Chapter 85

Xue Laohu stirred from his nap, his body languid as he stretched each limb with deliberate slowness. A yawn escaped his lips, soft and unhurried, as he dragged himself out of bed. The evening light filtering through the thin curtains that casted a golden pink hue over the room, illuminating the smooth lines of his face as he slipped out of his wrinkled robes. The fabric fell in a careless heap on the floor, forgotten as his bare feet carried him toward his newly organized closet. 

His fingers brushed over the neatly arranged robes, the faint scent of sandalwood wafting up as he selected one to wear. As he pulled on the fresh garment, his gaze inadvertently fell upon the pristine stack of handkerchiefs folded with precision. A deep flush crept across his cheeks, and he quickly averted his eyes, embarrassment pricking at his composure. With a sharp motion, he closed the closet doors and turned away, slipping into his shoes.

Outside, the air was cool and crisp, carrying with it the faint fragrance of peach blossoms. Xue Laohu stepped into the courtyard with the grace of a grandmaster, his movements fluid as he gathered a few stray strands of hair and tied them into a loose bun at the crown of his head. The quiet morning was broken by the rhythmic sounds of sparring from the disciples' courtyard.

There, Xue Tuzi and Li Zhameng were locked in a heated practice session. Kicks sent dust spiraling into the air, while swift palm strikes shifted the atmosphere with bursts of energy. Their focus was unwavering, the sharp crack of contact echoing in the space between them. Xue Laohu paused at a distance, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he observed their diligence.

With a sharp clap of his hands, he brought the sparring to an abrupt halt. The two disciples straightened immediately, bowing deeply before rushing to greet their Shizun.

"Very well done," Xue Laohu remarked, his tone light but approving. He flicked open his folding fan, the delicate design painted across its surface fluttering briefly as he whisked it lazily against his face. "Tomorrow, we begin our new journey," he added, snapping the fan shut with a decisive motion and tucking it behind his back.

"The road ahead will be rigorous, but I have no doubt that both of you are ready to evolve your core foundation." His words were firm, his expression thoughtful, though in truth, Yi Ming—the transmigrated soul inhabiting Xue Laohu's body—barely understood half of what he was saying. These were phrases he had memorized from other elders during his time observing the sect. Core foundation? Golden core? Yi Ming barely knew the mechanics behind these concepts.

All he truly knew was that the system had given him a directive: Xue Tuzi, the protagonist of this world, needed to break his spiritual seal. This obviously meant ascending and that would inevitably involve some arduous journey that would trigger the next major plotline. Naturally, Yi Ming wouldn't leave Li Zhameng behind; while the disciple was destined to remain nothing more than a mediocre NPC, he had his charms.

But Shudu… where was Shudu? Yi Ming's thoughts drifted to the absent figure. The system hadn't specified any romantic development between Xue Tuzi and Shudu, but Yi Ming felt a pang of uncertainty. Would their relationship ever flourish if Shudu continued to linger on the sidelines? Better to bring him along, Yi Ming decided, if only to ensure the narrative didn't stray too far off course.

He turned his attention back to his disciples. "Tomorrow, we start our journey. Rest well. Both of you are dismissed."

Xue Tuzi and Li Zhameng's eyes lit up with excitement they bowed low, their voices filled with gratitude as they bid their Shizun farewell and departed to their quarters, their footsteps fading into the stillness of the evening. Left alone in the quiet courtyard, Xue Laohu sighed softly, glancing at the horizon.

At dusk Xue Tuzi approached his room, the faint golden glow spilling out from the doorway. His footsteps slowed, a frown tugging at his lips as the realization dawned—there was only one person who would be bold enough to intrude uninvited. His brows furrowed further, irritation simmering beneath his calm facade as he slammed the door open.

Inside, the soft flicker of a lantern's flame illuminated the room, its light dancing over Shudu's figure. He stood by the lantern, his tall frame relaxed, his long, coily black hair glistening with moisture as he gently patted it dry with a towel. His movements were unhurried, the delicate play of light accentuating the sandy tan of his skin. As the door banged against the wall, Shudu shifted slightly, his sharp eyes meeting Xue Tuzi's fierce scowl.

"Do you want me to leave?" Shudu asked softly, his hands stilling as he let the towel rest against his face, obscuring his expression. His voice was steady, calm, but the faintest hint of vulnerability threaded through his words.

"Please!" Xue Tuzi snapped coldly, his glare unwavering. His arms crossed tightly over his chest, his posture stiff with restrained emotion.

From the inside of Xue Tuzi's robes, Jiao Jiao, the little Gu worm, popped out of his qiankun pouch. The small creature puffed out his round head, his wide eyes narrowing into slits as he mirrored Xue Tuzi's scowl. With his tiny nubs crossed in a display of mock anger, he made his displeasure clear.

Shudu exhaled, the sound soft but heavy with unspoken feelings. He pulled the towel away from his face, draping it over his bare, muscular shoulder. Without another word, he turned and walked past Xue Tuzi, his movements fluid, but his silence weighed heavily in the room.

Xue Tuzi's eyes widened in surprise as Shudu brushed past him. His crossed arms slowly fell to his sides as he watched the other man leave. Jiao Jiao, oblivious to the tension, hopped up onto Xue Tuzi's shoulder and pulled down his eyelid, sticking out his tiny tongue in a mocking gesture at Shudu's retreating figure.

The door clicked shut, and the room grew quiet once more. Xue Tuzi let out a shaky breath, stumbling forward before collapsing to his knees beside his bed. He clutched a pillow tightly to his chest, leaning against the edge of the bed as his emotions swirled chaotically within him.

"He can go wherever he wants. I don't care," he murmured, his voice a fragile whisper. His words trembled as if trying to convince himself of their truth.

Jiao Jiao, sensing Xue Tuzi's sadness, scurried into his lap, his small nub patting Xue Tuzi's tear-streaked face with gentle affection. Together, they climbed into bed, the warmth of Jiao Jiao's presence a small comfort against the chill of solitude. Xue Tuzi reached over to blow out the candles, and darkness enveloped the room, save for the faint glow of the lantern left behind.

Meanwhile, deep in the forest, Shudu sat perched on the thick branch of a towering tree, the night wind playing through the leaves. His long hair shimmered faintly in the moonlight as his fingers skillfully wove it into a single braid. The serene scene was disrupted only by the soft, spinning sounds of Xiao Zongzi, the spider demon who had taken up residence nearby. She spun her web across a neighboring branch, securing her place for the night as she cast a curious glance at her master.

"Master, will you really not be spending the night with Second Master?" she asked, her voice high-pitched but tinged with concern.

"No," Shudu replied, his voice low and steady, though it carried the unmistakable weight of sadness. "He doesn't want me there."

Xiao Zongzi tilted her head, surprised by her master's compliance. In the past, Shudu might have stayed despite Xue Tuzi's protests, but tonight was different. He had made a promise to himself—a promise to respect Xue Tuzi's wishes, even if it meant being cast aside.

The spider hesitated, watching as Shudu's hands stilled on his braid. "Master, are you sure this is wise? Second Master—"

"It doesn't matter," Shudu interrupted gently, the corner of his mouth tugging into a faint, bittersweet smile. "If this is what he wants, then so be it."

As the moonlight filtered through the canopy, Shudu leaned back against the tree trunk, his gaze distant as he stared at the stars.

Night had bled into day, yet Xue Tuzi had failed to catch even a fleeting moment of sleep. He had tossed and turned relentlessly, clutching pillows as if they could fill the void and burrowing deep beneath his blankets to ward off the creeping chill. No matter how he curled himself into the warmth of his bed, his restless body still ached for the radiating heat that only Shudu's presence seemed to provide. The thought made his chest tighten, and with a frustrated groan, he pushed himself upright.

The soft sound of snoring broke through the morning silence. Jiao Jiao lay nestled by his side, his tiny, jelly-like body rising and falling with each peaceful breath. His round belly bobbed gently, and his mouth hung slightly open, releasing faint squeaks with each exhale. The sight should have been comforting, but instead, it sparked a pang of jealousy in Xue Tuzi. How dare the little Gu worm sleep so soundly when he himself had spent the night staring into the dark abyss of his own thoughts?

Unable to help himself, Xue Tuzi poked Jiao Jiao in the side. The Gu worm startled awake with a tiny, high-pitched cry, his eyes blinking wide with confusion as he clutched his squishy limbs to his body.

"You were snoring all night," Xue Tuzi said, his tone laced with faux annoyance. "Didn't let me sleep."

Jiao Jiao's glossy eyes shimmered with guilt, trembling as if he might burst into tears at any moment. His small tail curled tightly around his body, his entire demeanor radiating regret. Xue Tuzi's resolve faltered instantly. With a soft sigh, he reached down and scooped the little worm into his hands.

"I'm sorry," Xue Tuzi murmured, pressing a few gentle kisses to Jiao Jiao's big, jelly-like head. The Gu worm quivered slightly but didn't pull away, his soft squeaks now filled with relief. "I shouldn't take out my frustrations on you. Can Xiao Jiao forgive me?"

He tilted his head, gazing at the little creature with round, doe-like eyes that gleamed with sincerity. His thick lashes brushed against the apples of his cheeks, softening his expression into something almost childlike. Jiao Jiao squeaked again, this time in agreement, and nodded enthusiastically. With a burst of energy, he burrowed his head into Xue Tuzi's chest, his little body radiating affection.

"Are you hungry?" Xue Tuzi asked, his voice gentle as he cradled the tiny Gu worm against his chest. He felt a faint, familiar pinch near his heart as Jiao Jiao began to feed, soft suckling sounds filling the quiet room.

Xue Tuzi sighed, leaning back as his gaze drifted to the window. The golden morning light poured into the room, bathing it in a soft glow, but his thoughts were elsewhere. His mind wandered to Shudu, to the way the other man had left without a word, and to the strange ache that lingered in his chest in Shudu's absence.

After finishing his meal, Jiao Jiao let out a series of tiny, satisfied burps as Xue Tuzi gently patted the little Gu worm's back. The soft sound of contentment brought a rare smile to Xue Tuzi's lips. Jiao Jiao wriggled cheerfully in his hands, his gelatinous body glowing faintly with satisfaction. "All full now?" Xue Tuzi murmured, placing the small creature back into his pouch where Jiao Jiao promptly curled up for a post-meal nap.

With a sigh, Xue Tuzi slipped into a fresh set of robes, their soft fabric rustling as he fastened the sash around his waist. He tucked a few stray strands of hair behind his ears before stepping out into the crisp morning air, his pace hurried. Today, his tardiness wasn't due to oversleeping but rather his care and attention toward Jiao Jiao. Yet, as he reached the disciples' quarters, his heart sank, realizing he was, as usual, late.

Kneeling down, Xue Tuzi lowered his head and spoke formally, his voice tinged with guilt. "This disciple is late and has failed Shizun. He asks for punishment."

Xue Laohu stood before him, tapping his fan against his palm with an air of mild exasperation. "Nonsense. Get up," he said, waving his hand dismissively. Then, his brow furrowed as he looked around. "Have you seen Shudu? Where is—"

Before Xue Laohu could finish his sentence, a sultry voice drifted out from the shadows of the courtyard, smooth and self-assured. "This venerable one wishes to grace Grandmaster Xue with his presence."

From behind the tall stone pillars, Shudu emerged, his movements unhurried yet commanding. The golden light of the morning bathed his figure, accentuating the effortless grace in his every step. His lips curved into a faint smile, one that didn't quite reach his eyes, as he approached. Xue Tuzi, still kneeling, darted a glance toward him before quickly averting his gaze, his heart constricting at the sight.

Xue Laohu's laugh was quick and nervous, his fan flicking open as he waved it in front of his face. "Good, good! Now that everyone's here, let's depart." Without waiting for a reply, he spun on his heel, his robes sweeping dramatically behind him. "A-Tuzi, get up! We're leaving," he called over his shoulder, already leading the group toward the forest path that marked the start of their journey.

The forest grew dense around them, the towering trees casting long shadows that danced in the morning breeze. Xue Laohu strolled ahead, his fan tapping rhythmically against his lips as he observed the group. To his surprise, the usual dynamic between Xue Tuzi and Shudu was absent. The playful teasing, the veiled flirting—it was all gone. Instead, a tense silence hung between them. Neither one so much as glanced at the other, their gazes fixed firmly ahead as if the other didn't exist.

Xue Laohu's brows furrowed as unease crept into his thoughts. He didn't know whether to laugh or cry at the sudden shift. While Shudu's teasing had often bordered on provocative, it had at least shown a spark of romantic interest, a fascination that had seemed impossible to ignore. But now, Shudu's demeanor was cold, distant, and composed, and the change gnawed at Xue Laohu's nerves.

The air grew heavy as the group pushed deeper into the forest, the once serene atmosphere turning foreboding. Without warning, a monstrous roar shattered the silence. From the depths of the thicket, a massive ogre emerged, its hulking frame shaking the ground with each thunderous step. Its colossal hands slammed toward the group, forcing them to scatter into a defensive formation just as more ogres burst forth from under the trees.

Xue Tuzi reacted swiftly, pulling the needle-thread from his hair. The metallic threads gleamed in the dappled sunlight as he darted through the forest, weaving traps between the thick trees. Nearby, Shudu launched himself into the air, his powerful legs propelling him onto the branches above. From his vantage point, he landed precise, devastating kicks onto the ogres' heads, his movements fluid and deadly. One by one, the beasts stumbled into Xue Tuzi's thread traps, their limbs ensnared as they roared in frustration.

Xue Laohu, ever elegant even in battle, whisked his fan with a flick of his wrist, summoning a gust of wind strong enough to knock one ogre off its feet. The creature tumbled backward, crashing into the underbrush with a deafening thud. Meanwhile, Li Zhameng struggled at the edge of the battlefield, his gun clutched tightly in his trembling hands. He fired off shot after shot, each one missing its mark until the barrel clicked, empty.

Panic seized him as an ogre charged, its massive frame barreling toward him with unrelenting force. Li Zhameng scrambled to reload his weapon, his hands shaking as he sprinted through the thick vines and roots that threatened to trip him. But his escape was short-lived—cornered against a jagged rock, he turned to face the oncoming ogre, his breath hitching in fear.

From the shadows, a cloaked figure emerged, his movements swift and purposeful. His eyes, sharp and discerning, locked onto Li Zhameng as he muttered under his breath, "Yunwu."

The cloaked man quickened his pace, closing the distance in an instant. Just as the ogre's massive hand swung toward Li Zhameng, threatening to crush him like an insect, the man intervened. Li Zhameng shut his eyes, bracing for impact, only to feel himself lifted into the air. When he opened them, he found himself cradled securely in the man's arms, their bodies suspended mid-flight.

The wind rushed past them as the cloaked man carried him far from the chaos, his expression unreadable beneath the shadows of his hood.