Chapter 67: Wavering

Fang Li’s eyelashes quivered. Xie Huai’s tender murmurs brushed past his ear like feathers, or like a cool breeze sweeping past burning lava, pushing everything he was trying hard to suppress to the brink of collapse. Fang Li suddenly felt aggrieved.

Back when Xie Huai’s poison had acted up, Fang Li had intentionally stayed far away from him just because he hadn’t wanted Xie Huai to suffer…… But when it came to himself, not only was Xie Huai refusing to leave, he was even adding oil to the fire, making the already arduous process even more difficult to bear.

Like a starving person looking at a feast but unable to eat, like a person in the desert seeing a spring but unable to drink.

 Xie Huai was obviously enticing him!

He just wanted to see Fang Li’s ugly state as he became unable to restrain himself. Ha, he had already seen through Xie Huai’s scheme. This was his revenge on him, but he was a big, strong man, and he would do as he’d said. He’d said he would endure it for seven days, so he would. How could he ask for someone’s help?

Besides, the love parasite had been much fiercer than this twin-fates herb. Fang Li hadn’t experienced what kind of pain beyond death Xie Huai had suffered in those seven days, so he couldn’t speak on it, but he knew it would definitely have been a hundred, thousand times more difficult to bear than what he was feeling right now. They were both men, so if Xie Huai could take that kind of hardship, then why couldn’t he?

How could a man say that he couldn’t do it?

The self-respect of a man immediately swelled up. Even if he lost the battle, he would lose with dignity!

Fang Li bit into his lip, and the taste of blood spread through his mouth. He still didn’t open his eyes, spitting out two words in a low, hoarse voice. “No, need.”

Xie Huai’s expression abruptly chilled, a ferocity in the depths of his eyes.

So, you hate being touched by me this much?

Even if your endurance is at its limit, you’re unwilling to let me help you.

Back then, when you used the love parasite on me and saw me in a pain worse than death, entranced by you and wavering because of you…… what were you thinking?

Probably, you were only looking at a joke.

Xie Huai lowered his head and softly kissed away the trace of blood on Fang Li’s lips, saying slowly and hoarsely, “Open your eyes, look at me.”

Fang Li refused to open his eyes.

He was afraid that as soon as he saw Xie Huai, he wouldn’t be able to resist anymore and would ask him for help……

Xie Huai’s laugh was low and somewhat cool. He said teasingly, “Forget it, in the end, I’m not as heartless as Your Excellency.”

Fang Li: ?

And then, he understood what Xie Huai had meant. In the end, he still kind-heartedly “helped” him.

……………………

The next day, Fang Li lay on the bed with wooden eyes.

Although Xie Huai had only used his hands to help him, his entire being was still in a daze. He didn’t dare think back on everything from last night. Fang Li tried his utmost to shake last night’s memories from his head, that definitely hadn’t been him!

He definitely wouldn’t be like that!

Not long after, Xie Huai pushed the door open and entered. He came over and carried Fang Li up, arriving at the soft divan in the courtyard.

Just like usual, Xie Huai helped Fang Li sit up and patiently fed him.

Fang Li lowered his eyes, his gaze unable to refrain from falling on Xie Huai’s hands. Those hands were slender like jade, white and flawless, just like the person himself, perfect to the extreme.

He had never avoided admiring Xie Huai’s beauty. If it had been before, perhaps he wouldn’t have been able to resist giving them a few more glances, but today……

Fang Li suddenly averted his eyes, his ears warming up. Such clean, good-looking hands, yet they’d done something like that.

Like a pure and holy god falling into the filth and dust of the world.

Fang Li would never be able to look directly at Xie Huai’s hands again!

The effects of the medicine were obviously gone, but it was like all of those sensations had yet to disappear. Not only were they not disgusting, they even made one want to dwell on them. A preposterous thought suddenly arose in Fang Li’s mind.

It was the first time he’d realized with such clarity—he might really be bent.

This realization came like lightning out of a blue sky, striking Fang Li into daze.

Had he originally been bent without realizing it, or was it because of Xie Huai that he’d been bent?

Wait a minute, was he really bent?

Fang Li’s eyes were perplexed.

He would never be able to say that he didn’t like men again.

As soon as he thought of this, his entire body emitted an ashen aura, like his whole world had been flipped upside down, his worldview crushed into pieces and reconfigured over and over again. As soon as he closed his eyes, it was the scene of Xie Huai helping him while he exposed such a……

Xie Huai brought a bite of food to Fang Li’s mouth, but the young man only stared blankly at him, then averted his eyes in a panic, a layer of mist in his eyes. His entire body was shrouded in an aura of gray, as if his soul had flown away in self-loathing.

Melancholy and downcast.

Xie Huai’s chest suddenly throbbed, as if his heart had been yanked. He had already been so careful and hadn’t really done it to the end, but even like this, Fang Li still found it so hard to accept.

Unwilling to so much as look at him.

He had once been such an arrogant devil, yet now, he was showing such a desolate appearance. If the person in front of you were your Shixiong, you definitely wouldn’t be like this, right……

Jealousy coiled around his heart like a venomous snake. Xie Huai knew very well that he shouldn’t, but he couldn’t suppress the viciousness in his heart. Had he still not done enough?

Your Shixiong isn’t here anymore. Inside of that body is nothing more than a heartless, ruthless soul. He destroyed everything of yours, watching with eyes wide open as you fell to the demonic path, never to climb back up…… He’ll only hurt you, but I won’t. Even if it’s only as a substitute, I’m still better than him, aren’t I?

At the least, I wouldn’t treat you like that.

Xie Huai suddenly pulled Fang Li over, his murky eyes fixed on the young man’s face, and lowered his head to kiss him.

Fang Li was still bathing in the sorrow of possibly having been bent and was caught unawares by Xie Huai’s kiss. He subconsciously wanted to struggle, but his entire body was still pliant and powerless, and he could only nestle in Xie Huai’s arms.

He was kissed until the corners of his eyes reddened and it became difficult to breathe. Just as he was starting to suspect that Xie Huai intended to suffocate him to death like this, Xie Huai suddenly spun with Fang Li in his arms, and his sword Snowblue suddenly appeared in his hand, striking away a black shadow—

Fang Li: ?

Xie Huai finally let him go, and he urgently gasped for air. Only then did he see that the person beside them was actually Wu Yimei.

The black-robed man had a sinister expression, his eyes fixed squarely on Xie Huai, his line of sight resting on the person in Xie Huai’s arms.

His Excellency’s expression was haggard and pale, his eyes seemed to glisten with tears, and the skin of his neck was full of purple and blue marks. His Excellency seemed to have been poisoned, leaning limply in Xie Huai’s arms. Wu Yimei had never seen this…… other side of His Excellency.

This appearance of having been tormented made Wu Yimei’s blood boil in a flash, and he immediately prepared to fight with Xie Huai to the last!

Just at this moment, Xie Huai’s fingers rested softly near Fang Li’s neck, and his cool, clear voice said blandly, “If you take one more step closer, I’ll kill him.”

Fang Li: ?

Who would believe this nonsense?

Then, Fang Li turned and saw that, sure enough, Wu Yimei’s steps had paused. The veins in his forehead were bulging, and the hand that was gripping his whip was shaking, but in the end, he didn’t step forward.

Fang Li: …… Oh, Wu Yimei would believe this nonsense.

He simply felt helpless.

He’d already told Wu Yimei who knows how many times that Xie Huai definitely wouldn’t hurt him. Wu Yimei was such a smart and astute person, and normally, when he did things, he never made any mistakes. He was his most capable subordinate, but this devious, sinister, scheming devil in the eyes of the world…… insisted on not being able to see through things when it came to Xie Huai.

He kept thinking Xie Huai would hurt Fang Li.

Was the power of the original story that great?

Wu Yimei’s eyes were fixed squarely on Xie Huai, his eyes like blood. Back on Mount Xingyang, he’d watched with eyes wide open as Xie Huai had brought His Excellency away. Wu Yimei had had no choice but to take his subordinates to retreat, and then he’d come alone to Hollow Ridge, attempting to rescue His Excellency away from here.

But Hollow Ridge had been utterly impenetrable. He couldn’t break through the barrier Xie Huai had laid down and had been unable to enter the whole time. Who could’ve expected that the barrier would suddenly open today? As soon as he’d entered, he’d seen this scene.

He’d seen His Excellency being toyed with by Xie Huai without restraint.

Xie Huai was clearly doing it on purpose, he was putting on a show of strength. Wu Yimei’s blood surged, with no spare thought for the fact that he wasn’t a match for Xie Huai. He couldn’t watch His Excellency suffer this kind of humiliation!

Who could’ve imagined that not only would Xie Huai be so base, he’d even used His Excellency’s very life as a threat. For fear of hurting His Excellency, Wu Yimei didn’t dare act rashly in the end.

Although His Excellency had said before that Xie Huai wouldn’t hurt him, His Excellency had clearly been wrong. Seeing as Xie Huai was able to torment His Excellency like this, what could Wu Yimei do if he really killed His Excellency? Wu Yimei didn’t dare gamble.

He stood there, his teeth clenched so tight that they audibly creaked, squeezing out, “Just what do you intend to do before you’ll let His Excellency go?”

Xie Huai glanced at Wu Yimei, then turned back, his gaze falling onto Fang Li’s face. His eyes were tender as he said meaningfully, “That will depend on whether His Excellency can satisfy me.”

Those words were heavy with implication. Fang Li’s face turned red again.

Wu Yimei was so infuriated that he was about to step forward again.

Fang Li thought to himself, he couldn’t let Wu Yimei strike again. Of course Xie Huai wouldn’t hurt Fang Li, but he very well might kill Wu Yimei.

Really, what a pain, when were these two going to stop giving him a headache? And stop fighting as soon as they crossed paths?

For the sake of Wu Yimei’s safety, Fang Li finally had the self-awareness of a hostage. Leaning into Xie Huai’s arms, he lifted his eyes to look at Wu Yimei, his voice hoarse. “Don’t come over here.”

But Xie Huai seemed very pleased with Fang Li’s compliance. Even if it was only for Wu Yimei’s sake, even if all of it was only fake, he would drink this poison gladly. After all, other than this, he couldn’t hope for more.

Xie Huai’s fingers brushed past Fang Li’s cheeks affectionately. He turned to look at Wu Yimei expressionlessly, saying, “Still not leaving? Are you planning to stay to enjoy the view?”

Fang Li: ?

Enjoy what view?

At least leave me some face in front of my subordinate, okay?!

Fang Li immediately shot Wu Yimei a look, indicating for him to hurry and leave. Right now, it was hard to say what Xie Huai would do at all.

Wu Yimei met His Excellency’s anxious gaze, and his heart immediately throbbed, full of pain. His Excellency was such a proud person who always wanted to appear strong. How could he be willing to have others see this side of him? He would probably rather die than to be humiliated like this. If Wu Yimei were to stay, wouldn’t that make it harder for His Excellency to bear?

Wu Yimei looked at Xie Huai with loathing, finally retreating.

Fang Li let out a breath of relief.

Then, he peeked at Xie Huai with a complicated expression. Speaking of which, at the time, it had been in this very courtyard that he’d once flaunted his “favor” for Xie Huai in front of a crowd of demonic servants, making the world misunderstand that Xie Huai had been…… Now, Xie Huai was also letting Wu Yimei see how he “favored” Fang Li. He really was returning it in kind.

You really wouldn’t be able to tell that Xie Huai had this petty side to him that bickered over every little detail.

Fang Li felt a bit helpless.

Xie Huai saw at a glance that Fang Li’s mind was wandering. His expression chilled, and he said coolly, “Give up, Your Excellency, no one can save you.”

Fang Li: ……

For some reason, it didn’t sound threatening at all.

Seeing that Fang Li didn’t appear to pay it any mind at all, Xie Huai became even more angered, wanting nothing more than to do him fiercely so that Fang Li could never ignore him like this again……

But Xie Huai took a deep breath and let go in the end.

The correspondence talisman near his chest moved.

Xie Huai got up and left the courtyard.

When he arrived at the study, he took out the correspondence talisman. His master, Elder Ming Yin, had responded to him.

Xie Huai’s consciousness swept over the information in the talisman, and his brow furrowed.

Although he’d been keeping Fang Li by his side these few days, considering the situation with Fu Junling, Xie Huai hadn’t been at ease the whole time. Thus, he’d sent a letter to his sect, telling his master about Fu Junling. He hadn’t explained that Fu Junling was the Great Sage reincarnated, only saying that he might have been the culprit behind the scenes at the Ascension Conference and telling his master to keep an eye out.

The reason why he hadn’t come clean with everything was because his information had come from Fang Li’s illusion. If he were to expose Fu Junling’s identity, it was bound to implicate Fang Li, and there would be no way to hide Fang Li’s identity any longer. Furthermore, he didn’t have any evidence to prove Fu Junling’s actions, so he could only describe it as a conjecture.

But it seemed like his master didn’t believe him.

He’d only responded by saying that it was a no small matter, and that it would be best to have evidence first.

Xie Huai’s expression was heavy.

He and Fu Junling had known each other for a long time, but in all these years, he had never discovered Fu Junling’s disguise. It was clear that he’d hidden himself very well. Before the black jade talisman was in his hands, Fu Junling wouldn’t let things rest.

But no matter what, he wouldn’t allow Fu Junling to hurt Fang Li again.

………………………

Fang Li had originally thought that Xie Huai would do something else, but who could’ve known that Xie Huai would let him go and then leave. He let out a deep sigh of relief.

He needed some time to calm down a bit.

To sort out his thoughts.

Because Xie Huai hadn’t lit the sedative incense again, when he woke up the next day, Fang Li’s body had recovered some energy. But Fang Li didn’t intend to escape. He might as well simply stay here.

Two more days passed.

Xie Huai finally came by again. He said impassively, “Come with me.”

Fang Li followed Xie Huai to one of the side palaces. Before he’d even entered the door, he heard the sound of laughter from inside, and his expression froze for a moment. He looked at Xie Huai with some disbelief.

Inside the side palace was the Fang family.

Fang Li pushed the door open and entered.

Fang Mingyuan and Xin Ruiyan were sitting in the courtyard drinking tea, and Fang Qiongyi was looking around curiously. They were only the most ordinary of mortals and had never seen such a splendid palace before! It was rumored that this had been the demon lord’s palace back in the day…… At this thought, their hearts were full of trepidation.

But today, the person living here was Yuyi-jun, so naturally, there wouldn’t be any devil here anymore.

When they went back later, they would certainly have something to brag about!

Fang Qiongyi saw Fang Li at a glance, and her eyes immediately brightened. She hugged her older brother’s arm delightedly and said, “Brother, you didn’t even tell us that you had something to take care of and left. We were all worried to death. It was Yuyi-jun who told us that you’d only gone to see a friend and told us not to worry, then brought us here to the ridge to keep you company.”

Fang Mingyuan looked at his son affectionately and couldn’t bear to scold him. He said in a heavy voice, “There aren’t many days until the wedding. Don’t run off anymore.”

Xin Ruiyan’s expression was fond. “Your mother has finished preparing your wedding clothes for you.”

Fang Li looked at his family’s concern, and his eyes felt hot. He didn’t say anything that would ruin the mood, only nodding.

Then, Fang Li was pulled over. The Fang couple asked after him a bit, and Fang Qiongyi had a thousand questions to ask, her curiosity toward the cultivation world endless……

Xie Huai stood impassively to the side.

Watching Fang Li reunite with his family.

Actually, they couldn’t be considered his family at all. They were no more than a handful of mortals, and they had no idea that the person standing before them had once been the most bloodstained existence in the world, but Fang Li…… seemed to truly consider them as his family. In the time since he’d found Fang Li again, Fang Li’s love and protection toward them hadn’t been fake.

This was the tender side hidden deep in his heart. He could treat every single person by his side with kindness.

Your sect disappeared nineteen years ago. Since you can start over again and accept these mortals as your family, why is that you simply can’t accept me?

I can cherish you just like your Shixiong did……

The corners of Xie Huai’s lips pulled in derision. He thought he really was quite laughable. He’d already said that he was going to take his revenge on this person and give this person a taste of his own suffering, but in the end, he only wanted to be able to see this person. Even if it was only a substitute, he wouldn’t hesitate……

Xie Huai’s eyes dimmed, and he turned to leave.

Fang Li finished exchanging greetings with his parents and sister and answering their questions, his heart full of gratification. He had indeed been worried about his family. Fu Junling was the Great Sage reincarnated, and using A’Yan’s Shixiong’s body, he had changed his facade to become the deputy tower master of Black Star Tower, one of the five great sects.

His thoughts were unfathomable, and his tricks out of the ordinary.

Since he already knew Fang Li’s identity, with his cold ruthlessness, it was entirely possible that he would strike at the Fang family. Who could’ve thought that before Fang Li had even spoken, Xie Huai would even consider this point and bring his family to the ridge in advance? With this, he needn’t worry that Fu Junling would use them to threaten him.

At this thought, Fang Li’s eyes softened, and he let out a quiet sigh.

Xin Ruiyan saw her son sigh and immediately said with concern, “What’s wrong, Li’r? Is there something troubling you?”

Fang Li shook his head.

But Xin Ruiyan misunderstood it as something between him and Xie Huai and said with unease, “Is it Yuyi-jun, did he……”

Fang Li didn’t want his mother to misunderstand and said, “Yuyi-jun treats me very well. You don’t need to worry, mother.”

Xin Ruiyan let out a breath of relief and said, “That’s good. If…… you want to come home in the future, you can come back anytime.”

The corners of Fang Li’s lips lifted in a smile as he agreed, then got up to leave.

He walked through the empty palace.

But what he was thinking was—

Was he really going to become Dao companions with Xie Huai?

Did he like Xie Huai?

Fang Li didn’t know.

But he didn’t hate Xie Huai’s closeness, he didn’t hate Xie Huai’s touch, and he didn’t hate Xie Huai’s feelings for him……

He didn’t hate any part of Xie Huai.

To the point that he was gradually becoming accustomed to Xie Huai’s presence and drank it in willingly.

Did that count as liking?

Liking a man was a part of life that Fang Li had never once imagined, even more so liking a character from a book. It was really a bit overly absurd and ridiculous……

But everything before his eyes was so real, and the person before his eyes was also so real.

Why couldn’t he give it a try?

Why did he have to resist it so much?

Fang Li had returned to his sleeping quarters without realizing it. Xie Huai was there waiting for him.

The expression on Xie Huai’s cool, clear face was blank, and his lips that held a trace of indifference were pressed together slightly. His black eyes watched Fang Li as he said, “The wedding day will be ten days from now. Until then, the Fang family will be staying here.”

He was afraid that Fu Junling would make a move against the Fang family, so he’d brought them here well in advance to guard against mishaps. But he wasn’t willing to voice these thoughts to Fang Li. He was already being so lowly, and not speaking was his last line in the sand. He absolutely wouldn’t beg and plead for this devil to take pity on him……

Xie Huai said coldly, “If you dare try to escape again, consider the consequences.”

Fang Li stared blankly at the person before him.

Then let out a quiet laugh.

You’re clearly protecting my family, yet you insist on saying threatening words. No matter how fierce the words from your mouth, your so-called “returning in kind” has really only been just this……

Xie Huai watched Fang Li laugh. He hadn’t seen Fang Li laugh like this in a long time. Fang Li always had that melancholy appearance, as if he was troubled every minute and second that he was with Xie Huai, but right now, he was actually laughing.

Xie Huai’s breathing faltered for a moment. Then, his expression chilled, and he gripped Fang Li’s chin and said slowly, “What, you think I won’t do anything to them?”

Fang Li was certain that he wouldn’t act against a mortal. That was why he was being so fearless, not taking any heed of Xie Huai’s threat.

Sure enough, Fang Li smiled and asked instead, “So, what do you intend to do to them?”

Xie Huai was stuck.

He looked viciously at the person before him. Clearly, Fang Li was like a fish on a cutting board, but he didn’t have the least bit of fear, and those eyes that were looking at him were clear and calm……

Xie Huai’s black eyes were fathomless, and a low laugh suddenly leaked out of his throat. He pressed Fang Li onto the bed, his tone hoarse and slow with a hint of teasing laughter as he said, “You’re right, I won’t do anything to them, but as for you, Your Excellency…… It’s hard to say……”

Fang Li gazed at the person before his eyes, lost in thought.

Xie Huai’s tranquil face was like that of a celestial who never touched the dust of the earth. The very first time he’d seen this face, he’d been certain that Xie Huai was the most beautiful person he’d ever seen in his life.

Xie Huai was so good-looking.

Even if something really happened, in truth, he wasn’t suffering any losses, right?

Wasn’t it just being with a man?

If he didn’t give it a try, how would he know whether it was okay or not?

Xie Huai’s kiss fell onto his neck.

Fang Li’s eyes became vacant.

His body was faintly tensed, but he restrained himself and didn’t resist, allowing Xie Huai to kiss him.

Besides, he’d done so many outrageous things before, and he really couldn’t make it up to Xie Huai. Now, letting Xie Huai do them in return was also a kind of compensation toward Xie Huai. If he did that, then would Xie Huai not be angry anymore?

If this could make Xie Huai’s anger subside……

Fang Li thought he was willing to try it.

Xie Huai’s hand gripped Fang Li’s wrist, and kisses fell on the young man’s eyes, lips, neck……

The young man’s body was trembling faintly, but he made no resistance, unlike any of the previous times. He seemed unusually compliant, as if he’d opened his heart, waiting to accept Xie Huai……

This appearance of Fang Li’s made Xie Huai’s heart skip a beat, giving him a kind of absurd illusion that the person before him liked him, too……

Xie Huai’s movements became exceptionally gentle, for fear that if he was a little too rough, this person would want to escape from him again. He was careful and cautious, unwilling to shatter the scene before him.

He softly gathered this person in his embrace, his chest overflowing with passion, making him want to completely indulge himself.

His heated kiss fell on the young man’s neck.

Just then, he heard the young man say in a low, soft voice, “Don’t be mad anymore, okay?”

…………………