Shudu's smile was warm, his crimson eye softened as the light caught on the sharp glint of his canines. "Hey, you remember me," he said, his voice carrying a cheerful lilt as he gently set the girl down. But she didn't let go. Her small hands clung to the fabric of his shirt, her fingers twisting into it as if afraid he might vanish.
"How could I forget?" she murmured, her voice muffled against his chest. A delighted giggle escaped her lips, her entire body trembling with barely contained excitement. Her arms tightened around him, her smile so wide it crinkled the corners of her fiery red eyes.
Shudu let out a quiet chuckle, his large hand settling on her head, fingers threading through her sleek, jet-black hair. He tousled it lightly, the gesture affectionate, as though trying to convince himself she was really there. "It's been many years," he murmured, his voice dipping into something softer. His arms encircled her fully, pulling her into a deeper embrace, his chin resting atop her head. He closed his eyes, exhaling slowly, as if savoring the moment.
"Three hundred, to be exact," she piped up, tilting her head back to meet his gaze. Her vibrant red eyes glowed like embers, reflecting his face in their depths.
A bead of sweat trickled down Xue Laohu's temple, his brows furrowing as unease coiled in his stomach. Who the hell was this girl? The system hadn't alerted him, hadn't chimed, hadn't so much as whispered a notification in his mind. That alone was enough to set him on edge. His fingers twitched before he pressed two to his temple, his voice sharp and urgent as he called out internally.
"Hey—yo, system…"
A flickering neon light burst into view before him, swirling with erratic energy. But before the system could even sputter out a response, Xue Laohu's voice cut in, blunt and impatient.
"Cut the crap. Straight to the chase—who is this girl?"
The system gave a static-laced hum before finally responding in its usual monotone:
NPC. NO DETAILS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE.
Fucking great. He muttered under his breath, exhaling a slow, measured sigh before shutting the app with a flick of his fingers. She's just another obstacle in my mission. His thoughts groaned inside his skull as he dragged himself forward, his steps heavy with reluctant irritation. The last thing he needed was a distraction—especially not one wrapped in curves and trouble.
Shudu loosened his embrace around the girl, his sharp fiery eye raked over her, a mix of amusement and nostalgia playing on his face. "You were just a tiny thing back then," he mused, tilting his head before reaching out to tap the tip of her nose with a teasing finger. A playful grin stretched across his lips, his sharp canines flashing in the dim light. "Now look at you—you've grown into quite the woman."
Xue Laohu watched in growing horror as Shudu's gaze drifted downward, lingering just a second too long. The girl's chest, full and heavy, shifted with even the slightest movement, a tantalizing bounce that seemed almost exaggerated. Her figure was absurd—an hourglass that defied logic, with a tiny waist, wide hips, and a bottom that could put celestial peaches to shame. Her eyes, large and round, smoldered like deep crimson embers, framed by long, inky layers of silk-like hair.
Xue Laohu's eye twitched. Unreal. Absolutely fucking unreal. He risked a glance at Xue Tuzi, expecting some reaction—jealousy, irritation, something—but he remained utterly indifferent, his expression blank, as if the entire exchange was beneath his notice.
A-Tuzi! Your husband is being seduced by this little hussy, and you're just going to stand there and take it?! Xue Laohu screamed internally, fists gripping his hair in silent hysteria. His entire body buzzed with the sheer force of his frustration. If Shudu falls for this girl, I'm doomed. I'll cease to exist, and everything I've worked for—everything—will be for nothing. I cannot, under any circumstance, let this happen.
The girl leaned in, her movements slow, deliberate, teasing. She was too close, her lips curling in playful curiosity as she gazed up at Shudu. "Has Lord Shudu cultivated the notorious Wicked Gu worm yet?" Her voice was laced with curiosity.
Shudu blinked, then rubbed the back of his head, his grin shifting into something sheepish. "Eh… I don't know if I'd call him notorious or wicked," he admitted with a chuckle. "But yes, I have."
Memories stirred at the edges of his mind—of a time long past, when he encountered her for the first time. Back then, Huo Yi had been nothing more than a tiny ant demon, barely strong enough to hold her form. Two delicate antennae had perched atop her head, twitching with every movement. Her large, glossy red insect eyes had been filled with unwavering determination, and her tiny mandibles had clicked nervously whenever she spoke.
Huo Yi had been caught in the surging currents of the river. She had struggled, her delicate antennae twitching in panic as the water pulled her under, her cries for help drowned beneath the roaring waves. Shudu always had a soft spot for weaker demons, especially those of the insect kind, who were constantly belittled and cast aside by the rest. The moment he spotted her, his instincts kicked in. Without hesitation, he plunged into the river, his strong arms cutting through the water as he grabbed hold of her, pulling her free from the merciless current.
Now, standing before him as a fully grown woman, Huo Yi was a far cry from that trembling little creature. Yet, in Shudu's eyes, the image of that pitiful, drenched insect gnawing on a piece of candy he had given her merged seamlessly with the beauty she had become. His smile stretched wide, his fiery red eye twinkling with amusement as nostalgia washed over him.
Her large crimson eyes blinked up at him, filled with a warmth that only deepened his fondness. "Where is he? Can I see him?" she asked curiously, excitement lacing her voice.
Shudu hesitated for a beat. He had boasted for years about how he would cultivate the most fearsome Gu worm the world had ever seen—a creature so powerful that no insect demon would ever be looked down upon again. Huo Yi, having heard his grand declaration, was understandably eager to witness his masterpiece.
His gaze flickered toward Xue Tuzi, who remained entirely unbothered, his arms cradling Jiao Jiao—the so-called terrifying Gu worm—like a cherished pet. The little creature tucked contentedly, its plump body nestled against the human's chest.
"Eh…" Shudu scratched the back of his head, a nervous chuckle escaping him. "He's… feeding right now."
Huo Yi tilted her head, her brow furrowing. "Feeding?" she echoed, curiosity deepening the creases between her brows.
Shudu quickly waved a hand, feigning nonchalance. "Well, you see, a demonic Gu worm reaches its peak strength after feeding off negative energy," he declared, planting a hand on his hip in an attempt to exude confidence. He prayed she would accept the explanation and drop the subject.
But Huo Yi was relentless. Her hands flew to her hips as she leaned into his space, her crimson eyes narrowing with playful suspicion. "Hmmm… then why aren't you feeding him?"
Shudu stiffened. His mouth opened, then shut, then opened again. "You… You wouldn't believe me," he muttered, shifting uncomfortably.
Huo Yi followed his gaze as he turned toward Xue Tuzi, who was adjusting his robes after finishing Jiao Jiao's feeding. The little worm let out a soft, satisfied burp, blinking sleepily as Xue Tuzi patted its plump back.
Shudu exhaled heavily, his expression utterly serious as he jabbed a finger in Xue Tuzi's direction. "That human possesses more negative energy than I do."
Xue Tuzi's nose wrinkled, his scowl deep and unamused. "I heard that," he snapped, glaring daggers at Shudu.
Huo Yi, however, was no longer paying attention to their bickering. Something had caught her interest. Her sharp crimson eyes honed in on Xue Tuzi, her expression shifting from amusement to something far more intense.
There was a scent. Faint, but unmistakable.
Her movements slowed as she took a step toward him, nostrils flaring slightly as she sniffed at the air, her approach almost animalistic—like a wolf catching an intriguing scent on the wind. Xue Tuzi's expression darkened, his eyes flashing with warning as her presence neared. The closer she got, the heavier the energy around him felt, pressing down like an invisible force.
"This scent…" she murmured, her voice thick with hesitation, though her gaze betrayed her restraint. Her eyes, gleaming like molten rubies, locked onto him with something primal, something starved. "It attracts demons…" Her words were barely above a whisper, but the weight of them pressed against Xue Tuzi's chest, sending a slow chill down his spine.
Xue Tuzi's fingers curled into the fabric of his robes, his brows knitting tightly together. This fragrance… It was his. Or at least, it had been. The scent that clung to him now was but a faded imitation, a ghost of something lost.
His mind drifted back—back to a time when the air had been thick with warmth, tinged with that same subtle sweetness. He remembered wandering through the courtyard of the orphanage, the scent teasing his nose, delicate yet persistent. It had pulled him forward, guiding his small feet along the stone path, through the wooden corridors, and finally to hisstudy.
There, the young man sat, poised as ever, sleeves rolled up just enough to reveal the graceful lines of his wrists. His ink-black hair, always neatly kept, was tied into a high bun, though a few loose strands framed his striking features. Before him, the table was cluttered with flasks, bottles, and delicate tools. A brush rested between his lips as his phoenix eyes narrowed in concentration, scrutinizing the measurements before him. Every movement was careful, deliberate. The scent—that scent—was born in the space between his fingers, from the careful mix of elixirs he crafted.
Xue Tuzi wrinkled his nose, padding forward on small, silent feet until he reached the table. He didn't speak, just pressed his cheek against the young man's lap, nuzzling into the fabric of his robes. "Gege," he murmured, his voice soft, his long lashes fluttering. "It smells nice."
The young man stilled for only a moment before setting the bottles aside, removing the brush from his mouth, and placing it neatly on the table. A quiet smile curled his lips as he looked down at the child resting against him. "Does Xiao Tuzi like it?" His voice was warm, rich with amusement.
Xue Tuzi nodded eagerly, his small hands clutching at the hems of the man's robes. "Gege smells nice," he mumbled, burying his face deeper. A pause, then, "I want to smell like Gege."
Something softened in the young man's eyes. He reached down, his fingers threading gently through Xue Tuzi's hair before lifting him onto his lap. As Xue Tuzi settled against his chest, the man reached into the folds of his lapel, pulling out a small glass flask. The liquid inside shimmered under the light, swirling with golden hues.
"Here," he said, placing the tiny bottle into Xue Tuzi's waiting hands.
Xue Tuzi's face lit up instantly, his smile stretching wide as he clutched the gift to his chest. Without hesitation, he threw his arms around the young man's shoulders, his small frame pressing close as he inhaled deeply, drinking in the familiar scent. It was warmth, safety, and comfort all in one—it was him.
But now, here, standing under the weight of her gaze, Xue Tuzi's stomach twisted. How could it possibly be that this fragrance attracts demons?
His teeth sank into his lower lip, doubt creeping in. Had he made a mistake in his attempt to recreate it? Had something gone wrong in his calculations? The scent that lingered on his skin, once the embodiment of a cherished memory, was now tainted.
The moment her eyes locked with his, she faltered. The sheer weight of his gaze sent a shiver down her spine. A tense silence hung between them, thick and stifling. Then, without warning, she bumped into something solid behind her.
Shudu.
His grip was firm as he grasped her wrist, his fiery eye flickering with irritation. "Don't bother with him," he said coolly, his voice carrying an edge of something protective. With a sharp tug, he pulled her away from Xue Tuzi, his hold unwavering.
But as Huo Yi was dragged back, her gaze lingered—not on Xue Tuzi, but on the tiny creature resting against his shoulder.
Jiao Jiao, the so-called monstrous Gu worm, blinked at her sleepily, its plump head resting against Xue Tuzi's robes. Its large, round eyes studied her curiously, its tiny mouth opening as if it wanted to say something.
"Where are you headed?" Shudu asked, his eyes studying Huo Yi with quiet curiosity.
She exhaled, the weight of her worries evident in the way her shoulders slumped. "I was hoping to mentor under the Great Sage," she said, her voice tinged with desperation. "Our village has been ravaged by illness, and I thought… if I could learn under him, maybe I could find a cure. Maybe I could save them." Her crimson eyes shimmered with sorrow, her hands balling into small fists at her sides.
Shudu's gaze softened. He reached out, tilting her chin up with two fingers, forcing her to meet his eyes. "There are too many demons in these lands, and your cultivation is weak," he murmured. "Allow me to escort you."
Before she could respond, a loud, irritated grumble filled the air.
"Wait, wait, wait—no way is he leaving!" Xue Laohu stormed toward them, his face a twisted mess of barely restrained panic. His brows were furrowed so tightly it looked painful, and as he shoved his way through the greenery, he knocked aside a few demons that had dared step too close. They cursed at him, but he ignored them completely.
"Where do you think you're going?!" Xue Laohu barked, jabbing his fan aggressively at Shudu, who merely blinked at him, looking utterly unbothered.
"I'm taking Huo Yi to meet the Great Sage," Shudu replied with ease, as if it were the simplest thing in the world. He bent down slightly, arms moving to scoop the girl up.
Xue Laohu's stomach dropped. No, no, no—this is bad. This is really bad. His fingers shot up, gripping his hair as panic flooded his mind. What if he goes off, has some romantic little adventure, and never comes back?! Game over. It'll be game over for me!
"No!" Xue Laohu's voice cut through the air, sharp and commanding.
Xue Tuzi, who had been watching from the sidelines, furrowed his brows. Why would Shizun care so much about some insect demons?
Clearing his throat, Xue Laohu scrambled for an excuse. "The Great Sage is… wary of demons," he declared, straightening his robes with exaggerated importance. "If you truly seek him, allow me to escort you—but only after we've completed our mission."
He whipped open his fan, partially covering his face as he exhaled softly, hoping his argument sounded as masterful as it did in his head.
"Really?" Huo Yi gasped, her crimson eyes lighting up with excitement.
Xue Laohu nodded sagely, folding his arms. "I'll even put in a good word for you," he added, fully embracing the role of wise master.
Huo Yi clapped her hands together, practically vibrating with joy. Shudu merely shrugged, watching her reaction with mild amusement. "Well, I can't leave you here alone, so you'll have to tag along," he said simply, wrapping an arm around her waist and lifting her with ease.
Xue Laohu's stomach churned at the sight, bile rising in his throat. He shot a glance at Xue Tuzi, expecting some reaction, something—but there was nothing. No change in expression, no flicker of irritation. Just cool indifference.
Xue Laohu exhaled sharply, snapping his fan shut. "Very well," he grumbled.
Together, they made their way down the winding forest path, the thick canopy above shrouding the world in shifting shadows.
The trees parted, revealing a vast body of water. At its center stood a colossal gate, its towering pillars wrapped in intricate carvings of dragons, their coiling forms frozen in a state of eternal vigilance. Beyond the gate, a dark cave yawned open, its depths shrouded in impenetrable blackness.
Inside Xue Loahu's mind, the artificial voice of his GPS chimed.
YOU HAVE ARRIVED.
But there was nothing. No village. No people. No sign of life at all. The sun had long since vanished, leaving only the crescent moon and scattered stars to watch over them. The silence was suffocating.
Xue Laohu sighed, shutting off the GPS in his head. "Useless," he muttered, striding toward the gate. But just as he was about to step forward—
Thwip!
An arrow sliced through the air, embedding itself in the dirt by his boot.
"Who goes there?!"
A shrill, childish voice echoed from above.
Xue Laohu snapped his gaze upward.
Perched high in the trees was a little girl, her small frame hidden among the leaves. Her bow was drawn, another arrow already nocked, its tip gleaming under the moonlight as it aimed straight for his head.