Xue Tuzi's scream was so loud that it jolted Jiao Jiao awake and even startled Xiao Zongzi, who had been perched in the window, carefully spinning her web around her prey. Shudu's member was still latched on to his entrance oozing semen, he grunted pumping more fluid as Xue Tuzi's body twitched, his face burning as he panted heavily.
Shudu could feel the pressure building, his third eye threatening to open. His breath came in heavy, uneven bursts as he pressed two fingers firmly against his forehead, willing it shut. Not now, he told himself, forcing the power back with sheer determination.
Jiao Jiao was startled awake, his drowsy mind jolting into focus at the sight of the beast mounting over Xue Tuzi. Panic surged through him, and without thinking, he let out a sharp scream before lunging at Shudu with all the ferocity his small body could muster. His tiny mouth clamped down onto the demons arm, sharp teeth sinking into the man's tough skin.
Shudu hissed, his muscles tensing as pain flared through his arm. Instinctively, he released Xue Tuzi, who quickly gathered himself, adjusting his robe and tucking back strands of his disheveled hair. Meanwhile, Shudu struggled to pry Jiao Jiao off, blood beginning to trickle from the child's bite.
"Xiao Jiao," Xue Tuzi called softly.
At the sound of his voice, Jiao Jiao immediately let go, his crimson eyes filling with tears as he ran into Xue Tuzi's embrace. "Mama!" he sobbed, burying his face into his chest.
Xue Tuzi sighed, brushing a few stray strands of hair from the boy's damp cheeks before cradling him gently. "Did I scare you? I'm sorry," he murmured, his fingers running soothingly through Jiao Jiao's hair.
The child nodded, his bottom lip quivering as he shoved his head deeper into Xue Tuzi's chest.
"Oh, my poor Xiao Jiao," Xue Tuzi cooed, pressing his nose against the child's soft hair as he rocked him in his arms.
"Tch," Shudu scoffed, shooting Xue Tuzi a sharp glare as he adjusted his robes. "You wanted to wake him up."
Xue Tuzi ignored him, still bouncing the whimpering child gently. "Nonsense. I was in pain," he said coolly.
A wicked smirk tugged at the corner of Shudu's lips as he leaned in, slipping his arm around Xue Tuzi's waist and resting his chin on the beauty's shoulder. His breath was warm against Xue Tuzi's ear as he whispered, "I thought you said you liked pain."
Jiao Jiao, still sniffling in Xue Tuzi's arms, caught sight of Shudu holding him from behind. His little brows furrowed, and for a moment, his tears stopped. His tiny hands balled into fists before he reached out and started pushing at Shudu's arm. "No, no, no!" he exclaimed angrily, trying with all his might to pry the man away from Xue Tuzi.
Shudu wrinkled his nose at the child's feeble attempts, then his lips curled into a mischievous smile. "We were baby making," he drawled, his crimson eye glinting with amusement. "You're going to have a little sibling."
Jiao Jiao froze, his expression crumbling. His wide, tear-filled eyes darted up to Xue Tuzi in desperate search of denial. But Xue Tuzi's pupils were slightly dilated, his gaze soft as he reached out and tousled Jiao Jiao's hair.
"Xiao Jiao," he murmured, his voice gentle. "Do you want a little sibling?"
The question hit like a hammer. Jiao Jiao's tiny fists clenched, his crimson eyes welling up once more. "No! No, no, no!" he wailed, his small body wracked with frustration. Kicking his legs and flailing his arms, he broke into a full-blown tantrum, sobbing as if the world itself had betrayed him.
Jiao Jiao's little face crumpled, his lips trembling as fresh tears spilled down his cheeks. "Does Mama not love Xiao Jiao?" he sobbed, his tiny hands gripping onto Xue Tuzi's robes as if afraid he might slip away.
Xue Tuzi let out a soft sigh, pressing a tender kiss to the child's damp temple. "I love you so much," he murmured, his voice gentle and soothing. "So much that I want another one of you."
But Jiao Jiao wasn't having it. His little fists balled up, his tiny legs kicking out in defiance. "No! Xiao Jiao is the only one!" he shrieked, swinging his arms wildly, his little body thrashing in Xue Tuzi's embrace.
Before Xue Tuzi could calm him, Shudu's sharp voice cut through the room like a blade. "That's enough."
In one swift motion, he grabbed the child's flailing arms, holding him still with an iron grip. Jiao Jiao sobbed harder, snot and tears pooling down his flushed face as he struggled against Shudu's hold.
Xue Tuzi's heart ached at the sight, and he quickly pried Jiao Jiao away, cradling him protectively in his arms. "There, there," he whispered, his fingers brushing the tears away, his voice laced with tenderness.
Shudu scoffed, his eyes dark with impatience. "He needs to go back to sleep," he said, his tone edged with irritation. Without another word, he bit into his own thumb, blood welling up from the wound before he forced it past Jiao Jiao's trembling lips.
The child fought at first, his little body writhing, but the effects took hold quickly. His lashes fluttered, and within moments, he succumbed to sleep, his tiny form slackening against Xue Tuzi's chest.
Xue Tuzi let out a soft breath, his grip on Jiao Jiao tightening instinctively as he pulled a thick blanket around him. "You're too rough with him," he murmured, carefully tucking the child back into bed. He smoothed down Jiao Jiao's mussed hair, watching his tear-streaked face with a pang of guilt. "He's just a baby, you know. He doesn't know any better."
Shudu turned his head away, his jaw tightening. "And you love making me the villain," he spat bitterly.
Xue Tuzi turned to glare at him, his tired eyes flashing with something unreadable. "How can I not?" he said, crossing his arms. His silken hair, still a chaotic mess, clung to his damp skin. "You were punishing me."
Shudu's gaze flickered, but Xue Tuzi had already looked away. His eyes settled on Jiao Jiao's sleeping face, his expression shifting into something haunted. His fingers, trembling slightly, reached out to brush the child's cheek. A memory surfaced—one so sharp, so vicious, it stole the breath from his lungs.
"Didi was around his age when he—"
He stopped, his throat tightening, but the images crashed into him like a tidal wave.
The wasp demon's massive stinger plunging into the boy's small body. His screams, raw and desperate.
"Gege, help me! Help me, Gege!"
A tiny bloodstained hand, reaching, stretching—
Xue Tuzi had been paralyzed, watching in horror as the wasp's sharp jaws unhinged, drool dripped from its fangs as it crushed the child's skull. Bone cracked. Flesh tore. His child's cries were swallowed by the sickening squelch of his brain being devoured.
Xue Tuzi clutched his chest, the memories so violent, so soul-crushing, that his body seized in panic. His breath came in short, desperate gasps, his vision tunneling as his limbs went weak. Tears streaked his face in a relentless stream, his body trembling violently.
"Hey."
Shudu was suddenly there, his strong arms pulling Xue Tuzi into a steady embrace. His voice was softer now, careful. He cupped the man's face, his eyes searching his. Xue Tuzi's gaze was unfocused, glazed over, drowning in a past he couldn't escape.
Shudu didn't hesitate. He leaned in, capturing Xue Tuzi's lips in a deep, grounding kiss. The tremors slowly ebbed, his ragged breathing evening just enough for reality to pull him back.
When they finally parted, Xue Tuzi let out a choked sob and collapsed against Shudu's chest, his slender fingers clutching onto him as if he might disappear. "I—I watched him die," he gasped between his tears. "I—I didn't do anything. I was useless. Useless."
Shudu cradled him close, his hand resting protectively atop Xue Tuzi's shaking head. "You were just a child yourself," he murmured, pressing a firm kiss to his temple.
Xue Tuzi pulled back slightly, his glassy eyes searching Shudu's face, as if waiting for him to tell him he was wrong. "He asked me to save him," his voice cracked, fresh tears slipping down his cheeks. "And I… did nothing."
Shudu exhaled softly, brushing away the tears with his thumb. "Hey," he whispered. "It's not your fault." His voice was steady, unwavering. "None of this—there's nothing you could have done."
Xue Tuzi's lips parted, but no words came. Just another broken sob.
Shudu kissed his cheek first, then his lips—slow, patient, until Xue Tuzi finally let himself sink into it. And when the beauty finally drifted into exhausted sleep, Shudu held him close, pressing their foreheads together, his grip never loosening.
The golden rays of the morning sun filtered through the sheer curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Xue Tuzi stirred, his lashes fluttering as he slowly opened his eyes. His cheek rested against the firm plane of Shudu's chest, the rhythmic rise and fall of the demon's breathing steady beneath him. Tilting his head up, he gazed at Shudu's face, the sunlight accentuating the sharp angles of his jawline, his dark lashes fanning softly against his cheeks. He looked peaceful, almost serene, a rare expression for someone of his kind.
Xue Tuzi's fingers traced lazy circles across the bronze expanse of the demons chest, marveling at the sculpted perfection beneath his touch. The warmth of his skin, the steady thump of his heart—it was mesmerizing. His gaze drifted toward Jiao Jiao, who lay curled up beside them, fast asleep. The child's face was a mirror image of Shudu's, though softer, rounder, untouched by time. Even in sleep, their expressions were eerily similar, their delicate brows relaxed, dark wispy bangs falling just enough to veil their closed eyes. Jiao Jiao's small chest rose and fell in a gentle rhythm, his soft snores barely audible. His lashes quivered faintly against his cheeks, just as Shudu's did.
A fond smile tugged at Xue Tuzi's lips as he turned back to the demon beneath him. He let his palm glide over the firm planes of Shudu's torso, fingers skimming over the taut muscles. His touch wandered up, grazing over a nipple, he felt it harden beneath his fingertips. Without much thought, he leaned in, his lips parting as he flicked his tongue against the sensitive bud.
Shudu stirred, a faint groan escaping his lips, but he refused to wake. Encouraged, Xue Tuzi continued, his playful licks growing bolder, his tongue tracing teasing patterns before he sealed his lips around the peak and suckled. A deeper sound rumbled from Shudu's throat, though he still did not wake.
A wicked glint flashed in Xue Tuzi's eyes. He sank his teeth into the tender flesh, biting down just enough to elicit a reaction.
"Ahh—!" Shudu flinched, his brows knitting together as his eyes flew open, dark pupils hazy with sleep and mild irritation. He glanced down at the culprit, who blinked up at him with an innocent look.
"I bit too hard," Xue Tuzi murmured, his voice a quiet purr as he pressed soft, apologetic licks over the reddened spot, as though soothing away the pain.
Shudu let out a slow breath, his lips curling into a smirk. "As long as you don't bite something else off," he muttered dryly.
Xue Tuzi tilted his head slightly, his curiosity bubbling to the surface as he broke the comfortable silence. "Is that how?" he began, trailing off as if unsure how to phrase his question. But Shudu cut him off with a soft chuckle, his lips curving into a faint smile as his fingers idly played with Xue Tuzi's hair.
"No," Shudu said, his voice low and amused. "Insect demons are able to reproduce asexually, although there are some benefits to finding a mate." His expression darkened for a moment, a grimace flickering across his face as memories of Madam Hua, resurfaced. She was cruel, grotesque, and everything he despised. Shudu shook his head, as if to dispel the thought, before continuing. "An insect demon with enough viable cultivation can secrete a…" He paused, stammering slightly as he searched for the right word. "A parasite, per se. The parasite can be embedded in any living organism—be it a tree, an animal, or a human."
Xue Tuzi's eyes widened in surprise, his curiosity now fully piqued. Shudu went on, his tone matter-of-fact yet tinged with a hint of pride. "Most living organisms are unable to handle demonic energy and die. After I spawned Xiao Jiao, I sealed the egg into a vase to further elevate his cultivation. But somebody—" He turned his head to look pointedly at Xue Tuzi, his eyes narrowing in mock annoyance. "—ruined my plans." He rolled his eyes, though there was no real anger in his expression.
Xue Tuzi smiled softly, a sense of relief washing over him as he realized that Shudu had not mated with anyone to procreate Jiao Jiao. "So Xiao Jiao is yours alone…" he murmured, his voice filled with quiet wonder. Then, his expression shifted, his brows furrowing as he turned to look at Shudu with determined eyes. "Do you secrete from—" he began, but Shudu cut him off with a sharp sneer.
"That type of secretion is for having children with women," Shudu sneered.
Before he could continue, Xue Tuzi struck again, sinking his teeth into the demon's chest this time—harder.
Shudu yelped. "You little—!"
The sound was enough to jolt Jiao Jiao awake. The child shot up, alarm flashing in his sleepy eyes. His small fists clenched as he scanned the room, searching for the threat that had dared to harm Xue Tuzi.
Then he saw it—Xue Tuzi, draped over another man, the source of the distress.
Jiao Jiao's tiny face scrunched in outrage. "No, no, no!" he shrieked, launching himself forward. He shoved at Shudu with all the strength his small body could muster, determined to pry him away.
Shudu, still rubbing at his sore nipple, scowled. "Hey, I'm the victim here!"
Xue Tuzi merely laughed, shifting to scoop Jiao Jiao into his arms. The child squirmed in protest, but his embrace was familiar, soothing. He pouted, still glaring at Shudu, but his resolve wavered as warmth surrounded him.
With a satisfied hum, Xue Tuzi settled back down, pressing a kiss to Jiao Jiao's forehead. "There," he murmured, "now we're all together."
Jiao Jiao huffed but made no further protest. In the end, both he and Xue Tuzi remained sprawled atop Shudu, trapping the demon beneath them.
Shudu let out a low sigh as he wrapped his arm around the small child nestled against him. His large hand ruffled Jiao Jiao's dark hair, fingers combing through the soft strands with uncharacteristic gentleness. Jiao Jiao barely stirred, his tiny form pressing closer to Xue Tuzi, his lips latching onto Xue Tuzi's hand as he fed.
"Hey—!" Shudu shot up, brows knitting together in disapproval as he reached to pry the child away. "You're too big for this."
Xue Tuzi's other hand came up, swatting Shudu's away as he adjusted his hold on Jiao Jiao, cradling the child against him with ease. "Leave him," he murmured, his fingers rubbing soothing circles into the boy's back.
Shudu huffed, clearly displeased, but he didn't argue further. Xie Tuzi's soft gaze drifted over Jiao Jiao, scrutinizing the child's delicate features—the high cheekbones, the slightly upturned nose, the dark lashes resting against his plump cheeks.
"He looks exactly like you," Xue Tuzi sighed, a small smile curving his lips as he gently brushed back the strands of hair that had fallen into Jiao Jiao's face. His touch was soft, almost reverent.
Shudu snorted, grasping him tighter in his arms. "I thought you said he didn't."
Xue Tuzi chuckled, the sound quiet and warm. "I lied," he admitted, tilting his head to meet Shudu's glare, his round, doe-like eyes shimmered.
Shudu scoffed, turning his head away, as if suddenly annoyed. "Hmph. You care for him so well," he muttered, though his tone carried between resentment and envy.
Xue Tuzi's fingers stilled for a moment. His lashes lowered, the faintest sigh escaping his lips. "Gege was the only one who cared about me," he exhaled, his expression shadowed by something dark.
Shudu's brows furrowed instantly. His head snapped back toward Xue Tuzi, a scowl pulling at his lips. "That's not true," he shot back, irritation lacing his voice. "Xiao Jiao cares about you. And so does Grandmaster Xue. Shit, even Meng Meng cares about you."
Xue Tuzi blinked, his gaze shifting to Shudu, eyes wide in surprise.
The demon clicked his tongue, clearly annoyed now. "Tch. All those men at Mount Dingbu care about you," he grumbled, voice laced with jealousy.
Xue Tuzi studied him for a moment, then hesitated before speaking. His voice softened, tentative. "Do you… care about me?" His round eyes searched Shudu's face, wide and imploring.
Shudu stilled, his expression unreadable. He held Xue Tuzi's gaze for a long moment before arching a brow. "What do you think?"
Xue Tuzi pouted, shifting Jiao Jiao slightly in his arms as he huffed. "Well, I won't know unless you tell me." His lips pressed together in a faint pout, his eyes practically pleading for an answer.
Shudu's jaw tensed. Then, with an exaggerated sigh, he turned his face away, eyes slipping closed as if completely uninterested. "I'm not telling."
Xue Tuzi's face flushed, his lips parting in indignation. "Shushu!" he exclaimed, cheeks burning as Shudu cracked open one eye, smirking at his flustered reaction.