Chapter 48 - Honey Tangerine Flavored Shadow Guard Gong (6)

*One liner mention of suicide and slight nsfw at end

The clouds changed along with the passage of time.

By the time Gou Liang was able to stand up with the support of crutches and slowly walk several steps, it was already half a year later.

He had a 'special physique', so even though the wound on his face did not have the divine doctor's utmost care and treatment, the scab had already come off. Only a pink flesh-coloured scar was still quite obvious on the fair skin, destroying the handsome face forever.

During this period of time, Gou Liang didn't stay idle. From time to time, he teased the foolish target who didn't have a love root.

Even though it didn't cause the slightest change in the favourability value, twisting this guy's unchanging devotion towards him unexpectedly let Gou Liang experience a bit of dry self-amusement.

Well, at least it was good being able to occasionally lean against the target's well-defined pectoral muscles.

It was just that Zhong Quan's body didn't seem to have even a trace of positive soul force. During this period of time, Gou Liang was unable to figure out exactly what the flavor of the soul force in his body was.

Though feeling a bit regretful, Gou Liang, with the help of the system, earnestly threw himself into studying the stolen Divination Cultivation Manual belonging to the Zhong Clan direct line. The original owner's studies were extremely limited when compared to the main Zhong Clan's ten thousand volume collection. Gou Liang was unwilling to remain incapable of competing with Zhong Yue, as he had always advocated crushing others with strength. To use one's shortcomings to attack others' strong suits and still seize complete victory—that was the real thrill.

The Zhong Clan's family teachings were quickly mastered by him. Then, under System's incessant promotion, he spent 66 points to buy the store produced State Scholar Crash Course Manual. This included tens of 'alchemists' soul mirror images from D ranked worlds. They were all individuals whose names were renowned through the ages in their respective worlds, their scholarly knowledge both profound and immense. Even now, despite Gou Liang's outstanding memory and learning abilities, he was still unable to digest everything.

However, he was not in a hurry.

In addition, he also followed the JiangHu Physician to learn traditional medicine techniques.

When the old man discovered that he was talented in poison, he was immediately beyond pleased at this unexpected surprise. Without caring if the other wanted to learn, he emptied out all his knowledge to pass down, likely plotting to have Gou Liang inherit his legacy.

Even though he was extremely busy during this period of time, there were two scums in the capital providing a steady stream of entertainment as they acted out a play of mutual love and hate. Therefore during this period of time, Gou Liang led a very fulfilling life.

Ever since six months ago, after King An had made a fool of Li Yan and Zhong Yue with the help of his aide Niu Bi, the daily lives of the two dog men had become increasingly more colorful.

Naturally Zhong Yue wanted nothing more than to kill King An and that wild man but Li Yan stopped him.

The issue was that everyone in the capital knew that King An was at odds with his previous study partner, and that person was precisely the second son of General Zhen Guo's first wife and the wild man in question, Zhang Tian.

Since young, the two had competed against each other. Each time they met they acted like enemies carrying grudges from their past lives. Zhang Tian's preference for men was also something that everyone in the capital knew, since Zhang Tian once had a falling out with his father for the sake of a man.

At that time, Zhang Tian used all kinds of methods and caused a stir in the capital for a period of time. Even the emperor, who was sick, had caught wind of it. In the end, the General finally compromised, but the relationship that Zhang Tian had gone through untold hardships to obtain was reduced to merely a joke in the end— Zhang Tian couldn't bear the loneliness and sought pleasure in others. Learning of this, his temperamental lover found an opportunity to slip out of the General's manor and disappeared without a trace.

Zhang Tian was extremely remorseful, but his loose pleasure seeking lifestyle was still the same as before. In fact, he was especially partial to those who looked similar to his runaway lover. He had even gone so far as to snatch commoner men who bore a similar appearance. It could be said that his public reputation was extremely bad.

Due to this son, General Zhen Guo had no shortage of write-ups by imperial censors and had long become the topic of gossip.

Moreover, the Zhang Clan was the only military family that overtly stood against the crown prince and backed King An. It would be inexcusable for Zhong Yue to not know the inside story.

Even more unfortunately, Zhang Tian's courtesy name, Dian Xia, was a name the emperor personally bestowed onto him.

Under all these circumstances, even if Zhong Yue determined that it was King An's plan, neither he nor Li Yan had any ways to publicly find trouble with King An or even Zhang Tian.

Li Yan believed that the reason Zhong Yue was momentarily fooled was due to jealousy out of love for him. Since it's like this, what can he do? After all, Zhang Tian liked to play cheap tricks, everyone knew he was fond of using aphrodisiac, and that night it was indeed Zhong Yue who delivered himself to the door…

Zhong Yue was filled to the brim with hatred.

At this time, his elder brother, Zhong Chao, found him.

Before the age of thirty, they cannot seek pleasure and disrupt their yin-yang balance. It wasn't just the Zhong Clan in the capital that held this practice. It was originally inherited from the main Zhong Clan.

For the sake of letting Zhong Yue experience a life and death trial, the people of Zhong Clan could turn a blind eye to the matter of Zhong Yue being involved in the imperial court but they could not ignore him mixing together with men.

Zhong Chao had brought along a secret medicine for Zhong Yue which would wash away the impurities on his body, allowing him to fake an innocent body and deceive the heavenly dao, but Zhong Yue was unwilling. Firstly, he knew how much pain this kind of drug brought about when used — an uncle of his, because he couldn't control himself, had to use this drug and was forcibly driven to sucide due to the pain. Secondly, he was utterly unwilling to obey Zhong Chao's idea and break off his relationship with Li Yan.

Li Yan's treatment of him was clearly not as good as before. He didn't verbally express minding or despise towards that one night, but he was not as gentle as before in bed.

He no longer cared or bothered when Zhong Yue begged for mercy, and at times towards him, his eyes were filled with a deep hostility causing Zhong Yue to feel dread in his heart.

He resented Li Yan. But the more it was like this, the more obsessed he became, especially since after these matters in bed, Li Yan would always show remorse and heartache while acting meek and subservient.

Zhong Yue understood clearly in his heart that if he left, Li Yan would definitely not cling to him and would quickly have a second person by his side to replace his current position.

But he was not resigned and was even more unwilling to give up!

Zhong Yue said stubbornly to Zhong Chao, "This is my life and death crisis, the purpose is to descend the mountain and suffer some hardships. Nobody can bear it on my behalf and must not help me through difficulties. Elder Brother, don't concern yourself!"

Zhong Chao was unable to do anything, he could only return home and discuss countermeasures with his father, but once he returned he never descended the mountain again.

Their parental grandfather, the patriarch of the Zhong Clan, understood this entire matter, yet he didn't have any harsh words to say. On the contrary, he took pity that his own young grandson actually had to endure the hardest type of love trial.

Only, just as Zhong Yue said, there was nothing they could do to help him, whether it was good or bad he had to pull through it himself. Grandfather Zhong ordered that his descendents were not to interfere with his trial. He would absolutely not permit their soft-heartedness to wreck the Heaven-fated body that they had been hoping for for hundreds of years.

At that time, when Gou Liang watched this old man who carried an appearance of deep anguish and righteousness like he fancied himself a celestial sage, he disdained him.

No matter how high sounding and dignified the justification, in the end didn't he just want Zhong Yue to obtain the Asking Heaven Seal in order to learn some secret techniques that would help him extend his lifespan? Unfortunately, Zhong Gu's great grandfather did not have the heaven-fated body and could not enjoy this kind of double standard.

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As a result, whether it was to take revenge or to capture Li Yan's heart, Zhong Yue put in utmost effort to provide Li Yan with a number of conveniences, even breaking the rules to reveal many heavenly secrets.

Li Yan reciprocated this care, and the two people once again became joined at the hip, full of touching and loving affections. However, whatever kind of selfish motives they had in their heart, was something only they themselves and Gou Liang, this spectator, could see clearly.

At present.

Gou Liang used the crutch as a support and endured the pain as he walked.

The process of recuperation was far more painful than the initial reconstruction of shattered bones. There was still anesthesia then, but now he could only depend on his willpower.

Zhong Quan stared closely from the side, afraid that he would fall and be injured or force himself to walk too far and ruin his foundations.

In his heart, Gou Liang wanted to reject his kind intentions.

With all this attention, he couldn't even use the pain shield to slack off — Zhong Quan was too sharp, having not experienced the real pain of recuperation, Gou Liang did not have the confidence that his act could deceive the other. After the first time of feeling the pain until his whole face twisted, yet still unyieldingly not making a sound, Gou Liang would only shield half of the pain each time, the remaining half was used to stimulate him to maintain his expression that he would rather be dead than alive.

"Master, that's enough for today."

Zhong Quan promptly reminded him.

Gou Liang evaded the hand that moved to support him, stubbornly walking step by step to the bedside. Only then did he allow Zhong Quan to take away the crutches and support him to sit down.

Zhong Quan let him drink water and rest for a bit, while he went to put the medicine the old man prescribed into hot water to prepare the decoction. Then he helped Gou Liang to undress, carrying him and carefully putting him onto the chair inside the bathtub before standing guard to the side.

Don't look at how much tacit understanding they showed now, in the beginning, the "ardently chaste dog" Gou Liang did a good job in seeking death. Forbid the other to take off his clothes, forbid the other to pull down his pants, forbid the other to look at him, forbidding this and forbidding that. Only after having been taught a lesson from the old man who couldn't put up with it anymore did Gou Liang begin to "reluctantly" accept it.

It was another year of hot summer, the same medicinal bath he soaked in during spring and winter was now torture.

Just imagine, under the high temperature of forty celsius in the desert, entering the already boiling medicinal bath which had a small fire under the bathtub to ensure the water temperature. This really was....the pinnacle of pleasure.

Zhong Quan continuously helped him wipe his sweat. No matter how uncomfortable he was, Gou Liang never uttered a sound. Zhong Quan was also used to it— Ever since the extermination of the entire clan that formed a hatred as deep as a blood sea, the golden heir of the Zhong Clan from his memory who loved to cry, act spoiled, and cause trouble was no longer the same. Year after year of being taciturn, he slowly became as he was now.

Gou Liang's eyelashes trembled. Tilting his head to avoid the other's hand, he said, "Water."

Zhong Quan hurriedly poured water for him. Once Gou Liang's shoulders were immersed in the medicinal water, he could not come up again until after a full hour had passed, hence Zhong Quan used a ladle to feed him the water one mouthful at a time.

When Gou Liang drank enough, he tilted his head, and asked again "What time is it now?"

"It's around you period, there's still another two quarter of time."

Gou Liang pursed his lips and stopped speaking.

When this time's torture finally ended, Zhong Quan carefully lifted him out of the scalding hot water. Gou Liang's glistening white skin had practically been cooked by the water. Strenuously raising his forearm to take a look, he suddenly sent an arm towards his mouth and took a bite.

Zhong Quan was shocked, "Master?"

Gou Liang put down his hand, as if talking to himself, he said dully, "Your craftsmanship is much better than Grandfather's, at least you didn't cook me until I'm bitter."

Zhong Quan didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Gou Liang suddenly tilted his head to ask him, "Today, what time is Grandfather— what are you doing?!" He cried out when Zhong Quan started to wipe towards his backside.

His lips brushed past Zhong Quan's nose, causing Gou Liang to move back in alarm, but this movement caused Zhong Quan's fingertips to accidentally enter deeper into that soft place of his. Gou Liang's whole body suddenly stiffened. Although he never used any methods to relieve that place again after the first time, after months of experiencing the poison, that place had undergone great changes. Not only did it become exceptionally soft as if it was prepared to welcome something at any time, it was also overly sensitive—just one touch made him tremble.

Gou Liang's face, originally flushed red due to the hot steam, was stained with another layer of red. His eyes were wide and his body froze, not even daring to move an inch as alarm flashed through his eyes.

However, Zhong Quan didn't feel like he was doing anything wrong. Unperturbed, he withdrew his hand and continued to dry off the rest of his body.

But Gou Liang looked as if he had been jabbed at a certain vital part. His entire body felt weak as he leaned seethingly against Zhong Quan's chest. He allowed the other to do as he pleased without making another sound.

This body's figure was well-proportioned with slender legs but it was still a bit shorter compared to Qi Cheng, just about reaching 1.7 metres. In the embrace of the tall and strong Zhong Quan, it appeared a lot more petite. Now sitting on Zhong Quan's legs, Gou Liang nestled against Zhong Quan's chest as if his whole person was incorporated into his broad embrace, feeling a sense of security.

Gou Liang enjoyed this rare time, his cheek pasted against the long coveted large pectoral muscles that he couldn't touch and couldn't kiss. He could only pitifully soothe his cravings like this.

Unfortunately, Zhong Quan's work efficiency had always been very high. Without letting him enjoy it too long, he finished dressing him and put him back on the bed. Gou Liang was puffing with rage as he turned his head, facing the wall and ignoring him.

Zhong Quan watched his back for a while. After making sure that he was all settled in, he was reassured. He went to pour out the bath water before cleaning the bathtub and making dinner. He was very busy.

[Gou Liang :What a virtuous cutie.]

[System:Didn't I just hear you scold him for not knowing emotions, calling him a slow-witted goose, erectile dysfunction, saying he's not a man…]

[Gou Liang:╭(╯^╰)╮]

The old man came back in time to eat. He asked in bewilderment: "Yo, are you being angry?"

He watched as Zhong Quan picked up Gou Liang, who was facing the wall, and carried him to the seat so he could eat dinner. Other than greeting him, the latter didn't say another word. The old man acutely realized the atmosphere right now was off as he glanced left and right.

The tips of Gou Liang's ears were flushed a deep red as he obviously changed the topic, "Did Grandfather have any harvests today?"

The old man didn't pursue the matter. Instead, with a ten thousand year facial paralysis, he responded happily, "Indeed, your prediction was accurate. I was standing guard there until sunset and that fire toad voluntarily showed itself! Hmph, if a group of horse caravans didn't suddenly pass by and startle it, it would have long become a thing in my pocket! Never expected that your pinching and calculating has a bit of use. Tell me quickly, tomorrow will I be able to catch it in one fell swoop?"

Gou Liang had just regained his composure. Although his face was still a bit red, his tone was as per normal, "There will be a sandstorm tomorrow, there's no need for Grandfather to head out."

The old man wasn't clear on how divination worked, but he had already patiently waited for a year. He didn't mind waiting for a little longer and so he nodded unconcernedly.

There was indeed a sudden sandstorm on the second day. It brushed past their stone house, overturned quite a few caravans which didn't take precautions.

After it stopped, the old man went out and strolled around. When he came back, he instructed Zhong Quan to go and bring back some good stuff from the heap of dead bodies.

At night, although the desert had been ravaged by a sandstorm, the landscape didn't change at all. The colour of the night sky was like ink and the moon hung high, its appearance like that of a white, round jade plate.

Gou Liang who was sleeping after eating his medicine, was suddenly awakened from his dreams by a restless itch.

"Zhong Quan."

He swallowed drily, and called out in a husky voice.

Zhong Quan immediately appeared by his side and asked softly, "Master, is your body unwell?"

Gou Liang's forehead had a layer of sweat. He had clearly taken the Lust Quelling Pill today and didn't intend to do anything, yet for some unknown reason it was suddenly extremely uncomfortable.

Propping himself up, Gou Liang's voice had traces of urgent gasps, "Is Grandfather sober?"

Today, Zhong Quan brought back a lot of good wine from the horse caravans. The old man drank until he passed out and actually forgot that today was the night of the full moon. Everything had been stable after Gou Liang took the Lust Quelling pill causing him to be less vigilant. Now it had reached the point where even nine bulls couldn't wake the drunk old man.

Zhong Quan didn't care about these things. Seeing Gou Liang's painful appearance of endurance, he wanted to go and call the old man up.

Gou Liang stopped him, "No need, I can still endure, let's talk about it tomorrow."

Zhong Quan was unwilling.

Gou Liang said, "Even if you wake him up now, I'm afraid he wouldn't be able to tell the difference between day and night, how could he treat me?"

His words were well-founded.

The old man loved wine as if it was life. Once he touched alcohol, he wouldn't stop until he was dead drunk. One time, there had been a heavy thunderstorm and Gou Liang's legs hurt so much that he was unable to sleep. Zhong Quan threw the intoxicated old man into water until he woke up before bringing him inside. However, in the end, that old man with an expression that said 'I'm very angry' due to his permanent facial paralysis from constantly testing poison on himself, simply smiled and giggled grotesquely as he hugged Gou Liang's legs while saying, "Good legs, good legs."

After saying that, he directly took Gou Liang's legs for chicken drumsticks and fiercely took a bite…

Recalling this incident, Zhong Quan didn't force it.

Zhong Quan fetched cold water and helped him wipe his body, attempting to help him relieve some pain, but as the moon climbed higher and higher, Gou Liang's reaction also grew stronger.

"Go…go get another medicine pill for me."

He was finally unable to endure it.

However, Zhong Quan didn't move, "Master, Old Jiang explained before you can't take too much of the medicine at once, otherwise the consequences would be dire."

But Gou Liang couldn't bother about these things, "It is merely just one time, and besides, Grandfather would naturally have ways to help me clear the poison. Quickly go!"

Zhong Quan didn't move.

Gou Liang was extremely angry, "You, you actually dare to not listen to my words!"

Zhong Quan, "Master, this concerns your body, this subordinate cannot agree."

"You!"

Gou Liang glared at him angrily, but the most primitive desire from the lower half of his body made him unable to care about displaying a master's authority. He said with a trembling voice, "You, you go out first, don't, don't you dare look!"

Zhong Quan looked at him uneasily, but upon seeing his insistence, he could only withdraw.

Gou Liang impatiently entered that place with the fingers of one hand, while his other one firmly pinched the front of his chest, but this wasn't enough to satiate him at all. His legs were still unable to move freely and even as he strenuously tried changing positions, his fingers were still unable to penetrate deeply. He was both anxious and angry.

"Damn it!"

Throwing the pillows and blanket onto the ground in a rage, Gou Liang ruthlessly punched his legs.

"Master!"

Zhong Quan quickly stopped his self abuse.

Gou Liang punched Zhong Quan's chest, infuriated, "I told you to get lost, didn't you hear me?!"

Zhong Quan pursed his lips. He looked at him, and after a moment he silently hugged the other up, placing him on his leg as he entered that deep valley with his fingers. That place had long been ready, the moment he entered, it clenched onto him eagerly.

"You, you, impudent!"

Gou Liang lifted his arm to slap the other, but his hand had no strength and could only plaster against his face. It held no power whatsoever.

Zhong Quan said: "Master, don't be afraid. It will be sunrise very soon."

Three fingers moved in and out unceasingly. Gou Liang just buried himself in Zhong Quan's chest, biting the front of the other's robe as he breathed heavily and tried to hold back his voice. He appeared to have given up, crying as he allowed his loyal and devoted shadow guard to relieve him. After an unknown amount of time had passed, he opened his mouth and lifted his scarred face that was covered in tear stains, his eyes filled with decadent addiction.

"Also, also this place…itchy, can't take it anymore…"

Zhong Quan paused slightly, but his fingers did as the other wished, touching his tip.

Gou Liang let out a cry and raised his head. He suddenly laughed, crying and smiling as he said: "It's good this way, it's good this way…..I don't want him anymore, don't want him anymore…"

Zhong Quan lowered his head and looked at him. Gou Liang was speaking incoherently and it seemed like his mind was already muddled.

Yet he was laughing uproariously, so much that tears flowed from his eyes.

The pair of neither deep nor shallow dimples hidden on his face finally saw the light of day again—

[Ding, target's favorability value has been updated. Current favorability value: +81]

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