Chapter 22

An Long shamelessly clung to Song Qingshi all evening, chatting about Gu insects and pharmacology. He deliberately provoked Song Qingshi five times, got scolded five times, and then smoothed things over five times. It was strange; normally, if anyone dared utter half a critical word, he’d twist their head off. Yet, in front of Song Qingshi, he reveled in being a scoundrel. Watching Song Qingshi puff up like a blowfish, fumbling for words to reprimand him, only to deliver soft, harmless phrases like "shameless," "scoundrel," or "despicable," filled An Long with an uncontainable glee.

He had long known that the Medicine King Immortal, despite his aloof and eccentric demeanor, had a gentle temper. As long as one knew his boundaries, the worst one would face was a bit of fire. With his thick skin, An Long was utterly fearless. After all, Medicine King Valley had every kind of healing medicine, and he’d even brought along healing and detoxifying Gu insects. No matter how much he pushed, he wouldn’t die. If he got seriously injured, all the better—he could shamelessly linger and enjoy Song Qingshi’s superb medical skills and attentive care. What a delightful prospect.

Today, however, Song Qingshi had been utterly worn out by the Alaskan Malamute’s antics. Exhausted, he didn't even bother reading and went straight to rest.

Humming cheerfully, An Long returned to the Serene Heart Retreat to continue drinking.

Suddenly, he sensed something amiss in the courtyard. His divine sense swept through, revealing that all the attending medicine servants had vanished, and someone was sitting inside the room. He immediately understood the visitor's identity.

"Ha! This little one actually dared to come knocking? Quite bold."

Though An Long harbored some suspicions about Yue Wuhuan’s background, he didn’t take a mere Qi-refining cultivator seriously—someone who couldn’t possibly stir trouble under his watch. He whistled, pushed the door open casually, and taunted, "What are you here for? Don't tell me you've fallen for this lord's handsome and imposing figure and come to offer yourself?"

Yue Wuhuan reclined languidly on the chaise lounge by the window, seemingly admiring the moonlight. His unbound, silken black hair cascaded freely over the cushions, as if inviting playful caresses. He wore wooden clogs, his beautifully rounded toes peeking out from beneath his tightly wrapped robes, hooking the clogs and swaying them gently.

Hearing the door open, he slowly turned and smiled.

A vibrant tear mole beneath his noble phoenix eyes created a beauty that captivated the gaze.

An Long froze momentarily, taking in the sight before him.

Yue Wuhuan slowly straightened, allowing the moonlight to illuminate his flawless face. His posture was as pure as an immortal’s, yet his voice carried an indescribable hint of depravity: "Immortal Lord… didn’t you wish to see Wuhuan’s true face? Wuhuan wouldn’t dare disobey, so naturally, I’ve come to let you examine every inch of me—without hiding a single detail."

An Long’s throat tightened. Fearing misunderstanding, he quickly shut the door and demanded in a low voice, "What do you mean by this?"

Yue Wuhuan smirked mockingly. Rising, he ran his tongue over his lips, moistening them, then used his slender, nimble fingers to undo the jade belt at his waist. The plain blue robe slipped away silently, revealing a crimson inner garment made of ice silk—fluid as water, flowing over every inch of his body, outlining the most alluring curves. A thin golden cord was tied loosely around his waist, forming a casual slipknot that seemed ready to unravel at the slightest touch.

The saintly facade fell away, revealing the true face of desire.

He shifted slightly, stepping forward, letting the ice silk slide off one shoulder, revealing a tantalizing collarbone that begged the eyes to wander lower. His legs, glimpsed through the shifting fabric, were sculpted to perfection, flawless in every way. "So," he murmured, his voice thick with longing, "the Immortal Lord has also been waiting for Wuhuan to offer himself?"

An Long’s fur practically stood on end in panic. "D-Don’t come closer! I don’t like men like you! I—I actually prefer women!"

"How would the Immortal Lord know he doesn’t like men if he’s never tasted one?" Yue Wuhuan advanced step by step, his fingers trailing down An Long’s chest, his eyes burning with lust as he whispered shameless words. "Men know best how to please other men. Since the Immortal Lord is a man of the world, having sampled all flowers, shouldn’t you try this delight too? Wuhuan knows many techniques… I promise to serve you to your fullest satisfaction."

An Long, flustered and unable to retort, stumbled backward until he collapsed into an armchair, his face flushed crimson.

Yue Wuhuan glanced downward, licking his lips suggestively. "I’ve long heard of the Xilin Gu King’s… impressive stature and boundless stamina. Seeing it today, the rumors do not disappoint…"

Every inch of him—his gaze, his fingers, his body, his voice—ignited sparks that threatened to blaze into a wildfire.

He controlled the rhythm entirely, like a demon dragging his chosen sacrifice into the abyss of desire.

An Long had encountered many courtesans before—some playing hard to get, others coy or bold—but none like this. He had imagined Yue Wuhuan as nothing more than a pretty, scheming seducer. He hadn’t expected the Golden Phoenix Manor’s carefully cultivated monster of desire to be this terrifying, nearly shattering his prideful self-control.

Whether he liked men or women no longer mattered.

Having someone in his heart? Irrelevant.

Once reason was ensnared in this web of devastating allure, it became nothing more than a moth struggling in vain.

Yue Wuhuan sat gracefully on the nearby table, guiding An Long’s stiff fingers to the golden cord at his waist—the last barrier to the view. "Immortal Lord," he whispered, "you must inspect Wuhuan’s true face thoroughly… leave no part untouched."

Finally regaining some sense, An Long wrenched his hand away and slammed it onto the table. Several deadly Gu insects surged forth as he growled, "Are you seeking death?!"

"Good," Yue Wuhuan’s eyes lit up at the word "death." Leaning forward, back arched, he gazed down at the furious man with scorching desire. "Kill me."

With a snap, An Long’s restraint shattered.

In a flash, he bundled the seductive creature—clothes and all—and hurled him out the door. Only then did he realize his ears were burning.

"Tch." Yue Wuhuan stood up from the ground, straightening his robes, all traces of desire gone from his eyes. He knocked gently on the door. When no response came, he said soothingly, "Immortal Lord, don’t be angry. I was only teasing you."

A furious roar came from inside: "Get lost! Can’t you act like a man?!"

Yue Wuhuan paused, then laughed softly.

A man?

His father and elder brother had been tall, strong warriors. Had things been different, he too would have grown into a handsome, imposing man.

From a young age, he had known he liked men. He had once dreamed of a beautiful future—becoming a formidable Sword Cultivator like Mo Yuan, cultivating diligently until he met a sweet, soft-spoken youth. Someone earnest, a little silly, utterly captivating when focused. He would have pursued him relentlessly, playing the qin for him, dancing with his sword, doing every foolish thing in the world just to make him smile—until he agreed to be his Dao companion.

Lovebirds, paired for life, never parting until death.

He would have loved him dearly, spoiled him endlessly…

But that future was now impossible.

His body had been locked into a delicate, youthful form, never to grow. He had lost the right to love, forced instead to entertain guests, stripped of his dignity again and again until he numbly accepted his role as a plaything.

Now, what did he have left to call himself a man? How could he pursue the one he loved?

Even if he confessed and was miraculously accepted, it would only turn his beloved into the laughingstock of the world.

He had met him too late…

A bird with broken wings could never fly again.

The only thing he could do for the one he loved was to endure his feelings silently—to avoid tainting him.

That was why he envied An Long, who could act recklessly, speak freely in front of the one he adored.

Every step Yue Wuhuan took had to be measured, every word carefully weighed.

He had promised not to harm himself…

So he couldn’t die carelessly.

At the very least, this life of his should be of some use—to shield his beloved from the filth of the world…

Suppressing a shudder, Yue Wuhuan turned and walked alone into the darkness.

---

An Long uncorked a wine jar and took several deep gulps, finally calming down.

He had nearly lost control and killed that shameless seducer—but that would have crossed Song Qingshi’s line in the sand, severing their bond beyond repair.

For something as trivial as lust, it wasn’t worth it!

He had considered exposing Yue Wuhuan’s wanton behavior to Song Qingshi, but Yue Wuhuan’s reputation for seduction was well-known. Song Qingshi had brought him back from the Golden Phoenix Manor—he must have known what he was like. Besides, with An Long’s own checkered past, if this got out, people would assume he had forced Yue Wuhuan into submission. No one would believe a mere Qi-refining cultivator had the audacity to tease a notorious Nascent Soul Ancestor like him. He couldn’t afford the humiliation!

How could he even phrase it?

"The Medicine King Valley’s head disciple lusted after me, seduced me, offered himself—but I, a paragon of virtue, remained chaste?"

Song Qingshi would absolutely incinerate him with poison flames for such shameless nonsense!

The world would also laugh at his masculinity!

An Long thought it over, unable to hold back a few curses, realizing he had no choice but to swallow today’s humiliation.

He took a few more gloomy swigs of wine, easing the frustration in his heart.

Suddenly, it occurred to him—why was he even bothering with this mess?

With Yue Wuhuan’s background, he was far beneath Song Qingshi. Based on current investigations, there was no sign of betrayal toward the Medicine King Valley, nor had he contacted outsiders. His current status was already the best outcome he could hope for.

Song Qingshi harbored no desires, loving medicine above all else. There was no way he could be successfully seduced by such methods. Moreover, he was somewhat particular—while he didn’t care about others’ lifestyles, he would never taint himself with such loose behavior.

Though unwilling to answer, Yue Wuhuan’s reactions made it clear he was definitely messed up in the head.

Perhaps… sick in this regard? Suffering from a weird obsession with handsome men like him?

If he continued getting closer…

What if that demon thought he was interested and wouldn't stop hounding him?

An Long shivered at the idea.

No! The farther away from this guy, the better!

……

As Yue Wuhuan walked along the dark garden path, he quickly fixed himself up. Within a dozen steps, his robes were neatly arranged, his hair tied into a perfectly neat bun. By the time he left the Tranquil Courtyard, all his charm was gone, replaced by his usual cold and distant look.

This appearance temporarily restored his calm.

He had long known the dirty fantasies the Xilin Gu King harbored, and he was aware of An Long’s suspicions and hostility, eager to drive him away from Song Qingshi. He had no bargaining chips. If he didn’t take the initiative and strike first, his feelings would be exposed. An Long, this wolf disguised as a dog, wouldn’t just tear him apart—he’d drag him into endless suffering. There was no retreat…

Tonight’s stunt, no matter how repulsive, was worth it.

The outcome was as he had calculated. From now on, the Xilin Gu King would lower his guard, seeing him as not a danger and no longer seeking his company. Of course, there was also the possibility that the Poison King might rape him or kill him in rage. That would be even better—he didn't care if he died, and if it could expose An Long’s true nature, making Song Qingshi loathe and banish him from the Medicine King Valley forever, it would be perfect.

If An Long dared test him, he had to endure being tested in return.

Tonight’s encounter gave him two juicy bits of info:

First—An Long had a thing for guys.

Second—An Long was quite inexperienced in such matters, likely never been with anyone.

If so, then many rumors about An Long were worth investigating.

Author’s Note:

An Long: "Help meeee!!! Take your demon away!!! He’s bullying me!"

Song Qingshi: "My perfect little angel is very well-behaved. If he’s bullying you, it must be because you did something bad!" (That's just how geniuses are biased.)