CONGRATULATIONS USER! ROMANTIC ENCOUNTER ACHIEVED: +500 LIFE POINTS
The system notification rang cheerfully in Yi Ming's mind, the playful sounds of a party horn and celebratory confetti filling his senses. Yet, the sickening reality of what he had just witnessed made his blood run cold. His face went pale, his stomach twisting in protest.
Shudu, grinning with dark satisfaction, he had vomited a dense, seething mass of demonic energy directly into Xue Tuzi's open mouth. The grotesque scene left Yi Ming teetering on the edge of his own nausea as he pressed down the urge to retch, reluctantly wiping the dark remnants from Xue Tuzi's lips. Shudu licked his own mouth, savoring the taste of his expelled essence with a pleased smirk, his eyes gleaming with sinister satisfaction.
Xue Tuzi convulsed, coughing as he swallowed down the last of the vile energy, his body spasming slightly with each gulp. Slowly, his eyes fluttered open, glazed but faintly aware, the lingering remnants of demonic power darkening his gaze as he focused unsteadily on Xue Laohu.
"Shizun…" Xue Tuzi's voice came as a fragile whisper, his gaze barely focusing, weak but filled with a glimmer of trust. Xue Laohu's heart clenched with guilt as he gathered Xue Tuzi into a close embrace, pressing a tender kiss to his forehead. He wanted so badly to confess what had transpired- but he couldn't bear to reveal it, all he wanted was to protect him.
"I'm just relieved you're alright," Xue Laohu murmured, forcing a soft smile as he ran a gentle hand along Xue Tuzi's cheek, brushing away a few stray crumbs of vomit that clung to his flushed, delicate skin. He felt a pang of tenderness mixed with his lingering remorse, grateful yet haunted.
The system chimed again in his mind, a series of cheerful tones that clashed starkly with the nausea he felt.
+100 POINTS FOR EROTICA
+100 POINTS FOR ACHIEVING SINGLE PINK HEART ON GONG
+100 POINTS FOR SENSUAL SHOU
In total, Yi Ming's efforts had gained him 800 Life Points—an impressive feat under normal circumstances. Yet, even as he tallied his winnings, he knew the next move would cost him dearly. He watched his points diminish by 500 as he purchased the Elixir of Life, a decision made in a heartbeat, he then presented it with both hands to Lord Yanhua and his wife, Shiliu. Just like that, he was nearly back to where he started.
"Lord Yanhua," Xue Laohu began, steadying his voice before he turned to leave, "you once held the three mystical items in your possession. I wonder if you remember to whom you handed them to?"
"The Mirror of Reflection was claimed by a man in a cloak," Lord Yanhua began, his brows furrowing as he recalled the vague, shadowed image. "I couldn't clearly see their face, but they were clearly otherworldly. The Celestial Compass, however, ended up in the hands of a skilled human martial artist. And finally, the Scroll of Recurring Nightmares was taken by a rougue cultivator."
"Hmmm… interesting." Xue Laohu nodded thoughtfully, absorbing the information. He gave a respectful bow. "Thank you, Lord Yanhua."
As Xue Laohu straightened, the flames that had ravaged Huo Mountain began to dwindle, smothered as if by some unseen force. With the last embers extinguished, the cries of imprisoned humans ceased, their cells magically unlocking as they stumbled, confused yet grateful, into the open. With their freedom restored, Xue Laohu's mission was, for the most part, complete.
He turned to leave, gathering his small group, the Shou MC Xue Tuzi, the Gong ML Shudu and his random NPC Li Zhameng. Together, they departed from the charred landscape of Huo Mountain, heading back toward the mist-veiled peaks of Mount Dingbu.
Upon their return to Mount Dingbu, Xue Laohu and co were greeted with troubling news: Lord Mao and many of the male disciples had been attacked, left drained of blood and spiritual energy by a snake-like creature.
"Only the male disciples were affected?" Xue Laohu gasped, quickening his pace as he crossed the courtyard, heading straight toward Lord Mao's bedchamber. His brow furrowed in worry.
"That—that's correct," a young disciple stammered, hesitating as he led the way. His voice was low and uncertain, hinting at the confusion and fear that had settled over the sect.
Inside the bedchamber, the scene was grim. Lord Mao lay motionless, his breaths shallow and labored. His face, once strong and steady, was now pale and damp with sweat, his eyes closed as he shook with fever. Around him, other disciples lay scattered on cots, their bodies wracked with similar symptoms: gasping breaths, trembling limbs, and faces slick with sweat, as if struggling against some invisible force.
Xue Laohu's mind raced as he tried to think of a solution. Suddenly, an idea struck him—Jiao Jiao. The little Gu worm was skilled at absorbing negative energy and might be able to draw the poison out of the afflicted disciples. He turned to Jiao Jiao and asked, "Xiao Jiao, could you help us and drain the poison from those who have been infected?"
"Tch." Shudu scoffed, crossing his arms with irritation. "He doesn't listen or take orders from anyone other than that—" His eyes narrowed sharply at Xue Tuzi, glaring with thinly veiled resentment "that bitch."
Unbothered, Xue Tuzi held Jiao Jiao in his arms, cradling him gently. In a soft, affectionate tone, he asked, "Xiao Jiao, can you help us and drain the poison from Lord Mao and the others? Please, for me?" He tilted his head, fluttering his lashes at the tiny creature with a gentle smile.
Jiao Jiao's big bug eyes formed a crescent shape, glinting with happiness at Xue Tuzi's request. He nodded eagerly and soon scurried over to the nearest victim, immediately beginning to work. A faint glow emitted from him as he methodically absorbed the venom from each disciple, one by one. As he moved between them, the air grew lighter, and the strained breaths of the infected began to steady.
Meanwhile, Shudu roamed the room, observing each of the disciples with a sharp eye. He noticed a peculiar detail—a faint, identical mark on each of the afflicted disciples, just visible beneath their collars, like a subtle brand or seal.
"This is no ordinary bite," Shudu muttered, his voice low and tense as he leaned over one of the afflicted disciples. He traced his fingers carefully over the wound, his touch light but discerning. "This is the mark of a demon snake."
"A demon snake?" Xue Laohu's eyes widened in shock as he moved closer to get a better look.
Shudu nodded, his gaze dark and focused. "Yes, demon snakes are notorious for indulging in human flesh and blood. But this one… it seems to have gone beyond mere hunger. It's been feasting excessively. Yet…" He paused, crossing his arms and placing a thoughtful hand on his chin. "Most demon snakes would consume their prey entirely. This one, however, left them alive. Strange behavior for a demon that doesn't usually leave loose ends. The problem is that snake demonic saliva is lethal to humans once it enters the bloodstream. The average person has no chance of surviving it."
Xue Laohu's expression grew troubled as he processed the information. "Huh… so it's kind of like rabies?" he muttered, the comparison slipping out before he could think better of it.
Shudu's eyes snapped to him, frowning in confusion. "What? Rabies? What are you talking about?"
"Eh… never mind. Just forget it." Xue Laohu waved his hand dismissively, pulling out his fan and fanning himself anxiously. His thoughts raced, already searching for a solution. "We need an antidote, and fast."
One of the disciples nearby, who had some training in the medicinal arts, stepped forward hesitantly. "On the far eastern side of Mount Dingbu, there's a sage," he said, his voice filled with hope. "He's well-versed in antidotes and herbal remedies. But… it won't be easy to reach him. That area is crawling with demons, especially at night."
On cue, the system's alarm blared in Yi Ming's mind, its sound as sharp and grating as nails on a chalkboard.
NEW MISSION: REFLECTIONS OF TWISTED FAITH – THE TRUTH UNVEILED
The notification flashed insistently before his eyes, demanding his attention. Yi Ming scowled, feeling a surge of irritation, and tried to swipe the message away, but the raspy, disembodied voice of the system refused to leave him in peace.
GONG AND SHOU MUST UNVEIL THEIR TRUE NATURE. WORTH 100 POINTS EACH.
"What does that even mean?" Yi Ming muttered, frustration spilling over as he tugged at his hair. "Explain yourself, system!" he demanded, but his words were met with silence. Only a final ominous message echoed in his head:
FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN -200 POINTS
"Can I skip this mission?" he grumbled, annoyance lacing his tone as he floated in the dark, endless abyss of his own mind. "It's low-tier anyway, only 200 points. Tch."
He leaned back, placing a hand on his chin, pondering the vague instructions. "Unveil their true nature?" he repeated, his brow furrowing. "Does that mean they have to admit… that they like each other?" He scoffed, rolling his eyes. "Yeah, right! Like that's ever going to happen."
Yet, the thought of losing 200 points lingered, gnawing at him. 200 points was more than he'd like to lose, especially for something so seemingly impossible.
"Grandmaster Xue?" The disciple called out softly, concern etched across his face as he noticed Xue Laohu had drifted into deep thought.
Xue Laohu blinked, snapping back to reality, and waved him off dismissively. "I'll send my disciples along with Shudu for extra assistance."
The disciple raised a brow, glancing sideways. "Has Grandmaster Xue unofficially taken that demon as a disciple?"
"Wha—? No… he's just useful, that's all." Xue Laohu quickly shook his head, nervously fanning himself as light sweat ran down his temples. But a thought tugged at his mind, one he couldn't ignore. If Shudu has a pink heart in his character profile, he must harbor some feelings for A-Tuzi, right? All I need is for him to admit it. His eyes sparkled with intrigue as he turned back to the disciple. "Summon Li Zhameng. I wish to speak with him."
Moments later, Li Zhameng bounded over, his face bright with enthusiasm. "Shizun!" he greeted, dropping into a bow before lifting his face to gaze reverently at Xue Laohu. His Shizun stood before him, the very image of ethereal elegance, with a calm that seemed both god-like and untouchable.
Xue Laohu sighed, resting a hand on Li Zhameng's shoulder. "I won't be coming with you on this journey," he said, his voice steady but laced with a hint of reluctance.
Li Zhameng's expression shifted, his smile faltering. "But, Shizun—" he started, Xue Laohu raised his fan, pressing it gently to Li Zhameng's lips to silence him, his eyes flashing with a subtle warning.
"Meng Meng," Xue Laohu said softly, his tone both affectionate and resolute. "I have an important mission for you. I want you to keep a close eye on Shudu and A-Tuzi. Make sure they don't end up killing each other… In fact," he continued with a nervous chuckle, his laugh tinged with an edge of desperation, "if they could manage the opposite of that, I'd be most pleased." Li Zhameng's eyes widened slightly, a glint of surprise flickering in his gaze.
"Hmmm…" Li Zhameng murmured, one brow raised in a playful pout as he studied his Shizun's anxious expression. Xue Laohu was fanning himself faster than usual, a clear sign that he was overthinking yet again. "Is Shizun still trying to play matchmaker?" Li Zhameng teased.
Xue Laohu straightened, trying to regain his composure. "Believe it or not, Shudu and A-Tuzi are a match made in heaven," he declared with a touch of dramatic flair, though his tone wavered ever so slightly.
"If you say so…" Li Zhameng replied, barely stifling a grin, his eyes rolling.
Just then, the sound of raised voices drifted in from the courtyard. The two exchanged a glance, and Xue Laohu lifted the curtain, peering outside to see the source of the commotion. There, in the middle of the courtyard, stood Shudu and Xue Tuzi, locked in a heated argument. Xue Tuzi was gently patting Jiao Jiao's back, as if burping a baby, while the little Gu worm let out a series of soft, satisfied burps from its wide mouth.
"You're not his master!" Shudu snapped, his voice full of indignation as he glared at Xue Tuzi, fists clenched, teeth bared. "You can't just order him around like he's your pet!"
Without so much as a glance in Shudu's direction, Xue Tuzi replied in a cool, dismissive tone. "If I recall correctly, he chose me as his master." He continued patting Jiao Jiao's back, his attention fixed solely on the tiny Gu worm.
Shudu spat to the side, with a disdainful "Tch!" escaping his lips. "That's only because he saw your ugly face first!" he sneered, eyes blazing. "He's mine. I created him. I cultivated him for 300 years. Give. Him. Back."
Xue Tuzi turned his gaze down to Jiao Jiao, a slight smirk curving his lips. "Well, Xiao Jiao," he cooed, voice soft and teasing, "do you wish to go with that ugly old rat or stay with me?"
Jiao Jiao looked up at Xue Tuzi with wide, sparkling eyes, there was no mistaking his choice. His tiny, fleshy pink nubs wrapped around Xue Tuzi's chest, rubbing affectionately as he nestled his plump head against Xue Tuzi in utter bliss. His eyes shone with heart-shaped adoration, and a soft, contented "Mama" escaped his lips. It was clear that Jiao Jiao had claimed Xue Tuzi as his master -or, as he preferred to think of him, as his Mama.
"It's been decided," Xue Tuzi announced, his voice dripping with smug satisfaction. He shot a withering glance at Shudu, a haughty gleam in his eyes. "He doesn't wish to follow a lowly vermin like you." With an indignant "Hmph!" he turned on his heel, holding the Gu worm close as he strode away, his head held high.
Overhead, Xiao Zongzi hung lazily from a tree branch, swaying gently with the breeze, watching the scene with mild amusement. Her little legs kicked back and forth in time with the wind, but she
made no move to intervene, seemingly content to let the chaos unfold below her.
Xue Laohu watched the exchange unfold. He took a deep breath, then turned to Li Zhameng, his brows furrowed but his lips forcing a smile, as he placed a firm, reassuring hand on his disciple's shoulder.
"I have faith in you, Meng Meng," he said, his voice filled with anxiety.