Chu Ling was unaware of the main plot unfolding far away at the Martial Arts Alliance, where a certain individual was drowning in self-reproach, taking all the blame upon himself. Compared to the “shou” protagonist who had transmigrated into this world, this man’s heart was far more preoccupied with Chu Ling.
At this moment, Chu Ling was leading Zi Jin and Zi Pei out of his courtyard to admire the magnificent scenery of Tianmu Mountain, the headquarters of the Demonic Cult.
However, after walking for half the day, they still hadn’t managed to leave the territory of the Azure Dragon Hall. Occasionally, they encountered members of the cult dressed in black. Before the two parties could even get close, the others would spot the jade pendant hanging from Chu Ling’s waist from a distance and silently retreat.
This confirmed some of Chu Ling’s previous suspicions.
【Host, someone is observing you from the shadows.】
Just as Chu Ling stood atop a high point, watching with great interest the figures crossing the iron chains over a massive ravine below, the system suddenly gave him a nudge.
He paused for a moment, his peripheral vision casually sweeping the surroundings. Aside from Zi Jin and Zi Pei, there was no one else in sight. But the system wouldn’t lie to him; judging by its tone, the person was clearly interested in him.
Several figures he had encountered so far flashed through his mind. Tang Zhen likely wouldn’t show up again for a while unless Chu Ling blew the whistle. As for Ji Wuyuan, the Lord of the Demonic Cult, he was busy with affairs of state; after kissing him at noon and leaving with those parting words, it was unlikely he would sneak back to peek at him… Could it be the double?
Last night, while he was soaking in the hot spring, that double had appeared wearing a fierce ghost mask. Chu Ling had seen through him but played along, pretending he hadn’t noticed a thing.
Later, the double took off the mask, revealing a face that was—unsurprisingly—identical to Ji Wuyuan’s. To play the part fully, Chu Ling had to act his heart out. He just didn’t know if the man actually looked like Ji Wuyuan or if it was a flawless disguise.
Thinking this, Chu Ling asked the system: “Who is it?”
To his surprise, the system replied: 【It is a woman.】
Chu Ling was slightly stunned. A woman? Not the double?
The system continued: 【Zhao Shiniang, Master of the Vermilion Bird Hall. She appeared earlier today—the one who saw Tang Zhen’s guest out.】
Chu Ling realized: “Why is she watching me in secret?”
System: 【Perhaps she is curious about you?】
That made sense. Everyone has a sense of curiosity. Furthermore, when it came to an exceptionally beautiful youth who received such special treatment from the Lord of the Demonic Cult, simple gossip was only human nature.
Knowing it wasn’t the double from last night, Chu Ling didn’t care. Let her watch; it’s not like he’d lose a limb over it.
As evening approached, the orange-red sunset filled the sky, reflecting off the youth’s fair, tender face, making him look breathtakingly radiant.
Returning to his residence, Chu Ling looked at his own courtyard before his gaze shifted toward the grand mansion beside it. He raised a hand to stop Zi Jin and Zi Pei, who had read his mind and wanted to announce his arrival. Turning slightly, he walked slowly inside.
Inside a vast room, the lingering glow of the setting sun cast through the window lattice, slanting across a desk equipped with brushes, ink, paper, and inkstones.
However, in the quiet air, several black-clad figures knelt on one knee. Like shadows, they didn’t utter a word, silently waiting for the Hall Master behind the desk to issue orders. Whether it was to assassinate royalty or steal the sacred treasures of the righteous sects, they were prepared to die for the cause.
After a short while, one of them tilted their head slightly. Their ears, hidden beneath black cloth, twitched as they easily caught the sound of approaching footsteps outside. Judging by the sound, it was someone with very little martial arts training.
Filled with doubt, they looked up quietly, only to see their Ghost-Masked Hall Master stop his movements as well. Without an order, they remained frozen in their kneeling positions.
When the light footsteps reached the door, an image vividly formed in their minds: the person outside politely curling their fingers and lightly tapping on the door—knock, knock, knock—followed by a pleasant, melodious youth’s voice.
“Brother Ghost?”
The motionless Ghost-Masked Hall Master finally moved. He waved his hand, and the kneeling figures vanished in an instant, as if they had never been there.
Outside, the youth, receiving no response, mumbled to himself in confusion: “Is Brother Ghost not here? But I asked the others in the mansion, and they said he was here…”
A child’s voice (one of the attendants) comforted him: “Young Master, perhaps the Hall Master stepped out and you just missed him.”
The other child echoed: “Yes, Young Master. If you want to see the Hall Master, we can just come back another time.”
Behind the fierce ghost mask, the “Ghost’s” brow twitched. Suddenly, he spoke in Ji Wuyuan’s deep, magnetic, and charismatic voice.
“Is that Ling’er? Come in.”
One could almost predict the joyful look in the youth’s eyes. The next moment, the door was pushed open with a creak. In the warm yellow sunset spilling into the room stood the youth’s tall and beautiful figure, appearing as if he were glowing.
Entering the room, the youth’s curious eyes scanned the surroundings, skipping over the expensive ornaments on the curios shelves, the soft couch behind the carved screen, and the red sandalwood furniture. Everything screamed luxury.
Finally, his gaze settled on the tall figure sitting behind the desk. He paused, then broke into a smile: “Brother Ghost is wearing the mask again. Do you not even take it off in your own room?”
The Ghost snapped out of his thoughts, raised his fingers, and gently removed the mask, revealing a handsome, deep-featured face with a smile.
“Ling’er, why didn’t you have someone announce your arrival?”
The youth stepped forward, his expression suddenly becoming a bit bashful, his ears tinged red. Yet, his voice carried a playful pout: “You have the nerve to ask, Brother Ghost.”
“Oh?” The Ghost acted unmoved, his expression slightly suspicious.
“Brother Ghost, you… didn’t you want me to accept your feelings…” The youth’s cheeks grew even flusher, his eyes shimmering like rippling water. “I… I’ve thought about it. I don’t dislike you, Brother Ghost, but! This is too sudden. I’m not ready yet. Can we… take it slow? Is that okay?”
By the end, his voice was as quiet as a mosquito’s buzz. The youth looked as though he were being roasted, his face crimson and his shyness overwhelming.
The Ghost… his fingers moved as he pulled the youth beside him into his arms. It felt as if he were embracing a temptress specifically designed to seduce him; the soft touch was even clearer than the night before, making his heart tremble.
His fingertips lightly brushed the youth’s burning cheek as he teased: “Really? Ling’er has finally decided to accept me?”
The arm wrapped around his waist was as firm as iron. The youth could only turn his head away with a red face, humming: “I said take it slow. You can’t use this as an excuse to bully me, Brother Ghost, or I won’t accept you anymore.”
The little kitten, putting on a brave face despite his embarrassment, even had soft claws. Aside from being explosively cute, he had zero lethality.
The smile in the Ghost’s eyes deepened. He affectionately nipped at the youth’s nose and replied softly: “Alright, I will listen to everything Ling’er says. If Ling’er tells me to go east, I won’t go west, okay?”
Soft all over, yet stubborn in speech, the youth nodded with a red face, seemingly agreeing reluctantly.
After half a day of agonizing over a difficult choice, the young master Chu Ling had let his feelings for the person in his heart win. He chose to compromise. Besides, he had come here for this very reason; as for the fact that he was deceiving “Brother Ghost’s” feelings, he could only silently apologize in his heart.
【System, I have a bold idea.】
【This double seems pretty good too.】
【If he keeps Ji Wuyuan’s appearance but isn’t a big villain like him—meaning he isn’t crucial to the plot—couldn’t we just fly off together?】
The system replied rationally: 【What if his true face is ugly?】
Chu Ling: [Heart_is_aching_can’t_breathe.jpg]
But actually, he could verify it. He just had to make the man willing to reveal his true face…
…
Ji Wuyuan: ?? Is my own double about to steal my man?
Unknowingly, rivals… x3 (Smirks)