Chapter 17

That night, Song Qing held Yue Wuhuan tightly in his arms, trying to comfort him frantically. His words were incoherent, jumping from philosophy to medicine and sociology theories. In his agitation, he even burst into English, German, and Latin. It was not just Yue Wuhuan who couldn't understand; Song Qing himself didn't know what he was saying.

At least, his attitude was right...

Yue Wuhuan had long since recovered. He quietly savored the comforting scent of the medicine on his body, listening to the jumbled yet reassuring words, and couldn't help but curl his lips into a slight, bitter smile.

He had known all along that he couldn't hide for the sake of temporary peace. If others brought up his sordid past to Song Qing, stirring up trouble and tarnishing his reputation, it would be too late. So during their trip to Lecity, even if Song Qing hadn't discovered those albums, he would have led him to the bookstore, pretending it was by chance, so he could show them to him while he still cared, hoping to gain sympathy and a promise, cutting off any opportunity for malicious manipulation.

How ironic...

Though he had been prepared for this, when Song Qing opened the album, he felt utterly humiliated. Even more humiliating was that despite seeing such things, there was no trace of desire in Song Qing's eyes, only anger and pity. This made him realize more clearly that their feelings were different.

Song Qing's affection was admiration, appreciation, and care.

His own affection was possessiveness, aggression, and desire.

Yue Wuhuan greedily kissed his hair, almost driven mad by his thoughts...

Why did each test reveal more good qualities in this person?

How could he ever let go?

If only he could have met this person when he was still pure...

The venom of resentment spread from his heart to his entire body. He hated Xie Que, Jin Feiren, and everything that had tainted him. He hated this disgusting world and wanted to destroy everything outside the Medicine King Valley, leaving only a clean place, with only one person, which would be enough...

...

After this incident, they lost interest in touring Lecity. They spent a restless night and set off for the Medicine King Valley early the next morning.

Song Qing shi studied various methods to alter Yue Wuhuan's appearance and hide his identity.

He even considered plastic surgery to change his face, but in the end, he couldn't bear to ruin this perfect face...

Suddenly, the sound of cultivators fighting came from the forest.

Song Qing shi stopped his divine beast and looked over, only to see two cultivators at the Golden Core stage battling for their lives. Sword qi crisscrossed, and magical treasures filled the sky. After about two hours, the black-robed cultivator was defeated. The victor took his magical treasures and storage bag, then hurriedly flew away on his sword.

Such scenes of killing and plundering were common in the immortal world, and no one could be sure of the identities or grievances between the parties involved.

Therefore, unless one knew either party, they would not intervene.

Song Qing shi followed the rules of this world and did not wish to get involved in such messy affairs. After watching for a while, he prepared to leave on his divine beast.

However, Yue Wuhuan stopped him: "Lord, let's take a look. Perhaps he is still alive."

After saying this, he rode the divine beast toward the black-robed cultivator, and Song Qing shi quickly followed.

The black-robed cultivator was still breathing, but his injuries were severe. He had seven or eight sword cuts on his body, some internal organs were damaged, and he was unconscious. If left untreated, he would not survive for long.

The Medicine King Valley avoided trouble by never accepting patients with unknown backgrounds.

Song Qing shi frowned, hesitating.

Yue Wuhuan squatted down, put on gloves, and carefully examined the black-robed cultivator's wounds. Then he requested, "Lord, you have recently taught me suturing techniques and external wound treatments, which I have learned, but I lack practical experience. Could we take this injured person back to the Medicine King Valley so I can treat him and practice my medical skills?"

Despite encountering ugliness, the protagonist's heart remained kind, and he might become a renowned physician who saves lives in the future.

Song Qing shi sighed for a long time before immediately agreeing. He helped provide emergency treatment to the patient, then placed him on the divine beast and took him back.

In the Medicine King Valley, Song Qing arranged for the patient to be placed in a quiet ward.

This was the first patient Yue Wuhuan had taken on, and he was particularly meticulous. Not only did he stitch up all the wounds, but he also personally boiled the medicine and fed it to the patient, continuously monitoring vital signs and consulting on every matter, fearing the slightest mistake. Song Qing couldn't help but marvel at his high talent; everything he did was perfect, from each step to the medical records, which were nearly flawless. Once the patient showed clear signs of improvement, he felt confident enough to entrust the case entirely to Yue Wuhuan.

When the black-robed cultivator awoke three days later, he smelled the medicinal aroma in the room and moved slightly, feeling the tightly bandaged wounds. Realizing he had been saved, he felt immensely relieved. Looking up to thank his savior, he saw a familiar and striking face.

"It's you, you saved me?" the black-robed cultivator murmured.

Yue Wuhuan had been by the bedside for a long time. Seeing that he had awakened, he bowed and said, "Your servant greets you, Immortal Sir."

The black-robed cultivator was named She Yun, a demon cultivator of no particular renown. Two years ago, he had the fortune to visit the Golden Phoenix Manor with a friend. Normally, their status wouldn't have allowed them to encounter someone as beautiful as Yue Wuhuan, but that night, the beauty failed to please a noble guest and was drugged as punishment, given to them for their amusement.

Scattered phoenix eyes, a bewitching tear mole, a soul-stirring voice, and a binding mark.

That night's pleasure was unforgettable.

No matter what kind of courtesan he sought afterward, nothing compared to that experience.

She Yun stared intently at Yue Wuhuan, feeling a dryness in his throat. Under the control of the Pleasure Seal, the slave had no ability to harm, so why had the beauty saved him? Could it be that he still remembered him...

Under the intense gaze, Yue Wuhuan lowered his head slightly, pouring out the medicine that had been gently warmed over a low flame for a long time. He carefully helped the patient take it, then smiled and said, "The medicine is bitter, Immortal Sir. Would you like a sugar pill?"

With his pale fingers, he placed the sugar pill in She Yun's mouth.

Beautiful eyes looked at him, filled with warmth and anticipation.

She Yun felt dazed and unable to think clearly. The sugar pill melted in his mouth, leaving a strange bitterness.

After serving the medicine, Yue Wuhuan stood up to tidy the room. He moved all the clutter to the corner, leaving only a small, empty table and chair. Then he put on a pair of thin gloves made from demonic beast skin.

Shi Yun asked expectantly, "Do you remember me?"

Yue Wuhuan walked back and looked at him, his eyes sparkling with desire: "Master made me feel so good, I dare not forget."

Once, he was like a flower branch pruned by human hands, beautiful but artificial. Now, he had his own colors, more dazzling and radiant, even more beautiful than before. If Jin Feiren saw such beauty, he would surely regret letting him go.

Shi Yun felt his mouth dry, his heart racing, his body weakening, and a reaction gradually building below.

Yue Wuhuan glanced down and smiled even more charmingly. He lightly traced Shi Yun's chest with his fingertips, parting the clothing, then pressed heavily, speaking in a suggestive tone: "Today, I want to enjoy myself with Master again. Is that alright?"

Shi Yun was thoroughly aroused, almost unable to believe such good fortune had befallen him. He hurriedly promised, "I am pleased with you. If you are abandoned by your master, I will take you with me."

Yue Wuhuan laughed as if he had heard something amusing.

Then, Shi Yun saw Yue Wuhuan place a soundproofing array on the door, and from his bag, he took out a collection of strange tools, placing them on a white cloth-covered table—scalpels, scissors, pliers, saws, and other terrifying instruments whose purposes were unknown. He introduced each one: "This is a scalpel, this is a surgical scissors and bone cutters, this is a curved forceps..."

Shi Yun sensed something wrong and tried to struggle up, only to find his limbs unresponsive, unable to move.

"You've taken the puppet pill. My creation isn't perfect yet; it can't control your movements, but it's enough," Yue Wuhuan put on his outer robe, a mask, and picked up the scalpel, asking with concern, "Now, except for your inability to move, you can still feel everything, right?"

Shi Yun was both shocked and furious: "You weren't controlled by the Joy Seal?"

Yue Wuhuan let out a mocking laugh, his eyes devoid of any human emotion, filled only with madness and desire, like a demon risen from hell.

"Please, please don't do this." Shi Yun finally realized what was about to happen, screaming and begging for mercy, "Spare me!"

That night was like that night, the demon facing a helpless lamb, without pity or mercy, only cruel manipulation.

The scalpel fell heavily, and the cries of agony echoed endlessly.

"Did you enjoy being taken?"

The demon cheerfully repeated each word he had once uttered:

"Come, let me savor this ultimate earthly delight..."

"Use your lowly body to please me..."

"Cry out beautifully, make it sound bewitching..."

"..."

Yue Wuhuan looked at his hands covered in filthy blood, yet his heart was content.

So he really was insane after all.

...

Late into the night, Song Qingshi remained seated on the Luohan Bed in the library, engrossed in a book, when he suddenly noticed Yue Wuhuan leaning against the doorframe watching him. At some point, Yue Wuhuan had bathed, now dressed in a newly made red robe, carrying a scent that mixed orchids with medicinal herbs. His damp hair was loosely tied up, and he seemed to be in good spirits.

Song Qingshi raised his hand, gesturing for him to come closer: "Taking a bath this late? Be careful not to catch a cold."

"My clothes got stained with something dirty, so I washed everything," Yue Wuhuan obediently sat on the Luohan Bed, casually flipping open a book. "I couldn't sleep and wanted to keep Master company as you read. Is that alright?"

Song Qingshi naturally welcomed the idea, pushing the snacks on the table toward him.

"By the way," Yue Wuhuan mentioned casually, "that cultivator we rescued the other day woke up and insisted on leaving, so I let him go."

Song Qingshi was slightly taken aback: "He left? His injuries haven't fully healed yet."

Yue Wuhuan replied, "He seemed preoccupied with personal matters, so I didn't pry further."

Afraid Yue Wuhuan might be upset, Song Qingshi reassured him: "We can't control patients who leave against medical advice. Let it be."

Yue Wuhuan smiled: "It's fine. He paid me, so we're even."

Seeing that Yue Wuhuan wasn’t bothered, Song Qingshi dropped the subject and focused on his book.

Yue Wuhuan lazily leaned closer, breathing in his scent contentedly.

His murderous frenzy gradually faded, the bloodlust slowly subsiding.

This was his place of peace.

Author's Note: Song Xueba: That patient was so reckless, defiant, sneaking out before he was healed. Next time, we won't admit him.

Yue Wuhuan: Agreed.

(Medical details come from online research - apologies for any inaccuracies!)