The sky was turning white, and the sound of birds chirping came from outside the bamboo building.
Inside the room was surrounded by a mesmerising fragrance.
Chu Chen’an came to his senses in the midst of chaos, he only felt sore and weak all over his body, especially the back of his neck.
He had dreamt of Lan Huai again, and the amulet was useless.
He sat up and rubbed the back of his neck, then checked the system control panel.
The quest bar for copy four in the control panel was still grey, indicating that all of his additional quests were still unknown.
“Chen’an, are you awake?” He Xuesheng knocked outside the door.
“Awake.” Chu Chen’an got up and went to open the door.
The door opened.
He Xuesheng’s hair was in a small ponytail; his eyes were dazed. “Do you have toothpaste? I forgot to bring it. Can I borrow it?”
“Okay, I’ll get it for you.” Chu Chen’an turned around and brought a new toothpaste to him.
He had five toothpastes in his suitcase, all different fruit flavors. System 001 was still quite attentive in this area.
He Xuesheng took the toothpaste and said thank you, a little worried. “Old Liang and the others are not back yet; I sent them a message and they didn’t reply; could it be that something happened?”
Chu Chen’an looked at the densely forested Wulan Mountain and said, “Maybe there’s no signal on the mountain?”
“I think so too,” He Xuesheng scratched his face, narrowed his eyes, and thought for a moment, “Wulan Mountain is so high; there are so many forests, so there shouldn’t be any problem.”
Chu Chen’an nodded his head and looked towards Wulan Mountain, which towered into the clouds. With dark clouds surrounding it, it looked mysterious and magnificent.
“Okay, then I’ll go back first.” He Xuesheng took the toothpaste and draped a towel over his shoulder. “I’ll call you for breakfast later.”
“Okay.”
Chu Chen’an caught a glimpse of the crimson-swollen wound on his neck as he turned around; it was already purple and looked to be getting worse.
He froze for a few seconds before turning around to brush his teeth.
……
They arrived on the ground floor for breakfast; the few guests at the B&B were the only ones there, and the eating area was cold and quiet.
The shopkeeper brought them two bowls of noodles with a lot of mutton on top, two plates of yellow rice patties, two bowls of clear porridge, and snacks.
It looked very sumptuous.
“These snacks are prepared for the guests free of charge, if there’s anything you need just tell me.” The shopkeeper wore an old yellow exotic costume, his pale face squeezing out a smile.
In one night’s work, the shopkeeper had become enthusiastic and generous. Chu Chen’an and He Xuesheng were a bit uncomfortable and thanked him together.
“Aigoo, you’re too polite; our Walled City hasn’t had any new customers in years; it’s our Walled City’s honor to have you all here.” The shopkeeper looked down at Chu Chen’an, smiling eagerly at him.
Chu Chen’an’s scalp went numb at his look, and he laughed dryly.
As a matter of fact, there were thousands of people in this walled city, and everyone was looking at them with coldness and a bit of hatred in their eyes.
The shopkeeper exchanged a few more polite words with them before saying, “Alright then, first you guys should enjoy yourselves; I’ll go and get busy first.”
The two of them nodded.
Chu Chen’an bit into a mouthful of noodles and stole a glance at He Xuesheng’s neck as he finished chewing the noodles in his mouth. “Does the wound on your neck still hurt?”
“Mm, it’s much better.” He ate a large mouthful of noodles and gulped, “It just looks particularly ugly, but it doesn’t really feel much anymore. When I looked in the mirror this morning, I thought I had been bitten by someone.”
Chu Chen’an sniffed and went to look carefully, and it really did look like teeth marks. The wound became deep purple, and the slightly deeper part was already blackened.
Did this cottage really have something that sucked human bl-ood…
Chu Chen’an lowered his head and ate a few noodles, a little worried.
Just as he was contemplating, a purple-clad figure appeared on his left side.
Chu Chen’an inclined his head; it was Lan Xu.
“Good morning, Lan Xu.” He Xuesheng’s noodles had already been finished in two or three bites. “Have you eaten?”
“Mm.” Lan Xu smiled faintly, his turquoise pupils bright and deep.
Chu Chen’an lowered his head. He saw that He Xuesheng had already finished eating. Fearing that he would leave him and Lan Xu behind, he busily learned to eat the noodles like He Xuesheng in big bites.
He ate with his cheeks puffed out, his lips covered in a moist and shiny watery light as he chewed hard.
Lan Xu pushed the clear porridge in front of him and looked at him with a smile.
Chu Chen’an raised his eyes to glance at him, his earlobes reddening.
He Xuesheng took a snack and nibbled on it. “Lan Xu, do you know of any suitable and safer places for sketching in your area?”
“Well, there’s a hill that’s good, near the stream; standing there, you can see the whole walled village.” Lan Xu didn’t return his head, staring straight at Chu Chen’an. “I’m not busy today; I can take you there.”
He Xuesheng was very moved and nudged Chu Chen’an with his elbow.
Chu Chenan was also quite moved; he was internally torn; if he stayed here, he’d definitely dream about Lan Huai; it was better to follow them out; at least there was He Xuesheng.
He also nodded along.
Chu Chenan couldn’t eat anymore after eating half a bowl of noodles. He lowered his head and wiped his mouth. Raising his eyes, he found that Lan Xu was still looking at him.
Those eyes were filled with a seductive smile.
He quickly withdrew his gaze.
Only then did Lan Xu collect himself; he asked Chu Chen’an, “Did you sleep well last night?”
“Mm.” Chu Chen’an nodded.
It wasn’t good at all.
He dreamt that Lan Huai stripped him of his clothes.
“That’s good.” Lan Xu’s smile was extremely bright.
……
Chu Chen’an and He Xuesheng went upstairs to get their painting equipment and went out of the B&B with Lan Xu.
The shopkeeper nodded behind them, welcoming them all the way out.
They followed the road upwards; the buildings in the walled village were all bamboo buildings in a very different and imposing style, not like an ordinary village.
Although it was quaint and mysterious, it was well supplied with water, electricity, and other supplies and didn’t look poor at all.
Suddenly, the playing of bells and piccolos came from the other road, accompanied by bursts of muffled wailing.
Chu Chen’an turned his head to look; the person in the lead was a witch; her pale face was painted with various colored textures; her head was covered in a very different animal head felt; her mouth was chanting difficult incantations; she stood at the very front of the group, jumping around while knocking the pointed sheath in her hand.
Behind them were dozens of people, holding up pots of scarlet liquid, chanting loudly after the witch, their faces as cold and numb as puppets.
Suddenly, as the witch turned around, she saw Lan Xu not far away.
She quickly withdrew her aura and knelt with her head knocking on the ground towards their side, her eyes full of worship and admiration.
The dozens of people behind her also followed and knelt down, their mouths muttering things without stopping.
Chu Chen’an froze as he watched, and he keenly smelled a bl-oody odour coming from there.
He Xuesheng was also stunned by the scene.
Lan Xu looked towards that place and explained in a nonchalant manner, “This is the ceremony we use here to welcome new guests, just get used to it.”
Chu Chen’an was not very convinced.
He looked around at the people; most of the costumes they wore were white and yellow; only Lan Xu wore purple, the same as Lan Huai.
He remembered Lan Huai saying that purple symbolized the highest power here.
“Alright, let’s go first.” Lan Xu said to the dazed Chu Chen’an.
He saw Chu Chen’an raise his eyes to look not far away; his red lips looked moist, bright, and enticing, and the sunlight, like a touch of light gold, reflected on his white and clean neck, making his skin look even more white and smooth.
Lan Xu’s eyes darkened, and the knot in his throat rolled as he swallowed heavily.
……
They arrived at the mountain road.
As soon as He Xuesheng came into the wilderness, he was like a wild horse that had taken off its reins and ran to the forefront.
Chu Chen’an walked carefully; the more he carried the easel on his back, the more tired he became. He was slightly panting, his forehead was hot with some sweat, and his cheeks were slightly flushed.
He felt his back suddenly become lighter; his footsteps lurched, and he turned to look behind him.
Only to see Lan Xu untying the easel on his back and lifting it easily with one hand. “Let me help you.”
Chu Chen’an saw Lan Xu’s insistent attitude, so he could only say in a small voice, “Thank you.”
Lan Xu smiled, his smile bright and charming. “You’re welcome; watch the road carefully.”
Chu Chen’an’s earlobes became redder and redder. He nodded and turned around to continue walking.
They soon arrived.
He Xuesheng took the lead in placing his easel on the lush grass and opening his own backpack to take out his drawing board and paint.
Suddenly, He Xuesheng exclaimed.
Chu Chen’an shuddered in fear, “What’s wrong?”
“I forgot to bring my paintbrushes,” He Xuesheng slapped one hand on his forehead and threw his bag to the ground, “I’ll go back to get them!”
“I brought a few, use mine.” Chu Chen’an said.
“No, I’m only used to that one,” He Xuesheng waved his hand, “I’ll go and come back, you guys can start first.”
Chu Chen’an saw He Xuesheng running and quickly shouted, “I’ll accompany you.”
“No need, I know the way!” He Xuesheng shouted back and ran out of sight.
Chu Chen’an could only resign himself to putting down his easel.
Lan Xu didn’t have the intention to leave, he sat down on a smooth rock next to him.
“Aren’t you going back?” Chu Chen’an timidly glanced at him.
Lan Xu shook his head, “I’m not busy, I want to watch you paint, do you mind?”
Lan Xu’s voice was soft and gentle, making it impossible to create a sense of detachment.
Chu Chen’an could only shake his head, “I don’t mind.”
He began to mix colours under Lan Xu’s gaze.
The forest leaked out a few pale rays of light, forming several parallel lines that glowed around Chu Chen’an, like holy light surrounding him.
The light climbed from his white wrists to his beautiful neck, and then to his exquisite face.
In his every move, no place was unattractive.
Lan Xu was mesmerized as he gently twisted the petals of a flower.
A camouflage of brightness was used to conceal his gaze that was like a wild beast looking at a prey with intense covetousness.
Chu Chen’an was so serious about painting that he didn’t even notice a leaf falling on his collar.
Lan Xu asked, “Is this your first time here?”
“Yes,” Chu Chen’an’s brush lurched, and he added, “first time here.”
“Oh,” Lan Xu nodded in mock understanding, smiling seductively. “Then how did you know that my brother’s name is Lan Huai? I don’t seem to have mentioned it.”
Chu Chen’an’s heart thumped as he reacted.
He responded in a trembling voice, “I heard about it from the villagers.”
Lan Xu teased him, “Oh? What did they say?”
Chu Chen’an honestly made it up: “They said that you have an older brother, called Lan Huai, who is a very powerful sorcerer.”
Lan Xu’s smile faded, the tip of his tongue tipped his palate, and he said softly, “Is my brother the only one who’s very powerful?”
Chu Chen’an didn’t hear clearly, “Hmm?”
“Nothing.” Lan Xu walked towards him and stood behind him. “I said your painting looks good.”
Lan Xu bent to look at his painting, almost pressing up against his back, his hot breath pouring over the side of his face.
Chu Chen’an was so nervous that his cheeks burned slightly.
Suddenly, he accidentally got a handful of paint.
He eagerly got up to escape the place and said, “I’ll go wash my hands.”
He trotted towards the stream and squatted down to wash slowly for a minute or two.
Lan Xu glanced at him and smiled as he admired his painting.
Chu Chen’an turned around and came back. He accidentally stepped on something, and it arched up and bit his ankle.
Chu Chen’an let out a small cry of pain and looked down to see a small, white snake crawling away from his foot.
He thought to himself that he was finished and sat down on the ground.
He was going to die.
“What’s wrong?” Lan Xu rushed towards him.
Lan Xu crouched down and glimpsed the small snake that was not far away. A dark color crossed the bottom of his eyes, and he quickly cut it into two with his short, silver-curved blade.
Chu Chen’an covered his leg, his eyes indisputably reddened, and two teardrops rolled down indisputably.
Although it wasn’t very painful, it was his first time being bitten by a snake.
His only thought was that he was really dying.
Lan Xu’s heart ached so tightly that he pulled up Chu Chen’an’s trouser leg and went to look at his wound.
His white, porcelain-like ankle was bitten out with two scarlet spots, and there was still a bit of bl-ood on it.
“Is that a poisonous snake?” Chu Chen’an looked at him in panic, his eyes trembling pitifully as he asked, “Am I going to die?”
“Don’t be afraid.” Lan Xu’s palm lifted Chu Chen’an’s small foot.
His gaze traveled over the white calf.
The anxiety in his eyes gradually changed meaning.
That was a small, non-venomous snake, and the foreigners mostly fed on it.
But Lan Xu had no intention of telling him.
“Well, that’s a poisonous snake.” Lan Xu’s fingertips rubbed Chu Chen’an’s skin and he said in a low voice, “However, it’ll be fine if I suck out the poison; is that okay?”
Chu Chen’an’s eyes were filled with fear, and Lan Xu’s voice compelled him.
He hesitated for a moment and said, “That’s fine.”
Lan Xu obtained permission.
He got what he wanted and kissed his ankle, licking his blo-od and the wound.
Perhaps because it had been coveted, Lan Xu felt that his blo-od was sweet.
Chu Chen’an frowned slightly, ashamed and scared to death.
It was as if half a century had passed.
Lan Xu still held his ankle and wouldn’t let go, and in the bottom of his eyes was a gloominess that Chu Chen’an had never seen before.
“Is it okay?” Chu Chen’an couldn’t help but ask.
“Hmm.” Lan Xu couldn’t get enough, but he still let go of Chu Chen’an.
“But you can’t walk yet after being bitten by a snake, ah.” Lan Xu tidied up his trouser leg and coaxed him, “I’ll carry you to get some medicine.”
Chu Chen’an also firmly believed in his heart in the superstition that walking five steps after being bitten by a snake would ki-ll him.
He nodded his head and even whispered a thank you to Lan Xu.
……
Lan Xu brought him to a valley.
The space here was vast, with many mahogany cabinet doors and wooden frames planted with strange fruits and herbs.
The ethereal fragrance was particularly strong.
“This is where I collect medicinal herbs.” Lan Xu explained, gently applying the herbs to him.
Chu Chen’an felt that his ankle was icy cold, and it didn’t hurt much anymore.
He laid on the stone bed, smelling the strong fragrance, and subconsciously closed his eyes.
He fell asleep.
Dreaming of Lan Huai again.
Lan Huai pried open his teeth and kissed him, kissing him so hard that he couldn’t breathe.
Lan Huai looked like he was questioning him, “An An, why are you avoiding me?”
His voice was so cold that it was chilling.
Chu Chen’an squinted his misty eyes, unable to make a sound with his lips blocked.
At the same time, he felt someone kissing his earlobe.