After Accidentally Entering the Forbidden Land and Forming a Bond with the Grandmaster - Chapter 27

Xie Zhuo pointed at the sky outside. “Dawn is about to break. What are you still practicing for?”

“Oh. In that case, should we sleep?”

Xie Zhuo smiled. “Yes, let us sleep.”

The question remained: how exactly should they sleep?

Since Chu Lanci moved here, he had always slept alone. He assumed Xie Zhuo would return to his own quarters. After all, did a Master even need to sleep? He figured Xie Zhuo would only need to meditate.

Xie Zhuo indeed did not require sleep, but was this not the perfect time for it? When he was young, he often saw his two fathers snuggling together to sleep. Back then, he did not quite understand it, but he understood now.

Sleep. To sleep together was a source of endless joy.

He followed Chu Lanci closely to the bedside. Chu Lanci turned around in surprise. “Master, are you not going back?”

“I said we are sleeping.” Xie Zhuo was the first to lie down on the bed, and then he patted the space beside him. “Time for sleep.”

Chu Lanci gave a soft “Oh” and took off his outer robe. He was a mortal and followed mortal habits; he washed up and rinsed his face before getting into bed.

While Chu Lanci busied himself with his routine, Xie Zhuo observed him. Once the youth shed his green robes, his frame appeared exceptionally thin. His waist was startlingly narrow, yet his hips were rounded and full, and his legs were long and straight. In short, his proportions were excellent; everything was exactly where it should be.

His face was also lovely—clear and elegant, possessing a pure aura that was incredibly attractive. He was exactly the type that Xie Zhuo preferred.

Chu Lanci was straight, yet not overtly so, and he was not quite bent either. He existed in an intermediate state that Xie Zhuo found maddeningly alluring.

After Chu Lanci finished preparing, he walked around the foot of the bed. Rather than climbing over Xie Zhuo, he took the long way around to reach the inner side of the bed. Once he crawled in, he pulled up the covers and prepared to go to sleep.

He was truly intending to sleep.

As soon as he covered himself, the light in the room dimmed.

The sound of their breathing could be heard, very soft and light. Because there was someone beside him, Chu Lanci found it hard to get comfortable. He had been lying flat on his back, but he suddenly rolled onto his side and accidentally brushed against Xie Zhuo’s arm.

Xie Zhuo took this as a signal. He moved closer and pressed the youth beneath him.

Chu Lanci thought Xie Zhuo was going to scold him. He said innocently, “Master, it was an accident.”

Xie Zhuo smiled. “I know it was an accident.” He lowered his head to lick Chu Lanci’s chin and asked with lingering interest, “Shall we?”

Chu Lanci shook his head. “I do not want to.”

Xie Zhuo paused. “Why?”

Chu Lanci explained, “It has not even been three days, Master. Last time, you said it would be once a month.”

Xie Zhuo remained silent. Then why did you sound so certain about sleeping just now? He reached out to touch Chu Lanci’s “sword sheath” and found that it was indeed “asleep.” He manipulated it casually for a few moments, and it quickly reached the state he expected.

“And you still say you do not want to?” he whispered.

Chu Lanci’s face instantly flushed red. It was not that he wanted to, but with his Master messing around like this, what normal man could remain unaffected?

“Come on,” Xie Zhuo asked again. After a moment of thought, he added, “I will help you ‘bite’ it.”

Chu Lanci was speechless. The image of the stern Xie Zhuo lecturing his disciples during the day was still fresh in his mind. To think that same man could be so provocative at night—were they truly the same person?

However, he did not want to go against his Master. “Fine, then.”

“It will be quick,” Xie Zhuo said. He leaned down to kiss him, then flipped over to hover above Chu Lanci. He kissed and embraced him repeatedly before things slowly progressed to the main event.

Intercourse depended heavily on the state of mind; if both parties were in the right mood, it was comfortable. Otherwise, it was not.

This time, Chu Lanci’s state was not very good. When Xie Zhuo attempted a deep kiss, he met some resistance. “Relax a little,” Xie Zhuo urged.

Chu Lanci obeyed and opened his mouth slightly. It was still not enough. “More,” Xie Zhuo requested.

Chu Lanci bit his lip and opened a bit further.

“Lanci,” Xie Zhuo called out.

“Master, I am trying,” Chu Lanci replied. The corners of his eyes were red, and his voice trembled with a hint of grievance.

Xie Zhuo looked down and saw his little Daoist partner gritting his teeth and trying his best. He was struck by how cute the boy was. This surge of affection caused a certain part of him to break the rules once more.

Chu Lanci was startled. The kissing was already difficult enough; was this terrifying intensity meant to kill him? Frightened, he tried to shrink back like a startled rabbit.

“Your mindset is not right. Tell me what is wrong, and we will resolve it together,” Xie Zhuo said, sounding very reasonable.

Chu Lanci said, “It is nothing, really.”

“Do you regret it?”

“Not exactly.”

Hearing this, Xie Zhuo’s heart filled with a sense of joy. That meant they could continue. “Then why is that?”

“It is just…” Chu Lanci remembered how, on the night of the Covenant, he had reached a peak within moments of Xie Zhuo “kissing” him. After that, they had remained joined for a long time, which felt quite intense.

The first night was unavoidable, and during the nights they returned to the village, he figured he should just go along with his Master’s wishes since it was the beginning. So, during those three days, he had been very submissive, letting his Master toss and turn him all night long.

But he had not expected that within three days of returning to Qianshan, they would be at it again. He did not want to be so “wild” all the time.

How could he put this into words? Even though they were Daoist partners, he still mentally considered himself a man. To put it another way, they could be married and they could practice dual cultivation, but the premise that he was a man could not change!

“It is just what?”

“It is just,” Chu Lanci thought for a moment and lied, “I am afraid that if we break up in the future, I will not be able to adjust.”

Xie Zhuo corrected him. “You are afraid that you will like men in the future, are you not?”

Chu Lanci felt that this concern was perfectly normal. He had originally thought they would only perform a ceremony. How could he have known he would have to do all this with Xie Zhuo? He had also thought it would be once a month, yet here they were again before seven days had passed. He feared becoming too accustomed to it, so his resistance was natural.

“Not exactly. I am afraid that if I truly get married in the future, I will…”

Xie Zhuo interrupted him directly. “We will worry about the future when it comes.”

Chu Lanci gave a soft “Mm” of agreement.

Seeing how obedient Chu Lanci was, Xie Zhuo’s heart softened. “Actually, it is useless to think about that.”

“Why?”

“Because we are married now. Will thinking so much solve anything?”

“No.” Chu Lanci thought it over and gathered his courage. “It is fine. I am ready.”

Master had been teaching him all night; he might as well go through with it.

Xie Zhuo could not help but laugh at this look of noble sacrifice. “You focus on learning your skills and do not worry about anything else. As long as I am in Qianshan, I will protect you. As for the frequency, I will try to be more restrained.”

Chu Lanci nodded, feeling moved.

“Is it okay now?”

“It is okay.” Chu Lanci took a breath. Learning skills was his top priority, and he should make good use of such a wonderful Master. Even if they broke up in the future, he should be able to adjust.

He was full of resolve, but once they truly began, Chu Lanci found himself unable to handle the intensity again.

Ultimately, Xie Zhuo was too powerful. In front of him, Chu Lanci was like a pure white rabbit. Master always liked to “kiss him” from behind, which was so stimulating that they hovered between heaven and hell until dawn. By the time they finished, Chu Lanci was exhausted. His only thought was that he needed to rest and sleep. How could he learn any skills? He could not learn anything at all.

Even after Xie Zhuo infused him with spiritual energy, he still wanted to rest.

“Still tired?” Xie Zhuo, now fully dressed, sat beside Chu Lanci and asked gently.

“Yes,” Chu Lanci answered weakly. “I am so tired, Master.”

Xie Zhuo was in an excellent mood, a smile playing on his lips. “You rest first. Tomorrow’s classes at the Academy start; it is fine if you go a little late.”

Chu Lanci opened his eyes slightly. “But that might not be good.” Taking a leave of absence on the very first day? He felt that would be acting too entitled. Xie Zhuo had arranged for him to study at the Academy alongside low-level cultivators. He was looking forward to it and did not want to miss it.

Xie Zhuo replied, “There is no ‘good’ or ‘bad.’ No one dares to criticize you.”

Chu Lanci answered in a low voice, “No, I must go to class. I must go.” This was a hard-won opportunity, and he did not want to waste it.

Xie Zhuo wanted to persuade him further, but he saw that Chu Lanci was already huddled under the covers, his face flushed and his breathing steady. He had fallen fast asleep. Xie Zhuo sat by the bed for a while, tucked him in, and then vanished in a flash of light.

When he woke up the next day, Chu Lanci felt better. He recited the mantra Xie Zhuo had given him; he was very good at rote memorization. As for understanding it, he was perhaps still a bit lacking.

He tidied himself up and prepared to head to the Academy, but unexpectedly, Wei Daoping arrived.

“Little Junior Brother.”

Chu Lanci was surprised. “Senior Brother Wei, why are you here?”

Wei Daoping said with a smile, “It is nothing. Master said that you do not need to go to the Academy today. He has already requested a leave of absence for you.”

Chu Lanci replied, “But I have nothing to do right now.”

Wei Daoping said, “I know, I know. Rest assured, there is no harm in delaying for a few days. You should rest well first; only then can you cultivate properly.” He added meaningfully, “A disciple should not go against Master’s words.”

Chu Lanci gave a soft “Oh.” Since Master was doing this for his own good, he decided not to go. He did indeed need the rest. “I will follow your arrangements then, Senior Brother Wei.”

“Good, good. Wan Biaoli said he wanted to come and teach you. Is that acceptable?”

“Of course!” Chu Lanci said. “But will it be too much trouble for Senior Sister Wan?”

Wei Daoping thought to himself that Wan Biaoli was more than eager. “No trouble at all. Let us leave it at that, then. If you need anything, remember to tell me.”

Wei Daoping was so polite that it made Chu Lanci feel embarrassed. To be honest, he knew the reason for their politeness; they thought he was Xie Zhuo’s person. He was indeed Xie Zhuo’s partner, but their relationship was not exactly what the others imagined. However, if they insisted on currying favor with him, he would let them. He had nothing to hide.

To teach Chu Lanci, Wan Biaoli even skipped his duties at the Repentance Cliff for several days, pushing them back further. But his true goal was to have the punishment canceled or to find someone to take his place.

The best candidate to go in his stead was Chu Lanci.

Thus, after teaching Chu Lanci for a few days, he took the opportunity to make his request.

“Little Junior Brother, can you go to the Repentance Cliff for me?”

Chu Lanci asked, “What kind of place is that?”

“It is a place similar to the Forbidden Grounds. For those of us with cultivation, it involves much suffering. But for someone like you with no spiritual roots, nothing will happen at all.”

 

Chu Lanci gave a soft “Oh,” though he had not quite processed the implications yet.

 

Wan Biaoli stole a glance at him and suggested, “How about you go in my stead? I can give you some spirit stones in exchange.”

 

At the mention of spirit stones, Chu Lanci’s interest was piqued. “How many?”

 

Wan Biaoli had only mentioned it in passing and had not expected Chu Lanci to actually be short on money. “Whatever you like. Is a thousand enough?”

 

Chu Lanci did a quick mental calculation. He only earned a hundred stones for an entire basket of Spirit Night Orchids. A thousand spirit stones was… far too much.

 

“It is enough! I will go for you. But, there will not be any danger, right?”

 

Wan Biaoli laughed. “If there were real danger, would I dare ask you to go? Nothing will happen at all, rest assured. If something truly happened to you, I would not be able to explain it to Master.” As he spoke, he took out two hundred spirit stones and handed them over. “Here, this is the deposit. Take it for now.”

 

Chu Lanci felt a bit embarrassed, but he accepted the stones nonetheless. Once the money was exchanged, he felt his bond with Wan Biaoli grow even stronger.

 

Having found a substitute, Wan Biaoli was in an excellent mood. He found himself liking Chu Lanci more and more; this little junior brother had a soft temperament, was quite obedient, and possessed a touch of denseness that often made people laugh. Furthermore, he would help with almost anything he was asked.

 

Most importantly, his appearance was pleasant. Unlike the sharp beauty of their Master, Chu Lanci’s handsomeness was gentle—the type that became more comfortable to look at the longer one did so.

 

Initially, Wan Biaoli thought Master’s taste was lacking for choosing a partner with such poor cultivation, but now he understood why Master liked him. Who would not like such an easily managed, muddled little white rabbit?

 

Wan Biaoli did not have a great reputation among the other disciples, so this was the first time he truly felt like he had a friend.

 

Once the teaching session ended, Wan Biaoli said on a whim, “Little Junior Brother, let me take you to see the Mountain Protection Array. There, I can show you the knowledge about array talismans I mentioned. Theory cannot compare to practice, after all.”

 

Chu Lanci nodded repeatedly. “That sounds wonderful, Senior Sister Wan. Thank you for the trouble.”

 

“It is no trouble. You are new, and as your seniors, it is only right that we help you out.”

 

As he said this, Wan Biaoli almost believed his own words. In Qianshan, he was famous for being selfish, stingy, and for never helping those in distress. Usually, his words were sweet, but the moment a crisis arrived, he would abandon his fellow disciples, showing an utter coldness that prioritized only his own well-being.

 

He dressed as a woman partly because he enjoyed it and partly to lower the defenses of others. Unfortunately, the effect was negligible; everyone in Qianshan knew his true nature, and no one truly pitied him. Except, of course, for those who were unaware, like Chu Lanci.

 

However, regarding Chu Lanci, Wan Biaoli could sense that the boy was not necessarily ignorant; rather, he was simply a good person who did not hold grudges—someone who saw through things but chose not to speak of them.

 

The Mountain Protection Array

 

The two walked to the front of the Qianshan Mountain Protection Array. They looked up to see two towering stone statues standing guard at the gate.

 

The massive array enveloped the countless mountain peaks. Upon drawing closer, one could see ancient runes swimming in the void. From a distance, it looked like an inverted giant bowl, but up close, it felt as if ten thousand sword shadows were flickering within the curtain of light, ready to transform into a killing formation at any moment.

 

Wan Biaoli introduced it proudly. “This array cycles through a spiritual energy tide every twelve hours, and every hour is different. It is said that three hundred and sixty ancient swords are buried beneath this stone formation, their hilts facing upward to form a Zhou Heaven Star Array. If someone without a Qianshan Jade Token tries to force their way in, the array will automatically shred them.”

 

Standing amidst the mountains and feeling the sword shadows surrounding him, Chu Lanci asked, “Who established this array?”

 

“Generation after generation of Sect Leaders. Naturally, that includes our Master.”

 

Chu Lanci was stunned by the grandeur of the sword array. “Master? Is he truly that powerful?”

 

Wan Biaoli could not help but glance at him. It seemed Chu Lanci really did not understand how powerful his partner, Xie Zhuo, truly was. “Of course. Back then, Master’s own teacher, Immortal Yuxiao, along with several other Immortals and Master’s senior brother, Lord Xuantian, could not suppress this array. But our Master could. Not only could he do it, he did it entirely on his own. Think about it; among so many in the Great Transcendence and Integration stages, only our Master’s power far exceeds the rest.”

 

Even within the Great Transcendence Realm, there were vast differences in strength. Chu Lanci gave a simple “Oh” in response. Wan Biaoli shook his head; only a cultivator could understand Xie Zhuo’s brilliance. An outsider like Chu Lanci would never truly get it.

 

They walked forward until Wan Biaoli noticed a crooked rune on the ground. He had a sudden urge to show off in front of Chu Lanci and test his own magical power. He asked Chu Lanci to crouch down and hold a Xuantian Green Jade brick covered in incantations while he performed a “fine-tuning” spell.

 

Just as he was about to cast the spell to reinforce the array, a deafening boom echoed, and the ground beneath them suddenly cracked.

 

Even more terrifyingly, the ancient runes between the stones erupted with a blinding, molten-gold light. Bright green flames surged from the fissures. The flames hung suspended in the cracks; while they did not spread to the rest of the array, they scorched the gap until it became even more jagged and widened further.

 

Wan Biaoli panicked. He had caused a disaster!

 

“What should we do? Junior Brother Chu! We have made a mistake!” he cried out in urgency.

 

Prompted by Wan Biaoli’s shout, Chu Lanci reacted. “Well, perhaps we should find Master. Did you not say he was the one who set this array?”

 

Wan Biaoli tried to stop him, but Chu Lanci had already sent out a voice transmission. Wan Biaoli thought his life was over; he was going to be scolded into pieces. Everyone knew Xie Zhuo’s temperament; his polite and gentle exterior was just an act.

 

Since becoming the Sect Leader, Xie Zhuo had been busy every day, dealing with the schemes of other sects and the constraints of his own elders. One could say no one was busier than Sect Leader Xie. Yet, Chu Lanci actually dared to bother him. It was over; his path to immortality was ending right here!

 

Chu Lanci’s jade token flashed and then went dim, indicating that Xie Zhuo had received the message. A moment later, Chu Lanci held up the token. “Master says he is coming right now.”

 

Wan Biaoli thought he had misheard. “What?”

 

“He is coming right now.”

 

“…”

 

In the moment of Wan Biaoli’s daze, a dark figure accompanied by a chilling sword aura tore through the air. He arrived with incredible speed; one moment he was at the mountain gate, and the next he was standing before them.

 

Wan Biaoli thought that since Master was willing to come, he would accept whatever scolding came his way. It would be enough to brag about for a long time. Master had personally come to help because of this trivial mess!

 

However, Xie Zhuo did not walk toward Wan Biaoli. He walked straight to Chu Lanci.

 

His expression was not cold; in fact, he often wore an involuntary smile, making his aura seem very refined. Before he could speak, Chu Lanci grabbed his arm. “Master, something went wrong here. A huge hole opened up. Senior Sister Wan said you set this array, so you must have a way to fix it, right?”

 

His voice was soft and sweet, his face filled with a pleading expression that looked very much like he was acting spoiled.

 

Xie Zhuo’s brow arched slightly. With a casual wave of his hand, the crack sealed itself perfectly as if it had never existed. Both Chu Lanci and Wan Biaoli were delighted. Master was truly Master.

 

Xie Zhuo asked gently, “Is there anything else?”

 

Wan Biaoli was stunned. Was this gentle man truly Xie Zhuo, the world’s strongest person who had once slaughtered thirty cities? Did Master even realize he was speaking so softly to his little junior brother?

 

“Master, did I disturb you?” Chu Lanci asked.

 

Xie Zhuo smiled. “What do you think?” He had been in the middle of a Sect Leaders’ meeting at the Immortal Alliance, facing the veiled insults and jealousy of others. Those powerful figures spent all day boasting, and he had long been bored. When Chu Lanci’s transmission arrived, he used it as an immediate excuse to leave.

 

Chu Lanci had not thought that far ahead; he only knew the Mountain Protection Array was important and could not be damaged. Since it was important, he had to call Xie Zhuo.

 

“I am sorry,” Chu Lanci said. He then asked, “Master, if things like this happen in the future, can I still call you?”

 

Xie Zhuo replied, “You may always call me.”

 

An ordinary person like Wan Biaoli would have been moved to tears by those words. He never knew their Master had such a side. So… affectionate?

 

But Chu Lanci was not an ordinary person. His personality was straightforward to the point of being a bit dense. He believed their relationship was purely that of Master and disciple, so he found Xie Zhuo’s response perfectly normal.

 

“Okay, Master. Just as long as you do not find me annoying,” the dense boy replied.

 

“I will not find it annoying,” Xie Zhuo said. “Since I am free, let me take you to get something delicious to eat.”

 

Chu Lanci asked, “Do you have nothing else to do, Master?”

 

“Nothing,” Xie Zhuo replied. Even if he did, he did not care to handle it. He had done what he could; the rest was up to fate.

 

As Chu Lanci prepared to follow Xie Zhuo, he noticed Wan Biaoli standing behind them. He turned back and said, “Senior Sister Wan, come along with us!”

 

Wan Biaoli was flattered and looked toward Xie Zhuo expectantly. Xie Zhuo clearly wanted to be alone with Chu Lanci, but he said, “Come if you wish.”

 

Chu Lanci added with a smile, “Yes, let us all go together.”

 

Wan Biaoli was overjoyed. He did not care if he was a third wheel; staying with Xie Zhuo even for a little longer was a rare opportunity. If Master was in a good mood, he might even give him some pointers. In the face of gaining strength, pride meant nothing. He was determined to go.

 

“Thank you, Master and Little Junior Brother!” he said enthusiastically.

 

Xie Zhuo had originally planned to take Chu Lanci to a remote island, but with Wan Biaoli there, it was no longer appropriate. They would simply wander the peaks near Qianshan instead.