CONGRATULATIONS! USER ROMANTIC ENCOUNTER #1 ACHIEVED!
+100 POINTS
SPICY LEVEL: [Three Hot Peppers] +150 POINTS
The system's cheerful chime echoed in Yi Ming's head, accompanied by the distant sound of party poppers bursting and horns blaring in celebration. He tilted his head upward, summoning the radiant neon interface. It flared to life with a burst of animated confetti and a cluster of multicolored balloons floating lazily across the screen.
In the center, a shining gold star spun slowly, reflecting his achievement in its mirrored surface, and beside it, his newly earned points ticked upward in bright, celebratory digits. Yi Ming's lips curved into a small, triumphant smile as his gaze slid toward Shudu's profile. There, nestled amongst the stats and icons, was a fresh, glowing pink heart pulsing softly—proof of progress.
The smile lingered as he swiped the display aside, pulling up Xue Tuzi's profile with a flick of his wrist. His anticipation faltered when the screen revealed five stark, blackened hearts, each one more impenetrable than the last.
"What is this guy made of? Stone?" Yi Ming muttered under his breath, rubbing the back of his neck. The stark contrast between Shudu's warm progress and Xue Tuzi's cold indifference hit him like a splash of ice water. A faint sigh escaped his lips, as he shook his head.
"This is starting to feel like a one-sided romance…" he mused, his thoughts swirling. But he couldn't let it bother him—not now. Straightening his posture, Yi Ming dismissed the interface with a swipe.
"Regardless," he said to himself, determination threading through his voice, "I should go check on them and see how well my plan went."
His steps quickened as he strode forward, the lingering glimmer of the golden star still bright in his mind, spurring him onward.
Xue Tuzi hesitated, his fist trembling for a fleeting second before he delivered a swift, punishing punch to Shudu's stomach. The impact doubled Shudu over, leaving him gasping, only for Xue Tuzi to follow up with a sharp kick that sent Shudu tumbling backward. With a loud splash, Shudu hit the steaming surface of the hot spring, water erupting around him.
"Disgusting rat!" Xue Tuzi snarled, his voice cracking with unsteady rage. He stumbled back, nearly losing his footing as he threw on his robes, tugging them tighter around his trembling frame. Without sparing another glance, he turned and bolted from the hot spring, his steps unsteady but swift, as though trying to outrun himself.
From beneath the water, Shudu slowly emerged, his drenched hair plastered against his forehead and clinging to his cheeks. He shook his head, sending droplets flying, his soaked bangs obscuring his piercing eyes. A quiet laugh bubbled up from his chest as he ran a hand through his hair, sweeping the wet strands away to reveal his face.
His fingers paused as they brushed against his lips, still savoring the flavor of Xue Tuzi. Slowly, almost reverently, he traced his lips, savoring the faint taste left behind. The corner of his mouth twitched upward, curling into a wolfish grin that revealed his sharp, gleaming canines. Under the pale glow of the moonlight, his teeth glinted like a predator's, his expression one of quiet satisfaction and lingering hunger.
Xue Tuzi slammed the door to his room behind him, his breath ragged, his face still blazing red. Without hesitation, he threw himself onto the bed, burying his face into the soft embrace of his pillow. "Disgusting. Disgusting. I'm disgusting," he choked out, his voice muffled by the fabric. His body trembled violently as hot tears spilled from his eyes, soaking the pillow beneath him.
The faint sound of his muffled sobs stirred Jiao Jiao, the tiny Gu worm nestled nearby. The little creature wriggled toward him, his tiny nubs patting the back of Xue Tuzi's head in a feeble attempt at comfort. "Mama?" Jiao Jiao chirped, his soft voice laced with concern.
Xue Tuzi froze for a moment before lifting his head, his bloodshot eyes narrowing. His gaze swept the room until it landed on the silk ribbon draped over a chair. His expression darkened, the tears in his eyes evaporating into a cold, hollow stare. Rising from the bed with a mechanical stiffness, he walked toward the ribbon and seized it with trembling hands.
Jiao Jiao watched in alarm as Xue Tuzi looped the ribbon around his hand and began striking his own back. The first lash tore through the quiet, the sharp sound of silk meeting skin echoing like a whip. Xue Tuzi's delicate, pale back split open with the first strike, blood welling up and trailing down his spine in vivid crimson streaks.
"Mama!" Jiao Jiao jolted his form trembling but Xue Tuzi only gave him a firm glare. "Back off," he hissed through clenched teeth, his voice chillingly devoid of life. His eyes, once so vibrant, were now pools of empty black. Jiao Jiao recoiled, letting out a terrified squeak but unable to look away.
The lashes came faster and harder, each one deepening the gashes on Xue Tuzi's fragile frame. Blood seeped into his robes, pooling at his feet as his knees buckled. His movements slowed, his strength waning, until finally, he collapsed. The ribbon slipped from his hand as he crumpled to the ground, unconscious, his pale skin stained with red.
Panicked, Jiao Jiao scurried to him, his tiny body trembling with urgency. Drawing on instinct, the Gu worm spat silken threads onto the open wounds, weaving them into makeshift bandages to staunch the bleeding. The shimmering threads clung tightly to the gashes, sealing them as best they could.
Jiao Jiao chirped softly, his small body pressed close to Xue Tuzi's trembling frame. He didn't understand what had driven him to such a state, but he knew he couldn't leave him like this. For now, all he could do was stay by his side.
Shudu floated lazily in the steaming water of the hot spring, his mind a whirl of euphoria as he replayed the encounter over and over, his heart was not the only thing that was beating. A dreamy smile tugged at his lips, and he couldn't resist nibbling on his lower lip, savoring the lingering taste. "You're such a tease," he murmured to himself, his voice echoing softly in the humid air. With a deep, satisfied sigh, he stretched his arms above his head, his energy buzzing.
"Gotta get this energy out," he said aloud, the excitement bubbling in his chest too much to contain. Without hesitation, Shudu pushed himself out of the water, droplets streaming down his domineering frame as he hurriedly dressed. The cool night air kissed his damp skin as he darted into the forest, his movements fluid and swift, like a shadow among the trees.
Meanwhile, Xue Laohu strolled toward the Spring of Recovery, his steps measured and quiet to avoid disturbing anyone. He glanced around, noting the serene surroundings, but frowned when he noticed something amiss. Both Shudu and Xue Tuzi were nowhere to be seen.
"Huh," he muttered under his breath, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face. Could they be underwater? He dunked his head beneath the surface, his hair fanning out like dark silk in the warm water, but the pool was empty save for rippling reflections of moonlight.
Emerging with a shake of his head, he began pacing around the spring, peering behind trees, into crevices, and even up into the branches. Shudu had a habit of perching like some mischievous bird, but tonight, there was no sign of him.
Where the hell are they? he thought, frustration gnawing at him as he finally gave up. Straightening up, Xue Laohu let out a resigned sigh. Could it be that the system had made a mistake? The thought was absurd—nearly impossible. But even if it had, he wasn't about to correct it. Earning 250 points was a rare achievement, and who was he to challenge the system's decisions?
A small pout tugged at his lips as he began making his way back to the courtyard, his thoughts already drifting, his musings were interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps and a voice calling out to him.
"Grandmaster Xue!"
He turned to see a young female disciple approaching, her robes fluttering as she waved a hand to catch his attention. Her expression was taut with concern, and as she came to a halt before him, she shifted nervously.
"Xue Shixiong might be injured," she said, her gaze dropping to the ground as she clasped her hands over her chest.
"What?" Xue Laohu's eyes widened in surprise, his casual demeanor snapping into focus.
"I—I saw him running to his room," the disciple stammered, her worry evident in her trembling voice. "He looked like he was in pain."
Xue Laohu's jaw tightened, his mind racing. He reached out to pat her shoulder reassuringly. "Thanks for telling me," he said, his tone calm but firm. Without wasting another moment, he turned and strode purposefully toward Xue Tuzi's room, a growing unease settling in his chest.
A firm knock echoed against Xue Tuzi's door, faint yet insistent. From where he lay on the floor, he could hear it in the distance, the sound barely registering through the haze of pain and exhaustion. Furrowing his brows, he gritted his teeth and pressed a trembling hand to the ground, forcing himself upright. Every muscle in his body screamed in protest, but he ignored it, staggering to his feet.
Reaching for a clean set of robes, he slipped them on hastily, the fabric brushing against his bandaged back with a dull sting. Another knock came, more urgent this time, just as he slid the door open.
"A-Tuzi—" Xue Laohu began, his knuckles still raised to knock again. His words faltered when he saw the figure before him. Xue Tuzi stood in the doorway, his hair disheveled, his eyes bloodshot and swollen. The sight made Xue Laohu's expression shift, his usual composure cracking into concern.
"Hey, I was… um…" Xue Laohu stammered, his sharp gaze scanning Xue Tuzi's pallid face. "I was looking for you."
"Shizun…" Xue Tuzi murmured, his voice hoarse and barely audible. His knees buckled before he could finish, his body crumpling forward into Xue Laohu's arms.
Startled, Xue Laohu caught him easily, his grip firm and steady despite the shock. "A-Tuzi!" he called softly, but there was no response. Without hesitation, he swept Xue Tuzi into his arms, carrying him into the room and gently laying him down on the bed.
His sharp eyes flicked over Xue Tuzi's limp form as he adjusted the blankets. Something wasn't right. Taking a hesitant step closer, he reached for the edge of Xue Tuzi's collar, tugging it down slightly to inspect his neck and shoulders. He was searching for any telltale marks of love—bruises, bites, anything—but there was nothing. His skin, though pale and clammy, was unmarked.
Xue Laohu straightened, his brows furrowed in thought as he tucked the blanket snugly around Xue Tuzi. Could the system have made a mistake? He frowned at the thought. The system was rarely, if ever, wrong. Yet Xue Tuzi seemed completely drained—an unusual state for someone who should have been revitalized after time spent in the Spring of Recovery.
As Xue Laohu pondered, a small movement drew his attention. Jiao Jiao, the tiny Gu worm, wriggled out from a corner and nestled protectively into Xue Tuzi's chest. The little creature latched on gently, its body shimmering faintly as it began consuming the dark haze of negative energy surrounding Xue Tuzi.
Xue Laohu reached out, his fingers brushing against Jiao Jiao's oversized head. "Take care of your Mama," he said softly, his voice steady but tinged with an unspoken worry. He gave the Gu worm a gentle pat before straightening. With one last glance at Xue Tuzi's pale, sleeping face, he turned and left the room, closing the door quietly behind him.
The following day, chaos erupted in the courtyard. Screams and yells echoed across the sect as Xue Tuzi and Shudu clashed yet again, their brawl leaving destruction in their wake. Xue Tuzi's ribbon lashed through the air, slicing through anything and everything in his path. He wielded it with a fury that ignored the startled disciples scrambling to avoid the carnage. Shudu, ever the provocateur, darted nimbly, a mischievous smirk playing on his lips as he taunted Xue Tuzi, flicking his tongue out like a serpent.
"What in heaven's name is going on?" Sect Leader Mao's booming voice cut through the commotion as he stormed into the courtyard. His whiskers twitched with irritation, his hand stroking his long beard as his sharp gaze swept over the scene. A disciple hurriedly approached, bowing low with his hands cupped.
"Sect Leader Mao, it's Shudu Gongzi and Xue Shixiong," the disciple reported, his voice trembling. "They're fighting again."
"Again?" Sect Leader Mao growled, his whiskers quivering with barely-contained anger. His eyes narrowed as they landed on Li Zhameng, who was cowering behind a pillar.
"Li Zhameng!" Sect Leader Mao barked, his voice like thunder. "Are those not your martial brothers? Will you stand there doing nothing as they wreak havoc in my sect?"
Li Zhameng clung tighter to the pillar, his face pale. "There's nothing I can do!" he wailed, his voice breaking as another loud crash sounded behind him. "Only Shizun can separate them!"
As if on cue, Xue Laohu appeared, his hair slightly disheveled and dark circles under his eyes. He rubbed his temples, clearly exhausted, having spent the night grappling with the possibility that the system had made an error. But as he took in the scene before him—the courtyard in shambles, Shudu flicking his tongue, and Xue Tuzi fuming with unbridled rage—he sighed deeply. There was no doubt in his mind now: the system had made a mistake.
"How… how did this happen?" Xue Laohu muttered, irritation flickering across his usually calm demeanor.
"Shizun!" Li Zhameng released his hold on the pillar and ran to his master's side, clutching his sleeve like a lifeline. "Shudu Gongzi started taunting A-Tuzi by sticking his tongue out, and the next thing we knew, they were fighting!"
Xue Laohu pinched the bridge of his nose, exhaling slowly as the sound of another crash punctuated the air. "Enough!" he bellowed, striding into the fray and shoving the two apart with a commanding presence.
Shudu, undeterred, continued flicking his tongue at Xue Tuzi, the motion deliberately sexually provocative. Xue Tuzi, eyes blazing with fury, gripped his ribbon so tightly his knuckles turned white. "But Shizun—" he began, his voice desperate.
"I said enough. Both of you." Xue Laohu's voice was sharp, leaving no room for argument.
Shudu didn't back down entirely, though. He wagged his tongue in a lewdly exaggerated manner, his lips curling in a smug grin. Before Xue Tuzi could explode again, Xue Laohu turned sharply to Shudu, his voice low and dangerous. "You stop that, or I will rip that tongue right out of your mouth."
Shudu finally withdrew, though not without one last flourish—licking his bottom lip as he stared at Xue Tuzi. The taunt left the latter trembling with suppressed emotion. Tears brimmed in Xue Tuzi's eyes as he spun on his heel and stormed away, his shoulders stiff with tension.
Xue Laohu frowned, watching him retreat. Concern etched his features as he hurried after his disciple, catching up just as Xue Tuzi's composure broke. The tears spilled freely now, and Xue Tuzi's hand clenched into trembling fists.
"Hey, hey," Xue Laohu called gently, his voice soft as he caught Xue Tuzi by the wrist. Turning him around, he enveloped his disciple in a firm, comforting embrace. "What's going on? This isn't like you," he murmured, his tone full of quiet concern.
Xue Tuzi buried his face in his Shizun's chest, his shoulders shaking with silent sobs. "Don't let him get to you, okay?" Xue Laohu whispered, patting his head gently. "Whatever this is, you're better than this."
But Xue Tuzi's thoughts were a storm. Shizun, if you knew… he thought bitterly, if you knew, you'd be disgusted.
Xue Tuzi spent the remainder of the day locked in his room, a self-imposed repentance for his outburst. Shudu, on the other hand, lounged in a tree, lazily eating a pear as if nothing had happened.
Xue Laohu found him later, his annoyance clear as he called up to the demon. "Hey, you. Get down."
Shudu looked down, a pear in hand and a playful smirk on his face. He took another deliberate bite before leaping gracefully to the ground.
"What is going on between you and A-Tuzi?" Xue Laohu demanded, his tone sharp as he raised a brow.
Shudu's grin widened, and his voice was laced with mischief as he replied, "I ate his peach, so now he's mad."
Xue Laohu's expression twisted into confusion, the symbolism flying straight over his head. He sighed, rubbing his temples. "Stop eating peaches that aren't yours," he muttered.
"I couldn't help myself," Shudu said, his voice a mix of mischief and satisfaction. "It was delicious. Sweet and juicy." His lips curved into a lingering smile as his fingers brushed against them, as if savoring the taste once more.
Xue Laohu groaned, shaking his head in exasperation. "If you want a peach, just ask me. I've got plenty."
At that, Shudu's eyes widened, his smile twisting into something sharper, his canine teeth glinting in the light. The playful glint in his eyes promised a response that would surely be as outrageous as the man himself.
But before Shudu could retort, Li Zhameng arrived in a hurried flurry, his robes slightly askew from running. "Shizun," he called, his voice steady despite his quick breaths. He cupped his hands and bowed deeply. "The Sect Leader of Dingfeng has arrived. He seeks an audience with you and Sect Leader Mao."
Xue Laohu's expression shifted instantly, the playful irritation he had reserved for Shudu replaced by the composed gravity befitting his position. He shot Shudu a warning look—a silent order to behave—before nodding to Li Zhameng. "Understood. I'll go at once."
Without sparing another glance at Shudu, Xue Laohu turned on his heel and strode away, his steps brisk and purposeful. Behind him, Shudu stood motionless for a moment, his grin unwavering, though the light in his eyes dimmed just slightly. Still, the mischievous edge returned quickly, and he tilted his head, watching Xue Laohu's retreating form.