Back in his dimly lit room, Xue Tuzi writhed restlessly on the bed, his body drenched in cold sweat as he groaned in torment. His face twisted in anguish, tears slipping silently down his cheeks. "Don't leave me…" he whimpered, his voice fragile and broken, "Gege, don't leave me…" The words escaped his trembling lips, soft yet agonizing, as if the memory itself was clawing at his heart.
Shudu, watching from the side, approached silently, his expression unreadable. He reached out, brushing the tears from Xue Tuzi's face with the pad of his finger. "Who abandoned you, hmm?" he whispered, his voice smooth as silk, yet tinged with something darker. He leaned closer, his breath ghosting over Xue Tuzi's ear. "Tell me… who left you behind?"
Shudu's lips descended, placing a feather-light kiss on Xue Tuzi's damp eyelids, then trailing down the bridge of his nose with unhurried precision. His kisses lingered, as though savoring the moment, until they found their way to Xue Tuzi's parted, trembling lips. Shudu's hand cupped his chin gently, tilting it upward. He pressed his mouth to Xue Tuzi's, the contact soft at first, then deepening as his lips claimed the other's, coaxing and drawing until they were flushed a tender pink.
From across the room came a sharp voice, breaking the silence. "Master! Master!" Xiao Zongzi's scolding tone cut through the moment, her small form perched indignantly on the bedpost. Her eight legs tapped the wood in disapproval.
Shudu paused, his one red eye flickering toward her with an irritated glare. "What is it?" he murmured, his tone dripping with annoyance as his fingers traced the curve of Xue Tuzi's neck.
"Have you no shame, Master?" she snapped, her voice both stern and exasperated. "Weren't you here to retrieve Xiao Jiao's energy orb?"
Shudu sighed, his lips curling into a faint smirk. "And I will… eventually." He tilted his head slightly, his gaze returning to the peaceful face of the sleeping Xue Tuzi. "I'm merely consoling the beauty, nothing more." His voice was soft, almost teasing, as he pressed another kiss to the crook of Xue Tuzi's neck, his lips brushing against the warmth of his skin.
"Consoling?" Xiao Zongzi scoffed, her eyes narrowing. "This hardly looks like it, Master."
Ignoring her protests, Shudu continued, his lips moving tenderly over the corner of Xue Tuzi's mouth. His kisses grew more fervent, lingering on the small mole that rested there, as though it were a treasure meant only for him. Each touch was deliberate, each caress calculated, as if Shudu sought to erase the pain etched into the sleeping beauty's expression.
Suddenly, a small figure bounded onto the bed, disrupting the moment. Jiao Jiao, the plump Gu worm, wriggled up to Xue Tuzi's chest, where it latched on snugly. The creature began to draw in the negative energy radiating from him, its round body pulsating faintly as it absorbed the dark emotions. Slowly, Xue Tuzi's anguished expression softened, the tension in his body fading away. His breaths evened out, and his lips, once trembling with distress, now rested peacefully.
Shudu watched with a satisfied grin as Xue Tuzi relaxed in his arms, his delicate features tranquil under the moonlight. Wrapping his arms securely around Xue Tuzi's waist, he pulled him closer, the warmth between them undeniable. His lips found their way back to Xue Tuzi's hairline, planting one last kiss before resting his cheek against the soft strands.
Xiao Zongzi sighed audibly, muttering under her breath about her master's lack of self restraint. Shudu, however, paid her no mind. He closed his eyes, holding Xue Tuzi protectively as the quiet of the night enveloped them, allowing the stars to bear witness to the stillness that finally claimed the room.
The morning sunlight filtered gently through the curtains of Xue Tuzi's bedroom, casting a warm golden glow across the room. Groggily, Xue Tuzi stirred, his cheek resting against something firm and warm. His fingers instinctively traced the contours of the bare chest beneath him, following the hard lines of muscle that felt almost sculpted. Slowly, his gaze traveled upward, and his eyes widened in shock as they settled on the man lying next to him.
Shudu lay there, his skin a sun-kissed wheat brown that gleamed in the morning light. His bangs brushed lightly against his closed eyes, framing a defined jawline and a face that carried an effortlessly masculine charm. A black spider tattoo curled around his neck, intricate and striking, enhancing the raw aura of dominance he exuded. His arm, heavily inked with coiling insects and lizards, was draped possessively around Xue Tuzi's waist, holding him securely. The perfection of his form—the broad shoulders, the taut muscles, the air of confidence—might have mesmerized anyone else.
But not Xue Tuzi.
Annoyance flared in his chest, heating his blood. His lips curled into a scowl as he took a deep breath. Without hesitation, he raised his hand and delivered a sharp slap to Shudu's sleeping face.
"How dare you! Get out!" Xue Tuzi barked, his voice trembling with fury as his cheeks flushed crimson.
Shudu groaned, lazily rubbing his reddened cheek before cracking one eye open to meet the fiery glare directed at him. His lips curved into an infuriatingly slow smirk. "Good morning to you, too," he drawled, his voice deep and smooth. Xiao Zongzi, perched on the headboard, clicked her mandibles in approval, nodding at her master's deserved punishment.
"Why are you so angry this early in the morning?" Shudu muttered, burrowing deeper under the blankets, clearly unbothered by Xue Tuzi's wrath.
Xue Tuzi, however, was far from done. He grabbed at the covers with both hands, yanking at them furiously. "Don't ignore me! Get out!" he snapped. But Shudu only tightened his grip on the blankets, curling into a smug little cocoon and leaving Xue Tuzi blanketless.
"It's cold," Shudu complained softly, his tone almost playful.
Xue Tuzi gaped at him, incredulous. "Cold? Cold?! I'm going to make you leave!" he roared, diving back into the fray.
What ensued was a chaotic tussle under the blankets, limbs tangling as the two grappled for dominance. The bed creaked in protest as they rolled and twisted, Xue Tuzi's exasperated grunts mixing with Shudu's low, amused chuckles. Finally, Shudu seized an opening and pinned Xue Tuzi firmly beneath him, one hand holding down his wrists while the other supported his weight.
Shudu leaned in close, his sharp canines gleaming as his lips pulled back into a mischievous grin. "I win," he declared smugly, his voice a low purr. "But don't worry, little bunny. I won't hurt you." His gaze softened momentarily as he leaned closer, his lips brushing against Xue Tuzi's in a teasing kiss.
Xue Tuzi, however, was not so easily subdued. Growling in defiance, he bit down on Shudu's lip hard enough to make him pull back with a hiss.
Shudu laughed, unfazed by the retaliation, and shifted his attention to Jiao Jiao. The little Gu worm lay nestled against covers, its plump body swollen with the negative energy it had consumed overnight. With a swift movement, Shudu grabbed the wriggling creature by its tail, holding it up triumphantly. "Ah, there you are," he said, his other hand extending in mock pleading. "Come on, share with your Papa."
"What do you think you're doing?!" Xue Tuzi exclaimed, his anger flaring anew. He lunged forward to snatch Jiao Jiao back, but before he could, the worm gave a little wriggle and opened its tiny mouth. A moment later, it regurgitated a shimmering purple orb, glowing faintly under the sunlight.
Shudu's eyes lit up as he released Jiao Jiao, letting it crawl back to Xue Tuzi. The Gu worm scurried back to his his lap, curling up like a frightened child seeking solace.
Without hesitation, Shudu lifted the orb, its surface cold and slick, radiating waves of sinister energy that pricked at his senses. He took a deliberate bite, his teeth sinking into the juicy core. A bitter tang of negative energy flooded his mouth, spreading through him like a dark tide, his expression unreadable as he consumed its potent essence.
Xue Tuzi stared, aghast, as Shudu disappeared through the open window with Xiao Zongzi silently trailing after him like a shadow. Xue Tuzi remained frozen for a moment, his chest tight with a mix of anger and disgust.
His gaze shifted to the little Gu worm perched on the edge of his silk-covered bed. The creature rubbed its round belly with a satisfied groan, releasing a loud burp that echoed in the now-quiet room.
"You!" Xue Tuzi barked, his voice sharp enough to cut through glass.
Jiao Jiao flinched, startled by the sudden outburst. His bulbous, shimmering eyes widened as he let out a frightened squeak.
"Bad Gu worm!" Xue Tuzi's brows knitted in fury as he extended his palm, poised to deliver a reprimanding smack.
Jiao Jiao squeezed his eyes shut, his tiny body trembling as he braced for the blow. His antennae drooped, and his small, quivering voice murmured, "Mama…"
But the strike never came. Xue Tuzi halted, his hand suspended mid-air. A long, weary sigh escaped him as the tension in his body deflated. He lowered his hand slowly and stared at Jiao Jiao, whose terrified trembling tugged at something deep in Xue Tuzi's heart.
"You're still loyal to him…" he muttered, his voice softening. "Yet… I can't blame you."
His anger melted into reluctant affection. Reaching out, Xue Tuzi scooped the trembling Gu worm into his hands. Jiao Jiao let out a pitiful whimper, tears pooling in his eyes. With a tenderness that belied his earlier fury, Xue Tuzi pressed a series of tiny kisses to Jiao Jiao's tear-streaked face.
"There, there," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. "Don't cry, little one."
Jiao Jiao hiccupped, his trembling easing under Xue Tuzi's gentleness.
In the silence that followed, memories surfaced in Xue Tuzi's mind. Jiao Jiao had always been loyal, ferociously protecting him from intruders. Over the months, countless men and women had dared to slip into Xue Tuzi's room, drawn by his beauty. They sought to steal a kiss, a touch, an intimate moment. But Jiao Jiao had thwarted them all with his cunning traps and unyielding vigilance.
But tonight…
"You let him in," Xue Tuzi said, his voice firm yet laced with disappointment. He cradled Jiao Jiao closer, staring into the worm's guilty, tear-filled eyes. "Not only did you let him enter my room, but you allowed him to lay with me—" His voice faltered, the sting of betrayal evident. "I trusted you, Xiao Jiao. I let my guard down because I trusted you."
Jiao Jiao's antennae drooped further as he tucked his tail beneath him, the picture of sorrow. His tears clung to his oversized eyes, shimmering like dew under moonlight.
Xue Tuzi sighed, his anger finally ebbing away. "After all… he is your Papa," he admitted, his tone heavy with resignation. "How could I expect you to turn against him? But listen well, Xiao Jiao."
The Gu worm straightened, trembling anew at the cold edge that returned to Xue Tuzi's voice.
"Don't let it happen again," Xue Tuzi warned, his dark eyes narrowing. "If you do, I won't go easy on you. I willreprimand you."
Jiao Jiao nodded vigorously, his entire body shaking as he squeaked his understanding.
"Good." Xue Tuzi exhaled, setting the worm down gently. He leaned back against the bedpost, running a hand through his disheveled hair.
The morning sun streamed through the latticed windows of Xue Laohu's study, painting the room in warm, golden light. The faint chirping of birds outside mingled with the rustle of leaves in the soft breeze. Inside, however, the atmosphere was anything but serene. Xue Laohu stood at the head of the room, his long robes glowing faintly in the sunlight. His delicate fan fluttered in one hand as he surveyed his peculiar audience.
Xue Tuzi knelt on the polished wooden floor, his posture as perfect as ever, his pale hands resting neatly on his knees. Li Zhameng shifted awkwardly on his knees, trying to find a more comfortable position on the polished wooden floor. His tall frame wiggled from side to side, his toes curling and uncurling beneath him. Despite his attempts, the dull, tingling sensation in his legs only grew worse, creeping from his knees up to his thighs.
He bit his lip and tried to focus on the conversation, but his discomfort was impossible to ignore. Every few moments, he shifted again, his movements growing more restless. His hands fidgeted with the hem of his robes, fingers twisting the fabric as he subtly tried to stretch one leg forward without drawing too much attention.
Across the room, Shudu leaned against the wall, arms crossed tightly over his chest, a dry straw clamped between his teeth. His eyes reflected the sunlight with a faint annoyance. Overhead, Xiao Zongzi spun a fresh thread of silk, her quiet movements unnoticed by most.
Clearing his throat, Xue Laohu began what he had been waiting to explain all morning. His voice carried with it a rare excitement as he laid out the intricacies of the game of baseball—the rules, the strategies, and why it was imperative for them to learn it.
When he finished, he looked around expectantly. Silence.
Shudu's straw shifted slightly as he sucked his teeth. Then, with his trademark irreverence, he drawled, "Grandmaster Xue, if this venerable one may… wouldn't it have been easier to just fight these bastards?"
Xue Laohu's fan paused mid-snap. His brows furrowed, he opened his mouth to counter the suggestion, his voice rising—
But Xue Tuzi cut him off, his calm tone as sharp as a blade. "I can't believe I'm saying this, but for once, that insect is right."
Shudu's head snapped toward him, his frown deepening. "Insect?" he spat, the straw dropping from his lips as he glared. "Watch it, I don't care how quick you move that delicate mouth of yours; you won't dodge my fists."
Unbothered, Xue Tuzi adjusted his robes, his expression unchanging. "Tch. That's if you can land a blow." He glanced towards him, rolling his eyes and flicking back his hair.
"Enough!" Xue Laohu clapped his fan shut with a sharp snap, his voice slicing through the tension.
Shudu muttered something under his breath, but he didn't press further.
A softer voice broke the momentary stillness. "Shizun…"
The sweetness in the word was impossible to miss, like dripping caramel, Xue Laohu's irritation melted like morning frost under sunlight. He turned to Li Zhameng, who sat awkwardly on his knees, his small hands fidgeting with the edge of his robes.
"I think it's a good idea," Li Zhameng stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. His feet wiggled nervously beneath him as he spoke. "I don't think we should fight. And I think… I think this game sounds kind of fun."
His wide eyes lifted to meet Xue Laohu's, earnest and shimmering with hope. For a moment, Xue Laohu said nothing, only tapping his fan thoughtfully against his palm. Then, as though unable to contain himself, he whipped the fan open and hid his smile behind its silk surface.
"Well then," Xue Laohu declared, his voice taking on a lively tone as he began pacing the room. "It's settled! All three of you will be part of the team. But…" He paused mid-stride, his gaze sharp and calculating. "I need more than three players."
He turned toward the window, where Xiao Zongzi had resumed spinning her web. "Xiao Zongzi!" he called, pointing his fan at her. "You'll be part of the team."
The spider demon paused her spinning and tilted her head, her many legs shifting slightly. Her gaze turned to Shudu, seeking confirmation.
Shudu gave her a slight nod, his arms still crossed. "You heard him. Play along."
Satisfied, Xiao Zongzi returned to spinning, her silence an implicit agreement.
Xue Laohu's fan swung toward Xue Tuzi next, or more precisely, the small pouch at his side. "And we'll need Xiao Jiao as well."
Xue Tuzi's expression tightened as he protectively rested a hand on the pouch where the little Gu worm stirred. "But Shizun, Xiao Jiao is just a Gu worm," Xue Tuzi said hesitantly, his voice laced with worry. He clutched the small pouch in his hands, his delicate features drawn tight with concern.
Xue Laohu raised an eyebrow, his fan snapping shut with a sharp click. "He's going to play a game of baseball, not march into battle," he replied with a chuckle, waving off Xue Tuzi's protests.
Xue Tuzi's cheeks flushed a faint pink as he cradled Jiao Jiao closer. The little Gu worm peeked his head out of the pouch, his bulbous eyes darting nervously between Xue Laohu and his overly protective Mama.
Xue Laohu smirked, his gaze flicking to the worm. "Xiao Jiao, you have an overbearing mother," he teased, the fan tapping lightly against his palm for emphasis.
Xue Tuzi bristled, the blush on his face deepening. "Shizun!" he protested, but the rebuke lacked any real force.
Ignoring his disciple's flustered state, Xue Laohu began pacing the room, his fan fluttering open again with practiced ease. "Now, listen closely. We have three months to prepare for this game, and as of now, we have seven players."
"Seven?" Li Zhameng piped up, his soft voice tinged with curiosity. He shifted slightly on his knees, his discomfort from the position momentarily forgotten. "Who's the seventh player?"
Xue Laohu's lips curved into a sly grin, his sharp eyes gleaming with amusement. "The seventh player is, of course, Sect Leader Mao," he declared with a dramatic flourish of his fan.
Li Zhameng blinked, his head tilting slightly. "Sect Leader Mao? But… isn't he—?"
Xue Laohu didn't let him finish. He burst into a laugh, loud and full of mischief, as he brought his fan up to conceal his grin. "If that sly old fox thought he'd escape my clutches and avoid being a part of this team, he was dead wrong!"
The room fell silent for a beat as everyone absorbed this declaration.
Shudu, who had been leaning against the wall with his usual air of disinterest, finally spoke. "Grandmaster Xue, you do realize," he drawled, shifting the straw between his teeth, "that Sect Leader Mao is a crusty old man, right? He can die any minute now."
Xue Laohu stopped mid-step, fanning himself leisurely as if the challenge amused him. "Oh, please," he said with a smirk. "A worthy opponent requires worthy players, and Sect Leader Mao will have no choice but to accept my invitation."
Blah Blah Blah:
If you are wondering no. Shudu did nothing indecent to A-Tuzi except steal a few kisses.
Xue Tuzi rolls his eyes: That sounds indecent to me professor.
Ha ha ha not at all.