Zhan Xiaotian naturally exudes a strong sense of righteousness. Even when he is in a bad mood, he confronts things directly and straightforwardly, avoiding convoluted schemes and underhanded tactics. This very sense of righteousness gives him an enduring youthful vitality; as the leader of the Immortal Alliance, he always appears passionate and can easily stir the emotions of many subordinates. People are willing to follow him, heed his commands, and entrust him with both the Immortal Alliance and the mortal realm.
In front of Yu Sheng, this aura becomes even more harmless, often giving him the illusion that Zhan Xiaotian has never left the precipice and has never undergone decades of trials and growth, still being that somewhat foolish child from years ago.
The person before him…
Is rebellious, aggressive, audacious, and unruly—like the complete opposite of Zhan Xiaotian. Yet, in terms of action, bluntness, and the hints of childishness, he bears a striking resemblance to Zhan Xiaotian.
Yu Sheng was suddenly pushed against the door, his feet unsteady as the cold sword spirit pressed against him.
Ah, this is the side of his eldest disciple that he has always carefully hidden from him.
As the sword spirit lowered his head towards him, that expression of someone who seemed to have thrown caution to the wind grew larger in Yu Sheng's vision. He leaned in, and before Yu Sheng could fully react, he found himself staring intently into the sword spirit's eyes.
Perhaps it was a preparation for this moment; even in surprise, there was no trace of it on Yu Sheng’s face. Likewise, there was no anger or blame. Instead, the sword spirit even seemed to read a hint of curiosity in Yu Sheng's eyes.
The hand resting at the back of Yu Sheng’s head slid gently, cupping under his ear, fingers weaving through his hair, palm pressing against the warm skin of his cheek—a bold yet incredibly gentle gesture.
His little finger pressed against the side of Yu Sheng's neck, feeling the strong pulse. As the sword spirit lowered his head, their foreheads touched, and the closeness blurred Yu Sheng’s vision, making it difficult for him to focus.
He said, "Master, are you really not going to push me away?"
Behind him, the real Zhan Xiaotian suddenly fell silent. Though he continued struggling against the broken seal, his voice and movements seemed suddenly calmed by something.
Yu Sheng couldn’t see the person in front of him clearly, nor could he see the Zhan Xiaotian who was obscured. The feelings he experienced now were complex and indescribable.
It felt like the obedient good student from his memories had suddenly caused trouble, keeping it hidden from him. Today, he finally got what he wanted, using the most legitimate reason to open the good student’s diary, peering into all the secrets and stripping away the layers of obedient facade.
Yu Sheng subconsciously felt that this was also a manifestation of trust. He should cherish this side of Xiaotian rather than only consider his own pride and feelings. This was the best opportunity to help Xiaotian, a real chance to understand his disciple deeply.
So how could he push the person away just because he was a little startled?
His heartbeat quickened; it would be a lie to say he wasn't nervous. He didn’t even know how to move.
The sword spirit's touch felt cold, like a treasured sword, yet his breath carried a burning warmth. Yu Sheng couldn’t help but feel a shiver run down his spine, a tingling sensation spreading from his head to the nape of his neck, causing his breath to hitch.
He said, "Xiaotian, don’t be afraid…"
Then the icy touch on his forehead withdrew.
Another soft and warm sensation pressed against his lips, silencing his words.
In that moment, a soft patter of water droplets fell, moistening both their cheeks, their lips, and trailing down their jaws, flowing into the depths of their collars, leading to an unseen abyss.
It was the real Zhan Xiaotian, who, at the last moment, used all his strength in a spell, breaking through layers of restrictions to form a sharp, translucent ice barrier, attempting to shield his master from his sword spirit's touch.
The ice was too thin and too small, like a transparent sheet of paper, and was instantly melted away by the sword spirit. In the moment it shattered, half turned into a hazy mist, while the other half fell like raindrops.
Yu Sheng's eyelashes were dampened, and he instinctively closed his eyes. It felt as though something in his mind had melted, leaving behind a pool of nearly boiling water that blocked all his senses.
The sword spirit's hand was on his cheek, as if trying to wipe away the droplets, chasing them as they fell. The collar of his garment loosened unintentionally, yet still, the water droplets couldn’t be stopped.
Meanwhile, a prompt from the system echoed in his mind.
System: Beep—Activating strategy assistance program, detecting the blackening value of protagonist No. 1, Zhan Xiaotian.
System: Current blackening value: 90%.
After a moment, the sword spirit released Yu Sheng and kissed him again, sucking the droplets from his lips and chin.
"Master, your clothes are wet."
System: Current blackening value: 85%.
Yu Sheng: …?
Yu Sheng’s gaze was hazy, unsure whether it was due to the effects of the alcohol or if he was stunned by the sword spirit’s actions, standing there in a daze without any reaction.
Taking advantage of his stupor, the sword spirit said again, “Master, let me help you change your clothes.”
Of course, the wet clothes needed to be changed; otherwise, they would cling to the body and be uncomfortable.
It was perfectly reasonable, logical, and justifiable.
System: Current darkening value is 84%.
Action was faster than words.
Faster than the sword spirit’s movement was the sudden attack from a rival.
A blade burst through the door, grazing Yu Sheng’s shoulder, and charged straight at the sword spirit. With a clang, it interrupted the sword spirit’s further actions.
Yu Sheng looked at the blade tip that was now so close, finally recognizing it as Yin Wangzhi’s weapon. He quickly slapped his palm backward, reinforcing the damaged barrier, forcing the blade tip back outside. He turned around, wielding his whisk with great momentum, striking the door panel, even sealing up the hole from which wood chips had fallen.
Yin Wangzhi’s killing intent surged instantly, clearly on the verge of madness, creating an even larger commotion outside, practically wanting to tear the place apart.
Yu Sheng’s response was to reinforce the barrier a few more layers, then throw out an hourglass to the outside, sending a message to Yin Wangzhi to calm down.
It was indeed strange to ask someone to calm down, but he deeply understood that having a progress bar could always soothe the heart and provide a sense of hope.
The sword spirit looked at him with confusion on his face. “Master, who are you protecting?”
Are you protecting Zhan Xiaotian, or the Yin Wangzhi outside?
Yu Sheng shook his head, thinking to himself, I’m protecting myself, preventing myself from being torn apart by you before I can split.
With the barrier temporarily secure, he looked at the sword spirit, calming his breathing for a long time. For a long stretch, he found it hard to even speak; whenever he did, his lips would part, reminding him of the sensation of being touched, causing his mind to become chaotic again.
Yu Sheng lowered his eyes, standing still, not daring to look at the sword spirit or at Zhan Xiaotian beside him.
What was he about to say just now?
Right, he wanted to help Xiaotian soothe the sword spirit and patiently ask the sword spirit what was making him so restless.
But why did the sword spirit suddenly...
The sword spirit gazed at him and smiled, enticingly saying, “Master, do you want to help me?”
Without Yin Wangzhi’s interference, he seemed to regain his previous recklessness in an instant. He stepped forward, wanting to touch his master again. “Do you want to know Xiaotian’s true thoughts? Want to see his secrets?”
Of course, he wanted to; he had always wanted to.
But Yu Sheng couldn’t say anything. Just now, the system suddenly appeared, and the sword spirit’s slightest movement returned a report on the darkening value. He felt that this was not just a darkening value; it was clearly the sword spirit’s rampage value.
The sword spirit wouldn’t allow him to lose focus or stay silent, leaning closer to hug him, lips brushing against his earlobe. “Master, Xiaotian hasn’t done anything yet, and you’re already scared? That won’t do.”
It was as if he had been holding back for too long, and once given the opportunity to act and speak, nothing could stop him, pouring out in multiples.
“Master… if you want to help me, merely saying it isn’t enough.” Using Zhan Xiaotian’s face, he displayed a smile rarely seen by others, eyes filled with private desires, devoid of any obedient charm. “Actually, everything is very simple; you just need to not reject your disciple.”
Not reject? Yu Sheng struggled to find his voice. “Is this the secret you’ve been hiding from me...? But…”
He was a bit flustered and confused. “But I’m your master, right? And at first, it was…”
It was still the image of an old man!
The sword spirit tilted his head, gently pinching Yu Sheng’s earlobe between his fingers, watching it slowly turn hot and red. “Master, are you curious about when, where, and how your disciple came to have such improper thoughts? Have you forgotten?”
Yu Sheng understood even less, but he vaguely sensed that the sword spirit before him seemed to be undergoing subtle changes due to these inappropriate words and actions.
The fierce, dangerous aura was lightening, and the red, evil energy in his eyes was gradually dissipating. Although slowly, it was indeed effective; the system’s detection was not wrong.
But thinking of these thoughts and actions expressed by the sword spirit, which were the innermost feelings of Zhan Xiaotian... Yu Sheng felt his head buzzing. If he fled now, perhaps the sword spirit’s condition would worsen.
In just a moment of distraction, Yu Sheng suddenly felt light on his feet, his vision blurred, and he hurriedly grabbed the nearest object.
His body softened again, and when he fell, he had already landed beside Zhan Xiaotian, being laid down on a soft mat by the sword spirit. As for when that mat appeared or who placed it there, it was unknown.
Yu Sheng didn’t want to take action and feared the sword spirit’s condition might worsen, so he didn’t dare to act rashly, yet he couldn’t make sense of his sudden fall.
At that moment, the sword spirit had already advanced further, deliberately pressing him against Zhan Xiaotian, within reach, as if wanting Zhan Xiaotian to observe up close, seeing and hearing everything more clearly. He leaned over and executed a standard bed push on Yu Sheng.
No... no, this was just a mat on the ground; it didn’t count as a bed.
Yu Sheng raised his hand to rest on the sword spirit’s shoulder, wanting to stop him from moving further.
System: Current darkening value is 75%.
Yu Sheng let his hand drop.
Suddenly, he felt it was becoming difficult...
Zhan Xiaotian, watching from the side, looked extremely furious, his face red and neck thick, his eyes almost turning red with anger, yet he was gradually lowering the darkening value? His face was stubborn, but inside he was quite honest...
After all, they shared a connection with the sword spirit’s thoughts. Yu Sheng looked between the sword spirit and Zhan Xiaotian.
The sword spirit leaned in closer again, and Yu Sheng tilted his head to dodge. The sword spirit’s kiss landed on the corner of his mouth.
System: Current darkening value is 70%.
Yu Sheng: ?
This works too?
He nervously tried to soothe the sword spirit’s head, glancing over. “Xiaotian?”
System: Current darkening value is 72%.
Yu Sheng: …
Zhan Xiaotian finally broke through another layer of restraint and yelled at the sword spirit beside him, “Let go of Master!”
Yu Sheng looked at him expressionlessly, thinking how unteachable he was. It was said that those feelings were his own heart’s desires; shouting like that was useless. Even Master wanted to be released, but he should calm down first!
The sword spirit smiled, proudly holding Yu Sheng’s hand and bringing it to his lips to kiss the fingertips. “You clearly enjoy this, all these touches, kisses... you can feel it too, can’t you?”
Yu Sheng was afraid that all his previous efforts would be in vain, so he didn’t dare to act recklessly and instead said, “Xiao Tian knows best how to resolve this situation... Only you can do it. As long as the hidden danger of the sword spirit is not eliminated, I will not leave, nor will I help you suppress it in any way.”
Upon hearing this, the sword spirit raised an eyebrow, “Master, you treat me so well. Does this mean that no matter what I do today, you won’t refuse me?”
“Master… Master! Please don’t worry about me; it’s all my fault. I am the one at fault; I was wrong…” Zhan Xiao Tian’s emotions were in turmoil. The more unstable he felt, the more chaotic his spiritual energy became, making it impossible for him to focus on dealing with the restrictions left by the sword spirit. Suddenly, he knelt down, his eyes misting over, “Master, please don’t do this…”
“Wanting to save your Master while also wanting to take advantage of him, wishing to treat him with respect while wanting to drag him down from his pedestal, wanting your Master to have everything good while wanting to monopolize him, wanting to please him while wanting to provoke and bully him until he cries…”
The sword spirit murmured softly, his voice hoarse. The more regret and guilt Zhan Xiao Tian felt, the more reckless he became. One knelt, and the other embraced, fingers gliding along Yu Sheng's fingertip, moving slowly upward, caressing his wrist, sliding over his forearm, elbow, gradually slipping into the loose sleeve, like vines climbing up his shoulder, unwilling to stop.
“Master, is this version of Xiao Tian excessive, very ungrateful?”
His fingers paused on Yu Sheng’s shoulder, but the sensation of his touch seemed to linger, as if it had crept into even more secretive places. Yu Sheng inhaled sharply, feeling a bit frightened.
System: Current blackening value 60%.
The sword spirit’s eyes were filled with indulgent amusement as he turned to Zhan Xiao Tian, who was deeply conflicted, his gaze filled with disdain, “You don’t really want me to stop, do you? If you did, why haven’t you come to replace me? If you strive for what you want, then I won’t need to fulfill your wishes for you.”
This was already clear enough.
Zhan Xiao Tian still shook his head, “No… I can’t let Master be put in a difficult position.”
If Master felt even the slightest discomfort or displeasure, it would be because of him…
He couldn’t bear it.
He was too afraid to look up at Master, terrified to imagine how shocked or disappointed Master would be, whether he would frown or resent him, or if he would hide those emotions and become indifferent…
But those touches, those feelings, were all too real against his skin.
It was as if what was touching and caressing Master was not the sword spirit controlled by his thoughts, but himself.
Zhan Xiao Tian froze in place, unable to move, faced with something more terrifying than the restrictions blocking his way, halting his actions.
He longed for...
He wanted Master, and he wanted more...
“What are you afraid of?” The sword spirit was spurred on by his desires, suddenly becoming a bit rough. Just as Yu Sheng was about to lose control and wanted to stop him, the sword spirit gripped Yu Sheng’s wrist and pressed it against his head. “Master, why can’t I? You’ve tolerated that ghost king; why does he get all the benefits? You forgave him and said it didn’t matter… Why?!”
There was a hint of grievance in his eyes, pouring out like a flood of angry emotion. “Why do you remember that dream while forgetting about me?!”
“Forget… what?” Yu Sheng’s heart jolted, his fingertips turning cold with unease. He found it hard to understand, “What dream? But that clearly…”
System: Current blackening value 65%.
Yu Sheng: …
System: Current blackening value 69%.
Yu Sheng: …╯‵□′╯︵┻━┻
He was furious! Absolutely furious!
This eldest disciple… Wasn’t he just lovesick? What did he want to achieve by making this so serious?!
Stunned by the rising blackening value, Yu Sheng impulsively felt dumbfounded. He suddenly raised his head, using all his strength to push the sword spirit away and leaned forward toward Zhan Xiao Tian—
Smack.
Yu Sheng frowned, glaring at his eldest disciple, who had just slapped him on the cheek.
Though the distance was still not close enough, it was finally a touch.
System: Current blackening value 59%.
System: Current blackening value 55%.
Yu Sheng: Hmph, men.
The ground shook violently again, and the barrier, reinforced several times, finally shattered once more. The wooden door turned to ash in the terrifying impact, and amidst the dust and fog, Ying Wangzi rushed in. The first thing he saw was Yu Sheng surrounded by two Zhan Xiao Tians, appearing restrained and disheveled.
What was worse was that one of the Zhan Xiao Tians seemed quite spirited, while Master looked displeased, his complexion and expression both abnormal.
Ying Wangzi: “Zhan dog, come out and face your death.”
The system’s notification tone became increasingly lively: Current blackening value 44%
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