Early in the morning, the disciples guarding the main gate of Sword Casting Villa suddenly spotted a horse galloping toward them from a distance.
The figure slumped over the horse’s back looked more familiar the closer it got. Once the horse drew near, they finally saw clearly: it was the Diamond Iron Hand, the Great Hero Yan Shuangfei.
The two disciples were instantly shocked. It wasn’t just his arrival; Hero Yan was clearly severely injured. Who could have wounded someone of his caliber?!
The disciples dared not take it lightly and flew forward to receive him. One grabbed the horse’s reins while the other supported Hero Yan as he dismounted. The latter’s face was deathly pale, his breath weak and shallow, yet he forced his mangled body upright. He gripped a disciple’s arm tightly and said with great difficulty, “Quick! I must see your Villa Master! It concerns the whereabouts of Young Master Chu!”
The disciples’ expressions shifted instantly. Without hesitation, they shouldered Yan Shuangfei and used their lightness skills to dash into the villa.
…
Inside the hall, Jun Yichen, who had already left, had returned. He stood in the center of the room, his brow furrowed, his expression a complex mix of heavy gloom and depression.
He never expected that the reason Brother Chu Ling left home for the first time wasn’t some “wandering the earth” dream of the martial world, but… because of him.
Jun Yichen couldn’t help but recall the last time they were alone together. Because of the eruption of the poison within his foster father, he had been inevitably anxious. He had confided his suspicions to Chu Ling—that it was the work of the Demonic Sect.
Perhaps because of that conversation, Chu Ling had taken it to heart and…
An image flashed through his mind: a youth as beautiful as a fine jade tree, looking up at him with an innocent emotion that was all too familiar—and quite a headache for him.
However, compared to his younger brother Jun Qing’s blatant and undisguised love for him—which was known to everyone in the Alliance and even his foster father—Chu Ling’s feelings were still in the stage of quiet admiration. They were subtle and reserved, not something that made him feel cornered.
But he never imagined that the “naive” Chu Ling would make such a shocking move—risking his life to infiltrate the Demonic Sect for his sake!
Jun Yichen’s heart trembled. He couldn’t quite name the feeling—a mix of slight bitterness and being deeply touched. No one could remain unmoved knowing someone had risked everything, including their life, for them.
Brother Chu Ling…
Jun Yichen sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. When he looked at Old Master Chu, his expression held only shame and guilt.
After a long silence, Jun Yichen tried to find some words of comfort and damage control.
“Uncle, the Demonic Sect is not that easy to infiltrate. Brother Chu Ling has never traveled the martial world; he likely wouldn’t even be able to find a member of the sect.”
“If we can find him and bring him back as soon as possible before he actually encounters them, everything can be resolved.”
“Furthermore, the truth behind this must not be spread. Otherwise, it will put Brother Chu Ling in even greater danger…”
Jun Yichen’s calm words finally allowed Old Master Chu to catch his breath. He hadn’t known his younger son harbored romantic feelings for Jun Yichen; hearing that the truth of his departure was to infiltrate the Demonic Sect made his vision go dark, nearly causing him to faint.
Even though he heard that the boy’s motivation was for Jun Yichen, he assumed it was due to extreme admiration. He didn’t even consider romantic love.
First, Young Master Chu had hidden his feelings very well. Except for his servant A-Fu, he had never told anyone.
Second, he likely understood that his feelings were hopeless. Since childhood, he knew Jun Yichen was always with Jun Qing—the Alliance Leader’s biological son and Jun Yichen’s foster brother. They were childhood sweethearts who grew up together; they were clearly a better match.
So, Young Master Chu buried his feelings even deeper, only letting them leak out when Jun Yichen visited and they were alone.
At this moment, Old Master Chu knew it wasn’t the time to blame Jun Yichen. Ultimately, it was his son’s headstrong decision. The priority was to bring him back before he truly fell into the hands of the Demonic Sect.
Thinking of this, Old Master Chu hurriedly said, “Yes, yes, we must find that brat—”
Just then, two disciples carrying the heavily injured Yan Shuangfei rushed into the hall.
“Master! Hero Yan has news of the Junior Brother!”
…
Chu Ling sat on the jolting horse, his back pressed against Ji Wuyuan’s chest, a firm arm wrapped around his waist. He was practically curled into the embrace.
He didn’t know exactly what was happening at Sword Casting Villa, but he could guess.
Last night, Yan Shuangfei exposed his identity in the temple. From letting him go to the fact that Ji Wuyuan hadn’t sent anyone to intercept him in the hours since, Chu Ling guessed that Yan Shuangfei would definitely deliver the news to the Villa.
His “running away” must have caused chaos. His special constitution was a secret known only to Old Master Chu, who never let him leave precisely to protect that secret.
Now that he had run off, Old Master Chu would be worried sick. Yan Shuangfei’s news was exactly the effect Chu Ling wanted. Otherwise, how would he pass on the intel he intended to steal later?
However, being out in the field, he couldn’t judge every detail perfectly. Chu Ling didn’t mind; knowing the general direction was enough for his mission.
The only thing that surprised him was that Ji Wuyuan—who seemed determined to keep him—hadn’t sent anyone to kill Yan Shuangfei or the other three witnesses to silence them.
Doing so would have kept Chu Ling entirely under his control, hidden from the world.
Unless… Ji Wuyuan simply didn’t care. He was arrogant and haughty enough to look down on everything.
He likely believed that even if the news of Chu Ling being taken by the Demonic Sect spread, it wouldn’t shake his power, and no one would be able to snatch Chu Ling from his grasp!
Chu Ling sighed inwardly. This was why he had to seize the initiative. When his constitution was exposed and the plot shifted, he had become a passive player, simply being “forcibly taken back to the sect.” If that happened, he’d be trapped with no way to call for help.
He had already decided to “cast a wide net,” so he wasn’t going to willingly hang himself on the single tree that was the Villain. So, the current situation was just right: I’ll play along with the performance you’re putting on—
Chu Ling licked his slightly pointed canine teeth.
He felt as though he had refined the essence of what he learned from the female succubus senior. Not only could it be used for high-level hunting, but it could be applied to all aspects of life. It felt like a new world was opening to him.
Very good, I like this—
Chu Ling was like a fish in water, without a hint of discomfort. One might say… as expected of a succubus?
…
Halfway back to the Demonic Sect, they switched to a carriage. This was primarily because the tender skin on Chu Ling’s inner thighs had been rubbed raw and red. Although he didn’t complain, his furrowed brows and the small expressions of endurance on his face were obvious.
A pampered young master with snowy-white skin—how could he endure the agony of a long horse ride?
“Big Brother Ghost, really, you don’t have to…”
The beautiful youth bit his lower lip, looking very embarrassed.
But the carriage was already prepared, its interior lined with thick furs. Ji Wuyuan brought out a box of ointment and approached the youth with a smile.
“Don’t move.”
He easily pinned the struggling youth down, like subduing a scratchy kitten, without using even a fraction of his strength.
The hem of the youth’s robe was lifted, revealing the undergarments beneath. It seemed the man intended to apply the medicine himself.
The youth froze for a moment, his face flushing crimson. He hurriedly struggled to roll over, squeezing his legs together, looking back at Ji Wuyuan with a bashful and pitiful expression.
“Um, Big Brother Ghost, I can do it myself…”
If the youth didn’t cooperate, applying the medicine would be difficult. Ji Wuyuan chuckled and let go effortlessly. Seeing the youth immediately scramble into the corner of the carriage the moment he regained his freedom, he couldn’t help but laugh again.
“Fine, do it yourself then.”
He handed over the ointment. The youth clearly relaxed, though his face remained flushed. Looking at the ointment in his hand, he glanced at Ji Wuyuan sheepishly and murmured, “Big Brother Ghost, could you… turn around?”
Although the carriage was large enough for three or four people, the lack of privacy in the open space made the thin-skinned young master’s face burn.
Ji Wuyuan feigned confusion. “Why? We are both men, what is there to avoid?”
“…” Left with no choice, the youth turned his body away, using himself as a shield while pulling down his undergarments slightly to apply the ointment to the uncomfortable spots on his inner thighs.
He focused intently on the task, and the heat in his face began to subside. He didn’t see the gaze behind him turning dark and predatory.
“Master.”
A subordinate’s voice sounded from outside the carriage.
Ji Wuyuan’s eyes flickered with displeasure. “What is it?”
Before the subordinate could answer, a voice as gentle as jade drifted in.
“It is indeed Brother Ji.”
Lifting the curtain, a figure with a face as elegant as a refined gentleman came into view, his lips curved in a smile. Unfortunately, his squinted eyes gave off a cunning, fox-like vibe.
Only in front of Ji Wuyuan would he show this deeply hidden side.
After all, on the surface, this Third Prince of the Yan Kingdom, Tang Zhen, was interested only in mountains and rivers, with no intention of joining the courtly struggle for the throne. He favored peace in all things, gracefully removing himself from the whirlpool of succession while other princes fought until they were bloodied and dead.
Tang Zhen looked into the carriage. His smiling face suddenly showed a hint of surprise as his gaze locked onto the youth in the corner. He seemed genuinely shocked that someone was actually sharing a carriage with Ji Wuyuan.
When the youth turned around, it was as if a dusty pearl had been wiped clean—bright as the moon, rising within the dim carriage. His beauty was peerless.
Tang Zhen’s eyes couldn’t help but flash with amazement. He thought to himself: No wonder…
Ji Wuyuan frowned and stepped forward, blocking Tang Zhen’s direct line of sight to the youth. A faint smirk touched his lips.
“Third Prince, I have urgent business back at the sect. I won’t delay your leisure.”
The two were clearly acquaintances—in fact, they were quite close.
Tang Zhen raised an eyebrow and smiled warmly. “Brother Ji, don’t be so polite. I happen to have something to discuss with you. I didn’t expect to run into you on the road. We might as well travel together since we’re going the same way.”
Ji Wuyuan smiled back, but his narrowed, long eyes held a chilling look that wasn’t quite a smile.
“No, I don’t think so.”
Hearing this, Tang Zhen became even more certain of his internal deduction. His eyes darted to the youth hidden securely behind Ji Wuyuan, and he chuckled.
“Is it because of… this beauty?”
Straight to the point.