Slag Shou Cultivating Manual - Chapter 69

The relationship between partners is like a collar, fastening around the neck of a fierce tiger, turning it into a docile kitten. Even the lowest disciples and servants can see his drastically changed demeanor. If the two of them were to go out in disguise, passersby would surely praise him as a graceful young master, never suspecting that he was the demon who was cursed by everyone a year ago.

He Lang breathed a slight sigh of relief, privately admiring the correctness of his decision. At least after Ao Li had settled down, he no longer looked at him like a vicious dog guarding a bone. He Lang introduced several skilled painters to him, and Ao Li watched quietly as they worked. He even managed to appreciate storytelling and opera performances.

Whenever He Lang claimed he needed to handle matters for the Wulin Alliance, Ao Li would wander the streets alone. Over time, he got to know a few friends who could engage him in conversation.

These friends were all talented youths in the city, and He Lang felt reassured and pleased that Ao Li was finally willing to interact with others instead of remaining isolated. So, whenever he had time, He Lang would encourage Ao Li to go out and see more of the world.

He also privately hosted those friends, asking them to be tolerant of Ao Li’s bluntness and informing them of Ao Li’s favorite sights and places, requesting that they take him hiking or sightseeing whenever they had the chance.

These friends readily agreed, whether out of flattery or genuine affection. They showed Ao Li all the city’s best eateries and attractions, and during their gatherings at taverns, they shared their feelings, which helped Ao Li gradually lower his defenses.

Sitting next to him was the son of a wealthy man, who had recently married. After a few days of sweet newlywed life, he complained that his new wife had become distant.

An older man across from him, fanning himself, chuckled and told him that this was normal. After the initial passion of the marriage wore off, problems would inevitably arise, and there would likely be arguments and grievances in the future.

Ao Li remained silent, seemingly lost in thought, but he absorbed every word of their conversation. He couldn’t help but think of He Lang, furrowing his brow in concern. He realized something seemed off lately.

It appeared that He Lang had also become somewhat distant, and they spent less time together. At night, He Lang would go to bed early and fall asleep immediately, not paying him any attention.

The more Ao Li thought about it, the more frustrated he became. He remembered that proposing marriage was his idea in the first place, and He Lang seemed reluctant. Was he making things difficult for him? After a few drinks, Ao Li left his friends and went home.

To his surprise, the person who was supposed to be handling Wulin Alliance affairs was in the living room reading a book, as if waiting for him. Upon seeing Ao Li, He Lang smiled and put the book away, an action that instantly lifted Ao Li’s mood.

“You’re back so early? Don’t you want to spend more time with your friends?” He Lang asked casually, walking over and touching Ao Li’s cheek.

Ao Li shook his head, fiddling with his sleeve, wanting to say something but not knowing how, so he gave up.

“Why are you hesitating? If you have something to say, just say it,” He Lang, seeming particularly understanding today, noticed Ao Li’s conflicted mood and took him in his arms, offering some comfort.

Ao Li felt the sudden warmth pressed against him and was both surprised and delighted by He Lang’s proactive affection. It made all his frustrations and questions melt away. He felt like a pampered puppy, savoring the treat and hoping it would continue.

“It’s nothing,” Ao Li replied, hugging He Lang and kissing him, leaving a deep mark on his neck.

He Lang, unbothered, changed the subject. “I heard there was a flood in the neighboring county recently. Did you donate a large sum?”

In addition to this, there were numerous other acts of justice and benevolence. Initially, He Lang found it hard to believe, thinking that without him around, Ao Li might end up doing something bad, not imagining his sudden shift to being so virtuous.

Ao Li casually nodded, treating it as a mere act of goodwill. Since He Lang liked him doing these things, and though it was troublesome, it was better than being idle.

He Lang didn’t guess Ao Li’s true thoughts. Ao Li didn’t know either, so his reformation became more renowned, unintentionally fulfilling He Lang’s task.

He Lang’s eyes showed a hint of guilt as he watched the oblivious Ao Li, and he asked, “What do you want for dinner tonight? Meat or vegetables?”

Ao Li blurted out, “You.”

He thought He Lang would be exasperated by this teasing, but instead, He Lang smiled meaningfully. “Alright, I’ll let you savor me tonight.”

Ao Li’s heart raced, and he felt a tickling sensation in his nose. He realized that even He Lang’s words could be so alluring.

That night, He Lang indeed kept his promise. After undressing, he took the initiative to kiss Ao Li’s neck and nibble on his throat, completely seductive. Ao Li was overwhelmed by his desire, wanting to devour him, but He Lang made no complaints, wrapping his legs tightly around his waist, fully submitting to him, making pleasing sounds.

As they fell asleep, Ao Li felt like he was enveloped in warmth, his mind muddled, and he drifted in a state of bliss, unsure if it was a dream. He Lang’s understanding and obedience made him feel as though his heart was melting.

He buried his face in He Lang’s neck, breathing in his scent, feeling completely relaxed. A whisper in his ear, though unclear, was mistaken for sweet nothings, and he fell into a peaceful sleep.

“You see, you could have achieved great things… then we…”

He Lang’s words were left unfinished, his gaze on Ao Li’s face under the flickering light, and after extinguishing the light, he let out a barely audible sigh.

The next morning, Ao Li woke up and instinctively reached for the familiar warmth beside him but found nothing. He immediately opened his eyes in panic.

Fortunately, he spotted He Lang at the tea table and refrained from exploding.

He forgot to put on his shoes as he rushed out of bed and embraced He Lang, asking hoarsely why he was up so early.

He Lang took a sip of tea, smiling on the surface, but his eyes held a hint of heaviness.

“I need to discuss something with you.”

Ao Li sat down, puzzled, but as soon as he heard the next sentence, he stood up immediately.

“I need to go take care of something and might be away for a while…”

“I’ll go with you,” Ao Li replied firmly, showing no change in expression.

He Lang, expecting this response, showed a pained expression, trying to reason with him.

“This matter is crucial; it’s impossible to bring you along. Besides, we have our own lives. Isn’t it tiring to always be with me? Being a bit more understanding wouldn’t hurt.”

Unfortunately, Ao Li remained as stubborn as ever, unable to accept the separation. His previous obsession was due to unfulfilled desires, and now, having achieved his desires, the fear of losing them made him even more sensitive and insistent.

“No way.” Ao Li, feeling hurt by He Lang’s suggestion of separate lives, no longer cared about the reasoning and clearly expressed his stance: he could not be left behind.

He Lang’s expression changed as he realized Ao Li’s reaction was extreme. He stepped back, “You can send someone to watch over me if you want.”

Ao Li remained silent and cold, understanding that if He Lang truly wanted to evade surveillance, he could easily do so.

The negotiation ended in failure, heightening Ao Li’s vigilance. He Lang sighed, realizing that trying to balance everything was challenging. If he were truly ruthless, he could have completed the task and left without hesitation. Instead, he found himself in a difficult position, torn between duties and emotions.

In these days, Ao Li had heard too many of He Lang’s sighs, each adding weight to his heart—he had upset He Lang. But despite his guilt, he was still obsessed, unable to let go. He Lang’s ambiguous words made Ao Li doubt if everything had been just a pretense before parting.

On the final night, He Lang went to sleep with a troubled mind, while Ao Li stayed awake, feeling a profound sense of loss and restlessness, as if a heavy stone was pressing on his heart. Even as he held He Lang close, he felt helpless to keep him.

He shed his hardened exterior, feeling utterly powerless, and pleaded hoarsely in He Lang’s ear, “Lang Lang, can’t you stay?”

Unfortunately, shortly after dawn, Guatu anxiously informed He Lang that the mission was complete, and he could no longer stay in this world. The small light circle behind him grew larger, moving toward him and beginning to envelop him.

Ao Li, realizing the gravity of the situation, pulled He Lang into his embrace, but it was futile. The light circle did not belong to this world, and no matter how powerful Ao Li was, he could not stop it.

“It’s hard to explain… I’m truly sorry, but I can’t stay with you any longer,” He Lang sighed and closed his eyes, unable to face the situation.

Ao Li’s mind went blank. Watching the figure of his beloved becoming increasingly transparent, he felt an intense panic and rage, as if a wild beast trapped in a cage had awakened, desperately trying to break free.

“So you were planning to leave all along? Then why did you come to provoke me? Was it all just me being delusional?” Ao Li’s face was stern as he gasped for air, his voice catching slightly, heart aching.

But when he saw the person before him gradually becoming transparent, his panic intensified. Every bit of the person disappearing made his heart tighten further, like slow torture.

His gaze turned fierce, eyes reddening, as he seemed to lose all reason and desperately racked his brain, thinking only of how to make the person stay. He began to threaten without thinking, “Fine, go ahead and leave! If you dare to go, I’ll torture everyone you care about to death, making sure you never have peace even if you leave.”

He knew this person was soft-hearted; perhaps by saying such things, he might provoke a change in their decision. Even if it meant hatred, if only they would stay.

He Lang frowned, watching Ao Li’s madness with anxiety, hoping it was just the ravings of someone who had lost their mind.

Ao Li, undeterred, continued to threaten, “Gui Yi, Qi Jun, Ge Rulan, and their children… If I want, everyone you care about will be buried with you.”

Nobody likes to be threatened, and He Lang was no exception. This caused a dramatic change in his expression. His tone turned harsh, unlike his usual gentleness, “If you dare to involve others because of our issues, just try. Even if I leave now, I vow never to see you again for all eternity.”

Ao Li’s expression shifted suddenly, his face drained of color. He staggered and fell, heartbroken, seeing only the last traces of the person before him. Realizing it was now beyond saving, his eyes were hollow, filled with anger and relentless questioning, “Why? Why treat me so well and yet refuse to stay or love me?”

This person had always been kind, refined, and seemingly extraordinary. How did he end up as the lowest disciple in the despised demonic sect and endure Ao Li’s violence, only to painstakingly care for him?

The more Ao Li thought, the more his fear grew, feeling as if the world was upside down and chaotic.

Was it all just his delusion after all? Ao Li gave a bitter smile, unable to speak as his throat tightened.

He Lang, unable to bear it, patted Ao Li’s head. This person had achieved so much and was no longer the feared demon of the past; many would love him. Why was he always so afraid?

The glowing circle behind continued to expand, covering He Lang and taking away the last warmth he left on Ao Li’s head.

Ao Li could only see the blinding light and the person’s almost vanishing silhouette. The light was too intense, stinging his eyes and causing tears to flow. Yet, he kept his eyes wide open, unwilling to close them even for a moment.

He wanted to remember this person more, but in the end, he could only watch as he disappeared.

…

He Lang’s body was enveloped by the light, his senses gradually fading, moving further from this world. At the brink of departure, Ao Li’s cries of sorrow seemed to echo in his ears, unsettling his mind.

Author’s Note: “Sorry for the long wait and the lengthy chapter. Not many people seem to be reading this world, but I dragged on writing it for a while, maybe a bit boring, and I’m not quite sure what I was thinking. Anyway, the next world is a cultivation realm with a master-disciple relationship. I hope everyone will like it. Hehe.”