The Husky and His White Cat Shizun

Chapter 36: I Guess This Seat Has Lost My Mind

Without thinking, Chu Wanning reached out to steady him. In the warm spring water, their skin pressed tightly together, and Mo Ran felt a spark of electricity shoot up his spine, causing goosebumps to rise all over his body.

Although he had embraced almost naked Chu Wanning back at the Red Lotus Water Pavilion, the situation had been critical then, and he hadn't had time to think or look too much. Thus, he didn't have a strong impression of that moment.

But now, with one hand on Chu Wanning's chest and the other instinctively holding onto his Master's waist, their legs brushing against each other underwater, Mo Ran's mind exploded like a bomb.

His reaction towards Chu Wanning...

Merely touching his waist like this, without doing anything else, was enough to...

Set off a tumultuous rush of desire like a surging river.

"Mas—Master, I—"

He struggled to stand upright, but in his haste, his already aroused lower body bumped into the other person.

Chu Wanning's eyes widened instantly, shock flashing across his handsome face. He quickly retreated, and at the same time, a droplet of water that had been hanging from his eyelashes slipped into his eye. Startled, Chu Wanning closed his eyes, wanting to rub them, but he didn't have a towel to wipe them with.

"Master, use... use mine."

Mo Ran was utterly embarrassed, his face flushed red, yet he still tried to pretend nothing was amiss as he used his own towel to wipe the water droplets from Chu Wanning's face.

When Chu Wanning opened his phoenix eyes, they were filled with confusion, astonishment, and a hint of panic. However, these emotions quickly faded, and he made an effort to calm himself, pretending he hadn't noticed anything. In a muted voice, he said, "Hand me the scented sachet."

"Oh... oh, sure."

Moving sideways like a cooked crab, Mo Ran reached the edge of the pool and picked up the scented sachet box that was placed on the bank.

"What... what scent would you like?"

"Whatever."

With a dizzy and empty mind, Mo Ran stared blankly at the box for a while before turning his head sincerely, "There's no fragrance called 'whatever'."

Chu Wanning: "...."

Pausing for a moment, he sighed, "Plum blossom, crabapple."

"Very well."

Mo Ran picked out two incense pieces and handed them to Chu Wanning.

Their fingertips brushed, sending another shiver through them.

Despite their reluctance, they couldn't escape the memories of the past.

If this were before, he would have eagerly entangled himself with Chu Wanning by the pond. He could even visualize Chu Wanning kneeling before him, submitting to his heat, desire burning fiercely as their Master's eyes half-lidded, trembling yet still climaxing under him...

Mo Ran couldn't endure it anymore. His primal male desire made his eyes turn red. He dared not look at Chu Wanning again; he felt that even looking at Shi Mo would be safer than gazing at Chu Wanning.

How... could this be...

How could it be like this?

After hastily finishing his bath, taking advantage of the other three still soaking, Mo Ran mumbled that he was tired and retired to sleep first.

Back in his room, he locked the door from the inside.

Unable to endure any longer, Mo Ran relieved his desires, unwilling to picture Chu Wanning's face at this moment. He would rather rudely imagine Shi Mo, as it would soothe his conflicted heart somewhat.

But his body and thoughts were beyond his control. Scenes of their intimate moments together flashed before his eyes, those bone-devouring passions surging back into his mind tonight like a flood unleashed, accompanied by waves of trembling ecstasy bordering on destruction.

He treated himself roughly, as if entangled with that man, on the verge of collapse. He lifted his neck, a mix of defiance and labored breathing escaping his lips.

A name involuntarily slipped from his throat.

"Wanning..."

With a low groan, he trembled slightly as he released everything without reservation, his palm now damp...

After his release, Mo Ran pressed his forehead against the cold wall, his eyes filled with confusion.

Shame, guilt, disgust, and arousal intertwined within him.

He never expected that after being reborn, he would still have such intense reactions towards Chu Wanning.

Suddenly, he loathed himself immensely.

Though in his previous life, he had never won Shi Mo's affection and instead indulged his abundant energy among countless beauties, such seemingly passionate promiscuity held no real meaning for him.

Snuffing out the candlelight was merely a physical act, no different with anyone else.

Even his slight infatuation with Rong Jiu was only due to a resemblance in their facial features to Shi Mo.

Yet, his feelings for Chu Wanning were entirely distinct. He was acutely aware that just the mere thought, without actual union, stirred within him an intense pleasure that he could never find in those courtesans and actors – something that transcended the physical...

He refused to delve deeper into these thoughts.

He loved Shi Mo, then and now, and it would never change.

After repeating this to himself several times, Mo Ran gradually calmed his breathing. With a furrowed brow, he closed his eyes.

He was anxious, frustrated, and mostly heartbroken.

He didn't want it to be like this.

In the throes of desire, he couldn't help but think of Chu Wanning. But when the passion subsided, he vowed to push away any thought related to Chu Wanning, even a strand of hair or a fleeting glance.

He was almost obsessively convinced that the one he liked, the one he deeply loved...

was Shi Mo...

Master Chu was similarly in a state of confusion.

After all, he had directly and profoundly sensed Mo Ran's desire. The young man's body had developed admirably, which was already astonishing. Excited, it became hard and hot like steel ready to burst forth.

Although Chu Wanning quickly regained his composure and later didn't mention it at all, that sensation had left him with goosebumps and disbelief.

What was even more difficult for him to admit was that he had also reacted in that moment.

Fortunately, he was bashful, and even when soaking in the hot springs, he would habitually wear a bathrobe, covering himself completely so no one could see. Otherwise, he wouldn't know where to put his face.

But why on earth would Mo Ran...

Lying in bed that night, he thought about it silently for a long time, not daring to imagine that... perhaps Mo Ran also liked him.

That thought was too outrageous and too shameful.

He dared only gingerly entertain the thought that "Perhaps Mo Ran also likes—"

The word "myself" didn't even have time to materialize in Chu Wanning's mind before he viciously pinched himself. His phoenix eyes were bright and clear, yet they shimmered with a hint of evasion.

He didn't dare to finish that sentence in his thoughts.

After all, he was fierce and prone to violence, with a sharp tongue and a bad temper. He didn't possess the peerless charm of Shi Mo, and he was no longer young. Even if Mo Ran were to like men, he wouldn't be so blind as to take a fancy to someone like him.

Thus, he maintained his pride.

In reality, his heart had long since been worn down by neglect and fear from others. In his long, solitary journey, he had gradually sunk into deep self-doubt.

When he woke up the next day.

Mo Ran and Chu Wanning crossed paths in the inn's corridor. Both were preoccupied with their own thoughts, exchanging a glance but not speaking first.

In the end, it was Mo Ran who pretended nothing was amiss, offering a smile to Chu Wanning. "Master."

Chu Wanning breathed a sigh of relief. Not knowing how to respond, he was grateful when Mo Ran chose to remain silent about yesterday's incident. Following suit, he nodded calmly, just as he usually would.

"Since you're up, go wake up Shi Mo as well. We'll prepare and head to Xu Ying Peak."

The peak of Xu Ying was perpetually covered in snow, bitterly cold. Even the most robust cultivators found it difficult to withstand such frigidity. Chu Wanning went to a tailor's shop to buy cloaks and gloves for his disciples, so they could wear them when they felt the chill.

The proprietress, puffing on her water pipe, grinned widely and beckoned to both sides, first addressing Mo Ran, "Young Lord Immortal, you have such a dashing appearance. Take a look at this black cloak with a golden dragon and water pattern – it's the finest Sichuan embroidery. Just the dragon's eyes alone took me over three months to meticulously craft."

Mo Ran chuckled awkwardly, "Sister, your words are too sweet. Unfortunately, I'm here to seek a sword, so there's no need for such formal attire."

Seeing that didn't work, the proprietress turned to Shi Mo, "Oh my, this Immortal Lord is exceptionally handsome! He looks even more charming than the prettiest maidens in our Dai City. My lord, I think this red cloak with butterfly and peony design suits you best. Would you like to try it on?"

Shi Mo smiled wryly, "Auntie, isn't that meant for young women?"

Xue Meng disliked browsing for clothes and considered himself above such activities, choosing to wait in his original spot. Chu Wanning picked out a black cloak with purple trim for him, its hood adorned with a circle of white rabbit fur.

The proprietress commented, "This garment might be a bit small for you, Immortal Lord. It would fit a younger person better."

Chu Wanning replied coolly, "It's for my disciple."

"Oh, oh, I see." The proprietress suddenly understood, then chuckled, "What a wonderful master you are."

Perhaps for the first time in his life, Chu Wanning froze at being called "a good master." Although his face remained expressionless, his steps were uncoordinated for several strides.

Mo Ran eventually chose a dark green-gray cloak, while Shi Mo opted for a moon-white one. Chu Wanning took a plain white cloak and another with a black base and purple trim. After settling the bill, they went to meet up with Xue Meng.

Upon seeing his cloak, Xue Meng's eyes widened.

Chu Wanning, confused, asked, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing... nothing at all."

However, once Chu Wanning turned away and walked some distance, Xue Meng thought he was out of earshot. He examined the hem of the cloak with disdain, muttering softly, "Purple? I don't like purple."

To his surprise, Chu Wanning's cold voice echoed, "Nagging. If you don't wear it, go up the mountain naked."

Xue Meng: "............"

They leisurely continued their journey, and just before dusk, the four finally reached the foot of Xu Ying Peak.

Xu Ying Peak was rich in spiritual energy, home to many magical beasts and exotic birds. Even cultivators would not dare to ascend without proper capability.

With Chu Wanning around, there was no need to worry about such matters. Chu Wanning conjured three late-night Begonia flowers out of thin air, each imbued with the power to repel spirits and evil. He placed them on the waistbands of his three disciples before saying, "Let's go."

Mo Ran looked up, gazing at the towering peaks that lay hidden in the night, resembling ancient beasts in slumber. A myriad of emotions surged within him.

That year, he had stood on Xuying Peak, declaring to the heavens, earth, sun, moon, demons, ghosts, gods, and monsters that he, Mo Ran, was no longer content with being the Heaven-Stepping Lord of the cultivation world; he aspired to be the ruler of the human realm.

It was also on that very same Xuying Peak where he had taken both a wife and a concubine in a single ceremony.

He could still vividly recall the face of his wife, Song Qiutong, the peerless beauty of the cultivation world. From a certain angle, her features eerily resembled Shi Mo's.

He was not one to adhere to propriety or modesty, so he didn't bother with the tedious rituals of three matchmakers and six formal visits. Back then, he held Song Qiutong's delicate hand and led the woman with the red veil up the thousand steps. They walked for more than an hour.

Later, Song Qiutong's legs ached, and she could no longer walk.

Mo Ran had a short temper; he lifted her veil, ready to scold her.

But under the hazy moonlight, Song Qiutong's pair of aggrieved, restrained, and delicate eyes resembled that of his beloved, now reduced to white bones in the underworld.

The words of disdain froze on his lips, trembling slightly, and what ultimately escaped them were:

"Shi Mo, let me carry you."

As per the hierarchy within their sect, if Song Qiutong were truly his junior, she would indeed be his junior sister. Thus, she was only slightly taken aback by the term, especially since Mo Ran had destroyed the entire Confucian Wind Sect and logically absorbed it into the Summit of Life and Death. Therefore, addressing her as junior sister was acceptable. She smiled and replied, "Alright."

The last few thousand steps, the Heaven-Stepping Lord, ruler of the human realm, the King of Darkness, steadily carried the bride in her crimson attire up the mountain peak step by step.

He lowered his head, gazing at the intertwined shadows on the ground in an odd position.

He chuckled, his voice hoarse. "Shi Mo, from now on, I will be the ruler of the human realm. No one will ever hurt you again."

The woman behind him didn't know what to say. After a moment of hesitation, she softly hummed in response.

Her voice was gentle, so soft that it was barely distinguishable as a female's due to its subtlety.

Mo Ran's eyes reddened unseen, and he spoke in a low voice, "I'm sorry it took me so long for this day to come."

Song Qiutong thought Mo Ran had liked her for a long time, so she replied gently, "My husband..."

Her feminine voice rang clear and crisp like a delicate lily shedding dew, incredibly pleasant to the ears.

Yet, Mo Ran suddenly stopped in his tracks.

"What's wrong?"

"… Nothing."

They continued walking, but Mo Ran's voice was no longer hoarse, and the faint tremors had vanished entirely.

After a brief pause, he said, "Just call me Ah Ran from now on."

Song Qiutong was rather surprised and didn't dare to address Heaven-Stepping Lord so casually. He hesitated, "My lord, I… I'm afraid that…."

Mo Ran's tone suddenly turned fierce, "If you don't listen, I'll throw you off this mountain!"

"A-Ah Ran!" Song Qiutong quickly corrected himself, "Ah Ran, it was my mistake."

Mo Ran didn't reply.

He lowered his head and walked silently, not uttering another word.

The shadow on the ground is still just a shadow.

Upon closer inspection, one realizes that, indeed, it is merely an illusion.

Mirage-like flowers in a mirror, moon reflections on water— all illusions.

What he ultimately possesses is no more than a fleeting fantasy.

In the end, it proves to be an illusion, a vain delusion.

"Shi Mo."

"Mm?" The person walking beside Mo Ran turned his head at the sound. Amidst the rustling of countless leaves and swaying of grass, moonlight illuminated his exquisite features. "Aran, what is it?"

"Are... you tired from walking?" Mo Ran glanced at Chu Wanning and Xue Meng ahead of them, whispering softly, "If you are, I can carry you."

Before Shi Mo could respond, Chu Wanning looked back.

He gave Mo Ran a cold glance. "Has Shi Mingjing's leg broken, requiring your show of strength?"

Shi Mo hurriedly said, "Master, Ah Ran was just joking. Please don't be angry."

With his brows lowered, Chu Wanning's sharp gaze flickered with barely concealed flames. "How ridiculous, what could I possibly be angry about?"

With that, he swept his wide sleeves aside and strode away with an air of dignity.

Mo Ran: "..."

Shi Mo: "..."

"Master seems displeased..."

"You know him well enough," Mo Ran whispered into Shi Mo's ear. "His heart is narrower than the eye of a needle. He's cold-blooded and heartless, yet he expects others to be affectionate siblings."

He wrinkled his nose and concluded in a hushed tone, "Extremely disliked."

Chu Wanning, who was ahead, suddenly barked fiercely, "Mo Weiyu, if you dare say another word, I'll throw you down this mountain, believe it or not!"

Seemingly sensing the situation, Mo Ran wisely kept silent. However, he secretly shot a mischievous glance at Shi Mo and mouthed some words without making a sound.

Look, I wasn't wrong, was I?

Author's Note:

Today, the teacher at the cultivation academy gave the students a homework assignment: to use "absolutely impossible" in a sentence.

Mo Ran: Could it be that liking someone means solely desiring their body? Absolutely impossible.

Chu Wanning: Does liking someone necessarily mean having to express it aloud? Absolutely impossible.

Shi Mo: Could my appearance resemble that of a young maiden? Absolutely impossible.

Xue Meng: As a straight man, would I willingly wear a lavender cloak, something associated with gay men? Absolutely impossible.

Madame Wang: As a straight man, would you go hiking naked with three gay men? Absolutely impossible.

Xue Zhengyong: Elder Yu Heng is so gay; could there possibly be a straight man under his tutelage? Absolutely impossible.

Song Qiutong: As a supporting character, will the Divine Emperor ever marry me in this lifetime? Absolutely impossible.

Meat Bun: Considering how flawed Husky is today, will there be no little angels in the comment section scolding him? Absolutely not.