The Husky and His White Cat Shizun

Chapter 266: The Heavenly Sound Pavilion Warms You

At the rear slope of Dragon Mountain, there was a secluded path hidden by layers of vines. Following this path led to the Crystal Pond Palace, where the Nan Gong family rested during their ancestral worship. Though not grand, the palace had winding corridors and changing scenery with every step. Within its garden grew a species of dragon blood flower that emitted a glow in the night. Now past its blooming season, only a few scattered clusters remained, resembling stars fallen and adorning the night sky.

Shi Mo ventured into the depths of the flower cluster, where a hot spring lay hidden. He removed his robe, revealing feet as fair as jade as they touched the bank. Looking down at his reflection in the pool, his eyes were cold despite the scorching water.

Reaching out, he gently traced his chest—

A large area had once been ravaged by the backlash of a forbidden spell, but now he no longer needed to worry. Everything was going according to plan, and everything would get better.

Stepping into the spring, the waters of Dragon Mountain's hot spring, infused with the breath of a black dragon, offered a soothing soak. Shi Mo leaned against the edge, closing his eyes.

Suddenly, rustling sounds came from nearby. Without opening his eyes, Shi Mo asked casually, "Who's there?"

Nan Gongliu emerged from the bushes, a dragon blood flower still tucked behind his ear.

Spotting Shi Mo, he smiled joyfully. "Brother Zhiyou is taking a bath? Is there anything I can assist you with?"

Shi Mo replied, "No."

Nan Gongliu scratched his head. "Then, then I won't stand here anymore. I'll go first. Otherwise, with you naked and me clothed, it wouldn't be fair to you."

Amidst the rising mist, Shi Mo smiled. His face, nourished by the spring water, became even more translucent, like thin ice in early winter in southern China – both delicate and brittle, yet chilling to the bone.

He opened his peach blossom eyes, looking at Nan Gongliu with a faint smile. "Why would I be at a disadvantage?"

Nan Gongliu was straightforward. "Because you're good-looking."

"Oh... You're just a little kid. Do you even know what beauty is?"

Nan Gongliu puffed up with indignation. "I'm already five years old. I'm not a child."

Seemingly intrigued, Shi Mo's smile deepened. "Alright, then let's say I made a mistake. Come here, let me ask you something. Between me and Heaven-Stepping Lord, who do you like more?"

"Of course, it's Elder Brother Zhi You," Nan Gongliu answered without hesitation. "Who's this Heaven-Stepping Lord? I don't know him."

"Let me put it another way," Shi Mo said. "Me and that Mo Ran... you remember him, right? He greeted you before."

Nan Gongliu nibbled on his finger thoughtfully, nodded after a moment of serious contemplation.

"I want to know, between me and him, who do you like more? Don't choose based on familiarity; I genuinely want to know your perception of beauty and ugliness."

This time, Nan Gongliu didn't answer right away. He tilted his head, pondering for quite some time before responding, "I still prefer Elder Brother Zhiyou more."

A pleased expression crossed Shi Mo's face. "Oh? Tell me, what's wrong with him?"

"I... can't really say."

"Then why do you prefer me?"

Nan Gongliu appeared slightly aggrieved. "I don't know... I just think you look better, that's all."

After a moment of thoughtful silence, Shi Mo suddenly emerged from the depths of the hot spring, moving to a spot where the steam was less dense. With his hands clasped together, he leaned on the edge of the pool, revealing the gentle curve of his back. Smiling, he said, "Come here." As he waved his damp hand at Nan Gongliu, he stood up straight from the warm waters once the young boy approached.

"Ahh—"

Shi Mo chuckled. "Why are you shouting? We're both males; there's no need to be shy, is there?"

Nan Gongliu carelessly wiped his eyes and mumbled, "I'm not blushing, you got water in my eyes."

But Shi Mo had no intention of concerning himself with Nan Gongliu's eyes. He held the latter's wrist, forcing him to look straight into his own. Thus, the gruesome scar on his chest was fully exposed before Nan Gongliu's gaze.

"Look here. Are you scared?"

The scar was severely infected, oozing pus. After just a fleeting glance, Nan Gongliu turned his head away in disgust. Being young and candid, he said, "That's so disgusting."

Shi Mo's smile remained, but there was a chill in his eyes now. "Do you still think I'm good-looking?"

"{Nan Gongliu} struggled to break free from his grasp, but {Shi Mo}'s strength was overpowering, and all his attempts proved futile. Eventually, a sheen of tears formed in his eyes, revealing a mix of fear and vulnerability. "Y-You let go of me. I don't like this."

"Just take a good look."

"I don't want to—Ow!"

A sharp crack echoed as {Shi Mo}, exerting too much force, dislocated {Nan Gongliu}'s wrist. The flicker in his eyes was indiscernible, a blend of anger and resentment. "Didn't you just say I was attractive? So, with a mere scratch, I turn from beauty into ugliness?"

"It's not that..."

"Is it that any flaw in a beauty is enough to evoke disgust?" Shi Mo moved closer, his words laced with venom. "Past intimacy becomes repulsion, and former yearnings transform into a thorn in one's throat."

Nan Gongliu couldn't hold back his tears any longer. "I don't understand, I don't understand! Let me go, I don't want to stay here!"

His cries only exacerbated Shi Mo's already agitated state, dark clouds swirling in his eyes. Suddenly, he raised his hand and slapped Nan Gongliu across the cheek.

He finally released Nan Gongliu, his tone cold. "Useless thing, get out of here."

As Nan Gongliu sobbed and retreated, Shi Mo dove back into the depths of the hot spring. The surroundings remained picturesque, with the fragrance of the Dragon Blood Flower filling the air, but his initial joy had vanished. All that remained was boundless anger in his chest.

He abruptly struck the water's surface, sending ripples splashing before they settled once more.

The ripples dissipated, revealing the same gentle reflection in the water, yet now marred by a festering wound on its chest.

In the midst of Shi Mo's fury, a sense of confusion and helplessness emerged. He leaned back against the pool's edge, lifting his eyelashes to gaze at the sky above.

"People change," he muttered softly.

Like a seed sprouting, a tender shoot turning lush green, leaves unfurling to reveal blossoms, and flowers eventually withering into dust. Time is intangible, yet it silently wears away at everyone. Some have their claws sharpened by it, while others lose their edges.

"Everything changes..."

He wearily cupped water, wiping his face clean.

Comparing his past life to this one made it clear, but where did he start to veer off course, reaching a point of no return?

Having finished his bath and changed clothes, Shi Mo loosely gathered his inky-black hair and returned to the secluded chamber on Dragon Mountain via the fragrant path. He stood at the entrance for a moment before pushing the door open.

The night was now deep, and almost all the lamps in the chamber had been extinguished, leaving only a single, solitary flame flickering behind the gauzy curtains.

Shi Mo entered the room soundlessly, carrying with him the distinct fragrance of soapwort from his recent bath. It was this scent that roused the man lying concealed within the bed curtains.

The Heaven-Stepping Lord's low, husky voice echoed, "Who's there?"

Shi Mo replied in a somber tone, "…It's me."

A moment of silence passed beneath the gauzy curtains, interrupted only by the rustling of fabric as someone turned in their sleep. Heaven-Stepping Lord let out a cold laugh. "…How refined of you, Master. To be unable to sleep on such a late night and come eavesdrop at this deity’s bedside… Aren’t you hot?"

Shi Mo's expression grew even colder. "You should know your limits. If you kill him, there will be no fun for anyone."

With a languid tone, Heaven-Stepping Lord spoke with a hint of weariness in his low voice. "Master, rest assured, this deity has no twisted fetishes in bed. I've always been one for practicality, with no interest in meaningless chatter, stinging people with snakes, or playing guessing games blindfolded. I won't harm anyone."

"…"

Useless chatter, stinging with snakes, blindfolded guessing games—it was clear whom he referred to, regardless of how broad-minded one might be.

Anger swelled within Shi Mo, and he abruptly swept aside the curtains. Like clashing swords and bursting sparks, Shi Mingjing's delicate face met Heaven-Stepping Lord's handsome one.

"You—" But before he could finish, he suddenly froze.

He had expected that after a long separation, Heaven-Stepping Lord and Chu Wanning would be ravenous and intimate.

However, the scene behind the lifted curtains surprised him.

Chu Wanning slept deeply, his flushed cheeks slightly reddened from a fever. Heaven-Stepping Lord, on the other hand, had his shirt slightly unbuttoned, revealing a smooth, well-proportioned chest. He held Chu Wanning in his arms, his stern face at odds with the gentle way his large hand stroked the sleeping man's hair. It was a look of disdain mixed with an undeniable refusal to let go.

Shi Mo asked, "…What are you doing?"

Heaven-Stepping Lord wore a disdainful expression. "What do you think I'm doing?"

"…"

Forget it. There was no point in arguing with a dead man.

Shi Mo closed his eyes, forcefully suppressing his anger. But the small flame in his chest raged on, refusing to be extinguished. Eventually, he couldn't resist retorting with a sarcastic remark, "I never would have thought that Heavenly Emperor, at your age, still needs your master by your side when you sleep. If it's not because you're afraid of the dark, then perhaps you just want to act coquettishly with your master."

Shi Mo's words were undeniably effective. Heaven-Stepping Lord's eyes narrowed dangerously. He instinctively wanted to push the unconscious Chu Wanning away from his embrace or even kick him off the bed, as if that would make him appear more imposing.

However, as he watched Shi Mo approach, what he ultimately did was hold the man in his arms even tighter. With a sweep of his wide sleeves, he covered Chu Wanning's face.

Only after these actions did Heaven-Stepping Lord lift his gloomy gaze. "What does my business have to do with you?"

Shi Mo gritted his teeth. "There's a limit to how much you can talk back. Don't you remember who created you?"

Heaven-Stepping Lord replied coldly, "All Cold-Scale Saint Hand ever does is use this one sentence to threaten me. How impressive."

"You—!"

Unable to endure Shi Mo's repeated provocations any longer, he lifted his hand sharply and pressed against Heaven-Stepping Lord's forehead, transmitting some spiritual energy.

"Soul Convergence."

The incantation was spoken through his plump, full lips, but Heaven-Stepping Lord's eyes remained stubbornly fierce for a long time, so long that Shi Mo felt a chill run down his spine, even believing that this man was about to break free from his control completely.

He broke out in a fine sweat on his forehead, locked in a struggle with Heaven-Stepping Lord until he had exhausted almost all of his spiritual energy. With a low growl, he shouted, "Soul Convergence!!"

This time, Heaven-Stepping Lord's body trembled slightly, and his gaze finally grew unfocused.

Shi Mo withdrew his spiritual energy, taking a deep breath as he clutched at the soreness in his chest, feeling dizzy.

Due to his constitution, his spiritual core and spiritual energy were of a lower grade. No matter how diligent he was in his cultivation, he could never match others. He was naturally skilled in using medicinal substances, but when it came to anything requiring spiritual energy, his body simply couldn't support him.

Closing his eyes for a moment to recover, Shi Mo looked back at Heaven-Stepping Lord. "I'll ask you again, what were you doing just now?"

Since he had been under control, Heaven-Stepping Lord replied emotionlessly, "He had a fever and was feeling cold."

"So what?"

The lifeless puppet, who retained but a faint trace of its former soul, spoke coolly, "With me holding him, he'll be warmer."

"..."

Shi Mo gazed at Heaven-Stepping Lord for a long while.

"Warmth?" His pale lips twitched, and he suddenly laughed, though his amorous eyes held no mirth. "Mo Ran, are you insane? Feel your own temperature — what are you? You're as cold as ice all over. You're already dead, heartless and without warmth. How can you possibly warm him up?"

A flicker of pain seemed to pass through the hollow black eyes of Heaven-Stepping Lord, but it vanished just as quickly. In the end, he was still nothing more than a corpse.

Shi Mo said, "Get up."

Upon hearing the command, Heaven-Stepping Lord didn't rise immediately. His dark brows knitted together as he struggled between his own will and Shi Mo's control.

"I said get up!"

The command grew stronger, and under such a fierce tone, Heaven-Stepping Lord finally obeyed.

He slowly rose from the bed, his robe still open, and Chu Wanning's warmth lingered on his chest, which no longer knew the rise and fall of breath.

Shi Mo spoke in a grim tone, "Leave."

Heaven-Stepping Lord moved slowly, taking a few steps before abruptly stopping. He whispered softly, "There is."

"…What?"

Heaven-Stepping Lord repeated woodenly, "There is."

Shi Mo didn't react at first and asked, "What is there?"

"Temperature." The man lifted his hand slowly, caressing his own chest where Chu Wanning's warmth remained. "Here, it's warm."

It was as if Shi Mo had been pricked by a needle, his anger surging. Nothing frustrated him more than an unobedient puppet. He growled, "Get out of here."

Heaven-Stepping Lord took two more steps, but this time, only two. His expression suddenly turned pained.

"No…" He clutched his head, veins bulging on his palms, his entire body trembling with chills. A low, labored breath escaped his throat. "This seat… refuses to accept… How can it be like this… like this…"

With his eyes tightly shut, his will fluctuated, and memories danced in the distance. He struggled, entangled, rising and falling through two lifetimes of torment.

"...You... DARE... BE SO RECKLESS...!!"

The whisper abruptly ceased, and the tremors came to an abrupt halt.

Shi Mo groaned, clutching his chest—when Heaven-Stepping Lord broke free from his grip, he retaliated with a fierce backlash. Almost stumbling, Shi Mo took a step backward. In the next moment, he witnessed Heaven-Stepping Lord's eyes snap open, revealing a bloodthirsty and ferocious gaze like a fog.

Silence.

Those sharp, eagle-like black eyes were now clear, reflecting Shi Mo's cold, detached face.

Shi Mo's complexion paled as he slowly said, "You're recovering faster and faster."

Heaven-Stepping Lord remained silent. A brilliant light flickered in his eyes as he panted, summoning Unreturning with a raised hand.

Shi Mo lifted his chin slightly, following the blade's handle upward until his gaze met Mo Ran's transformed, feral countenance. "Why, are you angry? Want to kill me?"

The pitch-black, unlit blade whipped up in an instant, hanging perilously close to Shi Mo's snow-white neck with immense force, grazing the skin and drawing out thin trickles of blood.

Shi Mo didn't retreat but sneered coldly. "Your Majesty the Emperor, your ability to move and walk now entirely relies on my spiritual energy. If you kill me, you'll die too. You must understand this."

"..."

Shi Mo continued, "In terms of strength, I admit that I can't defeat you. But think carefully for yourself. Do you want to go down with me or continue living in this world?"

Heaven-Stepping Lord's hand remained steady, not trembling at all.

But after a moment, he suddenly retracted his sword, turning his head away.

Seeing him put away his blade, Shi Mo raised his hand and leisurely touched the bloodstain on his neck. Then, he said, "Fortunately, you're not too stupid."

"..."

"From now on, don't be so quick to threaten violence. You know very well what our relationship is," Shi Mo glanced at Heaven-Stepping Lord. "You're like a rusted knife, and I want to restore you to be as useful as before. Continue being my sharp blade. As for you, you probably plan to regain your freedom completely once you're restored, seeking my head."

Heaven-Stepping Lord's black pupils swiveled as he turned to look at Shi Mo with an icy gaze.

"For these years, you've been working for me in another mortal world. The crack in the Gate of Life and Death is extremely narrow, making it difficult for anyone to pass through. Usually, I communicate with you via homing pigeons. But occasionally, we use insects to exchange thoughts and connect our minds. So naturally, I know what you're thinking. There's no need for you to be surprised."

Heaven-Stepping Lord finally spoke, his tone icy cold. "Considering how close you are to blindness, which eye of yours saw this Lord being astonished?"

"... " Shi Mo pressed his lips together, his expression darkening further, then said, "Very well. Since you understand the pros and cons of the situation, you should endure until that time even more so. United, we shall strive together, and on the day our great endeavor is accomplished, we shall see whether it is you who will manage to turn the tables on me, or if I shall acquire an invincible weapon."

"Heaven-Stepping Lord replied, "Let us wait and see."

Just as Shi Mo was about to say something more, a soft groan escaped Chu Wanning, who was lying on the bed. Though it was but a fleeting sound like a blooming night-blooming cereus, both men, in the midst of their intense verbal sparring, immediately turned their heads.

"Wanning?"

"Master—"

"..." The former fellow disciples exchanged glances, with Heaven-Stepping Lord remaining ominously silent. After a moment, his eyes shifted from Shi Mo to the unconscious Chu Wanning, who was in a deep slumber.

After a brief pause, he spoke in a seemingly casual tone, "This person has been running a fever for many days now. Why hasn't he shown any improvement? If this continues, will he...?"

Here, his words trailed off, and the ruthless Heaven-Stepping Imperial Lord hesitated on a particular word. His long eyelashes fluttered as he closed his eyes.

Shi Mo, however, seemed indifferent, "Is there something you want to ask? Are you wondering if he'll die?"

It could have been an illusion, but Heaven-Stepping Lord's already pale face seemed even more devoid of color. He pressed his lips together, seemingly disgusted by the word "die." He simply said, "Is there a chance?"

"Of course, he won't die. You underestimate the Great Immortal Beidou too much. But how can you still have the nerve to ask me about this?" Shi Mo raised his eyebrows. "Who made him run a fever? Wasn't it because you were too rough with him like a ravenous wolf?"

Heaven-Stepping Lord's expression worsened, reaching an unbearable level. He spoke in a grim tone, "He isn't me. Don't lump me with that good-for-nothing."

Upon hearing this, Shi Mo looked at him up and down before saying, "What a coincidence. I also think he's a waste of space. You're well aware that I went through great lengths to tear open a massive spatial rift in this dimension just to summon you here, all for the sake of making that good-for-nothing disappear and letting you reclaim your position as the supreme being."

"My lord," he suddenly addressed Heaven-Stepping Lord with a playful tone, "we're just one step away from achieving our goal. You also desire complete power, don't you? A surging spiritual core, right?"

"..."

Shi Mo was like a hunting snake, flicking out his crimson tongue, bewitching and tempting.

He saw the longing in Heaven-Stepping Lord's eyes.

Then, he smiled, confident and assured of victory.

"If you want to regain your full strength, then listen to me," he said with poisonous teeth and shining eyes, "Only if you comply will we be able to proceed smoothly."

Heaven-Stepping Lord fell silent for a moment before brushing his sleeves and saying, "Let's not discuss that for now."

Then, he pointed at Chu Wanning and said, "Talk about this."

"As for him, it's just soul fusion along with too much physical stimulation," Shi Mo said indifferently. "There's nothing much to talk about. But if you really want to make him more comfortable, you might as well leave first."

Heaven-Stepping Lord's expression immediately turned wary. "What do you plan on doing?"

With a smile that wasn't quite a smile, Shi Mo replied, "I'm going to heal his injuries."

"I'll be staying here as well."

"That won't do," Shi Mo said. "Cold Scale Saint Healer doesn't allow others to witness when performing healing techniques."

"Heaven-Stepping Lord remained unmoved.

Seeing that Heaven-Stepping Lord still had no intention of leaving, Shi Mo continued, "If you're not leaving, then I will. You can stay here. After all, Your Majesty has the power to reach the heavens, so you'll definitely be able to take care of him."

Upon hearing Shi Mo's words, Heaven-Stepping Lord's expression darkened even further.

His spiritual power was fierce and domineering, making him utterly unsuited for healing techniques. In his previous life, with so many palace attendants, medical officials were never in short supply, so he had never bothered to learn such skills in detail.

Shi Mo regained his composure, gazing at him with a charming smile.

Heaven-Stepping Lord was clearly disgusted by his smile and swiftly turned his head away, clenching his silver teeth, unwilling to look at Shi Mo any longer.

After a long while, he said, "Fine. I'll leave the room. You can heal him." Pausing, he then added fiercely, "But I'll be right outside the door. If you dare to..."

His words trailed off as the icy chill on his face could almost kill.

"If you dare to do anything to him, I'll take your life right now."

This threat didn't hold much sway over Shi Mo. He smiled again and gestured for Heaven-Stepping Lord to leave.

Heaven-Stepping Lord departed, lingering at the door with a dark expression for quite some time. In the now-quiet chamber, Shi Mo stood by the closed stone door, watching it for a moment. Then, he turned around and walked toward the man in white lying on the bed.

"..." The mocking smile on Shi Mo's face vanished, replaced by an eerily serene yet wildly frenzied look. He whispered softly, "Master."

Step by step, he approached.

Now that Chu Wanning was finally in his grasp, what difference did it make if Heaven-Stepping Lord stood guard outside? He had plenty of ways to ensure the man didn't make a sound.

By the time the ruler of the Human Realm entered, it would be too late, no matter how furious or menacing he became. It was his own fault for being so naive and powerless, leaving his beloved trapped in this snake's lair, accompanied by icy scales.

With delicate, fair fingers, Shi Mo drew back the tent curtains, gazing at the feverish man on the bed almost tenderly, yet hungrily. "This time, no one will disturb us anymore."

He slowly sat down, reaching out to caress Chu Wanning's cheek.

"…Come now, Concubine Chu, let me teach you well, right here, separated only by a wall from your husband. Hmm?"