Chapter 120

Chapter 120

Chen Ji finished packing and suddenly needed to use the restroom, so he informed Second Master Huang. Knowing Chen Ji would likely spend the night out again with his "outside companion," Second Master Huang headed to the kitchen to grab some snacks to take along.

Although Second Master Huang was tall, mighty, invincible in battle, and quick as the wind—capable of catching small prey for a midnight snack with no trouble—why settle for raw deer or rabbit when cooked food was readily available and far tastier?

Second Master Huang took food for himself without a hint of guilt; he found the whole situation hilarious. As a mighty immortal, he was responsible for protecting Chen Ji and escorting him to meet his little "outside companion." Was it so wrong that he also helped himself to some snacks? If anything, Chen Ji should be grateful he wasn’t asked to kowtow in gratitude—proof of their deep bond.

After taking care of his personal needs, Chen Ji turned on the faucet to wash his hands and face. After all, when going out to meet someone—or a cat?—he liked, shouldn’t he tidy up? What if he ended up rubbing against Xiangxiang and messing up her fur? That would be awkward.

There was a scratching sound at the door.

Assuming it was the system cat, Chen Ji called out, "Xiao Ba, what is it?"

The scratching continued. Chen Ji dried his hands and went to open the door. As soon as he did, an icy wind swept over him, and everything in his vision was swallowed by darkness. The lines that usually defined the world vanished, leaving only an abyssal black.

His body froze. Chen Ji stood rooted to the spot, unable to move even a finger. Blinking felt like an immense effort.

Suddenly, a cold presence pressed against his back. A pair of hands reached around from behind, gently enveloping him. A weight settled on his shoulder, as though someone was resting their chin there.

"Chen Ji…"

A voice pierced his eardrums, drilling straight into his brain. A sharp, electric ringing filled his ears, and the low, hoarse voice cut through it like a heavy sword, forcing its way into his consciousness.

"Chen Ji."

Chen Ji closed his eyes.

Mountain Lord.

Mountain Lord couldn’t resist showing up—but why? Chen Ji wasn’t wondering why He appeared, but how He could appear.

He hadn’t shown up for a long time, and this wasn’t a dream. In the past, He only appeared when Xiangxiang was around, pushed to the brink of His endurance. It was as if He had to tolerate an unwelcome guest in His own home despite having the power to drive them away immediately. Why wait?

After all, Mountain Lord was not a patient god.

So was it because… someone had offered incense to Him today? Had His power grown? Or had the viral video planted His image in too many minds, granting Him strength?

Chen Ji didn’t show fear. No matter what, Mountain Lord’s appearance meant His power had increased. The last time He appeared in His true form, Chen Ji had been severely injured, both physically and spiritually, on the verge of collapse. But this time, he was unharmed.

Second Master Huang had once said that Mountain Lord’s strength was roughly at the level of a ghost fairy—perhaps slightly higher at His peak. Yet, Chen Ji could meet and dine with the blue-robed ghost fairy without issue because she could control her power. Mountain Lord couldn’t, because He was too weak.

Chen Ji didn't believe he had improved enough to face an unrestrained Mountain Lord so soon. So this time, Mountain Lord must have deliberately held back.

Mountain Lord held him quietly, saying nothing more. The ringing in Chen Ji’s ears gradually faded until it disappeared entirely. Chen Ji thought it was just as well—if He kept talking, the tinnitus might return, and he’d eventually have to go down the mountain for a hearing test to prevent sudden deafness.

They stood like that for a long time.

Chen Ji began to lose focus. If there was something to say, why just hold him without speaking? Was He just messing with him?

Then again, maybe it wasn’t so bad. He often enjoyed hugging Xiangxiang too, lounging on the giant cat. He hadn’t experienced winter warmth or summer coolness with her, but it was certainly comfortable… Hm?

With that thought, Chen Ji suddenly found Mountain Lord less annoying and felt a bit more patience toward Him.

A faint smile touched Chen Ji’s lips. Once he realized he could move his facial muscles again, he asked softly, "Do You have any instructions?"

Cold lips brushed against Chen Ji’s cheek, just a light touch. Chen Ji remained expressionless. Wasn’t it just like being licked by a giant cat? He could handle it.

Then the slight chill traveled along his jawline to his earlobe. Chen Ji felt a faint sting, not painful but like being immersed in ice water, as if someone had nibbled on his ear.

"Chen Ji…" Mountain Lord’s voice was like rough cloth rubbing against Chen Ji’s eardrum. A subtle itch spread from his eardrum to his nerves and then to his brain. His body instinctively wanted to pull away, but after the itch came a strange comfort that made him tremble slightly.

Chen Ji’s waist was held firmly by those hands. He couldn’t help wondering what form Mountain Lord was taking now—a person? A giant tiger? Or a chaotic black mist with a pair of hands and a head sticking out? …Well, that was a bit disgusting.

Chen Ji said gently, "Were You disturbed by too many visitors today?"

A head buried into the crook of his neck, nuzzling his skin. Mountain Lord whispered, "...Are you going to see it?"

Who was "it"? Both Chen Ji and Mountain Lord knew, but Chen Ji pretended otherwise, maintaining his calm composure. "Who do You mean? I was planning to go fishing… It might rain tomorrow or the day after, so I wanted to catch some fish to make soup… I even bought tofu. It won’t last long, so I shouldn’t let it go to waste."

He spoke lightly and cheerfully, as if already savoring the delicious fish tofu soup, his eyes crinkling with delight.

"You are going to see it!" Mountain Lord repeated suddenly, His voice still hoarse but now tinged with venom, like a ghost clawing its way out of the eighteenth layer of hell to accuse Chen Ji of betrayal.

"..." Chen Ji paused briefly, then said helplessly, "You found out… Yes, I was planning to see it, but the fishing part is true too…"

"There are too many disobedient little spirits in the mountain," he lowered his eyelids. "You need more incense. I’ve heard from the ghost fairy—if there’s no more incense, You will fall into a deep sleep… So nothing can go wrong on the mountain. One died today, and thankfully it was clean. If people down the mountain found out, no devotees would dare come up again."

"Those spirits defy Your orders, disrespect Your authority, and act as though You don’t exist… In the past, such minor offenses might not have mattered, but now it’s different," Chen Ji said softly.

"What’s different?" Mountain Lord asked.

Chen Ji raised his eyes, staring into the thick darkness ahead as if meeting Mountain Lord’s gaze. His once dull eyes now gleamed with life, like a puppet suddenly gifted with a soul. He smiled. "Of course it’s different. I want You to live. I don’t want You to fall asleep. So they must obey… Do You understand?"

"I am Your temple keeper. It’s my duty to uphold Your dignity, spread Your blessings, and ensure Your incense thrives…" Chen Ji smiled. "So You don’t need to worry about anything. You don’t need to do anything. Whether it’s offerings or incense, I will prepare everything and present it to You."

After a moment of silence, Mountain Lord suddenly said, "You’re lying to me!"

"No," Chen Ji replied. "Why would I lie to You?"

"Because… because…" Mountain Lord repeated twice, then said, "I want to kill you."

Chen Ji’s eyebrow twitched. Well, well. Had the incense and new followers nourished not His power, but His brains? Why did it seem like this idiot had learned to talk again?

"That was an accident," Chen Ji said gently. "You didn’t mean to, right?"

"Was it because I disobeyed?" Chen Ji continued. "I was tricked by it. I thought You and it were one…"

Mountain Lord remained silent.

Chen Ji adopted an almost coaxing tone, intimate and gentle. "Now I know better. I won’t be fooled by it again… Its existence is an eyesore, isn’t it? But if I don’t appease it, what if it figures out my intentions? What if it realizes I want to gather followers for You and decides to cause trouble?"

What Chen Ji really wanted to say was: You can’t even deal with it, so I have to appease it, and now you’re here throwing a tantrum? What’s this? Wanting everything without lifting a finger? Why don’t You just ride the wind and rise? Do You really think You’re that important?

But if Mountain Lord had any brains, He should realize this already. If He hadn’t grown them yet, being too blunt might get him killed. Better not say it.

"..."

Mountain Lord said nothing.

Chen Ji’s pinky finger twitched. He raised his hand and placed it on the arm encircling his waist, giving it a gentle pat. "How about I come back and make You fish soup?"

A damp, cold sensation returned to his ear, as if something was licking the cartilage beneath his skin through thin layers of flesh. Chen Ji was already calculating how much a prosthetic ear would cost and whether his hearing could be preserved when, abruptly, everything vanished.

The world, composed of vibrant, multicolored lines, returned to his vision. The system cat was huddled in the corner, frantically calling out to him: [Chen Ji, wake up! Wake up!!!]

Second Master Huang appeared outside the door in a gliding motion. He did not speak, but his face was full of concern. It was only when he saw Chen Ji standing there unharmed, albeit covered in Mountain Lord’s scent, that he breathed a sigh of relief.

Chen Ji twisted his somewhat stiff arm and said cheerfully, "Second Master Huang, are you ready? Let’s go fishing!"

—So gullible. Though not as gullible as Xiangxiang, he wasn’t far off. A simple bowl of tofu fish soup was enough to placate him.

Second Master Huang stammered incoherently, "Really going?"

"Would it be fake otherwise?" Chen Ji walked toward Second Master Huang, mentally replaying Mountain Lord’s every action and word to System Cat, asking it to analyze frame by frame the possible implications of Mountain Lord’s appearance based on his actual feelings and memories.

[Received!] System Cat said, quickly accessing Chen Ji’s memories. Before Chen Ji even reached the front door, it had finished and remarked in an eerie tone, [You’re getting better and better at this... I actually analyzed you before—once you complete the mission and get the reward, the most likely and recommended job for you is still your original profession... But now I’d recommend you work as a male model at a high-end club, appealing to all demographics. The mission reward would just be a few months' income for you.]

Chen Ji bent down and scooped Second Master Huang into his arms, stroking his smooth fur. "Second Master Huang, it seems the fish oil is working. Look how much smoother your fur has become. Let’s keep it up!"

[Thanks for the suggestion, but my suggestion is that you’d better not suggest anything.]

System Cat let out a "Pfft~" and focused on analyzing data—Who are you trying to kid? No matter how slick you are, you still need me to analyze the data! If you’re so amazing, figure it out yourself! What do you need me for?!

Chen Ji pretended not to hear and happily headed out with Second Master Huang in his arms.

Perhaps he had been overdoing it with the supplements lately, but Chen Ji was full of energy. If he felt tired, it was only mentally—physically, he was energetic enough to wrestle eight oxen! So, staying up all night didn’t seem like a big deal.

Of course, it’s still best to sleep... but today was special. Just ask, if someone’s little cat rolled around in a pile of bugs today, which owner could resist giving it a bath?!

If Xiangxiang didn’t already have such awesome fire abilities, he would’ve considered customizing a sanitizing chamber to stuff Xiangxiang into for a good disinfecting!

***

Second Master Huang wasn’t in too much of a hurry either, strolling through the mountains with Chen Ji. The weather was starting to get warm, but the mountain nights remained cool. Startled by Second Master Huang’s footsteps, countless emerald specks flew out from the grass and trees, instantly illuminating the quiet space.

Chen Ji looked up, admiring the beautiful scene, when he suddenly heard Second Master Huang say, "It’s at the pond."

"Hmm?" Chen Ji found it amusing. "Second Master Huang, did you put a tracker on Xiangxiang? Found it so easily?"

The pond was the same place Xiangxiang had taken Chen Ji a few times before.

"It always goes there," Second Master Huang said.

...Maybe it simply didn’t have many places to go.

Chen Ji smiled and said, "Second Master Huang, are you so sure Xiangxiang is there today? I have a feeling it might not be. Hmm... maybe it’s picking up plastic bottles along the mountain path?"

Chen Ji knew Xiangxiang turned into human form when picking up trash, but he couldn’t help picturing a majestic white tiger with a plastic bottle in its mouth, a trash bag hanging around its neck, all dusty and disheveled.

The thought made him want to laugh.

"..." Second Master Huang paused for a moment. "The fireflies told me."

He sounded like he was holding back a laugh.

Well, everyone was thinking the same thing.

Chen Ji mischievously feigned disappointment. "So that’s what the fireflies are for? I thought Second Master Huang specially brought me here to see them..."

"...Chen Ji!" Second Master Huang said, flustered and exasperated. "You, you... you! Do you even know how to talk?!"

Chen Ji: "Oh... so you did bring me here on purpose?"

Chen Ji rubbed Second Master Huang’s back fur. "Thank you, Second Master Huang. It’s beautiful. I love it."

[...] Without warning, Second Master Huang switched to acceleration mode, covering a hundred kilometers in just one second. The multitude of glowing green specks stretched into brilliant streaks of light in Chen Ji’s eyes, as if the entire world were filled with these strange, dazzling bands. Chen Ji let out a "Wow!", tightened his grip on Second Master Huang’s fur, and laughed heartily. "So pretty!"

If the time is too short... maybe we could catch some fireflies to raise?

He’d leave this task to the little ghostly spirit when he got back. Bribe it with egg tarts and have it come by for a stroll twice a day to keep records.

Thinking this, Chen Ji’s gaze toward Second Master Huang grew even softer.

Soon, Second Master Huang came to a stop. They were just a step away from the pond, separated only by a thin wall of trees and leaves. Second Master Huang’s slender, long tail lifted Chen Ji off its back and shoved him through the tree wall. "Here, go on!"

Caught off guard, Chen Ji was smacked in the face by branches and leaves, and the next moment, he plunged into the pond with a splash.

Wait, no—this pond has monster fish!

Instinctively, Chen Ji tried to climb back onto the bank. He had just grabbed a rock at the edge when he stopped.

Chang Xu was sitting not far from him, his slightly long hair wet and clinging to his ears. Luminous droplets fell from the tips of his hair, rolling down his slender neck before settling in the hollow of his collarbone.

His cool, handsome features were fully visible, and under the moonlight, they seemed to glow faintly, as if a deity had descended to earth.

Chang Xu looked at Chen Ji with some confusion, then seemed to realize something. A faint pink blush spread across his fair skin as he said with difficulty, "You..."

Chen Ji’s first thought: Great, he’s really good-looking. Second Master Huang isn’t just vengeful—he really knows how to make things happen.

Second thought: He’s bathing. Wow, he actually bathes? That’s great! Saves me a lot of effort!

Third thought: Oh my god, my cat bathes himself!

Chang Xu didn’t understand why Chen Ji suddenly looked relieved. He grew concerned, wondering if something had happened, but before he could approach, he caught the strong scent of Mountain Lord on him.

Chen Ji remained oblivious—though even if he knew, he wouldn’t care. The pond was deeper than he’d expected. If he hadn’t grabbed the rock in time, he would’ve realized that even near the bank, he couldn’t touch the bottom.

Hesitating, he said, "Chang Xu, I can’t swim. Come help me... I’m a little scared."

Without a second thought, Chang Xu walked over. He raised a hand but then lowered it again. The next moment, his wet tail wrapped around Chen Ji’s waist and pulled him closer.

The water where Chang Xu was seemed shallower, clearly only about forty or fifty centimeters deep—just enough for a grown man to sit with his head and shoulders above the surface.

Shamelessly, Chen Ji let out a "small gasp" and "accidentally" lost his balance, tumbling into Chang Xu’s arms.

Chang Xu’s body was always warm, likely because he was skilled with fire. Even immersed in the cold water, he felt comforting and warm.

Chen Ji hugged him and let out a satisfied sigh.

Really, after being clung to by the cold, damp Mountain Lord earlier and then thrown into cold water, holding the warm Xiangxiang felt incredibly comforting.

Chang Xu looked at Chen Ji, who had thrown himself into his arms, and raised a hand slightly, hovering above Chen Ji’s back. Chen Ji instinctively said, "I’m a little cold..."

Chang Xu’s hand settled on Chen Ji’s back, holding him.

Chen Ji pressed his face against Chang Xu’s chest, nuzzling contentedly. "It’s nothing. Mountain Lord showed up earlier."

The jade ornament around Chen Ji’s neck was still there, effectively shielding him from Mountain Lord’s eyes and ears. Plus, with Xiangxiang here, Mountain Lord wouldn’t find out, so he felt safe saying, "I calmed him down..."

As for how he calmed him down, Chang Xu didn’t need to know. He breathed a sigh of relief. "...As long as you’re okay."

"Mm." Chen Ji asked him, "I want to know something. Tell me honestly... If eight people come to offer incense, will Mountain Lord’s power show immediate effects?"

"Yes," Chang Xu said, trying to ignore Chen Ji pressed against him. "But a few people aren’t that significant to us."

Good, so it really is because of the video.

Chen Ji narrowed his eyes: "How many people would it take to show some effect?"

Chang Xu lowered his gaze, the moonlight casting delicate shadows on his eyelids, making him appear even more like carved ice and snow: "At least a hundred."

Mountain Lord's power was at its peak when more than a dozen villages centered around Little Green Mountain, several towns, and even three cities came to worship him—but that was already over a hundred years ago.

And as everyone knows, only those who suffer greatly and desire much would endure the long and arduous journey to seek blessings from distant, elusive deities.

Chen Ji asked softly: "Has your strength increased?"

Chang Xu turned his face slightly: "A little."

Chen Ji had thought the same. Since Mountain Lord's appearance as a large purple bundle could leave an impression on people, there was no reason Xiangxiang wouldn’t. Xiangxiang should have been the center of attention in the entire video.

If things continue this way... it seems there might be a new breakthrough in the plan.

Chen Ji instinctively rubbed his face against Chang Xu and gave him a big kiss, saying with a laugh: "Xiangxiang, you're amazing."

He was so familiar with Xiangxiang that even after transforming into Chang Xu, the name "Xiangxiang" still came out automatically.

Chang Xu froze, not daring to move a muscle. Chen Ji looked at him curiously: "What's wrong, baby?"

Chang Xu struggled to say: "...N-nothing."

"Mm." Chen Ji lay back in his arms, wrapping his arms around Chang Xu's waist and pressing closer. He was so warm—it was incredibly comfortable. Who understands the sheer comfort of holding such a warm, big cat in cool water!

Chen Ji rested his head on Chang Xu's shoulder, tilting his head to smile at him: "By the way, Xiangxiang, I left a question last time. Can I ask you now?"

Chang Xu held him stiffly, saying nothing.

Unfazed, Chen Ji asked with a smile: "Do you like it when I kiss you?"