Chapter 127

Chapter 127

Wang Qianjiao looked over.

The star earring shimmered brilliantly, perfectly suited to Chen Zui’s ear. Although the base was a bit rough and not very refined, this act alone was enough to pleasantly surprise him.

Chen Zui cherished the gift Wang Qianjiao had given him so much.

Moreover, it involved piercing through a part of his body. For some reason, this act filled Wang Qianjiao with a particularly deep satisfaction. He reached out, his fingers resting behind Chen Zui’s earlobe, gently pushing the stud forward. The soft, raised earlobe was still slightly red.

"Does it hurt?"

"If Big Brother blows on it, it won’t hurt."

Wang Qianjiao leaned in, but instead of blowing, he placed a kiss on the earlobe.

He had made a promise.

He would try to learn how to love him.

Wang Qianjiao raised his head and looked at Chen Zui—no longer merely his puppet, but a person, someone named Chen Zui, a living person.

And he had done all sorts of things with this person…

Wang Qianjiao belatedly realized.

Chen Zui noticed Wang Qianjiao’s face suddenly flush bright red, as if he were steaming. Curious, he asked, "What’s wrong with you?"

Wang Qianjiao avoided his gaze, stood up, and chose to change the subject. "Come here, let me comb your hair."

He turned and walked toward the mirror.

Chen Zui watched his slightly flustered retreating figure and said, "Ao Tian, check his favorability level."

Ao Tian thought it would surely be just a tiny increase. This person’s favorability rose so sparingly that Ao Tian had little desire to check. Unenthusiastically, it checked the data, and then it was stunned.

"15%!"

And it was still rising!

By the time Wang Qianjiao reached the mirror, the favorability had climbed to 20% before finally stopping.

Ao Tian: "What’s going on? How did it suddenly jump to 20%!"

Now there was suddenly hope.

Chen Zui wasn’t too surprised. He thought that after formally introducing himself to Wang Qianjiao, the other could no longer see him as just a puppet. He would also remember all the things he had done with this man.

He went over and sat down in front of the mirror.

Wang Qianjiao began to comb his hair. Not just the hair—even the entire wardrobe of clothes had been handmade by Wang Qianjiao. He couldn’t leave his puppets unclothed, so he learned to make clothes, starting simple and gradually mastering the craft, creating increasingly intricate and delicate garments.

Nor could he let the puppets have unkempt hair, so he also learned to style their hair.

All these skills were now being used on Chen Zui.

It made him happy whenever he dressed Chen Zui up beautifully. At that moment, Wang Qianjiao was curling Chen Zui’s long hair into waves, a style that would suit the pink outfit he was wearing that day.

Ao Tian: "Aww~ The baby is so cute~"

Chen Zui nearly rolled his eyes. He knew Ao Tian was saving up points to exchange for a human body. He suspected that if Ao Tian became human, it would be the kind of mischievous younger brother who’d get scolded eight hundred times a day and still not behave.

Ao Tian: "Oh no, I just thought of something."

Chen Zui: "What?"

Ao Tian: "Pink really suits you, hahahaha—"

Chen Zui didn’t understand what it meant, nor did he get the joke. But from now on, he decided never to wear pink again. Ao Tian had urged him to wear it, only to laugh at him afterward.

If Ao Tian ever got a human body, he would definitely teach him a lesson.

——

Mo Xingchen returned to the mountain. This trip had been completely fruitless. That night, the Black Bat had carried the puppet away, vanishing without a trace, and he hadn’t been able to find it since. He had been searching aimlessly for days.

He arrived at Dengtian Mountain, where Wang Qianjiao’s residence was. The defensive formation was gone, indicating Eldest Brother was present. Had that puppet returned?

He figured he should ask the others for information first.

He decided to look for Meng Changqing first, only to find him disheveled, drunk, lying on the ground surrounded by wine jars. Meng Changqing was still holding one, tipping wine into his mouth—half going in, half spilling out. The wine dripped from his chin down his neck and onto his chest, leaving shimmering trails.

Mo Xingchen stood at the doorway, taking in the scene. He had never seen Meng Changqing like this before. The man had always been appearance-conscious, presenting himself as a cultured gentleman. In their centuries as fellow disciples, this was the first time Mo Xingchen had seen his neck fully exposed—it looked so delicate, as if it could be snapped with a single squeeze.

Meng Changqing didn’t even notice someone had arrived. Clutching the wine jar, he turned over, his loose inner robe failing to cover his chest, revealing a pinkish hue.

Mo Xingchen glanced briefly before looking away.

As the saying goes, "It's improper to look." Besides, he had no interest in Meng Changqing’s chest. However, he did notice Meng Changqing’s back—several crisscrossing wounds, freshly healed, the flesh still tender and pink.

Only a small part was visible.

It looked like he had been whipped.

The only one who could whip him like that was probably Eldest Brother. Mo Xingchen stepped closer. Just moments ago, he had thought about not looking, but now he unceremoniously pulled down Meng Changqing’s inner robe, revealing his entire back covered in intersecting pink whip marks.

It should have evoked pain, but on this back, Mo Xingchen felt a perverse sense of pleasure. As a member of the demon race, he felt his blood stir.

"Did Eldest Brother do this?"

Hearing the words "Eldest Brother," Meng Changqing finally reacted. He seemed caught between crying and laughing. "Eldest Brother… Eldest Brother, how could you love a puppet!"

There was still anger in his voice as he tried to sit up but lost his balance, falling into Mo Xingchen’s arms. He mumbled, "Eldest Brother will never look at me again…"

Mo Xingchen’s body stiffened momentarily.

——

Wang Qianjiao had finished styling Chen Zui’s hair and dressing him up.

Chen Zui looked at himself in the mirror, feeling like a flower fairy. He glanced upward through the mirror at Wang Qianjiao and said, "Brother, there’s one more thing I need your help with."

The way he said "brother" now was different from before. It used to be coquettish, but now there was a playful teasing undertone, even more enticing than when he was being coy.

Wang Qianjiao looked at him questioningly.

Chen Zui lowered his gaze. "Brother, I can’t fasten the bottom ring of the body chain. If it’s left loose, it keeps slapping against me when I walk. Can you help me with it?"

Wang Qianjiao had forgotten about that ring entirely.

Actually, it's not difficult at all—just slide it on, right at the base.

Their gazes met in the mirror, heavy with unspoken understanding, yet they insisted on communicating in such a covert manner. Those deliberately unvoiced words were fishing for someone willing to take the bait.

Chen Zui: "Gege, be gentle with me."

He wasn't acting like someone begging for help.

Wang Qianjiao still lent a hand—he didn’t want the thing he’d carefully made to get broken. He leaned his head over Chen Zui’s shoulder, wrapping his arms around him and pulling him closer.

A close and suggestive position.

Anyone who approached Chen Zui like this would usually get thrown over his shoulder. The moment Wang Qianjiao leaned in, Chen Zui almost reacted on reflex.

Thankfully, he held back.

Their cheeks brushed, warm and intimate.

Wang Qianjiao skillfully unfastened the clothing he had sewn himself and took out what he had only recently tasted. At first, he thought Chen Zui might be lying, but now, seeing the faint red marks, the body chain’s ring had definitely left a mark.

He instinctively rubbed the reddened spot.

Chen Zui smirked and leaned back into Wang Qianjiao’s embrace.

A light, cool scent.

Yet it made whoever smelled it gradually heat up.

Only after rubbing the mark did Wang Qianjiao realize what he was doing—this was no longer his puppet. This was a man named Chen Zui. The ear pressed to Chen Zui turned red.

Whenever he remembered this, he always got flushed.

Picking up the body chain’s ring, silver with blue gems set in it, arranged in a gradient pattern—it wasn’t his creation but a treasure obtained from a secret realm.

Now, holding the ring, he looked at Chen Zui’s…

Suddenly, he thought perhaps he could rework it into a lock ring, so he could punish Chen Zui whenever he misbehaved.

"Brother, what naughty thing are you thinking?"

Chen Zui’s words, his breath brushing Wang Qianjiao’s cheek, made half his body go weak. This man named Chen Zui was truly good at reading people.

"Naughty thoughts are naturally not something I can tell you."

As he spoke, Wang Qianjiao opened the ring and clasped it around the base.

---

Mo Xingchen left Meng Changqing’s residence, pondering his words. Meng Changqing was so sure, and he bore the whip marks left by Eldest Brother.

Just for setting up an attack on a puppet, Eldest Brother had beat him. The importance of that puppet to Eldest Brother was evident.

Even if they were mistaken, and Eldest Brother’s affection was merely favoritism and not love, keeping it around… Mo Xingchen thought of the puppet’s face—sooner or later, love would blossom.

He headed off to find Liu Feiyun.

---

"Master! This disciple has something to report!"

Liu Feiyun knelt before the hall, having hurried over. He couldn’t bear it for another moment.

Ji Xuanqing, who had been brewing tea, nearly spilled it from the shock. Stroking his graying beard, he asked, "What’s so urgent?"

He couldn’t help but grow serious, though his kindly, benevolent features—reminiscent of a smiling Bodhisattva—made even his serious face seem gentle. Even so, in the cultivation world, he was a respected leader.

Liu Feiyun looked up. "Master! Eldest Brother’s puppet must not be kept!"

Ji Xuanqing was confused. His eldest disciple loved messing with such things, but most creations ended up stored away. Never had a puppet caused trouble before.

Liu Feiyun: "That puppet is clearly a manifestation of a seductive demon, meant to drag Eldest Brother into the abyss, beyond redemption! Master, you must go see for yourself. Do not let Eldest Brother become enthralled and suffer because of it!"

His words were filled with genuine emotion, his eyes even reddening.

As if Wang Qianjiao had already been bewitched by the puppet, disregarding all principles and morals.

Upon hearing this, Ji Xuanqing stood up. His eldest disciple must not encounter any mishap—as his master, he hoped to see him become the foremost figure in the cultivation world, though his disciple seemed disinterested.

The future of the Zhu Xian Sect was also to be entrusted to him, though he seemed equally uninterested in that.

Regardless, his eldest disciple’s partner could not be a puppet, let alone one embodying some seductive demon.

"This master will go and see."

Liu Feiyun scrambled to his feet, not forgetting to whisper further into Ji Xuanqing’s ear: "Master, that puppet is skilled in sweet words and coaxing flattery. You must not be deceived by it."

Ji Xuanqing looked at him, his eyes clear and sharp.

Liu Feiyun finally caught on: "Of course, Master, you would never be deceived. This disciple misspoke."

Master and disciple flew toward Dengtian Mountain.

In the woods, Mo Xingchen looked up, watching the two figures fly past, a look of everything going according to plan on his face.

"What did you say to him?"

Yu Hong appeared behind him, his withdrawn gaze tinged with worry. That fool Liu Feiyun, provoked with a few words, had charged ahead. After this, any hope he had with Eldest Brother was completely gone.

Tch.

He’d probably come crying to me, and not just crying—he’d definitely throw himself at me.

Just thinking about it was—annoying.

Mo Xingchen turned his all-seeing gaze toward Yu Hong: "Junior brother has been very concerned about Third Brother lately."

Yu Hong reacted with unusual sensitivity: "Stop talking nonsense! Who would care about him!"

He turned and walked away.

Mo Xingchen snorted, turning his gaze toward Dengtian Mountain. Once Master disposed of that puppet, he would have no more rivals. Eldest Brother would surely be his.

At the thought, he wondered if Eldest Brother would allow him to wield the whip.

---

When Ji Xuanqing and his disciple arrived at the summit of Dengtian Mountain with an imposing presence, they saw a man in pink robes practicing swordplay under a sky-shading blossom tree. Each move was fluid and precise, accompanied by falling petals—like a celestial being descending to earth.

Ji Xuanqing: His swordplay is exquisite—clearly a talent with great potential.

Liu Feiyun's eyes were filled with jealousy as he looked at Wang Qianjiao, who was leaning against the tree. How could the Eldest Brother teach him swordsmanship? What makes a mere puppet worthy of learning their sect's sword techniques!

"Master, it's him!"

His tone was so bitter it seemed as if he wished Ji Xuanqing would crush Chen Zui with one blow right then and there.

Wang Qianjiao appeared before Ji Xuanqing, bowing respectfully with his hands clasped. "Disciple greets the Master."

Chen Zui also stopped practicing his sword forms. It was his first time seeing Wang Qianjiao behave so formally. His gaze fell upon the old yet youthful-looking Immortal Venerable, and he quickly strode over, bowing as well. "Chen Zui greets the Immortal Venerable."

Ji Xuanqing, stroking his beard, thought they seemed quite polite—nothing like the monster Feiyun had described.

"No need for such formalities."

Wang Qianjiao straightened up. "Does Master have any instructions?"

Ji Xuanqing looked at Chen Zui. This puppet actually possessed considerable cultivation—truly remarkable.

"Your puppet craftsmanship improves with each creation. If not for the mark on his forehead, he would be indistinguishable from a real person."

"Thank you for your praise, Master."

Wang Qianjiao subtly shifted his position, attempting to shield Chen Zui. Seeing that his master had arrived with Liu Feiyun, he knew their visit was likely with ill intent, probably targeting Chen Zui.

"Does the Immortal Venerable also think my brother made me well?"

Wang Qianjiao glanced back at Chen Zui, hoping he would keep a low profile. Instead, Chen Zui stepped forward with a humble, gentle smile, standing side by side with him.

"Immortal Venerable, you truly have an eye for quality."

"Some people dismiss puppets as mere playthings, not worth judging. But you, Immortal Venerable, have the discernment to recognize true value. I've always wondered how extraordinary my brother’s master must be, given how remarkable my brother is. I imagined the highest possible standards, but seeing you in person, I realize I didn’t imagine enough."

Anyone could tell these were sweet words meant to please, yet they were undeniably pleasing to hear.

Ji Xuanqing, already smiling, grinned even wider.

Liu Feiyun sensed trouble. "Master..."

"Immortal Venerable," Chen Zui cut in loudly, stepping forward to capture Ji Xuanqing’s attention.

With a respectful demeanor, he continued, "Immortal Venerable, ordinary people in this world look down on puppets, but you are certainly not one of those common folk. Chen Zui knows he is unworthy of becoming your disciple, but I humbly ask for your guidance, so that I may cultivate alongside my brother."

Liu Feiyun: !

He cried anxiously, "Master..."

Wang Qianjiao intervened, "Master, he is straightforward and innocent. Please forgive his bluntness."

Liu Feiyun, interrupted once again, stared at Wang Qianjiao in disbelief. *Innocent? Straightforward? Has Eldest Brother gone mad?!*

Chen Zui continued piling on compliments, and Ji Xuanqing grew increasingly pleased. His impression of Chen Zui was now quite favorable. Most importantly, he sensed the puppet’s high cultivation level and was curious to see what surprises the future might hold.

As for Feiyun’s earlier concerns—if Chen Zui were an ordinary puppet, he would indeed be unworthy of his eldest disciple. But a high-level cultivated puppet was a different matter. Cultivators live long lives, and it’s not unusual for them to form attachments to various beings—some even bond with mythical beasts or weapon spirits. He was no stickler.

In comparison, a puppet was not so bad.

Moreover, what truly mattered was having a companion to share the long path of cultivation.

Ji Xuanqing declared, "Since you have the determination, I expect to see results."

His words meant he agreed to Chen Zui’s request.

Liu Feiyun objected, "Master..."

"Thank you, Immortal Venerable. I will not disappoint you or my brother," Chen Zui interrupted again, not giving him a chance to speak. He added cheerfully, "I know you agreed only because you care for my brother."

The Immortal Venerable stroked his beard. "Oh? How so?"

Chen Zui tossed his head playfully, his tied wavy ponytail swayed lightly as he glanced at Wang Qianjiao.

"Because my brother put his heart and soul into creating me. Every line of my skin, every strand of my hair was crafted with utmost care. To him, I am his masterpiece, the peak of his puppet-making artistry—a testament to his years of dedication. It’s like a cultivator achieving a breakthrough after countless days and nights of arduous training."

He turned back to Ji Xuanqing. "You, Immortal Venerable, cherish my brother, and so you show kindness to me. The bond between you and my brother is truly enviable."

After this eloquent speech, Ji Xuanqing was delighted. Not only did he praise Chen Zui as a "good child," but he also gave him gifts: a protective charm bell, an immortal brush, and a high-quality spirit pill.

Two second-grade immortal artifacts and one first-grade spirit pill.

Such generous gifts made Liu Feiyun seething with envy.

Chen Zui accepted them all, seeming thrilled. "Thank you, Immortal Venerable. You are so kind to me. In the future, my brother and I will look after you well."

His words sounded like those of newlyweds addressing their parents.

Ji Xuanqing laughed warmly. This puppet was energetic and well-spoken—a perfect match for his eldest disciple. The more he observed Chen Zui, the more satisfied he felt.

"Continue your cultivation diligently."

Wang Qianjiao and Chen Zui bowed side by side.

"Master, safe travels."

"Immortal Venerable, safe travels."

Liu Feiyun was led away by Ji Xuanqing. Along the way, he glanced repeatedly at his master, looking as if he had much to say but couldn’t find the words. They had agreed on one thing before arriving—how had his master been won over so easily?

"It seems you hold prejudice against Xiao Zui," Ji Xuanqing remarked. "Since your Eldest Brother values him, you should treat him as family. Feiyun—it’s time to grow up."

Liu Feiyun: …Xiao Zui!

Ji Xuanqing added, "You may return now."

Liu Feiyun stared wide-eyed as his master flew away, his expression growing increasingly aggrieved. Why was *he* the one being scolded...?

He sniffed, raised an arm to cover his eyes, and headed straight for Yu Hong’s residence.

He urgently needed his junior brother’s comfort.

—

Only the two of them remained on the mountain peak.

Wang Qianjiao was astonished by Chen Zui’s performance. Though his coquettish, playful act was a façade, Wang Qianjiao could sense his inherently cold and vengeful nature. Such a person would rarely humble themselves willingly.

"I didn’t expect you to be so adaptable," he remarked with admiration. Still, it was worth it—the three gifts from his master, especially the spirit pill, would allow Chen Zui to advance another level.

After consuming the immortal pill, Chen Zui was now just a step away from reaching the mid-stage of the Divine Transformation realm.

After taking this elixir, he’ll definitely break through.

Chen Zui thought to himself, shouldn't telling people what they want to hear and ghosts what they want to hear be the way of survival in this world?

He slightly lowered his head, his nose almost brushing against Wang Qianjiao's nose, his eyes looking up into Wang Qianjiao's eyes.

From Wang Qianjiao's perspective, he seemed even more like an animal.

"As long as I can stay by Brother's side, whether it means humbling myself or standing tall, whether I have to act crazy or play dumb, I'm willing to do it."

Wang Qianjiao's heart started racing again. Chen Zui always beat around the bush, scheming to trap him, but occasionally being so direct was truly irresistible.

Chen Zui, like an animal, gently rubbed his nose against Wang Qianjiao's nose.

"Brother, you should reward me."

Wang Qianjiao blinked.

Chen Zui continued to nuzzle his nose, even closing his eyes as if utterly lost in the moment, simply savoring the contact, the intimacy of the moment. His breathing was light and gentle, and when he spoke, his words curled around him.

"Just reward me with a romantic moment related to you, Brother."

Wang Qianjiao felt the spiritual power within him singing with joy, to the point where his body seemed about to explode. It felt as though there was only one way to find relief.

He looked at Chen Zui's lips and slowly leaned in.

It wasn't their first kiss.

But this time, his heart felt like it was about to beat out of his chest.

As their soft lips met, Wang Qianjiao closed his eyes, while Chen Zui opened his, like a predator waking up.

He raised his hand to cup Wang Qianjiao's head, responding fiercely.

Wang Qianjiao was kissed until he stumbled back. Just before he collided with a tree trunk, Chen Zui's hand pressed against it first, then slowly pressed him against the tree.

Petals fluttered down in the wind.

Wang Qianjiao felt his tongue being devoured by Chen Zui. In pain, he opened his eyes and saw the other's dark pupils fixed on him.

The moment their eyes met, it felt as though his soul was being stolen.

He had been watching him the whole time.

Then hadn't he seen how he looked while kissing?

At this thought, a hint of embarrassment flashed in his heart, turning into a blush on his cheeks.

He raised his hand, attempting to cover Chen Zui's eyes.

Chen Zui didn't avoid it, finding his small gesture endearing, while Wang Qianjiao continuously felt Chen Zui's eyelashes fluttering against his palm.

Ticklish.

Chen Zui's mouth wandered to Wang Qianjiao's neck, and Wang Qianjiao no longer needed to cover his eyes.

Leaning against the tree trunk, he didn't know what to do or what he could do, only tilting his head back as if baring his neck to be kissed.

His throat was captured.

Like prey in a predator's jaws, being nipped and sucked.

It was a sensation Wang Qianjiao had never experienced in his hundreds of years of life.

Their overlapping robes were pulled open.

Ao Tian quickly shut off his visual perception, but not before checking the favorability meter—27%.

If Chen Zui managed to seal the deal today, it would probably increase a bit more.

There's hope, there's hope.

Go, Chen Zui!

A petal fell from the tree, landing on Nai Tou before it could hit the ground. Chen Zui opened his mouth and snapped at the falling petal.

Along with it, he also caught that small beauty mark.

Wang Qianjiao's hand, pressed against the tree trunk, clenched tight instantly. Dazedly, he opened his eyes. No, how could he let himself be suppressed like this?

He thought, his breath suddenly growing heavier. It seemed Chen Zui was still a suckling.

The thought of Chen Zui, with his true personality, behaving like this made him feel—incredibly hot.

Lifting his hand from the tree trunk, he reached into Chen Zui's collar, found the body chain, and gave it a sharp pull. He heard Chen Zui let out a faint, low groan.

The sound was pleasant, deep, as if striking directly against his already pounding heart.

He wanted to hear it again.

His slender fingers wrapped the chain connected to the nipple piercing once, twice, and tugged.

Chen Zui looked up at Wang Qianjiao, so proactive.

He kissed Wang Qianjiao's lips again.

Wang Qianjiao occasionally tugged the thin chain in his hand, while Chen Zui's hands pressed against the spot where the petals had fallen, rubbing firmly.

Not wanting to lose, Wang Qianjiao hooked the chain connected to the piercing below and pulled it upward.

Chen Zui's hands began to move toward Wang Qianjiao's buttocks.

The two, pressed so close they seemed fused, had their chests tightly together, their hardened nipples occasionally brushing against each other with their movements.

The toys pulled up by the body chain and Wang Qianjiao's toy pressed against each other, each straining for dominance, each trying to overpower the other.

The wind blew petals from the tree and swept up fallen flowers from the ground, partially hiding the two.

Meanwhile, Mo Xingchen was down the mountain. Had Shizun actually spared that puppet?