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After crossing Bei Yue Mountain, the temperature became noticeably warmer. In the early spring, the earth came back to life, producing an extremely abundant scene.
Ren Wang purposefully shrunk his body down a lot. Because they were walking through remote mountains, they hadn’t been discovered by people on the way here. But as they continue, they’ll arrive at a big city in the central region. Ren Wang could only send them off to this point.
Zhi Xuan asked: “Ren Wang, what do you plan on doing in the north?”
“The north is very large, I haven’t explored it all yet. The Origin of Heaven and Earth hasn’t appeared yet, so right now I still can’t leave. Besides…..” Ren Wang’s gaze drifted towards the faraway west, a bit of gloominess reflected in those bright grey eyes, “Although I want to go find Yin Chuan, I’m somewhat ashamed to meet him. If you see him, tell him….. he was right.”
Zhi Xuan was silent for a moment, then humphed heavily: “Who cares about right or wrong. We just thought too much and ultimately brought trouble upon ourselves.”
Ren Wang smiled faintly: “Someone like you who doesn’t think of anything, is truly carefree.”
Zhi Xuan glared at him: “Don’t mock me, I can tell.”
Jiang Chao Ge silently thought that Ren Wang’s words were relatively logical. Zhi Xuan’s brain structure should be quite simple, dealing with matters based purely on his likes and dislikes. But only because he was such a powerful rare beast that he was entitled to be so egotistical.
“I can only send you off to this point. If I find the Origin of Heaven and Earth, I’m afraid all the awakened rare beasts would rush towards me. At that time, I hope you can come help me, Zhi Xuan.”
Zhi Xuan curled his lip: “Why should I help you?”
“Because Yin Chuan will definitely help me.”
Zhi Xuan’s eyes widened: “Why should I help you if Yin Chuan helps you?”
“You will only listen to Yin Chuan’s words.”
Zhi Xuan raised his voice: “Rubbish, who dares order me! Yin Chuan insisted on teaching me to read. I only listened to him because I was bored.”
Ren Wang revealed a thoughtful smile: “Alright, but now you owe me two favours. How do you plan on settling it? You wouldn’t let it go unpaid right?”
Zhi Xuan said angrily: “I will pay you back!”
“Alright, I’ll wait for you to return the favour.”
Zhi Xuan gave him a scornful glare: “Hurry up and go!”
Ren Wang turned around and transformed into a majestic white tiger. Liu Qing Ge sat on Ren Wang’s head and waved a hand at them: “Goodbye.”
Ren Wang let out a powerful and daring roar, making everyone’s eardrums tremble. Everyone’s gaze followed him as he dashed towards the north with Liu Qing Ge. That majestic and powerful white tiger full of an indomitable spirit left a lasting impression in everyone’s hearts.
Ruan Qian Xiu stretched and mocked: “Now its only us again, everyone is being chased. Before I thought I was somewhat of a burden and was afraid of implicating you all. Now no one can ignore anyone.”
Yu Ren Shu smiled: “That’s right, now we’re really depending on each other for survival.”
Long Xiang also couldn’t help smiling a little: “We must be even more careful throughout this journey.”
Jiang Chao Ge stroked his chin: “Heroes, y’all are certainly optimistic, hats off to you. Let’s discuss, where should we go from here?”
Zhi Xuan hugged Jiang Chao Ge’s waist, resting his head on his shoulder: “I haven’t drank alcohol to my heart’s content for a while.”
Yu Ren Shu said: “There’s a city ahead. Normally we should go there and replenish supplies. But it’s too close to the north, I’m not quite at ease. Let’s travel for a day and rest when we’ve completely left the north.”
Zhi Xuan looked at Jiang Chao Ge full of dissatisfaction. Jiang Chao Ge stroked his head: “Bear with it for a bit.”
“Then kiss me.” Zhi Xuan said matter of factly.
Everyone’s eyes widened, heads all turning to Jiang Chao Ge.
Jiang Chao Ge was also stunned from these words.
Zhi Xuan didn’t even bat an eyelid with everyone watching as if he only had eyes for Jiang Chao Ge: “You kiss me and I’ll temporarily stop drinking alcohol.”
Tian Rong suddenly started laughing aloud. Zui You lips lifted in a faint smile, an ambiguous light flashing in his gaze. Everyone else’s reaction was most mockery. Only Yu Ren Shu frowned slightly slightly surprised.
Jiang Chao Ge took a deep breath: “Zhi Xuan no.”
Zhi Xuan frowned: “Why not?”
“No reason, just no.”
Zhi Xuan froze, seemingly as if he didn’t expect Jiang Chao Ge to reject him with such a stern voice. He momentarily forgot to be angry and said with a face of surprise: “Why is there no reason?” In his eyes, kissing was one of the things he and Jiang Chao Ge did together. Like sleeping together and bathing together it was all something they did regularly. He didn’t understand why it wasn’t ok.
Jiang Chao Ge felt exceptionally awkward facing everyone’s curious gazes. He could only say: “I’ll explain why later.”
Zhi Xuan shook his head: “No.”
Zui You was laughing so much his shoulders shook.
Jiang Chao Ge simply dragged him over to the side and whispered: “Zuzong, kissing isn’t for other people to see.”
Zhi Xuan suddenly realised, “Then let’s kiss at night.”
Jiang Chao Ge’s heart was crying. The things he had to do in order to go home.
Everyone rode on rare beasts and rushed towards the west.
They travelled quickly for two days and a night and finally arrived at a small town in the central region to rest and replenish supplies.
When they arrived at the small town, it was already nightfall. The town was somewhat desolate. They found an inn with much difficulty. There were a few tables of guests and with the fire in the stove, it was relatively warm.
Everyone sat down to eat. As soon as the hot meal arrived they all ate like wolves.
Upon entering the city, in order to avoid people’s eyes and ears, Zhi Xuan had transformed into the form of a child and rested in Jiang Chao Ge’s embrace. Currently, he was also in Jiang Chao Ge’s lap sleepily. But suddenly his ears moved and his eyes opened. Resting his head on Jiang Chao Ge’s shoulder, he looked towards the table behind them.
After Yu Ren Shu had eaten his fill, he couldn’t help following his gaze. Two strong looking people sat at that table with weapons and thick fur coats. Normal people couldn’t afford such fur coats. These were two spirit weapon users and based on the identical gear, were definitely raised by nobles.
As a child, it didn’t actually matter if Zhi Xuan looked. At most they’d think it was just a child being curious. But when Yu Ren Shu also looked over, the two became suspicious and also looked towards Yu Ren Shu.
Yu Ren Shu immediately lowered his eyes. Although he had concealed his hair, his face had also been seen by many people before.
Jiang Chao Ge realised something was amiss and also turned around.
One of the people at the table said rudely: “What’re you looking at?”
Zhi Xuan glared at them and was just about to swear. Jiang Chao Ge immediately pulled him back and smiled: “This child isn’t being sensible, I apologise.”
Zhi Xuan said with dissatisfaction: “Why are you apologising?”
Jiang Chao Ge whispered: “Stop stirring up trouble, what’re you looking at them for?”
“They are talking about Second Prince Kui.” Zhi Xuan’s hearing was abnormally sharp. What humans couldn’t hear, he could hear easily.
Yu Ren Shu froze and lifted his gaze: “What’re they talking about?”
Ruan Qian Xiu whispered: “Lets talk in our rooms.”
Everyone finished eating silently, and returned to their room.
As soon as they entered the room, Tian Rong and Zui You couldn’t wait to come out from their spirit weapons with suffocated expressions.
Yu Ren continued to ask: “What did they say about Second Elder Brother?”
“They said he disappeared. Those two were sent to find him.”
Yu Ren Shu said surprised: “Disappeared? What else did you hear?”
“Those two said Yu Ren Kai went to complete some assignment and never returned. The entourage that went with him returned to Tian Ao City to beg for help. The Emperor was so angry that he wanted to kill them but was stopped by the crown prince. According to the clues provided by the entourage, Yu Ren Shu disappeared in the central region. Right now they’ve already sent a lot of people to search for him secretly.”
Yu Ren Shu’s emotions were complicated upon hearing that. Although he didn’t sympathise with Yu Ren Kui, he couldn’t say he was happy about it. Because there was no telling how many conspiracies were involved behind a princes’ disappearance. There was also no telling what kind of effect this would have on the imperial family. Now among the three adult princes, one disappeared, one became a fugitive. The only one left was the crown prince. Perhaps this situation was quite unexpected for those that originally didn’t keep at eye on the crown prince.
Jiang Chao Ge narrowed his eyes slightly: “Yu Ren Xiao couldn’t have done this too right?”
Yu Ren Shu frowned: “What do you mean ‘too’? There’s no evidence, don’t randomly suspect my elder brother.”
“Ok ok I was wrong. What do you plan to do after hearing the news?”
Yu Ren Shu was quiet for a moment then said: “I don’t really have any plans. Since I already decided to abandon the dignity of the royal family and run away back then, I essentially also abandoned my status as a prince. Yu Ren Kui’s disappearance has nothing to do with me. It’s better. My elder brother can smoothly ascend the throne.”
“I still think this matter isn’t that simple. No matter what Yu Ren Kui is still a level 4 spirit weapon user and was also accompanied by such a large entourage. How could he disappear for no reason?”
“If you want to know more, you can only return to Tian Ao City to investigate. Those two couldn’t possibly know much more.”
Yu Ren Shu shook his head: “This matter has nothing to do with us. Let’s continue to the West.”
Jiang Chao Ge smiled: “What a relief. Even if you wanted to interfere, I wouldn’t have let you go.”
“We have a more important matter on hand. I can clearly distinguish what’s important and what’s not.” Although Yu Ren Shu said this, his expression was heavy and full of worry. He wasn’t really worried about Yu Ren Kui’s safety but was rather worried that Yu Ren Kui’s disappearance would create turmoil in Tian Ao City.
Jiang Chao Ge patted his shoulder: “Its fine if you think that way. Don’t think too much about it and rest early. We still have catch the road tomorrow.”
Everyone returned to their own rooms to sleep.
Jiang Chao Ge had already begun to use the cultivation manual Ruan Qian Xiu gave him. Although he had only cultivated for two days he could already tell that his cultivation had improved by a lot. Within a month he could break through to level two, saving at least three months time. As soon as he entered the room, he sat on the bed and began to cultivate.
Yet Zhi Xuan shuffled closer: “These two days we’ve only been on the road, you still haven’t kissed me.”
Jiang Chao Ge looked at his small young face and felt a headache coming on: “With your current appearance, I definitely won’t kiss you.”
With a twitch of his eyebrows, his body suddenly became big. He suddenly pressed Jiang Chao Ge to the bed, long hair spilling over both sides, the corners of his mouth turning upwards into a devious smile: “Its fine now right?”
Jiang Chao Ge sighed: “Your ability to become big or small as you wish is really quite interesting.”
“You’re not allowed to say anything else.” Zhi Xuan crawled atop his body, handsome face inching close and ordered: “Kiss me.”
Jiang Chao Ge grabbed his neck, and kissed his lips once heavily. In that instant, Jiang Chao Ge had the awe inspiring feeling of sacrificing himself for righteousness.
Zhi Xuan smiled. A joyful flame appeared to be jumping around in those golden pupils. He lowered his head and softly kissed Jiang Chao Ge’s lips as if he wanted to taste them.
Jiang Chao Ge couldn’t stand this kind of lovey dovey atmosphere and wanted to push Zhi Xuan off after kissing a few times.
Zhi Xuan trapped his hands, forcefully kissing his lips. His body also pressed heavily against Jiang Chao Ge’s, not allowing him to move.
Jiang Chao Ge was kissed until he couldn’t speak and began to struggle impatiently. Zhi Xuan made an unsatisfied sound and pressed himself even more heavily onto Jiang Chao Ge. The two rubbed back and forth, even the bed began to make creaking sounds.
Suddenly Jiang Chao Ge became motionless. Actually more like he didn’t dare move. Because he felt that Zhi Xuan’s….. area….. seemed to have….. a reaction.
Zhi Xuan also didn’t move and froze as if he didn’t know what had happened. He seemed to be at loss with regards to the change in his own body. He crawled up from Jiang Chao Ge’s body by himself. He sat on the bed with his long legs open wide, staring at his own crotch lost in thought, expression particularly focused.
Jiang Chao Ge looked at Zhi Xuan’s bewildered yet curious appearance and really didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. He very carefully acted stupid: “What’s wrong?”
Zhi Xuan turned his head stiffly, looking at Jiang Chao Ge with a gaze filled with complex emotions. His gaze was helpless, blank and inconceivable all at the same time but there was a faint bit of excitement.
Jiang Chao Ge was was startled by those bright golden eyes. It was like the gaze of a wolf who’d spotted prey after starving for half a month. His voice unconsciously dropped an octave: “What’s wrong?”
Zhi Xuan bit his lip and asked in an even quieter voice: “Are you my mate ?”
Jiang Chao Ge couldn’t react: “What?”
Zhi Xuan pointed at his crotch: “Yin Chuan said that this here would only react if you meet your mate.” As soon as he finished his cheeks flushed red.
There was a buzzing sound in Jiang Chao Ge’s head. He cursed at Yin Chuan internally. How the fuck was this a wolf that’d been starving for half a month? This was obviously a beast that had been starving for thousands of years! Now he truly believed that Zhi Xuan was a naive thousand year old beast. That bastard Yin Chuan taught words and ethics but how come he didn’t teach Zhi Xuan what he really needed to know in life?
Zhi Xuan grabbed Jiang Chao Ge’s shoulder and said excitedly: “Are you my mate?”
Like hell he was! Jiang Chao Ge cursed internally but could only pretend to be calm on the surface: “Of course not. I am….. male. I am a man.”
“Then how come it reacted here?” Zhi Xuan grabbed his hand and wanted to press it down there: “Unless you really….”
Jiang Chao Ge almost fell off the bed in fright: “N-N-No need. That Yin Chuan is joking around with you. That is something that grows for all males.”
“Impossible. It’s never happened to me before. This is the first time.” The eyes that stared at Jiang Chao Ge glowed brightly, “You are my mate.”
“I’m not. I’m really not. I am a male. What you have I also have.”
Zhi Xuan frowned and also seemed somewhat confused, “Yeah… you’re obviously a male….”
“Exactly. Yin Chuan was playing around with you. He’s not right about everything.”
“Yin Chuan knows everything.”
“He’s lying to you.”
“Yin Chuan never lies to people.”
“You’re not a person. You’re Zuzong, did you forget?”
Zhi Xuan blinked and seemed to think there was some logic behind Jiang Chao Ge’s words and became confused for a while.
Jiang Chao Ge patted his head: “Don’t think about it anymore. Yin Chuan doesn’t understand humans as much as you think. I’m a real human after all. I definitely understand humans better than him. Male human bodies are just like this. Don’t make a fuss about nothing.”
Zhi Xuan was silent and seemed to be deep in thought.
Jiang Chao Ge saw that he was no longer looking at him like a wolf looking at meat and also released a breath: “Then I’m going to sleep, but you don’t sleep. I feel like Yu Ren Shu isn’t as calm as he appears on the surface. You have to watch him tonight.”
Zhi Xuan nodded his head but it was unclear if he actually heard it.
Jiang Chao Ge hurriedly withdrew to the bed and went to sleep. He secretly opened his eyes and saw Zhi Xuan sitting on the bed still thinking about something. He was probably thinking himself into a dead end. He hoped Zhi Xuan didn’t come out for a while. Mate? That scared him. If Zhi Xuan really thought he was his mate, the consequences would be truly unthinkable.
Jiang Chao fell asleep quickly with two days worth of exhaustion.
As Jiang Chao Ge expected, Zhi Xuan shook him awake at midnight. He very quickly awoke and asked: “What is it?”
“I heard Yu Ren Shu go to the strangers’ rooms.”
Jiang Chao Ge got out of bed: “Let’s go see, so as to avoid any accidents.”