Chapter 53: Ungrateful Heartless Immortal Venerable

Ji Huai only caught the faint metallic tang of blood in the air as he drew closer. His heart clenched. By the pale moonlight filtering through the window, he took a closer look.

Zhou Si was actually biting Hu Wu’s neck??

He hurriedly pulled Zhou Si away.

The moment the fox spotted Ji Huai, he looked utterly aggrieved and flung himself at the man, nuzzling against him in a spoiled pout. “Mr. Ji, I’m dying.”

“No, you won’t. You won’t.”

Ji Huai had picked up some amateur medical knowledge and served as the village’s only quack doctor. He immediately fumbled to examine the fox’s wound.

Zhou Si, however, was stunned by the energy surging through Hu Wu’s blood.

He could clearly feel the agonizing pain that had tormented him easing off just a little.

It actually worked.

His gaze grew complicated as he stared at the fox.

Hu Wu was injured now, putting on an extravagantly delicate act. He kept one hand pressed to his neck, whimpering and whining pathetically.

When the herbal poultice went on, he wailed in pain with tears streaming down his face. Even as Ji Huai wrapped the wound with clean strips of cloth, he squirmed and twisted with dramatic expressions, refusing to stay still.

Ji Huai fell for it hook, line, and sinker. He fussed over the fox with heartbreaking concern, even digging out the family’s precious stash of sugar to brew a steaming bowl of sweet water and feed it to him.

The fox stopped his complaints at once. He cradled the bowl and slurped it down with blissful delight.

No sooner had he finished than he passed out again, heartlessly carefree, even trying to grab Ji Huai’s hand for more cuddles.

Zhou Si watched the whole display in speechless exasperation.

Once Ji Huai had settled the fox, he couldn’t help turning to Zhou Si with a note of reproach. “What exactly were you doing just now?”

Zhou Si summed it up bluntly. “He said his blood and flesh could cure my illness. So I gave it a try.”

Ji Huai froze. He knew all about Zhou Si’s strange affliction and the excruciating suffering it brought. It had troubled him deeply.

The little fox’s blood could actually cure it?

He had thought Zhou Si meant to kill the fox, but he couldn’t help finding the method odd. Who killed like that…

“You still can’t just… chomp down on his neck like that. It’s too dangerous.”

Zhou Si said nothing, his eyes fixed on the fox. Unlike Ji Huai, he wasn’t thinking about the creature’s safety from the start.

It was only halfway through the night, so the three of them settled back down to sleep. The fox stayed right in the middle, as before.

Halfway through the night, Hu Wu must have been half-asleep, because he rolled over and snuggled toward Zhou Si’s side.

Zhou Si frowned and cracked his eyes open. He watched as the fox leaned against his shoulder.

Perhaps from the blood loss, Hu Wu’s face had gone pale. Even his fluffy fox ears and bushy tail had emerged unconsciously, making him look fragile in the dim moonlight.

“…” In the end, Zhou Si made no move and simply closed his eyes again.

Hu Wu, pretending to be asleep, held his breath until Zhou Si’s breathing grew steady and even. Then he secretly channeled his demon power.

He gritted his teeth, beads of sweat forming at his temples. After struggling for a good while, he finally opened his eyes in defeat.

How could this be? Was his demon power really too weak?

He had successfully channeled a thread of it into Zhou Si’s body, but it vanished like a stone sinking into the sea, unable to budge even a fraction of that vast cultivation.

Unwilling to give up, he inched closer and gently placed his palm on Zhou Si’s firm forearm, trying again… to no avail.

Could it be… could it really require dual cultivation after all?

Heaven forbid! This guy had nearly bitten through his neck—fat chance he’d agree to dual cultivate with him.

The fox’s mind filled with woe. His whole being slumped in misery.

If he could only let the man drink his blood for free, able to touch that profound cultivation but unable to draw any out…

Wouldn’t he be the one taking the massive loss?

Refusing to accept it, Hu Wu mustered his courage. He slid his hand up Zhou Si’s arm to his belly, pressing his entire body against him to maximize skin contact.

At that moment, Zhou Si stirred with a frown. Hu Wu jolted in fright, his breath catching. He watched wide-eyed as Zhou Si rolled over and pulled him into an embrace.

Hu Wu’s eyes bulged. He froze completely, his ears even drooping flat.

After a long wait, seeing that Zhou Si was truly still asleep, he let out a slight breath of relief.

He resumed channeling his demon power.

Perhaps because of Hu Wu’s little movements, Zhou Si’s face grew flushed.

His brows knitted tighter. He let out unconscious nasal hums, as if in discomfort. His arms tightened around the fox in his embrace, and he even threw a leg over him.

In the end, he was practically panting against the fox.

Hu Wu went rigid, his own face turning red. He finally stopped.

This… felt weird.

The next morning at breakfast, steam rose gently from the table.

To Hu Wu’s astonishment, Zhou Si actually pushed a bowl of fragrant stewed meat right in front of him.

Zhou Si eyed the fox with a complicated expression.

He could hardly believe it—he’d spent the entire night dreaming… that kind of dream.

About a demon, no less.

The aroma of meat wafted temptingly. The fox swallowed involuntarily but hesitated to touch it.

He glanced up at Zhou Si. “Y-You can’t drink my blood anymore… I’ll die.”

Zhou Si jerked his chin at the bowl. “Isn’t this making up for it?”

“That’s not the same!” Hu Wu huffed, a spark of anger flaring. He knew this guy had no good intentions. “You drank so much last night!”

After his outburst, he suddenly realized his mistake. He needed to get on good terms with this man.

So he switched faces in an instant, putting on an earnest plea. “Just my blood alone won’t get you recovered. You need to hunt other spirit beasts…”

“I can go catch other spirit beasts,” Zhou Si said, tapping the fox on the nose.

“But this one right here—doesn’t it work?”

“That’s not the same at all.” Hu Wu grew even more aggrieved. “How can those mindless spirit beasts compare to me? Besides, I’m wholeheartedly trying to help you!”

“Help me?” Zhou Si scoffed. “How do I know if you’re sincere or just scheming?”

“Of course it’s real. Because… because I like you…”

Hu Wu blinked his wide eyes at him.

Zhou Si visibly startled, then scowled deeply. “Nonsense.”

The words stung like a slap. Hu Wu shoved the meat bowl away and feigned heartbroken despair. “I’m not eating!”

With that, he leaped up from the table and bolted off.

Just then, Ji Huai emerged from the kitchen with a pot of porridge. “What happened?” Seeing the fox flee, he started to chase after him to console the little guy, but Zhou Si pressed him back into his seat.

“I’ll go.” Zhou Si’s voice was low and grave as he rose and headed toward the yard.

Sure enough, there was the fox crouched by the fence at the back of the yard. He stared blankly at the two fat chickens pacing inside, drool practically pooling at his mouth.

The sound of footsteps made him snap out of it. He whipped his gaze away and struck a pitiful, teary-eyed pose.

He muttered under his breath, “What does he mean by ‘nonsense’… It took so much for me to say it out loud…”

“I like you. Why else would I travel all this way to this backwater, track down news of your injury, and even let you drink my blood…”

Before he could finish, Zhou Si seized his arm.

“Enough.”

Hu Wu lifted his gaze, hoping to read something from the other’s face. But Zhou Si’s features were cold and stern, betraying no hint of emotion.

He simply dragged the fox upright in a thoroughly businesslike manner, his tone leaving no room for debate. “Back home. Eat the meat.”

For the rest of the day, Zhou Si didn’t make Hu Wu do any work. He even let him eat meat at the table. That evening, sure enough, he seized the fox’s wrist once more.

Terrified, Hu Wu scurried to hide behind Ji Huai.

Ji Huai glanced at Zhou Si’s restrained expression, then at the quivering fox. He was torn.

He knew all too well the agony Zhou Si endured every night. If fox blood could truly ease it… he couldn’t bear to watch Zhou Si suffer. But only if 05 wasn’t truly hurt.

“You two… talk it over properly,” Ji Huai said softly. He turned first to Hu Wu. “05, if you’re unwilling, we won’t force you.”

Hu Wu still had that stolen cultivation on his mind. He didn’t truly want to refuse, but he never missed a chance to play pitiful. Gazing up at Ji Huai, his voice came out soft and plaintive. “If Mr. Ji hopes I’ll save him… then I—I can do it, of course…”

A flicker of displeasure crossed Zhou Si’s face. This fox was slick as ever. The way he batted those eyes was identical every time.

Lies spilled from his mouth without a second thought!

“Whose meat did you eat at lunch? Now you want to back out?”

Ji Huai jumped in to smooth things over. “Don’t put it like that. 05 can hunt for himself. He’s willing to help because he’s got a good heart…”

“I doubt it,” Zhou Si said, his cold gaze sweeping over Hu Wu. “Lame-legged fox.”

Hu Wu opened his mouth to protest, but Zhou Si had already pinned him down and leaned in to bite. Tears welled in the fox’s eyes as he let out a piercing shriek.

Ji Huai yanked them apart in a hurry. “No biting the neck this time!”

He fetched a small knife and swiftly sliced a shallow cut across Hu Wu’s wrist. “Will this do?”

Beads of blood welled up at once. Hu Wu yelped in pain—and heartache over the demon power draining from his blood. He whimpered piteously.

Every time Zhou Si took even the slightest sip if it stung, Hu Wu milked the misery for all it was worth.

“It hurts so much. Mr. Ji, I might not be able to turn human tomorrow.

Wah, I’ll be stuck as a fox forever.

My lame leg will never heal…”

Zhou Si finally had enough. He let go with obvious reluctance. “That’s enough.”

Ji Huai bandaged the fox’s wrist next, blowing on it gently like he would for a child.

Only then did the fox settle down. “Thank you, Mr. Ji.”

Zhou Si was at a loss for words.

Ji Huai had planned for the fox to sleep with him, but Hu Wu glanced at Zhou Si instead. “I… I want to sleep with him.”

This couldn’t drag on forever. He needed to steal back his cultivation—and fast!

Zhou Si halted on his way to his room. He shot the fox a look, his expression oddly inscrutable. But he didn’t refuse. He even left the door ajar, letting him slip inside.

Ji Huai blinked in surprise.

“W-Well, all right then.”

At least Zhou Si wouldn’t harm the fox. He let them have at it.

Soon enough, Hu Wu lay beside Zhou Si, his tail tucked obediently under the covers.

Zhou Si slept with perfect discipline: hands folded on his abdomen, eyes shut tight. He ignored the fox entirely.

Hu Wu waited. And waited. Until Zhou Si finally drifted off.

Only then did he dare reach out. He slipped his hand beneath Zhou Si’s and pressed his palm right against the man’s dantian.

Zhou Si stirred at once, his brows furrowing faintly.

Hu Wu held his breath, eyes locked on Zhou Si’s face. He proceeded with utmost care, channeling his demon power as best he could.

But pour in every trick he knew, sweat pouring off him after ages of effort—he got precisely nowhere.

Damn it! Hu Wu fumed inwardly. That’s when he noticed Zhou Si’s breathing had gone all wrong.

Huh. Something was tenting down there.

Wh-what the…?

The fox’s cheeks heated. Right then, Zhou Si rolled over and pulled him into a tight embrace.

Oh no—he was clinging again, refusing to let go…

Hu Wu twitched his ears in helpless frustration from within Zhou Si’s arms. Somewhat resigned.

Maybe… try kissing him?

He peered up at Zhou Si’s face. He had to admit, the Immortal Venerable cut a strikingly handsome, imposing figure.

It was for his cultivation. Just a kiss, nothing more.

The fox leaned in.

But he hadn’t even made contact when Zhou Si’s eyes snapped open—icy cold.

Hu Wu jolted in fright. He jabbed a frantic finger at the incriminating bulge below, words tumbling out in a stammer.

“I-It was you! You grabbed me and started rubbing all over, saying you wanted to kiss me. I—I didn’t do anything!”

Zhou Si flushed crimson.

He’d wanted to kiss the fox? Absurd.

But he didn’t need Hu Wu’s excuse. He could feel for himself how off his body was right now.

And the position… yes, he’d been the one holding the fox.

It clicked with the dream he’d been having…

In it, he and the fox were both stark naked, bodies pressed flush, lips locked in fervent kisses. His belly burned hot, aching unbearably. He’d even begged the fox to help him out.

Zhou Si’s face twisted through a storm of expressions. He bolted upright and stormed into the courtyard. He cranked up a bucket of icy well water and dumped it straight over himself.

What in the world?!

Legendary fox demons excelled at beguiling the heart. Had he fallen right into this one’s trap?

Why did those dreams keep coming…?

A man, no less—and a demon at that. He loathed the very idea.

He dashed the water from his face. Glancing up, he caught the fox peeking at him—half his head poking through the door crack.

Gauze still wrapped around Hu Wu’s neck, framed by those huge, fiery red ears that made his face seem all the smaller. In the hazy moonlight, he looked pitiful.

And… beautiful.

Beautiful?

Zhou Si’s expression darkened. He’d been ensnared, all right.

The fox shrank back at the glare and vanished in a flash.

That night, Hu Wu slept like a rock. He had no clue if Zhou Si ever returned to the room.

The next day, though, Zhou Si changed his tune. He announced he was off to hunt spirit beasts and demanded Hu Wu explain how to track them down.

Relieved to see the shift, the fox sighed inwardly and put on an eager front. He headed up the mountain with him.

Hu Wu’s legs made human form impractical for the climb, though.

He soon whined about being tired. At first he wheedled, insisting all his hardship was for Zhou Si’s sake—hoping for a piggyback ride.

Zhou Si fixed him with a look that said it all.

Grievance oozing from every pore, Hu Wu shifted to fox form. He trailed after Zhou Si, trudging through the brush until he was covered in grass seeds and burrs.

One man and one fox roamed the deep mountains all day.

Thanks to Hu Wu’s sharp sense for spiritual energy fluctuations and Zhou Si’s peerless prowess, they finally cornered their prize: a spirit deer, its coat patterned with faint spiritual glow, body sleek and agile.

On the way back, the fox flat-out refused to walk another step. He sidled up to Zhou Si’s ear and whispered what he considered a brilliant idea.

He could play the part of fresh kill—transform into a fox-fur stole and drape across Zhou Si’s shoulders!

Zhou Si had been exhausted after a full day of work, and he was still lugging the Spirit Deer on his back, but he was too lazy to argue with Hu Wu. He just let the fox climb aboard.

In that single day, they had managed to hunt down one deer and one strikingly beautiful big fox.

As they made their way back, Zhou Si once again drew gasps of admiration and cheers from the villagers along the path.

The moment they returned, the fox hopped down and transformed into his human form before scampering off to whine to Ji Huai.

He painted a vivid picture, embellishing every detail about how grueling the mountain hunt had been. He even showed off his tail, which was plastered with burrs, lamenting how ugly it had become.

Ji Huai truly felt sorry for him and fetched a comb to groom it.

Zhou Si was speechless. He deliberately spat a couple of times, his mouth full of fox fur.

It had clearly been Zhou Si carrying everything on the way back. The big fox had sprawled across his shoulders, lazing about and nearly snoring the whole time.

The heat had turned Zhou Si’s face beet red, and he’d ended up reeking of fox.

The fox hadn’t been much help during the deer hunt either. All day long, all he did was act spoiled around Ji Huai.

The more Zhou Si thought about it, the more irritated he became. He snatched the comb away and shooed Ji Huai off to make dinner.

“I’ll groom you!”

Zhou Si gripped the comb and raked it through Hu Wu’s big tail without holding back. The fox let out a miserable “Awoo!” and instantly yanked his precious tail back, clutching it tightly.

“It hurts,” Hu Wu whined, his eyes brimming with tears.

“Come back. Didn’t you want your fur combed?”

“I’m not doing it! I’m not!”

The fox bolted, tail in his arms.

Ji Huai prepared the deer meat using ordinary methods and whipped up a full table of dishes.

Zhou Si took a bite. The spirit meat was indeed exceptionally tender and flavorful, with a delicate yet chewy texture that put regular venison to shame.

But that warm glow it kindled in his dantian afterward paled in comparison to the fox’s blood.

To achieve the same effect, he might have to eat a whole deer every day.

Even if he could stomach that much, where would they find so many spirit beasts on the mountain?

His gaze drifted involuntarily back to the fox, his expression turning peculiar once more.

Was he going to have to rely on him after all?

But what about those dreams?

Hu Wu was eating happily, his eyes narrowed in bliss, his fluffy tail swaying contentedly behind him.

“Mmm, so good!”

His cheeks were stuffed full, his words muffled as he shoved his empty bowl toward Ji Huai. “I want another!”

Perhaps finally noticing Zhou Si’s lingering stare, he suddenly remembered he needed to butter up this guy too. Instantly, he switched to a pitiful expression.

“I worked so hard today. My tail is all…”

Zhou Si sighed. “…Eat. Just eat.”

In the end, the fox happily scarfed down four bowls of meat and ended up so stuffed that he reverted to his original form right there at the table.

Drowsy now, he curled up in a corner as a fiery red furball and was soon fast asleep in the room.

It wasn’t until deep into the night that Zhou Si grabbed him by the scruff and hoisted him up.

The sensation of fox-fur scarf vanished in an instant. Hu Wu shifted back to human form and tumbled onto the bed, rubbing his eyes.

One glance at the familiar little knife in Zhou Si’s hand, and he was wide awake.

“What are you doing? Didn’t you say you wouldn’t drink my blood if there were spirit beasts around?”

Zhou Si arched a brow. “When did I ever say that?”

With that, he reached for the fox’s wrist again.

“No, no! You can’t just drink blood,” Hu Wu yelled in a panic.

“You have to kiss me too!”