Chapter 25

Chapter 25

In Wind Continent City, at the Fengnian Tavern.

Due to unforeseen circumstances, Yaoguang had come full circle and returned to the very place he had started from.

At that moment, Long Jianlu sat across from him with an expression of boredom, staring intently as Yaoguang joyfully and contentedly devoured his first proper meal after days of vegetarian fare.

"Are you sure the Sky Sword Sect won't come looking for us?" Yaoguang asked between bites of a roasted chicken leg.

Long Jianlu replied, "They don't have the courage."

With his chopsticks, Yaoguang split open a steamed fish with black bean sauce, picking out the tenderest morsel from the belly. "And yet, despite being imprisoned for so long, your strength hasn't waned!"

Long Jianlu remained silent, merely watching Yaoguang. As Yaoguang scooped up a bowl of sliced noodles, he said, "What's next for you? Why are you just staring at me? Eat something too."

Long Jianlu remarked, "You've been eating for almost an hour now. How much longer do you plan on going?"

"Aren't you hungry?" Yaoguang inquired. "After being locked away for ninety-nine years, don't you miss the delicious foods of the mortal world?"

Long Jianlu, with one hand on his forehead, utterly failed to anticipate that Yaoguang's first priority after escaping would be "I want to eat." As a result, Long Jianlu had no choice but to find a tavern, requesting the finest dishes available, and began a feast of indulgence.

"Come on!" Yaoguang smiled as he clinked glasses with Long Jianlu, who found himself unexpectedly bumped in the toast.

"Congratulations on your release!" Yaoguang exclaimed.

"What custom is this?" It was Long Jianlu's first time clinking cups with someone, as such etiquette didn't exist in the cultivation world. There, when people showed respect to one another, they simply lifted their cups and clasped their hands in greeting.

However, Long Jianlu still drank it.

"Finished?" Long Jianlu was quite patient—after all, anyone trapped in a cave for ninety-nine years would develop a greater tolerance.

Yaoguang was highly satisfied. He paid the bill, and Long Jianlu led him back out onto the street.

"Now where to?"

"Bathe," said Long Jianlu. "Aren't you fond of bathing?"

"Oh, right, right." In his sect, Yaoguang could only bathe with cold water. Now he could finally indulge in a warm soak.

On this day, a torrential downpour lashed the Windshore City region, as if the appearance of the Demon King had summoned thunder and lightning. By mid-afternoon, the sky was pitch black. Windshore, true to its name, was situated at the delta of a great river, embraced by mountain gorges through which the river flowed. Strong winds often swept through the area.

Yet, the rain put Yaoguang in a good mood. In a steaming public bathhouse, he had reserved a private pool where he sat naked, facing Long Jianlu. Listening to the pitter-patter of rain on the roof and beyond the walls, it was sheer bliss.

In these recent days, there was nothing more they hadn't seen of each other. Yaoguang didn't mind at all.

Ever since their escape from captivity, Long Jianlu's gaze had rarely left Yaoguang's side.

"What do you plan to do tomorrow?" Yaoguang asked again.

"Nothing much," Long Jianlu replied. "Depends on my mood."

Yaoguang asked, "Don't you have any business to attend to? You're just wasting time with me all day."

Long Jianlu remained silent for a moment, as if in thought, then continued, "Come closer. Why are you sitting so far away? Are you afraid of me?"

"Why would I be afraid of you?" Yaoguang countered. "You're not going to do anything to me..."

Despite his words, Yaoguang didn't move closer. Long Jianlu observed, "Look at that lustful gaze of yours. What are you thinking?"

"I don't have any," Yaoguang replied.

Indeed, the Demon King's chest was quite impressive... The term "Satanic curves" had always been synonymous with sensuality, and Long Jianlu was now embodying the "Demon King's physique."

This was Yaoguang's perception of Long Jianlu. He did indeed enjoy looking at handsome, masculine men, and Long Jianlu had initially given him the impression of being quite relaxed. However, in front of the man himself, he felt a sudden bashfulness.

Long Jianlu suggested, "Come here, sit on my lap."

Of course, Yaoguang declined. He had been single for years, and the mere sight of this perfectly suited his aesthetic man already made him uneasy. If he got too close, it would be easy for Long Jianlu to detect his attraction, which would be utterly embarrassing.

"Don't come over here," Yaoguang not only rejected the proposal but also prohibited Long Jianlu from approaching him.

Long Jianlu, who had already risen to walk towards Yaoguang, sat back down upon hearing this.

In his eyes, there was a hint of resignation.

Yaoguang thought to himself, Damn it, why do I feel so strongly about him... Is it because he was the protagonist of my previous book? When creating protagonists, Yaoguang had always described them according to his own preferences. The solitary knight, Long Jianlu, wandering through the apocalyptic world, from his appearance to his personality and physique, embodied everything he found most appealing.

Unconsciously, the mighty Demon King before him seemed to have merged with that lone knight in some strange way.

Long Jianlu suddenly said, "I feel like I've seen you before, not just once."

"Really?" Yaoguang responded, "Maybe it's just an illusion. There's no way you could have seen me."

"Yes," Long Jianlu affirmed, "I'm quite sure. I saw you in my dreams, Yaoguang. Was that our past life?"

"Perhaps," Yaoguang muttered, feeling a sudden jolt. Could he remember the previous book? Surely not.

"In those dreams, I was constantly searching for someone, but I didn't know who. Yet, you seemed to be by my side. I rode a shimmering magical artifact, and you were right behind me..."

Yaoguang remained silent, his gaze fixed on Long Jianlu.

"But after much wandering," Long Jianlu continued, trying hard to recollect his dreams, "I realized the person I was looking for was right beside me all along. I even remember your name."

A different scene flashed through Yaoguang's mind - the moment the World Tree collapsed, reducing the world to ruins. The gale lifted up mechanical parts, swirling them into a hurricane-like pattern.

Long Jianlu's voice still echoed in his ears, as if transcending lifetimes to reach him now.

"Yaoguang—"

Yaoguang suddenly felt a deep sense of guilt toward Long Jianlu, and his gaze towards him was imbued with remorse.

Long Jianlu continued, "You're quite unique, Yan Guang."

In the previous book, the knight Long Jianlu had also addressed him similarly.

"Why do you say that?" Yaoguang asked tentatively.

Long Jianlu responded, "What do you want? You released me without asking for any conditions at all."

Yaoguang chuckled. "Because I'm not certain myself. Isn't it proper to discuss terms after the job is done?"

Long Jianlu replied, "No, I know you don't want anything. You just have feelings for me..."

"Of course I do!" Yaoguang interrupted, preventing Long Jianlu from launching into another self-aggrandizing and narcissistic monologue.

"Well then," Long Jianlu said nonchalantly, "what do you want right now?"

Yaoguang fell silent. He did have a liking for Long Jianlu, but he couldn't tolerate the constant assumption that everyone in the world would fall for him.

"Whatever you desire, I can grant it," Long Jianlu declared.

"Really?" Yaoguang asked, skeptical.

Long Jianlu's expression turned serious. "Indeed. So, what is it?"

"A wish?" Yaoguang wondered, sensing a hint of mischief in Long Jianlu's tone. "Doesn't sound like a typical request."

"Wish?" Long Jianlu replied. "Not quite. It's a repayment."

Yaoguang probed, "Just one thing, then?"

"It depends on my mood. Perhaps more than one," Long Jianlu replied.

Looking at Long Jianlu with suspicion, Yaoguang felt like he was being toyed with. "What can you actually do?"

"Many things," Long Jianlu assured. "Fancy rare treasures? I know of hidden troves of magical artifacts that we can search for together. Want to be the leader of a sect? I can arrange that. Need money? Or cultivation?"

Initially, Yaoguang's most pressing wish was to return to reality, but Long Jianlu, being a character in a book, couldn't make that happen. No matter how powerful he was, he was bound by the constraints of the narrative. The story hadn't reached its conclusion yet, and perhaps his departure would occur naturally when it did.

Now he was more intrigued by this world than ever.

"Your cultivation level sounds impressive," Yaoguang commented. "Can you enhance mine?"

"Certainly," Long Jianlu replied, "but it'll take time. For now, I can only boost you to the Foundation Building realm. Later on, I might be able to help you advance to the Golden Core stage and then the Nascent Soul stage. It would take even longer for the Great Achievement stage. As for the Immortal Ascension, I'm not certain yet, as I'm also at that level according to demonic cultivators' standards. If I manage to break through to Immortality, perhaps it will be possible."

"You can fly on a sword at the Foundation Building stage!" Yaoguang exclaimed. "That's enough! Will it deplete your cultivation?"

"No," Long Jianlu said, studying Yaoguang. "My cultivation will strengthen alongside yours."

Yaoguang: "Really? That's too good to be true, isn't it?"

"Yes," Long Jianlu confirmed. "So are you sure you want to proceed?"

"Absolutely!" Yaoguang answered. "If I can just reach the Foundation Building stage to ride a sword, that's fantastic!"

Long Jianlu: "Once you've chosen, there's no turning back."

Yaoguang sensed there was more to the words, but in front of the allure of flying on a sword, he was still tempted.

"You can't deceive me."

"I never lie," Long Jianlu replied solemnly.

"Deal," Yaoguang said. "How do we enhance my cultivation?"

"Let's return to the inn first," Long Jianlu suggested. "It's not suitable here."

Thus, Yaoguang, still in his bathrobe, followed Long Jianlu back to their luxurious inn room where incense was burning in the evening.

Long Jianlu's hair was still damp, and his muscular chest was exposed beneath his open bathrobe. "Take off your clothes and get on the bed."

Yaoguang: "Are you going to transfer your cultivation to me?"

Long Jianlu motioned for him to comply without answering. He snapped his fingers, extinguishing the candles in the room, casting it into a dim light. Then, Long Jianlu's bathrobe hit the floor.

Yaoguang: "Wait, what are we doing? Wait! What kind of method is this..."

" Dual Cultivation," Long Jianlu answered succinctly.

"No... I think we should discuss this more..."

"I warned you that there can be no turning back," Long Jianlu embraced Yaoguang, who pushed back, only to have his wrist seized by Long Jianlu. Just as Yaoguang was about to cry out "stop," Long Jianlu's lips firmly captured his.

In that instant of unguarded intimacy, Yaoguang's mind went blank.

It was too exhilarating! This was the first time in his twenty-two years that he was actually kissing a guy! The warmth of the skin, the sensation, and the kiss from another man... It all felt so real!

Yaoguang lost himself, closing his eyes and surrendering to Long Jianlu's kiss.

A tongue invaded! Yaoguang became incredibly nervous, but then Long Jianlu's forceful kiss turned gentle, instantly soothing him.

"Mmm..." Dazed by the kiss, Yaoguang's consciousness was overtaken by a jumble of sensations. As Long Jianlu released his hand, Yaoguang instinctively wrapped his arms around the demon's neck.

"Do you like it like this?"

As their lips parted, Long Jianlu gazed into Yaoguang's eyes. Blushing deeply, Yaoguang turned his head away, but Long Jianlu turned it back, forcing eye contact. The demon's eyes were clear and bright, filled with an intense emotion that could captivate anyone.

"Slow down," Yaoguang frowned, feeling the demon mark on his neck glow once again.

Long Jianlu turned his head to look at Yaoguang and gently kissed the magical seal on his neck. Instantly, the seal glowed, dispelling Yaoguang's discomfort from their first contact with each other's true energy. Instead, he was hit by a powerful, tidal wave-like surge. Dark energy burst forth from Long Jianlu like a tsunami, washing over Yaoguang's will.

It really is Dual Cultivation? !

"How does it feel?"

"It's... not bad," Yaoguang replied in a stammer.

Long Jianlu responded, "Just 'not bad'?"

Long Jianlu studied Yaoguang's expression.

"Relax," Long Jianlu's own breathing became irregular, "Trust me..."

True energy raced through Yaoguang's meridians, leaving him with no choice but to hold onto Long Jianlu tightly, one hand gripping his shoulder. As his fingers clenched, Long Jianlu could sense his own true energy pushing Yaoguang to his limits.

"You're clearly enjoying this," Long Jianlu commented, "Your ears are red. Are you that bashful?"

"You're too rough..."

"I am the Demon King," Long Jianlu said again. "Once you've tasted what it's like to be with me, you won't desire any other man."

Long Jianlu propped his arm under Yaoguang's head, and Yaoguang instinctively placed his hand in the Demon King's broad palm, their fingers intertwining.

"Absorb my true energy," Long Jianlu whispered. "Then return it to me." He kissed Yaoguang's cheek once more.

Yaoguang could sense their true energies merging. His own felt insignificant compared to Long Jianlu's potent power, but the Demon King's demonic energy was guiding it, swirling in Yaoguang's dantian at the lower abdomen, where he was most vulnerable. That essence poured directly into his dantian, surging like a river and then spreading through his limbs and meridians, reaching new heights under the flush of true energy.

Next, Long Jianlu motioned for Yaoguang to turn around, and they began to kiss deeply. Amidst the entanglement of lips and tongues, their true energies separated again, returning to Long Jianlu's meridians. After receiving Long Jianlu's energy, Yaoguang realized that his own had significantly strengthened.

Lying on his side, Yaoguang struggled to regain his breath.

Long Jianlu spoke softly, "We'll do it again later. For now, relax and dissipate your energy."

"You go back to sleep," Long Jianlu kissed Yaoguang again. Yaoguang squirmed a bit, but Long Jianlu resumed his sleeping position, pulling Yaoguang close into his embrace, accompanying him into slumber.

The next morning, Yaoguang woke up to find himself still embraced by Long Jianlu.

Yaoguang: "!!!"

Ahhhh! Did I really cultivate with the Demon King?!

Yaoguang sat up, gazing at Long Jianlu who was still asleep.

But he truly is handsome... and his physique is excellent... No, no! What on earth was I doing?!

Long Jianlu also stirred awake, sitting up to look at Yaoguang.

Long Jianlu said, "I saw you sleeping soundly last night, so I didn't disturb you. I fell asleep in the middle of the night as well. Now, let's continue, as promised."

Yaoguang replied, "What promise?!"

Long Jianlu, growing impatient, retorted, "Didn't you want to break through your cultivation barrier? Nobody else could help you achieve that! Hurry up!"

Long Jianlu reached out again to embrace Yaoguang, who promptly responded, "Wait, let me prepare myself. I haven't even had breakfast yet!"

"How can you think only of eating?" Long Jianlu reluctantly got up.

Yaoguang glanced at Long Jianlu's body for a moment before saying, "I bought you some clothes."

Yaoguang finally recalled the clothing he had purchased earlier and brought it out for Long Jianlu to change into. To his surprise, Long Jianlu no longer looked like a devil prince in the black martial uniform; instead, there was a hint of celestial charm about him.

Long Jianlu studied himself in the mirror.

"You actually resemble a sect disciple," Yaoguang said with a smile.

Long Jianlu replied, "My mother was originally from a celestial sect." He seemed to sigh as he continued, "In the end, I can't escape my father's fate."

"What do you mean?" Yaoguang asked.

"Nothing, let's go," Long Jianlu said.

Yaoguang also decided against wearing the Sky Sword Sect's attire. Instead, he chose a less conspicuous robe that resembled a disciple's robe.

It was raining again that day. Yaoguang and Long Jianlu found a small, inconspicuous eatery where they sat down to have tea and breakfast.

Long Jianlu still ate very little, mostly watching Yaoguang eat.

Yaoguang asked, "Aren't you hungry?"

"I'm at the Grand Perfection stage," Long Jianlu said. "If eating could replace cultivation, we wouldn't need to cultivate in the first place."

Yaoguang replied, "I feel like my True Qi has grown much stronger. I might be on the verge of a breakthrough."

Long Jianlu merely hummed in response.

Yaoguang asked doubtfully, "Can dual cultivation also enhance your cultivation?"

"It can," Long Jianlu said. "Since you have my demonic seal, dual cultivating with you is equivalent to me cultivating on my own."

Skeptical, Yaoguang asked, "Did you often engage in dual cultivation with others in the past? That's why you're so experienced?"

Long Jianlu suddenly laughed.

"What answer do you want to hear?" Long Jianlu asked.

Yaoguang responded, "Just tell me the truth. Have you dual cultivated with many people in the Demon Sect… considering your… demonic status and good looks, I imagine many would have been willing, right?"

Long Jianlu said, "I was dashing and charming a hundred years ago, so I did frequently engage in dual cultivation with different partners, but I don't remember their names."

Yaoguang: "As expected! You're not a decent person. How many times have you practiced dual cultivation?"

Long Jianlu: "I've lost count, but it must be around eight hundred, if not a thousand?"

Yaoguang: "..."

Long Jianlu continued, "Both men and women, but I'm picky – I only choose the attractive ones."

Yaoguang thought to himself, Scumbag! He's undoubtedly a scumbag! Yet, he finds this scumbag irresistible! What should he do? The sight of Long Jianlu's handsome face only fueled his anger.

Long Jianlu: "Everyone who has dual cultivated with me eventually falls in love with me. What do you think?"

"Stop it!" Yaoguang snapped.

Long Jianlu looked perplexed, asking, "You asked for honesty, and now you're angry because I was truthful?"

Yaoguang felt somewhat downcast. His emotions were in turmoil, as he realized he had developed feelings for Long Jianlu, especially after the previous night.

But I didn't plan for this!

Ah, right, Long Jianlu is the villain in the book... A character I created myself, with a personality I designed. Why would I make him such a jerk? And I even ended up sleeping with this character... This is just too surreal!

"Finished eating?" Long Jianlu asked. "Let's proceed with our dual cultivation. Strike while the iron is hot and help you break through to the Foundation Building stage as soon as possible."

Yaoguang had no choice but to push aside his uneaten food and return to the room with Long Jianlu.

This time, Yaoguang was much more relaxed. He found it impossible to think logically, as his senses overwhelmed his reasoning from the start. Moreover, Long Jianlu kept talking to him, drawing him fully into the dual cultivation process.

"How does it feel?"

When it was over, Long Jianlu inquired again.

"Takes too much time," Yaoguang remarked, feeling drained, yet more so than the previous day.

Strangely enough, Yaoguang's stamina had significantly replenished.

"Let's continue," proposed Long Jianlu.

Yaoguang replied, "No, no. I need to rest a bit more."

Long Jianlu: "How can you be so lazy even in dual cultivation? At this rate, when will you reach the Foundation Building stage? Such a comfortable cultivation method, and yet you still find it tiring?"

Yaoguang: "Fine, I'll do it!"

Long Jianlu: "Don't want to sit? Come here, lean against me."

Yaoguang whispered softly, "I feel so hot."

"Relax," Long Jianlu murmured. "Your 'Qi' is about to break through."

Reaching a critical point, Long Jianlu separated from Yaoguang, ceasing their activity. The true energy within Yaoguang's body surged chaotically, searching for an outlet. Long Jianlu held him close, placing a hand on his demonic seal to help stabilize the flow of his true energy.

Yaoguang's lips and tongue felt dry, as if he had a fever. He took the initiative to embrace Long Jianlu, kissing him. Understanding his need, Long Jianlu responded with a deep kiss, allowing their tongues to intertwine and sharing his saliva. This act seemed to have a calming effect, gradually soothing Yaoguang's disordered breathing.

Soon after, he sensed the Qi cluster in his dantian regain stability. Instead, he was filled with warmth and abundant vitality!

Yaoguang couldn't quite believe it. "I'm at the Foundation Building stage now?"

"Yes," Long Jianlu confirmed. "You can now wield a sword."

Yaoguang was astonished. That morning, they arrived at a peach forest outside Fengzhou City. Attempting to recall the spells taught by his master, Yaoguang effortlessly manipulated his flying sword.

Long Jianlu commented, "Controlling objects in mid-air is a manifestation of the initial Foundation Building realm. Now, try soaring with your sword."

Yaoguang thought to himself, You actually didn't deceive me. Initially, he assumed Long Jianlu was just trying to manipulate him, but he had indeed broken through to the Foundation Building realm from the Qi Refinement stage!

"Yes, you can do it!"

"Be careful!"

Yaoguang nearly fell off the sword. Long Jianlu transformed into black flames, enveloping him and ensuring a safe landing.

"You lack a solid foundation," Long Jianlu said. "You haven't relied on your own cultivation. More practice is needed to master sword flight."

Standing on the sword, Yaoguang practiced taking off and landing several times. Overjoyed, he exclaimed, "I can fly!"

Long Jianlu responded with a silent look.

Yaoguang lunged towards Long Jianlu, embracing him and shouting, "Amazing! I can fly!"

Long Jianlu's expression clearly read, "Are you that thrilled?"

Then, Long Jianlu taught Yaoguang a set of spells to acquaint him with his Foundation Establishment body and the control of immortal techniques. While Yaoguang practiced, Long Jianlu sat beneath a tree, basking in the sun with an air of boredom, casually flicking pebbles into the pond.

"When do we continue our dual cultivation?" Long Jianlu asked when Yaoguang opened his eyes.

"Uh?" Yaoguang responded. "Won't being able to wield a sword be enough for now?"

"Do you want to remain a Foundation Establishment Ancestor forever?" Long Jianlu teased. "So unambitious?"

"Hold on, this is out in the open!"

With a snap of his fingers, petals from blooming peach blossoms filled the sky. Pressing Yaoguang against him, Long Jianlu embraced him in the middle of the peach forest, beginning their dual cultivation session on the earth beneath the open sky.

"I haven't even practiced flying yet," Yaoguang hurriedly said.

"Where do you want to fly to?" Long Jianlu's voice held a hint of amusement. "Trying to escape me?"

"No... not at all!" Gazing into Long Jianlu's eyes, Yaoguang felt an overwhelming surge of love, initiating a kiss that stirred Long Jianlu. He flipped over, pinning Yaoguang beneath him, deepening their embrace.

"You've already fallen for me," Long Jianlu said earnestly, gazing into Yaoguang's eyes.

"I haven't... I just want to..." Yaoguang panted, his words trailing off.

Long Jianlu: "Still refusing to admit it? You're afraid of falling for me, aren't you?"

Yaoguang widened his eyes, looking at Long Jianlu. A faint mist started to form in them as Long Jianlu kissed him again, leaving a mark on his collarbone.

After their dual cultivation session, Yaoguang tidied up his disheveled clothes, panting heavily. He sat beneath the peach blossom tree with his back to Long Jianlu, lost in thought as he faced the pond.

If Long Jianlu were his boyfriend in reality, would love be a torment or a delight?

Furrowing his brows, Yaoguang stared at the water's surface.

A pebble flew past his head, splashing into the pond and creating ripples. Long Jianlu snapped his fingers in Yaoguang's direction.

"Come here, let me hold you," Long Jianlu invited.

Yaoguang gave Long Jianlu a brief glance.

Long Jianlu: "Are you feeling jealous?"

Yaoguang rose to his feet and mimicked Long Jianlu, snapping his fingers. The sword flew from under the peach tree, and Yaoguang lifted its scabbard, causing the flying sword to sheath itself.

Long Jianlu teased, "If I were to tell you now that after you, I won't pursue anyone else but only cherish you, would you believe me?"

Yaoguang didn't respond. He stood up, and after observing him for a moment, Long Jianlu also got up and followed behind, attempting to hold his hand.

"Get away," Yaoguang said, feeling somewhat disoriented. He realized he had already fallen for Long Jianlu without reservation. What should he do? At this moment, he unexpectedly didn't want to return to the real world, and this was what worried him the most.

"You're the one who's pushing me away," Long Jianlu said.

Yaoguang rode his sword, shooting dozens of meters away. However, Long Jianlu's body suddenly became ethereal, transforming into a black meteoric flame that chased after him. Upon reaching Yaoguang's side, he reappeared in human form. Yaoguang flew again, and Long Jianlu pursued. No matter where Yaoguang went, he couldn't escape Long Jianlu.

"What kind of magic is this?" Yaoguang asked, his attention diverted. "Don't the demonic sects usually not use swords?"

Long Jianlu replied, "It's called Demon Flame Pass, a type of escape technique. When you reach the Golden Core realm, I can teach you if you want."

Yaoguang: "How much longer until I can become a Golden Core?"

"Let this Venerable indulge in your affection three times a day, morning, noon, and night," Long Jianlu casually remarked. "It should take around half a year to eight months."

Yaoguang responded, "That long?"

Long Jianlu replied, "Young master of the Sky Sword Sect, do you know how long it takes for your sect's disciples to advance from Foundation Building to Golden Core stage?"

Yaoguang asked, "How long?"

Long Jianlu answered, "The quickest it could take is four decades!"

Yaoguang: "With your assistance, how long would it take for me to advance from Golden Core to Nascent Soul?"

Long Jianlu: "Three years."

Yaoguang: "How long would it typically take in the orthodox cultivation sects?"

Long Jianlu: "The shortest is a hundred years, the longest four hundred. Some never reach that stage in their entire lives. That's why they say your fair-skinned Senior Brother is a prodigy, achieving Nascent Soul in just forty years. He was the only one in this world with such potential to break through and enter the Soul Formation stage. It's a shame his master, Elder Ling Yun, ruined him."

"After Soul Formation," Long Jianlu continued, "time becomes irrelevant; everything depends on destiny."

"Are you at the Mahayana Realm?" Yaoguang inquired.

"Yes," Long Jianlu replied. He walked up to the riverbank, looked up, snapped his fingers, and leaves from the side flew over, gradually growing into a small boat. Long Jianlu stepped onto it and extended his hand towards Yaoguang, who then followed and got on board.

Yaoguang asked, "Is there anyone else at the Mahayana Realm?"

"No," Long Jianlu answered, "At least, not that I'm aware of. In this world, there's only me."

Yaoguang continued, "So you're the number one in the world?"

Long Jianlu responded, "Of course." As he spoke, he fetched a branch from the shore without touching it, and with a flick, flowers blossomed from the branch, spinning on their own, transforming into a tiny windmill. He then stuck the windmill at the stern of the boat, and it propelled the vessel upstream against the current.

It seemed that this was indeed the case in the original concept. Back then, Yaoguang had contemplated making Long Jianlu the strongest expert.

"In the eyes of one at the Mahayana Realm," Long Jianlu explained, "all things can be turned into magical treasures; the difference lies merely in the 'spirit' that controls them."

Yaoguang queried, "How old are you?"

Wait, this was already established, Yaoguang thought as he tried to recall. But before he could finish his thought, Long Jianlu spoke.

Long Jianlu: "According to mortal lifespans, I've lived eight hundred springs and autumns. However, I don't feel that old. How old do you think I am?"

Yaoguang thought to himself, You're just a 26-year-old, mid-life crisis jerk who deserves a beating.

Curiosity piqued, Yaoguang asked, "Can you ascend to Immortality?"

Long Jianlu shrugged, raised an eyebrow, and looked at Yaoguang.

"A century ago, I was on the precipice of ascending," Long Jianlu shared. "But alas, that one step has proven insurmountable. Perhaps your appearance is fate's way of intervention."

In Yaoguang's narrative, "ascending to Immortality" was the final stage of cultivation. Upon reaching this realm, one became a true immortal, free from the constraints of the mortal world. He didn't know why he chose such a setup; it was merely borrowed from other novels, adapted and modified to fit his own universe.

However, there had been no true Immortals in Central China yet—Yaoguang hadn't figured out what they would do after ascending. With nowhere to place them, he had lazily blocked off the path to Immortality for now.

But dual cultivation was indeed a great workaround. Despite being a demonic cultivator, Yaoguang was relishing the shortcut, albeit somewhat guiltily...

But oh, how delightful it was!

As the leaf boat glided along the river, Yaoguang glanced at the shore. Long Jianlu gestured for him to come closer, then quietly rested his head on Yaoguang's lap, gazing up at the sky.

"Isn't there something you need to attend to?" Yaoguang asked. "After being imprisoned for nearly a century, don't you want to visit your own demonic cult?"

Long Jianlu remained silent.

Yaoguang: "And the resurrection of the malevolent deity - isn't that your desire?"

Long Jianlu: "Why do you keep worrying about these matters for me? Isn't basking in the sun more pleasant? Are you the Devil King or am I?"

Yaoguang fell silent, and after a moment, he muttered to himself, "I wonder what Teng Xingyun is up to now? Was it nearly a century ago that he betrayed you?"

Long Jianlu finally sat up, looking at Yaoguang.

"You're quite a bore."

"How am I a bore?" Yaoguang felt a sting from the remark and grew displeased.

"You clearly have feelings for me but put on an indifferent facade, hesitating and refusing to acknowledge it," Long Jianlu said. "Why won't you admit it? Are you afraid of losing face in front of me?"

Yaoguang had to concede that Long Jianlu was right.

In reality, he was indeed an awkward person. His nature dictated that even if he truly liked someone, he would never be the one to confess his feelings first, as if being the first to fall in love meant losing the game.

If he were to be in a real relationship, someone like him would probably be quite bothersome, right?

Long Jianlu placed a hand on Yaoguang's shoulder and leaned in slightly, speaking earnestly, "Then tell me honestly, do you like me or not?"

Yaoguang stared at Long Jianlu, instinctively wanting to deny it again. But he couldn't help but sigh.

"Yes, you're right, I have a problem," Yaoguang admitted.

Surprisingly, Long Jianlu was taken aback. "What's wrong? Why are you saying this all of a sudden? I was just joking around. Are you mad again?"

Yaoguang replied, "I really do have a problem. I have Borderline Personality Disorder."

"What?" It was the first time Long Jianlu, who hailed from the cultivation world of Middle Earth, had heard such an odd term.

Yaoguang explained, "It's a type of mental stress. We've only known each other for a short while..."

"But I feel like I've known you for a very, very long time," Long Jianlu countered.

"Hear me out!" Yaoguang pleaded. "Right now, we don't have any issues. But the longer we stay together, the more often I'll lose my temper with you. We'll bicker endlessly, so it's best to part ways while things are still good. You can go do your own thing – revive the Evil Deity or resume your role as a cult leader… I have to, I have to leave, Long Jianlu."

"Hey!" Long Jianlu was utterly perplexed. "Where are you going? Come back!"

Yaoguang soared into the sky on his sword, leaving Long Jianlu behind.

Transforming into a black fire meteor, Long Jianlu chased after him. Yaoguang, however, refused to look back and only flew resolutely, increasing his speed. Long Jianlu didn't try to stop him but continued to follow closely behind.

At this moment, Yaoguang couldn't help but recall his past loves. His relationships had followed a familiar pattern since childhood – he would first develop a crush on a boy, then grow close to him as friends. Eventually, they would become like brothers and start arguing for no apparent reason.

All these unfruitful romances ended with Yaoguang's erratic behavior. Sometimes, he would stand in the rain; other times, he would inflict physical or emotional harm upon himself. Initially, his partners would try to mend their relationship out of concern for their friendship and Yaoguang. But after endless turmoil, they eventually gave up, worn out mentally and physically.

Only Liang Jue remained steadfast.

In the stillness of every sleepless night, Yaoguang would remember his uncontrollable actions, filled with shame that was beyond words. As a result, he gradually withdrew into himself, avoiding long-term relationships to prevent repeating his past mistakes.

When he met Long Jianlu in the previous story, Yaoguang could still manage himself. But now, he had fallen for Long Jianlu, and they had shared an intimate moment. The situation was bound to escalate uncontrollably, compelling him to leave Long Jianlu's side as soon as possible.

"Why are you acting so differently all of a sudden?" Long Jianlu's voice echoed.

Yaoguang didn't respond, simply flying his sword aimlessly. At this moment, he felt that he needed to return – back to the real world. He couldn't continue indulging in a romantic relationship with a boss within the book, or who knew what else might happen next.

Long Jianlu: "Did I say something wrong? Is that why you're so angry?"

Long Jianlu was like a confused, straightforward boyfriend with a head full of question marks, utterly perplexed as to why Yaoguang had suddenly taken off without a word.

"Stop right there!" Long Jianlu finally lost his patience.

"Don't follow me," Yaoguang said. "You're the Demon King! Can't you act a bit more responsibly? You should be going to awaken the Evil God and give everyone a conclusion!"

Long Jianlu: "Am I crazy? Why would I resurrect an Evil God? Am I bored with my life? If you have a grudge against someone, there's no need to unleash the Evil God – I'll wipe out their entire clan right now!"

With a heavy heart, Yaoguang continued his flight.

Long Jianlu: "Why do you always make me do these things? Do you have some expectation for the Evil God? Do you even know that guy?"

Yaoguang took a deep breath and said, "Alright, to be honest, the real reason I saved you was to awaken the Evil God."

Long Jianlu: "..."

Yaoguang took to the skies once more.

Long Jianlu chased after him, saying, "I don't believe it. Are you insane? Why did you revive It?"

Yaoguang didn't respond.

Long Jianlu pressed on, "You're even more demonic than the Demon Sect. You're the real Devil! Tell me, what's your true purpose? If you don't give a reason, it's meaningless!"

Yaoguang halted again, hovering on his flying sword and addressing Long Jianlu, "All I can say is that I have my reasons, but I can't disclose them now."

Long Jianlu retorted, "If you can't say it now, does that mean someday you will? Who are you seeking revenge against? No, wait, you don't seem like someone filled with hatred. Are you being serious here?"

Yaoguang replied, "Yes, whether you help or not, I'll do it myself."

Long Jianlu scoffed at this, "You couldn't even enter the Dark Valley."

Yaoguang asked, "Would you be willing to do this for me?"

Long Jianlu answered, "I was locked away for ninety-nine years, and I've been free for less than ten days!"

Suddenly, Long Jianlu noticed the earnestness in Yaoguang's eyes, along with a hint of determination.

"Seriously? You're not joking, are you?" Long Jianlu was utterly perplexed.

Yaoguang didn't respond but turned around and resumed flying away.

"Alright, I'll think of something," Long Jianlu replied. "There's no need for you to keep flying. You can't shake me off; I've left my demon seal on you. No matter how far you fly, you can't escape me!"

Yaoguang slowed down, gliding over the mountain ranges.

Long Jianlu was truly at a loss. After being locked up for so long, he had finally regained his freedom and come to terms with his situation. He had even found a new companion and had no desire to be entangled in the world's affairs. He just wanted to enjoy life in the mortal realm.

But now, Yaoguang was asking him to return to his old profession, and Long Jianlu had never studied the specifics of awakening an evil deity.

"Answer one question for me," Long Jianlu said, "and I'll help you awaken the evil deity. But once it's unleashed, you'll have to face the consequences on your own. Let me warn you, that entity is nothing like me. Don't even dream of gaining any power from it, nor will it engage in dual cultivation with you..."

Yaoguang turned around, gazing at the black flames that transformed, revealing Long Jianlu's floating figure.

"I must be out of my mind to even consider dual cultivation with an evil deity."

Long Jianlu's expression clearly showed he wanted to ask, "Then tell me, why are you doing this?" However, he held back.

He looked at Yaoguang earnestly and said, "Alright, now tell me, do you like me?"

Yaoguang fell silent. Long Jianlu then revealed that familiar smile and whistled at him.

"You already know, don't you?" Yaoguang said.

Long Jianlu replied, "I want to hear it from your own mouth."

Yaoguang: "Is this some sort of accomplishment for a player who plays around with others' feelings?"

Long Jianlu: "What kind of scumbag! Don't misunderstand me, I have genuine feelings for you! I gave you the Demon Seal. Do you know what that means?"

Though Long Jianlu didn't fully understand Yaoguang's words, he could roughly guess their meaning. At that moment, a bolt of lightning struck in the distance, catching both their attention.

"Why does it have to thunder right now?" Long Jianlu grumbled.

"Like," Yaoguang finally spoke up. "Yes, I like you."

Yet, Yaoguang thought to himself, But I can't be with you; someday, you'll surely grow to hate me.

Long Jianlu smiled again and reached out his hand towards Yaoguang, who asked, "Where are we going?"

Long Jianlu replied, "To the ends of the earth."

Yaoguang knew that by placing his hand in Long Jianlu's, they would become shooting stars, soaring towards the horizon.

However, in the distance, bolts of lightning struck one after another, instantly transforming into a torrential thunderstorm! These were not natural lightning strikes; the only explanation was that someone was engaged in a battle atop a mountain!

Yaoguang exclaimed, "What is that?!"

Long Jianlu glanced at it casually and said, "Someone is undergoing a tribulation."

Yaoguang expressed his desire, "I want to see it."

Long Jianlu clasped Yaoguang's hand, and they whirled through the air like a black flame meteor, hurtling towards Danxia Mountain, where the lightning raged.