The Husky and His White Cat Shizun

Chapter 170: Master, It's Too Vulgar, Don't Look

In the blink of an eye, Xu Shuanglin was pulled into another dimension by the hand that reached out from the Gate of Life and Death. Nan Gongsi wanted to pursue, but it was impossible; the spatial rift sealed shut immediately after Xu Shuanglin's entire body had entered, slamming closed with a loud boom.

There was nothing left in the night sky except for a small corner of Xu Shuanglin's garment, which hadn't made it through the Gate of Life and Death in time. It drifted down gently into the silent lake, the white fabric quickly soaked through by the water, slowly sinking beneath the surface...

"How could this be," Mo Ran murmured. "How can there be someone in this world who truly controls the Gate of Time, Space, Life, and Death?"

As the previous Heaven-Stepping Lord, he knew very well that there were three forbidden arts in the world: the Precious Jade Chess Game, the Secret Art of Rebirth, and the Gate of Time, Space, Life, and Death.

Although the first two forbidden arts were difficult to learn, they weren't unheard of in the cultivation world. For example, his past self, or Master Huaizui, had been able to perform these spells to some extent.

However, records of the Gate of Time, Space, Life, and Death were scarce throughout history, with the most recent occurrence taking place thousands of years ago. A grandmaster, overwhelmed by grief at the death of his daughter, had opened this forbidden portal in an attempt to bring his daughter back from another timeline.

But his actions were detected by himself in that other timeline. As a father, how could that version of him allow his beloved daughter to be taken away? In their life-or-death battle, the spatial rift twisted and deformed, ultimately engulfing their daughter in its crevice and crushing her into fragments...

Upon his return, the grandmaster fell apart, sealing the forbidden scroll within the Flame Emperor's divine wood. He became the last person in the long annals of time to have fully mastered the "Gate of Time, Space, Life, and Death."

Due to the lack of use of this forbidden art over the years, more and more cultivators came to believe that such a spatial distortion spell did not exist. Yet, in his previous life, Mo Ran, with his boundless knowledge of Daoist magic, had managed to tear open a similar rift using only the fragmented scroll in his possession.

However, that rift only achieved spatial displacement and was incredibly unstable. Mo Ran once tried tossing a rabbit into it, hoping to transport it thousands of miles away. The rabbit did indeed pass through, but due to the instability of the rift, it emerged inside out, with its organs exposed and fur trapped inward, forming a bloody, mangled lump that still had a beating heart.

After several more attempts, out of a hundred, there were five or six times when things went awry. The results were grotesque, with dismembered bodies, shattered limbs, and even instances where the head would appear promptly, but the body wouldn't emerge for half an hour.

Despite this, it was enough to cause a huge uproar in the cultivation world. Almost everyone believed that Mo Ran had revived and mastered the "Door of Life, Death, Time, and Space." However, he himself was uncertain. He had never seen the forbidden technique from thousands of years ago, but based on historical records, he felt that the spell he replicated was vastly different from the genuine Door of Life, Death, Time, and Space.

Chu Wanning glided over the lake's surface and picked up the half piece of cloth left behind by Xu Shuanglin. Closing his eyes to sense it carefully, he let out a slight sigh of relief but then grew even more melancholic.

Shaking his head, he said, "This isn't the complete Door of Life, Death, Time, and Space. That person likely only possesses half of the scroll. Judging from the residual spiritual energy on the cloth, it can only be considered a Spatial Gate, not a Door of Time and Space."

"What do you mean by that?"

"That is to say, this spell is still very different from the real forbidden technique." Chu Wanning said, "The residual spiritual power that I can perceive is only in space, which means that Nangong Xu was passed through this space rift by someone.Suddenly he was transported to another place."

Mo Ran mused to himself, wasn't this similar to the Rebirth Gate he had reconstructed in his previous life? If it was only this, its realization was not entirely impossible.

Yet, a layer of shadow lingered in his heart. He asked, "What if it's the genuine First Taboo? What would happen if it were to be executed?"

For some inexplicable reason, Chu Wanning's expression became subtly nuanced. He paused before saying, "If it were the genuine Portal of Time and Death, its capabilities would extend far beyond tearing through space. It could even transport Nan Gongxu to another mortal world."

Yet upon hearing these words, Mo Ran's expression subtly changed, and he pursed his lips, saying nothing more.

In his previous life, he hadn't possessed much knowledge, and the documents he had managed to gather were of questionable credibility. He found the tale of that grand master tearing through space-time rifts to bring back their daughter from another world to be rather implausible.

It was only now, with Chu Wanning's words, that Mo Ran finally believed it completely – though this conviction brought him chills.

During the five years Chu Wanning had been absent, Mo Ran had delved into ancient texts. Secretly, he had found the mystery of his own rebirth eerie and bizarre.

He had never seen true Rebirth Technique in his previous life and had initially assumed "rebirth" would entail returning to a specific year and month before one's death, starting anew.

However, witnessing Master Huaizui perform the forbidden art firsthand, one thing puzzled Mo Ran: the master's Rebirth Technique brought Chu Wanning's soul back from the underworld, into a body that was neither decaying nor severely damaged, allowing him to continue living in this world.

This kind of rebirth was different from his own experience.

If someone had used the same Rebirth Technique as Master Huaizui to save him after his death in his previous life, he should have been reborn in Wushan Palace, as the feared Immortal Emperor of Destruction. Chu Wanning, Shi Mo, Uncle and Aunt... they would all still be dead, no one by his side.

Thus, he speculated that there might be more than one method of rebirth in this world, explaining the differences between his and Chu Wanning's experiences. But now, hearing Chu Wanning confirm the least-known of the Three Forbidden Arts, the "Gates of Life and Death Through Space-Time," a terrifying thought occurred to him:

Could it be that not only did he receive the Rebirth Technique, but also the influence of the Gates of Life and Death Through Space-Time, causing his sinful soul, which should have suffered in another dimension, to tear through time and space, arriving at a year when everything had yet to occur, when it was still possible to turn back?

If that was the case, wouldn't all his actions be under the scrutiny of that person behind the scenes? Wouldn't everything, including his rebirth, have been meticulously planned and silently observed by that individual?

Mo Ran shuddered at the thought.

Before he could ponder further, a deafening explosion echoed from the distant burning city.

Chu Wanning said, "Let's go take a look."

Before his words faded, the seventy-two cities of the Confucian Wind Sect that were ablaze seemed to have ignited some artifact left behind by Xu Shuanglin before he departed. The flames intensified abruptly, soaring several dozen feet high, reaching up to the heavens!

At this moment, even if Mo Ran and the others didn't rush over, people hundreds of miles away from the Confucian Wind Sect would still be able to witness the blazing inferno that illuminated the dark night.

Xue Zhengyong had already led Madame Wang out of the sea of flames. As they turned back to look, they saw the raging fire coiling into two entwined figures, one male and one female, gradually taking shape. Xue Zhengyong was stunned. "What… is happening?"

Madame Wang came from an illustrious family and had seen her fair share of precious artifacts. Her expression changed as she explained, "It's a scroll that records memories. This kind of scroll doesn't require any magical support. It's something the caster set up beforehand. Once ignited by the tribulation fire, the memories sealed within will appear amidst the flames. As long as the fire persists, the memories in the scroll will continue to replay."

"Continue to replay?" Xue Zhengyong found it overwhelming. Gazing at the Confucian Wind Sect being engulfed by the tribulation fire, a hint of compassion appeared in his eyes.

When others dug up someone's past, they usually called a few witnesses, exchanged a few words, and presented some evidence – that was typically the end of it.

Where was Xu Shuanglin? He was a madman who compiled all his collected memories into scrolls and set them ablaze, sending the flames soaring into the heavens to expose the filth and disgrace of his family to the entire world. Using the vast sea of fire as his canvas, he amplified those secretive whispers into deafening thunder with his magic, wishing even the deaf could hear them.

"Exactly what is Xu Shuanglin trying to do?" Xue Zhengyong muttered on his enlarged iron fan while flying alongside Madame Wang on her sword in the air. The flickering flames illuminated his face, casting intermittent shadows as he spoke. "Hasn't he exposed enough of Confucian Wind Sect's dirty secrets? Does he intend to continue?"

Madame Wang: "…"

"It's enough, truly enough. He's already torn so many wounds on Confucian Wind Sect, turning it into a laughingstock in the cultivation world. Why can't he just let it go…?"

However, when a woman's voice boomed amidst the fiery inferno, the cultivators watching the spectacle from above were stunned into silence.

Xue Zhengyong was also taken aback.

"Brother Liu, we're both at an age where we should be more serious. Y-You still… Mmm…"

With that soft moan, the two indistinct figures within the flames gradually came into focus. The flames that engulfed Confucian Wind Sect's 72 cities magnified the naked bodies writhing in passion, making the tattoo of five bats clutching a flower on the woman's fair arm as large as a pavilion, with each bat's individual hairs visible.

Everyone was left dumbfounded, turning their heads to look at one of the top ten sects in the Upper Cultivation Realm, Jiangdong Sect.

The disciples of Jiangdong Sect were particularly startled, their eyes widening like copper bells as they stared in disbelief at their female leader, Qi Liangji.

The newly enthroned female leader stood as pale as a sheet, frozen like a wooden statue on her sword amidst the night breeze. On her arm was clearly depicted the pattern of five bats holding flowers...

She never could have imagined that her secret affair with Nan Gongliu would be witnessed and transformed into a scroll of memories, now exposed in all its naked truth for everyone to see.

Her mind went blank instantly.

Mo Ran was equally stunned. Almost at the exact moment the illusory naked figure of Qi's leader appeared in the air, he covered Chu Wanning's eyes.

"Don't look."

Chu Wanning: "..."

It was an instinctive action. Filled with possessiveness towards Chu Wanning, he had once desired to possess this person's body, their breaths, moans, and stifled sobs between parted lips. Now, he longed even more to possess Chu Wanning's pure and innocent heart.

"Don't look, it's especially filthy."

Isn't it particularly vulgar? Chu Wanning thought to himself. Even with his eyes covered, the intimate whispers of male and female pleasure still echoed clearly in his ears.

Silent, Chu Wanning allowed Mo Ran's hands to rest over his eyes, attempting to remain composed, but his face involuntarily flushed warm.

"Aah... Faster, quicker... More... Mmm..."

Mo Ran: "........."

Chu Wanning: "........."

Perhaps because his sight was obscured, his other senses became even more acute. Sect Leader Qi's delicate voice was like a tiny, fluffy claw tracing up his spine, provoking an itch that sent shivers down his body. Her voice, intentionally or not, brimmed with passionate desire. To her, the man's advances were like the sturdy roots of a giant tree sinking deep into fertile soil, drawing forth a gushing spring beneath the earth, saturating the air with the scent of a heavy rain.

This commotion made Mo Ran restless and uncertain.

He wanted to continue covering Chu Wanning's eyes, but also wished to cover his ears.

Wanting to reach up to cover Chu Wanning's ears, he hesitated to move his hands from in front of his eyes.

Worse still, amidst this sudden sultry atmosphere, Mo Ran suddenly realized that what he yearned for most wasn't to cover ears or blindfold, but rather, there was a restless beast in his chest, a tiger or wolf growling, goading him, compelling him.

Despite the inappropriate moment, he suddenly realized that what he truly desired was to grab Chu Wanning from behind, pulling the unsuspecting man tightly into his embrace. He imagined caressing his back affectionately, nibbling on his earlobe hungrily, then turning his face to kiss him fiercely.

His gaze darkened as he stared at the near proximity of Chu Wanning, his breathing gradually becoming restless.

Though Chu Wanning was fierce and formidable, physically, he was no match for Mo Ran. If Mo Ran had the intention to do harm, just like in his past life, Chu Wanning would have no chance to resist. All the stubborn man's strength would be spent suppressing the moans that threatened to escape his lips.

No matter how much he endured, he could not escape being crushed and devoured.

Unaware of Mo Ran's thoughts, Chu Wanning tried to alleviate the awkwardness by softly cursing, "How disgraceful."

"Mm," Mo Ran's throat felt dry, but his eyes were moist as he echoed in a low voice, "Indeed, it is disgraceful."

"That Qi Liangji is clearly a married woman. Her husband had just passed away, and she took over as the leader of the Jiangdong Sect. Yet, she engaged in such an indecent act with Nan Gongliu," Chu Wanning expressed his disdain with concise words, "It's absurd."

"Mm," though aware of the inappropriateness, Mo Ran couldn't control his longing, unknowingly drawing closer, almost at the nape of Chu Wanning's neck. He absentmindedly agreed, "Very absurd."

He glanced indifferently at the sky where Nan Gongliu and Qi Liangji's passionate scene continued to unfold.

Vaguely, he recalled that Qi Liangji was actually much older than Nan Gongliu. Her late husband was Nan Gongliu's adoptive brother, which meant, according to their relationship, Nan Gongliu should address her as his sister-in-law.

It was perplexing how these seemingly innocent individuals ended up together.

Just as he was pondering this, Nan Gongliu's hoarse voice emerged from the midst of the calamity fire. Lifting his gaze, Mo Ran saw that the shameless duo had shifted into a new position in their intimate act. Nan Gongliu, attempting to seduce her, said, "If you still desire it, call me 'brother'."

"?" Mo Ran was genuinely taken aback.

Was... that even possible?

But she was so much older than him. How... could she address him as 'brother'?

Heaven-Stepping Lord likely underestimated Nan Gongliu's prowess and overestimated Qi Liangji's pride. The woman, driven mad by the torment, did not resist but instead panted and moaned, "Brother... Bro... please don't tease me anymore... ah..."

"..." Even with Mo Ran's thick skin, his cheeks couldn't help but flush red.

At that moment, Chu Wanning's delicate, long eyelashes fluttered slightly in Mo Ran's palm, as if sensing his inner heat and itchiness, attempting to alleviate the tingling sensation deep within him through this tiny movement.

But those two lashes were too light and gentle. Their flutter only intensified the itch without satisfying it, leaving him craving more. Mo Ran froze for a moment, gazing at the back of the man before him. The somewhat pale skin on his neck seemed to have a faint, peach blossom blush under the night's veil.

He blinked, his heart pounding like a drum.

Unable to bear the sight any longer, Mo Ran lowered his lashes. Beneath the veil of his eyelids, his eyes were as dark as burnt ashes, holding an intense heat.

Beneath that darkness lay layers of smoldering embers, awaiting a breeze laced with desire from Chu Wanning to ignite them. The sparks would burst forth, turning into a blazing scarlet inferno.

Mo Ran suddenly felt a twinge of regret.

Why didn't he have Nan Gongliu's wicked intentions in his previous life?

If he had known about such playful antics earlier, he should have claimed Chu Wanning then, making that lofty man lie beneath him, panting deeply, calling him "brother."

Then he remembered that in this life, Chu Wanning had indeed called him "brother," not just that, but also "Senior Brother."

Back then, he was unaware of Xia Sini's true identity and still thought of this little Junior Brother as just that. Looking back now, his heart swelled with warmth.

With a reckless audacity and wolfish desires, he couldn't help but indulge in fantasies, even though they were impossible.

He imagined Chu Wanning lying on the bed, his forehead glistening with a delicate sheen, dampened by a few stray strands of hair. His phoenix eyes would be slightly closed, leaving only a sliver of gaze fixed upon him. That gaze held both vulnerability and restraint. As desire flared up, it would consume those emotions, leaving behind a faint, moist flush at the corners of his eyes.

Chu Wanning's lips would part slightly, as if trying to bite down, only to part again, calling out to him in a moist, husky voice: "Senior Brother..."

Mo Ran: "……"

Unbeknownst to himself, he had already loosened his grip on the other person. He knew that if he continued to hold him so intimately, he might truly lose control and do something utterly rebellious.

Passionate love was an emotion incredibly difficult to suppress, especially since Mo Ran had tasted its intoxicating and soul-consuming sweetness before.

Chu Wanning turned to look at him, his cheeks slightly flushed, yet instinctively lifting his chin with a hint of pride in his bright and clear eyes.

"What's wrong?"

Mo Ran glanced at his lips, then coughed softly, turning away. "Nothing."

"Have you inquired about the elders' opinions regarding that matter?" Nan Gongliu asked, lazily stroking Qi Liangji's hair after their intimate moment.

Qi Liangji opened her alluring eyes. "Which matter?"

"You know very well what I'm talking about, yet you always like to beat around the bush," Nan Gongliu said. "Which matter could it be? Didn't you tell me before that once you became the sect leader, you would work on merging the Jiangdong Sect with the Confucian Wind Sect?"

"Ah, you're talking about that," Qi Liangji said with a smile. "Don't be impatient. I've only just taken over as leader, and the ring still hasn't warmed to my finger."

"Nan Gongliu, you'd better hurry up. When our two sects merge, I'll make you the first protector of the Confucian Wind Sect. Then, you'll be second only to me, with thousands beneath you..."

As Nan Gongliu spoke, he couldn't resist reaching for her slender waist.

But Qi Liangji appeared displeased, though her cheeks were flushed with allure. She raised her hand to stop him. "After struggling so hard to become the leader, you don't even want me to enjoy it for a while? What's so great about being a protector? Why won't you marry me properly and make me the Lady of the Confucian Wind Sect?"

Nan Gongliu faltered. "You know how headstrong Si'er is. He wouldn't agree if I wanted to remarry. Besides, with our current status, marriage isn't just a personal matter. People might say all sorts of unpleasant things."

"Pleasant or not?!" Qi Liangji's eyes flashed with anger as she looked up at him. "If you're afraid of what others will say, am I not? Have you forgotten how my husband died? Do you think I came to be the leader of the Jiangdong Sect just to take his place? Nan Gongliu, you know how I treated you since we were young!"

"All right, all right, don't be upset. Don't get angry."

"How can I not be angry? You married that little tramp Rong Yan just to secure your father's inheritance! I... I had no hope left, so I married my senior brother. Now, after finally outliving both of them, you... you only want me to be a protector after the merger?"

"Liangji..."

"I won't accept it! Whoever wants to be the protector can have the job. You must marry me! Your son, Nan Gongsi, is as untamed as that slut Rong Yan. Do you really intend to let him succeed you as leader?" Qi Liangji declared decisively. "I'm not afraid of public opinion. We're both widowed now. What's wrong with getting married? Who does it hurt? Not only will I marry you, but I'll also give birth to a dozen sons for you, Nan Gongliu. Are you choosing your child with me, or the offspring that slut left behind?"