Fang Li was kissed until his air was nearly depleted, but for fear of being discovered, he didnât dare push Xie Huai.
Xie Huaiâs kiss was ferocious at first, then became tender and cautious, as if handling a precious treasure that had been lost and then found again. It carried an intense air of invasiveness, wanting to swallow Fang Li whole into his territory.
Thump, thump, thump. The sound of knocking came from the door.
In the midst of his daze, Fang Li remembered that this actually counted as his and Xie Huaiâs third kissâŠâŠ
The first time had been when heâd used the love parasite on Xie Huai. For the sake of following the plot, heâd had no choice but to kiss Xie Huai. That had actually been his first kiss, so heâd hesitated for a long time, but in the end, heâd still steeled his heart and carried through with it.
The second time had been when the love parasite had acted up, and Fang Liâs mistake had caused Xie Huai to be tormented for seven days. Xie Huai had been so fierce that itâd seemed like heâd wanted to kill him, ice-cold and ruthless, like a savage beast that had been let out of its cage. It was an unfamiliar side of him that Fang Li had never seen beforeâŠâŠ
Although it had been twice already.
But in Fang Liâs heart, none of it had been related to passion. The first time, he had done it for the sake of completing the mission, and the second time, Xie Huai had been under the influence of the love parasite.
It hadnât been their true intentions.
Xie Huai was kissing him of his own initiative.
There were no other factors, only purely because Xie Huai liked him.
But he actually didnât feel a trace of loathing or disgust. No matter when or where or under what circumstances, he never had any way to hate this personâŠâŠ
Besides, strictly speaking, the previous two times had both been his fault, so with Xie Huai kissing him right now, even if he wanted to refuse, he didnât have the resolve or conviction to back it upâŠâŠ
He thought about how his first, second, and third kisses had all been given to Xie Huai, a man.
Fang Liâs expression suddenly became empty, and a little bewildered. How was he going to explain to his girlfriend in the future that heâd kissed a man before? How would he explain that heâd been in such a hopelessly tangled relationship with a man?
It made it seem like he was a scummy man.
Ever since arriving in this world, everything had been related to Xie Huai.
Being able to cast everything clean away had been his delusional thinking from the start.
He owned Xie Huai so much, heâd tricked Xie Huai so many times, and heâd gotten so hopelessly entangled with Xie HuaiâŠâŠ Could he really still coolly tell himself that he only wanted to leave with all his heart?
Could he still coolly look for a girlfriend without a trace of guilt?
Xie Huaiâs hand was pressed against Fang Liâs waist so that Fang Li was leaning into him, and his other hand gripped Fang Liâs chin.
The young man in his arms had been kissed until the corners of his eyes were red, looking like he was about to cry. At first, heâd been a bit resistant, but heâd gradually stopped resisting, allowing Xie Huai to kiss him. He had a perplexed and downcast expression, as if he was sinking into doubt toward his entire life.
What are you thinking about?
Are you thinking about your Shixiong? Does being kissed by a substitute that you wouldnât spare a glance for make you this pained and downcast?
A viciousness abruptly surged up in Xie Huaiâs chest, and he bit the young manâs lips fiercely, refusing to allow him to have someone else in his thoughts as he was kissing him!
The sudden pain in Fang Liâs lips immediately reeled his thoughts back. Looking at Xie Huaiâs ice-cold eyes, he couldnât help but feel a bit aggrieved. He clearly wasnât resisting anymore. You can do whatever you want, so why are you still unhappy?
Was his compromise still not enough?
The knocking from outside finally stopped. Huang Tao mumbled a few sentences to herself with perplexion and left.
Xie Huai worked at the corners of the young manâs lips before finally lifting his head, gazing at Fang Liâs aggrieved and innocent eyes. If it were before, he would definitely be led astray, would blame himself and let his heart soften for fear that Fang Li would be the least bit unhappy.
But now, he found it ridiculous.
This devil was far too good at pretending.
Obviously, the hateful one is you, yet you insist on putting on an innocent appearance.
But Iâll never fall for it again.
The corners of Xie Huaiâs mouth hooked up, and his index finger softly brushed past the young manâs swollen, red lips as he laughed softly with unclear meaning. His tone was slow and suggestive as he said, âIâll be waiting for the day we dual cultivate.â
Having said that, he turned and left.
Xie Huai was becoming more and more hateful.
These days, Fang Li couldnât sleep at all, couldnât cultivate, his heart restless and full of neverending storms.
As soon as he closed his eyes, he would see Huang Tao knocking on the door from outside, Xie Huai pressed him against the wall as he stayed completely still, allowing Xie Huai to fool around with him, kissing him until his head was dizzy and spinning.
But he remembered that when heâd first met Xie Huai, Xie Huai clearly hadnât been like this. Fang Li couldnât help but recall the original story. Being clear of heart and free of desire had been Xie Huaiâs trademarks. He had a heart of stone and didnât love anyone, and he was someone who wouldnât react even after being cough cough cough like that by Yan SuiâŠâŠ Xie Huai would never let anyone connect him with this kind of thingâŠâŠ
Without passion or desire, like flawless white jade.
He was a celestial untainted by the dust of the human world.
But forget the fact that the Xie Huai of right now was single-mindedly thinking about dual cultivating with him, heâd even learned to forcefully kiss someone. Was even this kind of thing something you could learn without a teacher?
Fang Li thought Xie Huai might be possessed.
But thinking about it again, that was impossible. Which ghost in this world was blind enough to dare to get close to Xie Huai? Wouldnât they be afraid of their soul scattering to the wind, never to be reborn?
Fang Li let out a gloomy sigh.
Although he didnât know why Xie Huai had become like this, it would still be best for him to be a bit more well-behaved during this period of time. If he didnât leave the room, then he wouldnât run into Xie Huai.
In the blink of an eye, a few more days had passed.
The day of the wedding was approaching.
But Fang Li acted very calm.
He couldnât understand the situation with Xie Huai for the time being, so he simply didnât think about it. But the matter of the person behind the scenes still had to be resolved as quickly as possible, or else it would be difficult to eat or sleep in peace.
That day, Fang Li was sitting in his room. The communication talisman in his hand lit up. It was a message from Wu Yimei saying that everything had been prepared.
Fang Liâs expression shifted. He contemplated for a moment, and with a wave of his hand, a paper talisman fell to the ground and transformed into a young man with his exact appearance, its every movement identical to his own.
But a mere paper figure likely wouldnât fool Xie Huai. Fang Li bit through the tip of his tongue, and a drop of blood flew into the paper figureâs forehead.
With his spiritual blood, the paper figure would have his aura. Tricking Xie Huai for a long period of time definitely wouldnât work, but fooling him for a short while wasnât a problem. It would be enough for Fang Li to slip out.
Fang Li controlled the paper figure out the door to where Xie Huai was.
He changed into a set of black robes, then leapt into the night.
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Fang Li spurred on his flying device at lightning speed through the night sky, quickly reaching the foot of Mount Xingyang.
Wu Yimei was already waiting on him there.
Behind him was an orderly rank of several hundred demonic cultivations, heads bowed respectfully in attendance.
At this point, the sky was already hazily brightening.
Faint golden sunlight spilled onto Mount Xingyang, as beautiful as a painting. Only, because of the collapse of the ruins, the topology of the area had changed, and it was a bit different from Yan Suiâs memories.
Fang Li walked up Mount Xingyang step by step.
Back then, that pure and innocent youth had accidentally fallen into the Great Sageâs remnants just for the sake of chasing a wolf, bringing disaster back with him. He had placed all of the guilt on himself, unable to forgive himself ever again, falling into hell, never to climb back up.
In the end, heâd lost sight of himself and brought disaster to the entire world.
This was where everything had started.
The ruins back then had already collapsed. Wu Yimei had also spent no small amount of time in order to find the entrance again and clear out a passageway to it.
Fang Li entered the ruins through the passage.
The grand, imposing white jade walls from the past were now crumbling and covered with cracks. There were many demonic cultivators sweeping away the pieces on the ground and strengthening the walls around them, clearing this place out again so that he could enter.
Wu Yimei stood respectfully by Fang Liâs side, saying, âThis subordinate found the object Your Excellency left behind back then, as Your Excellency ordered.â
Fang Li nodded impassively, laughing softly. âGood work. WIth this, those people from the Thousand Immortalsâ Alliance will be a sight to see. The day we return to Hollow Ridge is just around the corner.â
Wu Yimei said deferentially, âYour Excellency is wise.â
He paused, then asked, âWhat exactly is it?â
Fang Liâs tone was meaningful. âSomething that will allow this lord to be unrivaled in the world.â
Wu Yimeiâs expression became even more deferential.
He gave an order to his subordinates, and someone retrieved a jade box from the room where Yan Sui had discovered the jade talismans, presenting it respectfully in both hands before Fang Li, lifting the box high above their bowed head.
The corner of Fang Liâs lip hooked up. With a wave of his hand, the jade box was opened. Inside was a black jade talisman.
He was just about to reach out to take it.
Suddenly, a shadow flitted past, and the talisman inside the box disappeared.
Fang Li suddenly raised his head, his cold, sharp gaze directed in front of him.
A graceful man in green robes stood not far away, the hint of a gentle smile on his brow and eyes. In his hand was the black jade talisman, and he smiled at Fang Li. âWe meet again.â
Fang Li fixed his eyes on the person in front of him, then suddenly smiled as well. His fingers moved slightly, and suddenly, countless beams of light appeared all over the stone cavern. The pillars of light intertwined to form a barrier, trapping Fu Junling inside!
At Wu Yimeiâs command, countless demonic cultivators drew their weapons in sync and tightly surrounded Fu Junling!
Fang Liâs expression was indifferent, and he slowly opened his mouth. âThis lord has been waiting a long time already, Tower Master Fu.â
Only after being trapped inside the barrier did Fu Junling reveal a surprised expression. He asked a bit curiously, âWhen did you find out that it was me?â
Fang Li said lazily, âIt was a random guess.â
The person whoâd planned everything must have known his identity as the demon lord, but since his rebirth, he hadnât come into contact with very many people. Using the process of elimination hadnât actually been difficult.
Xie Huai definitely wouldnât hurt him.
The Fang family were all mortals.
Lu Hongdao didnât have the ability.
Tao Luâs personality was pure and simple.
Only Fu Junling appeared gentle and amiable, but Fang Li didnât actually understand him very well. Although there werenât any problems with his words or actions, he was proficient in concealment and observation, a shrewd and unfathomable cultivator.
Perhaps from the very first moment heâd seen Fang Li at Hollow Ridge, he had already started suspecting Fang Liâs identity.
After all, someone who could make Xie Huai keep him by his side definitely couldnât be an ordinary person. Fu Junling wasnât a silly kid like Tao Lu. How could he not think twice about it?
Moreover, thinking about it now.
At the time, all of Fu Junlingâs actions had been for the sake of probing him.
Heâd accompanied him to play for the sake of observing him, heâd intentionally brought him to the seaside cliff to fish and said those things to observe him, and at the same time, to probe for Xie Huaiâs reaction. Xie Huaiâs reaction back then had probably already allowed Fu Junling to perceive Fang Liâs identity, but for the sake of confirming it, heâd turned Xie Huaiâs own plans against him, using the Nine-Turns Wisdom Pill as bait to have Xie Huai bring Fang Li to the Ascension Conference.
Fu Junling had been the one to host the trial domain at the Ascension Conference. If he had cooperated from the inside with Yin Kui, it would have been easy to set up the demonic array inside the trial domain without anyone noticing.
The inside of the trial domain had been full of Wu Yimeiâs things. Firstly, it could make the Thousand Immortalsâ Alliance angry at Wu Yimei, and secondly, it could make Fang Li contact Wu Yimei and allow Fu Junling to thoroughly confirm his identity.
The thought had occurred to Fang Li at the time, but for the sake of Wu Yimeiâs safety, heâd still had no choice but to risk it and meet with Wu Yimei.
The opponent had been scheming against them, but he had also been waiting for the other party to expose a clue.
Up until the âShixiongâ in the illusion had asked that question, thoroughly exposing Fu Junlingâs purpose. His goal was the black jade talisman.
As long as he knew what the opponent wanted, luring him out wouldnât be difficult. Even if the enemy knew that it might be a trap, he would still be sure to come, just like when heâd plotted for Fang Li to see Wu Yimei.
If a person had a wish, then they were sure to have a weakness.
Fu Junling glanced deeply at Fang Li.
With a crack, he shattered the black jade talisman in his hand.
Since it had been a trap, then that jade talisman could only be fake.
Fang Li had correctly discerned his thoughts, because even if he knew that this might be a trap, he still wouldnât let this chance go by. As long as the black jade talisman appeared, it was sure to lure him out.
This was a scheme in broad daylight.
An appreciative look emerged in Fu Junlingâs eyes.
He let out a soft sigh, looking at Fang Li gently. âYour guess was correct, but do you not know exactly who I am?â
Fang Liâs eyes suddenly became fierce. He laughed coldly and waved his hand, saying, âWhat does it matter to me who you are?â
Beams of light transformed into sharp blades, heading straight for Fu Junling!
Wu Yimei directed the demonic cultivators all around to assist. Just as Fang Li had ordered, heâd arrived far earlier precisely for the sake of setting up this absolute killing array. Like shooting fish in a barrel, this array made use of top-tier spiritual devices. Even a Void Refining cultivator would have no return.
But what Wu Yimei hadnât expected was that a turn of the folding fan in Fu Junlingâs hand would actually block the sharp blades of light!
That ordinary-looking folding fan was in fact impenetrably strong, and Fu Junlingâs expression was too at ease. He didnât look the least bit afraid, still gazing at them with a smile.
Fang Liâs expression sank slightly.
Although heâd anticipated that Fu Junling wouldnât be easy to deal with, Fu Junlingâs tricks were still outside of his expectations.
But he remained unpanicked. The array hadnât been broken yet, and he had the advantage of numbers. He wasnât the one at a disadvantage.
Fu Junling looked at Fang Li a bit regretfully and let out a soft sigh. âAâYan, when you were here waiting for death, Shixiong was the one who saved you. Now you repay kindness with enmity. Shixiong is very disappointedâŠâŠâ
The elegant man had a smile in his eyes. He didnât actually look the same as Shixiong, but his bearing right here, right now. was identical to that in the illusion, as if overlapping.
Fang Liâs expression suddenly became heavy, but there wasnât much surprise on his face.
As if heâd anticipated it long ago.
Fu Junling looked at him gently. âDo you know how long Shixiong looked for you after you left back thenâŠâŠâ
Fang Li pressed his lips together tightly.
He recalled the scene of Shixiong waking up after fainting in the illusion. Yan Sui had actually never forgotten that scene, but Shixiong was someone heâd had absolute trust in, someone he could entrust his life to without any hesitation, so Yan Sui had never suspected his Shixiong.
Shixiong would never hurt him. Of this, Yan Sui had had no doubt, even as heâd died.
But Fang Li, who had no lenses before his eyes, could clearly see that this person wasnât Yan Suiâs Shixiong anymore.
Before, it had only been a suspicion, but now, he was finally certain.
Even if the possibility was slim beyond measure, right now, the truth was displayed in front of him. He could only believe it.
Shixiong was the reincarnation of the Great Sage.
After touching the white and black jade talismans, heâd awakened the memories of his previous life, but the Shixiong whoâd awakened them wasnât the person Yan Sui could trust with all his heart any longer.
Fang Li had only accepted a mere twenty-something years of memories from Yan Sui, and he still had to be careful and prudent, not daring to pry too much in order to avoid Yan Suiâs influence. The Great Sage of Origin had existed since tens of thousands of years ago and had lived for thousands of years. Compared to his long and expansive life, what did Shixiongâs mere twenty years of memories count for?
Perhaps, they were no more than the blink of an eye.
Furthermore, if Shixiong was the Great Sageâs reincarnation, it explained why Shixiong would know of the Cloud-Swallowing Beastâs blood spirit fetus, why Shixiong would know of things that hadnât been written in the Great Sageâs book, and why Shixiong could create such an ancient protective talisman. All of it made sense.
It wasnât that Fang Li had never thought about these things, but it was truly too absurd. Besides, even if he knew, what of it?
None of it could be changed anymore.
Perhaps all of this had been predetermined long ago.
Fang Li said coldly, âYouâre not him.â
This person wasnât the Shixiong in Yan Suiâs memories. He was no more than an evil deity with Shixiongâs memories whoâd reawakened from a faraway past.
Fu Junling seemed a little pained as he sighed, âAâYan, are you blaming Shixiong for tricking you back then?â
The corner of Fang Liâs lips rose mockingly. He didnât feel like bothering to converse with Fu Junling and struck again without any hesitationâ
Fu Junling waved the fan in his hand and blocked Fang Liâs attack. His other hand formed a spell, and the ground suddenly began to tremble, the entire cave on the verge of collapse.
The demonic cultivators in the cavern swayed back and forth, completely unable to stand steady. Moreover, because the ground had begun to crack, the array that had been installed started to shift from its original location, and the light of the barrier began to shake as well.
Wu Yimei was extremely anxious, but with the mountains and earth swaying right now, there was no way to reverse it. It was already too late to set up the array again.
Fu Junling stood there with a shallow smile, gazing deeply at Fang Li.
He opened his mouth leisurely. âIt was a very smart decision for you to set up your ambush here. You were sure that I wouldnât have thought that you would actually return the treasure to its original location. After all, if you had randomly selected a location, I might not have appeared so quicklyâŠâŠ But choosing this place was also your mistake.â
Fang Liâs expression became heavy.
Indeed, just as Fu Junling said, he had only set up the ambush here for the sake of making Fu Junling believe that the jade talisman was really here. The trap naturally needed to be realistic enough to lure the snake out of its den.
But if Fu Junling really was the Great Sage reincarnated, then this was his territory. Even if this place had been destroyed many years ago, there might still be some tricks to this place. The risk and opportunity were inseparable.
But Fang Li had still decided to bet on it, because even if Fu Junling was really the Great Sage reincarnated, he had only awakened less than twenty years ago.
If Fu Junling had already become a Unified Dao true immortal, he would have absolutely no need to lie in wait and bide his time, lowering himself to be Black Star Towerâs deputy tower master.
But Fu Junling was stronger than heâd anticipated.
Countless lights transformed into fragments raining down. The array had been thoroughly broken, and only an afterimage remained where Fu Junling had been. In the blink of an eye, he had already arrived before Fang Li, and he struck a palm out at Fang Li without any hesitation!
Fang Li had only just recovered his cultivation to Nascent Soul. How could he be a match for Fu Junling? The strike sent his blood roiling, and he immediately vomited a mouthful of blood.
Fu Junling hadnât obtained the black jade talisman yet. He wouldnât kill Fang Li right now. A harsh expression suddenly flashed through Fang Liâs eyes, and he was about to activate a forbidden technique to combat Fu Junlingâ
Just then, the ceiling of the cavern shook, and shortly afterwards, the light of the sky rained down. The top of the cavern had been struck open by a sword!
Xie Huaiâs figure appeared in the air, and in the critical moment, his sword pierced toward Fu Junling!
Fu Junlingâs expression shifted. With a flick of his wrist, the folding fan blocked Xie Huaiâs sword Snowblue, causing the clash of metal against metal to ring out. Fu Junling retreated several steps in quick succession, only a shallow mark left on his fan. To think that heâd blocked Xie Huaiâs blade without any injury at all!
Xie Huai watched Fu Junling coldly. He had personally witnessed everything in the illusion, and he could naturally guess everything that Fang Li had guessed. Only, Fang Li wasnât willing to let him know about his Shixiong and had wanted to resolve everything himself, so Xie Huai had pretended not to know.
But he definitely wouldnât allow Fu Junling to harm Fang Li, no matter who he was.
Seeing that Xie Huai had already caught up.
Fu Junling glanced at Fang Li a bit regretfully and finally ceased battle, turning to leave without any hesitation!
In the blink of an eye, he disappeared.
Seeing that Fu Junling had finally retreated, Fang Li suddenly let out a breath of relief. Although there had been some accidents, at least theyâd confirmed the opponentâs identity. They werenât completely without profit.
Then, Fang Liâs attention finally snapped back, and he looked toward Xie Huai. When he met Xie Huaiâs cold, murky gaze, his expression stiffened minutely.
It looked like his illusion hadnât fooled Xie Huai for very longâŠâŠ
There were still many demonic cultivators present.
This time, even the last trace of concealment was gone.
Looking at Xie Huai, Fang Liâs throat felt dry. He wanted to explain, but in the moment, he didnât know what to say. His chest hurt relentlessly, and his body swayed, his vision going black.
Xie Huai swiftly caught him.
Fang Liâs last thought before he passed out wasâ
Heâd tricked Xie Huai again.
This time, he was done for.
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