Slag Shou Cultivating Manual - Chapter 121: Eternity and End

Chapter 121: Eternity and End

 

Rao Chen could barely muster the patience to grant He Lang rare freedom, but soon after, He Lang disappeared from Yuan Kang for an entire week.

 

Even as he consoled himself that this man was talented and had important matters to attend to, that he needed to be more understanding to earn more of He Lang’s affection, he found himself unable to endure He Lang’s evasive attitude any longer.

 

After searching through assistants and attending physicians, Rao Chen grew even more confused, as no one seemed to know more about He Lang’s whereabouts.

 

In everyone’s impression, Director Mo was always at the hospital. Even though he owned a house outside, it was likely unused. His range of activities seemed confined to Yuan Kang, leaving barely a trace of his presence in the world. It was as if his existence could be wiped away with a mere brush.

 

Just as Rao Chen was becoming frantic, the person he missed so dearly finally reappeared.

 

“Where have you been?” Rao Chen grabbed him tightly, desperately drawing in his scent. He blurted anxiously, “I should never have let you leave that day. What could possibly be more important than me?”

 

After venting his frustration, he felt somewhat relieved, though his expression remained unyielding. Deep down, however, he yearned for He Lang’s soft reassurances, perhaps even an apology—something along the lines of “nothing is more important than you.”

 

But He Lang remained uncharacteristically silent and, when faced with Rao Chen’s urgent questioning, coldly pushed him away with a weary look.

 

Rao Chen’s face darkened as he gripped He Lang’s wrist tightly, only to hear a weighty revelation.

 

“I’m getting engaged.”

 

The words struck Rao Chen like a thunderbolt, plunging him into a nightmare. His vision blurred as disbelief filled his eyes, thinking he had misheard.

 

But He Lang cruelly reaffirmed his statement, leaving no room for doubt.

 

In the darkness that enveloped him, Rao Chen heard his own icy voice, “Who is it? I’ll kill them.”

 

This reaction didn’t surprise He Lang. He stepped back, creating distance between them, and spoke softly, “She’s the eldest daughter of the Chen family. You can’t touch her. Calm down.”

 

Rao Chen laughed coldly. How could he possibly stay calm in such a situation? With bitterness in his eyes, he clutched He Lang’s shoulders and asked desperately, “What about us? What about us? What about us!” He repeated the question, his voice growing louder and more frantic until it broke into a roar.

 

He Lang, shaken by Rao Chen’s outburst, finally assumed a helpless expression. “I have my reasons.”

 

“You mean to say you’re marrying her for Yuan Kang?”

 

He Lang nodded, his gaze lowered, avoiding the sight of Rao Chen’s bloodshot eyes.

 

Rao Chen’s pale face shook in denial. “It’s not necessary. It’s impossible…”

 

He Lang sighed, turning his back to him, feigning irritation. “Without the Rao family, you’re just a kid who recently came of age. Do you really think I’d entrust my life to you? Can’t you grow up a little?”

 

The world seemed to fall into silence. Rao Chen’s ears echoed with He Lang’s cutting words, each one stabbing at his heart.

 

Was this how He Lang truly saw him? Rao Chen felt a lump in his throat, his back cold with dread. He Lang’s words were not only right but so brutally honest that they left him with no room to argue.

 

Why had he ever believed that, without material security, his love alone could keep He Lang by his side and bind him? Was it all based on some vague promise?

 

“Do you like her?” Rao Chen struggled to speak, the word “like” weighed heavily with effort.

 

During the days He Lang had been gone, Rao Chen imagined him spending time with her, doing things and having conversations he could not know. He didn’t dare think too much about it, fearing that any further thought would bring him closer to the brink of collapse.

 

“We admire each other,” He Lang hesitated before replying, but even the word “admire” was enough to ignite Rao Chen’s fury.

 

Rao Chen let out a cold laugh, taking a deep breath. Suppressing his simmering rage, he spoke with a growing menace in his tone, “I killed the patient in room 303 because you cared for him and ignored me. I was going to strangle that nurse, too, because I don’t allow anyone to covet you. Now you’re getting married to someone else. What do you think I’ll do to her?”

 

His words, laced with fury, carried an eerie undertone. It was as if, given the opportunity, he would skin his rival alive, break their bones, and even drink their blood.

 

Stopping Rao Chen from storming off, He Lang reminded him, “The Chen family is heavily guarded. Do you think you can do anything to her?”

 

The Chen family was the only one in the city capable of standing on equal footing with the Rao family. Even when Rao’s father was alive, he wouldn’t dare disrupt the balance between the two families. With the Chen family as her backing, Chen Lili was untouchable. This was one of the reasons He Lang had chosen her.

 

If Rao Chen truly wanted to challenge the Chen family, he would have to seize control of his own family and take significant risks.

 

Rao Chen’s body stiffened. The blood that had rushed to his head drained away, his clenched fists trembling as he struggled to suppress his instincts.

 

He fixed his gaze on He Lang, his eyes gradually turning hollow, devoid of any light. What was he supposed to do? Stand by and watch the person he loved marry someone else and live happily ever after?

 

“You’re forcing me.”

 

Rao Chen’s dark eyes were like those of a lost soul. He drifted closer to He Lang, leaning against him sorrowfully, murmuring softly, “You’re forcing me… You’re forcing me…”

 

He Lang heard the indistinct murmurs near his ear, unable to make out the words. Yet, they felt like whispers from a demon in hell, sending a shiver down his spine. He pushed Rao Chen away, his back cold with unease.

 

At that moment, Rao Chen lifted his bloodshot eyes. When their gazes met, He Lang saw the madness and hatred in his expression. Before he could react, a sharp pain struck his neck, and the world went black as his body went limp.

 

Catching He Lang firmly, Rao Chen let out a sigh of relief. Holding him close to his chest, he tenderly stroked his face, leaving a trail of kisses. When his lips touched the warmth of He Lang’s neck, he couldn’t resist biting down, as if he wished to devour him entirely.

 

Fearing he might leave marks on He Lang’s fair skin, Rao Chen reluctantly let go. With a heavy heart, he carried He Lang in his arms, making a phone call before leaving Yuan Kang.

 

Since the world had abandoned him, he would create a new one for He Lang.

 

Overnight, everything changed.

 

When He Lang opened his eyes again, he was greeted by an ornate ceiling covered in intricate patterns. Surveying his surroundings, he found the room both luxurious and unfamiliar.

 

Rubbing his sore neck, He Lang swung his legs off the bed, his bare feet touching the floor as he opened the door.

 

Two men stationed outside immediately blocked his way, ushering him back into the room. Noticing he was barefoot, they quickly offered him slippers. “Please take care of yourself, Madam. If the Master sees this, he’ll blame us.”

 

He Lang pressed his lips together, frowning as he put on the slippers. “Madam?”

 

The two men nodded firmly.

 

“You can just call me Sir,” He Lang said, still unaccustomed to the world’s gender distinctions.

 

From their address, He Lang could already surmise the situation. Rao Chen must have brought him back to the Rao residence, disclosed his gender to the family, and taken the position of family head. While he didn’t understand the process, the outcome was clear.

 

Furthermore, Rao Chen had likely made their relationship public. Otherwise, why would these men address him as “Madam”?

 

“Where’s Rao Chen?” He Lang asked directly, peering past the doorway only to be stopped again. It was evident the two had orders to keep him confined.

 

“The Master is out handling matters and won’t be back for a while. Please stay in this room. If you need anything, just knock. We’re here at your service.”

 

Understanding they were only following orders, He Lang didn’t make things difficult for them and stayed put.

 

Despite the new environment, he felt neither fear nor anxiety. Instead, he experienced an unprecedented sense of relief.

 

Soon after, the Tu spirit he was bound to materialized, hopping onto his chest. It informed him that only three days remained and that, having successfully completed his tasks in previous worlds, this would be his final destination.

 

Listening to the Tu’s words, He Lang nodded and exhaled deeply as he stared at the ceiling.

 

Perhaps everything was coming to an end.

 

After indulging in the exotic delicacies prepared by the two outside, He Lang was pampered into a deep, peaceful sleep. However, his rest was disturbed in the middle of the night.

 

A pair of cold hands stroked his face, slipped into his collar, and wandered along his back beneath his clothes. Even as slow to react as he was, He Lang was eventually roused and let out a disgruntled hum.

 

The person in the darkness chuckled softly and didn’t cease their mischief. Instead, they pressed down on him more aggressively, determined to wake him completely.

 

“It’s better to keep you at home.”

 

He Lang opened his eyes and met the blurred face of the person in the night. For a moment, he was speechless. “Where… did you go?”

 

Rao Chen froze, expecting him to be either angry or indifferent upon seeing him. He had already prepared to confine He Lang by his side, but this reaction felt as if he’d returned to the past when he would visit He Lang’s hospital room after being away.

 

“There were matters to attend to. You needn’t worry,” Rao Chen kissed his cheek. “As you wished, I’ve returned to the Rao family and naturally assumed the position of head. Are you happy now? From now on, stay with me at the Rao estate. Next month, we’ll get married.”

 

He unilaterally planned He Lang’s life, seemingly in a good mood. However, when he thought of something, his expression darkened. He bit He Lang’s ear as he spoke, “That fiancée of yours—forget her name completely. If I hear you mention her again, you’ll never leave this place!”

 

He Lang turned his head to avoid the fervent kisses. “Understood. Just don’t touch her.”

 

Knowing Rao Chen, He Lang was well aware that the man wouldn’t let things go easily. He didn’t want to watch Rao Chen risk the Rao family for something so foolish.

 

“Are you pleading for her?” Rao Chen abruptly sat up, his gaze dangerous as he loomed over He Lang.

 

He Lang firmly denied it. “I’m just worried the Chen family might target you.”

 

Rao Chen’s face softened slightly but still held suspicion. Frustrated, he rubbed his temples. As if making a decision, he caressed He Lang’s knees. His expression became tender, though his eyes carried a chilling sincerity.

 

“What if I broke your legs, so you could only stay by my side and never leave? Would that be fine?”

 

He Lang stiffened, resisting internally but not outright rejecting him. Rao Chen was always on the brink of madness; opposing him would only lead to disaster.

 

“As you wish.”

 

He Lang closed his eyes and replied casually, as if indifferent to the suggestion.

 

In three days, he would leave this world. What happened to this body no longer concerned him.

 

Rao Chen hadn’t anticipated such a reaction. Satisfied yet inexplicably pained, he gritted his teeth. Despite holding He Lang captive and his apparent compliance, it still felt like He Lang was never truly his.

 

He Lang had heard similar threats before, but they never came to fruition. However, Rao Chen was different. By the next day, a professional was brought in to inject something into He Lang’s legs, leaving them entirely numb.

 

As Rao Chen repeatedly caressed his legs, He Lang asked, “Is this your wish?”

 

Rao Chen smiled, nodding, then leaned in, whispering greedily, “I have many wishes—to marry you, to have children—but first, I’ll mark you.”

 

With only two days left until his departure, He Lang wrapped his arms around Rao Chen’s neck and murmured, “As you wish.”

 

This time was unlike before. Without the suppressant, He Lang’s body had fully reverted to an Omega state. As Rao Chen’s Alpha pheromones filled the air, He Lang couldn’t resist. Their bodies intertwined, pheromones mingling and saturating the room.

 

When Rao Chen released himself, a massive knot formed within He Lang, locking them together completely.

 

“Does this make you happy?” He Lang tiredly brushed the damp hair from Rao Chen’s forehead.

 

Rao Chen nodded, his face full of contentment as he rested on He Lang’s chest. “I’ve marked you. From now on, you’ll be mine alone. My mark will stay with you forever.”

 

“Forever?” He Lang raised a brow.

 

“Forever.”

 

At Rao Chen’s firm response, He Lang smiled faintly. “Alright.”

 

What did “forever” mean? Could it transcend worlds and time?

 

…

 

After a day of indulgence, there was less than a day left before his departure.

 

Early in the morning, someone knocked on the door, reminding Rao Chen to attend to business. Reluctantly, he got up, clinging to the blankets and showering He Lang with kisses and embraces before preparing for the day.

 

Sitting on the bed, He Lang suddenly spoke, “Stay with me today.”

 

“What’s this? You can’t bear to be apart from me now?” Rao Chen paused mid-movement, joy evident in his eyes.

 

He Lang hesitated, then nodded.

 

Overjoyed by the request, Rao Chen sighed dramatically, hugged He Lang tightly, and kissed him repeatedly. “But today is important. I have to meet with my uncle and the elders to finalize our wedding. Once everything’s settled, no matter how busy I am, I’ll be with you every day, alright?”

 

Afraid of losing his resolve, Rao Chen turned and left without looking back.

 

Lying back on the bed, He Lang felt a pang of guilt.

 

He had asked Rao Chen to stay, hoping to leave him with one last memory. But Rao Chen, believing they had a future, eagerly went to prepare for a meaningless wedding.

 

As time passed, He Lang’s presence grew fainter until he vanished completely.

 

…

 

When night fell, Rao Chen returned to the darkened room, smiling warmly, thinking his beloved was still sleeping. His voice was tender as he said, “They agreed. Next month, we’ll marry, and you’ll truly be mine.”

 

Sitting by the bed, he reached out to embrace the familiar warmth but found only emptiness.

 

The cold, untouched bedding made Rao Chen feel as though he had fallen into an abyss.

 

…

 

In a void, He Lang’s vision blurred, his thoughts only able to discern the tiny figure of Gua Tu.

 

It told him that everything was over, the world had resumed its normal flow, and he could return to his own world.

 

Though Gua Tu had once called him heartless for forgetting his companions across different worlds, He Lang now realized that wasn’t true. As the endless journey finally concluded, a profound emptiness settled within him, and faces from his past floated to the surface of his mind.

 

He understood the void in his heart. What he lacked was the emotional essence that prevented him from loving or truly remembering those he’d left behind.

 

Yet, he had experienced a kaleidoscope of life’s flavors across worlds and was content.

 

Gua Tu’s voice sounded again, “When I chose you as a host, I promised you’d be resurrected. This is farewell; you can return to your world now. But, I’ll miss you.”

 

He Lang’s vision brightened as a glowing orb fused into his body. Clutching his chest, he felt an unfamiliar, bittersweet sensation and asked, confused.

 

Gua Tu answered matter-of-factly, “To live is to have all emotions. Reviving you naturally includes restoring your complete soul.”

 

He Lang nodded in understanding but asked, “Will we meet again?”

 

“Who? Me? Or them?”

 

“You all.”

 

Tearing up, Gua Tu pulled out the familiar manual.

 

The previously blank cover now bore the title Handbook for the Scum Shou’s Redemption. Nervously flipping through it, Gua Tu revealed pages chronicling He Lang’s experiences across worlds. However, several pages were blackened, shrouded in miasma.

 

“This wasn’t supposed to happen. We’re about helping others succeed, but these worlds ended with deep regret and pain. If you wish to see them again, you must enter their parallel worlds and dispel this darkness. What do you think?”

 

“If you hadn’t returned this emotional essence to me, I would have declined to avoid unnecessary trouble. But now…”

 

Memories surged like waves, submerging He Lang. The regrets and betrayals haunted him, leaving a bitter aftertaste.

 

With a soft sigh, he replied, “I’ll go back.”