Chapter 4.11
Like a crafty rabbit who always builds three burrows, a skilled villain like He Lianyu naturally wouldn’t stay in one place after his business has concluded. As soon as he released Shen Jiayi, he immediately brings Sui Yuan to another location before heading straight for his real hideout.
Mindful of the fact that He Lianyu hasn’t completely let his guard down around him, Sui Yuan doesn’t rush indiscriminately into action. Besides displaying abhorrence whenever the other party tries to be intimate, he doesn’t resist in any other way. Fortunately, He Lianyu apparently doesn’t plan on forcing himself on him. Or should he say, he is lucky the time and location is all wrong for more intimate acts. So long as He Lianyu is out of his domain, he will not try to do anything to Sui Yuan.
The entire time, 5237 gives Sui Yuan all sorts of pointers that it thinks might help in his escape. As for his spirit pet, the little Crystal beast’s current whereabouts is unknown, but Sui Yuan is not at all concerned about it as anywhere else would be safer for it compared to remaining by his side.
Bearing the title of the Heavenly Cosmos sect’s Head Disciple and one of the unofficial leaders of the new generation of cultivators, Liu Minghui is regarded highly. After snatching Liu Minghui away, it is only natural that He Lianyu has made appropriate mental preparations and plans for the near future when he is confronted by members of Righteous sects.
In the cultivation world, the Righteous and Demonic sect each claimed one half of it as their territory since a long time ago. Typically, everyone minds their own business because as long as one side oversteps their boundary, what awaits these two parties is a large-scale war. He Lianyu is naturally aware of this point, which is why he brings Sui Yuan directly back to his cave not far from his sect. This way, when the Heavenly Cosmos sect comes knocking on his door, he will be able to call for reinforcement right away.
Righteous Cultivators value their soul while Demonic Cultivators value pleasure and other material desires. Thus, compared to the sparse, bland caves of Righteous Cultivators, He Lianyu’s own dwelling is extremely luxurious. With nothing to fear, Sui Yuan treats this place like his home, calmly enjoying the large jade bath in He Lianyu’s residence, scrubbing himself clean from head to toe. Even if he is now a cultivator with ice veins and jade bones[1], whose body wouldn’t be filthy even if he doesn’t wash all year round, Sui Yuan still likes the feeling of soaking in warm water. Tension flees from his body and his muscles loosen, all fatigue vanishing like smoke in thin air.
Soon, it should be about time he rebels against He Lianyu.
Removing a clean set of clothes from his interspatial pouch, he uses a little spiritual energy to evaporate the moisture on his body before dressing himself properly and exiting the baths.
After a satisfying soak, a languid charm unknowingly exudes from his person, a kind of lazy allure that the original Liu Minghui never possessed. Eyelashes and hair still carrying faint traces of moisture, it serves to enhance his gentle air and delicate features. One look at this obliviously enticing Sui Yuan causes the still-smug He Lianyu to freeze momentarily, heart thumping in his chest. Rising from where he is sprawled on a couch, he encircles Sui Yuan’s waist with both arms, drawing him towards the soft cushions on the other side of the room.
"It is said that when a man’s lust is at its peak, he will lower all defences in that short period of time. When that moment comes, your chances of a successful attack will be the highest," 5237 persistently continues spewing out the strangest ideas.
"...Are you sure that’s what you want me to do?" Sui Yuan asks hesitantly.
The system falls silent for a second. "Let’s pretend I never said that."
Sui Yuan: "......"
Sui Yuan was created with no notion of chastity, and his instincts merely tell him that two supporting male leads who are meant to treasure the female lead will cause big problems if they get together. However, the original text which is written from the female lead’s point of view didn’t exactly deny that Liu Minghui and He Lianyu were nothing else but business partners. After all, Demonic Cultivators are people without integrity, and Liu Minghui...he has even lesser integrity than them. If he can use his body in exchange of controlling He Lianyu, Liu Minghui will most probably not refuse. Once he exploits He Lianyu and suck him dry, he would show no quarter and kill the other party off.
If his attempt at resistance fails, Sui Yuan intends to follow the aforementioned route. Of course, whether he will wholly walk down that path is another matter, as according to the storyline, Liu Minghui dies in front of He Lianyu.
Still...at least everything he does up ’til then will be logical...right?
Half-pressed into the soft cushion, the front of Sui Yuan’s robes has fallen part-way open. Narrowing his eyes, he interrupts He Lianyu’s movements and abruptly flips them around. Although he is startled by it, He Lianyu simply laughs and praises, "Minghui is indeed passionate."
With an expressionless face, Sui Yuan merely quirks an eyebrow.
Since Liu Minghui has his own pride, he will definitely not adopt a submissive attitude during sex. Under He Lianyu’s deliberate indulgence, Sui Yuan takes the initiative to touch him first. A hand pressing his shoulder down, the other pushes the collar of his violet robes open, revealing a firm chest. Fingertips running teasingly across He Lianyu’s red nipples, his mind is filled with 5237’s loud yells as the system urgently instructs him.
"What should I do next?!"
"Strip him bare," 5237 says bluntly. "According to my resources, this is a crucial step in the art of lovemaking. Additionally, if you decide to flee halfway, He Lianyu cannot chase after you while naked, so you will have more time to escape when he puts on his clothes."
The system’s words make sense, so without further ado, Sui Yuan pulls the top half of He Lianyu’s robes down, baring his upper torso to his waist. Only, when his hands drift down towards the man’s trousers, his hands are caught.
"My little treasure is rather impatient," He Lianyu chuckles.
Lazily lifting a hand to grip the back of Sui Yuan’s neck, the other hand caresses his face from his slender eyebrows to his lower jaw. Although He Lianyu’s motions are neither slow nor hurried, the heat emitting from his bare skin and tensed muscles all betray his increasing lust. His dark eyes burn brightly as he all but devours Sui Yuan with an intense stare.
"Your target is at hand!" 5237’s passion is also at its peak - for a different reason. Darting around Sui Yuan’s head in circles, it cries out, "At this time, the male’s sex organ between his legs is the weakest spot!"
Sui Yuan stares at his system blankly. While he has never experienced being attacks between his legs - or seen it done to others, for that matter - as a male, he can’t help but cringe instinctively.
As Sui Yuan is warring with himself over whether to do it or not, He Lianyu, who is still caught up in rising lust and completely defenceless, pushes himself up on his elbows, intending on plundering Sui Yuan’s mouth. It’s a pity that this plan is interrupted a second time.
An earth-shattering bang instantly breaks the enthralling, steamy atmosphere within the room. Alarmed, Sui Yuan make an abortive move, only to be pulled firmly towards He Lianyu as the other tightens his grip on his neck and waist. Still a little dazed after being abruptly pulled from his haze of lust, He Lianyu isn’t all that clear about what is going on right now. However, he is appropriately startled that an intruder is able to get to this room without setting off or being slowed down by the traps laid out around his dwelling that he takes so much pride in.
The initial wave of sword intent cleaves the entrance of the room in two, and a figure stalks in to the sight of Sui Yuan and He Lianyu frozen like ’adulterers caught in bed’.
With his white robes opened seductively to reveal a glimpse of chest and shoulders and He Lianyu’s bare upper torso, even a fool would be able to tell what is going on between the two men. A captivating but abnormal faint red colour stains Xuan Ling’s frosty visage. Scarlet bleeds into his originally clear, tranquil black irises. Not saying a single word, a forceful wave of sword intent carrying traces of berserk demonic nature rushes towards the pair. Even an ascended Immortal wouldn’t dare despise the power behind this strike.
Sui Yuan and He Lianyu separate immediately, dodging in two different directions. Having foreseen their actions, the sword intent twists, neatly avoiding Sui Yuan and directly attacking He Lianyu.
Evidently, Sui Yuan is not Xuan Ling’s target, which makes him somewhat relieved. Besides, according to the plot, he is not meant to die here. But a second thought strikes him immediately after, causing him to inhale sharply again.
Xuan Ling’s murderous intent has risen to the point it can only be pacified by seeing the blood of his target. A Solid Aspect He Lianyu is naturally not the opponent of Xuan Ling, who is nearing Immortal Ascension. The former is forced to retreat with each passing second. Even worse, Xuan Ling apparently doesn’t plan to claim his life in one blow, avoiding his vitals while inflicting non-critical cuts all over his body. It seems the Elder wants He Lianyu to wish for death but receive no relief.
- Not only should Liu Minghui survive this scene, He Lianyu also cannot die here ah!
Sui Yuan has nearly gone mad with worry, but because of his identity as Liu Minghui and a mere Core Formation cultivator, he cannot get involved. What he can do is stare at the one-sided fight and pray that either He Lianyu’s reinforcements come on time to defuse this situation, or Xuan Ling will suddenly come to his senses and remember that He Lianyu must not be killed now.
As a crafty villain, He Lianyu naturally has a backup plan. In the split-second after Xuan Ling’s intrusion and the sudden spike of killing intent, he has already called for help. Having received a distress signal, his fellow sect members come rushing over - He Lianyu is a young, talented and well-known Demonic Cultivator. If they make the slightest mistake, their Demonic sect will suffer a huge loss!
Just when it seems Xuan Ling will finally cleave He Lianyu’s heart from his chest, dense, dark clouds cover the cave as chilly gales roar to life. Countless Solid Aspect Demonic Cultivators and those nearing Ascension appear, gathering to attack Xuan Ling en-masse. This time, Sui Yuan is worried that Xuan Ling would die here, and his own situation is rather perilous!
Materialising an advanced charm, he scatters the ball of demon fire heading directly for him. For a short time after, he couldn’t spare any energy to pay attention to Xuan Ling and He Lianyu as he does his utmost best to block every attack heading his way. Fortunately, it seems the weaker, Core Formation Sui Yuan is not the Demonic Cultivators’ primary target. Very quickly, the majority of them are drawn over by the stronger Xuan Ling, allowing him some breathing space.
"I feel that this turn of events is not too encouraging." As a system whom no one else but its partner can see and interact with, 5237 can naturally observe its surroundings without worry. Right this moment, its tone is confused and uncertain, as though it has unknowingly fallen into a pit.
"I don’t need you to tell me that our situation is unfavourable!" Sui Yuan replies bitterly. Jerking his head backwards when a white round thing pounces towards him, he raises a hand to smack it aside, only to swiftly change directions and catch it once he can make out what this strange object is.
Having dropped its disguise sometime between when Sui Yuan last saw it and now, the Crystal beast cheeps non-stop. As though finally reuniting after centuries apart, large tears hang at the corner of its red, watery eyes. Sui Yuan doesn’t have the energy to soothe it and directly places the spirit pet on his shoulder. The Crystal beast digs its paws into the fabric of his robe, then abruptly let loose a loud call. Immediately, an indescribable feeling courses through Sui Yuan’s meridians, flooding it with additional spiritual energy that enables him to deflect another powerful attack.
So it seems that besides acting cute, the Crystal beast has its more practical uses.
Noticing that Sui Yuan’s safety is now secured thanks to the spirit pet’s arrival, 5237 opens its mouth once more. "I meant Xuan Ling - or should I say Zhao Xihe - has succumbed to his inner demons."
Sui Yuan freezes, then snaps his head around to look at Xuan Ling.
Jian in hand, the domineering man has long lost his elegant, pure aura. Instead, his current state is even more terrifying than the original icy chill that freezes one in their place. Snow white robes now stained crimson with the life essence of numerous Demonic Cultivators, he resembles a blood-soaked Asura. Every swing of his blade is accompanied by a spray of blood. The once cold, sharp sword intent is tainted by demonic energy. Dark bloodthirst bubbles forth from his person, causing everyone in his vicinity to tremble in fear. The amount of spiritual power contained within his being climbs upwards unceasingly, to the point that it seems he might just make a breakthrough to the later stage just before Ascension.
"Quick! Quickly notify the Demonic Ruler! This bastard is going to advance a level!" Feeling the increasing pressure indicating a near breakthrough, a Demonic Cultivator shouts as he retreats.
Sword Cultivators are the strongest fighters amongst cultivators, and generally experience breakthroughs during critical moments in the heat of battle. Their fighting prowess is extraordinary and even their intent can be a deadly weapon in the hands of experienced Sword Cultivators. The moment they set foot onto the Demonic Path, their aptitude for slaughter doubles and continues to grow as their innate potential is swiftly ignited. While it is a dazzling spectacle, it only lasts for a short period. Back when Xuan Ling was still an initial-level Nascent Soul, he crippled two cultivators who were mid-way to Ascension in a single slash. If he is allowed to enter the last stage before Ascension now, the entire Demonic sect will be wiped out under his blade. Their lives would be mere offerings to hasten his advancement!
As the Demonic Cultivators descend into a chaotic mess, only one thought runs through Sui Yuan’s mind. "Succumbing to his inner demons? Isn’t he only acting?"
"Looking at the situation now, I really don’t think so," 5237 states in a rare, grave and deadly serious tone, anxiousness in every minute twitch of its plump body. "Xuan Ling practices a ruthless Sword Art. The moment he falls in love, his tranquil state of mind will begin to undulate. Once it gets too intense, he will inevitably succumb to his inner demons. Even if the person within this body is Zhao Xihe, his cultivation is unequivocally linked to his soul. When a person first steps off the Righteous Path, they will lose all reason, meaning that Zhao Xihe has entered a berserk state. "
"But, doesn’t every actor’s system have the ability to defend their partner’s mental conscience?" Sui Yuan frowns worriedly. "In the previous world, didn’t you protect my mind after I swallowed the source of darkness and allow me to be free of its influence?"
"That’s because I was well prepared!" 5237 says, agitated. "I knew when the darkness magic will try influencing your mind, so I was able to shield your mind fully before that happened. But now, if Xuan Ling is indeed Zhao Xihe, 0007 never expected him to suddenly go berserk. It didn’t even have the slightest warning to prepare shielding its partner’s mind. Thus, Zhao Xihe himself has lost all reason."
"Succumbing to his inner demons...if he doesn’t snap out of it, what will become of him?" Sui Yuan asks, heart sinking in dread.
"...He will be wasted," 5237 replies heavily, deep regret in its voice. "The ’regulation’ will erase him."
Sui Yuan falls silent.
Massacring his way through his enemies, Xuan Ling resembles a killing machine. Unfeeling. Merciless. Several droplets of blood stain his flawless, sculpture-like visage, making him seem like a flirty, devilish spirit. This wicked air interweaving with his chilly temperament captures one’s gaze and holds it hostage. It’s a pity that presently, no one here is carefree enough to appreciate this charmingly demonic appearance.
Powerless to contend against him, the Demonic Cultivators - what is left of them - steadily backs away. None here is capable of matching this Death God, and each one values their lives above the sect’s interest. Everyone dares not challenge Xuan Ling or face him head-on, only retreating slowly as though afraid if their movements are too abrupt, it will incite this wild beast to attack them.
Along with the Demonic Cultivators’ steady retreat, Xuan Ling gradually calms. Sleeves dripping with the blood of the deceased, feet treading over scattered corpses in his path, his wintry eyes gleam with a razor-sharp light. Sweeping a leisurely glance across the fearful remnants of challengers, his gaze settles on the gravely injured He Lianyu hiding amongst them.
He Lianyu is now devoid of all previous confidence and haughty composure. Ashen complexion, terrified eyes, bruised and battered body... When Xuan Ling’s gaze locks onto his person, he jolts in fright, turning around and trying to escape. However, Xuan Ling naturally wouldn’t let his prey run. In a flash of crimson and white, he appears directly in front of He Lianyu.
"Don’t!" Sui Yuan yells, not carrying if his action is out of character or not. Flinging the charm between his fingers towards He Lianyu, he creates a barrier between Xuan Ling and his intended victim. "He can’t die here! You know that!"
Xuan Ling’s movement halts for a second, then a hand darts out, spiritual energy coiling around and binding He Lianyu, who attempted to flee once more. Turning his head towards Sui Yuan, a faint smile curves his lips.
This small upturning of his lips can be considered stunningly attractive, causing even Sui Yuan to gape. Xuan Ling’s frosty visage softens, tender affection flooding into his dark pupils. However, the words that are spat out is bone-piercingly cold. "He deserves to die. Anyone who has touched you even once all deserve to die."
Before the last word leaves his mouth, the blade easily skewers through He Lianyu’s chest, completely ignoring the protective barrier Sui Yuan erected.
Aware that his end is nigh, He Lianyu coughs out a mouthful of blood, then smirks viciously. Gathering what little remaining inner energy he has, he compresses it all into a small, destructive point.
A formidable wave of demonic energy explodes from He Lianyu. But in Xuan Ling’s eyes, that amount of power is equivalent to a puny insect’s. With a mere wave of his sleeve, He Lianyu’s final, desperate attack is dissolved. Following that, Xuan Ling raises a hand and pulls the struggling soul out of its battered cage of flesh. As it thrashed against Xuan Ling’s unyielding grip, it tries in vain to self-destruct.
When it eventually realises it is completely helpless, it cries out in fear. But the faint smile on Xuan Ling’s face doesn’t waver in the slightest. Bit by bit, his finger tightens, until a mournful screech erupts from the soul a second before it disintegrates. He Lianyu’s soul has just been denied any chance of entering the reincarnation cycle.
Having fulfilled his heart’s desire, Xuan Ling unhurriedly turns back to look at the stupefied Sui Yuan. The desire to plunder and conquer Sui Yuan in every way possible fills his scarlet eyes. His faint smile widens, carrying a trace of delight and cheer. "You...can only be mine."
Sui Yuan & 5237: ".........So - so scary! I suddenly feel like begging for death! What to do?! QAQ"
Footnotes:
[1] Ice veins and jade bones: Basically means a body void of all impurity
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