BXBX NOVEL Chapter 4.10
The female lead shouldn’t have been kidnapped and said kidnapper should definitely have not used her to threaten Liu Minghui. Shao Peiyuan also shouldn’t have placed Liu Minghui’s life above the female lead, preventing him to seek out He Lianyu......
Since everything has deteriorated to this extent, Sui Yuan is ultimately forced to acknowledge his flaws. Previously, he firmly believed it was Zhao Xihe’s involvement that caused everything to be in disorder, but now, even without Zhao Xihe interfering, the plot still derails. Clearly, the issue is his inability to be a good enough actor. After all, he can’t be so unlucky as to bump into yet another actor who likes to mess things up, right?!
Is it because his analytical skills are poor? His inadequate ability to thoroughly comprehend the plot? Or is it because he cannot grasp the tempo of the story, inevitably reading the other character’s mentality wrongly? Sui Yuan fully blames himself, and all previous grievances he has with Zhao Xihe begins to wane. As the proverb says, a clap cannot be produced with just one hand. In the first world, he provoked Zhao Xihe, which led to the derailment of the story. But besides the changes brought about by the male lead, his inexperience clearly played another major part. Back then, if he had carefully analysed every aspect of AnHe Qin Wang’s character from top to bottom, he most likely wouldn’t have been hooked into this ill-fated relationship.
Hearing Sui Yuan’s thorough examination, 5237 can only sigh heavily. Although its partner is a special, custom-made being with a diligent and conscientious attitude, he is still inexperienced. Only when one goes through various trial and errors and become more knowledgeable will they finally meet the standards of a good supporting male lead. It is exactly this aspect of Sui Yuan that the creators cannot input into his brain. He will have to physically go through these worlds and accumulate wisdom from there.
"It’s good enough that you are capable of thinking this far," 5237 comforts its partner with heartfelt words. "Therefore, what you need to do now is to adapt appropriately to these changes and try your best to untangle this mess."
"...Can it really be done?" Sui Yuan mumbles into his hands. Right now, he doesn’t have a drop of self-confidence left.
"Even if it is impossible, do you plan to simply give up halfway?" 5237 asks, tone rising.
"......Of course not." Lips thinning, he inhales deeply, fighting spirit rising once more. "Cross a trench, gain a new piece of information. Even if I fail this time, I will still learn another lesson, and will definitely do even better the next time!"
"That’s the spirit!" 5237 encourages cheerfully. "Relax, as long as you put in all your effort, you will surely not be abandoned!"
Sui Yuan nods gravely.
With the story as it is currently, Sui Yuan’s top priority is to rescue the female lead from He Lianyu’s clutches. No matter what, in a BG world, the female lead is the most important character and must not be exposed to any danger she cannot save herself from.
Sui Yuan sends Shao Peiyuan back to the Heavenly Cosmos sect to seek out Elder Xuan Ling while he will track down He Lianyu’s whereabouts and delay the Demonic Cultivator for as long as possible. Regarding Sui Yuan’s way of handling the situation, Shao Peiyuan is naturally opposed to it. But no matter how he protests, he cannot sway Sui Yuan, who has already made a firm decision. As he leaves reluctantly, he can only vow to bring Elder Xuan Ling back as swiftly as he can.
After driving Shao Peiyuan away, Sui Yuan gets in touch with He Lianyu once more, expressing the desire to speak with him. This time, the other party doesn’t ignore the message, arranging a time and place to meet without the slightest hesitation.
When the two finally face each other again, the first thing He Lianyu does is toss an interspatial pouch over. Snatching it out of the air, Sui Yuan opens it to see the requested items taken from Shen Jiayi within. He stiffens, well aware of the non-verbal implication, warning him not to forget the two of them have gotten into the same boat.
Eyes darkening, Sui Yuan tucks the pouch away, regarding He Lianyu wordlessly.
This time, the Demonic Cultivator’s attire is more enticing than before. Violet robes edged with gold, exposing a portion of fair, flawless chest, neck, and collarbones. A trace of sensuality floats in those dark, almond eyes, the upturned corners of his mouth betraying his good mood. "You got what you wanted. Now, it should be my turn, hmm?"
"You didn’t touch her?" Sui Yuan questions.
"Of course. I made a Blood Demon Oath, so I have to do as promised." He Lianyu chuckles. "If I touch her, I wouldn’t be able to touch you. I can only pick one. So, I will leave selection rights in your hands."
Despite the seemingly generous wording, it is, in reality, overbearing and arrogant. He Lianyu’s gaze locks on Sui Yuan, ensuring he doesn’t miss even a split-second’s change in the latter’s expression.
"For what reason are you doing this?" Sui Yuan grits out coldly.
"Reason?" He Lianyu’s eyes narrow. "I just like beauties, especially those with an attitude, which is why both you and Shen Jiayi match my taste. I would like to watch you struggle, surrender, have no choice but to give yourself wholly to me no matter how disgusted you may be. How is that for a reason?"
"You have a vile interest."
"Thank you for your compliment," He Lianyu says with a mock-honoured expression. "A cultivator’s life is long. If I don’t find something to pleasure myself with, wouldn’t this road be excessively dull?"
Well aware that He Lianyu would never compromise, Sui Yuan can only pick the most terrible choice. "......Let her go."
According to a character’s personality, Liu Minghui would never sacrifice himself for the female lead even if he harbours intentions towards her. However, Sui Yuan is not the real Liu Minghui. He has his own misgivings, thus deciding to rescue the female lead from He Lianyu’s hands first before attempting to flee from this pig teammate. In any case, Liu Minghui is a villain whose words never matches his actions. As such, he has no qualms in breaking any promises given, including this one between He Lianyu and himself.
Hearing Sui Yuan’s answer, He Lianyu’s brain blanks for a second, then jealous fury flashes through his eyes. "You wouldn’t regret?"
"I wouldn’t." Sui Yuan’s tone is hard as steel.
"Really can’t tell that you value feelings so highly. However, if you love her so much, why did you collude with me to thrust her into dangerous situations?" He Lianyu inquires, not quite understanding this logic.
Sui Yuan closes his eyes. "It’s none of your business."
In actual fact, he too cannot make sense of Liu Minghui, and even more cannot comprehend his contradicting feelings. Attempting to interpret his strange actions is like trying to cut down a tree with a chopstick.
"Fine, fine. I’m not too interested in knowing anyway," Sneering, the Demonic Cultivator beckons Sui Yuan forward and strides away.
Very quickly, the two reaches He Lianyu’s temporary hideout. Although she is powerless to resist due to the seal blocking her meridians, Shen Jiayi is safe and unharmed.
Seeing He Lianyu appear together with Sui Yuan, Shen Jiayi is somewhat bewildered. When her eyes land on the former, it is filled with hatred. This disdain fades away to faint suspicion when her gaze shifts to Sui Yuan.
Having seen every emotion flickering through the woman’s face, He Lianyu silently admits that she at least has a brain, accurately guessing that everything was planned by Sui Yuan. However, an indescribable annoyance fills his heart, as though that suspicious look is extremely offending to his eyes.
Laughing mockingly, he wraps an arm around Sui Yuan’s waist, looking the chained and kneeling Shen Jiayi over slowly. "You are free to go. Your beloved Senior Martial Brother exchanged himself for you and I agreed."
Shen Jiayi stiffens, eyes widening in disbelief as she stares at Sui Yuan. Taking in the tightly pursed lips and sombre expression, every kind of emotion bubbles forth.
Self-resentment for being mistrustful, actually daring to doubt her Senior Martial Brother colluded with the Demonic sect; happiness over her freedom, being able to escape from danger; worry for her Senior Marital Brother and how he will be able to get away from the tiger’s den; gratefulness towards him for his self-sacrificing nature... Shen Jiayi’s eyes grow hot. Tears falling from her eyes, she grits her teeth and chokes out, "Senior Martial Brother, don’t..."
Sui Yuan smiles reassuringly, but before he can give a verbal reply, He Lianyu abruptly shoves him back, pressing him into the small bed behind.
Right this moment, He Lianyu finds himself struggling between two contradictory emotions. He didn’t like Shen Jiayi’s using a suspicious gaze to look at Sui Yuan, but he even more dislikes the intimate, wordless interaction full of tender affection between them. Before he can distinguish what these strange emotions are, he found himself interrupting their exchange.
More or less accustomed to being pinned down by another man, Sui Yuan manages to keep his cool, his reaction no more than a small startled noise at the back of his throat. On the other hand, Shen Jiayi explodes in anger, struggling against the chains to stand up. "Let Senior Martial Brother go! You beast!"
"Let go?" A corner of He Lianyu’s lips pull up in a smirk. "This is something I rightfully deserve. Why would I let him go? Rather, I want to take things one step further."
Saying this, he leans down, intending to taste the pair of tempting red lips he has been coveting ever since their initial meeting. But his plan is thwarted when Sui Yuan turns his head away, speaking in a cold, indifferent tone. "Let Junior Sister Shen go."
"Senior Martial Brother! I will not go!" Shen Jiayi yells. After becoming a cultivator, she is used to keeping calm and collected at all times, learning how to place herself before others. However, her innate virtuous nature cannot be completely erased. How can she be at ease and flee when Sui Yuan so selflessly walked into the tiger’s den in order to save her?
"Junior Sister Shen, don’t be willful!" Sui Yuan snaps, temper rising. He detests the sensation of being pinned under a man like this. All he needs is the female lead to get out of here, then he can do as he please without worry and escape this place ah!
"Do you think you will be allowed to stay just because you refuse to go?" Feeling neglected when the two disciples begin to argue, He Lianyu immediately pipes up to remind them of his existence. "I don’t like having an audience during sex!"
Shen Jiayi’s face flushes red from a mixture of embarrassment and rage. As soon as the chains around her are removed, she pounces forward, wanting to pull this blasphemous beast away from her Senior Martial Brother.
It’s a shame that her spiritual power has yet to recover. Even if she is at full strength, an initial-level Core Formation stage Righteous Cultivator is no match for a Solid Aspect Demonic Cultivator. With a disdainful sneer, his hand curls into a claw, freezing Shen Jiayi mid-air. A fling of his sleeve and the woman is thrown out of the small room like a kite with a broken string.
Sui Yuan starts in alarm, wanting to rush out and check on her condition, but is instead pulled back into He Linayu’s arms. Lips brushing his ear and travelling downwards, He Lianyu bows his head and presses a kiss on the smooth skin of Sui Yuan’s neck, then laughs lightly. "Relax, I am still under a Blood Demon Oath. Your Junior Martial Sister is safe and sound outside!"
Knowing that He Lianyu will not tell lies when it comes to his oaths, Sui Yuan breathes a sigh of relief. As the Demonic Cultivator promised, Shen Jiayi is indeed safe and no longer under his control.
She herself is not too clear about what just happened. All she felt was a burst of dizziness, and when her vision clears, she finds herself laying on the ground, in the wilderness. All around her, she cannot spot a trace of He Lianyu’s hideout, and can’t feel Senior Martial Brother’s spiritual signature. Getting to her feet, this is the first time she feels so helpless and muddled, but this unwelcomed sensation is quickly interrupted.
"Junior Sister Shen!" A familiar voice reaches her ears. Whirling around on her heels, she spots the figures of Xuan Ling and Shao Peiyuan hurriedly making their way over, the former bearing a frostier than normal expression while the latter’s face is full of anxiety. "You’re safe! Where is Minghui?!"
"Senior Brother Liu, he..." Shen Jiayi rushes up to them as though they are her lifesavers. Bitterness seeping into her eyes, she cries out emotionally. "Master! I beg you to save Senior Brother Liu! He exchanged his life for mine and I was thrown all the way out here. I don’t know where they are now!"
Hearing her words, the sliver of hope in Shao Peiyuan’s eyes vanish, replaced by pain. "Do you remember anything distinctive in the surroundings of that demon’s hideout?!"
Shen Jiayi is about to answer, but notices her master doesn’t even spare her a single glance. Instead, he steps back onto his jian and soars into the air, heading towards a seemingly random location and disappearing in a span of a few seconds. Shao Peiyuan and Shen Jiayi exchanges a dismayed glance, subconsciously trying to catch up even if they don’t know what is going through the Elder’s mind.
It’s a pity that Xuan Ling’s speed is too fast, causing them to lose sight of him due to their split-second hesitation.
"With Master here, there wouldn’t be any problems," Shen Jiayi murmurs, uncertain if she is trying to convince Shao Peiyuan or herself.
The other youth’s hands clench into fists as self-reproach floods his being. He resents his own strength being inadequate, unable to help even when a close friend is in danger. He loathes how he is reduced to only being able to watch, wait, and hope that Minghui will be fine.
If...if he too steps on the path to Immortal Ascension, and gain formidable power, would everything be different...?