As soon as Shu Qing opened his eyes, he heard such words, and immediately became alert, with all his fatigue vanishing in an instant. What happened to the King of the Underworld? Last night, he was so decisive and clear in rejecting him, saying no meant no, with no room for negotiation at all. How did he change his mind after just one sleep? Did he soften up? Is that possible?
Shu Qing’s first reaction was that the King of the Underworld was suspicious—but if he really was suspicious, would he use such a lighthearted attitude? Shu Qing didn’t think the King of the Underworld would be in the mood for testing and confirming. Because if it reached the point of testing and confirming, it would mean the King of the Underworld had already caught a loophole in his lies. According to the King of the Underworld’s style, he should directly kill him. Even if he didn’t kill him, he would drag Chun Li over and kill her as a warning and punishment.
But at this moment, Chun Li was still standing well beside him, looking fine, and the King of the Underworld’s expression was as calm as usual, without a trace of anger. Strange? Could it really be that he suddenly softened up?
“What are you still standing there for? Don’t want to go to the Human World?”
“…”
Forget it. Whether the King of the Underworld softened up or was suspicious, Shu Qing had no choice but to cooperate and play along with this act.
“Go, of course, go!” Shu Qing immediately put on a look of eager anticipation. “Chun Li, come quickly and help me change clothes!”
No matter the reason, being able to temporarily leave the Underworld was a good thing, and it also allowed Shu Qing to familiarize himself with the exits and routes in advance. Shu Qing began to wash and dress, and the King of the Underworld could patiently sit by and wait.
Actually, Shu Qing’s guess wasn’t entirely wrong; the King of the Underworld did have some suspicions. But it wasn’t because Shu Qing’s reasons had loopholes; the King of the Underworld didn’t doubt Shu Qing’s words from yesterday. Everything stemmed from the King of the Underworld’s own intuition. Intuition told him something was off. There was always a feeling that he couldn’t hold onto this little butterfly, and sooner or later, it would fly away from his palm.
The King of the Underworld could not doubt Shu Qing, but he trusted his intuition more. Therefore, even if Shu Qing hadn’t done anything wrong, to eliminate this unsettling intuition, the King of the Underworld would do something to confirm it. In the King of the Underworld’s mind, it could only be him who got bored and abandoned the little butterfly; otherwise, this little butterfly would never think of flying out of his palm.
…
While washing and dressing, Shu Qing still relied on forcibly lifting his spirits, cursing the King of the Underworld in his heart and spitting at him a few times. But once he truly left the Underworld and reached the Human World, Shu Qing’s mood immediately changed, filled with joy and excitement. It had been too long since he had been out. Before being confined to the Underworld, Shu Qing had always stayed on the Immortal Mountain. Although the scenery there was picturesque and not as oppressive as the Underworld, Shu Qing had many things to do every day, with no time to rest. He couldn’t even remember the last time he came to the Human World.
The King of the Underworld wasn’t in a hurry to go to the place where Shu Qing used to cultivate but first took Shu Qing for a stroll in the city. Initially, Shu Qing was a bit uneasy, unable to guess the King of the Underworld’s intentions, but once they started strolling, he quickly forgot all his troubles. It was like a dream coming true, and Shu Qing truly became a little butterfly flying everywhere. After staying quietly by the King of the Underworld’s side for a while, the King of the Underworld could no longer catch him.
Calling him “Your Highness” outside was inconvenient, and Shu Qing didn’t want to call the King of the Underworld “Master” or “Lord,” so he simply didn’t call him anything, just darting around the King of the Underworld. Seeing something fun, he would disappear in the blink of an eye, and after a while, he would suddenly appear again, dragging the King of the Underworld to pay. With only two hands to hold things, after holding them for a while, Shu Qing’s sense of novelty would fade, and he would run back to hand them to the King of the Underworld, then run off again.
Of course, the King of the Underworld wouldn’t personally hold things for him and handed everything over to the guards behind him. Before long, the guards’ hands were full, looking resentful. They had become the ones carrying things for the evil male concubine. What a humiliation. Those who could come to the Human World with the King of the Underworld were naturally trusted guards, and they usually dared to speak more. Unable to hold back, they complained softly, “My lord, the little immortal seems a bit too lively…”
But the King of the Underworld seemed to be in a good mood, smiling, “It’s fine, it’s rare, let him run.”
It was the first time the King of the Underworld had seen Shu Qing like this, completely relaxed, with a genuine smile on his face. Because of the running, the fragrance on him would come and go, sometimes faint, sometimes strong. Even if Shu Qing’s figure wasn’t visible, as long as he could smell the fragrance, the King of the Underworld knew he hadn’t run far. When Shu Qing suddenly appeared from somewhere, it felt like being surrounded by little butterflies from all directions. It made the King of the Underworld feel very good.
The Human World was in autumn, with cool temperatures, but Shu Qing ran until he was sweating. When he finally returned to the King of the Underworld’s side, he was panting heavily. The King of the Underworld looked at him with a smile, “Not running anymore?”
Shu Qing shook his head, “Resting for a bit, I’m a little tired.”
But he hadn’t rested for long before taking a few steps forward and seeing a shop selling accessories. Shu Qing’s eyes instantly lit up, and he quickly pulled the King of the Underworld over, “…Let’s go take a look!”
There were too many novel and interesting little accessories in the Human World, and Shu Qing had always had a fondness for them, unable to move when he saw them. Although most were ordinary and cheap, not as luxurious and precious as those bestowed by the King of the Underworld—who would carry those treasures around all day? Wouldn’t it be a pity if they got damaged or broken?
The sky wasn’t too late yet, and there was no rush for time. It was only when the guards really couldn’t carry anymore that the King of the Underworld finally stopped him, “That’s enough, you’re about to empty the whole street.”
Shu Qing feigned pitifully, “…But it’s rare to come out, who knows when the next time will be?”
When the King of the Underworld was in a good mood, he was easier to talk to, “I’ve brought you out this time, aren’t you afraid there won’t be a next time?”
“Let’s stop here for today, my purse is about to be emptied by you.”
Shu Qing had money on him, but that was all saved and prepared for his future escape, not a single cent could be wasted.
“So now… are we going to see the place where I used to cultivate?”
Shu Qing was most grateful that he didn’t lie about this part last night. Although he made up some details, the treasure land with abundant natural spiritual power truly existed, and Shu Qing did gain nearly a thousand years of profound spiritual power there. Of course, the main reason was that he didn’t dare to lie, because it was too easy for the King of the Underworld to verify the truth. A slight mistake, and his life would be in danger. At that time, he was nervous, and the only thing he could quickly think of was this. That’s why the whole lie didn’t sound very clever.
Shu Qing thought it over and still felt that the King of the Underworld was suspicious about this matter, and bringing him to the Human World today was probably to confirm it. Unfortunately, it was indeed unfortunate. Shu Qing didn’t want the King of the Underworld to know where this treasure land was, as it was also his planned hiding place after escaping. But there was no choice; the problem in front of him had to be solved first.
Who knew the King of the Underworld would say, “No rush, let’s take you to rest first, we can go tomorrow.”
“…Where to rest?”
“My residence in the Human World, let me show you.”
The King of the Underworld’s mood improved, and the unease from his intuition subsided, so the verification could wait, there was no rush. He saw that Shu Qing was truly tired. He had been groggy since waking up in the morning, as if he hadn’t slept enough, and was too excited upon reaching the Human World, running around until he was out of breath. His body had just gotten a bit better, and if he got exhausted again, it wouldn’t be worth it.
Shu Qing blinked and asked softly, “…Your Highness has a residence in the Human World?”
“Of course,” the King of the Underworld laughed, “Part of my duties require me to stay in the Human World for a period each year.”
Shu Qing thought about it, and it seemed there was such a period last year when the King of the Underworld frequently went to the Human World. But for the King of the Underworld, traveling between the two realms was too easy, and he had never been truly away for a long time, so even Shu Qing didn’t have a deep impression.
Soon, the King of the Underworld brought Shu Qing to his residence in the Human World. It was a grand and magnificent mansion, with the words “Yin Mansion” written above the main gate. Inside, it was splendid and luxurious, with beautiful buildings and exquisite decorations, not inferior to the palaces in the Underworld. As they moved through the mansion, the blue sky and clear clouds of the Human World made it brighter and more comfortable than the Underworld. The deeper they went, the more Shu Qing felt the Human World was better.
The King of the Underworld’s identity in the Human World was that of a wealthy merchant, often traveling for business and returning only a few times a year. Upon his return, a large group of stewards and maids came out to greet him.
“The master is back!”
“The master has finally returned!”
The head butler stood at the front, beaming with joy, as if the King of the Underworld had returned to distribute gold and silver to them.
“Master, you’re finally back… and this is?”
Shu Qing was unsure of how the King of the Underworld would introduce him. But being considered a concubine here shouldn’t be a big deal, right? The butler and maids seemed to be ordinary humans and probably wouldn’t dare to do anything to him, right?
Unexpectedly, the King of the Underworld said, “This is your lady.”
Shu Qing paused.
“So it’s the lady!”
“The master has finally brought the lady back!”
“Everyone, come and greet the lady!”
The butler led a group of servants to greet Shu Qing, leaving him frozen. They just accepted that their lady was a man? He had only prepared to deal with malice, not expecting it to be unnecessary.
“Alright, alright, everyone step back for now. The lady is tired and needs to rest. Prepare more dishes for later and send them to my place.”
“Yes, master!”
The King of the Underworld took Shu Qing back to his courtyard. From the outside, it looked similar to the sleeping palace in the Underworld, but the interior was much more understated. Shu Qing, having not been out for so long, wanted to explore everywhere, but the King of the Underworld stopped him, “Rest first, what’s the rush? There’s time for you to explore slowly.”
Shu Qing didn’t think the King of the Underworld was concerned about him. It was more likely a test of his mindset, right? If the cultivation place was fake, and the King of the Underworld didn’t move for a long time, the waiting would be a torment, dragging him through “luck” and “agony.” As expected of the King of the Underworld. He wanted to push him to the brink of mental collapse, forcing him to reveal a flaw first, right?
Shu Qing sneered inwardly, but outwardly he acted obediently, “Since Your Highness says so, can we stay in the Human World for a few more days?”
“Don’t call me Your Highness outside.”
But looking at the King of the Underworld’s face, Shu Qing really couldn’t bring himself to call him “Master” or “Lord.” So he played dumb, “…Then what should I call Your Highness?”
The King of the Underworld raised an eyebrow, suddenly recalling the one time he heard “husband.” He knew very well that the little butterfly was deliberately trying to please him, but he never heard it a second time.
“You’re now my lady, what do you think you should call me?”
“…”
No need to say it too clearly, Shu Qing immediately caught the King of the Underworld’s hint. But how could he possibly call him that again? Remembering how he was pinned on the desk with his neck grabbed, such humiliation Shu Qing could remember for lifetimes. If he had to choose between “Master” and “Husband,” Shu Qing would rather choose “Master.”
So he continued to play dumb, “…Alright then, Master Yin? Then I’ll call Your Highness Master from now on?”
The King of the Underworld was not satisfied with this answer. With Shu Qing’s cleverness, how could he not understand his meaning? The King of the Underworld said, “The previous question, no.”
Shu Qing paused for a second before realizing what the King of the Underworld was answering.
“…Why?”
The King of the Underworld looked at him intently, “In the Human World, I can’t control you in every aspect like in the Underworld. I’m afraid you’ll run away.”
Shu Qing’s heart skipped a beat. Because it hit the thought he most wanted to hide, even if the King of the Underworld was just speaking casually, Shu Qing couldn’t help but worry if this was a test or hint. Staying in the Human World was certainly better than staying in the Underworld. The Underworld’s entry and exit were a problem, while the Human World offered much more freedom. If he could stay in the Human World, it would be easier for Shu Qing to escape.
“…Master is joking, where could I escape to? Even if I fled to the ends of the earth, Master could still catch me, right?”
Shu Qing walked to the King of the Underworld’s feet, slowly sat down, and rested his head on the King of the Underworld’s knee, looking up with innocent and pure eyes.
“I admit, when I first arrived in the Underworld, I did think that way… but now, I’m wholeheartedly devoted to Your Highness.”
Wholeheartedly devoted. Truly a very loyal and affectionate promise. The King of the Underworld’s heart skipped a beat, whether Shu Qing was sincere or not, these words improved his mood.
“Heh, sweet talk.”
“It’s true, now that Your Highness favors me alone, no one dares to gossip behind my back… and in the Human World, it’s a life of luxury, how could I bear to leave Your Highness?”
To say he admired the King of the Underworld greatly, Shu Qing couldn’t say it even if beaten to death, and the King of the Underworld might not believe it either. But saying it this way was very much in Shu Qing’s character, and it sounded more believable.
The King of the Underworld lifted his chin with a finger, “So this is your wholehearted devotion?”
Shu Qing held the King of the Underworld’s hand with both hands, looking obedient, “This is also wholehearted devotion, wholehearted devotion is wholehearted devotion.”
The King of the Underworld felt as if he was soaking in warm water, comfortable, “Then let’s see how you perform.”
“Let’s see if your kind of wholehearted devotion can satisfy me.”
The King of the Underworld pulled Shu Qing up from the ground, just as he was about to pull him into his arms to sit on his lap, a servant announced that dinner was ready. The dishes were indeed very sumptuous, with all kinds of delicacies from the mountains and seas, filling the table. But almost all were things Shu Qing didn’t usually eat. Recently, with his body unwell, his appetite had changed, and Shu Qing had been eating more lightly. In the Underworld, Chun Li was responsible for this, and she knew Shu Qing’s taste well, never preparing things he didn’t like. But these servants didn’t know, only knowing that the master was back, so they had to prepare a feast. The greasy and meaty dishes placed in front of him made Shu Qing’s face change on the spot, unable to stop dry heaving.
The King of the Underworld frowned, “What’s wrong, feeling unwell?”
Shu Qing couldn’t speak, covering his mouth and unable to stop dry heaving. The maid serving the dishes asked, “Could it be that the lady is pregnant? Oh dear, what are the dietary restrictions?”
The King of the Underworld laughed, “The lady is a man, how could there be talk of pregnancy?”
The maid was stunned, “…I didn’t know, I deserve to die!”
Shu Qing was beautiful, dressed even more beautifully, completely different from the rough men the maid usually saw, and hearing the King of the Underworld say it was the lady, she instinctively thought it was a woman.
“Enough, enough, remove these dishes in front of the lady, he doesn’t like them.”
“…Yes!”
The King of the Underworld looked at Shu Qing, asking with concern, “Feeling better?”
“…”
Shu Qing’s eyes were slightly red, his expression unusually serious. The maid’s casual words, which the King of the Underworld didn’t take seriously, hit Shu Qing hard in the heart. Pregnancy. This seemingly impossible thing actually had a possibility of happening. Because Shu Qing had seen it with his own eyes a long time ago. It seemed to be related to their species, some butterflies could indeed bear offspring regardless of gender, and the number wasn’t small. At that time, Shu Qing was focused on cultivation and wasn’t interested in such matters, only hearing a little about it.
Initially, that butterfly was inexplicably poisoned, and no cause could be found. It wasn’t until the belly grew day by day that it was discovered that the butterfly itself was a non-toxic species, but the fetus inside was naturally poisonous, causing the poisoning symptoms. Hearing the maid’s words today, Shu Qing suddenly realized—wasn’t he in the same situation? Inexplicable poisoning. Chaotic pulse, with no cause found. Recently, his body had various discomforts, fatigue, changes in taste… didn’t it all resemble pregnancy?
When emotionally agitated, his stomach would occasionally twitch in pain. He was puzzled about how he could suddenly absorb the King of the Underworld’s spiritual power, while the King of the Underworld knew nothing about it. If he was indeed carrying the King of the Underworld’s offspring, this could explain it. More terrifyingly, he remembered the two times he dreamed of a little butterfly. Similar in color to him, but carrying the King of the Underworld’s scent… What was this? Could it be a fetal dream? Coming to remind him that he was carrying the King of the Underworld’s child?
Shu Qing didn’t want to believe it, didn’t even want to think about it, but all the abnormal situations that had occurred pointed to the most likely possibility—that he was indeed pregnant.
[Author’s Note]
Little Butterfly: I’m done for, I’m done for [crying][crying] Father, save me [crying][crying]
This chapter is quite long, hehe, I wrote until I reached the plot I wanted, feeling very comfortable [sunglasses]