The Husky and His White Cat Shizun

Chapter 267: The Golden Dragon Coiling Around the Pillar at the "Heavenly Sound Pavilion"

Shi Mo first fed Chu Wanning a holy medicinal pill for healing. Then, he leaned down, his soft and delicate fingers, like ten enchanting white snakes, weaving through Mo Ran's ink-black hair. He lifted Chu Wanning's head from behind, pressing their foreheads together.

"Zhuang Zhou dreams, butterfly transforms, companionship throughout the night..."

He softly chanted an incantation, but halfway through, his whispering ceased.

Originally, he had intended to cast a spell to erase some of Chu Wanning's memories – one of his most proficient spells that he had previously used on Mo Ran.

However, due to the chaos within Chu Wanning's soul and the fact that his memories were still in the process of recovery, his resistance to the outside world was immense. Shi Mo found that this spell was ineffective against him.

"Sigh, this is quite a troublesome matter," Shi Mo sighed. He closed his eyes, then opened them again –

A bewitching glow circled in his peach blossom eyes. With such eyes, he gazed intently at Chu Wanning before reciting once more, "Zhuang Zhou dreams, butterfly transforms, companionship throughout the night, yesterday flows like water, forever drunk in this mountain..."

This time, there was some effect, though not perfect.

His spell was like a giant stone thrown into a pond, creating countless ripples despite ultimately returning to its original state.

But that was fine. It was better for him to forget for a while.

He did not wish for Chu Wanning to be filled with murderous intent while they indulged in passion. That would be too unappetizing.

"Master, you've been asleep for a long time. You should wake up now."

This gentle call seemed like a spell. After a moment, Chu Wanning's eyelashes fluttered, and his eyes slowly opened.

Due to Shi Mo's incantation, his consciousness had temporarily become hazy, pausing in his past life, after Shi Mo's death.

In the past, Chu Wanning had been deeply wounded by Mo Ran's loss of his beloved. Subconsciously, he always wished he could change things. So, his spirit traveled back to those years.

—However, the human soul, composed of three souls and six spirits, was already intricate. Now, Chu Wanning's body carried two lifetimes' worth of souls. Thus, even under Shi Mo's spell, his mind was muddled, giving him a dreamlike expression.

His memories were jumbled, and he couldn't differentiate between dreams and reality.

"…Shi Mingjing?"

"Mm," Shi Mo's voice was gentle, softly suppressing a twisted emotion. "It's me."

Chu Wanning seemed exhausted, the high fever causing discomfort throughout his body. He only faintly acknowledged the voice before closing his eyes again.

Shi Mo knew he needed time to adjust and waited patiently by his side.

After a while, he heard Chu Wanning murmur with his eyes still closed, "I must be dreaming. ...How wonderful that you're still alive."

Knowing that Chu Wanning's memories stopped after the Heavenly Rift in their previous life, Shi Mo didn't expect such a sentiment. His heart stirred, a long-forgotten bitterness rising within him.

"Did you regret my death?"

"…You're still so young… So many people adore you…" Chu Wanning whispered, "It shouldn't have been you. I'm sorry…"

"..."

"If it had been me, at least no one would be too heartbroken."

That bitter feeling intensified, pulsing within his lifeless heart. It was the same sensation he'd felt when they first shared an umbrella on their way home years ago. Later, amidst the web of schemes and plots, those around him either perished or drifted apart.

He had concealed himself in the shadows, pretending to be an unfeeling boulder.

Eventually, he had come to believe he was indeed stone, until this very day when he truly felt the presence of his own heartbeat again.

It was a mix of sour, sweet, bitter, and a tingling sensation all at once.

He knew he shouldn't be feeling this way. The acidic rain could erode a giant rock, and soft moss would cause it to crumble.

Yet, he couldn't resist holding onto Chu Wanning's hand, his heart pounding wildly.

He opened his mouth, throat dry, and swallowed before asking again, "What about you? If I were to die, would you grieve?"

"..."

"Have you ever grieved?"

Chu Wanning's phoenix eyes were half-lidded, beneath his long, thick eyelashes that resembled spring cotton, there were eyes that held far too many secrets. Shi Mo strained to peer deeper, attempting to catch a glimpse of any distinct emotion.

But there was none.

Just as water remains water and grain remains grain when left alone, a feeling must remain pure to stay true to itself.

Unfortunately, human emotions are never that simple. Shi Mo's death had stirred a myriad of sentiments within him: sorrow, pain, self-reproach, and eventually, regret. All these emotions intertwined, fermenting like grain mixed with water, altering their original essence.

With an intense obsession, Shi Mo asked, "Master, if you were given another chance, would you be willing to sacrifice your life for me, just as you did for him?"

Chu Wanning's eyes were blank.

"Would you or wouldn't you?"

"Shi Mingjing..." He could only manage those three words before his lips were roughly sealed.

Having waited so long for an answer, he now found himself hesitant to hear it, unwilling to listen.

Shi Mo believed he already knew the response.

Resentment swirled within his chest, driving him to kiss the man on the bed almost vindictively, greedily savoring every taste. Chu Wanning was initially oblivious, only realizing what was happening when Shi Mo's tongue attempted to pry open his teeth.

"Uh—"

"Shh, be quiet," Shi Mo gasped, gently touching Chu Wanning's throat and casting the Silencing Spell. "This charm was one you taught us before, to prevent us from making noise in dangerous situations. Did you ever imagine it would be used on you like this?"

He spoke without acknowledging the confusion and anger in Chu Wanning's eyes. His jealousy and longing had him on the verge of losing his composure. "Master, do you know? Two lifetimes. I've been meticulous and cautious, never having a moment's peace."

As he bound Chu Wanning's limbs to the headboard, he gritted his teeth. "I'm not a normal person, and what I have to do doesn't allow me to be. So what? The puppet, Emperor of Trampling Immortals, can do as he pleases. Why should I hold back?"

With these words, Shi Mo watched as Chu Wanning struggled furiously beneath him.

He felt both agony and pleasure.

"I've come to understand now. Whether life is prosperous or not, one should still revel in its joys... Master." He straightened up and began to hastily undress Chu Wanning with some urgency. "After all the effort it took to reach this point, I should finally taste what you have to offer. Consider it a reward for your disciple, yes?"

The ailing man didn't have much strength to resist, and Shi Mo effortlessly slipped off his robe. The air was slightly cool, and the lamp cast a hazy glow upon the sharply defined, muscular male form, which was littered with bruises—evidence of Mo Ran's previous ministrations.

Shi Mo's eyes darkened slightly as he whispered to himself, "He really is ruthless, isn't he?"

Saying so, he lifted his hand to gently grasp Chu Wanning's chin, examining those captivating eyes.

Those phoenix-like eyes were now veiled in a mist, as if Chu Wanning were struggling to distinguish between dream and reality. He must have found this scene before him both absurdly unreal and yet eerily genuine in its tactile sensation.

With the confusion of two lifetimes' memories entangled, it was not easy for him to react immediately.

"I'm not like him," Shi Mo gazed at Chu Wanning for a while, his expression gradually softening, albeit with an underlying peculiarity. "He has no clue how to make you addicted. Once you've tried me, you'll realize he doesn't amount to much."

Finished speaking, he began undressing himself.

Fresh out of the bath, he wore only a bathrobe that effortlessly slipped off, revealing a delicate body as exquisite as Kunshan jade.

"Mistress..."

He murmured, pressing himself against Chu Wanning.

Whether in a dream or reality, Chu Wanning was repulsed beyond endurance, his entire body trembling delicately, his face deathly pale.

"You're so warm."

"..."

Knowing that if he lifted the enchantment on Chu Wanning now, the man would likely unleash a torrent of abuse, exuding a menacing aura. Still, Shi Mo couldn't help but caress him while muttering, "Is it even hotter inside?"

"Master... Mingjing!"

Upon hearing the sound, Shi Mo was suddenly taken aback.

"... You broke free from the Silencing Spell yourself?" He lifted his gaze and stared at Chu Wanning's face. "You are truly..."

Chu Wanning's lips trembled slightly as he coughed up blood, his voice hoarse. "How dare you! Get out of here!"

Silence fell upon Shi Mo as he looked down at the man beneath him.

Was this person too fierce?

Too stubborn?

Or was it that he refused to accept his fate and yield?

There were too many things he wanted to say, but when it came to the moment, he found himself unsure of what to express.

In the end, Shi Mo simply smiled. Just as Chu Wanning was about to erupt in anger and speak another word, he abruptly covered his mouth, swiftly undoing Chu Wanning's headband to bind it across his lips.

"Since you can break free from my spells, I'll have to resort to binding you then. My apologies, Master," he said, his voice laced with mockery.

Meeting those eyes filled with astonishment, confusion, fury, and humiliation, Shi Mo felt a surge of adrenaline. Leaning close to Chu Wanning's ear, he whispered, "Remember to keep your moans quiet, no matter how pleasurable it gets. Your Majesty, the Emperor, is right outside. Imagine if he hears you being so wanton beneath me. Do you think he'd be pleased?"

Shi Mo's fingers descended slowly, lingering on each bruised and purple mark, and as they continued downward, Chu Wanning felt a piercing sense of shame.

His memories were jumbled, stuck in his past life before he discovered Mo Ran's cursed secret. Thus, he despised Mo Ran with every fiber of his being.

But he despised himself even more for feeling no shame.

Despite the humiliation and disgust, despite his disappointment in Mo Weiyu, when Mo Ran held him and panted in his ear, when the man's sweat dripped onto him from his abdomen, he couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and pleasure.

During their most frenzied encounters, he secretly yearned for Mo Ran not to stop, to tear him apart and pierce his very soul.

Their passionate encounters gave him an illusion of tranquility amidst the tempestuous storm.

In Mo Ran's embrace, there were moments when he could almost convince himself that nothing had happened, that this persistent pursuer might actually love him.

But Shi Mo was different.

Though he had no idea how he fell into such a bizarre and surreal nightmare, when Shi Mo touched him, all he felt was rage and dread. He simply could not tolerate this kind of relationship...

He did not like it at all.

Shi Mo's body was different from what he remembered—tall and slender, yet still smooth and fair, with gentle, elegant curves that seemed to be carved from pure sheep fat. His scent was fresh and fragrant.

It was not the robust masculinity he was accustomed to—

He was only used to Mo Ran's physique. Though his skin was pale, it held a wild, beastly vitality beneath. That purest essence of a man's scent was like scorching sunlight, searing his heart.

Sometimes, it carried a tinge of blood and iron.

Hard, cold.

But his solid chest was burning hot.

Chu Wanning abruptly opened his eyes. Struggling against his bound wrists, he left bloody marks on them. The corners of his eyes reddened with humiliation.

Yet, his struggles were futile. The soft bed was layered with thick animal hides, muffling any loud sounds.

With a keen interest, Shi Mo watched his struggle, eventually smiling. "Why waste your energy, Master? Do you doubt my ability to give you pleasure?"

As he spoke, he lifted Chu Wanning's long and toned leg, sliding in between, his gaze darkening as he prepared to do what he had fantasized about countless times before.

Chu Wanning abruptly shut his eyes, his lips bitten until they bled, nails digging into his palms – every muscle in his body tensed, not from fear of the impending pain, but from humiliation.

It was truly humiliating, regardless of whether this was real or not.

If it was a false illusion, he was ashamed of himself for having such lascivious dreams. If it was genuine, he despised his own foolishness for taking on three disciples, two of whom harbored such rebellious intentions.

He was accustomed to self-reflection.

If one could attribute Mo Ran's desires to Mo Ran's issues, then what about Shi Mo combined with Mo Ran?

He couldn't help but wonder if there was something he had done wrong or improperly, failing to set a good example as a teacher, which led his disciples to harbor such lustful ambitions in bed.

Where had he gone wrong to deserve this torment?

"..."

The tension hung in the air, taut and unyielding.

After an extended moment, there was still no movement.

Chu Wanning slowly opened his eyes, his dark brown irises darting around to find Shi Mo inexplicably frozen in place. The flush of desire on his face had vanished, replaced instead by a darkness akin to the bottom of a pot.

Before he could fully comprehend the reason for Shi Mo's expression, his gaze drifted downward a few inches, revealing a sight that left him utterly speechless.

...

What... is... this...

The preceding atmosphere of deep intimacy was instantly swept away, leaving Chu Wanning feeling as if struck by lightning.

Cough, cough, cough—was that thing beneath Shi Mo actually... golden???

The situation was too absurd for words. Chu Wanning turned his head stiffly away, unwilling to further damage his vision.

But after a moment, he realized something was off—how could a normal person possess such an item?

So, with great determination, he turned his head back, his face still flushed, and took another look.

This time, he saw clearly that it wasn't Shi Mo glowing golden; instead, a tiny golden dragon had somehow coiled itself around Shi Mo's spot. The little dragon held its grip tightly and lifted its head, glaring fiercely at Shi Mingjing, as if daring him to make a move or it would crush whatever it was holding into dust.

Chu Wanning: "…"

Shi Mo: "…"

The little dragon bared its fangs menacingly and roared at the unfortunate victim, "Wah, meow-yaa!!"

If not for his hands being bound, Chu Wanning would have been tempted to cover his face. He couldn't bear to witness this.

"…" Shi Mo fell silent for a moment before gritting his teeth and asking, "What is going on?!"

Just as he spoke, the sound of stone doors creaking open echoed through the air. Heaven-Stepping Lord's sinister face appeared behind the entrance, his voice laced with the threat of an impending storm.

Heaven-Stepping Lord stepped into the room, folding his arms. His gaze swept across the scene of the "golden dragon coiling around a jade pillar," his murderous intent tinged with a hint of mocking sarcasm. Then, his thin lips parted, and he coldly said, "Miss, please get out of bed."

Shi Mo was flushed with anger and didn't understand his meaning at first. He grumbled, "What lady? Who?"

"Excuse me," Heaven-Stepping Lord said, examining the object wrapped around the little dragon carefully once more. "It turns out to be a young nobleman. You're too small, my lord, so I failed to notice you."

The little golden dragon coiled around the pillar, its whiskers quivering as it bared its fangs in agreement with its summoner's call, "Mei ya ya!!"

This level of humiliation for a man was almost unbearable. Even Shi Mo, usually composed, couldn't help but have veins bulge on his forehead and his face turn red. However, with his disheveled clothes and being bound by this damned black dragon, his anger lacked intimidation. Thus, he chose not to speak.

Heaven-Stepping Imperial Lord approached him. Standing beside the bedpost, he crossed his arms and leaned casually.

"Hua Binan, do you think that just because you didn't make a sound, this deity wouldn't know what you were doing?" He narrowed his eyes, his handsome face filled with disdain. "Do you truly believe this deity is three years old? Hmm?"