There was no need to go to the company on the weekend, but that didn’t mean he didn’t have to work. Pei Xi remained in the study all morning, dealing with the documents in his mailbox.

He Chuzhou sat opposite him for a while with a digital notebook in his hands. It was unknown if he was working or doing something else, but he was typing on the keyboard, sounding busy but looking idle.

But he was sensitive enough to keep quiet and not disturb him.

Pei Xi was alone in the study during the afternoon. He could hear the occasional sounds of a man and a dog playing in the living room. However, after encountering a decision-making problem, he fell into a long period of contemplation and simply didn’t hear anything.

He was naturally unaware that He Chuzhou had entered the study, standing behind him and staring at his computer screen.

In the end, He Chuzhou took the initiative to speak: “Honey, if you’re still hesitating over whether or not to purchase that small company, my advice is to not go through with it.”

Pei Xi realized He Chuzhou was behind him, and in the face of this dilemma, he asked casually: “Why is that?”

“Because this company clearly no longer has value.”

He Chuzhou leaned over the back of Pei Xi’s chair. With his gaze fixed on the document on the screen, he said slowly and clearly: 

“The company isn’t small in scale, but it’s been stagnant for a long time with no expansion. They’ve even closed branches in major cities one after another, which shows that the issue is not with management, but that their technology has reached a bottleneck that they’ve been unable to break through.”

“As for external aspects, their product isn’t very unique, and many substitutes can be easily found on the market. They have poor innovation ability and think they can survive forever by sticking with the old system, but in fact, they were abandoned by the market long ago. If they had a glimmer of hope, they wouldn’t have ended up being acquired today.”

“If you acquire it and don’t change the direction of its operations, you’ll have to take over the old-fashioned management team. It’ll take a lot of manpower and material resources to drain it out before injecting fresh blood. The cost is too high and the loss too great.”

Pei Xi could admit that he didn’t have much hope for He Chuzhou at first, but the more he listened, the more he felt like something wasn’t right.

It wasn’t that He Chuzhou’s words were wrong. On the contrary, he was exactly right. This caused him to almost instantly give up his acquisition plan, which really added to the feeling of wrongness.

He quickly replied to the email, and couldn’t help but turn to look at He Chuzhou: “You…..”

He Chuzhou raised an eyebrow: “Me?”

Pei Xi attempted to organize some polite and euphemistic words: “Have you also considered acquiring this company, and your assistant told you about this in advance?”

“No, ah. Isn’t this something not worth considering at a glance?”

He Chuzhou was puzzled: “And why would my assistant tell me in advance?”

He said: “Yun Ji’s brain isn’t able to consider such things yet. When it comes to acquisitions or investments, he always uses my wealth as an excuse to persuade me to spend money and cast a wide net. After all, if you cast a wide net, you’ll eventually catch a big fish.”

This was different from what Pei Xi knew.

No, it should be said that this was different from the rumors Pei Xi had heard in the past.

But the questionable point was also obvious: “Your assistant gives you such casual advice?”

He Chuzhou stroked his chin thoughtfully: “He certainly doesn’t make a good assistant.”

Pei Xi didn’t understand: “What kind of identity does he have?”

He Chuzhou: “He’s my cousin, ah. He said this when he came to my house to play mahjong during the New Year.”

Cousin…..??

Pei Xi was truly astounded this time. He sat up a little straighter and looked at He Chuzhou in surprise: “Your assistant is your cousin?”

“Yeah, his major is suitable, and his ability is just enough. There should be no problem at all after a couple years of training. But, Honey,” He Chuzhou hissed, “shouldn’t you know all this? It was Yun Ji who brought us the rings with He Xingxing at our wedding. Have you forgotten?”

…..It would be strange if he remembered, right?

So out of all the rumors he’d heard about this person, only those about his face were true?

He was stunned speechless. 

Seeing that he was silent, He Chuzhou’s expression dimmed and he said: “Right, you must have been really reluctant to marry me, so you didn’t even notice such an obvious thing.”

Pei Xi: “……”

Pei Xi closed his eyes: “He Chuzhou, are you a part-time publicity copywriter for the company in addition to being the CEO?”

He Chuzhou: “No, ah, I don’t know how to copywrite. Why do you ask?”

Pei Xi was uncomprehending: “Isn’t that why you can make up such a detailed story?”

He Chuzhou: “Huh? What story?”

It was pointless to discuss this issue with him. Pei Xi couldn’t be bothered to talk nonsense, but after a short silence, he still wanted to ask clearly: “Do you know that people outside spread rumors about you?”

He Chuzhou: “I know a little bit about it.”

Pei Xi: “How much is a little bit?”

He Chuzhou: “That I’m uneducated, lazy, and a lustful playboy?”

Pei Xi: “Since you know, why don’t you make things clear?”

“Who should I make things clear to? And why should I give an explanation at all?”

He Chuzhou said in a relaxed tone: “They’re just rumors. They won’t actually affect my life. Not only does this make competitors less vigilant toward me, but it also lets me play the pig to eat the tiger when negotiating with partners. Isn’t it great?”

Pei Xi: “…..”

Pei Xi: “………”

It turned out that for so long, he had been controlled by such a trick.

He Cuzhou didn’t forget his original purpose: “Oh, right. Mom called and asked if we want to go home for dinner today.”

“No.” Pei Xi was still depressed.

“Okay then.” He Chuzhou didn’t force it.

Pei Xi sensed the figure hanging over the back of his chair disappear, but he didn’t hear anyone exit.

He didn’t know what He Chuzhou was doing behind his back. When he turned around, he heard He Chuzhou calmly explain to someone on the other end of the phone: “Mom, my wife and I are busy tonight, so we won’t be coming over. We’ll come to visit next week.”

Pei Xi’s mind went instantly blank.

The person on the other end of the phone was likely in a similar state, and didn’t say anything for a long time.

When Pei Xi realized that something might be wrong, a roar like a gust of wind howled out of the phone, clearly audible despite not being on speakerphone: 

“Wife? You brat, when did you get a wife?!”

“You got married and didn’t tell your mother? Or did you secretly learn some shady things outside and want to dangle it in my face?”

“Who is your wife? Do you have the guts to show me? Forget, I’ll come and see for myself!”

“I’m warning you, if you try to run away with that person and leave me empty-handed, I’ll send your head flying!”

When the call ended, Pei Xi was in a state of chaos.

He looked at He Chuzhou, who was shaking his head and thinking he’d made a misstep, and it took him a while to find his voice: “Aren’t you afraid your mother will leave empty-handed and send your head flying?”

He Chuzhou raised the phone toward him: “No, I’ve already sent her the address here.”

Pei Xi: “………”

Pei Xi: “ ? ? ? ? ? ”

This situation was truly unbearable. Pei Xi raised his voice by a degree: “What should I do when your mother comes over? Are you really going to inform her…..He Chuzhou, is there something wrong with your brain?!”

There was indeed something wrong with He Chuzhou’s brain. Even at this moment, he could still use his imagined narrative to comfort Pei Xi: “Honey, it’s okay. My mom would have found out sooner or later. She’s a really nice person, she’ll like you.”

He sighed and said: “Actually, I wanted to tell my parents when we got married, but I kept it a secret because I was afraid you would be uncomfortable and nervous. I figured the truth would eventually be exposed, but I didn’t expect it to be this soon.”

He didn’t expect this?

Didn’t he just openly say ‘my wife’ to his mother? And the key point was: “How could you hide a big event like marriage from your parents?”

He Chuzhou: “Honey, I’m an adult now. Isn’t it normal to hide important things?”

Okay, okay, okay. Never mind.

Pei Xi comforted himself. The problem wasn’t that big, and the matter wasn’t that complicated. Everything could be explained.

Besides, he should have explained his situation to his parents a long while ago, and he’d been confused these past two days. But wait, he suddenly recalled: “Didn’t you say your parents are abroad and won’t be back anytime soon?”

He Chuzhou touched his nose, his gaze drifting silently away.

Pei Xi ground his back molars and said: “He Chuzhou.”

He Chuzhou: “Oh, Xinxing’s water is out. Wait a minute, Honey, I’ll go get Xingxing some water. Son, are you thirsty? Come to your dad!”

He quickly slipped away.

At this point, Pei Xi couldn’t be bothered to care.

The most important thing right now was to figure out how to get rid of He Chuzhou when his mother came over, so that he could explain things to her alone.

But he didn’t foresee that He Chuzhou’s mother would arrive so quickly. Pei Xi didn’t hear the doorbell in time, which gave He Chuzhou the opportunity to open the door.

When he heard the noise and came out, He Chuzhou was blocking the door as he gave a stern warning to the person outside: “Let me make this clear first – you can meet Xixi, but you can’t be mean to him or criticize him, and you can’t persuade us to get a divorce.”

“Although I forced him to marry me, we’re together now, and what was supposed to happen has already happened. He’s the only one I like. No matter how hard you try, you won’t be able to break us up.”

Pei Xi really wanted to pinch himself to see if he was dreaming.

He bit the bullet and walked toward the door, but within a few steps, he heard the same roar that had come over the phone that morning: “You even learned how to coerce a lover?!”

“You forced someone to marry you?! Are you a bandit leader or a member of royalty?!”

“You’d better explain clearly what wicked things you’ve done behind my back!”

A heavy silence filled the area near the door.

Suddenly, a gloating, curious head popped up behind He Chuzhou’s mother.

The young girl’s big eyes darted around. After walking around her mother, she caught sight of Pei Xi, who was standing petrified in the back, and her eyes immediately widened.

*

*

Pei Xi: “The tea is out. Go out and buy some.”

He Chuzhou: “That’s okay. My mom and sister don’t drink tea, just give them boiled water.”

Pei Xi: “I want to drink it.”

He Chuzhou: “Ah? But if I leave, you’ll be alone with my mom and sister…..”

Pei Xi: “Don’t worry about me. I’ll explain everything to your mother, so you don’t need to stay here and add fuel to the fire.”

He Chuzhou: “What I mean is, you won’t be persuaded by them to divorce me again, right?”

Pei Xi: “…..”

He Chuzhou: “When I get back from buying tea, will you still be my wife?”

Pei Xi’s expression was blank: “If you don’t leave, I’ll stop being your wife now.”

He Chuzhou held his breath and quickly went to purchase tea.

Pei Xi returned to the living room. Facing the two pairs of eyes staring at him, he hesitated before simply taking a seat on the single sofa next to him. Looking toward the mother and daughter, he said in neither a humble nor arrogant manner: “Mrs. He, there’s been a misunderstanding. He Chuzhou and I aren’t married, nor are we in a relationship.”

“He only moved in here because of an accident, and he said those things purely because there is something wrong with his brain.”

. . . . .

He Chuzhou was very worried that his wife and his sister and mother, who had never met before, would end up in an uncontrollable situation, so he bought a bag of tea nearby and hurried back.

Unexpectedly, when he got home, Mrs. Chu and He Aiyue were already saying goodbye to Pei Xi.

“You’re leaving?” He was deeply surprised. When had his mom become so easy to get rid of?

“If we don’t leave, should we stay here? You’re crazy.”

Mrs. Chu had regained her noble, elegant demeanor. Holding her handbag, she looked her son up and down, then rolled her eyes and said: “I knew you couldn’t have successfully gotten yourself a wife. Tsk.”

That lackey He Aiyue hid behind her mother and nodded vigorously: “Oh, oh, oh, exactly, exactly.”

He Chuzhou didn’t understand: “That’s my wife, ah, what are you talking about?”

Ms. Chu had no need to reply to him. She said goodbye to Pei Xi with a smile, but when she turned toward He Chuzhou, her smile faded again. With a cold scoff, she walked out.

He Chuzhou glanced at Pei Xi, who was reclining on the sofa and calmly looking at his phone. After some thought, he followed his mother to the door, and after making sure he was in Pei Xi’s blind spot, he whispered to Mrs. Chu: “Mom, you didn’t say any nonsense to Xixi, did you?”

Mrs. Chu glared at him: “What nonsense would I say?”

He Chuzhou: “You didn’t persuade him to divorce me, did you?”

Mrs. Chu was momentarily speechless, then rolled her eyes even harder: “You really should marry him at some point.”

He Chuzhou: “Huh?”

Mrs. Chu: “Nothing. I’m leaving.”

He Aiyue happily followed her high-heeled steps down the hallway.

When passing by He Chuzhou, she tugged at his clothes and gave him a thumbs up, whispering: “Boss He, this is an opportunity from heaven, ah. Whether you can really turn over a new leaf depends on your own power of understanding!”

“I’m very satisfied with this sister-in-law. So is Mom! Go for it and win him over, I’ll give you half my New Year’s money in the future!”

The brain-addled He Chuzhou naturally didn’t understand what the mother and daughter were talking about, but it didn’t matter. He would understand everything once he got a good sleep and woke up. 

He was a forgetful person when drunk, but this experience seemed to let him remember things when he was out of his mind.

First he recalled the stupid things he’d done so enthusiastically., and then he called Mrs. Chu and got a scolding. Once he felt better, he finally went to Pei Xi and apologized for his missing brains.

The sober He Chuzhou was so tactful, polite, and sincere that Pei Xi was unable to vent his anger. It also caused him to reflect on whether he had treated the brain-addled He Chuzhou too harshly.

Was it possible to be more tolerant?

But the brain-addled He Chuzhou was so foolish that two out of three sentences that came from his mouth were a minefield, and the remaining sentence repeatedly challenged his bottom line.

However, He Chuzhou was aware of the trouble he had caused him, so he not only gave up competing with him for Mr. Zhang’s land, but also handed him several other decent projects…..

Pei Xi naturally didn’t want his things, but that didn’t stop him from reflecting on his own deception abilities in comparison to He Chuzhou’s frankness.

Ultimately, he couldn’t bear the pressure he put on himself and accepted his fate with an apology: “You don’t have to feel so guilty. I was actually at fault first. I’m sorry for misunderstanding you before.”

He Chuzhou: “Misunderstanding me? How did you misunderstand me?”

Pei Xi averted his gaze: “I believed all of those outside rumors before…..which is why I treated you so badly. I apologize.”

He Chuzhou was rather puzzled at first, but seeing Pei Xi’s rare awkward expression and recalling the questions he’d asked him in the study the other day, he instantly understood and even felt a little amused.

He was “famous” on the outside. Everyone in the circle was familiar with him, but because of so-called inclusivity and like-mindedness, they stuffed people into his bed. Perhaps they thought it was harmless, or even understood and respected it.

He’d never thought someone would dislike him because of this.

How could he describe this feeling?

It was as if everyone’s ideologies and morality assimilated after entering society, to the point that they could turn a blind eye to behaviors that fell below the standard. Pei Xi, however, was firmly upright and correct, and was unable to tolerate any moral corruption.

He couldn’t say the former were in the wrong for adapting to their social environment, but the latter was certainly worthy of praise. And because the person was Pei Xi, there also seemed to be an element of indescribable…..cuteness?

That might not be the right word to describe a grown man.

But at the thought of Pei Xi, who was haughty and condescending in front of him thinking “This person’s moral standards are too low, I can’t associate with him,” he couldn’t hold it in.

Pei Xi was already feeling uncomfortable, and frowned when he saw his expression: “What are you smiling about?”

“I’m not.” He Chuzhou tried hard to hold himself back. “I’m not smiling, I’m thinking.”

Pei Xi didn’t believe him: “What are you thinking about?”

He Chuzhou: “I’m thinking that, if you disliked me so much, why did you agree to let me stay here in the first place? Why didn’t you just toss out my luggage and kick me out?”

However, regarding this issue, Pei Xi’s answer was also very earnest: “Because you act really kind and upright when you’re brain-addled, which is very different from…..from how I thought you were.”

“Pfft!” This time, He Chuzhou couldn’t hold it in.

Pei Xi stared blankly, very much uncomprehending: “What are you laughing at?”

He Chuzhou: “Pei Xi, have you always been so innocent and soft-hearted?”

Pei Xi: “What?”

He Chuzhou: “Nothing.”

The corners of He Chuzhou’s mouth curved up. His eyes seemed to be soaked in laughter, softened into a pool of water overflowing with peach blossoms: “What I mean is, you’re really cute.

---

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Extra 4 << Table of Contents >> Extra 6

Chapter 19 – Competition

“Shixiong, I’m going!”

Fang Yang had an eager expression on his face as he called out to Feng Ye.

Feng Ye smiled and made a cheering gesture: “You can do it.”

After he said this, Fang Yang turned and jumped onto the fighting stage with swift movements.

The stage was a stone platform about half a meter above the ground and twenty meters wide. It wasn’t large, but it was big enough to display one’s fighting prowess.

There were 16 stages of the same size in the arena, and the competitions were conducted separately on each stage. Some were faster and some were slower, so the progress across those 16 stages was not consistent.

The assignment of opponents was completely random, and the loser was eliminated without a second chance.

This was a great test of luck. After all, if one were like the person fighting against Fang Yang, and encountered a champion-level player in the first round, they would definitely have no chance to enter the Floating Island Secret Realm.

Fang Yang was already standing onstage when the referee shouted three times: “Zhou Liang? Is Zhou Liang here? Zhou Liang! If you don’t come up, you automatically forfeit!”

Once this ultimatum was given, the junior disciple named Zhou Liang appeared and slowly climbed up on the stage with a look of reluctance on his face.

“He’s at the fifth level of Qi Refining. He had a chance at a spot, but was unlucky enough to hit a wall in the first round. What a pity, ah.” Hao Chen said sarcastically, fanning himself.

Hearing this, Feng Ye chuckled faintly with a hint of disdain.

Hao Chen heard the disdain in his laughter and couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow, asking: “Has Fellow Daoist Feng Ye found something wrong with what I just said?”

Feng Ye looked at the dilly-dallying Zhou Liang who was reluctant to compete onstage, and replied with a shake of his head: “He knows how strong his opponent is, so he doesn’t have the courage to fight. Even if he did go to the Floating Island Secret Realm, there is a high probability that he would die there, so it’s better that he doesn’t go. There is nothing to pity.”

Hao Chen actually agreed with Feng Ye’s words. The gap between the fifth and seventh levels of Qi Refining was not absolute, and Zhou Liang was fully capable of competing with Fang Yang.

But looking at the situation onstage, Fang Yang and Zhou Liang had already begun to fight. Zhou Liang likely felt that he had already been defeated, so his moves were very passive, and he didn’t even take the initiative to attack. He didn’t have the slightest drive to win.

He had not been destined to lose, but his cowardice cemented his loss in stone.

Although he thought this way, Hao Chen felt that such an overly childish competition between junior disciples was too boring, and couldn’t help but argue with Feng Ye. He said with hidden meaning: “If you know how powerful your opponent is, sometimes retreat is the better option.”

Feng Ye’s gaze shifted from the martial arts arena to Hao Chen, and he nodded in agreement instead of refuting.

Hao Chen suddenly felt a little bored. The whole reason he was interested in Feng Ye was that this person could compete with him on equal terms in areas other than strength, providing him with the excitement of having a worthy rival.

But once Feng Ye stopped arguing with him, he just felt confusingly empty and bored.

This sort of mentality was generally called “masochism” in the outside world.

Just when Hao Chen had somewhat lost hope, Feng Ye suddenly changed the subject: “However…..”

Hao Chen’s eyes immediately lit up. Not only because Feng Ye was refuting him, but because of the man’s expression at that moment.

His facial features should have been ordinary, but his eyebrows rose like small swords when he spoke and his black eyes flashed with something between confidence and arrogance. Like fireworks exploding in the night sky or the scorching sun breaking through the clouds, his entire being lit up in Hao Chen’s eyes.

“No matter strength or weakness, the battle comes first.” One corner of Feng Ye’s lips rose as he spoke, three parts unruly and seven parts arrogant.

That raised arc was like the edge of a sword, arousing Hao Chen’s fighting spirit while also poking him lightly in the heart.

He wondered what this fellow looked like in his original form. This notion that had nothing to do with the topic at hand suddenly popped into Hao Chen’s mind.

After thinking about it, he tapped his fan with some regret. If the body this person possessed was a bit better-looking and met his minimum standards, he might have been attracted to him just now.

Prime Minister Turtle would probably cry his eyes out if this fossil-level North Sea bachelor was finally no longer single.

Unfortunately, there was no ‘if.’ No matter what Feng Ye’s original appearance was, Hao Chen really couldn’t be moved by the face he currently possessed. He was vain not only in regard to himself, but also in regard to his partner. 

Feng Ye had no idea that Hao Chen was inwardly criticizing him. His mind had already run tens of thousands of li away.

He continued to watch the match in the ring. Just as he’d expected, Zhou Liang adopted a defensive stance, and although it took some time, Fang Yang found an opening and eliminated him with one blow.

“Fang Yang wins!” The referee announced.

“Shixiong, I won!” After his victory, Fang Yang immediately jumped down from the ring to tell Feng Ye the good news.

Feng Ye actually had a lot to say. He wanted to say that Zhou Liang had revealed his weakness long before, and that Fang Yang could have ended the battle faster. Dragging it out for so long was a complete waste of time.

But he glanced at Hao Chen to the side, who had his head down thinking about who knew what, and could only inwardly lament the trouble this piece of sticky candy was causing him.

In the end, Feng Ye could only compliment him contrary to his convictions: “Very impressive.”

Fang Yang thought he really was that impressive, and happily displayed his big white teeth.

It had been almost a shichen since the competition had begun. Almost all of the junior disciples who signed up for the competition had finished their first round matches, and the number of people was reduced by half. Most of those remaining possessed some ability, and at least wouldn’t just be eyesores taking up space.

Right then, the two most distinguished people in Lingxiao Sword Sect, Sect Leader Ji Chengyue and Elder Zhou Zhiqing finally arrived late.

As soon as they arrived, they took their seats on a nearly five-meter high platform on one side of the arena, where they had a sweeping view of all sixteen rings.

Ji Chengyue and Elder Zhou sat to the left and right. There were two others accompanying them, namely Sect Leader Ji’s personal disciples, Xue Ren and Cao Zirui. 

Xue Ren had an easygoing appearance. His looks weren’t particularly outstanding, but because of the humble smile always hanging at the corners of his lips, he seemed very approachable. This caused people to like him quite a bit, and he was also good at dealing with others.

When Sect Leader Ji and Elder Zhou sat down, Xue Ren saw that there was no tea on the table and immediately told a disciple beside him to prepare some. And seeing that the sun was so intense today, he also diligently asked someone to procure an umbrella for shade.

And Cao Zirui, who had been standing aside with his sword in his arms, seemed much more indifferent in comparison. He neither took the initiative to serve tea or water to the two elders, nor did he worry about whether his shifu and elder would get hot in the sun.

Although he was a genius in cultivation, when it came to dealing with people, he likely wouldn’t even receive passing marks. To put it politely, he had a cold personality. To put it bluntly, he had no manners and didn’t know how to respect his teachers and elders.

But contrary to expectations, Sect Leader Ji had a completely different viewpoint than the average person. When he saw Xue Ren busying around, not only was he not pleased, but he was actually somewhat angry. He scolded with a frown: “That’s enough. You are not a servant, and what you’re doing is a waste of time. When you have time, learn more from your shidi and put more effort into your cultivation.”

Xue Ren’s originally cheerful face momentarily stiffened, and the hands hanging by his sides clenched tightly.

And Cao Zirui turned a deaf ear to his shifu’s criticism of his shixiong and praise of himself. He just stood there silently with an indifferent expression.

Elder Zhou saw that the atmosphere was a little awkward and tried to smooth things over: “It’s not a waste of time. I’m thirsty, so a cup of tea is just right.”

Sect Leader Ji stopped talking when Elder Zhou interrupted him, but he didn’t give Xue Ren a good look either.

Xue Ren waited for the tea to be served, and after personally presenting it to Elder Zhou and his shifu, he stood quietly aside.

Whether intentionally or not, he specially chose a position far away from Cao Zirui.

---

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Chapter 18 << Table of Contents >> Chapter 20

Huo Fenglie knew they were coming to the Peach Blossom Banquet and originally wanted to pick them up, but the students still had duties to carry out, and he missed them.

While walking toward Huo Fenglie’s dormitory, Liu Zhenqing said with a smile: “Lao Chen rolled his eyes just now, but I saw that our achievements and deeds are on the list of outstanding people outside. It’s obvious that he actually likes us, but the old man is stubborn.”

Li Xingruo said: “It would be strange for him to like you. The old man had high hopes for you to become the next number one scholar back then, but you kept delaying year after year, and in the end, you took seventh place. I heard that he was so angry that he couldn’t eat for several days, and lost a lot of weight. When he saw you just now, he couldn’t help but reach for a ruler. If there weren’t so many people around, he probably would have beaten you on sight.”

Liu Zhenqing’s lips curved as he said: “How do you have the nerve to say that to me? I heard that you went to treat him after he couldn’t eat for several days, saying that you had invented a new acupuncture method to stimulate the appetite, but you ended up causing the old man to vomit and have diarrhea.”

Li Xingruo immediately retorted: “Didn’t he eventually have an appetite? This proves that the direction of my experimentation was effective.”

“If you can’t eat, you’ll starve to death, okay?” Liu Zhenqing retorted.

As he spoke, he heard Huo Feihan behind him burst into laughter.

The two immediately turned around and leveled fierce looks at him.

Huo Feihan was frightened, and quickly said: “I didn’t do anything back then.”

As a result, their eyes narrowed dangerously.

Huo Feihan came to a realization and clapped his hands in annoyance: “How could I have done nothing?”

The three of them were one. Since the old man held a grudge against two of them, how could Huo Feihan be left out? Being hated together was the heroic spirit of loyalty.

This was not the first time they had come to Er-gou’s dorms. As soon as they entered, they found that there were many more martial arts poles in the courtyard, many of which had been shattered to pieces.

“It seems Er-gou’s interest in martial arts has grown,” Liu Zhenqing said. These things were present in the courtyard when he and Huo Feihan lived there, and Huo Feihan would train hard after classes.

“En, though studying is fine, he still prefers martial arts.” Huo Feihan stepped forward to inspect a pole. “It’s new, but it broke so quickly? It looks like he’s been working particularly hard lately.”

“Of course. Only when there is competition will there be urgency,” Li Xingruo said with a sly smile.

Something also occurred to Huo Feihan, and his mouth twitched.

Liu Zhenqing considered this and said: “Because of Liu Qiao? The two are about the same age, and Er-gou is also quite talented in martial arts, but Liu Qiao’s talent is extraordinary. There’s little point in competing with such a talented person.”

“Don’t say that in front of Er-gou, or these poles will be broken even faster,” Li Xingruo said with a smile.

The three of them approached the house and knocked on the door. It was Bai Su who opened it.

Bai Su was naturally familiar with them, and was quick to greet them nervously: “Are the three of you here for Fenglie? He was called away by a teacher to take care of something, but he’ll be back in a while. Please come in first.”

“Sorry to bother you. By the way, congratulations,” Liu Zhenqing said with a smile.

Bai Su was stunned, then said shyly: “Thank you on behalf of my brother.”

Bai Su’s elder brother had just passed the Imperial Examinations and had a promising future. However, Liu Zhenqing had read his essays in the East Palace and felt that Bai Yu’s writing exuded a sense of freedom and innocence, which wasn’t suitable for officialdom. And although he wasn’t as talented as Bai Yu, the essays of the runner up, Ji Qinglin, contained hidden profundity. Such a person was most suited to officialdom.

But he’d heard that Ji Qinglin didn’t have any background. He had been born in the Imperial Academy, and the dean took pity on him for his talent and allowed him to study while working part-time. To be ranked second in the Imperial Examinations was a great honor for him.

Bai Su was of a different generation than them, and was under some pressure because of it, but he still entertained them enthusiastically.

As the older brother, Huo Feihan was naturally concerned over whether his didi had enough daily necessities. Li Xingruo wasn’t as concerned as him, so she just sat and read a book.

Seeing that Bai Su was busily pouring tea for them, Liu Zhenqing immediately told him to stop working. The boy had attractive features, and looked to be a perfect match for Huo Fenglie. Although it would be called puppy love in modern times, it was not so in ancient times, so he said: “Second Young Master Bai has a good relationship with Fenglie, right?”

Bai Su nodded, taken aback.

Huo Feihan and Li Xingruo immediately pricked up their ears to listen.

Liu Zhenqing said: “Then does he have other good friends?”

Bai Su thought for a moment before saying: “Fenglie is quite popular, even though he doesn’t like to talk. But speaking of who he gets along with, other than me, there’s another young man named He Lan who often comes to visit him.”

“He Lan?” Liu Zhenqing turned to look at Huo Feihan.

“The child of the commander of the Jinyiwei,” Huo Feihan said after some thought.

Liu Zhenqing seemed to have some impression of him as a naughty little devil. Feeling that the possibility was slim, he just smiled and beckoned to Bai Su.

With Liu Zhenqing’s looks, he could make a person blush with only a smile. Bai Su indeed blushed as he moved closer: “What is it?”

“Come on, tell gege, does Fenglie have someone he likes here?” Liu Zhenqing asked coaxingly.

As Huo Fenglie’s big brother, it was natural for him to gossip about him. If Bai Su blushed at this question, it would prove that it was Bai Su whom he liked, and if he didn’t blush, he at least wasn’t disgusted. If he looked confused, it meant he didn’t know anything, and it was useless to ask. And if he looked resistant, that was the worst situation.

But Bai Su didn’t have any of the aforementioned reactions. He was stunned for a moment, and his cheeks did turn slightly red, but he looked at Liu Zhenqing awkwardly and hesitantly, as if he had something to say but was holding it back.

What kind of reaction was this?

Liu Zhenqing peered at him curiously.

Bai Su started to feel guilty, and dared not look Liu Zhenqing in the eye. What should he say when he knew his good brother’s secret and was being asked by the person in question, ah? Could he say that Huo Fenglie was calling out for Qing-ge in his dreams last night because he was excited that he was coming here?

In the end, Bai Su didn’t have the mind of an adult, and with guilty eyes, he glanced toward the place where the secret was most likely to be exposed – a framed scroll. But he said: “I don’t know.”

Liu Zhenqing was shrewd, and understood instantly. Bai Su knew, but was unwilling to betray his good brother and tell him. Liu Zhenqing immediately felt even more itchy. He had originally thought that Huo Fenglie was unwilling to tell anyone and wanted to keep it a secret, so Liu Zhenqing would have to be even more careful when spying on him. But now, someone else knew about it when Huo Fenglie wouldn’t even tell the people closest to him. Liu Zhenqing was absolutely unwilling to accept this.

Seeing Bai Su’s eyes drifting toward the frame, he wondered if that scroll contained a portrait of his sweetheart, or if it was a painting drawn by them.

Liu Zhenqing got the gist of it and let Bai Su off. As if fearing that he would be interrogated again, Bai Su simply fled.

“You’re amazing. You just asked directly?” Li Xingruo made a gesture of admiration toward him.

“Didn’t it get us a clue?” Liu Zhenqing said with a smile.

Huo Feihan and Li Xingruo looked at him in surprise.

They watched as Liu Zhenqing approached a frame where many scrolls had been collected. Liu Zhenqing chose one at random and began to take a look.

At this moment, Huo Feihan and Li Xingruo couldn’t help but exchange glances, their hearts suspended. They had thought there wouldn’t be anything here. Should they stop him?

But neither of them took any action, just watching on nervously.

As the scroll opened, a familiar figure came into view. Liu Zhenqing stared blankly for a moment before showing the scroll to the two people behind him. 

The two of them immediately stopped breathing.

Liu Zhenqing said in astonishment: “It’s me. This…..”

The two nodded uncomfortably. After all, it was impossible to deny the two obvious moles under that person’s eye.

“How can it be me?” Liu Zhenqing asked in a daze.

At this moment, he didn’t think about such a profound question as ‘why does Huo Fenglie like me?’ He simply wondered why he was in the portrait and who painted it. Why was it him? His brain was sluggish in responding.

His body automatically moved to unroll all of the paintings. They were all of him.

But the painting techniques were all different, and were not from Huo Fenglie’s hand.

Liu Zhenqing was struck dumb. Before his brain could start to function, he heard a wavering voice sound from the door: “Qing-ge?”

Liu Zhenqing’s hand holding a scroll trembled, and he looked at the new arrival with some bewilderment.

For a moment, he didn’t know how to react. He just held the scroll and watched with a blank face as Huo Fenglie rushed over. 

Huo Fenglie’s expression suddenly changed, and he stared blankly for a moment. 

Li Xingruo and Huo Feihan hadn’t expected things to develop like this, and watched anxiously. 

They heard Liu Zhenqing ask with no fluctuations to his voice: “Why are all these portraits of me?”

Caught off guard, Huo Fenglie said reflexively: “Because some people in the Imperial Academy were hiding your portraits without permission. I found out and I…..found a way to get them…..”

Huo Fenglie was telling the truth.

Liu Zhenqing was like a drowning person who was suddenly rescued. He took a deep breath, his mind blank. He had thought it was…..

He was scared to death!

How could it be possible!

Liu Zhenqing immediately laughed: “It seems there are many discerning students in this school collecting my portraits. I was wondering why they were all made by different people. Why not just collect them and burn them? Why keep them all here?”

In fact, this was a very common occurrence. In the capital’s underground painting market, the most popular portraits of beauties were Liu Zhenqing and Jian Shuang, but Jian Shuang rarely appeared in public. And now that she was a concubine in the East Palace, people didn’t dare circulate her portraits. Liu Zhenqing, however, was a public figure, so there were many portraits of him. Some people collected them out of adoration, some collected them to appreciate them, some collected them to practice copying, and others used them as a template for painting other beauties. They were even spread to other countries. In short, Liu Zhenqing was used to this, and it didn’t offend him.

Huo Fenglie stared blankly for a moment, then said bluntly: “Because…..the portraits are of you, ah, how could I…..burn them?”

Liu Zhenqing was momentarily speechless: “Burn them, burn them. Keeping them is too embarrassing, ah.”

Having said this, Liu Zhenqing told Huo Fenglie to bring a brazier to burn the portraits.

Li Xingruo and Huo Feihan watched the entire process in amazement. He’d missed the truth again. Wasn’t Liu Zhenqing supposed to be very intelligent?

He could guess others’ thoughts toward him accurately, but why was he so slow to guess Huo Fenglie’s? Was it because he’d watched him grow up that he never thought about him that way?

But the two of them had grown up with Liu Zhenqing, and they felt that his handling of this matter was rather hasty.

Naturally, they didn’t dare ask questions. After spending some time with Er-gou in his room, it was time for the highlight of the evening – the Peach Blossom Banquet.

---

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(Alt Universe) Extra 14 << Table of Contents >> (Alt Universe) Extra 16

Tang De pushed open the door of the Alphas-only smoking room, and a mixture of pheromones composed of seven or eight different scents smacked him in the face.

These upper-class Alphas weren’t smoking nicotine cigarettes, but a rather expensive pheromone activator.

This activator itself had no scent, but after inhalation, the smell of one’s own pheromones became stronger. This not only calmed the nerves, but also elevated one’s attractiveness to Omegas.

The people inside waved as soon as they saw Tang De: “Captain Tang De, you’re finally here. It must have taken you a long time to deal with matters at the court entrance.”

Tang De accepted the cigarette handed to him and took a puff immediately after lighting it. Only then did he feel like he had returned to the realm of scents he was familiar with.

He held the cigarette in his mouth as he grumbled: “I’ve never seen such a bold and reckless person in my life. He dared to kidnap His Highness Oser in public.”

“For a man who killed the Prime Minister’s son and will be executed tomorrow, there should be nothing he dares not do.”

“That’s true.” Tang De slowly blew out a ring of smoke. “To be honest, I rather admire the kid. It’s a pity that my family’s prince doesn’t abide by martial ethics.”

If there was one thing that couldn’t be communicated well, it was the failure to suppress his excessive pheromones.

An Alpha’s pheromones couldn’t be directed at just one person – all of the Alphas and Betas present had been affected.

Every one of the people in this smoking room were mainstays of the empire’s military and political circles, the elite among Alpha elites.

But when it came to His Highness Oser’s pheromones, everyone felt a lingering fear.

“To be honest, when His Highness Oser released his pheromones, I almost vomited from fear.”

“Me too.”

“I did vomit.”

Everyone stared at him in disdain: “……”

This rookie felt embarrassed under their gazes, and tried to save some face: “It was mainly because I ate too much this morning…..”

Fortunately, someone changed the subject: “You should be thankful that His Highness Oser’s ‘charms’ don’t work on Omegas. Otherwise, Captain Tang De would have to shoulder an even heavier burden.”

“It’s because of that ineffectiveness that he’s so unscrupulous. If his pheromones were effective, wouldn’t all the Omegas here be scrambling to bear his children?”

“That’s going too far.” Tang De rapped on the windowsill. “Why did you have to mention children when there are so many other things to talk about? Why make fun of His Highness Oser’s physical defects?”

The person who had mentioned children immediately apologized: “I’m sorry.”

There was an open secret in this country.

Ever since his Alpha characteristics began to develop during puberty, no Omega had ever matched on a pheromone level with the royal family’s sixteenth eldest prince.

Such a situation where an Alpha burned with desire for a highly-matched Omega had never happened to him.

No one cared at first, but as they grew older, other mature Alphas mastered their control over their pheromones and were like fish in water among the opposite sex. His Highness Oser, however, remained the same. Even if he released his pheromones indiscriminately, Omegas were completely unaware.

After a detailed physical examination from the Royal Medical College, a cruel fact was revealed: 

A mutation had occurred in a certain coding sequence in His Highness Oser’s DNA.

As a result of this mutation, there was no known Omega gene that could match his.

Unless the other party had the same genetic mutation, and their mutated genes were complementary.

It was said that the probability of this happening was even lower than the probability of His Highness Oser using medical means to have children on his own.

(Of course, no one dared to actually study this topic.)

He was like a whale with an abnormal frequency. No matter how hard he tried to emit sound waves, he wouldn’t get a response.

The originally harmonious atmosphere of the lounge grew silent, and everyone lowered their heads as if in mourning for such a regrettable event.

Then someone made a noise that sounded like a failed attempt to hold in their laughter.

“Pfft—”

This sound seemed to flip a switch in the room. Everyone laughed uncontrollably, with Tang De laughing the most shamelessly.

“Damn it, you told me not to bring it up, but then you brought it up. How could I hold it in?”

“Captain Tang De, hasn’t the Royal Medical College already figured out how to transform an Alpha into an Omega, and even cultivate pheromones in a targeted manner?”

“Yeah, hurry up and make an Omega for His Highness Oser so that he doesn’t torture us poor Alphas anymore.”

Tang De waved his hand in disdain: “Those were all projects the medical college conducted just to get money from His Highness. This kind of surgery can only be performed if the volunteer themself applies for it. How could an Alpha be desperate enough to change his sexual designation for His Highness Oser?”

“Then only you can do it. After all, you’re the only one who’s able to endure staying at His Highness Oser’s side for so long.”

“Get lost! I see that you have tender, delicate skin. Perhaps you’re the type my family’s prince prefers.”

“What are you talking about? You look so happy about it.”

Tang De: “I’m talking about children—”

Tang De’s words trailed off, and the few people who were laughing just now seemed like they were being strangled.

Oser leaned against the door with his arms folded: “I seem to have heard someone say that they wish to be transformed into an Omega and give birth to a child for me?”

These Alphas who usually called the shots in their respective spheres of influence all looked down submissively. One unlucky fellow was so afraid to move that he nearly burned his fingers on his cigarette.

“I also want to know who adores me so much that he would sacrifice himself for me.”

Oser scanned each face slowly.

“Tang De, is it you?”

Tang De shook his head like a rattle, endeavoring hard to make a nasal sound of rejection.

He glanced at the next person: “Then is it you?”

The man who was called out nearly shook his head straight off. The others hung their heads even lower, fearing that they would become the next ‘lucky one.’ 

“Reporting!”

A portly prison guard saved these unfortunate loud-mouthed Alphas from becoming Omegas.

“Speak.”

“Reporting to His Highness Oser! I am the prison guard responsible for guarding the criminal Ling Yi!”

“En,” Oser responded coolly. “Has he chosen where he wants his monument erected?”

“He hasn’t! His Highness instructed us to try our best to meet his requests!”

“What does he want?”

The prison guard hesitated, wondering whether he should report this information in public.

“Was it an excessive request?”

“Replying to His Highness Oser! I asked him if he wanted me to find an Omega to spend his last night with, and he said! He said…..”

His initially loud voice dropped lower and lower.

Oser’s patience was running out.

“Either speak now or never speak again.”

The prison guard looked left and right in a failed attempt at casualness, pretending not to notice the people in the room. He reported cautiously: 

“He said he wants to see you.”

“Pfft—”

Someone in the lounge couldn’t hold back.

Tang De closed his eyes in despair and turned his head away. No matter who it was, every one of them in this room would be buried on the spot.

Oser’s warning gaze swept over everyone until they didn’t dare make a sound. Then he turned to the prison guard:

“Lead the way.”

. . . . . .

One of the most distinguished people in the empire came in person to a dark underground cell.

The guards he brought with him were packed tightly in the narrow outer room.

The portly prison guard respectfully brought him a chair, and Oser sat down without hesitation.

A musty smell filled the air, and Tang De immediately wished he could chisel out a skylight.

“I heard you wanted to see me?”

Oser certainly wouldn’t be misled by foolish words.

Ling Yi sent a wary look toward the attendant beside him.

“I want to talk to you alone.”

This person had committed the crime of insubordination not long ago. As the captain of His Highness Oser’s guards, although he sometimes gossipped behind his back, Tang De was absolutely meticulous when it came to matters of security.

“Your Highness, this is improper.”

“Stand down,” Oser commanded.

Tang De: “But…..”

Oser waved his hand.

Tang De had no choice but to lead the guards in withdrawing from the underground prison – after checking the integrity of the cell door.

Only two people were left in the dim, enclosed space, with steel bars between them. It seemed difficult to tell who was inside the cage and who was outside.

But Oser was sitting with his legs elegantly crossed, his clothing impeccable.

And Ling Yi was wearing a thin shirt and trousers, with heavy shackles on his wrists. It was obvious who the prisoner was.

“Will you speak now?”

Ling Yi stood behind the bars, just two meters away from Oser.

“I would like to request something from Your Highness.”

“Tell me.”

“I want Your Highness’s power of pardon.”

The room was unusually quiet. After a moment, a light laugh with a hint of ridicule could be heard.

“Do you know what the power of pardon is?”

“Every direct descendant of the Fengdi family has the right to pardon anyone from the death penalty once, at the cost of giving up the throne forever.”

“Since you understand it so clearly, why ask for something you have no chance of receiving?”

“I’m not asking for it for free. I would like to propose an exchange with Your Highness.”

“Don’t you understand that from the moment you were sentenced to death, all of your property was turned over to the state treasury, and even your political rights were taken away from you? You have nothing. What else could you have to exchange?”

There was another brief silence. Ling Yi raised his hands, and the chains on his wrists clinked together.

“I still have…..myself.”

He moved his hands slowly and steadily, undoing the buttons over his chest one by one.

“As long as I can survive, I’m willing to change my biology and become you Omega.”

Oser narrowed his eyes. The atmosphere in the cell became dangerously ambiguous.

“Your Highness possesses a supreme bloodline, power, and status, but you lack this one thing.”

The young Alpha undressed in front of another superior Alpha as seductive lines flowed from his slightly parted lips.

“Wouldn’t you like to have an Omega? Like a normal Alpha?”

“When you release your pheromones, there will be a response.”

“One glance can make a person unwilling to stop.”

Each time he spoke, he undid another button. It seemed as if every movement was carefully designed.

“Implant me with pheromones that match yours. Transform me, mark me, and I will become the one and only Omega for you.”

“I will only react to your pheromones.”

“Only my body will resonate with yours.”

His fingers lingered on the last button, but he had no intention of continuing.

“Isn’t this what you need? Enjoying the most basic rights of an Alpha.”

“I can even make you better than other Alphas.”

“Wouldn’t it be more rewarding to conquer an Omega who was once an Alpha than to merely conquer an Omega?”

Having remained silent throughout the entire process, Oser finally spoke.

“Are you trying to seduce me?”

“Isn’t it obvious?”

The young Alpha raised his chin, revealing the beautiful line of his neck.

This beauty was completely different from traditional Omega aesthetics, imbued with the unique aggressiveness of an Alpha.

The contours of his bare body were faintly discernable before they finally disappeared in the dim light of the cell.

“I didn’t expect a commoner’s desire to survive to be so strong,” Oser lamented.

“It is precisely because I’m a commoner that I’ve worked so hard to get to where I am today. A royal like you couldn’t imagine it. I can’t bear to sacrifice the past twenty years of hard work because of a scumbag.”

“I thought that a commoner who doesn’t even respect the royal family would break rather than bend.”

“Then you may harbor some misunderstandings about me.” Ling Yi bared his slender neck again. “You know weeds?”

His eyes gleamed faintly in the dark room.

“As long as there is a tiny gap, they will struggle their way out of the ground. No matter how harsh the living environment, they will do their utmost to grow. The wind can’t blow them away. If burned by fire, they grow again. I’m that type of weed.”

Oser gracefully switched the positions of his legs.

“But you are a common weed. What enchantment could make me give up the throne that is within my reach? When I take up that position, there may be many Alphas vying for a bed at the Royal Medical College.”

“The position of empress is certainly attractive, but any Alphas who’ve experienced your pheromones will seriously consider whether the position is worth their life.”

“Trying desperately to please me while offering veiled insults – what kind of behavior is this?”

Ling Yi reflected seriously: “…..Emotional manipulation?”

Oser covered his face and laughed. It was equal parts pleasure and displeasure, mysterious and unpredictable.

“In any case, you didn’t find an Omega to have fun with in the last moments of your life, but cheered me up instead. I’m very touched.”

“I’m being serious.”

Ling Yi placed his hands on the bars.

“The ruler of a country must be impartial and selfless, with the country in his heart. Your Highness might not be suited for this.”

“This is the first time in my life that someone has dared to say such a thing to my face.”

Oser rubbed his forehead.

“Then tell me, if I’m not suited to the position of emperor, what am I suitable for?”

“Being my Alpha.”

The smile on Oser’s face vanished. After a moment, he lowered the hand pressed to his forehead with a cold expression.

“Very moving.”

He stood up, walking step by step toward the person on the other side of the bars.

Powerful Alpha pheromones gusted into his face, and Ling Yi had to use all of his strength to grasp the bars in front of him, trying to feign nonchalance.

He gritted his teeth as he watched Oser approach.

This perilous closeness made his hair stand on end, and his Alpha instincts warned him to flee.

Oser reached his right hand through the bars, slowly approaching his chin.

Twenty centimeters, ten centimeters, one centimeter……

Ling Yi turned his face away at the last moment. He’d thought he had made sufficient mental preparations, but he ultimately succumbed to instinct.

When his first attempt failed, Oser didn’t try again.

“I see that your mind desires to survive, but your body doesn’t seem to agree.”

“I can do it,” Ling Yi defended. “Your Highness’s pheromones are just so strong. I instinctively reacted as an Alpha.”

“This operation is very difficult. If there is even the slightest hesitation in one’s will, it will not succeed.”

“I’m willing to gamble with my life.”

“Unfortunately, you don’t have enough chips. You’re more valuable dead on the execution grounds than on the operating table.”

“Your Highness!”

Oser turned a deaf ear and lowered his hands.

“Take care.”

Ling Yi’s chains clattered as he swiftly grabbed Oser’s wrist.

“I can bear children for Your Highness.”

“You really know how to please me.”

Oser indifferently fastened the buttons of his shirt for him.

“Do you have any unfulfilled desires? I can help you achieve them. Or if you have people who are important to you, I can also ensure that their needs are met.”

Ling Yi lowered his head, like a stray dog whose dignity and hope were crushed in one fell swoop. Oser knew that there was no point in him saying anything more.

He turned around to leave, but a tug on his cloak kept him where he was.

“I’m begging you. I have a reason to live.” Ling Yi grasped the coroner of his cloak in one hand.

His eyes were serious and determined, just as they had been when he’d cursed him at the doors of the court.

Only at these two moments had he expressed his true emotions without obfuscation.

When those eyes gleamed in the darkness, Oser seemed to truly behold an indomitable weed, growing vigorously inside this gloomy prison cell.

He pondered for a moment, but his answer was bound to be disappointing.

“But I have no reason to keep you alive.”

Tang De had been waiting for a long time outside, and finally breathed a sigh of relief when His Highness Oser appeared safe and sound.

He had wanted to rush in and check several times, but was afraid of seeing something he shouldn’t see. 

“Your Highness, what took you so long? Did that death row prisoner offend you?”

Oser deliberately scanned Tang De from head to toe, which put him on edge.

“Your Highness…..what are you looking at?”

“Come here,” Oser ordered the guards. “Send Captain Tang De to the medical college and tell them that a suitable volunteer has been found. They should begin making preparations for the operation.”

Tang De’s legs went weak, and he almost fell to his knees.

“Your Highness Oser, I was just joking around today. I definitely didn’t intend to make fun of you!”

“My greatest dream is to marry a gentle Omega and start a happy family. You must not lay a hand on me, Your Highness!”

---

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Chapter 1 << Table of Contents >> Chapter 3

“This court declares that the defendant, Ling Yi, is guilty of manslaughter and is sentenced to death.”

The gavel fell, and the case that had shocked the empire was finally settled after a trial more than a month long.

Ling Yi stood silently at the defendant’s stand, eyes downcast, with no objection to the verdict.

This young man from the lowest rung of society had been admitted to the empire’s number one military academy through his own efforts, and had achieved excellent results year after year, leaving many of his peers from aristocratic families far behind.

In time, he would surely become a shining star in the military.

Who could have imagined that such a rising star would be brought to the defendant’s stand in the royal court for murdering a relative of the emperor? 

There was much discussion amongst the audience.

“Such a shame. What an excellent young man.”

“Who told him to kill the Prime Minister’s youngest son of all people? The Prime Minister’s first two sons died in accidents, leaving this one son who’s been spoiled and lawless since childhood. If he was beholden to the law, he would have been executed countless times. I say he brought it upon himself.”

“It’s said that the Prime Minister is so angry that he’s bedridden. No wonder His Royal Highness Oser attended the trial today…..”

Ling Yi looked up and saw a man of extraordinary bearing slowly standing up in the VIP box that was suspended mid-air. Their eyes met across the courtroom.

Standing at such a height, the man looked particularly tall. His tailor-made royal uniform displayed his royal status, and the sharp, knife-like contours of his body made him look like a statue with a half-smile on his mouth.

Fengdi Oser, born into the only family in the empire that was qualified to use a compound surname, was a child of destiny from the day of his birth.

Not only was he the Crown Prince, with first rights to succession, but he was also the only grandson of the current Prime Minister.

The person Ling Yi had killed was none other than His Highness Oser’s biological uncle.

One was a noble prince, and the other a commoner student. These two completely separate destinies had intersected because of the death of a scumbag.

Upon seeing Oser leaving his seat, everyone present, including the Chief Justice, stood up and saluted to see him off. Only Ling Yi, looking up at him fearlessly, was the odd one out.

Oser wasn’t bothered by his rudeness. He just curled his lips haughtily and turned around, disappearing through the exit of the VIP box. 

“What are you looking at? Let’s go.” A guard shoved him from behind. “You will be publicly executed at the Northern Outskirts execution grounds at twelve noon tomorrow. Cherish your last twenty-four hours alive.”

Ling Yi said nothing, marching obediently in front.

The guards tasked with escorting him were not surprised. They had witnessed many prisoners who had been sentenced to death collapse on the spot and have to be carried back, as well as those like Ling Yi, who had already numbly accepted their fate.

But this time, the moment they exited the court gates, they were overwhelmed by a riotous crowd. Even the experienced guards subconsciously took a step back.

“Ling Yi isn’t a murderer! He’s a hero who bravely stands up for justice!”

“The Prime Minister’s youngest son molests minors and takes human life for granted! He deserves death a thousand times over!”

“We demand judicial justice! The court cannot be in collusion with nobles!”

Outraged by a justice system that failed to distinguish between good and evil, the common people had come from all over the empire to support Ling Yi.

The clashing voices of the crowd ultimately merged into two powerful slogans: 

“Aquit and release Ling Yi!”

“The Prime Minister should resign!”

Fully armed bailiffs did their best to stop the angry crowd and clear a passage in front of Ling Yi and the others.

“To gain such love and esteem before dying is a worthy death.”

Ling Yi turned upon hearing this voice, and saw the noble Alpha whom he had seen in court pacing toward him, followed by his personal guards.

The bailiffs bowed their heads respectfully and greeted: “Your Highness Oser!”

The bluster of the crowd lessened slightly at the sight of His Highness Oser. A top level Alpha such as him was able to exude an invisible pressure on his surroundings just by standing there without saying a word.

Oser approached Ling Yi and said teasingly: “You shouldn’t be so dejected in front of your supporters. Act a little more moving and tragic. After all, any words you say from now on could be your last words engraved on your tombstone.”

Ling Yi turned back silently: “Your Highness, what if I say I don’t want to die?”

Oser smiled disapprovingly: “Then you may require a miracle.”

Ling Yi lowered his eyes: “Is this the miracle Your Highness is referring to?”

In a flash, the handcuffs fell from his wrists and became a weapon tightly wrapped around Oser’s throat.

The crowd cried out in unison, and those in the front row reflexively took a few steps back. The people squeezed in behind were forced to retreat, much like ripples caused by throwing a heavy stone into a pool of water.

The well-trained guards drew their weapons in unison and leveled them at their target.

The bailiffs had lost their vigilance due to their easy lives, and were frightened by Ling Yi’s outrageous behavior. They reacted belatedly and took out their pistols, aiming them tremblingly at Ling Yi – and his hostage.

“D-don’t mess around.”

The bustling square from just moments ago was now silent. As the captain of Oser’s guards, Tang De’s hands were as steady as stone around his weapon.

“Please release His Highness Oser. Do you plan to murder a member of the royal family before so many witnesses?”

“I have no intention of harming His Highness. I just need a way out.”

“Is this the attitude you have when asking for help?” Oser was calm and composed, as if he had no awareness of being taken hostage at all.

Tang De moved slowly sideways, making sure to bypass His Highness Oser while keeping Ling Yi within shooting range.

“I advise you not to be impulsive and take one of the most distinguished people in the country hostage. Where do you think you can escape to?”

Ling Yi moved behind Oser without making a sound.

“Would you advise a gambler to take his last chip to the grave?”

“You don’t get it.” Tang De’s eyes contained sympathy. “You can’t take His Highness Oser hostage at all.”

Ling Yi didn’t have time to parse the deep meaning in his look. Intense Alpha pheromones exploded outward with him at the epicenter, and an unprecedented mental shock spread throughout his nerve endings like an electrical shock.

Almost everyone fell to their knees at once, trembling in pain.

Only a small number of people remained standing, looking at those around them in bewilderment. These people had one thing in common – they were all Omegas.

Tang De, who possessed fairly high mental strength, knelt on one knee and raised his head with difficulty, trying to confirm whether that unlucky fellow was still alive.

Ling Yi was pressed hard against a wall, his shrunken pupils filled with shock and fear.

Tang De understood him very well. Not everyone had experienced the pheromone suppression of a top Alpha. An Alpha with inferior mental strength might even be turned into a vegetable by such an outburst.

Oser stood very close to Ling Yi. Ling Yi tried his best to turn his head away, but he couldn’t avoid the whisper in his ear: 

“I underestimated you. Someone who dared to murder the Prime Minister’s son naturally wouldn’t balk at holding the Emperor’s son hostage. It’s a pity that you chose the wrong person. I’m different from that loser you killed.”

Beads of cold sweat slid down Ling Yi’s forehead. At this moment, he was like prey being toyed with by his natural enemy. He couldn’t die, nor could he escape.

“That scumbag…..deserved to die…..”

Ling Yi squeezed these few words between his teeth. Under the oppression of Oser’s pheromones, it was difficult for him to speak.

“You’re absolutely right.”

Oser actually agreed.

“I acknowledge that he deserved to die. The life or death of such trash doesn’t matter to me, but it’s different for you.”

Oser shamelessly leaned closer to Ling Yi’s face.

“See those people down there? They all treat you as a hero. If you die on the execution grounds, the anger in everyone’s hearts will be ignited, and their resentment will erupt ten or even a hundred times greater than it is now.”

“Your Highness…..what exactly do you want?”

“I want you to die gloriously, like an immortal hero. My dear grandfather has been holding onto political power that doesn’t belong to him for too long. If I want to speed up his downfall, I must brew a big enough storm. And you are exactly that butterfly flapping its wings.”

“Your death will be the fuse that brings an end to an era. In the future, people will pay tribute to you and record your achievements in history books. Doesn’t that have more meaning than living in vain?”

Ling Yi moved his lips with difficulty. Oser couldn’t hear him clearly, and lowered his mental power a little.

“What did you say?”

“I said,” Ling Yi gathered all of his strength, “I don’t want to die in a blaze of glory. I just want to live with dignity. I’m a human being, not a pawn in your political struggle!”

He turned his head with everything he had and looked Oser straight in the eye: “Fuck being a hero!”

Oser stared into his resolute eyes, somewhat distracted.

After a moment, he took a step back, and the oppressive feeling receded like the tide. Ling Yi leaned against the wall, exhausted. The long period of near-suffocation had made him dizzy.

Tang De struggled to stand up, still a little weak in the legs.

“Your Highness, leave him to me…..”

Oser cut him off with a raised hand.

He turned the man around easily and lowered his head to inspect the handcuffs in his hands.

“He opened them so easily. Pretty impressive, huh?”

The corners of Oser’s mouth curled up, a dissonant note of indulgence in his voice.

“He is worthy of being the future pillar of the Imperial Army. What a waste.”

Contrary to his previous roughness, he put the handcuffs back onto Ling Yi’s wrists as gently as a husband putting a jade bracelet on his beloved wife.

Having lost his freedom once more, Ling Yi chuckled, his voice full of fatigue.

Oser raised his eyes: “Did you remember something amusing?”

“It’s rumored that the Prime Minister has committed many wicked deeds, and has been punished by the heavens to have no descendants. None of his three sons received a good ending, and his only grandson was born defective and impotent.”

He happened to glance toward the Omegas in the crowd. Oser’s pheromones were viciously strong, but they had no effect on these Omegas. 

“That seems to be the case.”

Tang De immediately grew nervous: “Don’t talk nonsense, His Highness isn’t…..”

“It’s fine.” Oser didn’t react to the jab, as if it had hit the wrong place. “A dying person has the right to speak freely.”

He waved to a guard, who was just barely able to get to his feet and stagger over.

“Your Highness, what are your orders?”

“Whatever he asks for tonight, do your best to satisfy his requests.”

The guard glanced at Ling Yi in confusion. He had thought that His Highness Oser would have him “entertain” this death row prisoner who even dared to kidnap the Crown Prince.

“Wait a moment.” 

Ling Yi had only been escorted a few steps when he was stopped again.

Oser gave him a smile like a warm spring breeze: “Pick a place you like. When you die, I’ll erect a monument for you.”

Tang De stowed away his gun with lingering fear and walked quickly to His Highness Oser. He lowered his voice: 

“Your Highness, are you not going to tell him the truth? The execution grounds in the northern suburbs have been rigged, and after twenty-four hours of being in a death-like state, he’ll wake up unharmed – though he’ll suffer a little beforehand.”

Oser stroked his reddened throat: “He deserves to suffer a little.”

Tang De paid close attention to His Highness Oser’s micro-expressions. Although he had followed him for many years, he still couldn’t guess the thoughts of this Alpha every time.

“So we’re still sending him overseas tonight as planned?”

“What else?” Oser glanced at him. “Send him to my bed tonight instead?”

Tang De: “……”

“This subordinate understands.”

Tang De lowered his eyes and stepped back. Just for a moment, he had the illusion that Oser actually meant it.

. . . . . .

It was the most heavily guarded prison in the Empire, where no one could escape with their life.

In consideration of Ling Yi’s past as an excellent Military Academy student, he was given the full respect of replacing his handcuffs with heavy metal shackles.

A portly prison guard brought in a sumptuous table of food and cautiously sent it to the cell.

“Eat something.”

The person sitting inside didn’t move.

“Even if you have no appetite, you still have to eat. There’s a saying that goes, ‘you can only hit the road on a full stomach.’ If you don’t like these, tell me what you prefer and I’ll have it prepared.”

There was still no movement.

The portly prison guard sat down with a sigh.

“I understand you very well. The Prime Minister’s youngest son was a bastard. Who wouldn’t want him dead? You just disposed of this evil for the people.”

“But the entire judicial system is full of the Prime Minister’s lackeys. If they want you dead, you’ll die. Unless you can get a royal pardon…..but that’s impossible, of course.”

The person who’d been silent ever since his arrival finally showed signs of movement.

“What did you say? What royal pardon?”

“You don’t know about the royal pardon?” The prison guard scratched his head. It all started with our country’s founding emperor. When Emperor Fengdi was writing the code of law, he said, ‘The ruler of a country must be completely impartial. However, I selfishly hope that the descendents of the Fengdi family will have the ability to protect the important people in their lives at least once in their lifetime.’ So a law was made that every member of the royal family with the right of succession have the ability to pardon a person of all charges only once. And the corresponding price is to permanently give up the throne or the right to inherit the throne.”

“The prince who currently holds the first right of succession is His Highness Oser, even though he was diagnosed as ‘destined to be alone’ by the Royal Medical School in his twenties and will never match with an Omega in his lifetime.”

He abruptly lowered his voice: “Gene mutation is congenital. Anyone who hears it would say that it’s the Prime Minister’s retribution.”

His volume returned to normal, as if he hadn’t said the previous sentence.

“But His Highness Oser is a man who refuses to accept his fate. There’s no telling how much money he spent on the medical school over the years before they finally figured out how…..to turn an Alpha into an Omega. But what’s the use in that? The operation is supposed to be extremely painful, and the success rate is terribly low. There’s no way an Alpha would go through with it for the slightest chance of becoming a princess.”

The prison guard seemed to realize that he had talked about too many irrelevant things: “But enough about that. His Highness Oser has ordered that no matter what requests you make tonight, we should do our best to accommodate them. If you’re not interested in food, how about I find an Omega for you? If you think optimistically, at least you won’t be a virgin until death like His Highness Oser.”

“An excellent Alpha like you should be favored by Omegas. What type do you like? Innocent? Or bold?”

Ling Yi suddenly got to his feet: “His Highness Oser. I want to see His Highness Oser.”

The portly prison guard was dumbfounded: “Hero, your request is a bit much, ah.”

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Table of Contents >> Chapter 2

Author: Yi Xiuluo (易修罗)

Synopsis:

As the first genetically mutated Alpha in the empire, His Highness Oser had zero compatibility with all Omegas.

No matter how strong his pheromones were, no Omega could receive his frequency waves.

Ling Yi, a civilian Alpha with top scores in the Military Academy, had a bright future but was sentenced to death for manslaughter.

In order to survive, he had only one choice – 

Ling Yi: Don’t you want your own Omega?

One glance will render me unable to extricate myself, and releasing pheromones will result in a response.

Only I will be able to sense your pheromones, and only my body will resonate with yours.

Transform me, mark me, turn me into a unique Omega who belongs to you alone…..

However, the result was the complete opposite. After his transformation, Ling Yi’s pheromones made him a match for all Alphas.

His Highness Oser, at the age of thirty-five, gained his own Omega…..as well as love rivals across the whole empire.

Oser: You mean that he matches me 100%, but I’m only 1% of who he matches with?

Imperial physician: To be exact, it’s 0.00000……

Oser: …..Heh.

Imperial physician: But he is 100% compatible with you. Any emotional fluctuations on your part will affect his pheromones, so it would be best if you restrain yourself, Your Highness. Do you understand what I mean?

Oser: Nope.

Total Chapters: 104

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Tags: futuristic, ABO, drama, humor, enemies to lovers, strong MC

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Chapter 1	Chapter 27	Chapter 53	Chapter 79
Chapter 2	Chapter 28	Chapter 54	Chapter 80
Chapter 3	Chapter 29	Chapter 55	Chapter 81
Chapter 4	Chapter 30	Chapter 56	Chapter 82
Chapter 5	Chapter 31	Chapter 57	Chapter 83
Chapter 6	Chapter 32	Chapter 58	Chapter 84
Chapter 7	Chapter 33	Chapter 59	Chapter 85
Chapter 8	Chapter 34	Chapter 60	Chapter 86
Chapter 9	Chapter 35	Chapter 61	Chapter 87
Chapter 10	Chapter 36	Chapter 62	Chapter 88
Chapter 11	Chapter 37	Chapter 63	Chapter 89
Chapter 12	Chapter 38	Chapter 64	Chapter 90
Chapter 13	Chapter 39	Chapter 65	Chapter 91
Chapter 14	Chapter 40	Chapter 66	Chapter 92
Chapter 15	Chapter 41	Chapter 67	Chapter 93
Chapter 16	Chapter 42	Chapter 68	Chapter 94
Chapter 17	Chapter 43	Chapter 69	Chapter 95
Chapter 18	Chapter 44	Chapter 70	Chapter 96
Chapter 19	Chapter 45	Chapter 71	Chapter 97
Chapter 20	Chapter 46	Chapter 72	Chapter 98
Chapter 21	Chapter 47	Chapter 73	Chapter 99
Chapter 22	Chapter 48	Chapter 74	Chapter 100
Chapter 23	Chapter 49	Chapter 75
Chapter 24	Chapter 50	Chapter 76
Chapter 25	Chapter 51	Chapter 77
Chapter 26	Chapter 52	Chapter 78

He didn’t know if it was because of Huo Fenglie’s intent, fiery gaze, but Liu Zhenqing’s heart felt like it was aflame, and he was inexplicably uneasy. There was even a moment where he didn’t want to hear the answer.

“Qing-ge.”

Liu Zhenqing jumped: “Ah?”

“Qing-ge wants to know?”

Liu Zhenqing was truly shocked. He immediately broke away from Huo Fenglie’s embrace, then turned back around to face him and said. “You really have someone you like? Why haven’t you ever mentioned it? Is it a kid from the Imperial Academy? Which girl is it, ah?”

Liu Zhenqing didn’t know if he was excited, eager for gossip, or…..uncomfortable.

He watched Huo Fenglie anxiously, waiting for an answer. But Huo Fenglie lowered his eyes and suddenly said: “Not a girl.”

Liu Zhenqing’s original eagerness turned into confoundment at Huo Fenglie’s words. He stared at Huo Fenglie in bewilderment and said: “If not a girl, then…..a boy? Er-gou, you…..”

Huo Fenglie said directly: “I’m not into all men. Just him.”

Hearing Huo Fenglie say bluntly that he liked someone put Liu Zhenqing in a trance. “Who is it, ah?”

“I don’t want to tell Qing-ge for now.”

Liu Zhenqing said in dissatisfaction: “Er-gou is actually keeping a secret from me? When he reached out to pinch his nose, Huo Fenglie grabbed his wrist.

Liu Zhenqing was startled. The force around his wrist was very similar to the feeling of being pressed down in his dream.

“He doesn’t like me yet, so I want to keep it a secret for now.” Huo Fenglie suppressed his impulses as he said these words. He didn’t want to take the risk of Qing-ge hating him.

Liu Zhenqing was truly in shock, and he was still in a daze as he waited for Li Xingruo and Huo Feihan to come back that afternoon.

Er-gou had someone he liked, it was a boy, and he hadn’t captured his heart yet. No wonder he had refused his family’s marriage arrangements. 

Among Liu Zhenqing’s friends was Song Xingmu, who liked both men and women, so he didn’t have a problem with this. He just felt a little empty inside when Huo Fenglie talked about this matter so seriously. It gave him the illusion that his own child was about to set sail.

Liu Zhenqing sat in a pavilion under the setting sun, watching Huo Fenglie practice martial arts near the stream.

His weapon moved like a dragon, his form strong and vigorous. He really was steadily growing into a good man.

When Liu Zhenqing turned around, he saw Li Xingruo’s shoulders shaking with laughter and Huo Feihan fiddling with the tea set on the table, an awkward look on his face.

“Are you surprised or not?” Liu Zhenqing asked speechlessly.

“Surprised, ah.” Li Xingruo said with a smile.

Liu Zhenqing sent her a suspicious look, then asked Huo Feihan: “Huo-dage, what do you think?”

Huo Feihan quickly shook his head, as if he had no opinion at all.

Although Great Zhou was open about these things, he thought that Huo-dage would be embarrassed that his little brother liked a man – but he showed no reaction at all.

But that was fine. Liu Zhenqing cleared his throat and said: “That brat still won’t tell me who it is. Do you have any clues?”

Li Xingruo just about spit out a mouthful of tea, then gave Liu Zhenqing a thumbs-up.

Huo Feihan watched his little brother training in the distance, and suddenly said: “It’s no use trying to figure it out. My didi is stubborn.”

Liu Zhenqing was taken aback, and said with some worry: “Yes, ah, this kid is stubborn, and if the other person doesn’t like him back…..”

Liu Zhenqing’s complicated emotions instantly transformed into anxiety. Perhaps it was the disaster he’d encountered at birth that had made Huo Fenglie different from others since childhood. He rarely cried. The last time he’d seen him cry was when he was very young. When Liu Zhenqing was sick, others had teased Huo Fenglie that he would die, so he laid beside his bed and guarded him day and night, fearing that Ox-head and Horse-face, the guardians of the underworld, would take him away.

When Liu Zhenqing woke up, Huo Fenglie’s eyes were swollen from tears. If Huo Fenglie were to cry now due to matters of the heart, Liu Zhenqing’s own heart would break. It would be best if the other party could understand Er-gou and like him back. After all, Er-gou was so good. He was talented in both civil and military affairs, and was flawless, ah. How could someone not be moved by his affections?

Just as he was lost in thought, Li Xingruo suddenly smiled mischievously and said: “Ai, it would be great if you were the one Er-gou likes.”

Liu Zhenqing froze. He immediately stared at Li Xingruo and nearly stuttered: “…..What?”

Li Xingruo looked at him with half-closed eyes.

They had grown up together, and naturally had a good understanding of each other. Even Huo Feihan felt a little strange when he saw Liu Zhenqing’s reaction.

Normally, if Li Xingruo made such a joke, Liu Zhenqing would shamelessly go along with it.

But now, seeing how shocked he was, the two of them sensed that something was fishy.

“I think it would be great if he liked you,” Li Xingruo said with a grin.

Liu Zhenqing was embarrassed. After having such a dream that day, how could he not be? “You must be joking. I’m his big brother.”

Li Xingruo said: “You’re the one who’s joking. Good things should be kept within the family. If he must choose a man, it would be best for him to choose you. You know him inside and out, and you’re not his biological brother, so why are you afraid? Er-gou grew up under the eyes of us three, and if he’s hurt by someone else, which of us wouldn’t be sad, ah? So how about it, Shixiong? Just sacrifice yourself, get with Er-gou, and come into the Huo family as my sister-in-law.”

The silver-tongued Liu Zhenqing could only curse with a beet-red face: “Are you out of your mind?!”

What a ridiculous fantasy!

The two of them began quarreling, and the two Huo brothers naturally came over to intervene. Each person held one of them, attempting to separate the two.

In the evening, when they talked about going to the East Palace, it was basically the same as Liu Zhenqing had expected. It was unlikely that a large-scale battle would take place in the west, but there were constantly minor skirmishes. The generals originally stationed there were old, and were unable to control the situation. It was difficult to accumulate military merits in a peaceful and prosperous era. The Crown Prince wanted to train Huo Feihan to shoulder the responsibility of the Huo Family Army in the future, and would naturally pave the way for him. Therefore, Huo Feihan planned to stay in the west with his family for the foreseeable future, and would set off after a period of time.

Huo Feihan and Liu Zhenqing leaned against each other and drank under the moon.

“It’s finally come to this. My life is going to be boring, I might as well go west with you guys,” Liu Zhenqing said, already bored stiff.

“If you go, what about the Crown Prince? Although Great Zhou is stable now, the Crown Prince has yet to succeed the throne, and the process might not be safe. You should stay here by his side and advise him, so that we can all rest assured. And your old man is getting on in years. You should stay for him too.”

Huo Feihan naturally didn’t need to say these things – Liu Zhenqing knew all of this very well, and was just complaining.

“Say…..do you want me to find you a personal bodyguard?” Huo Feihan said out of nowhere.

Liu Zhenqing looked at him in bewilderment: “Bodyguard?”

Li Xingruo brought over some tea and snacks, and said: “It’s not like we don’t worry about you. You’re so prone to causing trouble. You never studied poisons well, and you’re no good at martial arts. How can you get by just by relying on your brain? Feihan and I won’t be here, and the Crown Prince will be out of our reach, so it would be best for you to have a bodyguard with strong martial arts skills.”

“No need.”

Before Liu Zhenqing could speak further, Huo Fenglie came over bearing grilled fish and said directly: “I can be Qing-ge’s bodyguard.”

“Nonsense,” said Huo Feihan. “You still need to study at the Imperial Academy.”

Li Xingruo smiled evilly and said: “Being a bodyguard means keeping close by. Doesn’t Fenglie have a sweetheart? Will he be able to take care of him?”

Huo Fenglie immediately tensed up. He sent a cautious glance toward Liu Zhenqing, then looked at Li Xingruo as if in surrender.

Li Xingruo snickered.

Liu Zhenqing felt a little strange. He really couldn’t conceive of the second son of the Huo family being his bodyguard, but after hearing Li Xingruo’s words, he also felt that Er-gou was putting him in second place to his ‘sweetheart.’

It turned out that it was time for Liu Zhenqing to find a partner, someone who would wholeheartedly put him first and always. 

Otherwise, when Huo Feihan and Li Xingruo left, the Crown Prince ascended the throne to become emperor, and Er-gou was with his sweetheart, the bond between himself and this world would grow weak again, and he would be lonely once more.

Huo Feihan was indeed concerned about the matter of a bodyguard. He was about to travel a long distance away, and was more worried about Liu Zhenqing than about his own brother. If both the older and younger brothers were unable to do it, he had to find someone else for Liu Zhenqing.

Liu Zhenqing had originally wanted to say that he didn’t need a bodyguard, and that if he didn’t leave the capital, no one would dare provoke him. 

However, Huo Feihan felt that the Crown Prince would not allow Liu Zhenqing to serve as a court official, given his temperament. But there may be some things he would rely on Liu Zhenqing to do, so it was best to train a guard who was trustworthy and dedicated to Liu Zhenqing.

Very soon, the two of them brought back a reticent boy and named him Liu Qiao. His training was arranged entirely by Huo Feihan. As for the fact that Huo Fenglie always challenged him to compete with him when he returned, the less said, the better. 

Before Huo Feihan and Li Xingruo were scheduled to set off, the Imperial Examinations came to an end and the Imperial Academy held a Peach Blossom Banquet. The Crown Prince was originally invited to attend, but he was busy, so he designated Huo Feihan and Liu Zhenqing to go in his stead.

Everyone knew that the two of them were favorites of the Crown Prince, and had come to survey the talents for him. They were naturally warmly received, aside from the old gentleman of the Imperial Academy who still remembered the trouble they had caused and regarded them with glares.

However, Liu Zhenqing was in high spirits.

“Why are you so excited today?” Li Xingruo asked curiously.

Liu Zhenqing smiled and said: “It’s a rare chance to come here. With my sharp eyes, I don’t believe I can’t tell which young man Er-gou likes. And aren’t you guys his biological brother and sister-in-law, ah? Aren’t you curious at all?”

Li Xingruo almost laughed out loud, and Huo Feihan said awkwardly: “We’re curious, of course we’re curious…..”

“Let’s go!” Liu Zhenqing said. “Let’s head to Er-gou’s dormitory first! I recall that Er-gou shares a room with the second son of the Bai family – could he be the one?”

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(Alt Universe) Extra 13 << Table of Contents >> (Alt Universe) Extra 15

Chapter 18 – Misunderstanding

Due to the delay, it was already afternoon when Feng Ye and Hao Chen returned to the sect.

The way back to their rooms was through the main hall square, which was crowded with people today.

Feng Ye looked from a distance and saw the group of people lined up in a long queue. They were signing up for the competition, which was to be held the next day. There were only four days left before the journey to the Floating Island Secret Realm, and the seventy-nine junior disciples who could participate would be selected tomorrow.

Afterwards, they would rest for two days before being led to the entrance of the Floating Island Secret Realm.

But this had nothing to do with Feng Ye. Just like Hao Chen, he had no interest in this secret realm.

However, although they weren’t interested, the unconcealed conversations of the junior disciples they passed by inevitably entered their overly-sensitive ears.

“Have you heard about that fellow named Fang Yang?” A junior disciple standing in the square said to his companion as Feng Ye walked past.

Fang Yang?

This key word caused Feng Ye’s ears to prick up again, and he came to a stop.

Hao Chen also heard the conversation between the two disciples. He had little interest in that naive boy Fang Yang. Even though Fang Yang had cultivated sword qi at the seventh level of Qi Refining and seemed to possess extraordinary comprehension, Hao Chen’s feelings remained unchanged.

There was no shortage of outstanding people in this world, but even so, those who could stand at the same heights as him were rare, or perhaps virtually nonexistent.

Although there was a connection from heaven to earth, it had always gone top to bottom. There was no way for the human realm to actively connect to the heavens. Just like the distance between heaven and earth, the distance between gods and humans was difficult to cross.

Moreover, even the gods in heaven were divided according to level. As the Lord of the North Sea, Hao Chen was undoubtedly at the top.

This was a matter of destiny. The number of gods in heaven was fixed. Reality was not like the mortal imaginings in storybooks, where one could break through the boundary and become a god after reaching a certain level of cultivation.

Gods were all born gods. Each had their own duties and titles, which were bestowed upon them by the Heavenly Dao when they were born.

As Kunpeng, he was born as the god who guards the North Sea.

It was no exaggeration to say that he could soar up to 90,000 li. When he transformed into his Peng form, his fully spread wings could even block out the sun.

The ability to steal the sky and change the day^[1] was only one of the supernatural powers he was born with.

Fate was determined by heaven. Although it may sound cruel to those born with mediocre talent, in the heavenly realm, this was an ironclad fact that could not be shaken.

The level of one’s ability was determined from the moment they were born. This seemed like a gift from heaven, but it was also a shackle.

Therefore, although Hao Chen moved around the human realm in human form, he never really took humans seriously. Qi Refining, Foundation Establishment, Golden Core, or Nascent Soul, they were all equally insignificant in his eyes.

Feng Ye was a tiny bit higher than them in his estimation, because this fellow was most likely not human and was probably from heaven.

But whether Feng Ye indeed came from heaven or his guess was wrong, Feng Ye was just someone with ulterior motives, and Hao Chen didn’t believe that this person had power to rival his own.

The number of gods in heaven who measured up to him could be counted on one hand. Some Hao Chen knew, and some he didn’t. But from the perspective of personality, Feng Ye was unlike any of them.

He was currently matched with Feng Ye, but he was just playing around. He never did anything substantial, just fooling around with the intention of having fun.

Otherwise, if he really wanted to, wouldn’t he just use force to make Feng Ye reveal his true identity?

But that would be too boring. He was already bored enough.

Thus, he would rather use all sorts of childish means with Feng Ye, rather than adopt a more mature and efficient method.

Hao Chen’s interest was limited to Feng Ye. As for Fang Yang, this naive person, he had no other thoughts about him except for using him to find clues.

Therefore, he was uninterested in the conversations of those around him.

Feng Ye, however, stopped.

So Hao Chen also stopped, and even considerately raised his fan as a cover for Feng Ye’s eavesdropping.

Unfortunately, while the two people chatting didn’t notice Feng Ye and Hao Chen suddenly stop, Hao Chen’s fan movements were so conspicuous that they couldn’t help but look over.

Feng Ye: “……”

Hao Chen gave him an apologetic smile: “Oops.”

Nothing good had happened after meeting this person. Feng Ye was inwardly disdainful. Then he thought that since he had already been exposed, it would be too shameful to continue eavesdropping.

So he stepped forward and took the initiative to chat with his fellow disciples: “I heard you two talking about Fang Yang. I’m a good friend of his. What happened?”

The two people exchanged a glance, then the one who had mentioned Fang Yang at the beginning answered Feng Ye: “It just happened a while ago. I heard that he single-handedly killed a White-Nosed Demon Bear that had suddenly advanced to Foundation Establishment in the back mountain.”

So that’s it, Feng Ye thought to himself. He had thought Fang Yang had gotten into an accident.

However, the speed at which gossip traveled within the sect was truly astonishing. It had been less than an hour from the time Fang Yang had been taken down the mountain by the two inner sect disciples to when Feng Ye had walked down, but the news that Fang Yang had killed a White-Nosed Demon Bear had already spread.

Hao Chen was unsurprised by how fast it spread. After all, he had already discovered while chatting with people that although these sword cultivators seemed serious and rigid, there was a gossipy young maiden under every icy face. If not, then the rumor that he and Feng Ye were practicing dual cultivation wouldn’t have spread so widely and become known to everyone.

Presently, among all of the junior disciples and managers in charge of miscellaneous matters at the foot of the mountain, perhaps only Feng Ye and Fang Yang, the subjects of the rumors, were unaware of them.

And as the only person who knew the entire truth, Hao Chen was not going to tell Feng Ye. He felt that the identity of a cultivation partner was quite good. No one would suspect him if he stayed by Feng Ye’s side. On the contrary, he would receive some fantastical benefits.

Now that he knew what was happening, Feng Ye was ready to leave. Just as he was about to say farewell, another junior disciple said in bewilderment: “Foundation Establishment stage?! Doesn’t the White-Nosed Demon Bear only reach the tenth level of Qi Refining when it reaches adulthood? And that Fang Yang…..he seems to be only at the seventh stage of Qi Refining?”

His companion said with a nod: “That’s right. The highest level of cultivation among our junior disciples right now is the seventh level of Qi Refining, and there are only a few of them. As for the White-Nosed Demon Bear, it seems to have suddenly mutated and advanced to Foundation Establishment. The inner sect disciples in charge of clearing monsters out of the back mountain checked, and it was definitely at the Foundation Establishment stage.”

Another person exclaimed: “He’s only at the seventh level of Qi Refining and was able to kill a White-Nosed Demon Bear at the Foundation Establishment stage. It seems there’s already a definitive winner in tomorrow’s competition.”

His companion echoed: “Yeah, we’re just trying to get a spot in the Floating Island Secret Realm. No need to think about winning the championship.”

As the two of them talked back and forth, Feng Ye took advantage of a brief pause to cut in: “Many thanks for letting me know. I have something to do, so I’ll take my leave now.” 

The two junior disciples nodded politely to Feng Ye, then continued to chatter about personal matters.

Feng Ye and Hao Chen continued to walk toward their rooms.

On the way, Hao Chen casually brought up a topic based on the conversation they’d overheard earlier: “Fellow Daoist Feng Ye, do you think your shidi will be able to win tomorrow?”

Feng Ye crossed his arms, pretending to think hard. Then he said with modesty that masked his pride: “Nothing is absolute.”

Feng Ye felt that it was a sure thing for Fang Yang to win the competition at his current level. After all, it was Feng Ye himself who’d taught him. But it was better to not draw attention, so he didn’t say anything definite.

Hao Chen spread out his fan and waved it, saying a bit meaningfully: “If Fellow Daoist Feng Ye participates in the competition, there will be a different champion.”

Feng Ye raised an eyebrow: “Fellow Daoist Hao Chen seems to have misunderstood my strength?”

Hao Chen couldn’t help but smile when he heard this, a rare smile that came from the heart: “There is no misunderstanding.”

No matter who you are, to me, you’re just as weak as everyone else, Hao Chen thought.

Feng Ye stared at Hao Chen’s smile. Then he also smiled from the bottom of his heart, but didn’t refute or say anything else.

The two of them arrived at their residences, said their duplicitous goodbyes, and retired to their separate rooms.

These two people who didn’t care about the Floating Island Secret Realm naturally had no idea how intense the discussion outside was. Nearly all junior disciples intended to compete for a spot. Even though most of them knew their abilities were limited, they simply wanted to snatch one of those seventy-nine places.

But there were still a few people aiming for the championship. The temptation of an earth-level magic weapon was too great.

They had originally had some confidence in themselves, but who would have thought that Fang Yang would suddenly defeat a Foundation Establishment stage White-Nosed Demon Bear today? With this strength, he was almost certain to win the championship.

Those who had originally wanted to compete for the championship couldn’t help but lament having no chance to win, but some had other thoughts in mind.

Lu Chengye heard other people saying that Fang Yang was certain to win the competition, and was so angry that his clenched fists made a creaking sound. Not only had that nosy brat Fang Yang once snatched the person he had his eye on, but he also intended to steal his earth-level magic weapon tomorrow? 

Although the magic weapon was meant to be the prize for winning the competition, Lu Chengye felt that such a good thing should belong to him. 

But Fang Yang seemed to be truly strong, and he feared he would be unable to beat him. If…..there was a way to destroy his cultivation…..wouldn’t he be unable to compete?

The more Lu Chengye considered it, the more excited he became. Greed and jealousy were the perfect helpers, and almost instantly, a vicious plan took form in his mind.

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[1] To steal the sky and change the day (偷天换日) means to change the truth of things in order to deceive others. ⮐

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Chapter 17 << Table of Contents >> Chapter 19

Huo Fenglie didn’t let go when he was sent home. The General’s Manor seemed to be accustomed to this kind of behavior.

But Li Xingruo and Huo Feihan knew the truth. Er-gou had a very good tolerance for alcohol, and was hiding it.

Huo Feihan looked at Liu Zhenqing guiltily, feeling like he was helping his brother cover up the truth and hinder Liu Zhenqing’s blind date. He looked like he wanted to say something, but hesitated. Li Xingruo smiled and asked about the events of today.

“Let’s not talk about it right now. Hurry up and get the hangover pills.” Liu Zhenqing was being held tightly, and wasn’t as strong as Huo Fenglie. When he set him on the bed, Er-gou nearly dragged him down with him.

Huo Feihan started to go and pull his brother away – what kind of sight was this? – but he was blocked by Li Xingruo.

“Even hangover pills take time to kick in. Since he won’t let go anyway, just lay down with him,” Li Xingruo said as she pretended to feed a pill to Huo Fenglie. “All right, here you go.”

When he saw his wife playing along to deceive Liu Zhenqing, Huo Feihan could only choose to aid the wicked. “What…..caused him to drink?”

Liu Zhenqing was in an awkward posture, and didn’t hesitate to climb into the bed. He let Huo Fenglie hug him from behind as he lay on his side chatting with them.

“I might have made him angry. Actually, it wasn’t my fault…..” Having said this, Liu Zhenqing told them about what had happened that day.

Both of them were delighted by this astonishing development.

“It turns out that Er-gou is more charming than you. Do you accept defeat, Liu Zhenqing?” Li Xingruo said with a laugh.

Liu Zhenqing didn’t get angry. He just patted the arm encircling him and said: “Er-gou is indeed growing more and more handsome. It’s not surprising that young girls like him, but…..”

Seeing that Liu Zhenqing looked a little strange, the two couldn’t help but get nervous, thinking he had finally discovered something.

But Liu Zhenqing simply asked who Huo Fenglie’s sweetheart was, startling them.

Huo Feihan didn’t dare continue to look at Liu Zhenqing. Li Xingruo wore a smile that wasn’t a smile.

Liu Zhenqing had originally thought that Huo Fenglie was just making up a story to ward off the peach blossoms, and was baffled when the two of them reacted like this.

“Who is it, ah? You know but I don’t! You won’t even tell me?!” Liu Zhenqing suddenly felt a little unwell. After all, he had always claimed them as family, especially Er-gou, who was probably closer to him than he was to his own family. Why did everyone else know about such an important matter, but he didn’t? He felt like he was being kept in the dark, excluded by those closest to him.

Huo Feihan absolutely lacked the confidence to lie to Liu Zhenqing, so he could only send Li Xingruo an anxious look.

Li Xingruo rolled her eyes, saying with a shake of her head: “He probably has a sweetheart, but we don’t know who it is, ah. We thought you knew, so we were going to ask you.”

Liu Zhenqing was stunned: “Then how did you find out? Did he tell you?”

“That’s right,” Li Xingruo said. “He said so some time ago, when the family elders wanted to find a marriage partner for him.”

In fact, he hadn’t said anything at all. He’d just rejected them outright without giving them any face, then turned and fled.

When Liu Zhenqing heard about this marriage partner, he stared blankly for a moment and gave an internal sigh: Er-gou has indeed grown up. He’s old enough to get engaged now?

After she spoke, Li Xingruo saw that Huo Fenglie had yet to wake up. She was tactful, and said directly: “You can stay with him and take a nap. The East Palace just sent a message asking for Feihan’s presence. I’ll go with him and come back to see you in the afternoon.”

“The East Palace?” Liu Zhenqing was taken aback.

“What do you know?” Huo Feihan asked keenly.

“It may have something to do with the instability in the west,” Liu Zhenqing said.

After hearing what Liu Zhenqing said, Huo Feihan had a rough idea in mind. He immediately looked at Li Xingruo, somewhat uneasy.

Li Xingruo looked up and said: “No matter what it is, we’ll be together as husband and wife, so it won’t be too dangerous.”

Now that Great Zhou had the crown prince in charge, everyone was united. Even if other countries wanted to stir up trouble, they were unable to create big waves, and could only engage in minor conflicts at most.

So if they were to travel west, Li Xingruo would want to follow her husband, and Huo Feihan would have no strong objections.

“Oh, the husband sings and the wife harmonizes,” Liu Zhenqing said with a smile.

Li Xingruo raised an eyebrow and said to him: “If you can force out the name of Er-gou’s sweetheart, do be sure to tell us.”

After saying this, she just smiled and pulled Huo Feihan away.

Watching the two of them leave together, Liu Zhenqing could only lament that if they went west, he would only have Er-gou by his side.

Wait, if Er-gou also had someone he liked, then Liu Zhenqing…..would be truly alone.

In fact, Liu Zhenqing’s sense of belonging in this world had been weak since he traveled here. There weren’t many people he had bonds with. He always felt a bit detached, and also understood that the people around him would gradually leave and establish their own little worlds.

Liu Zhenqing considered this, consolidated the facts, and determined that he should really find a partner.

He was just daydreaming. It was about time for a lunchtime nap. After all, he did drink some wine while watching the show at noon, and although it hadn’t made him drunk, it did make him sleepy.

Liu Zhenqing had bad sleeping habits. He liked to hug the things next to him tightly, usually a pillow, and wouldn’t let go.

But today, he slept uneasily. The pillow in his arms made him feel uncomfortable, as if he was in peril. He reached out to push it away, but in the next second, there was pressure against his lips.

The somewhat messy kiss fell along with rapid breaths.

It felt like Liu Zhenqing’s breath was being stolen. He opened his eyes blearily and caught sight of a pair of deep, wild eyes that contained a pure yet dangerous light.

Liu Zhenqing’s brain was still muddled. He just felt that this pair of eyes was very familiar, but his vision was strange. At such a close distance that they were nearly touching, his vision was out of focus and he couldn’t tell who it was for a moment.

But he had already noticed that he was being kissed. Where could he have found someone to kiss? It was clear that someone was taking advantage of him. Shamed into anger, Liu Zhenqing tried to shove the person away, but they grabbed his wrists.

The signals this person was giving off were getting increasingly dangerous. Liu Zhenqing started to struggle, and the other party became gentler, as if to comfort him.

Liu Zhenqing didn’t know if it was his body’s reaction or if he was still asleep, but he felt a familiar and reassuring aura lingering around him, and he gradually began to enjoy the kiss instead of hating it.

Liu Zhenqing was taken advantage of for some time, but he soon came to his senses and had a moment of clarity. And in that moment, he finally realized who was on top of him. But he was so shocked that he stopped breathing and his brain completely shut down.

When he woke up with a start, he was about to get angry when he saw Huo Fenglie lying quietly next to him. 

Liu Zhenqing was immediately filled with questions. 

Wait…..what happened just now…..had he been dreaming?

Liu Zhenqing couldn’t help but touch his body, feeling a bit hot. He also touched his lips, and although they were a little swollen, it wasn’t too bad.

So he didn’t understand what was going on at all.

Liu Zhenqing was instinctively inclined to think it was a dream. How could it be possible? Er-gou, ah, how could he……and with the look in those eyes and his fierce actions, how could Er-gou have done such a thing to him?

Huh?

And if it was a dream?

Why did I have this dream, ah! ! ! ! ! ! !

The situation suddenly became thus: either Er-gou had made a blunder, or Liu Zhenqing himself had made a blunder.

But Er-gou was so well-behaved, obedient, and sensible that Liu Zhenqing could only conclude that there was something wrong with himself.

But he’s still a child, ah! Am I a beast?!!!

Don’t panic, don’t panic. Dreams weren’t necessarily a reflection of reality. Perhaps his body had needs, and the last person he saw had been Er-gou sleeping next to him. Er-gou’s scent was all around, which caused him to be affected. It didn’t mean anything.

Liu Zhenqing sent a covert glance at Huo Fenglie beside him. His gaze inexplicably moved to his lips, which were red and rosy…..ai, don’t look at them. He didn’t like men, not to mention that Er-gou was his little didi, ah!

In a fluster, he couldn’t help but grab a Rubik’s Cube. He placed small toys around where he slept, and there was one on Huo Fenglie’s bed. Liu Zhenqing knew this, and found it by touch.

The click-click-click sounds were disordered at the beginning, and became regular later on, evidence that Liu Zhenqing had calmed down.

Suddenly, there was movement beside him: “Qing-ge?”

His voice was hoarse, as if he had just woken up.

Liu Zhenqing froze, immediately filled with regret. He had reflected and calmed down, but why had he stayed in bed, ah? He’d clearly been released, and was able to escape.

Thinking of this, Liu Zhenqing was vexed once more. Why should he have to escape, ah? It was just a small gaffe. Why did he feel so guilty?

Just as he was thinking, Huo Fenglie poked his head over.

Liu Zhenqing felt a weight on his back as Huo Fenglie leaned against him. He even rested his head on his shoulder lazily, looking down at the Rubik’s Cube in his hand.

It was a very common action, but Liu Zhenqing’s heartbeat was thrown into chaos.

Because the weight was familiar, and the scent coming closer and closer was familiar. Everything was just like in the dream.

“Qing-ge is so good at playing. Teach me?” As he said this, Huo Fenglie stretched his arms over each side of Liu Zhenqing’s ribs. He seemed to be taking the Rubik’s cube from his hands, but his posture seemed more like he was embracing him.

He originally wouldn’t have thought there was anything wrong with this posture, but Liu Zhenqing roused with a start, feeling that it was a little too much.

Liu Zhenqing turned around with the intention of asking Huo Fenglie to move away, but when he turned over, he saw how close Huo Fenglie was.

Although he wasn’t as close as in the dream, Liu Zhenqing instantly saw a familiar expression on his face, and the eyes staring at him made his heart skip a beat.

And Huo Fenglie’s gaze moved from his eyes to his lips. Even though he had kissed him passionately before, it still felt like it wasn’t enough – but now, he didn’t dare. Before, he was out of control. His emotions had completely erupted, and he didn’t care if he was discovered. But now…..

Huo Fenglie’s eyes gradually darkened. How could someone who had eaten meat go back to drinking soup? It seemed like it was becoming increasingly easy to lose control.

“Er…..gou.” Liu Zhenqing suddenly spoke up, interrupting Huo Fenglie’s slow approach.

“En?”

Liu Zhenqing didn’t know if it was all in his head, but Er-gou had looked as if he was going to kiss him. Startled, he’d instinctively opened his mouth to cut through the strange atmosphere.

Liu Zhenqing was flustered, and could only bring up a random topic: “R-right, who is your sweetheart, ah?”

Huo Fenglie tensed up. When he raised his eyes to stare at Liu Zhenqing, his expression gradually became serious, as if he was about to blurt something out.

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(Alt Universe) Extra 12 << Table of Contents >> (Alt Universe) Extra 14

Chapter 17 – Coincidence

Feng Ye had left, but Hao Chen hadn’t.

He had told Feng Ye that he had something to do. This was just an excuse, but when he left, he remembered that he actually did have something to take care of.

Hao Chen arrived at a lake in the back mountain. This lake wasn’t large, but due to the rich spiritual energy in this location, the water was quite clear.

There were also a few docile, herbivorous monsters by the lake, lowering their necks to drink from it.

Hao Chen looked around and confirmed that no one was there. Suddenly, he opened his fan and waved it gently at his side, and an invisible barrier spread open around him.

This barrier was able to block both spiritual energy and sound, putting Hao Chen enough at ease to continue. Taking the handle of his fan, he waved it at the surface of the lake.

Something invisible seemed to touch its tranquil surface, and ripples spread out from that point circle after circle.

And as the ripples spread outward, there also came a frighteningly cold aura.

Due to the sudden drop in temperature, white frost climbed up the grass and trees beside the water.

The herbivorous monsters drinking water beside the lake lifted their heads in alarm. They didn’t understand what was happening, but that didn’t prevent them from realizing how powerful the monster in front of them was. They immediately made a wild escape from the lake.

Hao Chen didn’t care about this group of low-level monsters. He waited quietly, and after a few breaths, the rippling lake returned to calm.

But the surface of the lake was no longer clear. Instead, it revealed the silhouette of a palace.

This was not an ordinary human palace, but more like a dragon palace of legend. It was decorated with precious pearls and corals, the smallest pearl as big as a fist. These would be priceless treasures in the human realm, but here they were just placed casually.

And judging from the schools of fish, shrimp, and crabs swimming through the image, this palace was likely built underwater. Even if it wasn’t a dragon palace, it was superior to one.

A hunchbacked old person in loose robes slowly came to the center of the image, then slowly saluted Hao Chen from the other side of the lake.

This set of movements seemed to be done in slow motion. Hao Chen watched him move cun by cun, and really didn’t have the patience to watch him perform the entire set of etiquette. 

He simply raised his fan and gestured: “Prime Minister Turtle, no need to be polite.”

The standard-issue Prime Minister Turtle of the dragon palace paused.

Feng Ye was probably not very far away. Although Hao Chen felt that his barrier was perfectly solid, he didn’t want to take any risks. The sooner this conversation was over, the better.

Thus, he got straight to the point: “What did you contact me for?”

Prime Minister Turtle considered for a moment, then said: “My Lord, we took stock of all the warehouses this month and finally found what the thief stole…..”

Prime Minister Turtle moved slowly, but spoke fast. But at this moment, he slowed down for no reason, demonstrating hesitation…..or perhaps disbelief.

Hao Chen frowned and asked impatiently: “What was stolen?”

Prime Minister Turtle then gave an incredible answer: “A drop of water.”

Surprise appeared on Hao Chen’s face. He repeated: “A drop of water?”

That thief had traveled thousands of li from the mortal world to the North Sea, leaving so many rare treasures behind and only stealing a drop of water?

“A drop of extremely cold water from the abyss in the far north.” Prime Minister Turtle added: “The North Sea is very cold, especially the abyss in the far north. Humans are unable to enter. He captured an octopus spirit who had cultivated for hundreds of years to help him accomplish it.”

If the octopus spirit hadn’t confessed after the fact, they never would have known that someone had stolen something as tiny as a drop of water.

Their investigation this month was mainly for the purpose of confirming whether the thief stole only that drop of water, and thus far it appeared to be true.

But this was even more unbelievable. Leaving aside how difficult it was to come to the North Sea from the human world, the environment there was extremely unsuited to human survival. The thief would have been at constant risk of dying from the lingering chill of the North Sea.

He had risked so much just to steal a single drop of water. For what reason?

Hao Chen was just as puzzled. He had lived for so long, but this was his first time encountering such a strange thing.

He rested the handle of his fan against his chin, trying to sort this matter out from the beginning.

It all started more than a month ago. As he did most of the time, Hao Chen had been floating quietly on the sea – or rather, sleeping.

When he was tired of sleeping, he would turn over and bask in the sparse sunlight of the North Sea.

Unexpectedly, the normally quiet North Sea became noisy, with large numbers of fish, shrimp, and crabs marching in neat lines.

Hao Chen attempted to ignore this and continue sleeping as usual, but he was unable to ignore the noise. With a hint of anger at being woken up, he swung his tail and knocked over a line of shrimp swimming past him.

It was fine to be grumpy when he woke up, and it was fine to swing his tail, but he was too big. When the black fish as big as an island swung his tail, he directly raised a wave one hundred meters high.

The North Sea was silent for a brief moment, then became even noisier.

Because the true Lord of the North Sea had awoken.

After venting his anger, Hao Chen sat in the main hall and listened to Prime Minister Turtle’s brief account of the sudden turmoil in the North Sea.

An octopus spirit came to the hall to report that a human had come to steal, and had forced it into petty theft. As it spoke, it wiped its tears with the only tentacle it had left.

If not for the fact that losing a limb wasn’t fatal for this particular species, it would have been killed by the ruthless thief.

How could this be tolerated?!

How could a human be so bold in the North Sea?!

Although Hao Chen was still asleep at that time, Prime Minister Turtle had acted decisively and ordered all troops to search for the thief.

Unexpectedly, the search was so noisy that it woke up Hao Chen.

Now that Hao Chen was awake, it was naturally up to him to decide what to do next.

Hao Chen sat upon a throne made of coral. He held his chin in thought, feeling that it was truly boring to remain in the North Sea. If it wasn’t so boring, he wouldn’t have to sleep all the time.

Since he was awake now, he might as well take the opportunity to go to the human realm under the pretext of searching for the thief.

Despite such great effort, Prime Minister Turtle had been unable to find the thief. Then there was only one possibility – the thief had escaped back to the human realm.

Thus, Hao Chen had come to the human realm just over a month prior.

In order to smooth the way, he used some tricks to obtain the identity of a disciple of Tiangong Pavilion. For some inexplicable reason – which Feng Ye would label conceit –  Hao Chen insisted on using his actual appearance despite the fact that it could expose his identity.

No one had caught sight of the thief. The only one who had seen him was the octopus. However, the octopus thought that all humans looked the same, so its description didn’t hold much value. The only clue it provided was that the thief had a piece of wrinkled skin like a sea eggplant on his left cheek.

When translated, this meant that the thief had been wounded on the left side of his face, which left a very distinctive scar. But this information was useless. Appearance was the easiest thing to disguise. Moreover, although the mortal realm was not as vast as the heavens, it also wasn’t small. This being the case, how could he find that person?

But Hao Chen had another way to track him. Since the thief had been to the North Sea, he must have been stained with the North Sea’s unique chill, which wouldn’t fade in the short term.

He simply chased that cold aura the whole way in an extremely improper manner.

Although he said he was here to catch the thief, Hao Chen’s purpose was greater than that. No matter what the thief had stolen, he wouldn’t have missed it much. His North Sea was rich, and he was a true local tycoon. The main purpose of this trip was to have some fun.

In addition, he happened to pass by the scene of a murder and robbery and saw a dead body, which he didn’t treat seriously at the time.

He pursued the thief passively for over a month, following the thief’s route all the way to Lingxiao Sword Sect.

This was the place where the cold aura finally dissipated. Only then did Hao Chen realize that he had been slacking off for too long – to the point that the cold aura was completely gone.

But it was no big deal. He didn’t actually care about catching the thief, so with the mentality of having a look around, he made up a half-hearted excuse and prepared to sneak into Lingxiao Sword Sect to see if the thief had left any clues behind.

Unexpectedly, he met Feng Ye.

Hao Chen initially suspected that he was the thief, but later realized he couldn’t be. The timing was all wrong.

For a month, that thief had been busy wandering the world, leaving footsteps in many locations. Hao Chen regarded him as his tour guide in the human realm and followed those footsteps to travel around.

And Feng Ye had been residing in Lingxiao Sword Sect for the past month. Although his identity was in question, he shouldn’t be the thief.

But this did not affect Hao Chen’s interest in Feng Ye. It was rare for him to meet such an interesting person in his tens of thousands of years.

So, he irresponsibly tossed the matter of catching the thief aside and instead pestered Feng Ye, vowing to unearth his identity.

However, Feng Ye had impersonated someone a month ago. Similarly, the thief had gone to the North Sea to take a drop of water a month ago and had also come to Lingxiao Sword Sect.

Could there be no connection between these two things?

Not necessarily.

The timing was too coincidental, as well as the location. There were too many coincidences, that was certain.

Therefore, Hao Chen found a fair and reasonable excuse to stay.

Hao Chen didn’t speak for a while as he sorted out his thoughts.

Prime Minister Turtle waited, but couldn’t help asking about a matter he was concerned about: “My Lord, the thief…..has he been caught?”

Compared to the real ruler of the North Sea, Hao Chen, who was extremely irresponsible and felt that catching the thief was unimportant, Prime Minister Turtle had a strong sense of collective honor. He was very angry at the thief for daring to break in, and had vowed to bring him to justice.

Hao Chen’s hand holding the fan paused for a moment. The thief…..he had lost track of him while traveling along the way.

However, as a creature capable of surviving the North Sea, the first requirement was to have thick skin. Without thick skin and a layer of fat, it was impossible to maintain one’s body temperature in the freezing environment of the North Sea.

Therefore, Hao Chen was extremely thick-skinned, which Feng Ye would have a lot to say about.

Hao Chen said to Prime Minister Turtle without a change in expression: “The thief was too cunning. I lost him.”

Prime Minister Turtle was shocked to hear this: “Even you…..”

Hao Chen nodded heavily. 

There was alarm on Prime Minister Turtle’s face: “Who exactly is this person? You’re the most powerful person in the world. How could anyone escape your pursuit?”

“This is bad.” Prime Minister Turtle’s thoughts diverged, and he immediately came up with a series of horrific scenarios: “Could it be the Yinglong from the Southern Sea? I’ve heard that he’s cruel and warlike, and has the ambition of ruling the world. I and several sea lords are worried that he might come to our North Sea…..”

“Prime Minister Turtle.” Hao Chen could only interrupt these outrageous speculations. That thief was just an ordinary human being, likely at the Nascent Soul stage. He had failed to catch him because of his own slowness, not because his opponent was too capable.

But if Hao Chen wanted to explain this without exposing his previous lie, he would have to tell another lie. It seemed the human saying was true – once you told a lie, countless lies would be needed to cover it up.

But it didn’t matter. He was the boss, and had no need to give explanations to his subordinates.

Hao Chen simply frowned, and Prime Minister Turtle didn’t dare to speak further.

When Hao Chen was about to end the conversation, he suddenly asked: “Is there a person named Feng Ye among the heavens?”

He spent most of his time sleeping, and his familiarity with the heavenly realm was no greater than with the human realm.

Prime Minister Turtle, who assisted him with government affairs, was much more knowledgeable. He thought for a moment before replying: “Among the well-known gods, there doesn’t seem to be anyone with this name. But I only know about the North Sea and the areas around it. I don’t know if there is a god named Feng Ye farther away.”

“Go investigate, and contact me when you have results,” Hao Chen commanded.

“Yes,” Prime Minister Turtle said with a bow.

His movements were slow once more.

Without waiting for Prime Minister Turtle to finish the ceremonial etiquette, Hao Chen waved his fan and ended the communication. 

The surface of the lake returned to normal, and the barrier he had erected around it dissipated as well.

Hao Chen closed his fan, and stood there thinking for a while before deciding to go down the mountain and find Feng Ye.

The heavens were enormous, a thousand times larger than this human realm. It would likely take Prime Minister Turtle a long time to search for that name.

Hao Chen had plenty of time. Compared to the short lifespan of humans, a single instance of sleep for him could last for several generations of mankind.

But at present, he was too curious about Feng Ye’s identity. In tens of thousands of years, there were few people who could arouse his interest like this.

So Hao Chen wouldn’t wait for Prime Minister Turtle to search slowly – he also intended to look for clues from Feng Ye.

Besides, there was an eighty percent chance that the name ‘Feng Ye’ was fake. It was very likely that Prime Minister Turtle would have no results, so it was best to prepare for both situations.

With this thought in mind, Hao Chen walked slowly down the mountain. Then, at the foot of the mountain, he once again met Feng Ye, who should have been long gone.

Hao Chen: “……”

Feng Ye: “……”

Neither side was prepared for this unexpected encounter.

After a beat, Hao Chen asked: “Fellow Daoist Feng Ye, why are you here?” Didn’t you go down the mountain quite a while ago?

Feng Ye heard the inquiry in Hao Chen’s words. He was speechless for a moment, then said vaguely: “I….took the wrong path, so it took me a while to get here.”

After answering, he threw the question back: “Why is Fellow Daoist Hao Chen here?”

It was Hao Chen’s turn to be speechless. He paused, then copied his answer: “I also took the wrong path, and got here via detour.”

“Haha, what a coincidence, ah.” Feng Ye laughed dryly, not going into why Hao Chen had plagiarized his answer.

“Yes, what a coincidence, ah. My fate with Fellow Daoist Feng Ye is truly destined by heaven.” Hao Chen offered a fake smile.

Then the two of them tacitly dropped the subject. They walked side by side all the way back, endlessly uneasy, wondering if the other person had found out what he’d done.

He shouldn’t have……right?

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Chapter 16 << Table of Contents >> Chapter 18