The tightly closed bedroom door shattered violently under an external force!
Cold moonlight poured into the room, illuminating a deep, abyss-like shadow standing in the center.
The familiar handsome silhouette, narrow eyes, and a set of luxurious dark robes now radiated an endless, bone-chilling aura. His pupils seemed to glow with a faint, crimson light, sparking with extreme fury. The sight of the two people sitting so close together on the edge of the bed, their hands tightly clasped, stung his eyes deeply.
In the dead of night, a man and a youth alone—it looked as though they were pouring out their mutual adoration. Had he arrived a step later, would they have already flown away together…?
Ji Wuyuan’s gaze was gloomy and icy. He walked into the room step by step, and with every stride, the powerful pressure around him intensified, almost turning physical as it crushed toward Tang Zhen without mercy.
The latter, however, amidst the mountain-like pressure, glanced at his empty palm as if he hadn’t noticed the threat. The moment Ji Wuyuan appeared, the youth had startled and jerked his hand back; Tang Zhen had not forgotten the youth’s earlier refusal to leave with him.
“Big Brother Ghost!”
The youth’s panicked voice rang out through the suffocating atmosphere.
This display of panic, however, was interpreted differently by each man present.
Tang Zhen was unaware of the youth’s true objective and hadn’t paid much attention to the letter handed to him. He simply believed the youth had been completely deceived by Ji Wuyuan’s lies, to the point of giving him total, heartfelt trust.
Thus, Tang Zhen rose slowly, standing tall by the bed with the corners of his lips curled upward.
“What ‘Big Brother Ghost’? A-Ling, you should open your eyes and look clearly—he is none other than the Master of the Demonic Cult, Ji Wuyuan!”
The cards were on the table.
This was Tang Zhen’s biggest trump card. Have you not been deceiving him all along? Then I shall tear away your mask right in front of him.
The youth, as he had hoped, showed a look of stunned disbelief, looking back and forth at the entering Ji Wuyuan. Yet, for some reason, the reaction wasn’t as explosive as Tang Zhen had imagined; there was still a lingering trace of doubt in his expression.
In contrast, Ji Wuyuan’s eyes darkened completely. He stared coldly at Tang Zhen, enunciating every word: “Third Young Master Tang, are you planning to turn from an ally… to an enemy of my Sacred Cult?”
The word “enemy” was bitten out with heavy emphasis.
He then looked at the overwhelmed youth, his eyes as dark as a deep trench: “Ling-er… is this the person you like?”
Upon hearing this, Tang Zhen—who had remained indifferent to the threat of becoming an enemy—froze for a moment, then couldn’t help but break into a smile.
“A-Ling, you like me too? So it wasn’t just my unrequited love…”
As he spoke, he shook his head with a sigh, though the triumphant, beaming smile on his face was impossible to hide. Simultaneously, Tang Zhen’s heart felt completely at peace.
He didn’t seem to notice the youth’s utterly dazed expression.
Chu Ling wasn’t surprised that “Big Brother Ghost” knew he had a “crush”—he probably heard it from the Cult Leader—but how did the person he liked become Big Brother Tang?
And Big Brother Tang said “unrequited love”… he actually liked him too?
For a moment, the youth was inevitably thrown into chaos, feeling as though everything happening tonight was a dream.
However, regardless of the youth’s internal stagnation and confusion, the situation on the ground did not change according to his will.
Ji Wuyuan gave a cold snort, his gaze turning suddenly frigid, as if he could no longer control the suppressed madness and rage beneath—and perhaps a deep jealousy that even he wasn’t entirely clear about.
Suddenly, his body blurred and vanished. His speed was so fast the human eye couldn’t track it!
Tang Zhen’s expression tightened instantly. He raised his hand, blocking the incoming attack. However, his feet couldn’t help but slide sideways until he crashed into the nearby tables and chairs.
The sturdy furniture shattered instantly under the impact!
Before Tang Zhen could react, his vision blurred again. It was Ji Wuyuan, his eyes reflecting a bloody, murderous chill—Bang! Bang! Bang!!
The two began to fight within the room. The naked eye could not keep up with their speed; one could only hear the scalp-numbing sounds of impact echoing in the dim night.
Clearly, both were wary of the youth on the bed. After destroying nearly every piece of furniture in the room, leaving only the bed unscathed, Tang Zhen seized an opportunity and flew out through the ruined doorway.
Ji Wuyuan paused, glancing at the youth on the bed who still looked dazed. The crimson depths of his eyes were icy. Finally, he turned and sped outside.
He knew Tang Zhen was intentionally moving the battlefield to the exterior. But—this way, he could truly unleash his full power. Hehe.
That final cold laugh seemed filled with a bloody scent, mirroring his icy, narrow eyes.
…
In terms of pure martial arts, Tang Zhen knew he was not Ji Wuyuan’s match. But his light-body skills (Qinggong) were peerless, with few rivals in the world. This was why he had been able to infiltrate the youth’s courtyard twice without being detected.
Between being an ally of the Sacred Cult and having these two advantages, he had been confident.
However, Tang Zhen’s defeat was predestined. Ji Wuyuan possessed a skill that specifically countered light-body skills: sound-wave attacks.
By the time the youth regained his senses, scrambled out of bed, and ran to the doorway to look out, he saw a soul-shattering sight.
A blood-stained jade flute had pierced through Tang Zhen’s chest from behind!
Slender fingers held the other end of the flute, then jerked it out. Scalding red liquid, seemingly mixed with fragments of a heart, splattered onto the ground.
The youth’s pupils contracted violently. His fingers gripped the doorframe, trembling uncontrollably. His expression was one of terror, but just as he was about to rush toward the kneeling Big Brother Tang, a voice—so refined it was like flowing water—spoke softly.
“A-Ling… you like Big Brother Tang, don’t you?”
“Big Brother Tang, you… don’t say anymore, stop the bleeding quickly—”
Mist flooded the youth’s eyes. His body slumped down, his legs trembling too much to move.
He probably never imagined such a cruel scene. Whether it was Big Brother Tang or Big Brother Ghost, they were both people who had been exceptionally good to him. Now…
“If you had another chance, A-Ling, would you go with me?”
That voice, gentle as water, continued softly, as if stating an unfulfilled wish, like words spoken on a deathbed.
The youth covered his lips, a crystal tear sliding from the corner of his eye. He nodded vigorously, his throat sobbing.
“I… I’m willing… Big Brother Tang, please don’t…”
The habitually carefree Young Master Chu had never experienced the feeling of life-and-death separation, let alone this brutal scene happening because of him…
Self-blame and guilt almost drowned him.
At that moment, a figure as black as an abyss appeared silently beside the youth. He pulled the trembling boy into his arms, burying his chin deep in the side of the youth’s neck. In a magnetic, pleasant, low voice, he said: “Ling-er, you can only stay here. You can’t go anywhere except by my side. Do you understand?”
A cold, bloody aura swirled in his crimson eyes, but his lips curled up in pleasure as his fingertips slowly stroked the youth’s cheek.
How wonderful…
Mine.
No one can take you away.
“Ugh… hng…”
The youth shook his head violently, his eyes blurred with tears. He pushed with all his might against the “Big Brother Ghost” who had killed Big Brother Tang, unable to accept this. However, his strength was like a tickle to Ji Wuyuan, unable to move him even an inch.
This act of resistance, however, caused Ji Wuyuan’s gaze to darken again, turning eerie and unpredictable.
“You like Tang Zhen that much?!”
Ji Wuyuan pinched the youth’s slender chin, forcing him to turn around. Looking at the youth’s wet, clumped lashes and the misty sorrow in those eyes, his own eyes were stung once more.
An extreme, twisted jealousy surged from his heart, crazily sweeping through his chest with a sharp, swelling pain—in the end, he actually couldn’t compare to a dying man!?
Ji Wuyuan’s eyes grew darker, like a bottomless icy pool that reflected not a single ray of light.
His thumb slowly rubbed over the youth’s lips. Their shape was perfect—pink, full, and plump—making one want to bite down to see if they would overflow with juice as imagined…
A seductive voice echoed in Ji Wuyuan’s heart…
What are you waiting for?
His sweetheart is right here. Even if he dies, it’s useless; he will only leave a deeper mark in the boy’s heart.
Better to take him right here, right in front of his dying sweetheart!
From now on, he will be yours alone, body and soul…
A flash of desire appeared in the depths of Ji Wuyuan’s dark red eyes. He slowly lowered his head, his vision filled entirely by the youth’s inviting lips. He seemed ready to obey his inner darkness.
However, as he leaned closer and the ambiguous atmosphere thickened between them, his lightless pupils reflected the youth’s terrified expression. He suddenly paused, a trace of struggle flashing in his eyes.
In that exact moment, Ji Wuyuan’s cheek exploded in pain!
Caught off guard and completely defenseless, he was sent reeling by a punch. The flesh on his face twitched involuntarily, and his body flew backward into the room, crashing into the broken furniture!
Tang Zhen gasped for breath, one hand clutching his bleeding wound, his tightly clenched fist trembling.
“Big Brother Tang, you…”
The youth’s cautious sob reached his ears. He looked at Big Brother Tang with surprise and disbelief; there was a hole where his heart should be, yet he could still stand and even land a punch on Ji Wuyuan.
Tang Zhen forced his lips into his usual refined smile. “Don’t worry… I won’t die yet.”
His heart was different from most; it was located on the right side.
But as soon as he finished speaking, he spat out a mouthful of blood. His body swayed. Before he could completely collapse, an old servant appeared suddenly, supporting him.
“Third Young Master, we must leave.”
The old servant spoke in a shrill voice, looking warily at the black shadow slowly rising inside the room.
The youth stood aside, looking at them in confusion, his gaze lingering between the servant and Big Brother Tang. He gradually realized these must be Big Brother Tang’s people.
Tang Zhen grabbed the servant’s clothes, his fingers tightening. Forcing his eyelids open against the encroaching unconsciousness, he struggled to say: “Take A-Ling… with us… go!”
The old servant lowered his eyes slightly. “Apologies, Third Young Master. I can only ensure your safety.”
“…” There was no response; Tang Zhen had completely passed out.
The servant quickly tapped several acupoints on Tang Zhen’s body to prevent him from bleeding out. He wouldn’t have lost consciousness so quickly, but he had forcibly used his full internal power just to punch Ji Wuyuan.
Having finished, the old servant turned his head and gave the beautiful youth an apologetic look.
The youth seemed to understand. He waved his hand instead, looking at the unconscious Tang Zhen with sincere relief—to him, the fact that Big Brother Tang was alive was better than anything.
“You… take Big Brother Tang and go quickly. Find a doctor for him as soon as possible. I’m fine.”
The old servant paused, nodded, and vanished into the vast night, carrying the unconscious Tang Zhen.
Cold moonlight bathed the courtyard. It was silent, save for the youth slumped at the ruined doorway and the tall black shadow stepping out from the dark room.
He stood beside the youth, looking out at the now-empty night. In the distance, dozens of cult members were rapidly approaching, having heard the commotion.
Soon, figures—tall, short, fat, thin, old, and young—descended upon the wrecked courtyard. They knelt together before Ji Wuyuan: “Cult Leader!”
The unified voice seemed to shake the clouds.
Ji Wuyuan looked down at the stunned youth, his thin lips curling into a smile devoid of any emotion.
A flash of bloodlust crossed his eyes. He said softly: “Pass down my command. The Third Prince of the Yan Kingdom, Tang Zhen, is henceforth an enemy of our Sacred Cult. On sight, kill without mercy—”
“We obey the Cult Leader’s command!”
…
【Host, it seems your plan to leave the Demonic Cult and go fishing in the wider world has failed.】
【Ah…】
Chu Ling lay on a large bed in an even bigger and more luxurious palace, tossing and turning with a long sigh.
The System hesitated, seemingly wanting to say more, but Chu Ling continued: 【It’s fine, we still have Plan B—that “broken” stand-in, Ghost Face. He will definitely help me.】
The System couldn’t help but say: 【Host, something seems a bit off.】
Chu Ling made a sound from his nose: 【Hmm? What’s wrong?】
System: 【That Tang Zhen! The second male lead! He actually fell in love with you? What about the protagonist Shou (bottom) then?!】
The System was a bit disoriented.
Chu Ling paused and said uncertainly: 【This isn’t the main plotline, so… it should be fine?】
【Besides, I don’t think he truly likes me. It’s likely based on interest—initially because he saw Ji Wuyuan treating me specially. He’s not as refined as he looks on the surface. Now that he knows my constitution, I’m a temptation no martial artist can refuse. He’s using “love” as an excuse; his goal is actually my Human Furnace body.】
Chu Ling shook his head, finishing his analysis. It was so logical he almost believed it himself.
System: 【You make so much sense I’m speechless.】
Chu Ling asserted: 【That must be it. Later, when Tang Zhen meets the protagonist, he’ll be conquered by their charm and truly fall in love.】
The System… believed him.
Chu Ling lazily rolled over again, wrapping himself in the quilt like a caterpillar. Face down, he let out a quiet sigh.
Actually, he hadn’t expected Tang Zhen to pull that stunt. He had intended for the man to just be a messenger to fulfill the “Young Master Chu” persona and, if possible, provide a chance to leave.
But he never expected that series of surprises.
First was Ji Wuyuan’s appearance, which crushed his idea of leaving. Then, Ji Wuyuan actually thought his “sweetheart” was Tang Zhen?? How did his brain even make that leap??
A question mark popped up over Chu Ling’s head. Then he thought carefully: Tang Zhen had been interested in him from the start and flirted with him occasionally. Ji Wuyuan must have seen all of it. Thus, he concluded he had feelings for Tang Zhen?
It was understandable.
But what surprised Chu Ling even more was Tang Zhen’s attitude. He was sure Tang Zhen only had “interest” initially, but after being caught by Ji Wuyuan, he didn’t pretend to be an innocent passerby. He actually broke up with Ji Wuyuan?
With an old fox like Tang Zhen, he must have seen that when Ji Wuyuan mentioned a “sweetheart,” it was a misunderstanding, yet he went along with it and admitted he was the one Chu Ling liked…
Chu Ling didn’t quite get it. Was his special constitution really such a “sweet pastry” that Tang Zhen, after weighing the costs, chose to take him and turn his sword against Ji Wuyuan?
After all, he was now Ji Wuyuan’s “forbidden canary.” To snatch him away meant becoming Ji Wuyuan’s mortal enemy.
Hmm… that makes sense.
But as things stood, Tang Zhen had failed. But not completely, because he had left a deep impression on Young Master Chu and caused him to doubt his “Big Brother Ghost.”
Probably the only point of failure was that his martial arts were inferior to Ji Wuyuan’s. Otherwise, the situation would be entirely different now.
Truly a cunning fox.
Having figured this out, Chu Ling felt a bit of regret—for himself and for Tang Zhen.
But it didn’t matter. Like he told the System, they still had Plan B—
Chu Ling’s lips curled up in secret.
Suddenly, a shadow loomed over him. A corner of a dark, luxurious robe, embroidered with gold cloud patterns, appeared in his vision.
Chu Ling paused and slowly looked up. He saw a pair of narrow, dark eyes looking down at him. They carried an immense pressure and a frighteningly eerie, dark hue.
【Ah… it’s the blackened Big Villain…】
【Host, what did you say? What blackening?】
【Tung-er, you’re just a kid, don’t ask so many questions.】
The System went silent for a moment, then suddenly asked: 【Host, do you need to turn on the censorship/blocking function next?】
【There’s a function for that?】
Chu Ling’s tone was a mix of surprise and disbelief. After all, the System couldn’t even put ten pounds of laxatives in Ji Wuyuan’s grilled fish earlier.
System: 【There is, but it can only block me.】
Chu Ling: [……]
He seemed to understand, yet didn’t.
Chu Ling accused: 【Tung-er, I never expected you to be such a pro!】
System: 【Just say if you want it or not. If so, for the next ten hours, I’ll be in blocked mode—unable to hear or see anything in the outside world.】
Chu Ling suddenly felt a bit shy: 【I… I guess I don’t need it?】
The System was very surprised: 【Don’t tell me you don’t mind me watching?】
Chu Ling let out a long, regretful sigh: 【It’s not a matter of whether I mind; it’s that the Young Master Chu persona doesn’t allow it!】
Actually, he really wanted to experience it. Most importantly, he could finally shed the title of “Shame of the Succubi”!
Although no senior had ever said it, for a succubus, one glance is enough to tell if you’re still a… cough. Every time he met a clansman, he always got an “indescribable” look.
This made Chu Ling both ashamed and helpless.
But what could he do? He was the only male succubus in the world, and many inconveniences restricted him. Plus, he had a picky taste, so… the past was too painful to recall.
Furthermore, Ji Wuyuan, this big villain, really suited his taste. He wouldn’t mind an unforgettable night with him; after all, he’d already given him two first kisses. Even without confirming his final target in this world, an “indescribable complex” had inevitably formed.
But alas, the persona didn’t allow it.
Since he was bound to the System and promised to complete the tasks, Chu Ling had professional ethics.
…
His chin was suddenly pinched by two well-defined fingers, sinking slightly into his soft skin. The texture was softer and finer than any expensive silk, enough to make one never want to let go.
Ji Wuyuan rubbed it gently. His downcast eyes reflected the youth’s tilted face—fair, smooth, and dazzlingly beautiful. Silky black hair fell quietly on both sides of his face. His long, curled lashes, like crow feathers, revealed a pair of misty eyes that could steal one’s soul.
Even a forest sprite wouldn’t be as seductive as this youth. No wonder Tang Zhen was obsessed and chose to become an enemy of the Sacred Cult for him…
Oh, he was wrong. It was “mutual love”… Hmph.
A hint of red appeared in Ji Wuyuan’s eyes again. The uncontrolled strength of his grip made the youth let out a soft cry of pain. Instantly, he reflexively loosened his fingers. Two red marks slowly appeared on the fair skin—he truly was delicate.
Ji Wuyuan raised his hand, lightly covering his own dark-red eyes. He was afraid he wouldn’t be able to stop himself from tearing the youth apart.
“Big Brother Ghost…”
A trembling tone escaped the youth’s pink lips. His lashes fluttered, still showing panic. But he forced himself to look up at Ji Wuyuan.
“They called you Cult Leader… is it true?”
He didn’t ask about the life-and-death duel with Tang Zhen. Though Tang Zhen had his chest pierced, he was alive due to his unique heart, and that was the greatest relief.
So, aside from that relief, the fact that a group of people had knelt to Ji Wuyuan and called him “Cult Leader” was what shocked him most.
So… his previous meeting with the Cult Leader hadn’t been a mistake…
The reason the Cult Leader kissed him was that he was Big Brother Ghost…
Though he still felt confusion and aimlessness, the fact that the Cult Leader was Big Brother Ghost meant he had been deceived and hidden from. That was the most undeniable truth.
The youth pursed his lips, sat up on the bed, and looked directly at Ji Wuyuan standing there. He plucked up the courage to ask again: “Big Brother Ghost… are you really the Master of the Demonic Cult, Ji Wuyuan?”
“Have you been lying to me from the very beginning?”
“Why?”
The three consecutive questions expressed the youth’s anger and lack of understanding.
To his surprise, the man standing by the bed gave a light laugh. It was a laugh that seemed completely indifferent. The way he looked at the youth was as if he were looking at a laughably naive child.
He asked back: “From the very beginning, did I not ask you: ‘Do you know what it is I do’?”
The youth froze.
The man curled his lips mockingly and continued: “You didn’t care what I did yourself, and you were willing to be deceived… Shouldn’t you blame yourself for being a poor judge of character?”
The youth’s expression froze, his face went blank, and his lips trembled, unable to speak.
However, seeing the youth like this, Ji Wuyuan felt a sudden pang of pain. That dense, aching sensation was like a sponge in his heart, seeping blood, never-ending.
The curve of Ji Wuyuan’s lips widened into a tragic and haunting smile.
He leaned down slightly, capturing the youth’s chin once more. His dark eyes stared straight at the youth, but his hand moved with exceptional tenderness to caress the boy’s frozen face.
“Ling-er, forget about that Tang Zhen, alright?”
“Just stay by my side and accept me. We can start over…”
Their breaths mingled, and he was only a fraction away from kissing those full, pink lips to taste them…
Ah… he had tasted them twice before, and they were indeed delicious…
And what about Tang Zhen?
A flash of crimson crossed Ji Wuyuan’s eyes. He suddenly turned his head, ready to follow his heart and kiss down hard—
Slap! A crisp sound echoed in the silent air. Ji Wuyuan’s head was knocked to the side.
“No, that’s not right.”
The youth’s face was cold, his brows knitted in obvious anger. He hadn’t been led astray by Ji Wuyuan’s twisted logic.
“Ghost… no, Cult Leader. I never cared about your identity. Whether you are a Ghost Face or the Cult Leader, the fact that you used that to deceive me is your fault!”
The youth’s words were powerful and decisive, every syllable a rebuttal and a condemnation of Ji Wuyuan.
Young Master Chu was naive and inexperienced, but he was no fool. On the contrary, he was upright and open-hearted, possessing both the spirit of youth and a noble character.
He stared into Ji Wuyuan’s dark eyes, paused, and remembered that he, too, had deceived others’ feelings to steal intelligence. Now it was a draw; neither could judge the other.
At this thought, the youth’s tone softened.
“But in the end, I was a poor judge of character. You are right; I was deceived by you and have nothing to say.”
“I ask the Cult Leader to send me away. We shall sever our ties here. From now on, your bridge and my path shall never cross…”
They were never the same kind of people anyway; he had come with a purpose.
Not to mention, one was righteous and one was evil. It was a mistake from the very start.
After this ordeal, he believed Young Master Chu would never trust others easily again, nor would he be so silly as to be lured away by a single meal.
As he spoke these words, Young Master Chu felt a sense of melancholy. He couldn’t be completely indifferent; the scenes of these past days flashed through his mind, becoming a part of his life experience.
However…
“Sever our ties?”
“Your bridge and my path?”
“You want to leave this place? Leave my side?”
“And after you leave? Go find Tang Zhen? Live happily ever after with him?”
“Ha!”
Ji Wuyuan laughed, not caring about the stinging pain on his face. He slowly turned his head back, his eyes dark to the extreme.
He suddenly grabbed the youth’s wrists, pinning him down onto the bed. He leaned down, hovering over the youth’s body. The aura radiating from him was so overwhelming it left the boy unable to resist.
His fingers slipped into the youth’s collar, like peeling a silk cocoon. Robe after robe slid off, revealing rounded snow-white shoulders, perfect collarbones, and a wide expanse of chest as fair as mutton-fat jade…
Two pink points, shy and enchanting, dotted his chest. On the left was the crimson pattern of a blooming flower bud—a combination of innocence and temptation that made it impossible to endure any longer.
Ji Wuyuan’s eyes grew deeper and redder, desire swirling within them. He seemed unable to see anything else. There was only this pure, flawless body beneath him, slowly being stained with the colors he desired through his actions…