Chapter 52

Bai Zihao gnawed at his nails, a flicker of agitation in his eyes.

Jin Feiren had been bitten by a Fire Wolf while shielding him in the Infernal Secret Realm. The leg wound was severe. Though spiritual herbs had stemmed the scorching venom's spread, its toxicity would take two full years to dissipate, each day a torment of fiery pain. Overwhelmed by guilt, Bai Zihao tended to Jin Feiren meticulously, enduring his increasingly volatile temper…

The Millennial Water Spirit Pearl could alleviate the fire poison's agony, yet such an item was exceedingly rare and consumable. Despite extensive searching, they had found nothing.

Fortunately, a Ten-Thousand-Year Water Monster had appeared in Moonveil Lake and was successfully hunted by the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect and the Valley of the Medicine King…

Jin Feiren had harbored reservations about the Valley of the Medicine King for years. He had never imagined Yue Wuhuan would successfully charm Medicine King Immortal, becoming his favored personal disciple. He knew full well what he had done to Yue Wuhuan and didn't doubt the madman harbored resentment. Yet, Yue Wuhuan's feelings were secondary; Song Qingshi's stance was paramount.

Logically, Xie Que was the true culprit. Golden Phoenix Estate had purchased slaves legitimately, violating no immortal realm laws or ethics. No reasonable person would stir trouble over such a matter. After all, even if Jin Feiren hadn't bought Yue Wuhuan, he would have been sold to a brothel. Given his beauty, his fate would have been no different.

However, Medicine King Immortal was eccentric, often acting unpredictably, making his next move impossible to guess.

Unless absolutely necessary, Jin Feiren was reluctant to provoke the Valley of the Medicine King. Though small, lacking influence, and reclusive, Song Qingshi was the immortal realm's foremost physician. Over the years, he had saved lives across nearly every major sect. Even those who disliked him wouldn't risk losing access to his skills in times of need. Moreover, the rare elixirs produced by the Valley of the Medicine King were irreplaceable.

While medical treatment required payment and depended on his mood, no amount of money could buy back a life.

Elder Niu of Five Mountains Sect, pulled back from death's door by Song Qingshi, still held a debt of gratitude.

Madam Lingmiao of Longsky Island, who regained her youthful beauty thanks to the Youth-Restoring Elixir, praised him endlessly.

Such examples were countless…

Over the years, despite Yue Wuhuan's erratic behavior, he had largely avoided Golden Phoenix Estate, showing no signs of seeking revenge.

Medicine King Immortal, a peak Nascent Soul cultivator, born with venomous flames and inheriting the Nie Clan's Poison Monarch legacy, rarely left his valley. The extent of his hidden powers was unknown. Eliminating him would come at too great a cost and might even provoke the fanatics of the Ten Thousand Poisons Sect.

If Jin Feiren were to act preemptively against the Valley of the Medicine King out of fear of a former slave and unfounded suspicions, it would be shameful, pointless, and damaging to his reputation—hardly worth it…

Jin Feiren was deeply conflicted…

This injury from the Fire Wolf provided the perfect opportunity for a test.

He dispatched Bai Zihao with lavish gifts to curry favor, ordering him to obtain the Water Spirit Pearl and gauge the Valley of the Medicine King’s attitude.

…

The sunset bled crimson as Yue Wuhuan finally appeared in the courtyard.

Dressed in vermilion brocade, a winged golden mask, phoenix-shaped eyes, and an upright posture…

He was as dazzling as a true phoenix, far more beautiful than he had been at Golden Phoenix Estate.

Bai Zihao was momentarily transfixed. He wanted to greet him, to offer nostalgic words, but found himself speechless.

Before being sold to Golden Phoenix Estate, Bai Zihao had lived in a rustic, guileless village, never imagining that men could bend to another man's will in such a way. Jin Feiren had set his sights on him, forcing him to learn how to serve a man. The first person he saw was Yue Wuhuan, and the scene… terrified his innocent self. He had cried and tried to escape, but there was no running away. Forced to witness his own future, he nearly despaired.

Yue Wuhuan had raised his head from the abyss, glanced at him, and couldn’t help but laugh.

Bai Zihao didn’t understand why he was laughing, but he was captivated…

He had never seen someone so beautiful—like a blasphemous blossom blooming atop a pile of grotesque bones in the abyss of sin. His soul-stirring beauty made one forget all the filth, and his flawless body drew every gaze. Bai Zihao knew he shouldn’t look, yet he couldn’t help himself, even feeling a strange, unbidden arousal.

Later, he realized it was desire—he had desires for men…

A crack formed in his heart's restraints, and his dignity began to crumble…

When Jin Feiren kissed him again, he ceased his fierce resistance and tried to endure it.

In moments of pain, Yue Wuhuan’s smile always surfaced in his mind. If someone so beautiful could sink into hell, what use was his pitiful resistance?

A few days later, when he saw Yue Wuhuan again, the latter had angered Jin Feiren in bed and was punished—whipped and dragged to the dark cells for three days without food. The dark cells were a place no slave wanted to go: lightless, dank, claustrophobic, and terrifying, filled with rats. Injuries festered easily, and the suffering was unbearable…

Bai Zihao secretly brought food and medicine, intending to give them to him…

The guards, knowing he was favored, turned a blind eye after accepting bribes.

He slipped into the dark cells, only to find Yue Wuhuan lying on the cold stone bed, long black hair splayed carelessly, his red silks sullied with gore. Yet his expression was relaxed, and under his breath, he hummed a familiar tune—a lullaby every mother sang to her child at bedtime…

Yue Wuhuan noticed his arrival and sat up in surprise.

Bai Zihao silently handed over the items, wanting to say something but finding no words.

Yue Wuhuan looked at the offerings as if they were the height of absurdity, laughing uncontrollably. "How pathetic," he remarked.

Bai Zihao was baffled by the laughter, unsure what he had done wrong.

"I’ve seen too many people like you—pretending to pity others, but in reality, you’re laughable. You’d better learn quickly how to serve that man with your body. After all, he still finds you appealing, and you’re pliant by nature. If you obey, you’ll suffer less. Don’t worry—your body seems well-suited for such things." Yue Wuhuan picked up the medicine bottle with elegant fingers, twirling it idly before sneering, "That day, when you looked at me, didn’t you react? Where exactly did you react? Tell me. Or should I guess…? Did submission excite you?"

His most shameful secret laid bare, his dignity stripped and trampled upon.

Bai Zihao’s cheeks burned with shame as he stood and snapped, "Why are you so ungrateful?"

"Take these back. I don’t need them." Yue Wuhuan tossed the food and medicine back at him, his tone mocking. "Keep them for yourself. You’ll need them after serving that man."

Bai Zihao grabbed the items and fled the dark cells in disgrace, convinced Yue Wuhuan was utterly contemptible.

Yue Wuhuan watched him coldly before lying back down, saying nothing more.

Their third meeting was on Langgan Terrace, where Yue Wuhuan was attacked by a Demon Tiger and rescued at the last moment by Medicine King Immortal.

Bai Zihao had been terrified out of his wits, but relief washed over him when Yue Wuhuan was taken away…

That night, he became Jin Feiren’s private concubine. To his horror, he realized Yue Wuhuan had been right about everything. Even when treated roughly, he felt something. Slowly, he submitted, grew docile, learned to please, and eventually descended into debauchery. Jin Feiren was a proud, arrogant man who loved conquest—not just of the body, but of the heart.

As long as one obeyed and adored him, life became much easier.

Bai Zihao mastered this completely, treating Jin Feiren as his entire world, and thus received his master's utmost favor.

When the Deranged Cultivator attacked, he took a death strike for Jin Feiren.

Jin Feiren fell in love with him, trusted him, freed him from slavery, and provided precious cultivation resources. Bai Zihao gained significant privileges—never having to serve other men, rarely being punished, and even earning the right to study and train like other disciples. Jin Feiren yielded substantial ground in negotiations with Pine Crane Sect for his sake.

Bai Zihao told himself this was love. This was happiness.

He was already very happy.

Yet he could never purge Yue Wuhuan from his mind.

After gaining Jin Feiren’s complete trust, he secretly investigated Yue Wuhuan’s past. The more he learned, the more confused he became. When Yue Wuhuan first arrived at Golden Phoenix Estate, he had been Jin Feiren’s most cherished, serving only one man and living comfortably. Why had he sunk to such depths? With such beauty, why had he reduced himself to the level of the lowest slaves, indiscriminately bedding any guest?

Bai Zihao couldn’t understand, but he couldn’t stop thinking about it…

Then one day, he woke up bruised and battered in bed, and it dawned on him.

This was Yue Wuhuan’s rebellion against Jin Feiren…

He was telling Jin Feiren that even if he had to indiscriminately entertain countless clients, even if he endured every form of humiliation and endless abuse, he would never yield, never give his heart to him! He would rather be the lowest slave, serving anyone with his body, than be Jin Feiren’s exclusive plaything!

Thus, he became a splinter in Jin Feiren’s heart.

Jin Feiren never mentioned his name, but for a long time, he sought out and bought boys who resembled him.

Bai Zihao felt no jealousy, just a little admiration…

Because it was something he could never do.

Later, he heard that Yue Wuhuan had become a disciple of Medicine King Valley, favored by Medicine King Immortal, and seemed to be doing well for himself. Then, he heard that Yue Wuhuan had somehow been disfigured, his mind seemed troubled, covered in scars—yet he remained free…

The slaves of Golden Phoenix Manor didn’t like Yue Wuhuan much. He was too beautiful, his demeanor clashed with everyone else's. They mocked him for being naive, for falling out of favor, for choosing hardship over comfort.

Bai Zihao never joined in these discussions. In his silent world, it seemed there was no one but Jin Feiren.

A white bird in an ornate cage, secretly envying the wings that soared freely across the sky.

He couldn’t let his master find out…

…

Yue Wuhuan walked toward Bai Zihao with a smile, handing him an embroidered box containing the Water Spirit Pearl. “Take this back to complete your mission.”

Bai Zihao accepted the box, a weight lifted from his heart as he thanked Yue Wuhuan repeatedly.

“No need for thanks,” Yue Wuhuan said with a laugh. “I heard you’ll soon become Golden Manor Master’s Dao companion (cultivation partner). Congratulations in advance. My Master dislikes social obligations, but Medicine King Valley will send gifts. What would you like?”

Bai Zihao’s face flushed slightly at these words. “No need for formalities.”

“It’s only proper. When I first saw you, I knew you were special.” Yue Wuhuan glanced at the faint scars on Bai Zihao’s neck and offered sincere blessings. “It’s good that you’ve tamed Manor Master Jin’s heart. He must cherish you deeply, to the very core of his being.”

Bai Zihao adjusted his collar, embarrassed. “Yes… I adore him too.”

Yue Wuhuan praised sincerely, “A perfect match.”

“Thank you.” Bai Zihao studied Yue Wuhuan’s mask for a long moment before hesitantly asking, “Your face… what happened?”

“It’s nothing.” Yue Wuhuan removed the mask, revealing a hideous, mottled visage. “Medicine King Valley houses many deadly poisons. I was unlucky—I accidentally touched an enhanced venom from a Ghost-Faced Snake. By the time my Master emerged from seclusion, treatment was delayed. So, this is the result.”

Bai Zihao recoiled in shock, barely regaining his composure. Sympathetically, he asked, “Now that you’re like this… how will you maintain favor?”

In Golden Phoenix Manor, everyone said Yue Wuhuan had climbed his way up into Medicine King Immortal’s favor through beauty and physical favors. Now that his beauty was gone, wouldn’t he be cast aside?

Yue Wuhuan replaced his mask. “My Master hasn’t abandoned me.”

Bai Zihao relaxed slightly. “He’s truly kind-hearted.”

From now on, he wouldn’t call Medicine King Immortal an eccentric—at least he had a conscience and didn’t love casually and abandon easily.

Yue Wuhuan knew Bai Zihao was timid by nature, locked away in Golden Phoenix Manor for years, cut off from the outside world, afraid to interact with others. His mind was filled only with Jin Feiren’s words, his actions dictated by Golden Phoenix Manor’s standards. He had long lost the judgment of a normal person. This was the fate of most slaves in Golden Phoenix Manor—nothing out of the ordinary.

His main purpose for coming was to ask about something else.

Back then, when his Master visited Golden Phoenix Manor, Yue Wuhuan had been preparing for his death atop Langgan Terrace, so he hadn't paid attention to other matters. Bai Zihao had been by Jin Feiren’s side at the time and should know most of what happened…

He briefly mentioned the matter and asked Bai Zihao, “Back then, did Manor Master Jin invite this person?”

Bai Zihao thought carefully. “Yes, but he left without saying goodbye. The Manor Master was furious and complained about it for ages afterward.”

Yue Wuhuan smiled in satisfaction.

He offered heartfelt wishes for the couple’s eternal love, a love as enduring as the heavens, then turned to leave.

Bai Zihao put away the Water Spirit Pearl, took a deep breath, and headed back inside. But as he reached the window, he saw Medicine King Immortal leap down from the trees, standing worriedly before Yue Wuhuan, inspecting him from head to toe as if he’d emerged from a lion's den—fearing he might have lost a limb.

Medicine King Immortal truly doted on him.

Bai Zihao chuckled and shook his head, about to close the window, when he saw Medicine King Immortal push up Yue Wuhuan’s sleeve, seemingly discovering something. Yue Wuhuan tried to withdraw his hand in embarrassment, but the other held on tightly.

What was happening?

Curious, Bai Zihao extended his Divine Sense, secretly observing.

He saw faint scratch marks on Yue Wuhuan’s wrist—not serious, just barely breaking the skin, already healing.

Yue Wuhuan explained sheepishly, “Master, I scratched myself by accident. It’s nothing…”

“Any bleeding needs proper treatment to avoid infection,” Song Qingshi insisted firmly. He retrieved a medicinal ointment from his Mustard Seed Bag, bent down, and applied it meticulously, then wrapped the wound with gauze. His movements were feather-light, as if afraid of causing even the slightest pain. When finished, he admonished seriously, “Be more careful in the future. Don’t get hurt—it’ll hurt…”

Bai Zihao stared blankly…

Because Song Qingshi kept his head bowed, Yue Wuhuan couldn’t see his expression.

But Bai Zihao saw those clear eyes, overflowing with boundless sorrow.

Would even that little pain make his heart ache?

Why?

Suddenly, Bai Zihao felt his heart being wrenched, his understanding thrown into disarray.

He felt lost, yet didn’t understand what confused him…

In the end, Bai Zihao left the town and set foot on the road back to Golden Phoenix Manor.

When Jin Feiren saw the Water Spirit Pearl and suppressed his fiery toxin, he joyfully carried Bai Zihao to bed as a reward…

It was the same familiar madness, the same roughness, the same mix of pain and pleasure.

Over and over, he told Bai Zihao, “I love you. I love you most.”

Bai Zihao stared blankly at the green canopy above, when a previously unthinkable, blasphemous thought surfaced:

If you love me…

Why are you willing to let me hurt?

…

A single tear slipped silently from the corner of his eye, vanishing into the pillow.