WARNING! WARNING! SYSTEM UPDATING.
The raspy voice reverberated inside Yi Ming's mind, each word striking with the force of a hammer against the fragile quiet of his thoughts. It echoed endlessly, a relentless and piercing sound that seemed designed to unnerve him.
SYSTEM WILL UPDATE IN 24 HOURS.
Yi Ming frowned as a blindingly bright screen flickered into existence in the vast, shadowy void of his consciousness. The glaring light outlined his features in sharp relief, making the weariness in his furrowed brow even more pronounced. He scratched the back of his head, the notification hovering before him like a taunting specter.
With a sigh, he reached out and clicked on the message. As the details unfolded, lines upon lines of jargon sprawled out like a labyrinth, every word a confounding mix of formality and technical nonsense.
THIS UPDATE INTRODUCES NEW FEATURES AND UNLOCKS POWERFUL NEW WAYS TO NAVIGATE THROUGHOUT THE STORY, ALL WHILE PROTECTING YOU, THE NARRATOR. THIS UPDATE WILL ALSO FIX ANY BUGS.
"Hmph," Yi Ming muttered, his frown deepening as he scrolled through the notification. The system's promises felt hollow, like the assurances of a merchant peddling a faulty product. Finally, he arrived at the critical moment of decision:
UPDATE NOW
UPDATE TONIGHT
UPDATE LATER
"What if I refuse to update?" he grumbled, crossing his arms as his irritation flared. His dark eyes glinted with defiance as he stared at the options before him. The lingering sting of the system's recent punishment still grated on him. Now it dared to demand compliance? "Tch," he scoffed, turning his head away like a child refusing to eat bitter medicine.
For a moment, silence stretched ominously—until the system emitted a curt series of raspy coughs, as if clearing its throat.
FAILURE TO UPDATE WILL LEAD TO IMMINENT DEATH.
Yi Ming's eyes widened in alarm, his composure faltering. "What?!" he exclaimed, his voice rising in disbelief. The words hung in the air, cold and unyielding. It hit him like a blade to the chest—he had never truly been given a choice. Refusing to update would mean the system crashing entirely, erasing both his existence and the fragile threads of the story he inhabited. An unceremonious, anticlimactic death awaited him if he dared to rebel.
But if he accepted the update, there was still a sliver of hope for survival. His gaze softened momentarily as he thought of Xue Tuzi and Shudu. Their story, still unwritten in so many ways, couldn't be left unfinished. He couldn't let his disciples or their potential futures vanish into oblivion.
"Fine," he sighed, the fight draining from his shoulders as he reluctantly tapped the option for UPDATE TONIGHT. At least this way, he'd have time to explain the situation to his disciples and prepare them for whatever changes the update might bring.
The system hummed in satisfaction, its glowing screen pulsating faintly before fading back into the void. Yi Ming stood there for a long moment, staring at the emptiness left behind. The weight of inevitability hung heavily in the air.
"Well," he muttered under his breath, rubbing his temples. "I hope this update doesn't make everything worse."
Xue Laohu blinked his eyes open, the hazy world around him slowly coming into focus. Hovering above him, his disciples' worried faces loomed close, their voices rising in unison, "Shizun!" Concern laced their cries, and the sound tugged at his heart. He groaned softly, placing a hand on his pounding temple, the dull ache refusing to subside.
"I'm alright," he murmured, pushing himself up to sit. He brushed the dust off his robes, his movements slow and deliberate.
"Grandmaster Xue needs to take better care of himself," Shudu's voice drifted in from the doorway. The demon stood there, arms crossed, his usual composed demeanor edged with faint disapproval. Jiao Jiao, leaped gracefully from his arms and bounded toward Xue Tuzi, who caught the little Gu worm effortlessly. Jiao Jiao nuzzled its large head against Xue Tuzi's chest, purring softly.
Xue Laohu let out a weary chuckle, smoothing a hand over his disheveled hair. "I am truly honored by your concern," he said with a small smile, the warmth of his tone briefly easing the tension in the room. He turned to Xue Tuzi and Li Zhameng, his gaze steady. "But I must inform you both—I'll be going into seclusion."
The words dropped like a stone into still water, sending ripples of shock across his disciples' faces.
"What? But Shizun—" Xue Tuzi began, his voice tinged with urgency, only to be cut off by Xue Laohu's raised hand.
"No buts," Xue Laohu said firmly, though a sigh escaped his lips as he mumbled under his breath, "I need to update…"
Li Zhameng stepped forward, his wide eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "Shizun, what will we do without you?" he asked, his voice trembling.
From the doorway, Shudu chuckled lightly, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "It's not like Grandmaster Xue is leaving for good," he said, the amusement in his tone doing little to soothe Li Zhameng's worry.
Xue Laohu placed a gentle hand on Li Zhameng's head, sighing softly. "It's only for a short time," he reassured him, though he felt the weight of his own words. He knew the system's cruel nature—an hour within its realm would stretch into ten long days in the mortal world.
Li Zhameng buried his face in Xue Laohu's arm, his tears dampening the fabric of his Shizun's robes. Xue Tuzi, however, stood rigid, his cold gaze locking onto Shudu. A sharp pinch to Li Zhameng's side drawing a yelp, though it failed to break him apart from his Shizun.
Xue Laohu sighed again, his hand brushing over his disciples' heads with affection. "I want both of you to polish your skills—physically, mentally, and spiritually—while I am gone," he said, his tone both firm and gentle. His eyes lingered on Xue Tuzi, whose solemn expression hid an unspoken storm, and on Li Zhameng, who was desperately trying to contain his tears. "I'm not sure how long I'll be away," he admitted hesitantly, the uncertainty weighing heavily on him.
"Rest assured, Grandmaster Xue," Shudu interjected with a smirk, his sharp gaze cutting toward Xue Tuzi. "This venerable one will ensure your disciples do not slack off."
Xue Tuzi's eyes narrowed at the remark, but he quickly rolled them, turning his attention back to his Shizun.
Night fell swiftly, and Xue Laohu stood alone in the quiet of his quarters, preparing himself for seclusion. The air was cool, carrying the faint scent of blooming night flowers, but he had little time to admire the stillness. With a steady breath, he called forth the system. The familiar screen materialized in his mind, its glowing presence both comforting and foreboding.
"Hey, system," he muttered, his voice low. "How long is this update?"
18 HOURS.
"Eighteen hours?!" he yelled, nearly stumbling backward in disbelief. His mind raced, his hands twitching as he attempted to calculate. "If one hour is ten days in the real world… then eighteen hours would be… ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHT DAYS!" His voice cracked, the realization hitting him like a bolt of lightning. Tears pricked at the corners of his eyes, unbidden and unwelcome.
With a defeated sigh, he trudged toward the secluded cave where he often cultivated. The rocky walls stood tall and imposing, their jagged edges catching the faint moonlight. He laid a simple mat on the ground, the fabric worn and familiar. Sitting cross-legged, he closed his eyes, steadying his breath.
As the system's cold, mechanical voice echoed one final time in his mind, his consciousness faded into darkness, surrendering to the long hours ahead. The update had begun.
Xue Tuzi sat at his desk, the soft glow of a single lantern casting long shadows across the room. The delicate brush in his hand glided gracefully over the smooth paper, each stroke deliberate and precise. His movements were fluid, almost hypnotic, as intricate characters began to take form, their elegance rivaling the artistry of a seasoned master.
Perched nearby, Jiao Jiao sat transfixed, his large, bug-like eyes gleaming with awe. The little Gu worm's jelly-like body quivered slightly as if trembling with admiration at Xue Tuzi's skill. Each time the brush touched the paper, Jiao Jiao inched closer, his nubs pressed together in a show of silent reverence.
"Xiao Jiao," Xue Tuzi said softly, his voice barely louder than a whisper. He didn't lift his eyes from the paper as he spoke. "You don't know how to write yet."
The little Gu worm's excitement dimmed. Jiao Jiao lowered his gaze, his translucent body sagging slightly. He nodded his head, his tiny nubs fidgeting in shame, pressing against each other nervously.
"It's not your fault," Xue Tuzi murmured, setting the brush down gently. He reached out, his hand gliding over Jiao Jiao's smooth, jelly-like head in a comforting pat. "I haven't had the time to teach you. But I—"
"That won't be necessary," a voice cut through the quiet.
Xue Tuzi stiffened, his gaze snapping toward the window. Shudu had entered without so much as a knock, leaping through the open frame with an unsettling ease. The cold night air followed him in, carrying with it a sharp chill that made the lantern's flame flicker.
"Xiao Jiao is a demonic Gu worm," he said, his tone sharp and dismissive. "He should be honing his demonic skills, not… learning to write." His piercing gaze flicked toward Jiao Jiao, the little Gu worm's eyes narrowed into furious slits.
With a defiant puff of his cheeks, Jiao Jiao launched himself at Shudu in a sudden burst of fury. The tiny creature's gelatinous body collided with Shudu's bare, muscular chest—a bold attempt that ended in failure as Jiao Jiao ricocheted off harmlessly and slammed back onto the desk with a comical thud.
"Xiao Jiao!" Xue Tuzi gasped, scooping the trembling Gu worm into his arms. A large lump was already forming on Jiao Jiao's head, and a tear glistened in his wide, bulging eye.
Shudu, utterly unfazed, tapped his chest with a finger and frowned. "Is that what you call a tackle? That was weak." His mocking tone cut deep, and Jiao Jiao whimpered softly in Xue Tuzi's embrace. "You wouldn't be able to defeat a rock, let alone an opponent."
Before Shudu could deliver another insult, the sharp sound of a slap echoed through the room. Xue Tuzi stood before him, his hand still raised and his chest heaving with rage.
"Brute!" Xue Tuzi snapped, his eyes blazing with the ferocity of a protective mother defending her cub. "Xiao Jiao won't grow up to be some savage beast!"
Shudu's smirk faltered for only a moment before it returned, even more smug than before. "Savage beast, huh? You mean something like you?"
Enraged, Xue Tuzi lashed out, his palm striking toward Shudu's chest with practiced precision. Shudu dodged, his smirk widening. "Hey, it's been a while since we've sparred," he said casually, sidestepping another blow.
"I'm not sparring you! I'm trying to kill you!" Xue Tuzi growled, his movements fueled by both anger and desperation.
The two of them began to clash, their kicks and punches a whirlwind of chaos. The desk toppled, papers flew like startled birds, and the delicate brush Xue Tuzi had been holding moments ago was flung across the room. Jiao Jiao clung tightly to his chest, trembling as Xue Tuzi moved with a relentless fury.
Shudu, however, made no real effort to retaliate. He blocked strike after strike with ease, his smirk never leaving his face. When an opening presented itself, he teased groping Xue Tuzi from behind, "Your form is sloppy when you're mad."
"You're infuriating!" Xue Tuzi snapped, his strikes growing wilder.
"And you're predictable," Shudu replied, laughing as he ducked under another kick.
Around them, the room descended into chaos. Shelves splintered, the lantern toppled, and scrolls were torn to shreds in the heat of their exchange. But no matter how many attacks Xue Tuzi launched, Shudu never once fought back, content to block and dodge, his amusement growing with every passing moment.
Shudu grabbed Xue Tuzi's arm, twisting it back with calculated precision to restrain his movement. His grip was firm but not painful, effortlessly immobilizing Xue Tuzi while his other hand caught the second incoming strike. Xue Tuzi thrashed in defiance, his muscles straining as he struggled against the hold. But before he could find an opening, Shudu leaned in, pressing his face into the curve of Xue Tuzi's neck.
The unexpected proximity sent a shiver down Xue Tuzi's spine. "What are you doing?!" he hissed, his voice laced with anger and unease.
Ignoring him, Shudu inhaled deeply, his warm breath brushing against Xue Tuzi's skin. "You always smell good," he muttered, his voice low, almost teasing, as if savoring the moment.
From the safety of Xue Tuzi's chest, Jiao Jiao suddenly popped his head out, his bulbous eyes narrowing at the audacity of Shudu's actions. With determined resolve, the little Gu worm wriggled free and crawled toward Shudu's inked sleeve. Without hesitation, he sank his tiny, razor-sharp teeth into the inked skin, holding on with surprising ferocity.
A bead of blood rolled down Shudu's arm, but he barely flinched. Instead, he glanced at the worm with a mixture of irritation and amusement. "Hey, you're ruining it," he said flatly.
Jiao Jiao only growled—a surprisingly fierce sound for such a small creature—and clamped down harder, determined to inflict some sort of retribution. Shudu sighed, clearly unimpressed. "Persistent little thing, aren't you?"
Finally, Shudu leaned closer to Xue Tuzi's ear, his voice dropping to a hushed whisper that made the other man momentarily freeze. "Teach me," Shudu murmured.
Xue Tuzi turned his head slightly, his eyes meeting Shudu's in confusion. "Teach you what?"
Shudu hesitated, his usual smugness replaced with an uncharacteristic awkwardness. His gaze darted away, a faint flush creeping up his neck. "I… I want to learn how to write my name," he admitted, the words carrying a hint of embarrassment.
Surprised by the request, Xue Tuzi momentarily stopped struggling. Shudu, sensing no further resistance, released his hold on him. Jiao Jiao, still latched onto Shudu's arm, finally let go with a loud pop, leaving behind a set of tiny teeth marks.
"Hmph," Xue Tuzi scoffed, crossing his arms and turning his face away in mock indignation. "Why should I bother teaching you?" His tone was sharp, but his movements betrayed a lingering curiosity as he bent down to gather the scattered papers and scrolls from the floor.
Shudu remained silent, watching intently as Xue Tuzi inspected the damaged brush, his frown deepening at the sight of the bent bristles. With a sigh, Xue Tuzi placed the salvaged materials back on the desk, smoothing out the wrinkles in the paper.
"You're right," Shudu muttered, sliding into a chair with an uncharacteristic slouch. "I am undeserving." His eyes landed on a single sheet of calligraphy that had somehow survived their earlier chaos. Picking it up delicately, he traced the elegant strokes with his gaze, as if memorizing each one.
Xue Tuzi sighed again, this time softer, the edge in his expression softening ever so slightly. Walking back to the desk, he dipped a fresh brush into the ink and pulled out a blank sheet of paper. With steady hands, he began writing out the characters of Shudu's name, each stroke deliberate and graceful.
"Now you try," he said, holding the brush out toward Shudu.
Shudu took the brush awkwardly, gripping it like a weapon rather than a tool. His first attempt was disastrous—the bristles jabbed into the paper, blotting ink across the surface in chaotic, clumsy strokes.
Xue Tuzi's eyes widened in horror at the sight, and before he could protest, Jiao Jiao had climbed onto the desk. The little Gu worm dipped his tiny nubs into the ink and began toddling across the paper, leaving behind a trail of stumpy black footprints.
"Don't hold the brush like you're holding a sword," Xue Tuzi reprimanded sharply, his brow furrowing as he shot a scowl toward Jiao Jiao. The worm froze under his gaze, shrinking back with a pitiful expression, his eyes wide with silent pleas for forgiveness.
With a deep sigh, Xue Tuzi turned his attention back to Shudu. "Hold it gently, like you're holding a feather," he instructed, leaning closer to adjust Shudu's grip.
Shudu loosened his grasp on the brush, his hand moving with a newfound care. Twirling the brush between his fingers, he smirked and glanced over his shoulder at Xue Tuzi, who now stood behind him. "Hold it gently… like I hold you?" he teased, his lips curling into a roguish grin.
"Tch." Xue Tuzi scoffed, his cheeks betraying the faintest hint of pink. "When have you ever held me gently?"
"Every morning," Shudu replied smoothly, his tone suddenly soft and sincere.
Caught off guard by the response, Xue Tuzi said nothing, his lips parting slightly before snapping shut. Shudu turned his focus back to the paper, gently pressing the brush to the surface. The ink seeped into the blank sheet as he began his second attempt—less chaotic but still far from perfect.
Xue Tuzi sighed again, this time heavier, as he watched Shudu's disastrous strokes take form. "How is it even possible to go from bad to worse?" Xue Tuzi groaned, his tone sharp with exasperation. He pinched the bridge of his nose before grabbing Shudu's hand, guiding it firmly yet delicately over the paper. Together, their hands moved in smooth, calculated strokes, the brush gliding across the page to form the characters of Shudu's name.
"There," Xue Tuzi muttered after a moment, pulling his hand back. "It's not great, but it's… better than the last two attempts. Slightly." He sighed, shaking his head, clearly unimpressed but at least somewhat relieved.
Shudu tilted his head, studying the barely legible characters with a lopsided grin. "Can you show me how to write Xiao Jiao's name?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of genuine curiosity.
Xue Tuzi sighed again, grabbing a rag to wipe away the smudges and ink stains that marred the desk—a direct result of a certain mischievous little Gu worm's earlier antics. Jiao Jiao chirped innocently from his perch, his jelly-like body bouncing slightly as if he had not caused the mess.
Once the surface was clean, Xue Tuzi placed a fresh sheet of paper in front of them. He turned to glance at Shudu, his expression serious. "Can you move? It's hard to write while standing."
Shudu raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Move where?" he asked, feigning ignorance, though the sly smile tugging at his lips betrayed his intentions.
Xue Tuzi sighed again, this time heavier. "Give me your seat."
But Shudu had other ideas. He patted his legs invitingly, his grin growing wider. "Why don't you… take a seat?" His voice was low, suggestive, and utterly infuriating.
Xue Tuzi froze, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "I would," he replied icily, "but there's no room."
"Oh, there's plenty of room," Shudu said smoothly, and before Xue Tuzi could react, Shudu's strong arms encircled his waist, pulling him down firmly onto his lap right on top of his throbbing shaft.
"Ugh!" Xue Tuzi snapped, his cheeks instantly flooding with heat. He squirmed, trying to free himself, but Shudu held him in place with infuriating ease.
"Stop struggling," Shudu murmured, resting his chin on Xue Tuzi's shoulder "you're making me harder." His warm breath tickled Xue Tuzi's ear, sending an unwanted shiver down his spine.
"How do you write 'Xiao Jiao'?" Shudu asked, his voice unusually soft, yet laced with a playful undertone. Shudu's hand casually remained around Xue Tuzi's waist, pulling him closer with an ease that sent heat rushing to his cheeks.
"What are you doing?" Xue Tuzi snapped, his voice higher-pitched than usual as he squirmed in Shudu's grip. He attempted to wriggle free, but the more he moved, the more firmly Shudu held him, and the more flustered he became.
"I like this position better," Shudu murmured, his tone calm, almost teasing. His arm tightened ever so slightly around Xue Tuzi's slender frame, holding him in place as Xue Tuzi began to shake his hips against Shudu's groin.
"Ah—" Xue Tuzi's words faltered, his thoughts scattering under the sensation of Shudu's growing stiffness. His chest rose and fell rapidly as he struggled to maintain his composure, soft moans escaped his full lips, the mole in the bottom corner of his mouth, quivered.
"Slow down," Shudu grunted, softly against the shell of Xue Tuzi's ear. The warmth of the protruding shaft sent an involuntary shiver down the beauty's spine, all while he continued to grind his behind on Shudu's lap. The only thing stopping him from getting penetrated were their clothes.
"Mnnn—" he paused, his mind racing to find the words, "Ah!" He tilted his head away, trying to create some distance, but Shudu's grip remained steadfast and he had completely lost control of his body.
Xue Tuzi's fingers curled tightly, nails digging into the wooden table beneath him, leaving faint crescent-shaped marks on its surface. His back arched sensually, the movement vulgar and full of tension. The dim, flickering light from the lantern above casted soft shadows across his face, highlighting the fine sheen of sweat glistening on his forehead. His round lips parted slightly, releasing shallow, uneven breaths that filled the quiet room. His hazy eyes, half-lidded, seemed to shimmer with a mixture of vulnerability and intensity, betraying the storm of emotions coursing through him. The room felt suffocatingly still, as if holding its breath alongside him.
Perched innocently on the edge of the desk, Jiao Jiao tilted his squishy, jelly-like head to one side, his translucent body quivering slightly with curiosity. His large, bug eyes gleamed under the faint lantern light, reflecting every movement and sound in the room as though he were the most attentive audience. He let out a high-pitched chirp, the noise cutting through the stillness like a tiny bell.
The tension in the air thickened, and Jiao Jiao gave an exaggerated wiggle, his gelatinous form bouncing slightly as he bashfully scuttled behind a pile of scrolls. His little nubs pressed over his face in an attempt to shield himself from the unfolding passion between his Xue Tuzi and Shudu, but his wide eyes peeked out from between them, betraying his overwhelming curiosity.
Shudu's lips curled into a playful smirk as his attention shifted to Jiao Jiao, who was perched innocently nearby. The little Gu worm, watched intently, his large bug eyes wide and gleaming with curiosity, oblivious to the mischief in Shudu's voice.
"We are busy," Shudu teased, his tone light but full of sly amusement. "No peeking."
Jiao Jiao blinked, his round eyes narrowing in on the two of them he shifted his little body, tilting his head as if trying to make sense of the situation, clearly caught in the heat of the moment. He hesitated, hearing Xue Tuzi's moans growing louder, his attention captivated by the scene unfolding before him.
Shudu's smirk deepened, enjoying the way Xue Tuzi shoved his back on his lap, he grunted, his voice carrying a hint of mischief.
Xue Tuzi felt Shudu's hands sliding under his robe, touching his bare skin, as they made their way up to his thigh and into his waist, flipping his robe over, to reveal his bare bottom. He never bothered wearing anything beneath the thin fabric of his night robe, the material always clung loosely to his frame leaving little to the imagination. Despite his constant complaints of feeling chilled, he paradoxically claimed to be too hot to wear anything more substantial.
Shudu grasped Xue Tuzi's behind, which continued to shake, the tip of Shudu's shaft rubbed against the creases of Xue Tuzi's hole. "How long do you intend to tease me like this?" He grunted, thrusting his shaft deeper but unable to penetrate, spilling on himself.