When the chaos began outside, Feng Li and the old Heavenly Master already knew something had gone wrong.
Sure enough, soon someone came to report that someone was causing trouble outside. But neither Feng Li nor the old Heavenly Master moved, sitting calmly as if in a standoff.
The old Heavenly Master closed his eyes as if asleep. The master and disciple sat silently, like opponents facing off.
After a moment, someone hurried over. “Heavenly Master, Senior Brother Jiang Luo ran to the top of the Astrology Tower—he looks like he’s going to jump!”
Feng Li’s calm expression shifted slightly. He stood and was about to go out.
“Feng Li.” The old Heavenly Master’s aged voice sounded, tinged with disapproval.
Feng Li stopped and looked back at him.
“Did you forget what I told you just now?” the old Heavenly Master said, “You’re not allowed to leave this door today.”
“I remember.” Feng Li’s tone was indifferent. “But I’m still going out.”
“Even knowing the consequences will be bad, you still want to go out?”
Feng Li’s voice was flat. “Yes.”
After speaking, he strode out.
The old Heavenly Master’s face was heavy. He sighed and followed after him.
***
No one could stop Chi You’s madness and desires, just as no one could stop him from destroying the metaphysics world. Compared to what Ge Wuchen said—“to make Chi You willing to sacrifice his life for him”—Jiang Luo, who understood Chi You better, knew that for Chi You, truly showing he cared about someone meant suppressing his own desires for that person.
Only when Chi You was willing to hold back his rage and madness for Jiang Luo did it mean Jiang Luo had truly put the reins on him.
“You’re afraid I’ll get hurt.” As soon as these words came out, Chi You sneered mockingly but could find no retort.
Realizing this, his expression slowly became blank.
Jiang Luo’s gaze seemed to see right through Chi You. The more Chi You’s expression shifted, the happier Jiang Luo felt. Even his shaking left foot carried a hint of secret delight.
Chi You remained silent.
But the more silent he was, the more Jiang Luo’s words rang true.
Jiang Luo suddenly felt the air tonight become fresh and wonderful, and the people running back and forth on the ground all seemed both adorable and pitiful. Even Feng Li, who was rushing over with a serious face, also—
Feng Li?
Jiang Luo fixed his gaze and sure enough, it really was Feng Li.
He looked down for just that moment, and before Jiang Luo could react, the malicious ghost had somehow broken through the defenses and suddenly wrapped him up around the waist, stepping onto a low wall and leaping down from the third floor in one bound.
The sudden feeling of weightlessness hit him, and Jiang Luo instinctively grabbed the ghost’s neck.
“You f*cking—” Cold wind rushed down his throat as he coughed twice, but Chi You was already holding him firmly on the ground.
The malicious ghost carried him and started walking out, mocking, “You jumped off the building, so why aren’t you dead?”
Jiang Luo’s fists itched; he forced a smile and said, “Chi You, are you dodging the question? So, are you afraid I’ll get hurt?”
The malicious ghost curled his lips, a smile that didn’t reach his eyes, “Shut up.”
Jiang Luo said, “What if I don’t?”
The malicious ghost summoned black mist that ruthlessly blocked Jiang Luo’s mouth.
Jiang Luo made muffled sounds, and seeing that Chi You was heading out of the Heavenly Master Residence, he stopped struggling.
Chi You’s steps were steady, and the hands holding Jiang Luo were like iron cages. But he held Jiang Luo too tightly, and Jiang Luo’s cheek was pressed against a button on Chi You’s shirt, leaving a perfect button-shaped imprint.
Jiang Luo adjusted his position in Chi You’s arms, resting his chin on Chi You’s shoulder, feeling comfortable before stopping.
He could tell Chi You’s mood was very bad; though the ghost smiled, that smile made one’s heart tremble with fear.
Such a terrifying expression—but Jiang Luo felt like laughing. He smugly rubbed his chin against Chi You’s shoulder and looked back; amidst the chaos, Feng Li was closing in.
“Put him down.”
Chi You stopped walking and turned sideways, eyes narrowed coldly at Feng Li.
Jiang Luo felt the temperature around him drop continuously. He tugged on Chi You’s tie and glanced toward the door, making muffled sounds.
Go out.
Chi You gave him a half-smile, half-smirk, seemingly indulging him and continued leaving, but his pace was neither fast nor slow, as if deliberately provoking someone.
Feng Li’s tone was oppressive, “Chi You, put my disciple down.”
After speaking, he pulled a yellow talisman from his sleeve and threw it at Chi You.
The talisman tore through the air like thunder, but just before hitting Chi You, it was swallowed by the black mist.
Chi You turned back, deliberately stroked Jiang Luo’s neck slowly in front of Feng Li, and said with a smile, “Where is the Heavenly Master’s disciple?”
His hands were so cold they made Jiang Luo shiver, but Chi You pinched his flesh. Still unsatisfied, his other hand casually patted the inside of Jiang Luo’s thigh, “The one I’m holding is my lover, how could he be your disciple?”
Feng Li’s face darkened completely.
His eyes lingered a long time on where Chi You’s hands touched Jiang Luo, and Chi You noticed. Clearly, Chi You was deliberately marking his claim over Jiang Luo, but when Feng Li looked at Jiang Luo because of that, Chi You was deeply displeased.
The malicious ghost’s expression grew colder. Jiang Luo made a few muffled sounds again.
Chi You couldn’t kill Feng Li right now. After plotting for so many years, wasn’t it all to eliminate the Fated One? If he made a scene now, alerting the Fated One, how could Jiang Luo secretly take down the Fated One?
Besides, Feng Li was Jiang Luo’s master. No matter what, he had shown kindness to Jiang Luo, and Jiang Luo wouldn’t just watch Chi You kill him.
Chi You glanced down at Jiang Luo, suddenly pressed Jiang Luo’s head against his chest, kissed the top of his head, then moved to whisper with a faint smile in Jiang Luo’s ear, “Do you really want me to kill your master?”
Jiang Luo glared at Chi You: Are you blind?
Chi You kissed his cheek while lifting his eyelid to look at Feng Li, speaking low, “Otherwise, why would you keep asking me to spare him in front of me? Someone as smart as you clearly knows that only makes me want to kill him more.”
The meaning behind those words was crystal clear. Jiang Luo’s hand suddenly clenched Chi You’s, and Chi You withdrew his gaze to meet his eyes. The look in the ghost’s eyes was so loaded it made one’s ears burn and heart race.
Jiang Luo got lost in it for a moment, then quickly pulled away, instinctively glancing toward Feng Li.
The next second, the ghost forcefully grabbed Jiang Luo’s chin to pull it back. He said, “Second glance. You really like looking at him, don’t you?”
Feng Li was struggling against the black mist, trapped and unsure whether to advance or retreat.
After Jiang Luo looked again, the mist grew more violent, and Feng Li’s anger flared, escalating the chaos.
Jiang Luo’s brow twitched twice; decisively, he pulled Chi You’s neck down and kissed him.
Big bro.
Stop messing around with Feng Li, please just leave already.
I want to leave Heavenly Master Residence and seduce you—not make enemies with Heavenly Master Residence.
Chi You’s pupils slightly contracted, then his eyes narrowed, enjoying Jiang Luo’s active kiss.
His fingers brushed Jiang Luo’s hair and then the clothing at his back. Jiang Luo’s black hair was tousled by him. In just a short moment, Jiang Luo’s perfunctory kiss ended; he raised a lazy brow at the ghost and pointed toward the Heavenly Master Residence gate.
With a kiss, he had commanded the ghost as if it were the most natural thing.
The ghost was clearly pleased; he rubbed Jiang Luo’s back firmly with his fingertips and turned to leave.
Feng Li, tangled in black mist, also saw this scene—his disciple Jiang Luo willingly wrapping his arms around the ghost’s neck and planting a passionate kiss.
They were affectionate and entangled, while Feng Li looked like the villain breaking up the lovers.
He suddenly clenched his peach wood sword tightly, and the chill on his body deepened step by step.
Feng Li had never felt such intense anger, such murderous intent, and beneath that, an unexpected jealousy that even surprised himself.
In the moment he got distracted, the black mist surged forward, slashing dozens of wounds across his body, both large and small. The mist carried ghostly energy—wounds inflicted by it would be tainted by that energy, seeping in like ants gnawing on bone, an agony beyond words. Feng Li’s face twisted in pain, but he gritted through it, forcing himself not to show any sign of defeat.
He still tried to advance when the old Heavenly Master finally appeared, shouting in fury, “Feng Li, stand down!”
Feng Li halted abruptly.
The old Heavenly Master had someone restrain Feng Li and raised his voice: “Jiang Luo, the moment you walk out the gates of the Heavenly Master Residence today, you are no longer a disciple of this house! From this day forward, you and the Heavenly Master Residence are severed. You are no longer connected to your master in any way!”
Feng Li cried out in disbelief, “Master!”
“You still remember I’m your master?” the old man struck the ground hard with his staff. “This is my decision. No one is allowed to question it!”
Jiang Luo looked over from Chi You’s shoulder and realized the old Heavenly Master was repaying a favor. He had persuaded Chi You to retreat, and the old Heavenly Master was fulfilling his part of the deal.
One favor for another. Balanced.
The malicious ghos vanished with Jiang Luo in his arms, leaving the gates of the Heavenly Master Residence behind.
***
Chi You brought Jiang Luo back to his own domain.
The moment he walked in carrying Jiang Luo, his subordinates were stunned. Ge Wuchen and the others stared in disbelief, and Teng Bi, after freezing for a second, dove under the table, terrified Jiang Luo might see him.
Chi You ignored them completely, carrying Jiang Luo straight into the bedroom.
Jiang Luo leaned comfortably against him and gave Ge Wuchen a wink, silently reminding him of their little agreement.
Once inside, Chi You tossed Jiang Luo onto the bed.
Jiang Luo wasn’t the least bit afraid of the malicious ghost radiating killing intent. Instead, he looked around with interest. This was a set of underground rooms with no windows—just four walls. The damp chill of the earth pervaded the space, making it perfectly suited for spirits and yin energy.
Once he’d taken it all in, he looked at the malicious ghost sitting in a chair by the bed.
Chi You stared at him deeply, strands of hair falling messily over the corners of his eyes, making his sharp features even more striking. His oppressive aura made Jiang Luo feel like he was being interrogated.
But even in this unfamiliar, dangerous place, the black-haired youth smiled with ease. He crossed his legs, hands laced behind his head, black hair fanned out over the bed. “Mmm mmm mmm.”
Chi You flicked his fingers, and the black mist sealing Jiang Luo’s mouth dissipated. Jiang Luo finally spoke. “Chi You, I’m thirsty.”
The elegant and devilishly handsome malicious ghost sneered, “Then you can die of thirst.”
Seeing that Chi You had no intention of taking care of him, Jiang Luo shifted his eyes, stretching out a leg toward him with a sigh. “My foot hurts.”
Chi You’s face darkened even more. After a moment, he snapped his fingers. The black mist slipped out and returned with a glass of water.
Jiang Luo drank it all in one go, then held out his hand. “Another.”
He drank three glasses before exhaling in satisfaction. Just as he set the glass down on the bedside table, Ge Wuchen knocked on the door. “Master, we’re preparing dinner. Should we prepare a serving for Benefactor Jiang?”
Polite on the surface, but in truth, it was a probe to test the situation between Chi You and Jiang Luo.
Jiang Luo caught the implication. His eyes glinted with mischief, and he suddenly let out a low, ambiguous moan.
It was abrupt. It was suggestive. And in the context of a bedroom, it was impossible not to misinterpret.
The knocking immediately stopped.
Chi You raised a brow, gaze unreadable as he looked at Jiang Luo.
Jiang Luo laid on his side, head propped on one hand, smiling lazily at Chi You. His fingers idly twirled strands of his own hair. The moans from his mouth were vivid, stifled and resentful—like a poor little human being ravished by a terrifying ghost.
“Stop… get away…”
“Mmm…”
Ge Wuchen had already retreated, but the malicious ghost inside the room was now stirred. Chi You’s gaze darkened with desire.
Jiang Luo met his eyes unflinchingly, those bright, cunning pupils brimming with provocation. He looked like he was daring Chi You—how long could he resist?
Having tasted him only twice before, the malicious ghost was hardly immune to such blatant seduction. He stood, walked to the bed, and knelt at Jiang Luo’s side.
Grabbing both of Jiang Luo’s wrists, the malicious ghost leaned over him.
Male hormones clashed—his intent unmistakable. Sparks seemed to flicker where their bodies met. Firewood and flame, ready to ignite.
That raging, surging desire finally found its outlet.
But just as Chi You began to act, Jiang Luo suddenly said, “Ow—my foot hurts.”
Chi You paused, tried to avoid the foot and continue, but Jiang Luo started groaning again. “F*ck, it hurts. Can’t move.”
Totally killing the mood.
A shadow passed over Chi You’s face. He stood up abruptly and stormed out.
The moment he left, Jiang Luo burst into laughter—until Chi You came right back. This time, he had medicine in hand and grabbed Jiang Luo’s foot, apparently planning to re-dress the wound.
Jiang Luo’s smile froze. “I just changed the dressing today—there’s no need.”
He tried to pull his foot back, but Chi You grabbed it firmly. “My lover’s injured. Of course I have to take a proper look.”
Jiang Luo was starting to suspect Chi You was doing this on purpose.
His right eyelid twitched. Chi You had already unwrapped the bandages. When the last layer came off, the reason for Jiang Luo’s panic became clear.
The foot, wrapped tightly in gauze, was perfectly fine—no injury at all. There was only some red medicinal dye on the surface.
Chi You chuckled instead, his fingers slowly stroking the top of Jiang Luo’s foot. “Looks like we can continue.”
Jiang Luo’s alarm bells rang loud. He turned and tried to escape the bed—but Chi You easily dragged him back, slamming him down onto the mattress.
The malicious ghost loomed over him, calmly loosening his clothes. His tie hung loosely.
“Isn’t this what you wanted?”
…
That night, Jiang Luo didn’t get to eat dinner until nearly midnight.
He sat lazily in his chair, using a spoon to scoop at the rice, eyes heavy with sleep and nearly closing. The corners of his eyes and brows still carried the lingering intimacy of having just come down from the bed.
Ge Wuchen quietly sat down beside him.
Jiang Luo perked up and looked at him with a teasing smile. “Ge Wuchen, satisfied now?”
Ge Wuchen nodded.
Jiang Luo yawned, the kiss marks and finger imprints on his neck shocking to see. “Now it’s time for you to tell me the rest.”
