Slag Shou Cultivating Manual - Chapter 119: Halt

Chapter 119: Halt

Driven by this thought, Rao Chen used it as his mental support. With the recklessness of a fearless young calf, he broke through layer after layer of obstacles, fought his way through thorns, and returned safely.

Leaning on He Lang’s shoulder, he had a fleeting urge to pour out all his troubles. “You know, I used to fear nothing—not even death. But now, I’m afraid.”

In the past, he was full of hostility, living a solitary life. To him, life was just something to drag through if he could, and death would’ve been no great loss—a sort of relief.

But now, this person had changed everything.

If someone had told him a year ago that he’d fall head over heels for an Omega, act impulsively for a single word from him, and even put himself in danger, he would have scoffed and mocked the notion.

Yet now, he believed in the change brought about by this person.

As their relationship deepened, their connection grew heavier. From the initial thrill of trying something new, the weight of their bond was steadily increasing. He Lang could sense the seriousness in Rao Chen’s tone, but it brought him no joy.

“How could anyone take me away? You’re overthinking,” He Lang said with a shake of his head, turning to pour another glass of water.

Unwilling to let him go—even for water—Rao Chen grabbed one of his hands and leaned his head over his shoulder, asking, “So, you’re mine forever?”

He Lang’s body stiffened for a moment as an inexplicable irritation rose within him. Forever again.

Life is so long. Rao Chen wasn’t even 20 yet—he hadn’t experienced even half a lifetime—yet he spoke of eternal vows so impulsively. For most couples, such promises would be heartwarming and sweet. But for He Lang, who had lived through several worlds, they only felt heavy and chaotic, leaving him unsure of how to respond.

He despised deceiving people emotionally, yet he couldn’t seem to stop himself from doing it.

From the beginning, his willingness to go further with Rao Chen was merely to satisfy a fleeting desire. He believed that once Rao Chen grew up and saw the broader world, he would naturally let go and forget. But now that Rao Chen was taking it seriously, He Lang felt it was becoming troublesome.

Rao Chen waited in silence, noticing He Lang’s prolonged quietness. The smile on his face stiffened, and his expression darkened slightly. He Lang, swallowing hard, comforted himself: if it was just for this world, then it could count as forever, he supposed.

“Yes, yes, I’m yours, Young Master. Happy now?”

Satisfied with the response, Rao Chen looked as if he had achieved perfection in life. His eyes sparkled, light flickering like fragments in his gaze. Bathed in sunlight, his face softened, and his entire demeanor became extraordinarily gentle.

He pulled He Lang onto his lap, took the glass of water from him, downed it in one go, and provocatively nudged against him. “I’m up now—what are you going to do about it?”

The two of them hadn’t had any intimate time together recently due to being busy. And with his naturally high libido, Rao Chen had been feeling restless since he first saw He Lang. Now, with He Lang teasing him like this, he could barely restrain himself.

He Lang took a step back, firmly refusing. “You’re injured.”

Young people are so full of energy—injured as he was, he still had these thoughts. He Lang couldn’t help but be impressed.

“If you don’t help me soon, this will get hurt too,” Rao Chen muttered, lowering his eyelashes to conceal the wolfish glint in his eyes. Grabbing He Lang’s hand, he pressed it onto the hard bulge below, moving it in a way that made his desire unmistakable.

“Good. Let it get hurt. Then you won’t keep thinking about these things all day,” He Lang said, shooting him a sideways glance.

Rao Chen pouted. “Not fair. I’m an alpha. If that gets injured, how am I supposed to live?”

“True. You’re the only alpha in the Rao family who can pass on the lineage,” He Lang replied. The Rao family had few descendants, making it hard to find a suitable heir. That’s why even an illegitimate child like Rao Feng had easily taken the position of young master. But now that he was dead, all their hopes rested on Rao Chen.

“I’d rather have children with you, but your alpha status makes it complicated,” Rao Chen said, stroking his chin. Once he inherited the family, he planned to make He Lang his legitimate spouse, reveal his real gender, and marry him outright.

“Wouldn’t it be faster to find a regular Omega?” He Lang replied with a laugh.

Rao Chen shot him a cold look. Feeling provoked, he ignored his injuries and pulled He Lang beneath him, determined to teach him a lesson.

…

Rao Feng had perished in battle, leaving the position of family head vacant. Yang Xuefei, not officially recognized as the matriarch, had no real standing. Lacking proper support from the conservative elders, her influence dwindled.

With her power gone, Rao Chen had no more worries about her meddling. Those she had stationed at Yuan Kang Rehabilitation Center to monitor him no longer followed her orders.

Now that the Rao family was leaderless, Rao Chen, as the eldest son with legitimate bloodline, naturally had the right to inherit. But despite being the obvious choice, no one came to take him back, nor did the family show any urgency to respond.

It made sense—an Omega as the head of the Rao family would be a laughingstock. With the elders still healthy, the family could manage without a head for the time being. However, if Rao Chen were to reveal his true gender, he could easily secure the position.

Yet when everything was within his grasp—when the coveted position was just one step away—Rao Chen suddenly lost the desire to pursue it.

With Rao Feng gone and Yang Xuefei incapable of causing trouble, Rao Chen could now enjoy peace. But claiming the family headship would mean heavy responsibilities and the end of his tranquil life.

If he left this place, he could never return to how things were before.

Leaning against He Lang, Rao Chen gazed up at him with calm eyes. After all the turmoil, what he longed for most was stability.

“Let’s stay like this, okay? No more Rao family or Lu family. Just the two of us.”

He Lang chuckled softly, as if mocking his naivety. Was he faltering at the finish line?

Rao Chen had grown stronger after all he had endured—no longer a naïve boy. He Lang couldn’t understand why he would say something so escapist.

Even if Rao Chen acted childish, arrogant, and spoiled in front of him, he couldn’t have forgotten that he had matured into a capable man outside these walls.

Was he really planning to hide in this small rehabilitation center for the rest of his life? Rao Chen, once ambitious and passionate, now hesitated when the throne was within reach. How could his path to success end here?

More importantly, if Rao Chen didn’t inherit the family, He Lang couldn’t leave this world.

He Lang tried to reason with him, but it was futile against Rao Chen’s firm resolve.

“Honestly, the thought of going back to the Rao family bores me to death. Nothing compares to staying here, seeing you every day. It’s enough to make me feel like I’ll live longer.”

Rao Chen’s lighthearted tone showed he wasn’t taking He Lang’s words seriously, and He Lang’s expression darkened.

Misinterpreting He Lang’s reaction, Rao Chen grew suspicious.

A cold laugh escaped Rao Chen as he questioned, “So, you just don’t want me around, do you? You have no intention of staying with me.”

Rao Chen knew He Lang cared deeply for him, but he couldn’t help his paranoia—wondering if He Lang was merely waiting for him to return to the Rao family, only to cut ties using some excuse about incompatibility.

After all, He Lang didn’t seem to care about material wealth. His simple lifestyle and modest wardrobe hardly suited someone after power.

Uncertain of He Lang’s true intentions, Rao Chen felt a sense of emptiness and confusion.

Grabbing hold of He Lang, he pressed him down with a vengeful tone. “If you think you can get rid of me once I go back, think again. When I leave, I’ll take you with me. Shut down this rehabilitation center and marry me properly.”

He Lang furrowed his brows, sighed deeply, and wrapped his arms around Rao Chen’s waist. Resting his head against Rao Chen’s chest, he softened his tone. “Don’t get mad. I’m only thinking about what’s best for you. If you want to stay, then stay. I won’t argue anymore.”

Rao Chen glared at him, grinding his molars. Yet, despite his frustration, He Lang’s soft voice and affectionate gestures melted all his anger.

Even if He Lang committed some unforgivable mistake, one smile, one touch, and Rao Chen would be utterly disarmed.

“Out there, I’m unstoppable. But here, I’m completely at your mercy.”

He Lang raised an eyebrow and replied, “And you think I’m not at yours?” Finally, the tense expression on Rao Chen’s face softened into a smile.

Author’s Note:

I’m really disappointed with Jinjiang. orz Despite this, I’m still pushing through with determination—left hand on the IV drip, right hand typing. [wipes tears]