Xue Laohu pulled up the GPS navigator from the system and tapped on Shudu's location. The coordinates locked in, and his eyes widened.
"The brothel?!" he exclaimed. "Ugh, no time to waste."
With a sharp intake of breath, he vaulted onto his sword and shot through the bright sky, the wind whipping through his robes.
Inside the brothel, Shudu sat by an open window, the rays of the sun soaking his slouched figure. His lone companion, Xiao Zongzi, diligently tended to an intricate spider web in the corner. The spider's delicate legs moved with precision, spinning silken threads that shimmered in the bright glow. Shudu exhaled heavily, swirling the wine in his clay jar before taking another slow sip. The liquid burned down his throat, warm but unsatisfying.
At the brothel's entrance, Xue Laohu landed gracefully, barely making a sound as his boots touched the polished wooden floor. Before he could take another step, a hulking demon with thick, leathery skin and a pig-like snout stepped forward, blocking his path. His belly jiggled with each breath, and his beady, predatory eyes swept over Xue Laohu with undisguised hunger.
"My, my… what do we have here?" the pig demon croaked, his voice thick and phlegmy. He chuckled, his chest heaving, reaching out with one bloated hand.
Xue Laohu barely twitched before his fan flicked open with a sharp snap, slapping the demon's fat, sausage-like fingers away from his backside. The impact was swift, and crisp.
"Try that again, and you'll be down a hand," Xue Laohu said, his voice laced with icy amusement. He folded his fan back with deliberate grace, his phoenix eyes flashing. "I'm here for Lord Shudu."
The pig demon's amusement soured at the name, his snout wrinkling in distaste. But before he could object, a tall, bony man in elaborate robes stepped forward—the innkeeper. His sunken cheeks pulled into a thin, knowing smile.
"Ah, yes. Lord Shudu is here," the innkeeper said smoothly, bowing his head ever so slightly.
"I seek an audience with him," Xue Laohu stated.
"Of course. This way."
As the innkeeper turned and led the way inside, the pig demon let out a disgruntled snort. His small, dark eyes lingered on Xue Laohu's retreating figure, and he muttered under his breath, "Where does Lord Shudu find such fine meat?"
The innkeeper chuckled, his voice carrying a subtle note of intrigue. "I must say, my Lord has exquisite taste. No wonder he refuses to lay a single finger on our girls and boys."
"Huh?" Xue Laohu frowned, confusion flickering across his sharp features as he followed the innkeeper down the corridor. The air was thick with the scent of incense and lingering perfume, a heady mix that clung to the silk-draped walls.
The innkeeper led him toward the largest, most extravagant room at the end of the hall, his skeletal frame moving with an eerie grace. His voice, smooth and insidious, slithered through the silence.
"Not long ago, a beauty delivered himself right to my Lord's doorstep," he mused, his lips curling into a knowing smile. "He was breathtaking—skin as smooth as jade, hair the color of autumn leaves, and those round, doe-like eyes that begged to be devoured." He let out a wistful sigh before his tongue darted out to wet his thin lips, brushing against his sharp teeth. "But his lips… ah, those full, rose-tinted lips, with that tiny beauty mark just beneath them—truly the most delicious sight."
Xue Laohu's jaw tensed, his fingers twitching against the handle of his fan.
The innkeeper chuckled at his reaction before coming to a stop before the grand double doors. With a theatrical rap of his knuckles, he announced, "My Lord, your meal has arrived."
A muffled groan came from within. "I didn't order anything," came Shudu's irritated voice, followed by the rustling of fabric. "Go away."
"Shudu, open the door—it's me," Xue Laohu called, his tone firm.
There was a brief pause. Then, in a blur of movement, the doors flung open, Shudu pulled Xue Laohu inside, slamming them shut with a force that rattled the wooden frame.
The innkeeper blinked at the abrupt dismissal, his skeletal fingers tightening around the hem of his robe. His expression was caught somewhere between shock and intrigue.
Inside, golden sunlight streamed through the open window, illuminating Shudu's tanned skin where his robe had fallen open at the chest. His arms crossed over his torso, a hint of tension lining his jaw.
"What brings Grandmaster Xue here?" he asked, his voice measured, though his dark eyes gleamed. "This is hardly a place for someone of your prestigious standing."
Xue Laohu flicked his fan open and sank into a nearby chair with an exaggerated sigh. "Let's cut the crap." His sharp gaze locked onto Shudu. "I'm here to help you with A-Tuzi."
"There's no need."
Xue Laohu's fan snapped shut with an irritated flick, his nostrils flaring. "What do you mean, 'no need'?"
Shudu exhaled, slow and steady, before his lips curled into a smirk. "The moment he comes to seek my head, I shall seize his."
Xue Laohu groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "Listen! If he hated you that much, he wouldn't have surrendered himself to you countless times on your journey back to Sect Mount Dingbu!"
Shudu's eyes widened, shock warring with mortification. His breath hitched. How did Grandmaster Xue know? His mind reeled, but the truth was far worse than he could have imagined.
Xue Laohu—Yi Ming—had seen everything.
All eight recordings of Shudu and Xue Tuzi entangled in passion before they ever encountered Xiao Hua. The system had been relentless, chiming in his head at every missing event, and Yi Ming had indulged in every single one. Not only had he watched—he had enjoyed them, his own body betraying him more than once.
A flush crept up Shudu's neck, blooming across his cheeks, and the tips of his ears burned a telling shade of red. But despite his embarrassment, confusion clouded his gaze. "How did Grandmaster Xue know…?"
Xue Laohu stiffened. Shit. He couldn't exactly tell Shudu the truth—that he had seen it all, that he had spent the night with those images burned into his mind. His phoenix eyes darted around, looking for an escape, until they landed on Xiao Zongzi.
The spider demoness spun her web in peace, blissfully unaware that Xue Laohu was about to throw her to the wolves.
"Xiao Zongzi told me," he blurted, snapping his fan open and half-hiding his face behind it.
Shudu's frown deepened. His sharp gaze shifted to Xiao Zongzi, who startled so hard she nearly tumbled out of her web.
"H-Huh?! Master, I—"
Xue Laohu was quicker. With a flick of his fan, he reached out telepathically. Not a word. Do you wish to see your master miserable? Play along, and I might spare your life.
The fan snapped against his palm, as if swatting an insect.
Xiao Zongzi gulped. Her many legs twitched as she nodded quickly. "I-I forgot to tell Master," she stammered, her voice unsteady.
Shudu exhaled, slow and heavy, pinching the bridge of his nose. "He probably resents ever laying with me," he muttered, voice barely above a whisper. His gaze dropped, staring into the depths of his wine jar as though it held all the answers.
Xue Laohu scoffed, snapping his fan shut. "A fire can be rekindled."
But Shudu only waved him off, tipping his jar back to take another sip, unwilling to hear more.
Xue Laohu's patience snapped. "Look at you, moping around like a lost dog searching for his master." He exhaled dramatically, fanning himself in frustration. "Just let me help! We leave tomorrow for Qingyu Cun. Follow us there. Keep a safe distance, a low profile. Mkay?" He flashed a lazy smile, mischief dancing in his phoenix eyes.
Shudu remained silent, his grip tightening around his wine jar.
Xue Laohu leaned in just slightly. "A-Tuzi has feelings for you," he murmured, softer this time. "He's just a little wounded. Give him time to heal."
Shudu opened his mouth, but no words came. His throat worked as if to protest, yet nothing surfaced.
Satisfied, Xue Laohu turned on his heel and swept out of the room, his robe billowing in his wake.
Shudu stood frozen, his mind spinning.
Countless times, Xue Tuzi had surrendered to him, a delicate beauty turned docile rabbit, melting into his touch, pressing close as if desperate to be devoured whole. He had yielded so willingly, offering his body to be ravaged, his breaths shallow, his moans sweet.
But that rabbit had since grown fangs.
And now, he was out for blood.
"…Master?" Xiao Zongzi's voice pulled him from his thoughts.
Shudu turned to her slowly, his expression dark. "Why did you tell him?"
Xiao Zongzi stiffened, her eyes darting to the door. She hesitated, debating whether she should confess the truth. But the image of Xue Laohu swatting his fan against his palm played vividly in her mind.
She swallowed hard.
"…I just forgot to tell you," she whispered, lowering her head.
Shudu narrowed his eyes, but after a long moment, he merely sighed, turning back toward the window.
Outside, the sun continued its slow descent, its golden light spilling over the rooftops.
Somewhere out there, Xue Tuzi was waiting.
The following morning, Xue Laohu, Xue Tuzi, Jiao Jiao, and Li Zhameng gathered their belongings, preparing to depart for Qingyu Cun Village. The air was crisp, the lingering chill of dawn still clung to the mountain paths as they descended. Xue Laohu led the group, his fan idly tapping against his palm, while Xue Tuzi trailed behind, lost in thought.
It would have been a peaceful journey—if not for the unwanted proximity of a certain disciple.
No matter how fast Xue Laohu walked, Li Zhameng remained stubbornly close to his Shizun, unwilling to start away from his side. His scent, fresh with sweat and youth, was stirring a particular thing awake.
Xue Laohu cursed under his breath. Not now.
He clenched his jaw, trying to ignore the flame deep within him, but the moment he turned back to check on Xue Tuzi—bam!
Li Zhameng crashed into him, knocking them both to the ground.
A sharp intake of breath—then a muffled groan.
For a moment, there was only stunned silence. Xue Laohu barely registered the weight atop him before—oh no.
Mini Ming awakened.
The small but undeniably insistent presence nuzzled against Li Zhameng's belly, sending a jolt of panic through Xue Laohu.
"Shizun…" Li Zhameng groaned.
The slight sound had stiffen him locking up every single muscle in his body. Li Zhameng pushed himself up slightly, trying to regain his bearings, but Xue Laohu immediately retreated from his grasp, his face crimson with humiliation. He could feel its persistence, refusing to settle down. His eyes darted wildly, searching for a way out as Li Zhameng narrowed his eyes, his lips stretching into a smile as he muttered, "Shizun, what… was that?"
Panic seized him.
Think, think, think—
"Ahem!" He cleared his throat, voice cracking slightly. "It was the fan!" He flapped it open dramatically, as if to prove his point. "I—I put it in my pants! For safe keeping. So I don't lose it."
Silence.
Li Zhameng stared at him, brow furrowing in open skepticism, as he glanced down at his Shizun's obvious bulge.
Xue Laohu refused to stand. Not yet. Not when the evidence of his predicament would be all too obvious.
Thankfully—mercifully—Xue Tuzi finally caught up to them, his steps measured, his expression solemn.
Xue Laohu immediately leapt to his feet, all thoughts of his earlier embarrassment vanishing. "Hey, what's wrong?" His voice softened, concern replacing his usual teasing.
Now next to Xue Tuzi his erection ceased to exist.
The little traitor reacted only reacted to Li Zhameng—but not to Xue Tuzi. Not once. It had seen Xue Tuzi in every sexual position imaginable, had heard his moans, his gasps, had even huffed along in excitement from the sidelines—yet, when it came to desire? Nothing.
It enjoyed looking at Xue Tuzi, but it had no interest in doing anything with him. Xue Loahu shook off the thoughts.
"What's going on this is not like you," Xue Laohu asked his lips curled into a teasing smirk. Oh, does he miss his demonic husband?
But before he could voice the thought, Xue Tuzi clenched his fists.
"The orphanage…" he said quietly. "It was in Qingyu Cun Village."
Xue Laohu blinked. His smirk faded.
Jiao Jiao, who had been holding onto Xue Tuzi's hand, immediately wrapped his tiny arms around his leg in silent comfort. Xue Tuzi forced a small, grateful smile, patting the child's head.
Xue Laohu exhaled, flicking his fan open to cover his face. Here I thought he was sulking over Shudu, he mused. But no—the beauty wasn't lost in romantic longing. He was cold, ruthless.
He wasn't mourning love.
He was seething over unfinished vengeance.
A sigh slipped from Xue Laohu's lips before he closed his fan with a sharp snap. Without another word, he pulled Xue Tuzi into a warm, firm embrace.
"Let's visit the orphanage," he murmured. "Let's pay our respects."
Blah Blah Blah:
Shudu and Xue Tuzi's 8 Off Screen Scenes
They had intercourse in Sect Leader's Dingfeng's study on top of parchment paper, ink and scrolls.
They also indulged in pleasures in the bedroom.
By the river
By the rocks
On a tree
In the water
On tall grass by the meadows
At the cliff's edge
Here and there. Anywhere and everywhere. Xiao Zongzi was most tired of their wanton.
Shudu whispering into Xue Tuzi's ear: "filthy little bunny"