They arrived back at Sect Mount Dingbu as the evening sky deepened into a swirl of navy and indigo. Xue Laohu trudged into his chamber, the weight of exhaustion pulling at his every step. He barely had the energy to kick off his boots before lunging face-first onto his bed, sinking into the mattress like a stone into a pond.
"Finally," he muttered into the pillow, muffled and relieved. He let out a long sigh, savoring the fleeting peace of the moment. But just as his body began to relax, an abrasive, grating cough shattered the quiet, slicing through his ears like nails on glass.
"Ugh," he groaned, his entire body tensing as he pressed his face deeper into the pillow. "Not this again." He kicked his feet irritably, the mattress creaking under his protests. "Can't I get one little break?"
The cough turned into a prolonged hacking noise, followed by the sound of someone clearing their throat in a manner that seemed deliberately obnoxious. Yi Ming whipped his head up, glaring daggers across the room.
He sat up and was immediately illuminated by the flickering glow of a neon screen. The light reflected in his eyes. The screen blinked as words scrolled across it in bold, over-the-top lettering:
OPERATION SPARKS WILL FLY, HEARTS WILL FLUTTER
MISSION OBJECTIVE: CREATE THREE ROMANTIC MOMENTS BETWEEN SHOU AND GONG.
POINT VALUE: 100 POINTS EACH.
BONUS POINTS AVAILABLE FOR: ACCIDENTAL HAND GRAZES AND OVERLY DRAMATIC GAZES.
Yi Ming let out a sharp, exasperated huff. He stared intently at the glowing screen, his eyes tracing the fluctuating heart lifelines of each character displayed on it. Shudu's heart pulsed vibrantly in an almost blinding shade of pink, a symbol of fiery, untapped potential. In stark contrast, Xue Tuzi's was a cold, pitch-black void, lifeless and unyielding. Yi Ming frowned, tilting his head as if trying to decipher an ancient text.
"What is A-Tuzi even made out of?" he muttered under his breath. His eyes flicked back to Shudu's line, the steady glow almost mocking in its persistence. "I mean, Shudu's not bad-looking at all. In fact…" He leaned back, crossing his legs and resting his hand on his chin thoughtfully. "If he walked into my school looking like that, all the girls would be swooning over him. Bad-boy energy, rugged looks—he's got the whole package."
The thought made him snicker, but the grin quickly faded when a soft knock sounded at his door. It was delicate, hesitant, followed by a faint, almost musical voice murmuring, "Shizun…"
Xue Laohu froze. If words could paint pictures, then every time Li Zhameng uttered his title, it would conjure an image of fluttering hearts trailing in the air. The sound sent an involuntary shiver down his spine. He quickly scrambled to adjust his posture, standing and smoothing the wrinkles from his robe. With a few quick pats, he straightened himself, desperately trying to exude the air of a composed and majestic mentor—rather than a spoiled brat who'd just spent the last hour sulking.
"Come in," he called out, deepening his voice for added authority.
The door creaked open, and Li Zhameng entered, his steps cautious and deliberate. He cupped his hands in greeting and bowed slightly before lowering himself to his knees. His movements were so precise, so reverent, that it made Xue Laohu's earlier antics feel even more childish.
"Shizun…" Li Zhameng stammered, his cheeks tinged with the faintest shade of pink as he fidgeted uncomfortably on the floor. "I— I believe there is still some hope for your matchmaking efforts." His voice wavered, each word carefully chosen as though afraid to overstep.
Xue Laohu raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. He slowly walked toward his disciple, pulling out his folding fan with a flourish. The delicate fabric gleamed under the soft lantern light as he raised it to cover half his face, leaving only his eyes visible—calm, calculating, and just a bit smug.
"Oh?" he drawled, circling Li Zhameng like a predator sizing up prey. "Do tell,"
"Well, I asked Shudu Gongzi if he found A-Tuzi attractive," Li Zhameng began, his voice hesitant but steady. He glanced nervously at Xue Laohu, gauging his reaction. "And, uh… he said he'd consider sleeping with him if given the chance."
Li Zhameng winced slightly as he spoke, omitting Shudu's exact wording in favor of something a bit more refined. It was the same sentiment, just less... coarse. Surely, his Shizun didn't need every crude detail.
Xue Laohu snapped his fan shut with a sharp click, placing his free hand on his hip as he rolled his eyes skyward. "I mean, who doesn't want to?" he exclaimed with a dramatic sigh, his tone exasperated.
Li Zhameng's eyes widened, trembling slightly before he looked down, his expression a mix of sadness and vulnerability. His voice came out soft, barely audible. "Does… does Shizun want to?"
Xue Laohu's reaction was immediate and over-the-top, as expected. "WHAT?!" he yelped, stumbling back in shock and nearly tripping over the hem of his robes. He flailed for a moment before regaining his balance, his face burning red. "What?! No, no, no!"
He frantically waved his hands in front of him, forming an "X" with his arms. "I don't have any improper or indecent thoughts about my disciples!" he insisted, his voice rising an octave as he shook his head furiously.
Li Zhameng, still kneeling with his legs spread apart in an awkward posture, glanced up at his Shizun, his heart pounding in his chest. The words hung in the air like a teasing phantom. Indecent thoughts. His cheeks flushed a deep rosy pink, and he quickly tilted his head down to hide the expression.
All this time, it was he who had improper and indecent thoughts about his Shizun.
Xue Laohu furrowed a brow, his sharp gaze softening slightly as he noticed Li Zhameng's unusual demeanor. Something about his disciple's sudden embarrassment made his own fluster fade, replaced with a growing curiosity. He stepped forward, lifting Li Zhameng's chin gently with the edge of his fan.
"Meng Meng?" he asked, his voice quieter now, almost soothing.
Li Zhameng's breath caught in his throat as his gaze locked with Xue Laohu's. Time seemed to stop. In the privacy of his mind, an indecent fantasy began to take shape, vivid and intoxicating.
His Shizun would lean down, brushing the fan softly across his lips, his touch teasing and deliberate. Their eyes would meet again, this time filled with unspoken desire. Then, his Shizun would drop the fan, pulling him into his arms, pressing their bodies close. A kiss—passionate and consuming—would follow, leaving him breathless.
"Meng Meng…" his Shizun would murmur in a low, seductive voice, warm breath tickling his ear. "I only think of you."
His Shizun would lift him effortlessly, as though he weighed nothing. Li Zhameng's fingers would trace the contours of his Shizun's bare chest, feeling the steady, powerful thrum of his heartbeat beneath. The thought alone sent a shiver down his spine.
But just as the fantasy reached its height, reality came crashing back with a loud, jarring slam.
The door flew open, banging against the wall. Standing in the doorway was Lord Mao, his expression a mixture of disbelief and sheer displeasure. His sharp gaze swept over the scene: Xue Laohu standing over Li Zhameng in a domineering pose, his fan tilted under the younger man's chin, while Li Zhameng knelt on the ground, legs awkwardly spread, his face flushed and pathetic.
There was a long, painful silence as Lord Mao's eyes narrowed. "Grandmaster Xue!" Lord Mao's voice boomed through the room, sharp and unyielding. His stern expression carried the weight of judgment, his brows furrowed in displeasure.
Xue Laohu jumped, nearly dropping his fan as panic spread across his face. "It's—it's not what you think!" he stammered, stepping back instinctively. His hands flailed in front of him as if he could physically push away Lord Mao's assumptions.
Lord Mao folded his arms across his chest, his dark eyes narrowing. "I can't continue to turn a blind eye to this!" His voice carried the edge of finality, leaving no room for excuses.
"Listen!" Xue Laohu said, his voice cracking slightly as he scrambled to explain. "I know you're probably tired of hearing this, but there's nothing—absolutely nothing—going on between me and my disciples!" He gestured wildly toward Li Zhameng, who was still kneeling awkwardly on the floor, his face burning red. "I swear it just… it just looked wrong! That's all it was! Honestly, nothing was happening!"
Lord Mao's frown deepened, his eyes lingering on the disheveled scene before him. His silence only added to Xue Laohu's anxiety.
After a moment, Lord Mao let out a sharp exhale, his voice cold and clipped. "In my study. There are private matters I wish to discuss with you."
He didn't wait for a response, his robes billowing behind him as he turned swiftly on his heel and exited the room.
Xue Laohu stood frozen for a beat, his heart pounding in his chest. "Great," he muttered under his breath, dragging a hand through his hair. "Just what I needed."
Li Zhameng looked up at his Shizun, who was standing with one hand dragging down his face, the picture of irritation and exhaustion. The faint glow of the lanterns painted Xue Laohu's sharp features, making him look more severe than usual.
"Shizun…" Li Zhameng said softly, his voice hesitant yet deliberate.
Xue Laohu turned, his expression a mix of weariness and impatience, though his eyes softened slightly at the sound of his disciple's voice.
"This disciple has caused Shizun trouble," Li Zhameng admitted, bowing his head briefly. But before Xue Laohu could interject, Li Zhameng stepped closer, his movements slow and deliberate, until he was just within arm's reach. His voice dropped to a murmur, warm and teasing as he leaned in toward Xue Laohu's ear. "He deserves to be punished."
Xue Laohu froze, the proximity sending a jolt down his spine. He swallowed hard, his throat suddenly dry. "M-Meng Meng," he stuttered, stepping back abruptly, his hands reflexively moving to grip Li Zhameng's shoulders. He held him at arm's length, his grip firm but not harsh, as though trying to create a buffer between them.
He cleared his throat loudly, forcing a smile that came off more strained than reassuring. "Since we already know Shudu finds A-Tuzi attractive," he began, his tone hurried, "why don't you go ask A-Tuzi if he finds Shudu attractive? Then report back to me with your findings."
Li Zhameng blinked, momentarily thrown off by the sudden shift in conversation. "Shizun—"
"Good plan, right?" Xue Laohu interrupted, nodding as if to convince himself. Before Li Zhameng could say another word, Xue Laohu spun on his heel, his robes trailing behind him as he swiftly made his way toward the door.
Li Zhameng made his way to Xue Tuzi's quarters, his footsteps light and hesitant as he approached the closed door. Inside, the faint aroma of incense wafted out, mingling with the soft flicker of candlelight visible through the crack at the bottom. Kneeling calmly by the low table, Xue Tuzi worked on threading needles with steady precision. Shadows danced across the room as the candlelight trembled in the darkness.
Li Zhameng peeked through the small gap in the door, his eyes narrowing to adjust to the dim light. "Meng Meng…" Xue Tuzi's cold, sharp voice cut through the stillness without him even turning around. He tilted his head slightly toward the door, his gaze piercing even without direct eye contact. "You know I despise stalkers," he said, his tone frosty, his fingers never faltering as he threaded a needle.
"Ah ha. Yeah…" Li Zhameng laughed nervously, cracking the door open further. His expression was sheepish, a nervous smile tugging at his lips. "May I come in?"
Xue Tuzi's brows furrowed, a hint of annoyance flickering across his face. He finally glanced at the door, his dark eyes narrowing. "You're already halfway inside," he said, rolling his eyes before turning back to his needlework. He pulled a thread taut between his fingers, spinning the fine silk thread that came from Jiao Jiao's mouth with mechanical precision.
Li Zhameng swallowed and stepped in, carefully shutting the door behind him. He hesitated for a moment before kneeling at a respectful distance. His eyes wandered curiously over Xue Tuzi's meticulous arrangement of tools and threads, the entire process a strange mix of artistry and discipline.
"A-Tuzi…" Li Zhameng began hesitantly, his hands fidgeting with his robes. He steeled himself, his tone growing firmer. "Do you—do you find Shudu Gongzi attractive?"
The question hung in the air like a sharp blade, slicing through the silence.
Xue Tuzi's hands paused for a fraction of a second before resuming their methodical work. He didn't look up. "Why?" he asked coolly, his tone indifferent. "Do you?"
"N-no! I don't!" Li Zhameng stammered, his face flushing. He waved his hands frantically as if to erase the insinuation. "It's just… all the girls in our sect seem to like him, so I was just curious…"
Xue Tuzi's expression remained impassive, but his next words carried a faint chill. "I don't like bugs."
"Huh?" Li Zhameng blinked, caught off guard by the response. "But Xiao Jiao—"
"Xiao Jiao is different," Xue Tuzi interrupted, his voice suddenly sharp. He picked up one of his needles, examining the tip with care. "Sure, he came from that insect, but…" His voice softened as he sighed, placing a gentle hand on the large, bloated head of the Gu worm curled beside him. A rare tenderness lit his face, his eyes softening as he continued. "I'm the one raising him. He won't grow up to be like that hideous, arrogant scum. Besides, Xiao Jiao is useful."
Li Zhameng watched, wide-eyed, as Xue Tuzi carefully cradled Xiao Jiao in his arms. The once-unyielding coldness of his demeanor melted away as he placed delicate kisses on the worm's head, his expression uncharacteristically affectionate.
"Uhhh… if you say so," Li Zhameng replied awkwardly, still processing the strange, loving display.
He shifted uncomfortably, unsure whether to be disturbed or impressed. It wasn't often that Xue Tuzi openly showed tenderness. In fact, the only other recipient of such softness was their Shizun. To see Xue Tuzi act this way toward a Gu worm of all things was… surprising, to say the least.
Xue Tuzi ignored Li Zhameng's reaction entirely, focusing on stroking Jiao Jiao's glossy, oversized head. "Xiao Jiao will never be like that arrogant bastard," he murmured, more to himself than to anyone else. "He'll be better—stronger and smarter."
"Well… is there anyone you do like?" Li Zhameng asked shamelessly, his eyes darting between Xue Tuzi and the floor. His voice carried an edge of nervous curiosity, but his boldness pushed him forward despite his hesitation.
"There is," Xue Tuzi replied, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. He didn't look up from his needlework, his movements steady and deliberate.
Li Zhameng perked up, leaning slightly closer. "Huh? Really? Who? Why won't you tell me?"
Xue Tuzi's smirk deepened, though his eyes glinted coldly as he finally raised his gaze to meet Li Zhameng's. I won't tell you because I know you like him as well, he thought, his jaw tightening subtly. Meng Meng, you act so innocent and clueless, but I see the way you look at Shizun—with those wanton, desperate eyes. You can't fool me.
Li Zhameng shifted, his curiosity outweighing the uneasy feeling creeping over him. "Who is it? Do I know them?" he asked, leaning in even closer, his face uncomfortably eager.
Xue Tuzi let out a long sigh, placing his needles down with a deliberate motion. His gaze settled on Li Zhameng, calm but cutting. "Meng Meng, you really have a habit of asking intrusive questions," he said, his tone as smooth as silk but edged with disdain.
"Ehhh… I was just asking!" Li Zhameng defended, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. "You're the most beautiful person I know—besides Shizun…" The last part slipped out in a mumble, his eyes widening in horror as soon as he realized what he'd said.
Xue Tuzi's sharp hearing didn't miss it, and his lips twitched in amusement. He turned his full attention to Li Zhameng, his gaze steady and calculating. "I won't tell you who he is," he said, leaning forward slightly, "but yes, you do know him."
Li Zhameng's face twisted into a pout as he sat back on his heels, his brows knitting together in thought. I know him? His mind raced, sifting through every male he'd encountered in the sect.
"And what about you, Meng Meng?" Xue Tuzi asked, his voice suddenly softer but laced with a sly undertone. "Do youlike someone?"
"Eh? Me?" Li Zhameng squeaked, his cheeks igniting into a furious red. "Umm, well, I…" He squirmed nervously, his hands fidgeting in his lap as his eyes darted anywhere but Xue Tuzi's face.
"You don't have to say it," Xue Tuzi interrupted smoothly, his lips curling into a taunting smile. "It's all over your face. You want him bad, don't you?"
Li Zhameng's hands shot up to cover his burning face, his muffled voice squeaking out a panicked, "I—I gotta go now!"
Before Xue Tuzi could say another word, Li Zhameng bolted upright, nearly tripping over the edge of the table in his haste. He practically fled the room, his face a vivid bloom of embarrassment as he disappeared into the corridor.
The smirk faded from Xue Tuzi's face, replaced by a dark, calculating glare as he leaned back and crossed his arms. "Try all you want," he murmured to himself, his voice low and venomous. "But Shizun will be mine."