Xue Tuzi arrived at the sect, his footsteps light but urgent as he made his way through the stone pathways, the scent of pine and incense lingered in the cool afternoon air.
He had still failed to break his spiritual seal, and with each passing day, the weight of time grew heavier upon his shoulders. Shudu's offer lingered in his mind—the insect demon's proposition to dual cultivate could shatter the seal in moments, yet the very thought of such intimate communion with a insect demon made his skin crawl.
For a fleeting, desperate moment, he considered begging his Shizun for assistance—but shame burned hotter than his urgency. How could he ask his master for that?
Without another word, he took Jiao Jiao and made his way to the bathhouse. The warm steam curled around him as he stepped inside, the scent of herbs and lotus blossoms thick in the air. He lowered himself into the water, Jiao Jiao beside him, but his mind remained elsewhere, tangled in frustration and doubt.
He barely registered the child's excited splashing until a sudden wave of water hit his face. He sputtered, blinking rapidly, just as Jiao Jiao flailed, his small body slipping beneath the surface.
"Xiao Jiao!" Xue Tuzi cried, surging forward and pulling the boy into his arms. Jiao Jiao coughed violently, water dribbling from his lips as he clung to Xue Tuzi's shoulder.
"I'm sorry," Xue Tuzi murmured, his voice tight with guilt as he patted Jiao Jiao's back. "I was careless."
Once they were both clean, he stepped out of the water, wrapping Jiao Jiao in a thick towel, making sure the child was snug and warm against the cool night air. After dressing him, Xue Tuzi sat by the open window, the moonlight casting a pale glow over his bare skin. He stared at his own hands, his fingers trembling before clenching into a fist.
"I have no choice," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.
He reached for a small glass bottle, its contents shimmering under the dim light. As he uncorked it, a rich, intoxicating scent filled the room—sweet, seductive, laced with something dangerous. He poured the oil onto his palm, the liquid gliding over his skin as he smoothed it across his chest, down to his navel, trailing lower to his thighs. His skin glistened, the golden sheen catching the flickering candlelight.
Even Jiao Jiao, nestled on the bed, wrinkled his nose at the fragrance, his wide eyes watching as Xue Tuzi ran his oiled fingers through his damp hair, ensuring every strand gleamed. Finally, he slipped into his night robe, tying the sash loosely before pulling on a pair of trousers.
"Let's go see him," he whispered, taking Jiao Jiao's small hand in his own.
The child blinked sleepily but followed without question as Xue Tuzi led him down the mountain path, their figures swallowed by the night, heading toward the brothel.
The Crimson Petal Parlour was a demonic brothel of chaos, a place where the veil between pleasure and pain was as thin as the silk drapes that hung from its walls. Nestled at the western base of Mount Dingbu, it thrived in the festering weakness of the mountain's barrier, drawing creatures of the abyss like moths to a flame. The air was thick—heady with incense, opium, and something more carnal, something that clung to the skin like an unshakable fever.
The polished wooden floors groaned beneath the weight of movement, reflecting the wavering glow of lanterns that swayed from lacquered beams. Their golden light flickered across the walls, illuminating intricate carvings of mythical beasts locked in eternal battles of lust and carnage. Their unseeing eyes seemed to shift and follow those who passed, as if bearing witness to the depravity within.
The patrons of this hellish pleasure house were grotesqueries of flesh and sinew. Some possessed elongated limbs that twisted unnaturally, their joints bending at sharp, impossible angles. Others had bodies covered in mismatched textures—patchworks of scales, fur, and chitin that shimmered under the low light. Many bore clusters of eyes that blinked out of sync, their stares invasive, stripping away pretense with a single glance. Their laughter echoed through the chambers—a chaotic symphony of shrill giggles and deep, guttural rumblings, a discordant melody that set nerves on edge. They moved erratically, driven by unseen whims, their motions feverish, frenzied, like marionettes with cut strings.
Blood-red silk drapes cascaded from the ceiling, their edges trimmed with black lace, shifting like restless specters in the draft that crept through unseen cracks. They formed a winding labyrinth of hidden alcoves, each space a private stage for acts of indulgence best left unseen. From behind these veiled enclosures came a chorus of sounds—moans of ecstasy, screams of agony, the occasional burst of deranged laughter that sent shivers through even the most seasoned visitor. It was a madhouse where pleasure and pain melded into something indistinguishable, where the only commandment was to surrender, to give in to whatever dark urges surfaced in the moment.
Shudu had once been a familiar presence here. He had drained cup after cup of wine at its tables, thrown dice in its back rooms, and lost himself in the haze of vice that hung heavy in its corridors. But ever since he had been swept into the affairs of Mount Dingbu, he had not stepped foot past its threshold. Not once.
Xue Tuzi stood before the rusted iron grate, his expression cold and unreadable as he peered into the depths of the brothel. The air that seeped through the bars was thick with the scent of spiced incense, aged wine, and something rancid beneath the cloying perfumes. He tightened his grip around Jiao Jiao, feeling the child's small fingers clutch his robes in silent unease.
Beyond the entrance, the innkeeper loomed—a tall, skeletal figure draped in robes that barely concealed his gaunt frame. His skin was a sickly shade of gray, stretched thin over jutting bones, and several horns jutted haphazardly from one side of his face, twisting like gnarled roots. His eyes, an unnatural shade of red, gleamed as he sniffed the air.
"This scent…" he murmured, his long, thick tongue slithering out to wet his cracked lips. His gaze slid over Xue Tuzi, slow and deliberate, his nostrils flaring as he inhaled deeply. "Exquisite."
A guttural snort sounded from behind him, followed by the heavy thud of lumbering footsteps. A grotesque demon waddled forward, his bloated belly sagging so low it nearly brushed the floor. His skin glistened with sweat and oil, his pig-like snout wrinkling as he sniffed at the air, his beady eyes narrowing with interest.
"What a fine piece of meat," he grunted, his voice thick with hunger. He lifted a massive jar of wine and took a long, messy swig, the liquid spilling over the sides, dribbling down the rolls of his chin. He wiped the excess away with the back of his meaty hand, smirking. "Didn't know we were expecting a delivery." His laughter was a wet, choking sound, sending the stench of sour alcohol wafting through the air.
The innkeeper clasped his long fingers together, his bony knuckles cracking as he tilted his head at Xue Tuzi. "And what brings you here?" His voice was smooth, laced with amusement as he leered, his gaze flickering down to the child cradled in Xue Tuzi's arms.
Xue Tuzi hesitated, doubt creeping up his spine like ice. He regretted coming here. This place—this wretched, filth-ridden den—was no place for Jiao Jiao, nor for him. But he had made his decision the moment he stepped onto that cursed path.
"I came to see…" His voice faltered, his throat tightening around the words. He swallowed, his fingers curling around the fabric of his sleeves. "Shudu." The name was barely above a whisper.
The innkeeper's lips curled. "Who?" He cupped a clawed hand behind his ear, feigning ignorance. "Didn't catch that."
Xue Tuzi clenched his teeth before forcing himself to speak louder. "I came to see Lord Shudu."
A beat of silence. The demons' eyes widened, exchanging glances that brimmed with disbelief. Then, the innkeeper let out a low, chuckling breath before waving his companion away.
"You heard him," he said, his smirk stretching into something more sinister. "He's Shudu's meal. Back off."
The pig-like demon grumbled, his thick jowls shaking as he scowled. "Of course. Lord Shudu always gets the finest meats." His beady eyes lingered on Xue Tuzi, dark hunger gleaming within them. "However…" He took a step closer, the stench of wine and rot clinging to his breath as he leaned in. "Once he's done, I wouldn't mind a few leftovers." His voice was a slimy whisper against Xue Tuzi's ear.
A shudder crawled down Xue Tuzi's spine, bile rising in his throat. Before he could recoil, the innkeeper let out a sharp scoff and shoved the bloated demon back.
"Tch. As if Lord Shudu ever leaves crumbs," he sneered. "You'd be lucky to get a single scrap."
The pig-like demon huffed in displeasure but did not press further, stepping back as the innkeeper motioned for Xue Tuzi to follow.
Jiao Jiao whimpered, burying his face into Xue Tuzi's shoulder. "Mama," he whispered, his voice trembling as they passed through the brothel's halls. The sights and sounds around them were nightmarish—demons in varying states of indulgence, their grotesque forms writhing in pleasure, their laughter shrill, their moans twisted with pain.
Xue Tuzi held Jiao Jiao tighter, pressing reassuring kisses to his head, his hand rubbing slow circles against the boy's back.
As they neared their destination, the innkeeper's keen gaze flickered toward the child once more. His lips parted in a knowing grin. "This little one…" he mused, tilting his head as he scrutinized Jiao Jiao. "He looks just like him."
Xue Tuzi tensed.
The innkeeper chuckled, his eyes glinting with wicked amusement. "Lord Shudu's been fathering children now, has he? I can't say I'm surprised." As he laughed, the sound dripped with mockery leading Xue Tuzi to Shudu's bedchambers.
Shudu's chambers were vast, a space of indulgence and decadence where silk-draped walls enclosed the lingering haze of incense and wine. He sat languidly atop a pile of plush pillows, his body half-reclined as he watched the dancers before him move with frenzied abandon. Their arms twisted and undulated like serpents, bare skin glistening beneath the dim candlelight, their sheer garments flowing like ghosts in the flickering glow. A woman knelt beside him, her delicate hands cradling a jar of wine, the rich aroma thick in the air as she poured into his waiting cup.
"My Lord, it's been so long," she murmured sweetly, setting the jar aside as she leaned into him, her head grazing the hard planes of his sculpted chest. Her fingers trailed up, eager to map the ridges of his muscles, but before she could go any further, his hand caught hers in an unyielding grip.
"Stop."
His voice was low, firm. A single word, yet it carried the weight of command.
The woman's lips pressed together, disappointment flashing across her face before she let out a quiet huff. She retrieved the jar and rose to her feet, swaying as she moved away, though not without casting a lingering glance over her shoulder. But Shudu was already elsewhere, his mind wandering, his crimson eye distant.
A knock came at the door.
He lifted his cup to his lips, drinking deeply before addressing it. "Who is it?"
"My Lord, your meal has arrived," the innkeeper's voice came from the other side.
Shudu frowned. Meal? He had ordered no such thing. He muttered under his breath, running a hand over his face before exhaling a deep sigh.
"Come in."
The doors creaked open, and his gaze immediately landed on Xue Tuzi.
The beauty stood at the threshold, hesitant, his arms wrapped securely around the small child in his embrace. His wide eyes darted across the room, lips parted slightly as though he had forgotten how to breathe. The tiny mole trembled at the corner of his lower lip, a detail Shudu had long since committed to memory. The sheer red curtains billowed gently from the cold breeze, and for a moment, it was as though Xue Tuzi had stepped into another world—one thick with indulgence, temptation, and danger.
Shudu rose to his feet, the silken fabric of his robe shifting over his broad shoulders. With a lazy flick of his wrist, he dismissed the dancers and musicians. A murmur of displeasure rippled through them, their gazes flicking toward Xue Tuzi with unveiled disdain as they reluctantly departed.
The innkeeper bowed. "Anything else before I take my leave, my Lord?"
Before Shudu could answer, a soft, pitiful sound broke the silence.
"Hungry, Mama," Jiao Jiao whispered, his tiny hands clutching at Xue Tuzi's robes. His round eyes were pleading, his small stomach audibly rumbling.
Shudu's gaze lingered on the boy for a long moment before shifting back to the innkeeper.
"Bring a banquet. Immediately. And more wine."
"It is as you wish, my Lord." The innkeeper bowed again, stepping out and closing the heavy doors behind him.
The silence between them stretched.
Xue Tuzi pressed his lips together, his eyes roaming the chamber—the sheer red curtains cascading around a grand, circular bed draped in pristine white sheets, the tassels swaying in the faint draft from the open window. The scent of sandalwood and wine clung to the air, intoxicating and heavy.
"Take a seat," Shudu said, his voice edged with amusement. "I don't bite." He chuckled, pouring himself another cup of wine as he gestured toward the velvety cushions strewn about the floor.
Xue Tuzi hesitated before carefully lowering himself onto one, his arms tightening protectively around Jiao Jiao.
Shudu's gaze locked onto him, sharp and unreadable.
Predatory.
He watched, drinking in every detail—the nervous way Xue Tuzi's fingers curled into the fabric of his robes, the way his chest rose and fell with shallow, uncertain breaths. But more than anything, it was the scent that overwhelmed him, a fragrance so rich, so enticing, it sank into his bones and wrapped around his very being.
It was driving him mad.
He ran his tongue over his lips, his crimson eye gawking at him.
This beauty had walked into his den willingly.
And now, Shudu intended to savor him.
Shudu leaned in, his breath warm against Xue Tuzi's skin, their faces mere inches apart. Xue Tuzi instinctively drew back, pressing into the plush cushions with Jiao Jiao nestled securely in his lap. His heart pounded as Shudu's gaze dropped to his lips, a knowing smirk curling at the corners of his mouth. Just as he was about to claim a kiss, a sharp knock sounded at the door.
Shudu exhaled harshly, tilting his head away with clear irritation. "Come in," he commanded, settling back into his seat, arms crossing over his chest in a display of casual dominance.
The innkeeper entered, rolling in three carts laden with lavish dishes—succulent meats glistening with juices, delicately prepared vegetables, and an array of sweet pastries so intricately crafted they seemed almost too perfect to eat. The rich aroma filled the chamber, causing Jiao Jiao's small nose to twitch eagerly. His round eyes locked onto the feast, but he remained patient, waiting for Xue Tuzi to feed him.
Xue Tuzi, ever gentle, picked up a piece of food with his chopsticks and guided it to Jiao Jiao's mouth. The child accepted it happily, chewing with contentment.
"Tch." Shudu scoffed, watching the scene unfold with growing irritation. His crimson eye darkened as he observed Xue Tuzi carefully selecting tender vegetables, feeding them straight to the boy's waiting lips. His fingers tightened around his cup before he slammed it onto the table with a sharp thud.
"Does he have no limbs to feed himself?" Shudu snapped, his voice edged with disdain. "Are you not going to properly teach him how to eat?" He arched a brow, his piercing gaze locking onto Xue Tuzi. "Some future scholar you're raising. He's not a Gu worm anymore—stop infantilizing him."
His words cut deep, sharp as a blade. Xue Tuzi lowered his gaze, hesitating for a brief moment before gently guiding the chopsticks into Jiao Jiao's tiny hands.
"Xiao Jiao," he murmured, his voice soft yet firm. "It's time you learn to eat on your own."
Jiao Jiao's lips jutted into a pout, his small face contorting into a sulky expression. His round eyes flickered toward the culprit—Shudu—who merely smirked, lifting his wine cup in silent amusement before downing its contents in a single gulp.
The child huffed, gripping the chopsticks clumsily, his small fingers struggling to maneuver them properly. Xue Tuzi guided him, offering quiet words of encouragement between soft kisses to his cheek.
Noticing that Jiao Jiao was eating only vegetables—the same as Xue Tuzi—Shudu frowned. "Eat meat. You'll grow stronger."
Jiao Jiao hesitated, his gaze flickering toward Shudu, watching as the man effortlessly picked up a roasted ham leg and tore into it with sharp teeth.
After a moment, the child mimicked him, stabbing awkwardly at a juicy piece of meat. His tiny fingers trembled as he lifted it to his mouth, his lips parting to take a bite. The juices dribbled from the corner of his mouth, trailing down his chin as he chewed.
Immediately, Xue Tuzi reached for a handkerchief, dabbing at the child's messy face with gentle precision.
Shudu rolled his eyes. "Let him be a kid," he drawled. "Kids his age get dirty. Let him be dirty."
Xue Tuzi's head snapped up, his sharp glare meeting Shudu's with defiance. He parted his lips to retort, but before he could speak, Jiao Jiao mumbled through a mouthful of food, "Mama."
Xue Tuzi sighed, his expression softening. "Xiao Jiao, don't speak with your mouth full," he chided, still wiping at the child's sticky fingers.
Shudu chuckled, leaning back against the cushions. "When I was his age, I was still eating with my hands." He poured himself another cup of wine, swirling the liquid idly before grumbling, "It would be nice if a beauty were here to pour for me."
Xue Tuzi lifted his own cup of tea, taking a slow, deliberate sip before responding coolly, "Hmmm… you sent them all away."
Shudu scoffed, his crimson eye narrowing. "There's a beauty right here who could serve me… yet chooses not to."
Xue Tuzi turned his face away in open contempt, his posture stiff with irritation.
Meanwhile, Jiao Jiao continued stuffing sweets into his mouth, his cheeks puffed out like a squirrel hoarding food for the winter. Xue Tuzi sighed, wiping his sticky fingers once more. "Xiao Jiao, no more sweets."
The child pouted, his small hands clutching onto Xue Tuzi's robes as he buried his face against his chest in protest.
Shudu watched them, an amused glint in his eyes. Without warning, he moved forward, closing the distance between them. His fingers brushed along Xue Tuzi's cheek, his thumb pressing against the tiny mole at the corner of his lip. Slowly, deliberately, he leaned in, capturing Xue Tuzi's lips in a deep, claiming kiss.
Xue Tuzi's breath hitched, a soft gasp slipping free as Shudu's hand wrapped around his waist, pulling him flush against his body. The scent of wine, musk, and his scent enveloped him, making his head spin.
Jiao Jiao, however, was not pleased.
The child furrowed his brows, his little hands balling into fists. Seeing Shudu take advantage of Xue Tuzi's vulnerability, he let out a furious cry.
"No! No! No!"
With all the force his small body could muster, Jiao Jiao shoved Shudu away, breaking the kiss with an audible pop.
Shudu pulled back, his gaze snapping toward the boy. He studied him in silence, a flicker of realization crossing his face.
Now I see why you're here, little brat.
The child's tiny chest heaved with indignation, his eyes glaring daggers at the man who had dared steal something that belonged to him.
Xue Tuzi, still breathless, placed a gentle hand on Jiao Jiao's head, soothing him with quiet murmurs.
Shudu smirked, wiping the corner of his mouth with his thumb.
He took a small dagger and made a precise slit across his palm, watching as dark red blood welled up before dripping into a porcelain cup. He mixed it carefully with warm, sweet milk tea, the liquid swirling into a deep, creamy shade. The scent was rich—an intoxicating blend of iron and honeyed warmth.
"Here." He extended the cup toward Jiao Jiao, his voice smooth yet commanding. "Drink it."
The child hesitated, his small fingers gripping the fabric of Xue Tuzi's robes. His round eyes flickered between the cup and Shudu's unreadable expression, uncertainty clouding his face.
"Xiao Jiao," Xue Tuzi's voice was soft but firm as he took the cup and held it close to the boy's lips. "Just a sip."
Jiao Jiao hesitated, his lips pressing into a thin line before finally parting. He took a tentative sip, his tiny nose scrunching slightly at the unfamiliar taste. Then, to Xue Tuzi's surprise, the hesitation melted away. He gulped down the rest, the warmth soothing his body.
Not long after, his eyelids began to droop, his little mouth parting with a soft yawn. His fingers loosened from Xue Tuzi's robes as sleep took hold, his breathing deep and steady. He nestled into Xue Tuzi's embrace, completely surrendered to his exhaustion.
Xue Tuzi's grip on the empty cup tightened. His cold, calculating gaze snapped to Shudu.
"What did you give him?"
Shudu smirked, swirling the last of his own wine before drinking it down in one smooth motion. A few stray drops slid down his lips, as he lazily licked them away, his crimson eye gleaming with amusement.
"Just a little something to keep him from interrupting us," he mused, setting his cup aside. "You didn't honestly want him awake and watch us have sex, did you?"
Xue Tuzi exhaled sharply, his long lashes fluttering down to rest against the apples of his cheeks. He knew exactly what Shudu meant, and the way the man was watching him now—half-lidded eyes, dark with hunger—made it all the more infuriating.
Shudu leaned in, his breath ghosting against Xue Tuzi's ear, his voice dropping to a husky murmur.
"Well then, let's begin."
Xue Tuzi turned his face slightly, his expression calm but unwavering. "I have conditions before we dual cultivate."
Shudu raised a brow, exhaling through his nose in mild amusement. "Oh?"
"Condition one—no touching."
A soft scoff escaped Shudu, but he didn't argue. Instead, he continued to watch Xue Tuzi who's face remained cold.
"Condition two—no kissing."
This time, Shudu let out a low groan, his brows knitting together in frustration. He crossed his arms over his chest, looking downright sullen.
Xue Tuzi remained unshaken. "Condition three—no dirty talk."
Silence filled the space between them. The flickering lanterns cast long shadows across the room, their glow illuminating Shudu's face as he stared at Xue Tuzi with something unreadable in his gaze.
"So," Shudu finally murmured, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, "those are your conditions?"
Xue Tuzi nodded. "If you can abide by them, then I'll dual cultivate with you."
Shudu let out a deep, amused chuckle, shaking his head as he leaned back against the cushions.
"Very well."
Blah Blah Blah:
And so it begins! The following chapter will only contain smut. Hopefully it's good wish me luck.
Shudu: rubbing his hands like a fly.
Xue Tuzi: utterly annoyed.