Chapter 4.8
When Sui Yuan finally recalls what he has forgotten, said forgotten thing is returned whole and intact by a certain ’kind-hearted person’.
...Perhaps one shouldn’t say whole and intact. Sui Yuan stares at the Crystal beast burrowing into his arms, covered in wounds and meowing incessantly. Seeing it in such a pitiful state, Sui Yuan can only stroke its fur soothingly.
That day, he had allowed the Crystal beast out to play and forgot to call it back to his side before acting out the scene where he nearly treaded on the Demonic Path. Following that, Xuan Ling suddenly appears and dragged him back to the Heavenly Blade Peak to tend to his internal injuries. Immediately after, all sorts of worries emerge, pushing back any thoughts about the pitiful, lost spirit pet.
Suffice to say, Sui Yuan is someone incapable of being an owner. Not only is he unsuited to raise a pet, he can’t even take care of himself properly!
"This...many thanks to Elder Xuan Ling." Sui Yuan clasps his hand before him and bows. Ever since pegging him as Zhao Xihe, his heart is once again calm. With a clear grasp of his current circumstances, he has no alternatives but to continue down this path, nimbly coping with any unexpected situation that arises. Still, the major cause of his worries is only the unknown. Everything else would be relatively simple. "May I ask where Elder Xuan Ling found it?"
"The cliff behind the mountain," Xuan Ling replies, glancing down at his feet. "My spirit pet was the one who discovered it first."
Following Xuan Ling’s gaze, Sui Yuan finally notices the ’Crystal beast’ lying on its stomach near the bed. Due to its snow white fur, the crimson blood flowing from its wounds is especially distinctive. On the other hand, his spirit pet’s black fur conceals most of its injuries, so it looks as though Xuan Ling’s pet is the more pitiful of the two. However, one can say that both parties suffered losses today.
This time, the ’Crystal beast’ is evidently infuriated too. No traces of its previous aloof bearing can be seen as its white fur bristles in anger, red eyes glaring at the little beast in Sui Yuan’s arms. Low growls rumble deep in its throat, as though it will throw itself forward at any moment. Nonetheless, with Xuan Ling’s spiritual power firmly pressing it down, it is incapable of moving no matter how much it wishes to.
Compared with the Elder’s high-handed way of dealing with his pet, Sui Yuan is much kinder. Cuddling up to its owner and being stroked, the ’Nightmare beast’ glances smugly down at its archenemy. It doesn’t matter if the two pets are currently under disguise, for nothing will change their true nature. Judging by their reactions, it is also pretty obvious how Xuan Ling’s spirit pet ’discovered’ the Crystal beast - it’s probably a natural instinct between predator and prey...
In any case, with his current status being lower than Xuan Ling’s, Sui Yuan can only apologise on behalf of his pet for "offending one’s superiors" and reducing the Elder’s own pet to such a state. With an indifferent answer of "no harm done", this matter is closed.
Soon after, Xuan Ling once again injects a little spiritual energy to assist in his healing process. This time, the other man lingers a second longer, seemingly wanting to say something but ultimately deciding against it, spinning on his heels and departing.
Breathing a sigh of relief, his attention returns to the Crystal beast demanding his attention with a series of meows. It doesn’t stop for a long while, and Sui Yuan plasters on an attentive face, nodding from time to time.
Seeing this interaction between them, 5237 can’t help exclaiming in surprise. "You can understand what it is saying?!"
"I don’t understand ah," Sui Yuan replies blandly. "I’m humouring it, that’s all."
Crystal beast: "......... QAQ"
As the days pass, Sui Yuan half expects the tranquillity to be shattered sooner or later. However, Xuan Ling doesn’t do anything strange, merely entering his room to help sort out his meridians before leaving again. Even the times when he opens his mouth to talk is very little, causing Sui Yuan to begin doubting his prediction. As far as he is aware, Zhao Xihe will definitely not be content with this little interaction between them.
During this period of time, the now Nascent Soul stage Shao Peiyuan naturally rushes over to visit Sui Yuan after receiving news that he nearly wandered off the Righteous Path. Deeply concerned by this mishap, he inquires Sui Yuan what his inner demons are. Of course, Sui Yuan cannot say it is jealousy over Shao Peiyuan’s achievements, so he can only force a laugh and give a vague reply. Swiftly turning the topic of conversation to Shao Peiyuan recently breaking through, he encourages the other to enter closed-door cultivation soon in order to stabilise his foundation, using this excuse to chase the other Head Disciple out of the room.
That fact that a deeply-touched Shao Peiyuan exits the room believing Sui Yuan is still showing such concern for him despite his own injuries is something Sui Yuan would never know...
Shao Peiyuan only came two or three times, and even though Xuan Ling appears every day, he leaves immediately after his task is done. Thus, the person who spent the most time interacting with Sui Yuan during his stay in this Peak is the female lead Shen Jiayi. As she is also allowing her base to stabilise during this period, she is not allowed to go out, so she is able to visit Sui Yuan three times daily. After the shocking talk with his master regarding cultivation partners, Sui Yuan dares not try to do anything to further increase the female lead’s affection towards him, deathly afraid that he might accidentally become the male lead. That ending will certainly be the most miserable scenario...
Day after day, along with Xuan Ling’s increasingly sharp stare whenever She Jiayi and Sui Yuan interact, his condition steadily improves. At the same time, rumours pertaining to Liu Minghui and Shen Jiayi being a harmonious couple begin to spread throughout the Heavenly Cosmos sect, as well as hearsay that the sect leader’s proposal to wed these two disciples was harshly rejected by Elder Xuan Ling.
When Sui Yuan leaves the Heavenly Blade Peak and returns to the main Peak, he is met with not only the usual friendly greetings, but also more than a few admiring and sympathising looks, leaving him rather perplexed.
- Not to mention, what with all these blessings denoting his love with Shen Jiayi will find a way to come true?!
"......Restrain your grief and accept it." 5237 rubs its body against Sui Yuan in sympathy. "What you need to do next is to keep your distance from the female lead, then these gossips will gradually dissipate."
"But the problem is I still need to follow the storyline ah! What can I do if I basically cannot keep my distance!" Sui Yuan’s mental state has collapsed slightly.
Draped around his shoulders, the Crystal beast licks its master’s cheek comfortingly even if it doesn’t understand why Sui Yuan has suddenly become so downcast.
That’s right. According to the plot, Sui Yuan cannot keep a distance from the female lead at this point. Rather than avoid tangling with her, he needs to take the initiative to invite the female lead to go down the mountain with him.
Since the story has developed up to its present place, it is officially time for Liu Minghui to start exploiting the female lead. After failing to advance to the next stage and receiving a bite-back from being too hasty, he doesn’t step back to consider his options, instead turning his mind to dishonest practices. Amongst the loot Shen Jiayi managed to get her hands on when she entered the Eternal Bliss Heavenly Grounds is a rare cultivation tome passed down from generation to generation, as well as more than a few precious and incredible herbs. When Liu Minghui accidentally overheard about the treasure trove in her hands, his mouth waters and he tries all ways to get his hands on them.
These herbs are able to concoct Immortal pills that will allow him to increase the amount of spiritual power within his body and reach the Nascent Soul stage. In addition, the rare cultivation tome is a priceless gem, one that people have been longing for but fail to obtain. As such, Liu Minghui begins to approach the female lead, gaining her trust one step at a time. On the other hand, he secretly schemes to steal away the treasures in her hands.
"You want me to cooperate with you? It’s possible, but what shall we do if you renege halfway through? I cannot trust you so easily." The purple-robed youth sitting opposite Sui Yuan smirks maliciously, swinging a wine cup in his hand. "Cultivators of Righteous sects are all sanctimonious hypocrites. They can even calculate the downfall of their own family without a single change in expression, let alone towards I, this Demon Cultivator."
Faced with the disdainful sneer of the other party, Sui Yuan’s expression...indeed doesn’t shift even a little. "I can vow upon my inner demons, if I go against our agreement, I will eternally be unable to continue down the path of a cultivator. What about you? How will you guarantee you will keep to your word? Similarly, I don’t trust you."
The youth grumbles under his breath, sizing Sui Yuan up before his smirk returns. "I will make a Blood Demon Oath. Should I break it, my cultivation base will be devoured and I will die, how about it?"
Sui Yuan nods, expression easing a little.
In order to showcase the female lead’s appeal, authors will generally arrange for her to have a couple of villainous admirers. This way, there is proof that her charm works on both the righteous and the unjust. This world is no exception. First, we have Liu Minghui, this outwardly pure but inwardly black hypocrite. Second is this Demon Cultivator who possesses a once-in-a-generation talent, He Lianyu.
He Lianyu is wild and unruly, headstrong and rash. Together with Liu Minghui, these villains collude to snatch away the female lead’s treasures, but in the end, they have to prostrate themselves before the female lead’s skirts[1]. However, Shen Jiayi is someone they can only beg for but never obtain. Sui Yuan truly wants to cry a bucket of tears on their behalf!
Because He Lianyu will never have the potential to be the male lead, Sui Yuan is not afraid to be more relaxed around him, or expose his natural habits. Ignoring the Demon Cultivator’s burning gaze, he taps the wooden surface before him lightly. "Shen Jiayi has an ancient cultivation tome on her person. Being a Demon Cultivator, it is of no use to you, so that will be mine. Besides that rare book, she also has many fine items that you can choose from, how does that sound?"
He Lianyu considers this offer for a moment, then his picturesque visage lifts to face Sui Yuan full-on, a faint smile appearing. "I have seen this Junior Sister Shen of yours once before. I have some interest in her. I don’t want any of her material possessions. I only want her person."
"Absolutely not!" Sui Yuan startles slightly and blurts out a firm refusal before his brain catches up to his mouth, glaring at He Lianyu. "What do you plan to do to her?!"
"Her appearance matches my taste, and her cultivation level is not bad either. I want her to be my furnace[2]." The faint smirk on his lips turn provoking. "Why? Can’t bring yourself to do it?"
His heart is currently in a mess! Since the original text is written from the female lead’s point of view, there naturally wouldn’t be details of He Lianyu and Liu Minghui’s negotiations. There are also no mentions of He Lianyu’s interest in her this early in the storyline. Since there is nothing indicating the female lead would ever be anyone’s furnace, Sui Yuan cannot let that happen, of course. Now, he has to rack his brain for a method to dissuade He Lianyu from this terrible idea.
Seeing Sui Yuan’s complicated expression, the purple-robed youth laughs lightly and gets to his feet, tossing out a "then we have an agreement", before flicking his sleeve and strolling away.
Sui Yuan will not allow the other party to leave just like that. Subconsciously, his hand darts out to grasp He Lianyu’s sleeve. "Hold on!"
A little taken back, He Lianyu turns his head to stare at the still sitting cultivator who caught a corner of his sleeve. Quirking an impatient eyebrow, his gaze momentarily stagnates.
Realising his current actions does not match his current persona, he rearranges his features back to an apathetic, hypocritical image. Withdrawing his hand and straightening his back, he states, "Do what you will with whatever you manage to take from her, but you are forbidden from touching her person."
Fully turning his body around, He Lianyu regards the other mutely for a while. Neither haughty nor humble, Sui Yuan returns his stare evenly. Although the latter is looking up, he certainly doesn’t appear submissive, imposing aura clear for all to see.
After a moment of silence, a sneer curves He Lianyu’s lips as he abruptly leans closer to Sui Yuan. "This condition of yours, if I don’t agree, does that mean our partnership is void?"
Inwardly gnashing his teeth, two options war in Sui Yuan’s heart - is the female lead more important? Or should he ensure this part works out first?
Jade-like, flawless complexion, elegant and delicate facial features, all enhanced by his pure white robes. Such a refined, cool-headed youth showing a rare moment of internal struggle really incites the urge in people to rip his calm façade to shreds. To see him display genuine emotions. He is clearly a vile-minded individual, a scum of society willing to sell out his friends and family. But contrary to his crude personality, he still exudes a warm, gentle air devoid of the slightest impurity. Just thinking about that split-second of vulnerability flashing across his face causes He Lianyu’s eyes to narrow in consideration. His heartbeat spikes for a second, then extends a finger to caress Sui Yuan’s chin. "If you still want to cooperate but refuse to hand your Junior Sister Shen to me, then how about offering yourself in exchange, hmm?"
Sui Yuan’s serene expression cracks instantly, fiercely smacking He Lianyu’s hand away from his face.
The Demon Cultivator laughs uproariously, feeling extremely pleased with his reaction. Not waiting for Sui Yuan’s reply, he departs swiftly, uncaring about what the other wishes to say. His speed is rather fast, silhouette disappearing from view in a span of a few seconds. Even if Sui Yuan wishes to call him back, it would be impossible.
Staring blankly at the spot He Lianyu was just moments ago, his hands clench around the corners of the wooden table.
"Does that mean the negotiation is unsuccessful? What should we do now?" 5237 is completely resigned to its fate. Its partner is a natural man-magnet. First, it’s a senior actor taking on male lead roles who relentlessly pursue Sui Yuan due to a ’vendetta’. Second is a somewhat bent but still redeemable - hopefully - supporting male lead Shao Peiyuan. Now, another He Lianyu who evidently lacks all integrity, eating both male and female is aiming for its partner too. Isn’t this very normal?! Ahahaha... Normal, your mum!
5237 feels that it has already ran out of tears and blood. Its heart has shattered beyond reason, and its collapsed mental state unsalvageable. Now, this system who has gone through various disasters can finally have a very optimistic outlook on life!
"......A supporting male lead and another supporting male lead will have no future together. A supporting male lead and a female lead is even more impossible. This negotiation has surely failed. Next...we can only weigh our options and see..." Sui Yuan replies sullenly.
"Actually..." 5237 hesitates for a heartbeat. "I feel that I should perhaps apply for BL worlds instead of BG... if I continue on like this, I don’t think I can survive..."
Sui Yuan pats its head in condolence. Although he doesn’t want to burst his system’s bubble, he can’t help wondering...will things go smoothly even if he goes to a BL world?
- Sui Yuan feels that he is fast becoming a pessimist.
Footnotes:
[1] Prostrate themselves before someone’s skirts = wholly give in to/is drawn in by that person’s charisma
[2] Human furnace/cauldron: I was going to go with the assumption that all the readers will know what it is, but then decided to put a footnote anyway. It’s a rather lengthy explanation, so I will just link the website .
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