Slag Shou Cultivating Manual - Chapter 64

After things settled down, He Lang, taking advantage of the fact that some people in the martial world now viewed Ao Li differently, actively persuaded Ao Li to seize the opportunity and do more good deeds to show everyone that he was not inherently bad. This would help Ao Li ultimately achieve success and fame.

The title of the demon sect was inherited from the former leader, Ao Li’s father, so Ao Li didn’t need to be held responsible for it.

Although Ao Li himself had always been indifferent to his reputation, he noticed that He Lang seemed very concerned about it and was willing to put in some effort.

His mother had left the sect because it was labeled as a demon sect, and no decent person wanted to step foot in it. If Ao Li allowed the sect to continue this way, being despised and disliked, would he, with his thin skin and kind heart, eventually be unable to withstand the criticism and leave one day?

Ao Li’s expression changed slightly, and he looked at He Lang with a hint of panic, clutching his sleeve tightly.

Although He Lang didn’t know what the demon king was thinking, he remained silent and chose not to explain, letting Ao Li think as he wished.

At that time, there was a local grain disaster. The farmers had nothing to harvest, and the towns at the foot of the mountain were affected. Food supplies were rapidly dwindling, and the price of rice had multiplied several times. The people couldn’t afford it and couldn’t endure the long journey to find food. Many had already starved to death in just a few days.

Upon learning this, He Lang advised Ao Li to send some disciples down the mountain to distribute porridge. The selected people needed to have good temperaments; otherwise, if the fierce-looking disciples of the sect went, the people would either starve or be scared to death.

Ao Li agreed, as the demon sect had accumulated wealth over the years and had ample food due to frequent feasts and celebrations. He ordered that the food and manpower be arranged by He Lang.

This naturally caused dissatisfaction among the subordinates. The usually straightforward and quick-tempered individuals began to stir up trouble.

Except for the newly joined disciples who were confused, the old members of the demon sect found the orders unbelievable.

They were disciples of a demon sect, not officials. They were supposed to enjoy themselves, not care about whether others lived or died. Was the sect leader trying to make them turn over a new leaf? This caused a chaotic atmosphere within the sect. Some were reluctantly considering leaving the sect, while others who had committed evil deeds for years had no intention of changing.

With the Left Protector, Gui Yi’s report, Ao Li was well aware of their thoughts but chose to ignore them, only paying special attention not to let He Lang hear about this.

Even though He Lang arranged for people to go down the mountain to do good, it didn’t go smoothly. The people, upon learning that these were from the demon sect, scattered in fear and didn’t dare to approach for the porridge. The dispatched disciples were young and inexperienced, so He Lang had to go himself.

Ao Li refused to let He Lang go down the mountain alone, fearing he might run away again, and followed him anxiously.

From a distance, seeing the intimidating demon sect leader, the people’s eyes were full of fear. They didn’t even dare to step closer, let alone approach for the porridge. They only stood at a distance, shivering, watching the steaming porridge.

Those with a bit more courage only dared to shrink back in the crowd, asking, “You commit all kinds of atrocities, why should we believe you would help us now? Perhaps there’s poison in this porridge meant to harm us!”

He Lang took a deep breath, knowing it was difficult to make them believe that the demon sect would do good.

The suspicions expressed by the person who spoke were unfounded, but they made the people nod in agreement and prepare to disperse.

He Lang, helpless, called out to stop them, observing their trembling limbs due to hunger, and smiled wryly as he explained.

“The grain disaster is severe, and the nearby areas are overwhelmed. Relief from the capital will take at least ten days to arrive. If you refuse the demon sect’s help, it’s a dead end… What’s the difference from being poisoned to death? Moreover, if the demon sect really wanted to harm innocent people, they wouldn’t use this method.”

After speaking, He Lang took a spoonful of porridge and drank it, putting down the spoon to prove to everyone that the porridge was safe.

Although the people were fearful, after hearing the clear and handsome man’s words and seeing him demonstrate, they realized it was indeed the case. Moreover, his personal demonstration made it more credible.

The thick and tasty porridge emitted a warm and inviting aroma, an irresistible temptation. For those who were extremely hungry, even if it were poison, they would want to rush for it.

Many people began to waver, hesitating to come forward and get the porridge. When they finally tasted the long-awaited food, the pangs of hunger were somewhat relieved, and they couldn’t help but be moved to tears, desperately wanting more.

Seeing that the first group of people who ate the porridge were safe and their condition improved, the others looked at each other and immediately swarmed forward.

When He Lang finished his work, Ao Li grabbed him, resting his chin on He Lang’s shoulder. His warm and sticky breath sprayed on He Lang’s cheek, making him slightly itch but unable to escape. Ao Li, sounding both sarcastic and complaining, said, “Why are you so kind to everyone?”

Ao Li didn’t care about doing good; he was unhappy because He Lang tried to leave him to help these people with a smiling face, while he didn’t get the same treatment when he had a poor appetite. 

He Lang gently smoothed Ao Li’s frowning brow with his finger and poked his forehead, saying helplessly, “You’re scaring people away with this expression.”

Indeed, every time the demon king glanced towards the porridge distribution, the people receiving it would tremble with fear, hastily swallowing the hot porridge and quickly retreating.

Ao Li ignored this and, seeing that things were proceeding smoothly without requiring more concern, took He Lang back to the sect.

“What are you sulking about? Doing good can counteract evil. I’m doing this to help you atone for your sins,” He Lang said, smiling and curiously observing the troubled demon king beside him.

Ao Li touched the curve of He Lang’s mouth, feeling a bit better. When no one was watching, he secretly kissed him and, without showing any unusual behavior, hugged him and asked, “Hmm, why atone for sins? What sins do I have? Besides, is there any benefit in being a good person?”

“Benefits? You’ll have to experience that yourself… But having no guilt in your heart allows you to act with ease,” He Lang said, sighing and looking at Ao Li with a hint of deeper meaning, hoping he would return to the right path.

Ao Li was silent for a while, deep in thought. He realized that what He Lang said was indeed correct. Earlier, after a family was helped by their food, they had given him grateful looks. He felt a slight current pass through him, making his scalp tingle and producing an unfamiliar feeling because he had never received such looks before.

If this continued, changing everyone’s view of him, he wouldn’t have to endure the disdainful looks of others and wouldn’t suffer from false accusations and traps. Being able to go out without guilt would indeed be good.

Ao Li rarely smiled, holding He Lang’s hand and kissing it repeatedly.

He Lang didn’t resist, just looked at him and allowed him to kiss as much as he wanted. But Ao Li was not satisfied and, holding his hand, kissed up his wrist, forearm, and then his neck. Realizing the clothes were obstructive, Ao Li pulled open He Lang’s collar and kissed his collarbone, which was tightly wrapped by fabric.

Seeing that continuing would exceed He Lang’s tolerance, he pushed Ao Li’s head away from his chest and awkwardly asked, “Don’t you have any sect affairs to handle? Even if it was the past, how can you still be so carefree after the sect judgment?”

“Not more important than you,” Ao Li mumbled, leaning forward again, opening his chest, and nibbling at a sensitive spot.

“…” He Lang sighed and ignored him. Although he admitted their relationship, such intimacy and the prospect of further deepening it were still somewhat overwhelming.

“Are you angry?” Ao Li noticed He Lang suddenly became silent, and stopped his actions, carefully examining him. He thought He Lang didn’t like it, so he rubbed against him dejectedly, “Don’t be angry with me.”

Ao Li, like a fierce tiger, instantly retracted his claws despite his inner desire raging. He disguised himself as a kitten, wishing to raise his paw for He Lang to pinch, as if to say, “Look, here is soft, I’m being good.”

He Lang smiled and rubbed his hair, understanding that such a gentle side of the demon king was rare. He didn’t insist further, kissed the corner of his mouth, and whispered in his ear, “Alright, continue.”

Even these few words felt like heaven’s blessing, lightly falling on Ao Li’s head, making his head spin. The soft kiss on his lips acted as a catalyst, making his heart quickly ferment with tender thoughts, his mind going blank, filled only with romantic musings.

Ao Li breathed rapidly, pushing He Lang onto the desk and leaving several moist kisses on him, murmuring, “I’m… truly bewitched by you.”

**Author’s Note:** Sorry for the long delay in updates. I ended up adding a filler chapter. I originally planned to write some explicit content but decided against it. I’ll speed up and finish these last three chapters quickly!