Chapter 49
Yide’s three souls and seven spirits suffered severe injuries, his divine soul shattered, and blood poured from all seven orifices. Enduring the pain, he held Kui in his arms.
Though Kui wasn’t directly struck by the Heavenly Thunder, its residual might had shaken him severely, leaving him barely breathing, with cracks deepening across his face.
Fortunately, his spirit had not yet scattered.
Yide tightly held Kui’s hand, remembering when Kui first took his hand and led him back to Yingzhou Island. Back then, he had thought Kui’s hand was large and warm, but now it felt small and cold.
Unknowingly, Kui had grown so much.
“Kui, how are you?” Yide asked softly.
Kui slowly lifted his head to look at Yide. He had spoken so many mocking words to Yide before, not wanting Yide to do anything more for him.
Yide had resurrected Ahu for him, settling all debts between them.
But he hadn’t expected Yide to shield him from the Heavenly Thunder again.
Tears welled up in Kui’s eyes as he smiled, “Yide, why go through this pain? My sins should be borne by me alone.”
Yide shook his head, holding Kui tighter without saying another word.
In the distance, Ahu watched the scene with a sense of loss. Like a newborn child, he was curious about the whole world. There was a slight ache in his heart, though he couldn’t understand why, nor did he realize this might be his last meeting with Kui in this lifetime.
Boling’s expression remained serene as he watched the two on the trial platform. After enduring so much together, he had thought he and Yide would finally achieve something good in this life. Now he realized it might have been better not to return. At least then, he could believe Yide loved him.
In fact, thinking back, he and Yide had never been lovers. It was just that everyone in the Heavenly Realm assumed they were.
At that time, it seemed Yide had some unusual feelings for his servant Kui…
Si Lan hadn’t expected the reason for Yide’s celestial downfall to be like this. His feelings were complex. Perhaps on this journey to the Underworld, Haowei had already foreseen everything, which allowed him to remain so calm.
Thinking of this, Si Lan leaned against Haowei’s shoulder and whispered in a voice only they could hear, “Did you already know what would happen today?”
Haowei replied calmly, “Mm.”
On the trial platform, Gui Luosha looked conflicted as he watched the scene before him. Nothing like this had ever happened before. A celestial lord risking his life to block a thunderbolt for an evil spirit.
Gui Luosha asked Xue Rong, “Your Highness, how should we handle this?”
Xue Rong glanced at Haowei and Si Lan in the distance, then raised his hand to have Kui and Yide taken down from the trial platform.
Kui’s punishment had already been decreed. Although Yide had blocked it, it was considered atonement for his sins.
Yide’s breath was weaker than Kui’s, leaning against Kui’s chest, his gaze slowly losing focus. Kui held Yide, lowering his head as tears fell into Yide’s embrace.
Ahu seemed to shift his feet, as if wanting to step forward, but was stopped by Boling.
No one spoke, quietly watching the two. They emitted faint white starlight, floating in mid-air. After the starlight dispersed, Kui’s body became transparent.
As a fierce ghost who survived the trial platform, he would enter the cycle of reincarnation and be reborn as a human.
Two ghost attendants stood behind Kui, guiding him to reincarnation. Kui released Yide from his embrace, his eyes calm again as he walked away step by step.
Ahu’s gaze followed Kui, his brows furrowing slowly, a displeased expression on his face.
“Kui…”
As Kui’s figure was about to disappear, Ahu suddenly uttered a word so faint, like a mosquito’s buzz, yet Kui heard it.
Kui’s figure paused, but ultimately he did not turn back.
The people and events of this lifetime would forever remain in this lifetime.
He dared not look back anymore, afraid that one more glance would make it hard to part.
After watching Kui leave, Boling approached Yide. Yide, struck by the Heavenly Thunder, his divine soul shattered, was destined to undergo the trials of reincarnation. Yet Yide’s soul was now sealed within his body, unable to leave.
Boling sensed the seal’s aura and realized it came from Haowei’s hand. In that instant, he seemed to understand something.
It was not so much that they had plotted against Haowei, but rather that His Majesty Haowei had been plotting against them from the beginning. The supposed retreat to Yingzhou Island for rest was actually… to take Yide’s life.
Most believed Yide’s true form was a sword hilt, but those close to him knew that the sword was no ordinary one—it was the tail end of the Heavenly Way. Kui, in turn, carried the Ven Island’s blood that once remained on that tail end.
Boling smiled bitterly. He had thought he could at least bury Yide’s body, but now he realized that Yide, even in death, did not belong to him.
Feeling disheartened, he stood up and walked toward the trial platform.
“Boling…” Si Lan couldn’t help but call out his name, but Boling seemed not to hear, continuing towards the trial platform. He stated his birth date and recounted his wrongdoings, standing quietly on the platform, awaiting punishment. Suddenly, a purple lightning bolt struck down from above, directly hitting Boling’s right arm.
Boling’s right arm was instantly broken, the joints searing with burning pain, his face turning pale and his lips trembling uncontrollably.
This was punishment for taking Si Lan’s blood.
Seeing this, Si Lan clicked his tongue and leaned against Haowei’s head. “Boling is a bit foolish. If he hadn’t stepped onto the trial platform, they wouldn’t have forced him to endure this punishment, but he insisted on suffering.”
Also, there was no need for him to assist with the blood-taking.
He wondered what charm Yide held that made both Boling and Kui love him so dearly.
Suddenly, Haowei spoke up, “Do you know what Boling’s true form is?”
“What is it?”
“He is the scabbard.”
“…” Si Lan.
So the scabbard fell in love with the sword, and the sword fell in love with the drop of blood left on it?
This was truly bizarre.
Si Lan sighed inwardly and shifted his gaze to Yide. He saw Haowei raise his hand and cast a spell, and in the next moment, Yide transformed into his true form—a five-foot long sword. Perhaps this sword later fell into the hands of Ven Island, polished over millennia. Its blade appeared clear and bright, with an exquisite hilt. Even without knowing it was the tail end of the Heavenly Way, its extraordinary quality was apparent from its appearance alone.
Si Lan couldn’t help but reach out and carefully examine it. This tail end was likely left by the Heavenly Way intentionally to balance its offspring. Over the course of a hundred thousand years, it now served to balance the Divine Emperor.
He felt a tinge of joy in his heart as he took hold of the sword; from now on, he would fear no one.
He couldn’t contain his excitement, muttering to himself as he twirled the sword around twice before pulling out his Qiankun bag and stowing the long blade inside. When he looked up, his eyes met directly with Immortal Boling’s.
He suddenly felt awkward, as if caught red-handed stealing someone else’s spouse.
Boling approached slowly step by step, wearing a faint smile. “Yide, will you still have a chance at reincarnation?”
Si Lan nodded. “Yes.” When he no longer needed this sword, he would allow Yide to reincarnate.
“Good.” Boling wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and glanced at the absent-minded Ahu beside him, then departed with him.
If Yide were to reincarnate again, he might have the chance to meet Kui and even fall in love with him.
Boling had been entangled for so many years that he was now weary. This time, he didn’t want to wait for Yide anymore. After sending Ahu to Yingzhou Island, he planned to retreat to Jinyun Mountain for secluded cultivation and withdraw from the world.
—
Inside the hall, the Ghost Rakshasa and the ghost officials had also departed, leaving only Xue Rong on the high seat.
Xue Rong performed a spell and landed in front of Haowei, bowing. “Your Majesty Haowei.” When Haowei came to the underworld, he concealed his presence, seemingly not wanting too many people to know. Hence, Xue Rong did not come to bow earlier when the ghosts were present.
“Hmm.” Haowei responded and pulled Si Lan into his arms. “I have matters to attend to; we’ll talk another day.”
“Your Majesty, please wait.” Xue Rong’s gaze fell on Si Lan and added, “I wish to have a private conversation with him.”
Haowei’s eyes slightly narrowed at Xue Rong’s words. He glanced at Si Lan in his arms, who didn’t sense anything amiss and quickly fluttered his wings away upon hearing Xue Rong’s request.
Xue Rong followed closely behind.
Watching the backs of the man and bird receding into the distance, Haowei’s expression grew darker.
A Demon Sovereign and an Underworld King dared to whisper secrets in front of him? Did they not fear being labeled and apprehended?
He could cast a spell from this distance to hear what they were talking about, but he refrained, keeping a stern face with one hand behind his back, giving off an aura of unapproachability.
Si Lan probably anticipated what Xue Rong wanted to discuss. Back then, he had caused a great disturbance in the underworld but had not found his mother’s soul. In the end, he was captured back to the Demon Realm by his father and scolded harshly.
“Your Highness Si Lan, I’ve checked the Book of Life and Death and didn’t find your mother’s soul listed. I’ve instructed the Underworld guides to investigate. It turns out that after your mother’s death, her soul didn’t come to the Underworld but was privately hidden by your father.”
Si Lan widened his eyes in disbelief. His mother’s soul had been hidden by his father?
Back then, when his father had brought him out of the Underworld, he blamed Si Lan for not understanding, saying that his mother had passed away, and he shouldn’t cling to her soul, denying her freedom.
At that time, Si Lan had felt intense self-blame, thinking he had been too selfish. Since his mother had passed away, she belonged to others now, and he shouldn’t have monopolized her.
But he never expected that the person who lectured him with such noble words had secretly hidden his mother’s soul.
“… Si Lan.”
Xue Rong continued, “The Book of Life and Death records that after your father’s death, both your parents’ souls reincarnated together.”
“… Si Lan.”
The cunning Si Lan.
Not only did he hide his mother’s soul, but he also took her along in reincarnation, presumably to continue their unfinished fate.
“Your Highness Xue Rong, does the Book of Life and Death mention who my mother and father reincarnated as?”
“Although the Book of Life and Death records the reincarnation of your father and mother, this matter is classified, and I regret that I cannot disclose it to you.”
Si Lan didn’t press Xue Rong further. Knowing that his parents might have already reincarnated somewhere, perhaps they had married in this life, and he couldn’t help but feel a twinge of sorrow and some relief.
The only regret was that his mother never knew his father loved her until the end.
His father also never knew that his mother loved him until the end.
Si Lan bid farewell to Xue Rong and flew towards Haowei. At this moment, Haowei seemed to be enveloped in a low-pressure zone, looking very unpleasant.
Si Lan didn’t notice Haowei’s cold expression. He shrank to the size of a sparrow and nestled in Haowei’s arms, his mind filled with thoughts of Yingzhou Island.
Was Yu Wuxia appearing on Yingzhou Island just to give a Momentary Lantern to Kui? Did she come from afar to do a good deed?
No, there must be something they overlooked.
Si Lan thought about the location of Yingzhou Island, located above the East Sea, where the boundary between the divine realm and the mortal realm intersected. Xuanling Gate was at the intersection of the heavenly realm and the mortal realm, and Dayong Mountain was at the intersection of the demonic realm and the mortal realm.
These three places were all connected to the mortal realm, which was suspiciously eerie.
Si Lan looked up and happened to catch a glimpse of the tense line of Haowei’s jaw. He asked cautiously, “Your Majesty, why did Yu Wuxia want to give the Momentary Lantern to Kui? Is there some plan behind this?” Unconsciously, in his eyes, Haowei was omnipotent and omniscient. Whenever he encountered something he couldn’t understand, he would seek answers from Haowei.
Haowei finally lowered his head slightly, glanced at Si Lan, and then shifted his gaze away faintly.
“It should be so.”
“… ” Si Lan felt like nothing had been said.
Only now did Si Lan notice that Haowei’s mood was a bit off, but he didn’t dwell on it. True dragons had always been unpredictable in temperament.
He continued, “If according to this pattern, the next trouble spot could be at the boundary between the demon realm and the mortal realm, or possibly at the boundary between the ghost realm and the mortal realm… If I had known, I should have talked to Xue Rong a little longer and asked if there was anything unusual in the ghost realm recently.”
Haowei’s breath paused for a moment. “Your relationship with Xue Rong seems quite good.”
“Yes.” Si Lan didn’t think much about it and replied truthfully, “About nine hundred years ago, I encountered Xue Rong in the ghost realm… when I was searching for my mother’s soul. At that time, Xue Rong was not yet the Underworld King, just a little wild ghost being bullied. I helped him casually.”
Years later, when the underworld changed hands, he heard that the new Underworld King was named Xue Rong. Only then did he realize that the little wild ghost he had helped had achieved such success and became the Underworld King.
“Is that all?” Haowei restrained some of the gloom on his face.
“Yeah, this is the second time we’ve met.” After speaking, Si Lan vaguely understood something and couldn’t help but glance at Haowei again.
Was his earlier indifferent demeanor… jealousy?
It seemed like whenever someone approached him and spoke a few more words, Haowei’s face would darken, looking unpleasant.
Since their last parting, Si Lan felt that Haowei’s attitude towards him had changed drastically.
He couldn’t figure out why he had changed, nor did he care to think about it. Perhaps after losing blood and feeling mentally fatigued, his head felt heavy. He nestled in Haowei’s arms and closed his eyes.
Haowei had something more to say, but when he lowered his head, he found that Si Lan had fallen asleep in his arms. He couldn’t help but pause for a moment and then smile faintly.
His finger lightly touched Si Lan’s forehead, feeling the soft feathers there. Afterwards, his fingertip slowly moved to Si Lan’s tightly closed eyes.
Actually, he quite liked Si Lan in his current state, small and comfortably nestled in his arms, belonging to him alone.
But this wasn’t fair to Si Lan; he deserved a broader and freer world.
In the blink of an eye, the two returned to the Demon Realm and landed on the peak of Zhuyun Peak.
During these days away, the strange activities on Zhuyun Peak continued to be lively, with men and women gathered around the mountainside as if participating in some competition.
But today, these male and female demons seemed to be of higher quality compared to those Haowei had seen a few days ago.
Haowei concealed his presence and approached. The Song brothers were sitting in the middle of the high seat, with several other peak masters on either side, all watching the demons performing their talents on the stage.
After the demoness playing the demon flute left, a charming succubus with a voluptuous figure and seductive demeanor took the stage. She performed a mesmerizing dance move that instantly delighted the demons below the stage.
“Even Succubus Ruyin has come out. What advantage do we still have?”
“Don’t worry, I heard there are eighteen spots available this time.”
“Even with eighteen spots, it’s not certain we’ll get a turn. Sigh…”
Haowei furrowed his brow slightly. They had made such a big fuss about this event, yet they were only selecting eighteen people…
“This brother looks unfamiliar. I didn’t see you in the previous rounds.” The Bull Demon beside him observed Haowei curiously and couldn’t help but ask.
Haowei, tall and handsome, if he had appeared in the previous rounds, it would have caused quite a stir.
“Previous rounds? What previous rounds?”
“The previous rounds of selecting consorts.”
Haowei’s breath paused, his eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at the voluptuous beauty now on stage, and said slowly, “Who are they selecting for?”
“Naturally, they are selecting for our lord. Aren’t you from the Demon Realm?” The Bull Demon curiously sized up Haowei.
Haowei was furious but smiled inwardly.
Consort selection?
Heh.
He had only returned to the Heavenly Court for a few days, and Si Lan had already quietly started selecting consorts in the Demon Realm!
During this time, they had shared the same room and bed, yet Si Lan hadn’t mentioned anything about selecting consorts!
This person could actually hide things so deeply!
Haowei couldn’t help but clench his fists, suppressing his anger in his eyes. In an instant, he connected many dots, understanding why Si Lan’s attitude towards him had suddenly changed so drastically. It turned out that Si Lan had so many prospective “loved ones”; how could he have thought of him?
If he couldn’t still use his spiritual power to help Si Lan regulate his body, Si Lan might have forgotten who he was long ago!
Unfortunately, the Bull Demon didn’t notice anything amiss and continued to reassure Haowei, “Brother, although you’re not from the Demon Realm and missed the previous rounds of consort selection, I see your aptitude is good. Go up on stage and perform a talent; perhaps the law enforcers will make an exception and promote you directly.”
“… ” Haowei.
On stage, the voluptuous woman with curvaceous hips twisted her body into a pretzel-like shape, seemingly dancing but actually trying hard to showcase her voluptuous figure.
Haowei couldn’t help but imagine himself going on stage to perform a talent. Suddenly, a black line appeared on his forehead, his lips involuntarily tightened, and his whole body was surrounded by a surge of hostility.
Enough is enough.
In the next moment, the previously clear sky suddenly turned into a violent storm. The strong wind blew in gusts, and before the Song brothers and others on stage could react, a strong wind carrying gravel and weeds swept onto the platform, sweeping them away.
Below the stage, the onlookers, although not swept away, were also caught off guard by the sudden storm, getting drenched like drowned rats. They scattered and ran away, casting spells to fend off the rain.
Haowei set up a barrier around him, blocking the raging storm outside, and also blocking out the noisy commotion. Therefore, Si Lan, sleeping soundly in his arms, didn’t notice at all what had just happened.
The bizarre downpour on Zhuyun Peak lasted for more than an hour before finally stopping.
Inside the main hall, Si Lan nestled in soft blankets, stretched lazily as he woke up.
Outside the window, the sky had darkened, and only a flickering oil lamp lit the hall, casting extremely dim light.
After waking up, Si Lan was dazed for a moment before realizing where he was. He turned over to get out of bed, but suddenly saw a figure sitting at the foot of the bed. He was startled and flapped his wings in panic, falling back.
“Hoo hoo.”
The dark figure raised its head slightly, staring at him through the dim light.
Although he couldn’t see the person’s eyes, he felt their gaze was sharp as knives, inching towards him. He quickly cast a spell to light another oil lamp, only then realizing that the person sitting coldly staring at him at the foot of the bed was Haowei. He couldn’t help feeling a bit annoyed. “Why didn’t you light more lamps?”
Sitting there like a resentful ghost, all dark and nearly scared him to a heart attack.
Haowei replied coolly, “My eyesight is good.”
“… ” Si Lan.
Stretching his wings lightly, he flew out and landed on the table. There were several fruits and celestial brew in a plate, obviously prepared for him by Qu Ze upon his return.
He took a few sips of immortal brew, then pecked at the wild fruits one by one like a woodpecker pecking at insects.
Behind him, Haowei remained unmoved, quietly watching him eat.
After he had eaten his fill and drunk enough, he walked over to the window and found it was raining outside. Judging from the ground, it seemed to be a torrential rain.
Scratching his head with a wing, he wondered, “Did I sleep so deeply?” He didn’t feel a thing.
Most likely, the man behind him exuded such strong resentment that he couldn’t ignore it. He turned around to look at Haowei. What was wrong with him lately?
Haowei met his gaze, eyes half-lidded, expression cold as if someone owed him money and hadn’t paid back.
“… Si Lan.”
So, what happened while he was asleep?
Si Lan was just about to ask when he noticed Qu Ze approaching with a notebook in hand. His attention was immediately drawn to Qu Ze. “Qu Ze, is this a book of anecdotes?” During his recovery at Zhiyun Peak, Si Lan had asked Qu Ze to collect the most popular anecdotes of the time.
Qu Ze replied with a stiff expression, “No, these are portraits of the third round of candidates sent by the Left and Right Protectors for your review.” Qu Ze hadn’t seen Si Lan in the hall recently and assumed he was in seclusion, only now emerging. He thought that the Song brothers must have already discussed the selection of the princess with Si Lan, hence the grand preparations at Zhiyun Peak.
Meanwhile, the Song brothers thought that since Qu Ze had initially proposed the matter, he must have already spoken to Si Lan about it.
In reality, as the person directly involved, Si Lan knew nothing about it. He took the notebook and said, “Oh,” recalling that the Song brothers had mentioned revising the selection of the underlings.
Each Peak Lord selected ten underlings, although the candidates were proposed by the Peak Lord, Si Lan had the final say.
However, usually the selection of underlings was based on cultivation. Why were they considering appearance this time?
Suppressing his curiosity, Si Lan opened the notebook and saw a female demon with prominent curves and a coquettish pose, which left him momentarily stunned.
Seeing his expression, Qu Ze asked, “Your Majesty, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing… It’s fine. It seems that the concept of gender equality and diversified talent selection has taken root.”
Qu Ze remained silent.
Si Lan forced a smile, but failed to notice Haowei’s increasingly darkening expression across from him.
Continuing to flip through, Si Lan came upon the next candidate, a soft and adorable rabbit demon. The portrait showed the rabbit demon with pink ears, extending a small fist, and eyes that seemed capable of speaking, cute and innocent, evoking a sense of pity and affection.
However, this rabbit demon appeared to be over a hundred years old, petite and frail, barely an adult.
Si Lan murmured, “Diversity is good, but this petite frame might not withstand the rigors… The most important duty of underlings is to lead the demon soldiers in battles across the realms, maintaining peace in the demon world. They endure hardships and labor, training the demon soldiers day in and day out. Wherever there is hardship and need for free labor, underlings must lead by example and take the lead.”
At this moment, Haowei’s dark voice suddenly came from in front of him, full of threat, “Oh, how do you plan to subject her to hardships?”
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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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’
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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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