ye and I were fighting, and we accidentally broke the seal on it.”

 

Song Cheng explained that while they were pursuing each other, they had reached Dayong Mountain. During their fight, they inadvertently shattered Dayong Mountain, which released Dayong. After realizing the gravity of the situation, they followed Dayong into the human realm and arrived at the General’s Mansion.

 

For the past few days, they had been hiding in the General’s Mansion, trying to find a way to break the Dayong Curse. When they sensed Si Lan’s presence, Song Ye suggested concealing their presence and acting discreetly.

 

After all, if Si Lan found out that the malevolent creature causing havoc in the human realm was released by them, he might have executed them immediately.

 

Song Ye had no reservations but was concerned about his brother. After all, his brother was deeply fond of Si Lan.

 

Thinking of this, Song Ye closed his eyes and looked desperate. “My lord, it has nothing to do with my brother. It was I who inadvertently broke the seal on Dayong Mountain.”

 

Song Cheng, with an expressionless face, continued, “My lord, it’s not his fault. It’s my recklessness; otherwise, Dayong wouldn’t have been released.”

 

“No, it’s my mistake. It’s all my fault. It’s because I couldn’t control my sword for a moment that I accidentally split Dayong Mountain open.”

 

Si Lan watched the touching scene of these two brothers, who usually had a poor relationship, now fighting to take responsibility when trouble arose. He wasn’t sure whether to be moved or angry.

 

These two brothers were always like this, having a strained relationship in their daily interactions, but once something happened, they would compete to shoulder the blame.

 

Si Lan was about to speak when Haowei, who had been silent all along, suddenly said, “The Dayong matter has nothing to do with them.”

 

Song Ye looked at Haowei, not knowing who this mysterious figure with the veil was, but upon hearing him speak in their favor, his face immediately lit up with a smile. He was about to express his gratitude, but then Haowei added coldly, “Their cultivation is too low to break the seal on Dayong.”

 

Song Ye remained silent.

 

For some reason, Si Lan felt an inexplicable trust in Haowei’s words. Relieved that it wasn’t his two subordinates’ fault, he still maintained a stern expression and asked, “Where is Taoyuan, and why did you capture him?”

Song Cheng cast a spell, and Taoyuan’s physical body gradually appeared, hovering in mid-air.

 

At this moment, Taoyuan had closed his eyes, his face pale, but his cheeks were unusually red, like a human puppet.

 

Song Ye explained, “My lord, we suspect that Dayong was summoned by him after his death. That’s why we wanted to capture him and force him to break the curse.”

 

Si Lan glanced at Song Ye but didn’t confirm or deny it. He walked to Taoyuan and noticed that the lingering obsession inside him was gone.

 

Perhaps it had been frightened away by Song Ye, or perhaps its time had expired.

 

The obsession could enter the physical body, but the time it spent inside was limited, and the presence of excessive Yang energy around the body prevented the obsession from entering.

 

“You two…” Si Lan sighed. “You’re becoming bolder and bolder.” If he hadn’t received a message from the Heaven-Sent Monkey Spirit to come to the mortal realm to investigate, they might have continued hiding it from him.

 

While they hadn’t directly released Dayong, they should have informed him as soon as they discovered the malevolent creature wreaking havoc in the mortal realm, rather than keeping it hidden due to fear of punishment.

 

If their actions caused harm to the mortal realm, both Si Lan and they would be held accountable.

 

Song Cheng immediately knelt and bowed, apologizing, “My lord, I was wrong in this matter. Please punish me.”

 

Song Ye looked at Song Cheng, hesitated for a moment, and reluctantly knelt as well, saying, “My lord, you can punish me.”

 

“Don’t worry,” Si Lan said sternly, “Both of you will face punishment, but for now, return to the Demon Realm. Each of you will receive 100 lashes and be banned for three years.”

 

“My lord, can we stay by your side and serve you until the Dayong curse is lifted, and then we’ll accept our punishment?” Song Cheng raised his head, his eyes slightly red, pleading.

 

Song Ye heard his brother’s plea and added, “Yes, my lord, we can assist you in any way you need.”

 

“You shouldn’t think you can make amends by helping. Even if you manage to lift the Dayong curse, you will still face punishment when you return,” Si Lan warned. While he generally didn’t get angry, when he did, it was not easily appeased.

 

Song Cheng, upon hearing this, immediately thanked Si Lan, and Song Ye pursed his lips, following his brother’s lead in apologizing.

 

At this moment, Peijia heard the commotion in the backyard and led a group of servants to investigate.

 

When he saw Taoyuan, Peijia rushed over, embraced him tightly, his eyes filled with obsession. “Taoyuan… Taoyuan… How can this happen? Lord Si Lan, why has Taoyuan fallen asleep again?”

 

Si Lan explained, “General Pei, don’t worry. Lady Taoyuan will wake up again.”

 

“Really?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“That’s good, that’s good,” Peijia muttered, seemingly lost in his own world, where only Taoyuan existed, and there was no one else.

 

“General Pei, the Yin energy is strongest at the third quarter of the night,” Si Lan said. “At that time, Lady Taoyuan may wake up again. But it would be helpful if you could recreate the scene of your first encounter, which could stimulate her consciousness.”

 

The lingering obsession in Taoyuan had been singing “Playing with Peijia” repeatedly, suggesting that it was deeply attached to their initial meeting. If Peijia played the role of the young man on the wall, it might trigger the obsession and awaken Taoyuan.

 

“Alright,” Peijia responded, and he quickly left with Taoyuan in his arms. His attention never strayed from Taoyuan, and he seemed to have not noticed the two extra people who had appeared suddenly or perhaps noticed them but was too preoccupied with Taoyuan to question who had taken Taoyuan’s body away.

 

Si Lan watched Peijia’s distraught appearance with mixed feelings. Once Taoyuan’s consciousness returned, he and Peijia would be separated again.

 

However, if they didn’t wake her up, Taoyuan’s body and obsession wouldn’t remain in the mortal realm for long, and sooner or later, they would have to deal with the situation of separating the two lovers.

 

Peijia instructed his servants to set up a simple stage in the inner courtyard, repaint the walls, and plant green bamboo to recreate the scene of their first meeting.

 

When the third quarter of the night arrived, Taoyuan, who had been lying in bed, slowly sat up. His eyes seemed clouded, unfocused, and lacked expression.

 

He walked to the stage, swaying his slender figure, and gently waved his sleeves. His voice was as clear and melodious as pearls and jade.

 

“At the vermilion gates, under the carved window, Peijia leans against the par4p3t…”

 

However, it seemed that Taoyuan hadn’t seen Peijia leaning against the wall. He continued singing the song, seemingly oblivious to Peijia’s presence.

 

Peijia descended from the wall, his eyes red, and his lips quivering slightly. He stared at Taoyuan, who remained unresponsive, seemingly unaffected.

 

“Taoyuan… Please, stop singing,” Peijia suddenly embraced Taoyuan from behind, his back slightly hunched, his chin resting on Taoyuan’s shoulder. “Please, stop singing…”

 

Peijia closed his eyes and a tear rolled down his pale and sunken face.

 

Taoyuan still didn’t react to him until the lingering obsession finally left his body and fell into Peijia’s embrace.

 

The steward asked, “Lord Si Lan, what’s going on? Why hasn’t Lady Taoyuan awakened?”

 

“The lingering obsession of Lady Taoy

 

uan doesn’t seem to be related to their initial meeting,” Si Lan said, furrowing his brows. He couldn’t understand why Taoyuan had been singing the song commemorating their first encounter repeatedly.

 

Peijia, looking at Si Lan, with a hint of despair in his eyes, said, “What should we do to save Taoyuan now?”

 

“Find the root of her obsession,” Si Lan said. “So, General Pei, you need to carefully think about what in that song could be Lady Taoyuan’s obsession.”

 

Peijia raised his head, his lips curled in a self-deprecating smile. “Alright, allow me to think about it carefully.” He then carried Taoyuan and walked toward the Lakeheart Pavilion, focused on his beloved, with no attention spared for the two unexpected figures in the courtyard.

The servants each returned to their rooms, and Si Lan and his companions also retired to their quarters.

 

After the commotion, everyone felt a bit exhausted. However, due to the influence of the Dayong curse, they were both fatigued and unable to sleep, their bodies feeling extremely uncomfortable.

 

Si Lan rubbed his temples, trying to ease his headache, while still wrestling with the matter of Taoyuan. “We did nothing wrong. Why can’t we resolve that lingering obsession?”

 

Haowei looked up at Si Lan and calmly stated, “That General Pei’s words can’t be trusted.”

 

“Hmm?”

 

“Those affected by the Dayong curse have unstable Qi, their spirits are weak, and they appear fatigued. However, General Pei maintains stable Qi and doesn’t show any sign of fatigue. He should be the one who summoned Dayong.”

 

Only the person who summoned Dayong remains unaffected by the curse.

 

Haowei had noticed General Pei’s unusual condition when he first saw him. At that time, he believed it was due to General Pei’s profound inner energy and robust physical strength. However, after another day had passed, it was impossible for even a healthy human body to maintain such stable Qi after two days without rest.

 

Si Lan asked, puzzled, “Can a living person like Pei summon Dayong? I thought only the lingering grudges of the deceased could do that.”

 

“Yes.”

 

Si Lan contemplated, “I remember you said that Taoyuan was trapped to death by someone. Is General Pei trying to seek revenge for Taoyuan?”

 

“Or perhaps he wants to make the entire mortal realm pay the price for Taoyuan’s death.” Haowei’s voice turned cold.

 

Si Lan’s heart sank. He realized that they couldn’t delay any longer. Their immediate priority was to awaken Taoyuan and break the Dayong curse.

 

Taoyuan’s lingering obsession still lingered near his body. Si Lan planned to capture that obsession to understand what it was fixated on.

 

So, Si Lan, Haowei, and the Song brothers discreetly concealed their presence and, as if they were thieves, approached the Lakeheart Pavilion.

 

Inside the room, General Pei was applying powder to Taoyuan’s face.

 

“I know you love to be beautiful, even when you’re asleep, you can’t slack off.”

 

After General Pei carefully applied the powder, he leaned down and meticulously painted Taoyuan’s eyebrows. When he made a mistake, he reached out to wipe off the makeup expertly.

 

“I promised you in the past that I would paint your eyebrows for you every day. Now I’ve fulfilled my promise. But what about you? You said you wanted to stay with me for a long, long time, didn’t you?”

 

General Pei touched Taoyuan’s cheek gently, his eyes filled with deep affection.

 

“Is your lingering obsession staying for him?” He? Who was he?

 

The four eavesdroppers in the room were puzzled. They wanted to hear more but General Pei fell silent. He simply held Taoyuan’s hand tightly, and his body remained motionless, like a statue.

 

Si Lan cast a spell, causing General Pei in the room to fall into a deep sleep. Then, Si Lan and Haowei stealthily entered the room, while the Song brothers were left outside to stand guard.

 

Though the Song brothers initially considered joining the action inside, they refrained from doing so as they thought about the time when Song Ye had faked a disability. He had feigned it for a hundred years, deceiving Song Cheng into doing his work for him. Song Cheng couldn’t help but clench his teeth when he remembered it.

 

However, Song Ye, who always seemed carefree, now wanted to talk with his brother. He used his elbow to nudge Song Cheng and asked, “My lord seems to trust that man with the veil.”

 

Song Cheng ignored him.

 

Song Ye saw the change in his brother’s expression and continued, “My lord, if that man is the same one you found on Mount Quansha, what do you think?”

 

Song Cheng’s expression stiffened, and he glared at Song Ye. His eyes were fixed firmly on his brother, who was standing very close.

 

“Song Ye, if you do anything foolish, don’t involve me.”

 

“Brother, if it makes you happy, I don’t mind killing him for you, right away.”

 

“Song Ye, if you continue to do foolish things, don’t drag me into them.”

 

“Brother, why pretend to be so virtuous? Do you know what happened to my lord’s three consorts? I’m sure you understand better than anyone…”

 

Song Cheng’s face gradually became tense as he heard this, and he stared at Song Ye intensely.

 

Song Ye smiled nonchalantly, “I want my brother to be happy. If you don’t want that person to approach my lord, I’ll kill him immediately.”

 

—

 

Inside the room, General Pei had dozed off beside the bed.

 

Si Lan performed a secret technique, and above Taoyuan’s physical body, a wisp of Taoyuan’s lingering obsession floated. It carried the memories Taoyuan didn’t want to forget.

 

Si Lan and Haowei simultaneously reached out for the obsession, and the next moment, they saw the scenes held within.

 

Before the break of dawn, Taoyuan was already practicing on a dilapidated stage.

 

At this time, Taoyuan’s face appeared slightly young, with undeveloped features, but his figure was slender and graceful, exuding a hint of femininity.

 

He twirled his sleeves, swayed his body, and sang slowly, “Gazing upon the distant Qí, where the green bamboo is lush and dense. The gentleman there, he works on himself, as if carving and polishing, as if cutting and grinding…”

 

He sang with great enthusiasm but didn’t notice there was someone lying on the par4p3t.

 

The clear and melodious voice woke General Pei, who was rubbing his temples. His face still carried the remnants of

 

 a blush, as if he had just woken up from a drunken stupor.

 

Listening to the tune in the courtyard, General Pei couldn’t help closing his eyes, crossing his legs, and occasionally nodding in appreciation.

 

Si Lan hadn’t expected that General Pei also had such a carefree and playful side. Just as he was feeling surprised, the song ended, and he saw General Pei turn his head, his gaze fixed on the figure on the stage.

 

Although the two were separated by some distance, General Pei looked closer and squinted his eyes, asking, “Young lady, what song are you singing?”

 

At this time, Taoyuan had disheveled hair, was dressed in a colorful dress, and his facial features hadn’t fully developed yet, making it hard to distinguish his gender. Upon hearing General Pei’s question, Taoyuan felt embarrassed and raised his head, glaring at General Pei.

Later, Taoyuan, for some unknown reason, raised his eyebrows slightly and deliberately deepened his voice, saying, “Good husband, the title of the song I just sang is ‘Qí Ào’.”

 

It’s unclear whether General Pei was startled by the term “good husband” or the sudden change in Taoyuan’s voice, but he stumbled and fell from the par4p3t, then hastily fled.

 

Seeing this, Taoyuan couldn’t help but cover his face and chuckle.

 

Si Lan, upon seeing this, couldn’t contain his laughter either.

 

General Pei had tried to flirt but ended up being teased instead.

 

Across the room, Haowei heard Si Lan’s laughter and glanced at him through the black veil.

 

The second scene depicted by the obsession was the troupe leader holding a thick stick, similar to a baby’s arm, and repeatedly striking Taoyuan.

 

Taoyuan knelt on the ground, his delicate body jerking with every blow, but he refused to admit that he had stolen the jade pendant.

 

General Pei, as usual, was sunbathing on the par4p3t when he saw the scene of Taoyuan being beaten. He immediately leaped into the courtyard, taking the stick from the troupe leader.

 

“Why are you beating him?” General Pei asked.

 

“This rebel stole my jade pendant, hid it in his room, and won’t admit it!” The troupe leader recognized General Pei, as he was the eldest son of General Pei. He had no choice but to explain.

 

General Pei asked with a cold face, “Is it the jade pendant carved like a big cabbage?”

 

“Yes… Master Pei, how do you know about it?”

 

General Pei chuckled and pointed to a little actor in the corner, saying, “I was sunbathing on the par4p3t, and I saw him sneaking into Taoyuan’s room with a cabbage-shaped jade pendant.”

 

As General Pei finished speaking, the little actor’s face changed instantly. He quickly knelt down, begging for mercy. The troupe leader became furious and began beating him with a broom.

 

For a moment, everyone in the theater troupe’s room was focused on the troupe leader and the actor who was begging for mercy.

 

Only General Pei watched Taoyuan, who was still kneeling on the ground.

 

General Pei helped Taoyuan up, but Taoyuan blushed slightly and avoided his touch, thanking him with a lowered head.

 

After this incident, General Pei and Taoyuan’s relationship grew much closer. To express his gratitude, Taoyuan made soup for General Pei.

 

General Pei opened the porcelain bowl with excitement. However, when he saw that it contained meatball soup with radishes, his expression changed for a moment, but he still smiled and finished the soup.

 

In truth, General Pei hated two things in his life: radishes and meatballs.

 

But General Pei knew that this was the best thing Taoyuan could offer him.

 

Their friendship from their youth blossomed quickly, and they became the closest of friends, sharing every aspect of their lives despite being from entirely different worlds. Thanks to a par4p3t wall, they were closely connected.

 

Unfortunately, these good days didn’t last long. The Pei family was summoned back to the capital by the Holy Yu family.

 

Before leaving, General Pei found Taoyuan and brought a jug of wine. He poured it for Taoyuan, saying, “This wine is remarkable. Drinking it will strengthen your body. You’re so thin; you should have more nourishment.” Seeing Taoyuan’s skeptical expression, he added, “Even my elder brother, who has been bedridden for many years, can get up and take a few walks after drinking it.”

 

Taoyuan chuckled and broke his abstinence from alcohol that night.

 

In his drowsy state, Taoyuan heard General Pei say, “I really want to take you with me to the capital. The snow in the capital is beautiful.”

 

Taoyuan reached out to touch General Pei’s face and fell into a deep sleep.

 

When Taoyuan woke up, General Pei was already gone. In a rush, Taoyuan ran outside, leaving behind one of his shoes. He didn’t care about it and chased after the Pei family’s procession.

 

Fourteen or fifteen-year-old General Pei rode a black steed, his back straight, tall and imposing. He led his family out of the city gates.

 

Taoyuan only managed to give General Pei one last glance.

 

Upon returning to the theater troupe, the troupe leader noticed Taoyuan’s bloodied and mangled right foot. He couldn’t help but sneer, “Young Master Pei has returned to the capital, where there are many beautiful actors and handymen. Do you think he’ll remember who you are?”

 

Taoyuan kept his head down and said nothing.

 

“Your Highness, someone is approaching,” suddenly, Song Cheng’s voice echoed from outside.

 

Si Lan immediately withdrew his hand, and the current scene stopped abruptly.

 

A group of people had arrived, including some practitioners. Si Lan didn’t want to cause trouble, so he pulled Haowei’s arm and disappeared back into their room.

 

Song Cheng and Song Ye also returned using magic.

 

The initial scenes that the obsession revealed were mostly consistent with General Pei’s previous account. However, it was unclear what was wrong, preventing Taoyuan’s obsession from awakening?

 

Furthermore, the “he” mentioned by General Pei remained a mystery. Who was he referring to?

 

In those brief scenes, there didn’t seem to be anyone particularly significant.

 

Si Lan was perplexed and turned to Haowei. “Chongwei, did you discover anything?”

 

Haowei was about to respond when a strange bell suddenly rang outside, echoing with an eerie tone, filling the air above the General’s Mansion.

 

It was a soul-binding bell.

 

Si Lan and the others rushed outside, following the strange bell sound, which led them to the Lakeheart Pavilion. There, several servants were gathered at the edge of the lake.

 

In front of the Lakeheart Pavilion, several practitioners stood with their eyes closed, shaking the soul-binding bells in peculiar postures.

 

Inside the Lakeheart Pavilion, through the official yellow beaded curtains, they could faint

 

ly see several practitioners. Using a thread as a medium, they sent layer after layer of white light into Taoyuan’s body.

 

General Pei was left outside the pavilion, clenching his fists and staring intently at what was happening inside.

 

Seeing this, Si Lan and the others attempted to step into the Lakeheart Pavilion but were stopped by the elderly steward.

 

The steward explained awkwardly, “Doctor Si, the practitioners are performing a ritual. Please refrain from disturbing them. Please don’t misunderstand; it’s not that the General’s Mansion doesn’t trust your medical skills. The General’s Mansion had previously issued a notice, inviting renowned doctors from all over to treat the Madam’s illness. These practitioners just arrived and claimed they could help, so the General allowed them to perform their rituals.”

 

“Ah, I see,” Si Lan nodded and looked at the practitioners ringing the bells in front of the Lakeheart Pavilion, noticing a few familiar figures.

 

Despite their disguises, Si Lan still recognized them as the men who were discussing General Pei and Taoyuan at the teahouse yesterday.

 

Si Lan’s expression grew serious, and he asked the steward, “Are the identities of those practitioners reliable?”

 

“They are reliable; they are all disciples of the Xuanling Sect,” the steward replied.

 

Si Lan fell into thought, and then Haowei suddenly spoke in a low voice, “This is the art of necromancy.”

 

“So, they aren’t planning to revive Taoyuan but turn him into a puppet?” Si Lan inquired.

 

“Yes,” Haowei confirmed.

 

Si Lan was about to speak up to stop them when he heard voices coming from inside the room.

 

“General Pei, he’s awake!”

 

General Pei immediately rushed into the room, and Si Lan and the others followed suit.

 

Inside the room, incense wafted through the air, and the beaded curtains swayed. The person lying on the bed had eyes that slowly moved, as if they had lost focus. After a while, those eyes settled on General Pei.

 

General Pei couldn’t help but grip Taoyuan’s hand, and his chest trembled involuntarily with excitement.

 

“Taoyuan…”

 

The person on the bed had a pale face, and at the corner of their lips, they murmured, “Am I asleep?”

---

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 28

 

If it weren’t for the peace between the two realms, Haowei really wanted to give the outspoken Demon Lord a good beating.

 

What does it mean to be a “good husband”?

 

Does this Demon Lord really consider him his wife?

 

“To thank you for helping me in ways you may not even realize, I’ll give you another iridescent feather,” Si Lan said, taking out an iridescent feather from his storage bag and handing it to Haowei.

 

Haowei’s face was full of disdain. Is it a common practice for birds to give feathers when they like someone? He didn’t want him to end up bald.

 

Disdain aside, Haowei still reached out and accepted it. He didn’t like odd numbers, and this would make a pair with the other iridescent feather.

 

While they were talking, a voice suddenly echoed in Si Lan’s divine consciousness. It was the voice of a demon general stationed near the border between the human realm and the demon realm.

 

“Your Excellency, a monster has entered the human realm causing trouble. Even the God Monkey of Eminent Heaven couldn’t subdue it. We are sending an urgent request for assistance.”

 

The God Monkey of Eminent Heaven was a celestial lord responsible for managing earthly affairs on behalf of the Heavenly Court.

 

According to the established customs of the Six Realms, each realm was responsible for its own affairs. After the Heavenly Court unified the six realms of gods, demons, spirits, humans, and ghosts, the Heavenly Court effectively managed the affairs of the five realms, leaving the demon realm under Si Lan’s jurisdiction.

 

How difficult could this monster be that it led the God Monkey of Eminent Heaven to seek help from the demon realm?

 

The demon general delivered the urgent report to Si Lan, and a strip of bamboo message gradually appeared in front of him.

 

He opened the bamboo message and, after reading the black characters on it, his facial features tightened inch by inch.

 

The monster was none other than Da Yong.

 

Da Yong had been sealed by the previous Heavenly Emperor Tai Wei at the boundary between the human and demon realms. Later, the place where Da Yong was sealed gradually formed a towering mountain, known as Mount Da Yong in the world.

 

According to the principle of territorial jurisdiction, most of Mount Da Yong was close to the human realm, and therefore, it should be the Heavenly Court’s responsibility to handle the matter. However, following the principle of ownership, Da Yong was a demon, and thus, it fell under the jurisdiction of the demon realm.

 

Sending an urgent report to him was a clever way for the God Monkey of Eminent Heaven to pass the buck.

 

Haowei’s gaze penetrated the bamboo message, and he also saw the contents. His expression grew serious.

 

When he came down to the demon realm, he knew that Da Yong had escaped, but he hadn’t expected Da Yong to go causing havoc in the human realm. According to historical records, Da Yong used a curse that left people sleepless, leading to their eventual demise. The average person could endure sleeplessness for a maximum of five days, with only a very few managing to hold out for seven days.

 

This meant that if Da Yong wasn’t subdued within three days, most of the ordinary people would be sleeplessly trapped and eventually die.

 

Si Lan closed the bamboo message and intended to leave for the human realm immediately.

 

For one, he may be a demon lord, but he had once been human and couldn’t stand by and watch people die.

 

Secondly, Lan Lan’s fourth reincarnation was still in the human realm. So, whether from the perspective of universal love or personal affection, this trip to the human realm was inevitable.

 

Quze and Xie Li, two disciples of Si Lan, also wanted to accompany him.

 

Si Lan didn’t dare to take any risks and only allowed the two of them to stay behind to guard the Cloud-Seeking Peak.

 

The last time, Quze was an undercover agent, so Si Lan wasn’t worried about leaving him at the Profound Spirit Sect. However, this time, their opponent was an ancient demon with unknown origins, and Si Lan couldn’t risk Quze and Xie Li being in danger.

 

“You two are also entrusted with an important responsibility to guard the Cloud-Seeking Peak.”

 

“But, Your Excellency, if I miss you, can I come and find you?”

 

Si Lan paused for a moment and then said, “Alright.”

 

After arranging his two disciples, Si Lan looked at Haowei, “Little White Dragon, you should return to the Heavenly Court as soon as possible. Don’t let your father worry about you.”

 

“I want to go with you.”

 

“No, it’s too dangerous this time.” Si Lan refused with a stern face. If something happened to Little White Dragon while he was with him, he couldn’t bear the responsibility.

 

Haowei’s lips twitched, and he impulsively said, “Didn’t you say I’m very good at… being a good husband to you?”

 

As soon as he said that, Haowei regretted it, and his ears turned slightly red. He wasn’t planning to accompany Si Lan to the human realm in the first place.

 

“Never mind.” Before Si Lan could respond, Haowei coldly added, “I’ll return to the Heavenly Court on my own!”

 

With those words, Haowei cast a spell and transformed into a cloud of mist, disappearing in an instant.

 

“…” Si Lan.

 

Si Lan watched Haowei’s departing figure, feeling a bit puzzled. Why did this little guy seem so stubborn? It was all for safety that he didn’t take him along.

 

Oh well, he felt that this Little White Dragon’s thoughts were even harder to fathom than Lan Lan, A Lan, and Que Lan from before.

 

After pondering for a moment, Si Lan used a spell to instantly appear in the human realm.

 

At first glance, the human realm seemed normal, but looking through the clouds, a dark energy barrier enveloped the entire human realm.

 

Any living being that entered this dark energy, whether in the sky, on the ground, or in the water, would be affected by a curse, making it impossible for them to sleep day or night.

 

In that moment, Si Lan suddenly understood the actions of the heavens. In ancient times, even the most insignificant demons and monsters were incredibly powerful and could easily wipe out the human realm, which occupied the lowest rung of the food chain. If they weren’t kept in check to balance the power of the six realms, the human realm would have long been overrun by those demons and monsters.

 

Si Lan landed on a street, and the scene seemed frozen, but it was slowly moving.

 

Occasionally, a few chimneys were still emitting smoke, and the smoke drifted in the wind as if it were moving more slowly than usual. Pedestrians had dark circles under their eyes, walking wearily with heavy, leaden legs.

 

Inside the houses, babies were crying incessantly, while outside, cats and dogs were going mad, continuously howling and roaring as if trying to vent something but unable to.

 

Every household was filled with complaints and wailing.

 

Si Lan couldn’t bear to let it continue. He used magic to draw a formation in the air, and following that formation, he saw that apart from the dark energy in the sky, black energy pervaded the human realm, resembling creeping vines, rising from the ground and floating in the air.

 

Si Lan flew toward the place where the black energy was most concentrated, General Ning An’s residence.

 

The closer he got, the stronger the demonic energy he felt, and he had a faint sense that this demonic energy was somewhat familiar. Could it be his subordinates?

 

Thinking this, Si Lan slightly furrowed his brow and discreetly landed in a teahouse across from General Ning An’s residence.

 

Inside the teahouse, several tall men with upright postures were huddled together, whispering quietly.

 

Si Lan faintly heard the word “General” and used magic to eavesdrop on what they were saying.

 

“That little musician is already dead. There’s no way a divine physician can save him.”

 

“For General Pei to go to such lengths for him, he might ruin his reputation in one fell swoop!”

 

“Ah, not only General Pei’s reputation, but according to that Daoist artificer, this curse of the ancient demon Da Yong, which is causing havoc in the human realm, may have been unleashed by the spirit of that little musician. Perhaps if we burn his body, we can break the curse.”

 

“I say, we’d be better off…”

 

As they talked, they glanced at each other and made a gesture.

 

Si Lan sized up these men. Despite their tired faces, their voices were full of vigor, and their posture was upright and resolute. They were likely soldiers, perhaps even subordinates of General Pei.

 

Si Lan walked up to the entrance of General Ning An’s residence and stared at the closed red door, deep in thought.

 

What reason could he give to enter?

 

As he contemplated, a man dressed in black with a black hood stood next to him.

 

Si Lan turned to look at the man, who had a tall, well-proportioned figure, an understated aura, and although his face wasn’t very clear, just his profile made him seem out of place.

 

The man seemed to sense Si Lan’s gaze, and his hood shifted slightly as he turned to look in Si Lan’s direction. After a moment, he uttered a soft “Hmm.”

 

Si Lan felt that the voice was oddly familiar, like he had heard it somewhere. As he tried to recall, the bright red door suddenly opened, and a white-bearded butler stepped out.

 

“Are you the Twin Pinnacles of Tu Shan?”

 

Si Lan and the man in black exchanged glances and simultaneously replied, “Yes.”

 

“Please come in quickly. General Pei has been waiting for you for a long time…”

 

The butler led Si Lan and Haowei past winding courtyards to a building located in the middle of a blue lake, which suddenly came into view.

The butler led the way towards the center of the lake and explained, “Our lady has been unconscious and has been recuperating here under the general’s care.”

 

Si Lan inquired, “How many days has your lady been in a coma?”

 

“Three days.”

 

Si Lan suddenly realized that the onset of the Great Cursed Curse in the mortal realm was two days ago, which coincided closely with the time when the general’s wife fell into a coma. Could it be that the general’s wife’s spirit was responsible for this?

 

“Please, come in,” the butler said, standing by the door and inviting Si Lan and Haowei inside.

 

Once inside, they were greeted by twelve painted screens depicting landscapes. Behind the screens, there were translucent embroidered curtains made of transparent official yellow beads hanging about an inch above the ground.

 

On the right, two censers burned incense, and wisps of smoke rose. On the left, you could faintly see a person sleeping behind the curtains, while another person sat quietly in front of the bed, gazing at the sleeping figure.

 

Perhaps it was the sound of their footsteps that startled the person sitting by the bed, who reached out to part the bead curtain and came out.

 

This person was tall, about the same height as Haowei, and suddenly appeared in front of Si Lan. Si Lan felt like he was dwarfed when placed between these two.

 

Even though he was over seven feet tall.

 

Si Lan observed the features of General Pei, his sunken eye sockets, crimson eyes, and an expressionless face that still conveyed profound sadness and overwhelming despair.

 

Pei turned his gaze to Si Lan and said with slight surprise, “I never thought you two would actually be the Twin Pinnacles of Tu Shan.”

 

Slightly taken aback by this, Si Lan and Haowei exchanged glances, then Pei shifted his gaze to Haowei and said, “If Peach Abyss were still awake, he’d surely be delighted to see both of you safe.”

 

“…” Si Lan.

 

“…” Haowei.

 

Si Lan privately thought that General Pei’s grief had affected his judgment, mistaking him and Haowei for the Twin Pinnacles of Tu Shan. However, it did make things more convenient for their mission.

 

Si Lan cleared his throat and said calmly, “What is Peach Abyss’s current condition?”

 

“Peach Abyss has been in a coma, only regaining consciousness for less than a quarter of an hour each day,” perhaps to avoid suspicion, Pei had Si Lan and Haowei stay outside to diagnose the patient’s pulse, while he went in to tie a red thread around Peach Abyss’s wrist.

 

Si Lan held his breath and carefully held the red thread. After a moment, he glanced at the sleeping figure behind the bead curtain and furrowed his brow.

 

No pulse, no breath…

 

Peach Abyss was already dead.

 

Si Lan initially thought that the people in the teahouse were just talking nonsense, but now it seemed that they were telling the truth. Could it be that Peach Abyss’s lingering resentment had caused the Great Cursed Curse to be activated?

 

Si Lan pondered this, and as he handed the red thread to Haowei, he wanted him to confirm it. However, Haowei didn’t take it.

 

“Aren’t you going to check?” Si Lan asked.

 

“No need,” came the cool voice from behind the veil.

 

Si Lan didn’t notice, and continued, “You’ve also realized that he’s already dead?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Are you here to investigate the Great Cursed Curse too?”

 

“Yes.”

 

The last “yes” had a slightly annoyed tone.

 

Si Lan continued, “I still don’t know your name. You are…”

 

Haowei’s voice, muffled by the veil, paused for a moment before he uttered two words, “Chong Wei.” It was a combination of “Haowei” and “Chong Ying.”

 

Si Lan found this voice and the name somewhat familiar. He was about to say more when General Pei opened the bead curtain and walked out.

 

“Doctor, how is my wife’s condition?” Pei asked, looking at Si Lan.

 

Si Lan observed Pei, thinking that he was a military man who had experienced many battles and shouldn’t be unable to recognize that Peach Abyss had already passed away. However, Pei seemed unwilling to accept the truth, and Si Lan didn’t want to hurt his feelings directly.

 

Si Lan said, “We couldn’t determine your lady’s condition through pulse diagnosis. General, we need a face-to-face consultation to have a clearer understanding.”

 

After hesitating for a moment, Pei nodded and turned back to open the bead curtain, leading Si Lan and Haowei into the room.

 

Si Lan saw a person lying on the bed. Their black hair spread loosely on their shoulders, their complexion was pale, their expression peaceful, and they looked more like someone in deep sleep than a deceased person.

 

Si Lan hadn’t expected that the person who had driven General Pei to madness was, in fact, a man.

 

So why was Pei telling them to avoid suspicion?

 

Si Lan reached out and pressed his fingertips against Peach Abyss’s neck. He couldn’t detect any sign of life. As he got closer, he noticed that Peach Abyss had a thick layer of makeup on his face. The pale lips were covered in vivid rouge, giving him a somewhat lively appearance, which didn’t resemble a dead person.

 

It seemed that Pei had applied makeup to Peach Abyss himself, deluding himself into not accepting Peach Abyss’s passing.

 

Si Lan gently pressed Peach Abyss’s forehead and the body began to tremble, limbs convulsing as if in intense pain.

 

Pei, seeing this, tried to rush over, but Haowei blocked him.

 

“What did you do to my wife?” Pei demanded.

 

Si Lan withdrew his hand, and Peach Abyss’s body gradually calmed down. “There is impurity in his body,” Si Lan said. After death, if a corpse is not dealt with promptly, it can attract impurities and exhibit “false death” symptoms.

 

“What does impurity mean?” Pei asked, his brow furrowed.

 

Si Lan carefully chose his words. “It’s just some restless… unclean energy.”

 

Pei sat by the bedside and examined Peach Abyss’s body. After confirming that Peach Abyss was not injured, he asked, “How is my wife’s illness?”

 

“The condition is stable. I can prescribe a few herbal remedies for your wife to drink twice a day.”

 

Si Lan said, and he sensed a faint twitch at the corner of Haowei’s mouth through the veil. He probably found Si Lan’s words somewhat amusing. Nonetheless, Si Lan remained composed and wrote a prescription for Pei.

 

Pei had no reason to doubt him and immediately instructed his servants to prepare the herbal remedies.

 

“When will my wife wake up, Doctor?” Pei asked in a hoarse voice.

 

Si Lan’s expression froze for a moment. He hadn’t mentioned his name, so how did General Pei know his surname was Si?

 

“General Pei, I can’t guarantee when your lady will wake up, but for now, following this prescription should lead to her gradual recovery,” Si Lan paused and then added, “General Pei, have we met before?”

 

However, General Pei seemed too absorbed in the phrase “your lady’s condition will gradually improve.” He didn’t pay any attention to Si Lan and, instead, excitedly held Peach Abyss’s hand, muttering, “Peach Abyss, did you hear the doctor’s words? You will wake up soon, and then we can go to South Province to enjoy the mountains and rivers, or ride freely in the Northern Desert…”

 

“General…” Si Lan was about to say something more when the butler walked over.

 

“You two divine doctors must be tired. Please follow me to the guest rooms to rest. Tonight, the general’s mansion has prepared a feast to entertain you.”

 

Si Lan glanced at General Pei, who seemed utterly dazed and confused, unable to engage in meaningful conversation. So, he followed the butler and left.

 

He contemplated the situation as he walked, lost in thought. Consequently, when Haowei abruptly stopped, he wasn’t aware of it and bumped into Haowei.

 

Instinctively, Haowei turned and caught him. In an instant, a faint scent of temple incense and another familiar aroma wafted to his nostrils. The incense scent was probably picked up from Peach Abyss’s room.

 

Firm fingers held his waist. Through the thin clothing, their warmth pressed against his skin. He was taken aback, and he couldn’t help but think of the man he had encountered in the Illusion Realm of Xuanling Mountain. They were of similar height, both with large hands and the same comforting warmth.

 

Si Lan looked up, meeting a pair of eyes through the lightly swaying veil. Before he could focus, a clear, melodious voice came from within the veil.

 

“Are you steady now?”

 

“Uh, yes, I am.” Si Lan quickly steadied himself and gave an awkward smile.

 

“Both divine doctors, this is the guest room. If you need anything, call for me,” the old butler said as he left.

 

“Thank you.”

 

Once the butler had left, Si Lan realized that the old butler had assigned only one room for him and Haowei.

 

“…” Si Lan.

 

They were the Twin Pinnacles of Tu Shan, not a couple.

 

Si Lan didn’t know what to do, but he saw Haowei calmly walking into the room. Not wanting to appear embarrassed, he followed.

 

He inwardly thanked his stars that this person didn’t know his true identity; otherwise, discovering that he was destined to be with a “male spouse” would likely be unsettling.

 

Inside the room, Haowei still wore his veil, standing by the window in a meditative posture as if deep in thought. Si Lan sat down in a chair, and, with his hand, drew a swastika-like formation on the table. Soon, the formation expanded and enveloped the general’s mansion.

 

In an instant, the foul energies lingering around the general’s mansion were completely dissipated. Peach Abyss had been dead for a long time, and his body had not been laid to rest. This had attracted impurities wandering through the mansion. If this continued, not only Peach Abyss, but even ordinary people would be affected by these impurities, causing their vital energy to gradually dissipate.

 

After completing these tasks, Si Lan looked at Haowei. Haowei observed Si Lan casting the spell, maintaining his composure and not reacting in any way. He did not seem like an ordinary mortal.

 

Previously, when Si Lan unintentionally bumped into Haowei, he had tried to assess Haowei’s cultivation level but found nothing. It was as if he couldn’t discern the cultivation levels of the people he had encountered recently.

 

Could it be that his own cultivation had regressed?

 

Si Lan felt a sudden unease and decided to focus on his cultivation after resolving the current mortal realm crisis.

 

He coughed gently to break the silence and took the initiative. “Chong Wei, have you found any clues? Since we’re both here to solve the Great Cursed Curse, we should cooperate.”

 

The veil gently moved, and a soft voice came from inside. “That Lady Pei, she was emaciated and starved to death.”

 

“Starved to death?” Si Lan was surprised and felt a pang of sympathy. Such a cruel method was usually reserved for interrogating enemies. Peach Abyss was General Pei’s wife, so how could she have endured such treatment?

 

Si Lan recalled what the people in the teahouse had said, “Was it after his death, his ghost remained and summoned the Great Cursed Curse?”

 

“It’s not him; it takes an enormous amount of resentment to summon the Great Cursed Curse,” Haowei added. He hadn’t sensed strong resentment on Peach Abyss’s corpse.

 

Si Lan paused and then looked at Haowei. “I didn’t expect you to be so sure. Do you have any leads?”

 

“I am certain,” Haowei responded firmly. This was the first time he had come to the mortal realm in his current form, and there was no way General Pei could have seen him before.

 

Si Lan felt that Haowei’s denial was resolute. He changed the subject, saying, “This place has the heaviest demonic energy, aside from the Great Cursed Curse. There are other demonic energies intermingled here.”

 

Haowei continued without hesitation, “That Lady Pei, she was starved to death.”

 

Haowei seemed to be echoing the same information, but this time, Si Lan noticed something different in his tone.

 

“Who could have done something so cruel to her?” Si Lan wondered aloud.

 

Haowei responded, “I suspect we are not dealing with a simple ghost or the Great Cursed Curse. There may be another force at play here.”

 

Si Lan nodded in agreement. “I share the same suspicion. Let’s investigate further to unravel this mystery.”

 

With a newfound sense of purpose, they decided to work together to uncover the truth behind the Great Cursed Curse and the strange occurrences at General Pei’s mansion.

Even though Si Lan had sensed the diminishing presence of the other demonic energy since his arrival, he could still faintly feel the other’s existence.

 

Haowei acknowledged with a simple “hmm.”

 

“I suspect it might be people from my… our village…” Si Lan quickly corrected himself.

 

Haowei cast a condescending glance at him but didn’t confirm or deny it.

 

The two of them engaged in more small talk. Nightfall descended silently, and the general’s mansion lit up with rows of red lanterns, casting a warm red glow around.

 

A servant from General Pei came to invite them to the banquet.

 

They didn’t want to waste time at the banquet but considering that General Pei had some secrets, they decided to go.

 

The mansion’s servants, affected by the Great Cursed Curse, had sunken eyes and looked fatigued. Even the servant leading them spoke hesitantly.

 

“Di… Divine doctors, please… come in…”

 

As Si Lan turned around, he nearly stumbled and almost fell. He quickly extended a hand to support the servant. Seeing the servant about to struggle to thank him, Si Lan hastily said, “No need to thank me; go on with your duties.”

 

The servant bowed and left.

 

General Pei had not yet arrived, and the servants were setting up the dishes.

 

Si Lan looked at the sumptuous feast on the table but had no appetite. His mind was consumed with thoughts of the Great Cursed Curse.

 

He only knew that the Great Cursed Curse was a demonic creature that cast the Cursed Distress Curse, but beyond that, he had no information. He didn’t know where to begin.

 

“If only we could go to the Heavenly Court and see Taowei’s records,” Si Lan mumbled under his breath.

 

When Taowei was alive, he would record the demons he had subdued in his records, which were stored in the Heavenly Court’s scriptures repository. However, the Heavenly Court was guarded by divine warriors and protected by barriers, making it challenging to access.

 

Haowei, who was nearby, gave Si Lan a faint look.

 

In an instant, General Pei entered, looking visibly fatigued. Upon seeing Si Lan and Haowei, he inquired about Peach Abyss’s condition, “Divine Doctor Si, I feel that Peach Abyss’s complexion has improved after drinking your medicine. Can you tell me when she might wake up?”

 

“It depends on the patient’s personal will,” Si Lan replied, considering General Pei’s fragile state. He then changed the subject, “General Pei, how did your wife contract this strange illness?”

 

General Pei seemed to recall something unpleasant, his eyes clouded with red mist. “It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have left her alone in the military camp, leading to her being…,” he stopped abruptly, unable to continue. He instinctively denied Peach Abyss’s death.

 

Observing General Pei’s unstable mental state, Si Lan didn’t want to push him further and changed the topic again, “General Pei, has your lady ever mentioned anything about curses or spells?”

 

“Divine Doctor Si, I know what you want to ask. That Great Cursed Curse outside has nothing to do with my wife,” General Pei said with determination, “Those people not only harmed my wife, but now they also want to blame these unfounded charges on her. It’s unforgivable.”

 

Seeing General Pei’s near-hysterical state, Si Lan had a vague thought that was almost too unbelievable to consider.

 

“General! General!” Suddenly, the butler’s voice came from outside, interrupting their conversation.

 

The butler had rushed to the door, out of breath and excited. “General, the divine doctor’s prescription really worked. The lady has awakened!”

 

General Pei, upon hearing this, rushed to the butler and seized his hand, asking, “Is Lady really awake?”

 

“Yes, she’s now singing in the Hundred Fragrance Garden.”

 

Without waiting for the butler to finish speaking, General Pei hurried towards the Hundred Fragrance Garden.

 

The other guests at the banquet followed him.

 

Si Lan and Haowei exchanged glances.

 

Haowei took a deep breath and asked in a cold tone, “What kind of prescription did you give?”

 

“I prescribed a treatment for lumbar disc herniation,” Si Lan replied.

 

“…” Haowei.

 

Si Lan figured that Peach Abyss probably had to bend over frequently when practicing singing, so he prescribed a treatment for lumbar disc herniation. However, he had not expected Peach Abyss to actually wake up!

 

Was this a case of faked death?

---

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 27

 

Suddenly, a sense of emptiness filled Si Lan’s heart as he looked at the well-assembled prosthetic limb in his hand, as if he had realized something. A faint smile crept across his lips.

 

This little guy still had a conscience; before leaving, he had securely placed the prosthetic limb.

 

However, Si Lan wasn’t sure if the new prosthetic would be suitable for Quze.

 

He used his divine sense to communicate with Quze, saying, “Quze, come to Zhuyun Peak quickly.”

 

Quze didn’t reply, and Si Lan assumed he was busy, so he didn’t think much of it. However, after a while, he tried contacting Quze again and received no response. That’s when he realized something was amiss.

 

How could it be that he had just returned to Zhuyun Peak and couldn’t get in touch with Quze?

 

“Quze, is something wrong with you?”

 

After a moment, Quze’s voice, slightly hoarse, came through his divine sense, “Lord, I’m fine. I’ll be back at Zhuyun Peak shortly.”

 

Si Lan sensed that something was wrong and calmly said, “Okay.”

 

After ending the communication, he immediately flew to find Quze based on the guidance of Feather Spirit.

 

When Quze was young and had lost his arm, he was frequently bullied by other young demons in the Demon Realm. To protect him, Si Lan had left Feather Spirit on Quze. Whenever Quze called for him, he could quickly locate him using Feather Spirit’s guidance.

 

He sensed Quze’s aura within the Songkun Valley and saw a group of demons surrounding Quze, brutally beating him with their fists. They had taken advantage of his broken prosthetic arm and injuries to torment him.

 

Quze remained silent, cradling Xie Li beneath him with his one remaining arm, allowing them to pummel him.

 

On the ground nearby, Quze’s torn shirt and the upper part of his prosthetic arm were strewn about, stained with blood.

 

Xie Li, seemingly in shock, had gone pale. He had forgotten to cry and curled up in Quze’s embrace, trembling with each punch that landed.

 

When Si Lan witnessed this scene, a surge of anger welled up in his heart. He drew his Mysterious Heart Whip and lashed out at the group of demons, sending them sprawling and severely injured.

 

“Go… run…”

 

When the demons saw Si Lan’s appearance, they immediately turned to flee. Unfortunately, they were no match for Si Lan’s whip, which was faster. The long whip pierced through their shoulders like skewers, stringing them together and presenting them before Si Lan.

 

Si Lan was furious but chuckled sarcastically, squinting at them, “Don’t you know that Quze and Xie Li are under my protection?”

 

“We… We are also under Lord of the Deer’s command…”

 

“Lord of the Deer,” Si Lan’s lips curled in a deeper smile, “then tell him, whatever issues he has with me, don’t involve my two disciples.”

 

Lord of the Deer was the peak master of the Shuhe Peak, one of the twelve peaks. When Si Lan’s father, Sī Shaojun, defeated Lord Chu’s Mountain, he replaced five peak masters among the twelve, but seven remained unchanged, and Lord of the Deer was one of them. He had been Lord Chu’s Mountain’s trusted aide.

 

During Sī Shàojūn’s reign, Lord of the Deer still acknowledged his authority, but after Si Lan took over, Lord of the Deer repeatedly expressed his dissatisfaction with Si Lan’s rule, desiring to make Shuhe Peak independent from Si Lan’s control.

 

Si Lan, considering Lord of the Deer’s high prestige within Shuhe Peak, had turned a blind eye to his provocations, not wanting to escalate the situation. However, he hadn’t expected Lord of the Deer to dare to bully his disciples.

 

Did he truly believe Si Lan’s leniency made him easy to push around?

 

Si Lan abruptly retracted his whip, and the barbs on the whip instantly rose as he pulled it back through the group of demons, causing them to scream in pain, clutching their bleeding wounds in panic and fleeing in all directions.

 

“You… You, you arrogant little chicken pretending to be a phoenix! Don’t think you can go unchallenged for long. Lord of the Deer will expose your secrets soon!” one demon, thinking they had run far enough to be safe, shouted at Si Lan.

 

Si Lan responded with an “Oh,” and in the next moment, the demon’s arm was ripped off, blood gushing. The demon was terrified, clutching the wound and shrieking as they fled.

 

Si Lan redirected his gaze and, looking down, saw Quze struggling to get up from the ground with one arm.

 

Si Lan asked, “Why didn’t you send a message for me to come to your rescue?”

 

“I…,” Quze lowered his head, his eyes filled with concern. He changed the subject, saying, “One of the demons mentioned that Lord of the Deer has obtained evidence…”

 

Quze had originally planned to endure today’s harassment and approach Lord of the Deer alone tomorrow, hoping to make Lord of the Deer give up exposing Si Lan by any means necessary.

 

“Just because of that, you didn’t tell me?” Si Lan’s brow furrowed deeply, and he retrieved some ointment from his pouch, tossing it to Quze, transferring some inner energy to help with the healing.

 

Quze clenched the ointment, but didn’t speak.

 

Seeing this, Xie Li gently tugged on Si Lan’s robe. “My Lord, don’t blame Senior Brother. He was doing it for your own good.”

 

Xie Li had been scared into tears earlier, and Quze had warned him not to cry, or else Si Lan might hear.

 

Quze didn’t want Si Lan to worry about them, and he especially didn’t want Si Lan to know about Lord of the Deer’s threat.

 

“Quze, if you didn’t want to tell me, were you planning to handle it on your own?” Si Lan squinted, his expression turning colder. “But how were you planning to solve it? Let me guess, were you thinking of sacrificing yourself alongside Lord of the Deer?”

 

Quze hadn’t expected Si Lan to figure out his thoughts. He instinctively tightened his fingers, his face turning pale, nervously looking at Si Lan.

 

Si Lan’s precise perception caught this movement, and in the next moment, he slapped Quze.

 

This was the first time Quze had been physically struck in his entire life. The blow was powerful, making Quze’s face twist to the side, and it took a while for him to slowly straighten his head.

 

His lips were skewed.

 

“After this, if you dare to take matters into your own hands for me again, you can have the position of Demon Sovereign.”

 

“My Lord, that’s not what I meant…” Quze wanted to explain, but Si Lan didn’t want to listen to him. He lifted Xie Li’s collar and used magic to leave the valley.

 

Quze quickly chanted a spell and followed behind Si Lan, but he didn’t dare get too close, knowing Si Lan was still angry with him.

 

Back at Zhuyun Peak, Quze saw a new iron prosthetic arm laid on the stone table, and his eyes reddened instantly.

 

He picked up the prosthetic arm and bit his lower lip tightly.

 

“My Lord…”

 

Even if his lord didn’t allow it, he still wanted to fight for his lord.

 

“Quze.” Suddenly, a low, oppressive voice emanated from the hall. “If you haven’t given up on foolish actions, don’t blame me for banishing you from Zhuyun Peak.”

 

After a pause, Si Lan added, “Even after death, don’t expect to be buried on Zhuyun Peak.”

 

Being unable to be buried on Zhuyun Peak after death was a devastating blow to Quze.

 

As expected, he calmed down after hearing this and went to rest. However, he couldn’t sleep that night; he kept thinking about what the demons had said.

 

Although Si Lan hadn’t revealed his true form or said anything about it, Quze had once accidentally seen a demon resembling a wild chicken bathing in the hot springs of the Seven Strings Cavern.

 

After a single glance, he immediately turned away, vaguely understanding something. However, for so many years, he had avoided delving deeper into the matter.

 

It wasn’t until early morning that Quze, still holding the prosthetic arm, fell into a fitful sleep.

 

While he slept, Si Lan quietly entered his room and saw Quze holding the prosthetic arm in his sleep, his grip tight and his face hidden beneath the blanket.

 

Si Lan hadn’t expected that he had struck Quze so hard in anger. Regretfully, he found some ointment and applied it to the bruises on Quze’s cheek.

 

Had he given the young one a psychological scar by being so angry and hitting him? After all, he was just a child of a little over two hundred years.

 

—

Si Lan didn’t know whether Lord of the Deer was bluffing or had truly discovered his secret identity as a wild chicken. He tried to contact Lord of the Deer through long-distance voice transmission but found that he couldn’t reach him.

 

He had to resort to contacting the guardian of Shuhe Peak and learned that Lord of the Deer had left Shuhe Peak yesterday, likely to search for someone.

 

Si Lan’s brow furrowed deeply. After pondering for a while, he realized that the reason Lord of the Deer had suspected him was probably due to the accidental reveal of his wings during their encounter at Xuanling Gate.

 

Could it be that Lord of the Deer has been having people track me all along?

 

I’ve been careless.

 

But even if Lord of the Deer has his suspicions, as long as I don’t reveal my true form, he won’t have direct evidence of my identity.

 

Furthermore, even if Lord of the Deer were to expose my true form, he can’t remove me from the position of Demon Sovereign. Currently, five of the twelve peak masters are loyal to my father, and three are loyal to me.

 

These eight people will stand by my side no matter what.

 

However, if my true form is revealed, it’s like getting caught with a fake degree; it will make me lose face, and I’ll undoubtedly face ridicule from other demons. I can imagine that when they mention me in the future, the first thing that will come to their minds won’t be the fact that I’m a ruthless demon lord but that I’m the chicken-loving Demon Sovereign.

 

Sigh.

 

Lord of the Deer arrived at Zhuyun Peak three days later, claiming that he wanted justice for his subordinates. He also brought three peak masters along to support his cause. These three peak masters were all loyal to my father and had long held grudges against me.

 

As I looked at the imposing group heading up the mountain, I couldn’t help but think of it as a “palace coup” in the human world.

 

In reality, this “palace” isn’t worth overthrowing. After all, on my side, there’s only one disciple with a missing arm and a six-year-old disciple sneaking sweets.

 

Lord of the Deer, upon seeing me, didn’t show any respect. He appeared arrogant and was followed by his subordinates who carried weapons and held their heads high, not bothering to bow or show respect, staring coldly at me.

 

“My Lord, may I inquire as to what my subordinates have done? Are you planning to grievously wound them?” Lord of the Deer spoke, reaching out to bring forward the demons who had bullied Quze the last time.

 

Perhaps it was the fear of being beaten again, but the demons faced my gaze and involuntarily stepped back, only to be pushed forward by Lord of the Deer.

 

“What have they done without telling you?” I smiled and retorted, “Without clarifying, you sent troops to Zhuyun Peak. Are you planning to rebel?”

 

“Rebellion? I dare not, but I ask my Lord to give me an explanation.” Lord of the Deer deliberately spoke slowly, sizing up my expression, thinking he would see me trembling in fear. However, he saw me remain calm and composed.

 

Lord of the Deer ground his teeth and continued, “My Lord, my subordinates have always been blunt in their speech, without regard for etiquette. They spoke without thinking and said that your true form is nothing more than a wild chicken. Did you really have to deal with them so harshly?”

 

“Pah, who said that my Lord’s true form is that filthy thing, a wild chicken? Show yourself; I’ll beat you to death!” Xue Wù, clearly upset, rolled up his sleeves and waved his polearm around the whole area.

 

My brow twitched, hoping that Xue Wù could say a little less to save me some face.

 

I cast a Silencing Spell, and Xue Wù suddenly couldn’t open his mouth, only making muffled sounds, “Uh, uh… My Lord, I…”

 

“Lord of the Deer, I have never used my authority to oppress others, but that doesn’t mean everyone can be disrespectful towards me.” I gently moved my foot, and a rush of energy spread like a gust of wind, intimidating Lord of the Deer.

 

Lord of the Deer’s expression stiffened as he gritted his teeth, his neck taut, and said, “Is it a matter of disrespect or did it touch a nerve, my Lord? If I remember correctly, none of us present have ever seen your true form.”

 

“Shame… we are your subordinates, indeed, unworthy of seeing your true form. However, it is well known that when the Divine Phoenix Sī Shàoxún was born, the true phoenix descended, and all eight phoenixes came to pay their respects. Upon seeing Sī Shàoxún, the phoenixes couldn’t help but dance with him, raising their necks and singing in unison. It is this legend that gave rise to the phrase ‘the phoenixes singing in harmony and dancing gracefully.'”

 

After Lord of the Deer finished speaking, his subordinates promptly split into two groups.

 

Eight exquisite women walked forward, donned in red and gold headdresses adorned with tassels, their robes flowing gracefully, their sleeves swaying in the wind, exuding an otherworldly aura.

 

These were the eight phoenixes that Lord of the Deer had borrowed from Cāngshān Mountains a few days ago.

 

With the bloodline connection among phoenixes, the Divine Phoenix clan naturally yielded to the Divine Phoenix. If I were indeed the Divine Phoenix’s true form, upon seeing me, these eight phoenix women would lose control and begin to dance in my presence.

 

Upon seeing the eight women, my expression slightly froze

 

.

I thought that as long as I kept my true form hidden, everything would be fine. But I didn’t expect Lord of the Deer to target the Divine Phoenix clan from Cāngshān Mountains.

 

Years ago, after the falling out between Cāngshān Mountains and my father, the Divine Phoenix clan had never set foot in the demon realm. That’s why, for all these years, I hadn’t encountered a Divine Phoenix, and I hadn’t even considered their involvement.

 

—

 

Ninth Heaven, Yuqing Palace.

 

After dealing with various immortals, Haowei rubbed his temples in exhaustion.

 

On the table, the phoenix feather white jade soup that Lady Quyu had sent earlier emitted a faint fragrance through the pot.

 

Haowei lowered his head, lifted the lid of the pot, and looked at the whitened phoenix feathers inside. His brow furrowed, and he couldn’t help but think of Si Lan.

 

If the Demon Lord were to see his fellow kind’s wings being made into soup, would he be enraged?

 

Thinking of this, Haowei’s lips curled slightly. He called a servant and ordered them to dispose of the soup. He also instructed that Yuqing Palace should not send anything else to Lady Quyu in the future.

 

After this brief episode, he continued with a stern expression to review memorials. During his absence from the Heavenly Court, a mountain of memorials had accumulated before him.

 

After a while, there was a sudden noise outside, resembling the call of cranes and the crowing of roosters.

 

He couldn’t help but put down the brush and look at the words on the memorials, which now seemed to twist into chicken shapes before his eyes.

 

With a thud, he put down the brush and furrowed his brow even deeper.

 

At this moment, a celestial general rushed in hurriedly and bowed to him. “Your Majesty, I have important news…”

 

“What’s going on?”

 

“Mount Dayong has collapsed, and the demon trapped under the mountain has escaped.”

 

The creature under Mount Dayong was a demon sealed there many years ago by Haowei’s father Taowei. This demon seemed to have some lingering obsession and could only be released from torment through a certain incantation, causing sleepless nights and ultimately driving its victims to exhaustion.

 

“Mount Dayong?” Haowei narrowed his eyes, reached out and pointed to the air, and a map unfolded before his eyes. Haowei found Mount Dayong on the map. “Is Mount Dayong close to the demon realm?”

 

“Uh… yes,” the celestial general nodded as he looked at the map.

 

“In that case, this demon is very likely to have gone to the demon realm. I will go to the demon realm to investigate.”

 

“Your Majesty, this…”

 

Before the celestial general could finish speaking, Haowei’s figure disappeared in an instant.

 

The celestial general looked at the map still hanging in the air and clicked his tongue. From the map, Mount Dayong indeed appeared to be quite close to the demon realm, but in reality, the distance between the two was tens of thousands of miles.

 

How did Your Majesty determine that the demon under Mount Dayong would go to the demon realm?

 

—

 

The Divine Phoenix guides the Divine Phoenixes, and the Divine Phoenixes beguile the birds. Therefore, when these eight Divine Phoenix women appeared, the birds near Zhuyun Peak flapped their wings and took flight, approaching the Divine Phoenixes. However, they were all blocked by the invisible barrier around the mountain.

 

The eight Divine Phoenix women walked gracefully toward Si Lan and stood before him.

 

Seeing this, everyone on Zhuyun Peak held their breath and fixed their gazes on Si Lan and the eight Divine Phoenix women.

 

But as time passed, the eight Divine Phoenix women didn’t start their dance, and there was no sign of them being drawn to Si Lan.

 

Si Lan clearly felt the atmosphere of his supporters behind him diminishing, while Lord of the Deer’s group regained their confidence, as if they had won the battle and were about to celebrate.

 

“Divine Phoenixes, please tell everyone: Is my Lord’s true form a real phoenix?”

 

The leading Divine Phoenix was about to speak but suddenly saw something protruding from Si Lan’s collar. A small white dragon head gradually emerged.

 

The little white dragon slowly opened its eyes, revealing golden irises that were indifferent and regal. In an instant, a wave of pressure surged straight toward the eight Divine Phoenix women, compelling their bodies to kneel involuntarily.

 

This pressure was like a drawn sword hanging above their heads. After they knelt down, they didn’t dare to lift their heads, holding their hands respectfully before their foreheads, showing absolute submission.

 

On Zhuyun Peak, everyone was stunned.

 

It wasn’t just the others; even Si Lan himself was taken aback by the scene before him.

 

What happened to them?

 

While the Divine Phoenix could lead the Divine Phoenixes in a dance, why would they kneel down?

 

“It must be because my Lord is too magnificent and dominant, making the Divine Phoenixes willingly submit, even to the point of not wanting to dance anymore,” Xie Li finally finished his candy, freeing his mouth to mutter.

 

Si Lan’s supporters immediately breathed a sigh of relief, their confidence soaring, and they began to speak to defuse the situation.

 

“It’s possible that regular Divine Phoenixes can lead the Phoenixes in a dance, but a Divine Phoenix like our Lord might only make the Phoenixes kneel and submit.”

 

“Perhaps, our Lord is exceptional. It is said that when he was born, though there were no Eight Phoenixes coming to celebrate, the mountains and rivers trembled, and the clouds roared, astonishing the Six Realms.”

 

Si Lan heard this and inwardly clenched his fingers.

 

The “mountains and rivers trembling, clouds roaring” was a rumor his mother had created for him in the Six Realms. In other words, his mother had prepared a catchy story for him in the Six Realms.

 

Lord of the Deer’s face became increasingly awkward as he asked again, “Divine Phoenix, could you please take another look…?”

 

The leading Divine Phoenix was still not lifting her head. Her voice trembled, “Yes, it’s true…”

 

“Lord of the Deer, don’t push too far,” Quze stepped forward, clutching his sword’s hilt in a threatening manner.

 

Lord of the Deer wanted to say something more, but the other three peak masters beside him quickly restrained him.

 

“My Lord, this matter was indeed Lord of the Deer’s impulsive act. I hope you, my Lord, can be magnanimous and not hold him accountable.”

 

“You caused a commotion here and now you’re asking my Lord to be magnanimous and not hold you accountable. Do you think my Lord is easy to bully?”

 

“Our Lord is just too kind. Every time, he doesn’t want to bother with these insignificant people, so they end up walking all over him.”

 

“Yeah, this time they actually said something as absurd as our Lord’s true form being a wild chicken! Who knows what they’ll say next?!”

 

Hearing the words of those standing up for him behind, Si Lan felt both relieved and somewhat guilty. He quickly bent down to help the eight Divine Phoenix women stand up. “Please, get up…”

 

“We… can’t get up,” the lead Divine Phoenix lowered her head and said slowly.

 

Si Lan was speechless. Just when he didn’t know how to handle the situation, the eight Divine Phoenix women suddenly regained their mobility. They quickly straightened their backs and didn’t dare to look up, maintaining the position with their fingers together on their foreheads as they slowly backed away.

 

Then, the eight of them transformed back into their original phoenix forms and soared into the sky, attracting a flock of birds to follow them.

 

Lord of the Deer’s face looked even worse. He began to suspect that Si Lan had cast some spell to force the Divine Phoenix women to kneel.

 

But he soon dismissed the idea. Even if Si Lan had somehow controlled the Divine Phoenix women, they could easily expose his true identity. However, judging from their expressions, they seemed genuinely afraid of Si Lan.

 

Could it be that Si Lan was really a Divine Phoenix?

 

If that were the case, why had he concealed it for so many years?

 

One of the peak masters behind Lord of the Deer nudged him, hinting for him to apologize quickly.

 

With an unenthusiastic expression, Lord of the Deer finally knelt down and said, “Your Majesty, I overstepped my bounds, please punish me.”

 

This was the first time Si Lan had seen Lord of the Deer lose face. Normally, Lord of the Deer was arrogant and didn’t care about anyone.

 

“Your Majesty, how should we deal with Lord of the Deer?” Quze asked.

 

Si Lan remained silent, looking at Lord of the Deer. Lord of the Deer gritted his teeth and lowered his head a little.

 

“In that case, Lord of the Deer will receive 800 lashes and will be tasked with guarding the territory of the Wolf Demon,” Si Lan declared.

 

The people behind Lord of the Deer immediately expressed their dissatisfaction.

 

“Your Majesty, you’re too kind.”

 

“In my opinion, Lord of the Deer’s position as the peak master should be revoked!”

 

“He showed such disrespect to Your Majesty; he doesn’t deserve to be the peak master of the Distant Peak!”

 

Listening to their complaints, Haowei, who was hidden in Si Lan’s arms, let out a faint snort.

 

Si Lan kind-hearted? Most likely, his heart was as dark as coal. The Lord of the Deer’s true form was a deer, and his natural enemy was the Wolf Demon. By punishing him to guard the Wolf Demon’s territory, wasn’t Si Lan practically leading him to his doom?

 

Si Lan raised his hand lightly, and the murmurs behind him ceased. He wanted to remove Lord of the Deer from his position as peak master as well, but if he did that, Lord of the Deer would undoubtedly lead the other three peak masters in rebellion, and the demon realm would once again fall into chaos.

 

Over the years, under his rule, the demon realm had gradually transformed. The monsters and demons had started to cultivate themselves, shedding their bloodthirsty natures. His introduction of compulsory education for nine hundred years had redirected their focus away from violence and battles. They now carried bags and attended classes in the Demon Hall, learning about the wonders of the Six Realms and the mysteries of elemental magic. As a result, the demon realm had enjoyed centuries of peace, a feat no previous Demon Lord had achieved. Even Si Lan, who was mighty, had to manage frequent outbreaks of violence and conflict in his realm.

 

The Lord of the Deer’s ears caught the disapproval of those behind him. He bit his lip and, after receiving the punishment, quickly led his followers to leave.

 

This group had arrived with arrogance but left like a defeated army.

 

Si Lan sighed inwardly. He had planned to reveal the truth about his true form openly, but it seemed fate had other ideas. 

 

He turned to the others. “You can leave as well.”

 

“Your Majesty…”

 

“It’s okay, don’t worry. I’m fine,” Si Lan smiled at his followers. His smile was as beautiful as a crescent moon, standing on the mountaintop, his blue robe fluttering in the wind, a picture of grace and elegance.

 

Seeing his smile, his followers swallowed their complaints and left.

 

“Why didn’t Peak Masters Song and Song accompany you?” Si Lan asked Quze.

 

These two were not only peak masters but also the guardians of the demon realm. When Si Lan was in seclusion or traveling, they were responsible for managing the affairs of the demon realm.

 

Quze explained, “Since the last time, when Peak Master Song discovered that Peak Master Song ¹lmao, yea there are two of themhad been pretending to be paralyzed for a hundred years, Peak Master Song has been chasing after Peak Master Song.”

 

Si Lan couldn’t help but sigh and mentally light a candle for Peak Master Song. 

 

In a sense, Lord of Chu Mountain had done something praiseworthy: he had provided Si Lan with two capable assistants in the form of Peak Masters Song and Song. Si Lan had found them when he was breaking into Lord of Chu Mountain’s lair. However, instead of using them as pawns, he had respected their choice to accompany him and serve loyally.

 

But he hadn’t expected that during their visit to Qiangjue Mountain to consult an oracle, Song had suddenly gotten out of the wheelchair, revealing that his legs had long been healed. Peak Master Song had been pursuing Peak Master Song ever since, presumably unable to bear the hundred-year deception.

 

Si Lan made a mental note to talk to them later.

 

At this moment, his clothes shifted as if something was trying to crawl out.

 

When the Divine Phoenix had approached him earlier, he had felt something moving inside his robes. But since the little white dragon had left, he sometimes felt as if there were something alive in his clothes.

 

But now, this unexpected sensation was undeniably real.

 

He lowered his head, and his gaze met the newly revealed eyes of the little white dragon.

 

Golden eyes, shining with starlight, were vividly reflecting his face. His eyes showed a growing surprise as he couldn’t help but lean down and kiss the little white dragon’s forehead.

 

It wasn’t an illusion; the little white dragon had really come to find him.

 

“…” Haowei.

 

Haowei’s body suddenly stiffened, his pupils dilated, and he felt the warmth of the other’s lips on his forehead, like an electric current that sent shivers through his body. His scales slowly changed color, emitting a faint crimson halo.

 

After the kiss, Si Lan noticed the change in the little white dragon’s scales and couldn’t help but exclaim, “Hmm… your scales have changed color again.”

 

He held Haowei in his hand and carefully examined him, half-serious and half-teasing, “Could it be an allergy to my saliva?”

 

“…” Haowei.

 

In Si Lan’s mind, the little white dragon was still just a pet, and even in his human form, he was about the size of Xie Li. Therefore, Si Lan didn’t think the little white dragon could be embarrassed.

 

Furthermore, he had never heard of any species whose scales turned red due to shyness.

 

“In that case, it seems I shouldn’t kiss you so casually in the future.”

 

Si Lan smiled, his lips curved like a gentle breeze, bringing a sense of refreshment.

 

Haowei’s emotions became complex for a moment. He should have been irritated by Si Lan’s impolite behavior, but when he heard Si Lan say that they shouldn’t kiss casually in the future, his heart inexplicably skipped a beat.

 

“Why did you come to me so quickly? Do you miss me?” Si Lan inquired.

 

Hearing this, Haowei immediately jumped out of Si Lan’s arms and retorted coldly, “I didn’t miss you.”

 

He had come to investigate the situation in Daming, but as soon as he arrived in the Demon Realm, he witnessed the scene where the Lord of the Deer and the others defied the authority of Si Lan.

 

Si Lan, as the Demon Lord, seemed to be sitting on a rather unstable throne.

 

Si Lan was puzzled, “When did you arrive?”

 

“Just now.”

 

Si Lan was at a loss for words. He had heard that in the Heavenly Realm, when the heavenly beings and various creatures saw a true dragon, they would be suppressed by its aura and unable to move. So, when the Divine Phoenix women had suddenly knelt in fear, was it because they saw the little white dragon?

 

It seemed like this little accident had inadvertently solved his problems.

 

Si Lan couldn’t help but comment, “Little guy, it seems like you have a talent for attracting husbands.”

 

Haowei, “…”

---

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

 

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Chapter 26

 

As they watched Jiuying gradually dissipate, silence fell over the group. Only Xie Li felt curious and jumped up, trying to grab the starlight, but he ended up falling flat on his face.

 

“Your Highness, did that big snake die?” Xie Li asked casually.

 

“Yes,” replied Si Lan.

 

“Wasn’t he the monster that split the mountain in two earlier?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Well, he must have been a pitiful creature, with just a single head floating around…” Xie Li continued, gesturing with his hands.

 

Seeing this, Quze pulled Xie Li behind him, preventing him from bothering Si Lan any further.

 

Si Lan looked a bit exhausted at the moment. He was about to lead a group of children out of the cave when he remembered someone and quickly woke up the Snake Mother who had been choked behind the statue.

 

The Snake Mother had taken human form and was lying on the ground. When she woke up, she looked around cautiously, not seeing the nine-headed snake’s figure. Her voice trembled as she asked, “Is he dead?”

 

Si Lan nodded.

 

The Snake Mother sighed in relief, and her gaze became steady as she looked at Si Lan. Then, she tried to stand up but her body gave way, and she fell into Si Lan’s arms.

 

Si Lan hurriedly supported her and said, “Be careful.”

 

“I… I can’t walk.”

 

She hadn’t eaten since being imprisoned, and her cultivation had been sealed, leaving her with less energy than an ordinary woman.

 

Si Lan originally intended to have Quze carry the Snake Mother, but he noticed that one of Quze’s iron arms had broken. So, he ended up carrying the Snake Mother himself.

 

The Snake Mother lowered her head slightly, her cheeks blushing.

 

Click.

 

Si Lan suddenly heard a sound and turned to see that Hao Wei’s small hand was pinching the rock wall. When he pulled his hand back, the part he had pinched crumbled and fell.

 

Hao Wei clapped his hands lightly and said, “The rock wall is a bit soft.”

 

Si Lan was speechless.

 

As they walked out of the cave, disciples from the Xuan Ling Sect and the Charm Snake Clan immediately approached. Although they didn’t know what had happened, they had heard the desperate and agonized cries of Jiuying in the forest, so they guessed that Jiuying had died.

 

“Lord Si, is that monster dead?” Xu Yi asked.

 

“Yes.”

 

“That’s great!” Xu Yi and the other disciples cheered. “Our master and mistress can finally rest in peace. The only regret is that we didn’t get to see the monster die a miserable death!”

 

“But, even though his head is dead, there are still eight of his heads sealed under Xuan Ling Mountain. So in the future, you will have to continue guarding this place to ensure the safety of this realm,” Si Lan said to encourage them.

 

In reality, Jiuying’s eight remaining heads couldn’t gather his soul anymore. Even if the seal were broken, they would rot instantly.

 

He said this to motivate the Xuan Ling Sect disciples. Although Lou Yu was gone, the Xuan Ling Sect still had a role to play in this world.

 

After discussing with his junior disciples, Xu Yi began cleaning up Xuan Ling Mountain, determined to rejuvenate the Xuan Ling Sect.

 

On the side of the Charm Snake Clan, the Two-Headed Charm Snake saw Si Lan hugging the Snake Mother and led a group of young Charm Snakes over to take the Snake Mother. They quickly expressed their thanks and then gathered around her to help her heal.

 

Si Lan observed the situation around Xuan Ling Mountain and found the center of the Eight Trigram Array. He reached out and, in an instant, a huge Extreme Sound Eight Trigram Array appeared on the ground.

 

The array had eight directions and a central point.

 

The central point of the array was missing a piece, which had caused Jiuying’s head to wake up.

 

Si Lan gently touched the central point of the Eight Trigram Array and repaired the missing piece.

 

Although Jiuying would no longer cause chaos in the world, the Eight Trigram Array contained countless illusory phases. If someone accidentally fell into it, they would likely be trapped inside and die.

 

After completing these tasks, the Two-Headed Charm Snake inexplicably walked over and respectfully said, “Lord Si, our Snake Mother wants to speak with you.”

 

Si Lan raised his eyebrows in surprise and turned to look at the Charm Snake Clan. He saw a group of young Charm Snakes surrounding the Snake Mother. The Snake Mother was gently touching their heads one by one, smiling at them.

 

What did the Snake Mother want to say to him?

 

Perhaps sensing Si Lan’s gaze, the Snake Mother raised her head slightly, and her eyes met Si Lan’s with a gentle and affectionate look. She then quickly lowered her head.

 

Si Lan hesitated and said, “Alright.”

 

By a babbling brook, Si Lan and the Snake Mother walked side by side without a clear destination.

 

The Snake Mother had a graceful and elegant figure, with a slow and steady pace. It seemed that her injuries had not fully healed, and she occasionally coughed softly, appearing more fragile and pitiable.

 

Seeing that the other party remained silent, Si Lan took the initiative to speak, “Are your injuries getting better?”

 

“Somewhat,” the Snake Mother replied, lowering her head even more. “Thank you for saving me.”

 

“It’s nothing. You don’t need to thank me for that.”

 

“But I really don’t know how to repay you. Yet, I also want to repay you in my heart…” Suddenly, the Snake Mother turned around, raised her eyes, and gazed steadily at Si Lan.

 

Most likely due to the nature of snake women, the Snake Mother’s crimson eyes inexplicably captivated one’s heart and soul, with a hint of hidden charm. Her eyes reflected a few strands of hair swaying in the wind, making her enchanting.

 

Seeing the sincere look in her eyes, Si Lan spoke honestly, “Actually, I have killed three wives on my wedding day, and I have carried a bad reputation with me. No woman is willing to marry me.”

 

Upon hearing this, the Snake Mother lowered her head, her hands entwined in front of her.

 

“So, I probably won’t get married in this lifetime, and I won’t have children. This is the biggest regret in my heart. If you really want to repay me…”

 

“I’m willing,” the Snake Mother softly interrupted Si Lan.

 

“Alright… then call me ‘Father’ to make up for the regret of not being a father.”

 

“…” The Snake Mother.

 

—

 

In no time, Hao Wei and the others saw the Snake Mother returning, grumbling and completely different from the frail and pitiful appearance she had earlier.

 

Seemingly filled with anger, the Snake Mother beckoned and led the Charm Snake Clan away.

 

Si Lan followed from behind, picking two wild fruits along the way. He saw the Charm Snake Clan leaving in a hurry, and on his face, there was a trace of helplessness and confusion. But out of kindness, he reminded the Snake Mother, “Please don’t get angry easily because you still have restrictions in your body.”

 

The Snake Queen’s body staggered for a moment, but she didn’t say a word, only quickening her pace.

 

At this moment, a lone little Enchanting Snake transformed into a human form, specifically waiting for Si Lan to return. After waving farewell to Si Lan, the little Enchanting Snake set off to catch up with the Enchanting Snake clan.

 

It was Yu Shi.

 

The little Enchanting Snake whose two fangs had been removed by Si Lan.

 

Si Lan hadn’t seen Yu Shi before and had thought that Yu Shi had died in that massacre. His lips twitched, and he gave Yu Shi a faint smile.

 

“Your Majesty, what happened between you and the Snake Queen?” Xie Li curiously tugged at Si Lan’s robe and asked with gossip in his eyes.

 

Si Lan sighed and recounted his conversation with the Snake Queen. After finishing, he added, “She’s four hundred years old, and I’m over a thousand. She could be my daughter, right?”

 

Except for Xie Li, who didn’t understand, Hao Wei and Quze, upon hearing this, had slightly twitching faces.

 

It’s unclear whether this Demon Lord genuinely didn’t understand or was pretending not to.

 

“Oh, Your Majesty, I understand now. Maybe she wants to be your granddaughter.” Xie Li plucked a wild fruit from Si Lan’s hand, took a bite, and mumbled.

 

Si Lan nodded in agreement, “I think so too.”

 

Hao Wei and Quze…

 

Si Lan remembered that Hao Wei hadn’t eaten in a while and couldn’t let the Crown Prince of the Heavenly Realm go hungry, so he handed another wild fruit to Hao Wei. “Here, it’s fresh.”

 

Hao Wei took the wild fruit, his eyes twitching slightly.

 

Did this Demon Lord remember to pick some fruits for himself while chatting with the Snake Queen?

 

This Demon Lord had a bit of a conscience, but not much.

 

Before leaving Xuan Ling Mountain, Si Lan made another trip to Lou Yu’s grave.

 

Lou Yu, apart from practicing the sword, didn’t have many hobbies. Si Lan didn’t know what to bring to Lou Yu, so he brought a jar of wine.

 

He had many things he wanted to say in his heart, but when he actually opened his mouth, he found that he couldn’t say a word. In the end, he could only say helplessly, “Idiot.”

 

Perhaps this idiot didn’t think of himself as foolish but believed he was happy.

 

Si Lan took out the small stone that Jiuying had given him, used a spell, and looked at the dream world where Lou Yu and Zhong Mu were.

 

—

 

In the dream world’s Demon Valley, it appeared as it had before the great fire. The enormous Soaring Dragon Tree stood intact, its brown branches and leaves densely covering the sky.

 

Beneath the tree, Lou Yu was dressed in a red wedding gown, his figure tall and straight, standing there without moving.

 

Zhong Mu, as if waking from a nightmare, hurriedly rushed outside after putting on a long robe. As if guided by something, he stumbled his way to the Soaring Dragon Tree and saw a tall figure standing beneath it.

 

Leaves gently fell with the wind, Lou Yu turned around, his eyes gentle, and a slow smile appeared.

 

Zhong Mu’s heart suddenly moved, and he instinctively moved forward to hug Lou Yu.

 

But this time, in Zhong Mu’s dream, the figure he hugged didn’t dissipate. The two of them clung tightly together, as if transcending life and death, transcending worldly constraints, with nothing to hinder them.

 

Zhong Mu didn’t see the moment when Lou Yu, while embracing him, lowered his long lashes and shed tears.

 

In this dream, Zhong Mu and Lou Yu would have a smooth wedding and spend their remaining days in Demon Valley, free from obstacles.

 

Si Lan didn’t look any further and withdrew his consciousness from the illusion.

 

The dream was perfect, and he had never seen Lou Yu smile so gently before. Love truly intoxicated people.

 

The jar of wine was not yet finished; Si Lan emptied it in front of Lou Yu’s tombstone.

 

“I don’t know when I’ll have the time to visit you next. If you miss me, send me dreams.”

 

In the distance, three little kids were still waiting for Si Lan.

 

Hao Wei and Quze continued to wear frowns that made them look like someone owed them money, despite their young age.

 

And little Xie Li was on the side, counting his candies with intense focus.

 

When Si Lan approached them, he purposely made heavy footsteps. Xie Li heard the sound and quickly hid his candies in his pocket, then turned to Si Lan with a silly smile. “Your Majesty, you’re back.”

 

“Mm.” Si Lan patted Xie Li’s little head, thinking that Xie Li had been through quite a lot these days, so he would let him secretly eat a few candies.

 

“Your Majesty, are you going back to the Demon Realm?”

 

“Mm.”

 

As soon as Si Lan finished speaking, Quze used the remaining strength in his left hand to perform a Cloud-Walking Technique and summoned a cloud.

 

Si Lan remembered that Quze was injured, but throughout the journey, Quze never said a word about the pain, let alone mention the severed right arm.

 

This child was always unwilling to trouble Si Lan. If Si Lan didn’t ask, he wouldn’t speak.

 

Calm and mature to the point of being somewhat self-punishing.

 

Si Lan suddenly looked at him with compassion. “Quze, the images Jiuying showed you were real. I did indeed cut off your right arm.”

 

“I know,” Quze replied with an unchanged expression.

 

Si Lan tentatively asked, “Aren’t you angry?”

 

“If Your Majesty cut off my right arm, there must have been a reason.”

 

“…” Si Lan.

 

Hao Wei, on the side, raised his head and looked at Quze with an expression that probably said, “Is this guy not a fool?”

 

Quze’s trust in Si Lan, on the contrary, made Si Lan feel somewhat ashamed. He pursed his lips and carefully explained, “I wasn’t planning to tell you this, but now that you know, I’ll tell you the whole story.”

 

Quze nodded.

 

“My second wife, Lan Lan, was a koi spirit from the Jing River. Shortly after her death, the Jing River was attacked by the Blue Shrimp Yao Clan, and all the koi spirits were slaughtered. The koi spirit chief, on the brink of death, found me and begged me to take you in. The Blue Shrimp Yao Clan also came and demanded that I hand you over.”

 

“The enmity between the Blue Shrimp Yao Clan and the koi spirits spans thousands of years and is difficult to untangle. When the koi spirits were thriving, they almost wiped out the Blue Shrimp Yao Clan. So now that the Blue Shrimp Yao Clan is in power, they want to exterminate the koi spirits. I didn’t want to get involved in the war between these two groups, but I owed Lan Lan a debt. You, being a koi spirit and a member of Lan Lan’s clan, the chief asked me to save your life for Lan Lan’s sake, so I decided to protect you.”

 

During this time, there was a little episode. Quze had been crying continuously, and Si Lan approached him with a stern face, asking him not to cry. Quze stopped crying.

 

At that moment, Si Lan felt a bit more fond of this obedient little koi spirit.

 

“I told the Blue Shrimp Yao Clan that I would take care of you from now on and make sure you wouldn’t be a threat to them. However, they didn’t believe me. So, in their presence, I swung my sword and severed your right arm. Only then did they agree to spare you. That night, you asked me why I didn’t give you a new arm, and I told you I couldn’t, but I lied. I could help you regenerate your arm, but if the Blue Shrimp Yao Clan found out, they would still try to eliminate you.”

 

After Si Lan finished speaking, he thought that Quze’s expression might change, but he realized that Quze remained expressionless. “Your Majesty, I understand.”

 

“If you hate me, it’s only fair.”

 

“I don’t hate you. I know you were trying to save me.” Quze replied without hesitation.

 

Even if Si Lan had no reason to cut off his arm, he wouldn’t bear any resentment. Si Lan had given him his life, and without Si Lan, he would have died countless times.

 

In his youth, he often found himself in dangerous situations, and every time he cried “Your Majesty,” Si Lan would instantly appear at his side, rescuing him from peril.

 

Si Lan never thought of him as foolish or troublesome. He would personally teach him how to break through formations, use spells, and subdue monsters and demons.

 

Si Lan’s kindness to him had accumulated over time, seeping into every aspect of life. His trust in Si Lan was also built in this way, and it couldn’t be easily broken by a few words from others.

 

Si Lan nodded with satisfaction. Quze was truly a promising disciple, and it was not in vain that he had saved him from the Blue Shrimp Yao Clan.

 

“Now that you know your origins, do you want revenge?” Si Lan’s innermost wish was for Quze not to seek revenge but to look ahead. However, he couldn’t advise his disciple to be magnanimous when he himself couldn’t overcome his own hatred.

 

“Your Majesty, no matter what I do in the future, I will always tell you the truth.” Quze didn’t provide a clear answer.

 

Si Lan knew that Quze was likely struggling with his feelings and didn’t press further.

 

The cloud descended on the Zhuyun Peak, and the group returned to the Demon Realm.

 

Si Lan stood on the mountaintop, looking at the twelve peaks in the distance, shrouded in clouds, and turned to Hao Wei, saying, “Look, those are the lands I’ve conquered for you.”

 

Hao Wei glanced at him indifferently, turned away, and left.

 

A childish Demon Lord.

 

“Chong Ying, your father sent someone to the Demon Realm to find you last time. Are you going back?” Si Lan asked as he followed Hao Wei.

 

Hao Wei made a sound of agreement. His cultivation had mostly recovered, but he still wanted to taste a drop of Si Lan’s blood before returning.

 

Si Lan seemed a bit reluctant and sighed. “If you miss me, you can come to the Demon Realm to see me.”

 

“…” Hao Wei.

 

Who would miss him?

 

Hao Wei gritted his teeth and decided to drink a bit more of his blood later to make up for the humiliation he had endured during this time.

 

Si Lan reached out to pat Hao Wei’s head, then checked his spiritual realm, still unable to discern his level of cultivation.

 

“Chong Ying, when we were in the cave, Jiuying almost broke out of the formation within me. It was you who used your spiritual power to suppress him, right?” Si Lan asked tentatively. When he was severely injured and on the verge of spitting blood, almost losing half his life to Jiuying, a powerful force broke into his body, suppressing Jiuying.

 

He thought about it, and at that time, there were only Hao Wei and Quze with him in the cave. Quze couldn’t possess such powerful cultivation, so it must have been Hao Wei…

 

Hao Wei didn’t intend to reveal his true identity to Si Lan to avoid conflicts. Besides, if people found out that the Demon King had captured and toyed with the Emperor, it would ruin his reputation and dignity.

 

“It wasn’t me,” Hao Wei replied tersely. Perhaps feeling a bit guilty, his expression became even more tense after he spoke.

 

“Then it must have been you who injured Quze.”

 

Hao Wei’s lips twitched. “I just pushed him lightly, and he started coughing up blood.”

 

“…” Si Lan.

 

After a moment of silence, Si Lan simply said, “Okay,” and didn’t inquire any further.

 

That night, Si Lan was making a prosthetic arm for Quze and ended up working late into the night. He ended up dozing off in his chair.

 

Hao Wei walked up to Si Lan, his gaze tracing Si Lan’s forehead, nose, chin, and down to his neck. He leaned closer, his eyes sharp, and suddenly bit into Si Lan’s shoulder and neck.

 

Si Lan groaned, his eyelashes quivering slightly as if he was about to wake up. Immediately, Hao Wei extended his hand and pressed a point on Si Lan’s body, causing Si Lan to fall into a deep sleep once again.

 

Hao Wei saw that the bite mark on Si Lan’s neck had faded, and he bit down with even more force.

 

This mark would probably not disappear easily for a while.

 

—

 

Si Lan slept deeply, only waking up the next day around noon.

 

The scattered parts and fragments of the unfinished prosthetic arm on the ground had disappeared, leaving only a fully assembled iron arm lying there.

 

Si Lan picked up the prosthetic arm, licked his lips, and wondered why he remembered falling asleep halfway through making it the night before.

 

He tried the prosthetic arm and found that the mechanisms inside were much more flexible than what he had initially crafted.

 

At that moment, he felt a sharp pain on his neck. He reached to touch it and saw a faint bloodstain on his fingertip.

 

He quickly stood up from his chair, “Chong Ying… Chong Ying…”

 

This little creature is incorrigible!

 

And he dares to sneakily drink his blood!

 

Does he really consider him a walking blood bank?!

 

He didn’t hear a reply and thought that the little guy had hidden somewhere. He walked out and raised his voice to call him, but there was still no response, only a flock of wild birds on the Zhuyun Peak taking flight.

 

It was then that he realized that the little one had returned to the Heavenly Court.

---

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 25

 

At this moment, it wasn’t just him; even Haowei, who always had a stern expression, couldn’t help but be astonished when he saw Junli’s face.

 

Afterward, Haowei looked at Si Lan and squinted his eyes.

 

Is this a coincidence? Or is there some connection?

 

Junli stepped forward, gazing at the blood bead and murmured softly, “Idiot.”

 

“No wonder Bian Rang’s soul was shattered, it turns out it was to free up cultivation to protect this fetal crystal.”

 

As the child of the Heavenly Dao, regardless of gender, if one is willing to conceive, the fetal crystal will gestate within the core.

 

After Bian Rang’s core was pierced by a sword, he didn’t choose to heal the injury but instead wasted his cultivation to save the fetal crystal, which resulted in his soul scattering!

 

Originally, after the Heavenly Dao’s omen appeared, the spiritual power of the three of them had been gradually weakening and couldn’t withstand such turmoil.

 

Fanyu couldn’t help but say, “Is it worth losing your life for the child of a snake demon?”

 

Junli parted his lips but remained silent.

 

This gesture was almost identical to Si Lan’s little habit.

 

Si Lan, seeing this expression on the other’s face, felt a bit complicated. The excitement of seeing his idol had now been completely replaced by shock.

 

“What should we do with this fetal crystal?” Junli asked.

 

“I’ll keep it in the core for Bian Rang first. If I have any issues, I’ll hand this fetal crystal over to you.” Even though Fanyu felt that Bian Rang was a fool in his heart, he was still willing to personally nurture the fetal crystal in the core as their cultivation gradually weakened.

 

Junli nodded.

 

Then, the two of them vanished in an instant.

 

However, at this moment, Si Lan was still trying to recover from the successive shocks he had experienced. He felt that he had some grasp of the current situation and subconsciously asked Haowei beside him, “Chongying, did you also see that bead? Do you think it looks like Xie Li’s original form?”

 

After asking this question, Si Lan felt like he had asked in vain. This little white dragon wouldn’t know anything about Xie Li’s original form.

 

However, Haowei calmly responded, “It’s not just similar, it’s the same.”

 

“How do you know?”

 

“The aura.”

 

Si Lan pursed his lips, “So… does this mean that the fetal crystal underwent a transformation in the core, with the bloodstains inside forming a young embryo, and then it took shape when it came to me?”

 

Haowei succinctly replied, “Yes.”

 

Si Lan remained silent.

 

Initially, the bead had been entrusted to Fanyu for nurturing, but after Fanyu’s soul shattered, it was probably handed over to Junli. Then, after Junli’s death during the Heavenly Tribulation, the bead might have followed him in the cycle of reincarnation.

 

Finally, the bead appeared next to Si Lan, and Si Lan and Junli looked identical…

 

Although it was hard to believe, the answer seemed evident: Si Lan might be Junli’s reincarnation!

 

So, all these years, the person he admired was actually himself?!

 

Si Lan, upon seeing the helpless yet somewhat pleased expression on the other’s face, couldn’t help but sigh.

 

It seemed this Demon Lord had quite the self-love, admiring himself.

 

“This bead is a fetal crystal, not a reincarnation bead. I don’t know whether to tell Jiuying about this; whether he can handle it…” Si Lan mused with a furrowed brow.

 

Considering Jiuying’s current situation, if he were to learn that Bian Rang had passed away and had no chance of reincarnation, it would likely lead to his immediate demise.

 

Haowei, sensing Si Lan’s dilemma, calmly stated, “If you don’t tell him the truth, he won’t survive either.”

 

Jiuying had almost wiped out the Snake Demon Clan, committing a great atrocity. He would undoubtedly face judgment, and that would result in his soul shattering.

 

“Ah…” Si Lan sighed again, “I can’t tell him directly, but maybe I can give him a pleasant surprise.”

 

If Jiuying learned that Bian Rang had left behind a child before his death, it could provide some comfort to his troubled heart.

 

Si Lan had searched tirelessly for Xie Li’s biological parents for so long without any leads, and now, he had stumbled upon the answer quite unexpectedly.

 

Fate was a strange thing.

 

Thinking about this, Si Lan looked up at the sky. After Jiuying had killed Jiutou’s Snake Clan, the Heavenly Dao had withdrawn its condemnation.

 

The wasteland had returned to calm, and the night sky was inexplicably eerie.

 

He felt as though he were an onlooker, observing the story of Bian Rang and Jiuying. Was the Heavenly Dao also watching his story?

 

With this thought, he suddenly felt a bit uneasy and quickly cast a spell to dispel the blood magic in his palm.

 

The world in front of him slowly dissolved, replaced by the real scene. Two worlds intertwined, a hundred thousand years passed in the blink of an eye.

 

In the cave, the figures of Si Lan and Haowei appeared within the star and moon formation.

 

Quze had been guarding the formation all along and, upon seeing Si Lan’s arrival, immediately approached and asked, “Your Excellency, how are you feeling? Do you have any discomfort?”

 

Si Lan shook his head and lowered his gaze, noticing Haowei standing beside him.

 

Haowei’s small face was tense, giving the impression of an old sage.

 

Si Lan couldn’t help but smile and looked up at Jiuying.

 

Jiuying, who had recently appeared, seemed to have aged thousands of years in an instant. His head was covered in cracks, his eyes had changed from red to black, and his aura was nearly nonexistent. It seemed that after activating the Return to Origin spell, he had suffered significant cultivation loss.

 

Jiuying’s voice was hoarse, and he could hardly contain his excitement, “Did you find the blood bead?”

 

“I found it.”

 

“Where is it?”

 

“It… it’s not a reincarnation bead. It’s your and Bian Rang’s child.”

 

With each word Si Lan spoke, Jiuying’s expression became stiffer, and he stared at Si Lan in disbelief.

 

That blood bead was his and Bian Rang’s child?

 

Are they joking?

 

Si Lan could tell that Jiuying was struggling to accept this revelation and continued, “As the child of the Heavenly Dao, regardless of gender, when you killed Bian Rang, he was already carrying your child.”

 

Jiuying couldn’t find the words to express himself, and his head trembled slightly, likely due to the overwhelming shock.

 

A child? Bian Rang was carrying his child?

 

But Bian Rang had always been joking, saying that he wanted Jiuying to bear his child. How could it turn out that Bian Rang was carrying his child?

 

Si Lan saw Jiuying unable to speak and continued, “I brought the child to you. He carries the blood connection between you and Bian Rang.”

 

With that, Si Lan used magic to bring Xie Li, who had been surrounded by disciples of the Xuanling Sect and the Snake Demon Clan at the foot of the mountain, into the cave. Xie Li had his mouth full of sweet candy, given by the Xuanling Sect disciples and the little Snake Demons. He was happily eating when he suddenly found himself in a dark cave, and his little face turned pale.

 

Fortunately, he quickly saw Si Lan’s figure and ran happily to Si Lan’s side.

 

“Umm… Your Excellency…” Perhaps remembering something, Xie Li hastily swallowed the candy in his mouth.

 

The Excellency didn’t like him eating candy.

 

Jiuying had been watching Xie Li since he appeared, his gaze fixed on Xie Li. His lips trembled with excitement. This child was his and Bian Rang’s child?

 

But he had no idea that Bian Rang was carrying his child!

 

Si Lan pushed Xie Li toward Jiuying, and Xie Li suddenly saw the enormous snake head of Jiuying, causing his little body to shiver. He quickly hid behind Si Lan.

 

“Your Excellency, there’s a monster…”

 

Si Lan couldn’t help but feel a bit helpless. Xie Li himself was a little monster, so it was strange that he would be afraid of his own kind.

 

Moreover, this “kind” was his father.

 

Jiuying slowly extended his snake tongue, getting closer to Xie Li. Xie Li stared wide-eyed in fear at the snake tongue that was circling around him. His small hands involuntarily clenched the hem of Si Lan’s clothes.

 

As Jiuying got closer, he realized that the child bore some resemblance to Bian Rang. His snake tongue touched Xie Li’s head and explored, sensing the blood connection between Xie Li and Bian Rang.

 

Sil

 

an saw Jiuying’s reaction, “I brought the child to you. He carries the blood connection between you and Bian Rang.”

 

With that, Si Lan used magic to bring Xie Li, who had been surrounded by disciples of the Xuanling Sect and the Snake Demon Clan at the foot of the mountain, into the cave. Xie Li had his mouth full of sweet candy, given by the Xuanling Sect disciples and the little Snake Demons. He was happily eating when he suddenly found himself in a dark cave, and his little face turned pale.

 

Fortunately, he quickly saw Si Lan’s figure and ran happily to Si Lan’s side.

 

“Umm… Your Excellency…” Perhaps remembering something, Xie Li hastily swallowed the candy in his mouth.

 

The Excellency didn’t like him eating candy.

 

Jiuying had been watching Xie Li since he appeared, his gaze fixed on Xie Li. His lips trembled with excitement. This child was his and Bian Rang’s child?

 

But he had no idea that Bian Rang was carrying his child!

 

Si Lan pushed Xie Li toward Jiuying, and Xie Li suddenly saw the enormous snake head of Jiuying, causing his little body to shiver. He quickly hid behind Si Lan.

 

“Your Excellency, there’s a monster…”

 

Si Lan couldn’t help but feel a bit helpless. Xie Li himself was a little monster, so it was strange that he would be afraid of his own kind.

 

Moreover, this “kind” was his father.

 

Jiuying slowly extended his snake tongue, getting closer to Xie Li. Xie Li stared wide-eyed in fear at the snake tongue that was circling around him. His small hands involuntarily clenched the hem of Si Lan’s clothes.

 

As Jiuying got closer, he realized that the child bore some resemblance to Bian Rang. His snake tongue touched Xie Li’s head and explored, sensing the blood connection between Xie Li and Bian Rang.

 

“He is truly the child of him and Bian Rang!

 

He remembered the moment when Bian Rang handed him the blood bead, but he intentionally pretended to crush it in front of Bian Rang. At that time, Bian Rang was so furious that he vomited blood, his soul scattered.

 

At that moment, Bian Rang must have thought he had killed their child…

 

Even though he acted so maliciously, at the very last moment, Bian Rang saw his tears and consoled him.

 

“Jiuying, I’m fine. Even if my soul scatters, I will reincarnate.”

 

“When the snow in the north river is gone, I will return.”

 

Jiuying closed his eyes, and black tears fell one by one.

 

He didn’t understand why Bian Rang didn’t tell him the truth at that time.

 

Did he think that telling him wouldn’t matter to him?

 

Yes, at that time, all he thought about was killing Bian Rang.

 

Probably Bian Rang himself understood… but he still allowed his actions and ultimately died by his hand.

 

After his head cleared, he realized many things. Rather than saying he killed Bian Rang, it was more accurate to say that Bian Rang willingly died by his hand to fulfill his dream.

 

He didn’t know what he had done wrong.

 

He was exiled by kind people and loved by evil demons.

 

—

 

Seeing the snake head on the ground, Xie Li felt a profound sadness. He turned to look at Si Lan, who nodded at him. Encouraged, Xie Li approached Jiuying.

 

Jiuying slowly opened his eyes and, as if afraid of frightening Xie Li, lowered his head and lay on the ground in a submissive posture.

 

Xie Li handed a piece of candy to Jiuying, the sweetest one he had hidden and rarely ate himself.

 

Jiuying hesitated for a moment but then extended his serpent tongue and took the candy into his mouth.

 

The taste of plum candy was very sweet.

 

Jiuying extended his head, wanting to nuzzle Xie Li, but Xie Li was startled and ran back, hiding behind Si Lan, only showing a pair of big eyes as he watched Jiuying.

 

Jiuying felt strangely content. This was enough.

 

He didn’t need to gain anything more, and he didn’t deserve it.

 

He could see that this child lived a simple and peaceful life. In his round, innocent eyes, there were no worldly worries. Si Lan took good care of him, so there was no need to disrupt his innocence.

 

He communicated through mental transmission to Si Lan, “Thank you for taking care of him. Please don’t tell him about the things between me and Bian Rang. Let him be a carefree child.”

 

“Alright.”

 

“Why is he following you?”

 

Si Lan casually made up a reason, “I obtained a jade pendant from a snake demon, and that jade pendant turned into Xie Li, staying by my side.”

 

Jiuying seemed to believe this explanation and didn’t ask further.

 

Si Lan then asked, “Jiuying, do you know who unsealed your imprisonment?”

 

“I don’t know. When I woke up, there was nothing around me. It took me a hundred years of cultivation to free my head.”

 

Si Lan furrowed his brows, contemplating whether the unsealing of the Extreme Sound Eight Trigram Array was accidental or deliberate.

 

If it was deliberate, what was the purpose of releasing Jiuying? Was it to kill the Charm Snake Clan?

 

However, the person capable of unsealing the Extreme Sound Eight Trigram Array could easily wipe out the Charm Snake Clan without involving Jiuying.

 

“Perhaps, after ten thousand years, the Eight Trigrams Array loosened, and my head was accidentally released,” Jiuying explained when he saw Si Lan’s puzzled expression.

 

Now that he had no cultivation left, he only had one breath left. He hadn’t fulfilled his promise to Si Lan, so he conjured a small stone and presented it to Si Lan.

 

Si Lan took it and discovered that the small stone contained mystical inscriptions.

 

“When I entered the illusion, I carved these inscriptions. Anyway, I’m about to die, so I’m giving them to you…” He looked at Si Lan with a pleading expression. “But I still have one last request. Can you help me with it?”

 

“What’s your request?”

 

“Check if the snow in the north river has ended.”

 

Si Lan didn’t say anything and disappeared from the cave in an instant, reappearing a thousand miles away in the north river.

 

White snow covered the mountains, glistening like silver, stretching endlessly, without a sign of sun or moon.

 

The phrase “When the snow in the north river is gone, I will return” was just a comforting statement Bian Rang had made to Jiuying.

 

Ten thousand years later, the north river was still blanketed in endless white snow.

 

Si Lan returned to the cave and saw Jiuying waiting for him, but his body was motionless, with only his eyeballs moving with difficulty.

 

Si Lan approached him. “Jiuying, the snow in the north river has not yet ended.”

 

Jiuying seemed to smile, closed his eyelids, and his head shattered into specks of starlight, disappearing into the air.

 

It was good that Bian Rang could be reborn.

 

It was enough for him.

---

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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