[Featured ×4]
Du Rui, an exceptionally forgetful reader, finds himself transmigrated into one of the top male harem stallion novels, but as the antagonist. Now inhabiting the role of Xue Xinyu, the cunning villain, Du Rui struggles to maintain his s...
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As Xue Xinyu completed Liang Zhiguan's transformation, the young man took on the delicate appearance of a maiden. With soft features framed by the strategically draped veil, he was a picture of charm—at least from a distance. If no one got too close, they might not even suspect a thing.
Noticing Liang Zhiguan's discomfort, Xue Xinyu swiftly tore another strip from the prison robe, skillfully draping it over Liang Zhiguan's ears and concealing his nose and mouth, leaving only his expressive eyes visible. "Feeling a bit better now?" Xue Xinyu asked, his voice imbued with genuine concern.
"Thank you, Shizun," Liang Zhiguan replied, his voice slightly muffled but full of gratitude.
Xue Xinyu waved a dismissive hand, eager to cut the formality. "Let's leave the titles behind; merchants don't throw around 'Shizun'—it doesn't quite fit the vibe. Just come up with a nickname if you need to. For now, I'll simply call you Liang." He adjusted Liang Zhiguan's hood, ensuring that it sat just right as they prepared to make their escape through one of the windows. The distant sounds of bustling streets drifted in, an ordinary reminder of the world beyond their grim surroundings.
With the door sealed and their disguises in place, the duo carefully made their exit through the window, navigating their way over the rugged mountains to avoid the crowded streets below. Standing outside, Xue Xinyu recognized the house immediately, snugly nestled against the cliff face like an old friend trying to blend into the scenery.
It was the same abandoned dwelling he had spotted during their planning for the wayfarer trial. He paused for a moment, pondering the strange coincidence, considering the universe's odd sense of timing, when the sound of footsteps echoed nearby. They needed to move quickly before someone took it upon themselves to investigate.
Fortunately, they managed to duck behind the structure, but both were acutely aware that their qi could easily reveal their presence, like a beacon in the night.
Without hesitation, Xue Xinyu grasped Liang Zhiguan's hand firmly and leaped off the cliff's edge, adrenaline surging through him.
"Did you hear something?" Junjie asked, glancing back over his shoulder as they passed the house, brow furrowed in concern.
"Nothing," Feng Mingzhu replied dismissively, his demeanor focused and serious. "But—" Junjie began, eager to voice his instinct, only to be silenced by Feng Mingzhu's steely gaze.
"No excuses; you're just avoiding your training," Feng Mingzhu stated firmly, marching ahead with a purposeful stride.
Given that Fenghuang Peak wasn't far into the mountains, the cliff wasn't excessively high, and they landed with only minor bruises. Xue Xinyu had made sure to shield Liang Zhiguan during their descent, playing the role of both protector and overly cautious mountaineer.
As Liang Zhiguan dismounted from Xue Xinyu's back, a blush crept across his cheeks, betraying his discomfort at being carried like a princess. Xue Xinyu rose, brushing dirt from his clothes with the nonchalance of someone who had just fought a dragon rather than tumbled off a cliff. "Are you alright?" he inquired, genuine concern lacing his tone.
