The Husky and His White Cat Shizun

Chapter 9: This Seat Is Not an Actor

Chu Wanning's taste is truly abysmal.

Boring. Dull. Hopelessly so.

Just look at this entire bookshelf! What a collection of drab books!

Ancient Barrier Catalog, Unusual Flower and Plant Atlas, Lin Yi Confucian Wind Sect's Zither Compositions, and Grass and Tree Collection. The only ones that could be considered leisure reading might be a few volumes of Sichuan Travel Chronicles and Sichuan Gastronomy Records.

Mo Ran selected a few relatively new books, which were evidently not the type that Chu Wanning would frequently read. He proceeded to paint over every page, creating a series of erotic illustrations known as "Chun Gong Tu."

As he drew, he hummed to himself, "There must be at least eight thousand volumes in this library, if not ten thousand. When Chu Wanning eventually discovers that a few of them have been reclassified as forbidden texts, who knows how many eons will have passed? By then, Chu Wanning will surely be clueless as to the culprit behind it all, left to brood in silent frustration. Oh, delightful, simply delightful."

Lost in thought, I couldn't help but chuckle softly while hugging the book tightly.

Mo Ran filled the pages of over a dozen books with his unbridled imagination, soaring as freely as a celestial steed through the clouds, depicting whatever erotic scenes his mind conjured. His brushstrokes were a seamless fusion of the "Cloth-like Drapery" style of Cao Yi and the "Belt-like Flow" technique of Wu Dao, exuding an ethereal grace and masculine charm. Should Elder Yu Heng happen to request a loan of these very volumes, it is likely that whispers of such nature would begin to circulate:

"Senior Yu Heng, with his facade of virtue and beastly intentions, secretly inserted illustrations of intimate male-female encounters within the 'Cleansing Heart Technique'!"

"Elder Yu Heng is a disgraceful mentor, there are illustrations of dragon and yang's amorous dalliance in the sword manual!"

"What use is being the honored North Dipper Immortal, he's nothing but a beast in human clothing!"

The more Mo Ran thought about it, the funnier it seemed. Eventually, he covered his belly, grabbed his writing brush, and tumbled around on the floor, kicking his legs in delight. He didn't even notice someone approaching the entrance to the Book Collection Pavilion.

So when Shi Mo arrived, he saw Mo Ran rolling in a pile of books, laughing like a madman.

Shi Mo: "…Ao Ran, what are you doing?"

Mo Ran froze, quickly sitting up and hurriedly covering the explicit drawings. He tried to look innocent: "I-I'm cleaning the floor."

Shi Mo suppressed a chuckle: "With your clothes?"

"Cough, I couldn't find a cloth. Never mind that. Shi Mo, why are you here so late at night?"

"I went to your room but didn't find you. I asked around and learned you were with our Master." Shi Mo entered the pavilion, helping Mo Ran tidy up the scattered books. With a gentle smile, he said, "Since I had nothing else to do, I came to check on you."

Mo Ran was delighted and a bit overwhelmed. His usually slick tongue failed him, and he pressed his lips together, unable to find words.

"Well... um... You sit then!" After spinning around excitedly for a while, Mo Ran said somewhat nervously, "I'll go get you some tea."

"No need, I sneaked over here. If Master finds out, it'll be troublesome."

Scratching his head, Mo Ran replied, "That's true..." This pervert Chu Wanning! He would sooner or later overthrow him and no longer submit to his tyrannical rule!

"You haven't had dinner yet, right? I brought some dishes for you."

Mo Ran's eyes lit up. "Dragon Claw Noodles?"

"Ha, you're really not tired of them. I didn't bring any noodles, the Red Lotus Water Pavilion is too far away, and I was afraid they'd get soggy. Look, it's just some stir-fried dishes, see if they suit your taste?"

Shi Mo opened the food box beside him, revealing several brightly colored side dishes. A plate of Sliced Pig Ear in Sesame Sauce, a plate of Fish-Flavored Shredded Pork, a plate of Kung Pao Chicken, a plate of Smashed Cucumbers, and a bowl of rice.

"Hmm, there's chili in it?"

"I added a bit, just in case you were craving it," Shi Mo smiled, knowing that both he and Mo Ran enjoyed spicy food. "But your wounds aren't fully healed yet, so I didn't dare add too much. Just enough to give it some flavor, better than having none at all."

Mo Ran happily gnawed on his chopsticks, his dimples glowing like honey under the candlelight. "Wow! I'm so touched, I could cry!"

Shi Mo held back his laughter. "By the time you're done crying, the food will be cold. Eat first, then cry."

Mo Ran cheered and attacked his food with swift chopsticks.

When he ate, he resembled a starving canine; Chu Wanning always found his mannerisms grotesque, but Shi Mo never showed any disdain.

Shi Mo was always gentle, smiling as he urged Mo Ran to eat more slowly while passing him a cup of tea. The plates were soon emptied, and Mo Ran patted his belly in contentment, sighing with half-closed eyes, "Satisfied..."

Seemingly offhandedly, Shi Mo asked, "Was the dragon dumplings better, or this meal?"

In matters of food, Mo Ran was as devoted as he was to his first love. He tilted his head, gazing at Shi Mo with his glossy, dark eyes and grinned. "The dragon dumplings."

"..." Shi Mo chuckled and shook his head. After a moment, he said, "Ran, let me change your medicine."

The ointment had been prepared by Madame Wang.

Back in her youth, she had been a disciple of the Immortal Sect known as "Solitary Moon Night," specializing in medicine. Weak in martial arts and averse to violence, she had a passion for healing. On the Peak of Life and Death, there was a herb garden where she personally cultivated many precious plants. Thus, the sect never lacked for medicinal remedies.

Mo Ran took off his shirt and faced away from Shi Mo, feeling a faint ache from the scars on his back. However, as Shi Mo's warm fingers, coated with the ointment, massaged the wounds bit by bit, the pain gradually faded, replaced by wandering thoughts.

"Alright then." Shi Mo carefully tied a new bandage around Mo Ran's wounds. "Put your clothes back on."

Mo Ran turned to look at Shi Mo. Under the dim candlelight, Shi Mo's fair skin seemed to surpass even snow, exuding an irresistible charm. Mo Ran's mouth went dry, and he truly didn't want to put his clothes back on, but after hesitating for a moment, he finally bowed his head and quickly draped his outer robe over himself.

"Shi Mo."

"Hmm?"

In this secluded and private study, the atmosphere between the two men was particularly intimate. Mo Ran had wanted to say something romantic and touching, but as an illiterate who had once named his reign "Halberd Done," he could only stammer and struggle, his face reddening as he managed to squeeze out just three words: "You're really kind."

"What's so special about that? It's what I should do."

"I'll be especially good to you too," Mo Ran said calmly, though his sweaty palms betrayed the turmoil within him. "When I become powerful, no one will be able to bully you. Not even my Master."

Shi Mo was puzzled by Mo Ran's sudden words but still replied gently, "Alright then, I'll have to rely on you in the future, Ah Ran."

"Uh-huh..."

Mo Ran awkwardly agreed but felt even more restless under Shi Mo's flirtatious gaze. He dared not look any longer and lowered his head instead.

He had always been cautious and even stubbornly persistent around this person.

"Ahh, your Master wants you to polish so many books? And compile an inventory overnight?"

Mo Ran still tried to maintain his pride in front of his beloved: "It's manageable. If I rush, I'll make it."

Shi Mo offered, "Let me help you."

"How can that be? If Master finds out, he'll punish both of us." Mo Ran was resolute. "It's getting late. You should go back and rest. There's morning practice tomorrow."

Shi Mo held his hand and chuckled softly. "Don't worry, he won't find out. We'll be quiet..."

Before he could finish his sentence, a cold voice interrupted them.

"How will being quiet help?"

Chu Wanning had seemingly emerged from the mechanics room, his face frigid and phoenix eyes veiled with frost. Dressed in a chilling white robe, he stood solemnly at the entrance of the Book Collection Pavilion, watching them expressionlessly. His gaze lingered for a moment on their entwined hands before shifting away.

"Shi Mingjing, Mo Weiyu, you two have quite the audacity."

Shi Mo's face turned as pale as snow in an instant. He abruptly let go of Mo Ran's hand and whispered, "Master..."

Mo Ran also sensed the situation was dire and lowered his head. "Master."

Chu Wanning entered, ignoring Mo Ran, and instead looked down at Shi Mo, who was kneeling on the ground. He said coolly, "The Red Lotus Water Pavilion is surrounded by barriers. Do you think I wouldn't know if someone entered without prior notice?"

Shi Mo panicked and kowtowed. "This disciple knows his mistake."

Mo Ran grew anxious. "Master, Shi Mo was only here to change my medicine and was about to leave. Please don't blame him."

Shi Mo also panicked. "Master, this has nothing to do with Junior Brother Mo. It was this disciple's fault, and I am willing to accept punishment."

"..."

Chu Wanning's face turned even darker.

He had barely said a few words, but these two were already rushing to protect each other, treating him like a fearsome enemy. Chu Wanning remained silent for a moment, barely suppressing the twitching of his brows. He said indifferently, "Truly, your deep bond as fellow disciples is touching. From the looks of it, I seem to be the sole villain in this room."

Mo Ran said, "Master..."

"…Don't call me that."

Chu Wanning flung his wide sleeves aside, unwilling to speak another word. Mo Ran had no idea what had truly upset him or why he was so furious. He could only guess that Chu Wanning detested others tugging at him in any sense, as it likely offended his eyes.

They remained silent for a long while.

Suddenly, Chu Wanning turned and walked away.

Shi Mo lifted his face, his eyes slightly reddened, and said helplessly, "Master?"

"Wanning, go copy the rules ten times and return."

Shi Mo lowered his gaze. After a moment, he softly replied, "…Yes."

Mo Ran still knelt in place.

Shi Mo stood up, glanced at Mo Ran, then hesitated. After a while, he knelt down again and pleaded with Chu Wanning.

"Master, Junior Brother Mo's scars have just healed. I dare to ask you, please don't be too harsh on him."

Chu Wanning remained silent, standing alone beneath the flickering lanterns. After a moment, he suddenly turned his head, revealing sharp sword brows and piercing eyes as he erupted in anger.

"Enough with your nonsense! Why haven't you left yet?!"

Chu Wanning was naturally handsome but lacked gentleness; when he became fierce, it was truly intimidating. Shi Mo trembled in fear, worried that he might anger their Master and, in turn, implicate Mo Ran. He hurriedly bowed and retreated.

Left alone in the Book Collection Pavilion, Mo Ran sighed inwardly and said, "Master, I was wrong. I'll continue with the cataloguing right away."

But Chu Wanning, without turning his head, replied, "If you're tired, go back."

Mo Ran suddenly lifted his face.

Chu Wanning said coldly, "I won't be keeping you."

How could he be so kind as to let him go? There must be a trap!

Mo Ran replied cunningly, "I'm not leaving."

Chu Wanning paused, then sneered, "...Very well, do as you please."

With a flourish of his wide sleeves, he turned and left.

Mo Ran was stunned. Had it not been a bluff? He had expected Chu Wanning to punish him with another session of the Willow Vine.

After a busy night, he finally finished his task. Mo Ran yawned and exited the Book Collection Pavilion.

It was already late at night, yet Chu Wanning's bedroom still emitted a dim yellow light.

Hmm? That pesky Demon Lord wasn't asleep yet?

Mo Ran walked over, planning to greet Chu Wanning before departing. Upon entering the room, he realized that Chu Wanning had already retired for the night, but this forgetful person had neglected to extinguish the candle flame before sleeping.

Perhaps he had fallen asleep halfway through working on something, exhausted from the effort. Mo Ran glanced at the nascent form of the Night Traveling God beside the bed and weighed the likelihood of this scenario. Finally, noticing that Chu Wanning's metal gloves were still on, and half of a mechanical buckle still clutched in his hand, he confirmed this to be the truth.

Sleeping, Chu Wanning appeared less stern and cold. He curled up on a bed cluttered with robotic components and saws, axes, leaving barely any space for himself. Thus, he drew his body into a tight ball, his slender eyelashes drooping, giving off an air of solitude.

Mo Ran stared at him, lost in thought for a moment.

What exactly had Chu Wanning been upset about today?

Was it merely because Shi Mo had rashly entered the Red Lotus Water Pavilion and attempted to tidy up his books for him?

Mo Ran approached the bedside, rolled his eyes, then leaned close to Chu Wanning's ear and whispered in an extremely soft voice, "Master?"

"Uh...hn..." Chu Wanning let out a faint hum, hugging the cold robotic armor tightly in his arms. He was in a deep sleep, his breaths steady. The sharp edges of the metal gloves he hadn't removed resembled the claws of a cat or leopard as they rested against the side of his face.

Seeing that Chu Wanning didn't seem to be waking up anytime soon, a thought crossed Mo Ran's mind, causing him to narrow his eyes and curve his lips into a mischievous smile. He pressed his mouth against Chu Wanning's earlobe and lowered his voice even further, testing, "Master, time to wake up."

"..."

"Master?"

"..."

"Chu Wanning?"

"..."

"Huh, you're really sound asleep." Mo Ran chuckled, propping himself up on his elbow beside Chu Wanning's pillow, grinning as he gazed at him. "That's perfect. I'll take this opportunity to settle scores with you."

Unaware that someone was seeking retribution, Chu Wanning remained serenely asleep with his eyes closed, his handsome features exuding tranquility.

Mo Ran assumed a solemn demeanor, but unfortunately, having grown up in a pleasure house and with limited education, his exposure to literature had been limited to street brawls and storytelling performances. Consequently, the words he cobbled together sounded awkwardly amusing.

"Fearless commoner of the Chu family, you have defied the sovereign and shown disrespect to the king. You... um... you..."

Scratching his head, he found himself at a loss for words. As an emperor, his vocabulary for scolding others typically consisted of "you contemptible maid" or "you dog slave," but none of these seemed appropriate for Chu Wanning.

After racking his brain for a while, he suddenly recalled a phrase often used by the girls in the pleasure house, though he didn't quite understand its meaning, it seemed to fit well enough. So, Mo Ran furrowed his brows and sternly declared:

"You heartless and fickle little wretch, do you know your crime?"

Chu Wanning: "..."

"If you don't speak, this seat will take your silence as an admission of guilt!"

Feeling somewhat annoyed, Chu Wanning grunted softly and continued sleeping with his mechanical armor in embrace.

"For the grave offense you've committed, by the laws, this seat should sentence you... ah, to a punishment of words! Eunuch Liu!"

In the habit of addressing him, he only realized afterward that Uncle Liu was a figure from his past life.

Mo Ran pondered and decided to play the role of the eunuch himself, sacrificing his comfort for the sake of the act. He ingratiatingly said, "Your Majesty, this old servant is here."

He then immediately cleared his throat and sternly declared, "Execute the punishment immediately."

"I shall obey Your Majesty's command."

With that, the lines were delivered.

Mo Ran rubbed his hands together eagerly, ready to "torture" Chu Wanning.

The so-called 'oral punishment' didn't originally exist; it was something Mo Ran made up on the spot.

How would he execute this makeshift oral punishment?

One could see the once-brutal tyrant, Mo Ran, solemnly clearing his throat. His sharp, fierce gaze locked onto Chu Wanning's icy-cold face, akin to a snow-fed mountain spring, as he slowly drew near those pale lips.

And then...

Mo Ran halted, glaring at Chu Wanning as he venomously spat out each word with a rhythmic cadence:

"Chu Wanning, damn your mother, you unparalleled, petty, little, sly one."

Slap. Slap.

Two empty slaps in mid-air.

Hehe, the punishment was executed successfully!

Awesome!

Amidst his delight, Mo Ran suddenly felt a prickle on his neck. Sensing something amiss, he swiftly lowered his head and met a pair of dignified, frosty phoenix eyes.

Mo Ran: "..."

Chu Wanning's voice was as brittle as shattered jade on an icy lake; it was unclear whether it carried more divine aura or chilliness: "What are you doing?"

"I, the... Pah. This old servant... Pah pah pah!" Fortunately, these words were as soft as a mosquito's buzz, and Chu Wanning's slightly furrowed brows suggested he hadn't heard clearly. Seizing the opportunity, Mo Ran swiftly slapped the air near Chu Wanning's face twice more.

"..."

In the face of his master's increasingly unfriendly expression, the former Emperor of the Human Realm humbly chuckled. "This disciple was... trying to swat a mosquito for you, Master."

The author has something to say: Welcome to this episode of RBTV's 'Characters' column. Today's guest is the first (crossed out) overlord (crossed out) supreme ruler of the cultivation world, Mo Weiyu. Let's welcome our special host, Xue Mengmeng (^▽^)

Xue Mengmeng: Most people cultivate to ascend, but you cultivate to rule as an emperor. Mo Ran, I've always wanted to ask you, there's no tag for emperors or nobles in this story, so why did you insist on pursuing the path of feudal monarchy?

Mo WeiYu: The development of events often has two sides, don't you think?

Xue Mengmeng: That seems logical.

Mo WeiYu: Then let me ask you, have you ever seen a sovereign cultivator?

Xue Mengmeng (dumbfounded): (⊙o⊙)... Uh... Well...

Mo WeiYu: If you can't remember, let me remind you. What was the Taoist name of Emperor Jiajing?

Xue Mengmeng: ???? That person isn't from our dimension; Master never taught us about him.

Ink Feeds Fish: Let your cousin teach you. Others call me the Supreme Grand Luo Heavenly Immortal Zijin Everlife Sage Wisdom Illuminator, Ruler of the Three Sources, Certified by Jade Void's Overall Administration, Great Real Person of Five Thunder, Mystic Capital of Ten Thousand Years, Immortal Emperor Jun.

Xue Mengmeng: ...

Ink Feeds Fish: (Smiling widely) How envious I am. I also wish to be called the Supreme Grand Luo Heavenly Immortal Zijin Everlife Sage Wisdom Illuminator, Ruler of the Three Sources, Certified by Jade Void's Overall Administration, Great Real Person of Five Thunder, Mystic Capital of Ten Thousand Years, Immortal Emperor Ink Feeds Fish.

Xue Mengmeng: ... Get lost, I don't know you.

Ink Feeds Fish (rolling his eyes): Hehe, is it only monarchs who are allowed to cultivate into immortals, but not Taoist priests allowed to claim sovereignty?

Character Profile Card included.

Mo Ran.

Pen name: Feeding Fish.

Posthumous title: Supreme Great Radish Immortal Gay Purple Everliving Sage Zhi Ling Stabbing Master Confirmed King Turtle Attacker Dramatic Director Thunderbolt Roasted Human Insolent Scoundrel Transcendent Emperor.

Occupation: Emperor (deceased).

Social Context: Illiterate

Currently favored: Shi Mo

Favorite Food: (Manually Stricken) Chu Wanning (Manually Stricken) Dragon-Hand Pockets

Dislike: Being despised by others.

Height: Before death, 186cm; reborn, I am but a verdant youth yet to reach my full stature. Why should such information be divulged to the world? Huffing with indignation.

It's been several days since the last update, so here's a bundle of short scenes to make up for it. Bang bang bang, running away swiftly.