"Are you guys okay?"Chenyu questioned the two who were still quivering on Yuèlìang's bed since it was at the end of the room and further from the door compared to Tiāntáng's. Chenyu was still there. Their gazes lifted to meet hers and she found it humorous. She addressed both of them stating,"We need to participate in the competitions." They smiled, trying to compose themselves but the harder they tried,the more the haunting scene of the night before resurfaced. They went to the competitions,Chenyu and everyone else had a team. They were the only ones who were alone but they believed they were enough for it. "Are you alright?"Yuèlìang asked Tiāntáng,who was sweating profusely. Tiāntáng nodded in response. He did not have much to say. "For today,we are to hunt for monster cores,the one with the most cores wins."Tie Chen said and they all agreed. At that precise moment,panic gripped both Yuèlìang and Tiāntáng. Chenyu,noticing their panic, couldn't resist the urge to exacerbate the situation. "Are my two sect brothers frightened of the small monsters in this place?" She wickedly laughed."Says our biggest failure."Yuèlìang sneered, casting a cutting remark towards Chenyu. Tiāntáng attempted to surpress his laughter but his body betrayed him with an involuntary burst of amusement."You shouldn't say such things!"he managed to scold Yuèlìang despite not being able to contain his laughter. Yuèlìang dramatically spread his fan and stormed off into the woods, leaving an air of tension behind him."What about the equipment and the rules?"Tiāntáng expressed concern in his tone, realizing the possible consequences of Yuèlìang's early departure. Tiāntáng stayed behind, listening attentively to Tie Chen and secured enough equipment. After all that, Tiāntáng followed Yuèlìang only to find him crouched in a small bush nearby. "Why are you still here?"Tiāntáng looked down at the surprisingly adorable Yuèlìang,who seemed to have traded severity for a moment of vulnerability."I was too scared to go on my own."Yuèlìang childishly admitted, accompanied by a slight pout that softened his demeanor. Tiāntáng couldn't quite fathom how Yuèlìang could be both adorable and rude simultaneously. He picked up Yuèlìang and placed him on his shoulders,creating an unexpected yet amusing sight. Yuèlìang was very excited about being carried by his big brother. They ended up playing more than actively searching for the cores, losing themselves in moments of unexpected camaraderie. A slight rustling caught their attention, adding an element of suspense to their playful diversion. Their playful demeanor shifted as Yuèlìang climbed down from Tiāntáng's shoulders,both growing suddenly growing attentive to the source of the rustling."Did you hear that?"Yuèlìang asked Tiāntáng,a hint of concern in his eyes."No,I don't have ears."Tiāntáng's sarcastic reply earned him a nasty look from Yuèlìang,the tense moment momentarily broken by their banter."Go check it out."Yuèlìang nugged Tiāntáng, encouraging him to go see the source of the rustling."Why me?"Tiāntáng stood,his hands folded."Let us check it out together."Tiāntáng suggested a more united approach."On the count of three."They spoke in unison,their voices adding a touch of solidarity to their shared venture. They counted to three but Yuèlìang chickened out, leaving Tiāntáng to face the unknown rustling alone. Tiāntáng, upon turning and noticing Yuèlìang's retreat, initially frowned. Tiāntáng's frown was transformed into a smile upon realizing that the cause of the rustling was nothing more than a harmless snake. Yuèlìang expressed his disapproval,clearly not comfortable with the presence of the snake."Why are you being so paranoid?"Tiāntáng questioned, bending to pick up the small snake, attempting to ease Yuèlìang's concerns. Despite Tiāntáng's reassurance, Yuèlìang couldn't shake the feeling of unease,a lingering suspicion of the situation. A chill ran down Yuèlìang's spine as he recalled from the book that the seemingly "small snake" had a dark history of devouring Tiāntáng's other teammates and posing a threat to Chenyu's life."Don't do that!"Yuèlìang warned,his caution fuelled by the ominous memories from the book. Despite Yuèlìang's warning, Tiāntáng's pride hindered him from heeding the caution,causing a tense dynamic between the two of them. The snake attempted to leap onto Tiāntáng but Yuèlìang intervened, pulling Tiāntáng out of harm's way just in time. The once small snake started rapidly growing in size,soon towering over both Tiāntáng and Yuèlìang, creating surreal and threatening atmosphere. Caught off guard by the snake's sudden transformation, Yuèlìang and Tiāntáng found themselves at a loss, uncertain of how to confront the escalating situation. Despite their efforts,they found themselves losing to the formidable snake,the situation becoming increasingly dire. Locked in a tense gaze,they reached a silent agreement -deciding they had nothing to lose,they gathered their resolve for a final,daring move. With synchronized determination,they unsheathed their swords and lunged forward,ready to face the towering snake head on in a last ditch effort to overcome the unexpected adversary. To their surprise,their bold move unexpectedly worked, leaving them momentarily stunned by their success against the formidable snake. Their victory against the towering snake filled them with a new found confidence,as if they believed they could face anything that came their way. True to their newfound confidence,they successfully defeated all the other monsters and collected the cores as a testament for their triumph over the challenges they faced."I forgot to tell you,the mission was to trap other cultivators."Tiāntáng admitted, scratching the back of his head."What the fuck is wrong with you?!"Yuèlìang's frustration almost brought him tears,shocked by the revelation of Tiāntáng's deceit."Why didn't you tell me?"Yuèlìang confronted Tiāntáng in search of an explanation for his deceptive actions,even though they had already captured five people. Finally Tiāntáng gave in and started explaining the rules and how the game was to be played,he hopped that this would at least soothe Yuèlìang's heart. Tiāntáng clarified that there were three different groups, humans, those who had no powers, then the immortals and demons,this was to shed light to the intensity of their mission. In this universe,the lack of powers meant that one could not transform into any mystical creature, despite having a significant amount of spiritual energy,that is why no one was allowed to transform. Eventually, everyone started going by their own rules and no one could do a thing anymore. While others struggled Yuèlìang and Tiāntáng found enjoyment in the midst of the challenging competitions, turning their unique circumstances into a source of amusement."I am glad you are having fun."they had an awfully familiar voice."Chenyu?"they both muttered easily recognizing her. However,this angered Chenyu that they could identify her so effortlessly,questioning how they could figure it out so effortlessly. Admittedly excited,Chenyu felt a sense of significance knowing that Yuèlìang and Tiāntáng could not only recognize her but also knew her well. It made her feel special amid those vying attention from the two. Chenyu, seizing the opportunity,was trying to capture everyone they had captured along with them. Yuèlìang selflessly helped Tiāntáng escape, sacrificing himself as he got caught. Tiāntáng kept running in hopes that Yuèlìang would eventually catch up with him but he didn't and he couldn't. The reason they tried to escape was they were out numbered. Tiāntáng decided to hand in their catch to secure it, ensuring their efforts in capturing the individuals did not go in vain. He went back to the forest,a sense of determination guiding him as he sought to reunite with Yuèlìang. Tiāntáng found himself ready to fight anyone for Yuèlìang,a deep and unexpected sense of loyalty driving him,even he couldn't quite comprehend the reason behind this sudden sentiment. After hours of restless searching, Tiāntáng found Chenyu's base setting a stage for confrontation. Yuèlìang was still in pain,they had literally dragged him on the ground the whole way there. He heard Tiāntáng's voice outside and he got a sense of hope."Little Chenyu,I won't go easy on you so you better come out here while you still Tiāntáng, determined and assertive,ordered Chenyu out, prepared for a big battle."I see the little boy gave the catch to the teachers. Where you scared?"despite Chenyu's attempts to tease him, Tiāntáng maintained a cold demeanor,only focused on getting Yuèlìang back from the greedy hands of Chenyu's gang. Yuèlìang was trying to move but he fell and some things fell along with him. Chenyu ran in in hearing the sound,her concern out weighing the ongoing confrontation with Tiāntáng. Moved with concern, Chenyu felt a peng of pain seeing Yuèlìang's injuries. She begun treating his wounds with care and compassion. Tiāntáng single-handedly fought off all those that dared to challenge him,show casing his strength and determination. He stepped into the shack,his face bearing a bloody expression. Tiāntáng's blood boiled as he witnessed Yuèlìang wounded,and to add onto the turmoil,Chenyu was the one caring for him-the woman that he loved. The sight intensified his emotions, creating a complex mix of anger and concern. Tiāntáng grappled with conflicting emotions, feeling a strong desire to be the one treating Yuèlìang's wounds instead of his love,Chenyu,to do it. Despite being willing to treat Yuèlìang's wounds,Chenyu denied him that right, holding Yuèlìang as though he were her own."Do you have to hurt me like this? You know how much I love you and...."he spoke as he approached them,his eyes growing heavy from both the physical and emotional pain. Tiāntáng's words prompted Chenyu to hold Yuèlìang even tighter and closer,sensing the depth of emotion and conflict in the air. Overwhelmed by emotion, Tiāntáng lost control and ended up physically lashing out, beating Chenyu in a moment of intense turmoil and frustration. As Yuèlìang started regaining consciousness due to the commotion,the unfolding scene mirrored the events from the book where he was the one that beat Chenyu up. He started noticing that most of the things that had happened to him begun happening to Tiāntáng instead...he was shocked,was he becoming the male lead? That did not matter at the moment, someone was being bartered. Yuèlìang tried to calm Tiāntáng down upon weakly getting off the ground. Oblivious to Yuèlìang's attempt to calm him, Tiāntáng accidentally hit him, he was sent flying to the wall with a loud bang. Tiāntáng knocked Chenyu out before running to Yuèlìang. Upon realizing the severity of the situation,the teachers called the competitions off and took the injured participants, including Yuèlìang and Tiāntáng,for medical assistance. Yuèlìang was still conscious and in fear of revealing Tiāntáng's true identity as the Yin, he stopped any and everyone that tried to check his energy level. Protectively holding Tiāntáng, Yuèlìang stood firm until all attempts to check his energy status were given up,safe guarding the secret that could alter the course of their lives. Allowed to return to their rooms, Yuèlìang carried Chenyu and Tiāntáng in a carriage and laid them in the two available beds, ensuring that they got the rest and care they needed. He was now tending to two people. The next day, Tiāntáng found Yuèlìang tending to Chenyu's wounds,a scene that carried a mixture of and complexity for him. Throughout the whole process, Tiāntáng argued persistently that he could take care of Chenyu's wounds,expressing a strong desire to be the one providing care. Despite Yuèlìang's efforts to show how Tiāntáng needed rest, Tiāntáng told him that they could at least take Chenyu to the hospital instead of having Yuèlìang touching her all over."Do you have the money to cover the hospital bills?"Yuèlìang didn't even look up as he asked because he knew the answer,the answer was no. So he did not even bother. Understanding Tiāntáng's determination yet concerned for his well-being, Yuèlìang went to guide him back to bed. His actions revealed a deeper motive, Yuèlìang's intention to initiate dual-cultivation."What do you think you are doing?"Tiāntáng voiced his concern, clearly uncomfortable with the prospect of dual-cultivation,his emotions of jealousy continued to influence him. Yuèlìang did not listen. He was not ready to surpass the stage of kissing,he was not ready to do anything that Chenyu was not willing to do."You are next."Yuèlìang turned to Tiāntáng and gave a reassuring smile, hinting at his intention for both of them to engage in dual-cultivation. Tiāntáng, overwhelmed with thoughts of Yuèlìang doing double cultivation with Chenyu couldn't bare the idea. He held his hand out and a black miasma emerged,forming a rope."You wouldn't."Yuèlìang squinted at him. Tiāntáng used the rope to pull Yuèlìang to the other side of the room,he tied him up there and went to Chenyu."You know she needs this so stop being so difficult."Yuèlìang was trying his best to talk some sense into Tiāntáng. By some stroke of luck,it worked and Tiāntáng allowed it. The cultivation process begun as Yuèlìang pulled Chenyu close, placing his power filled hand on her back, initiating the duo -cultivation with a complex mix of emotions. Their spiritual power mingled intimately as they drew closer,the magnetic pull between them undeniable. In a moment charged with desire and connection,their lips met in a sensuous kiss, sealing the depth of their union in the dance of shared energy. Their intimate connection unfolded with a serene and magestic grace,each touch and kiss weaving a tapestry of sensuality that transcended the physical realm, leaving an indelible imprint on the canvas of their shared existence. Tiāntáng kept looking on speechlessly. In apprehension of further complexities, Yuèlìang held back, choosing to express his affection with a light kiss on her neck. He gently laid her down,a tender gesture that spoke of both care and restraint in the delicate dance of their emotions. It was Tiāntáng's turn,he ran across the room,he did not want to do any of that. He wanted to be free and okay,with the peace of mind of knowing that he did not have sex with his best friend. Yuèlìang wanted to respect Tiāntáng's boundaries so he came up with an alternative to have Duo cultivation without any physical touch. The only problem was that their identities would be exposed to anyone who happened to see it and breaking formation in the middle of it would cause them to do it with physical touch, kissing and all. Tiāntáng agreed and they sat on the bed. The sign of the Yin and Yang appeared almost immediately. They commenced but heard Xing Xing outside so Yuèlìang took it upon himself to break the formation but Tiāntáng beat him to it. Both of them were unsnared by their inner demons,caught in a complex dance of emotions that threatened to unravel the delicate balance they had forged. In a subtle yet charged gesture, Tiāntáng tugged on Yuèlìang's robe, causing it to slip off his shoulder, adding an element of intimacy to the moment. Despite their attempts to resist,the allure between them proved challenging to overcome,as the undercurrent of desire and emotions continued to intensify, creating a magnetic force that drew them closer. Tiāntáng cast a seductive gaze upon Yuèlìang's alabaster skin,his own desire evident as he sensually bit his lip, adding a layer of palpable tension to the charged atmosphere between them. After a prolonged internal struggle,they succumbed to the undeniable pull between them,their lips meeting in a reluctant kiss that spoke of conflicted desires and emotions they couldn't entirely resist. Xing Xing saw what was happening when she walked in. Tiāntáng's hand was on Yuèlìang's skin and the kiss kept deepening. She ran off completely and only then could they break the formation and after long struggle at that. Exhausted from the tumultuous struggle within themselves,they both succumbed to the weariness and collapsed onto the bed,their journey leaving them physically and emotionally spent. They spent the night intertwined,and as morning dawned, Tiāntáng awoke to a comforting warmth,the shared connection from the night before lingering in the soft light of a new day. Thinking the warmth was Chenyu, Tiāntáng realized it was Yuèlìang and immediately kicked him off the bed. The forceful kick sent Yuèlìang crashing into the wall,the impact causing him to spit out a significant amount of blood, intensifying the aftermath of their unexpected encounter."What the fuck,young master?!"Yuèlìang screamed out,he was both confused and frustrated."Yeah,good morning to you too. How may I repay your services?" Yuèlìang said as he wiped the blood from the corner of his lip and locked eyes with Tiāntáng."You think this is a good morning?"Tiāntáng roared and he almost lunged onto Yuèlìang who remained unmoved."Which one of us should be saying that you dumb ass?"Yuèlìang argued too and he was right. Tiāntáng looked down in shame. The impact was heavy on Yuèlìang, leaving him in pain and unable to move, Tiāntáng had really put his all into that kick. All in all he saw the opportunity to take care of Chenyu all on his own,no supervision and no Yuèlìang to steal his light. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Tiāntáng picked Yuèlìang up carefully,a momentary shift from their former interaction. With a tender touch, Tiāntáng placed Yuèlìang in bed,the softness of the sheets cradling him. For three whole days, Tiāntáng took care of the two, mostly Chenyu,he would even sleep while holding her. Meanwhile in the village, Xing Xing had already spread the news of what she had seen the two doing. That very morning,she had passed by again to ask them what they had been doing but as Yuèlìang was being picked up,he was being dramatic,he groaned a lot,"Ahh.....no don't touch there.""Shit it hurts....""Ahhh,fuck, can't you be a little gentle."He was almost crying but to Xing Xing,that sounded like they were having seggz."What? No,that can't be."the shop keeper said as he helped Xing Xing pack up."It sounded rough,to be honest. And just the other day,I found them dual cultivating."She paid for her items and walked off. The news spread more and more and there were multiple versions of the story and the only ones that did not know of it were the stars. Tiāntáng,now the center of attention,drew everyone's attention as he shopped for essentials needed for the room, the air thick with speculation and curiosity about the dynamics between him and Yuèlìang. Tiāntáng inadvertently fueled the gossip when he said"I am here to buy groceries because master Yuèlìang can't walk."this was after being asked why he was buying the things he was buying."Why can't be walk?"he was asked again."Oh,that? It is all my fault,he is right,I should be more gentle next time."he said"maybe that is why Chenyu like him and not me,he is a gentle guy."Tiāntáng thought as he paid for the things. He walked away but everyone grew more and more curious about the two."Well, none of this ever happened in the original book."Yuèlìang lamented,he now even needed assistance to pass anything out. He couldn't believe it but he had to live with it.
