"Xue Shidi, I am honored to have caught a glimpse of such an expression," Yi Kumquat said, his voice low and gravelly, the weight of old age etched into every syllable. It contrasted starkly with Shudu's sultry and raspy voice, shaped by the raw charisma of his battlefield cries and the endless echoes of war. Xue Tuzi frowned beneath the delicate veil that concealed his face, but Yi Kumquat carried on with his small talk, his voice meandering like a slow river. Yet, no matter how much Yi Kumquat spoke, Xue Tuzi's mind wandered back to Shudu, unable to shake the image of him from his thoughts.
Nearby, Jiao Jiao, the tiny Gu worm, had been chasing an iridescent soap bubble, its delicate form floating just out of reach. With an eager leap, the little creature slipped and splashed into the basin of dirty dishwater. He flailed his tiny nubs in a futile effort, releasing muffled gurgles as the soapy water surrounded him. Yet Yi Kumquat's droning voice drowned out even Jiao Jiao's high-pitched squeals, and Xue Tuzi remained lost in his thoughts.
I wonder if he's okay… Xue Tuzi thought, submerging the dish he was scrubbing deeper into the basin. Waves rippled through the water, sending poor Jiao Jiao spiraling further into the murky depths. His injury hasn't healed yet. He couldn't have gone far… The thought pressed heavily on him, he sighed, almost imperceptibly, as he rinsed the last dish. Reaching over, he unplugged the basin, watching the whirlpool form with an almost detached gaze. Jiao Jiao, trapped in the current, spun helplessly in circles.
What if he was attacked again? But who could have attacked him? The question struck him like a sharp blade, and his hand froze on the basin's edge. "Yes, that's right," he mumbled aloud, the words slipping out without thought.
Yi Kumquat's ears perked up, his eyes glinting with a sudden spark of purpose. "Then that settles it!" he declared, clasping Xue Tuzi's hands in his own with surprising vigor. "Meet me at the disciples' courtyard under the ancient tree at dusk. I'll be waiting for you."
Before Xue Tuzi could utter a word of protest, Yi Kumquat spun on his heel and strode away, his robes fluttering behind him like a restless wind. His shadow stretched long against the dimming light as he disappeared from sight, leaving Xue Tuzi standing there, dumbfounded.
"What did I just agree to?" Xue Tuzi muttered under his breath, turning back to the basin. His gaze fell to the still half-filled basin, the water now eerily quiet, his eyes darted around looking for one mischievous little Gu worm, that was nowhere in sight. A sinking feeling gripped him, and he plunged his hands into the murky depths, fishing blindly until his fingers closed around something small and squirming. He pulled Jiao Jiao free, the poor creature's body limp and drenched.
"Xiao Jiao!" Xue Tuzi exclaimed, panic flashing across his features. Carefully, he pressed two fingers against the Gu worm's tiny chest, pushing out the water. Jiao Jiao coughed and sputtered, his small frame shivering in Xue Tuzi's hands. Relief washed over him, but it was quickly followed by frustration.
"You need to be more careful next time!" Xue Tuzi scolded, wrapping Jiao Jiao in a clean, dry cloth. His tone softened as he looked at the worm's pitiful, trembling form. "You could have drowned…" He cradled Jiao Jiao close, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I'm sorry. It's my fault too. I was too busy thinking of—"
He stopped abruptly, his words catching in his throat. Shudu's face flashed vividly in his mind, the memory of his actions and the intensity of his eyes making Xue Tuzi's cheeks burn. He licked his lips nervously, then huffed, as if trying to shake the thought away. "That idiot!" he muttered, his voice carrying a mix of irritation and something deeper he refused to name.
Adjusting Jiao Jiao in his arms, Xue Tuzi turned on his heel and left the kitchen, heading toward the laundry quarters.
"I guess I'll tell him no when I see him," Xue Tuzi muttered, his voice laced with resignation. He let out a long sigh, sinking into the worn wooden bench outside the laundry shed, the faint creak of the wood echoing his mood.
Li Zhameng, kneeling by the washbasin, had just wrung out the final batch of freshly laundered clothes. As he reached for the next pile, his hand brushed against a stack of folded handkerchiefs. Their color caught his eye—a shade just off-white, warm and creamy with a faint yellow undertone, like the soft glow of morning sunlight filtered through sheer curtains. The texture was invitingly smooth, as though they had been handled with meticulous care.
Curiosity piqued, he picked one up and held it to his nose. The scent was immediate and intoxicating—sweet and salty, like fresh cream infused with roasted nuts. He froze for a moment, startled by how comforting and rich it smelled. Slowly, his eyes fluttered shut as he inhaled deeply, savoring the aroma.
"Ah, it smells so good…" he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. Exhaling contentedly, he set the handkerchief down, only to pick up another and repeat the process. Each one carried the same deliciously sweet, creamy, nutty fragrance. With every sniff, his curiosity grew.
"Is Shizun experimenting with fragrances?" Li Zhameng mused aloud, his brow furrowing as he dunk the handkerchiefs back in washbasin. The thought made sense—Shizun was known for his peculiar habits and inventive pursuits. The idea that his master might be crafting a unique scent seemed plausible enough.
What Li Zhameng didn't know, however, was the true origin of that scent.
Trapped within the confines of Xue Laohu's body, Yi Ming—a nineteen-year-old whose soul had been displaced—had been wrestling with his own secret frustrations. Days spent suppressing unfamiliar urges in a body that wasn't his own had taken their toll. In the quiet, lonely hours of the night, he found himself seeking release, his emotions spilling over in ways he couldn't control. The handkerchiefs became his outlet, absorbing every ounce of his tension and leaving behind that warm, sweet scent—a mixture of guilt and desperation he couldn't bring himself to face.
Unaware of the truth, Li Zhameng continued washing the handkerchiefs, his mind wandering. "Shizun really is amazing," he thought aloud, glancing toward the distant silhouette of his master's study.
Li Zhameng had just finished folding the last piece of laundry when Xue Tuzi arrived, his footsteps soft and deliberate as he approached the drying line. The sky was a pale blue streaked with wisps of gray clouds, and a restless gust of wind swept through the courtyard, tugging at the freshly washed robes that hung precariously on the line.
"Careful, they're barely holding," Xue Tuzi called out as he adjusted a stubborn pin, trying to secure a loose sleeve that flapped like a flag.
Li Zhameng nodded, tiptoeing closer to help. His hands worked quickly, but a sudden stronger gust tore one of Shizun's robes free, sending it fluttering through the air like a ghostly apparition.
"Ah, I've got it!" Xue Tuzi shouted, dashing after the wayward robe. The fabric danced mockingly in the wind, but he managed to catch it just as it landed against a low shrub. He carefully dusted it off, smoothing the creases with his hands before draping it back over the line. This time, he fastened it securely with a pin.
"Thanks," Li Zhameng said, flashing a small smile as Xue Tuzi rejoined him. Together, they continued hanging their Shizun's clothes, working in a synchronized rhythm as the wind played its tricks.
But as time passed, the absence of Shudu became more noticeable. The robes were all hung, swaying gently in the breeze, and still, there was no sign of the demon.
"He's still not back," Xue Tuzi muttered under his breath, his eyes flickering toward the distant horizon.
Li Zhameng gave him a quick glance but didn't press further. With their task complete, the two parted ways.
Xue Tuzi found himself beneath the ancient tree, its gnarled roots twisting into the earth like veins. He paced back and forth, his brow furrowed, his thoughts consumed by Shudu.
"I haven't seen him all day," he murmured, his voice trembling with worry. His hand instinctively went to his chest, clutching at the fabric of his robe as if to steady his racing heart. "What if he's injured?"
The wind picked up, brushing loose strands of hair across his face. He sighed deeply, tucking them back behind his ear with a distracted hand. His mind spiraled with anxious thoughts.
"What if he hasn't been able to heal yet?" The question gnawed at him, his lips pressing into a thin line. His pacing quickened, the crunch of leaves beneath his boots the only sound to accompany his frantic thoughts.
"Xue Shidi," a soft voice broke through his reverie.
Startled, he turned to see Yi Kumquat standing a few paces away, holding a bouquet of wildflowers. The blooms were a mix of soft lavender and deep yellow, their vibrant colors contrasting with the muted tones of the day. Yi Kumquat's expression was calm, but there was a subtle warmth in his gaze.
"You are as beautiful as ever," Yi Kumquat said gently, stepping closer.
Xue Tuzi blinked, "Eh…"
Yi Kumquat took his hand, the gesture firm but soothing. "Here," he said, pressing the bouquet into Xue Tuzi's arms.
"Uh—" Xue Tuzi started, but Yi Kumquat gave him a soft smile and began guiding him away from the ancient tree.
"Beautiful flowers for a beauty," Yi Kumquat said simply, his tone steady but kind.
Xue Tuzi looked down at the flowers in his arms, their delicate scent rising to meet him. He let himself be led away, his steps slower now, the wind carrying the faint rustle of leaves behind them.
"Master," Xiao Zongzi repeated firmly, her tone sharp as she folded her spider legs beneath her on the branch. "You made a promise, and you broke it. Of course, Second Master feels conflicted." Her words carried the weight of a reprimand, though her voice softened at the end as if to cushion the blow. Slowly, she began to descend from her perch, her legs dangling like spindly threads of silk as she made her way down toward Shudu, who lounged lazily on a lower branch.
"Ugh, I'm always the villain," Shudu groaned, throwing his hands up dramatically before crossing them over his chest. He turned his face away in a sulk, a thin straw dangling loosely between his lips.
"Me," he muttered, the straw shifting with his words. "It's always my fault. You saw the way he—"
But before he could finish, a sudden burst of voices broke through the quiet rustle of the forest. Shudu and Xiao Zongzi both froze, their ears pricking at the sound of disciples gossiping as they passed nearby.
"Can you believe it?" one of them exclaimed, his voice a mix of disbelief and amusement. "Xue Shixiong accepted a date with Yi Shixiong!"
"What? No way!" the second disciple gasped, his voice high with astonishment. "What kind of evil dark magic is Yi Shixiong using? Whatever it is, I want it! If it can get me a date with Xue Shixiong, I'll take it!"
Their laughter echoed briefly before fading into the distance, leaving an uneasy silence in its wake.
Shudu sat bolt upright, spitting out the straw from his lips sharply. His expression darkened as realization struck him like a lightning bolt. "Yi Kumquat? That old man?" His voice dripped with disbelief, remembering he had sold Xue Tuzi's intimate belongings to, quickly his brows knit together in a deep frown.
"Master…" Xiao Zongzi sighed heavily, her spider legs tapping rhythmically against the branch as though trying to steady her thoughts.
"Ugh!" Shudu growled, his teeth grinding audibly as he clenched his fists so tightly his knuckles turned white. "I leave him alone for one day, and he's already getting hot with another man!"
Xiao Zongzi tilted her head, unimpressed. "Master, maybe you should—"
"Go!" Shudu cut her off, pointing a trembling finger in the direction the disciples had disappeared. "Sneak around and follow them. Find out what they're up to. And don't you dare let him catch wind of you!" His voice was low and venomous, his eyes blazing with jealousy.
"Master, I don't think—"
"Go!" Shudu snapped, snarling under his breath. "Dam," he muttered to himself, his voice thick with resentment. "How dare he?"
"Master…" Xiao Zongzi interrupted quietly, shaking her head as she climbed higher into the branches, disappearing into the canopy to do as she was told.
Left alone, Shudu slumped back against the trunk of the tree, his mind racing. The straw he'd been chewing on was now crushed in his grip, a tangible symbol of his simmering frustration. His lips curled into a sneer as his thoughts spiraled deeper into anger and betrayal.
"Dam it," he muttered to himself, his voice cold and resolute.
The boat glided silently along the river, its wooden hull creaking softly with each gentle ripple. The surrounding scenery was picturesque—verdant trees leaned over the water's edge, their branches trailing like fingertips against the current. Wildflowers dotted the banks, their reflections trembling in the river's surface. The scene had all the makings of romance, but the mood aboard the boat was anything but.
Xue Tuzi sat motionless, his gaze fixed blankly on the ripples in the water. His shoulders were tense, his hands resting limply in his lap. His mind, however, was far from the idyllic surroundings or the man seated across from him. Worry gnawed at him, thoughts of Shudu swirling endlessly. Was the demon injured? Was he safe? Why did he care? The uncertainty coiled in his chest, tightening with every passing moment.
On the other side of the boat, Yi Kumquat was reciting poetry, his voice soft and lilting as he gestured dramatically toward the scenery. "The river flows like silk," he murmured, his gaze fixed on Xue Tuzi, hoping for a reaction. "Each ripple a gentle caress against the shore. Yet, it pales before the brilliance of your presence."
Xue Tuzi didn't even blink.
Yi Kumquat faltered, his smile wavering as he realized his words were falling on deaf ears. His eyes drifted to the bouquet of lores he had painstakingly gathered earlier. It now lay discarded on the floor of the boat, its petals crushed and crumpled beneath Xue Tuzi's boot. The sight sent a sharp pang through Yi Kumquat's chest.
He straightened, his hand drifting to the flask tucked into his belt. His Shizun's instructions echoed in his mind: Just a few drops, and he will be yours. Yi Kumquat's fingers trembled as he uncorked the flask, carefully pouring a measure of its contents into his drinking flask. The liquid swirled within, its surface shimmering faintly before fading into the water. He gave it a gentle shake to mix it, forcing a smile as he turned to Xue Tuzi.
"Xue Shidi," Yi Kumquat said, his voice light and coaxing, "you didn't bring your drinking flask. You must be thirsty. Here, have some of mine." He extended the flask toward Xue Tuzi, his hand steady despite the nervous flutter in his chest.
Xue Tuzi barely glanced at him. "No, thanks. I'm not thirsty," he said flatly, brushing the offer aside with a sigh. His gaze remained fixed on the river, his expression distant and troubled.
Desperate to draw his attention, Yi Kumquat leaned forward and plucked a small flower from the water's surface. Its delicate petals glistened with droplets of river water. He held it to his nose, inhaling its faint fragrance, before extending it toward Xue Tuzi. "A flower's beauty fades before your gentle glow," he said softly, his tone laden with meaning. "You outshine the bloom."
Before Xue Tuzi could respond, a tiny blur darted between them. Jiao Jiao, had been curled in Xue Tuzi's sleeve, swatted the flower away with his tiny tail, puffing up his cheeks in a display of indignation.
The sudden movement shattered the tension. Yi Kumquat leapt to his feet with a shriek, pointing a trembling finger at the tiny creature. "A demon! A demon!" he cried, his face pale with panic. "Xue Shidi, step aside! I will extinguish that vile creature!"
"You will do no such thing!" Xue Tuzi snapped, his voice sharp as a blade. He scooped Jiao Jiao into his arms, cradling the little Gu worm protectively against his chest. His brows furrowed in anger as he glared at Yi Kumquat, the air between them crackling with tension.
"That demon is a leech," Yi Kumquat hissed, his hand moving to the hilt of his sword. "It will suck out your spiritual energy. Allow me to destroy it!"
Xue Tuzi's glare darkened. "You dare point your sword at him? Ignorant fool!" he growled, his voice low and dangerous.
Yi Kumquat hesitated, but his hand tightened around the hilt. "Xue Shidi, you don't understand—"
Before he could finish, Xue Tuzi yanked the ribbon from his hair, the strands tumbling freely around his face. With a flick of his wrist, the ribbon snapped through the air, striking Yi Kumquat across the face with a resounding crack.
Yi Kumquat stumbled back with a cry, clutching his cheek where the lash had left a red, stinging welt. "Xue Shidi!" he shouted, his voice a mix of pain and outrage.
But Xue Tuzi was already moving. He stepped onto the edge of the boat and leapt gracefully onto the riverbank, Jiao Jiao nestled securely in his arms. His robes billowed around him as he landed, his expression fierce and resolute.
"You will be mine," Yi Kumquat muttered under his breath, his teeth clenched with rage as he steadied himself, the pain from the lash only fueling his determination. Without hesitation, he leapt after Xue Tuzi, his eyes burning with an obsessive intensity that bordered on madness.