CHAPTER 27

The Devil’s Plan

LUO FAN

We left the house with my master watching us behind our backs. My emotions were still tangled with confusion and I did not know how how to exactly handle it. I had to suppress everything inside me rather than break down.

When we were far enough and were going downhill along a narrow dirt path, I stared at the silhouette of Ruan Yanjun who was leading the way. The path was rocky, so I had to use my stick as a cane to guide me through.

“Are you planning to attack Kan Empire?” I asked. That was the question that had been plaguing me since we left the cabin. I finally had a glimpse of Ruan Yanjun’s goal, and he believed I could be of use for that purpose.

“A-Fan, you are indeed very smart.”

“It’s not that difficult to surmise from those words that you’ve said earlier.”

“Because you’re smart.”

“You think so highly of me. I’m afraid you will be disappointed.”

“Right now, I’m quite positive that we will both get what we want.”

“I will not intervene with whatever plan you have, but I don’t understand why I must be involved in this. I’ve already lost my cultivation. I cannot fight, I cannot refine, and I’m blind. How can I be of any use to you?”

“A-Fan, you will find out soon.”

“Why not now?”

“Because if I tell you now, you won’t believe me.”

I sighed. “Since my master has put me under your care, then I have to trust you.”

He chortled. “He deceived you, yet you still obey his order?”

“He raised me. Despite all that had happened, I’m sure he is regretful.”

“Just like Han Bao?”

I nodded.

He sighed. “A-Fan, if you keep seeing people who have deceived you in such a light, you won’t make it in this world.”

I did not respond. Ruan Yanjun had lived for so long. He had probably seen all kinds of evil throughout his existence, and that was probably the reason why he had turned into the devil that he was.

But I did not wish to take the path he had taken. Despite all that had happened, I was still determined to follow the path of righteousness.

“However, since you still take your master’s words to heart, does that mean you also recognize me as your babysitter now?”

“I’d prefer to call it a custodian or guardian.”

“Are they any different?”

“It’s more formal.”

He chortled. “So you do recognize me as your guardian then?”

“I didn’t mean it that way.”

“A-Fan, don’t tell me you did not hear. Your master told you to stay close to me for your own good. Are you not going to take that as an order?”

I looked away. I suddenly regretted why I didn’t protest earlier. I had known all along how cunning this devil is. His idea of me being close to him might not be the same as what I have in mind.

He smirked. “Since your former master has put you under my wings, I will teach you how to survive. If you heed my advice, you’ll make it to over a hundred like me.”

I stopped in my tracks. “Lord Ruan, do you mean to say that you are over a hundred years old?”

He also stopped and turned to look at me. “Haven’t you known that yet?”

I gasped. “I thought you were just a couple of years older than my master.”

“I’m way older than you think.”

I stared at the outline of his face.

Does he have wrinkles or white hair that I could not see? But Jinjing said he looked no more than thirty.

“Are you wondering if I have wrinkles on my face, or if my hair is all grey?” he asked.

I briefly stiffened. His ability to read my mind was starting to scare me. I should probably avoid saying things inwardly in my presence, especially if I wanted to curse him.

“Earlier, you mentioned something about my real identity.” I changed the subject. “Could you enlighten me about that?”

“If you wish to know the circumstances of your birth, let’s move further to the province of Sindu. There are people out there that you should meet.”

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Sindu was a province annexed to Danhar City, the capital of Kan Empire. That was my father’s hometown and was where I was raised until I turned five.

“You said you won’t take me anywhere near the capital.”

“That’s not the capital.”

“But that’s just next to the capital.”

“Don’t worry, we won’t go anywhere near the capital.”

I sighed. “I apologize, but I have to decline.”

“A-Fan, I’m sure you’ve been talking with the servants in my residence, and certainly, they must have mentioned how Ruan Yanjun despises being declined.”

He had said those words somewhat tenderly, but I knew he meant it as a warning.

What else can I do? I was not only indebted to him. I was also his prisoner.

*****

RUAN YANJUN

When I did not get a response after knocking twice, I pushed open the door. I found Luo Fan standing by that same window where he had spent hours watching the road below, even if he could only see shadows of people passing by.

We were back in the inn where we had rested before we headed to Suyang to meet his former master, and he seemed to have taken a liking to that window.

He had his back on me and did not even turn to look at me. I knew he was still resentful that I had forced him to come with me near the place that he had sworn never to set foot on again.

Slowly, I approached him and stood beside him. His usually bright and solemn face was marred with distress.

I glanced below and found an empty road. The rain was still pouring outside so naturally, nobody was passing by. That must have made him even more morose.

“What’s with that look on your face?” I asked, even if I already knew the reason. “Don’t you feel even a little excited to return to the place of your childhood?”

He suddenly turned to me with a surprised expression. “How did you know that?”

I smirked. “A-Fan, I know so much about you… more than what you know about yourself.”

He frowned, apparently confused. “What is it exactly that you know about me that I don’t? Why can’t you just tell me instead of dragging me back to the place that I’d rather not see again?”

I sighed. “I already told you. You will not believe me if the words came out of my mouth, so they’d rather come from a more reliable source.”

He looked away. The worry was back on his face. “Lord Ruan, I know I am indebted to you and I really want to pay you back in any way I can, but I don’t think I can do this. I’m not ready.”

He had spoken with such courage, and as he waited for my response, he kept his face straight, as if he had anticipated my anger and was ready to stand his ground.

His unwavering stance amused me. If I did not get that urgent message from the empress of Xianru requesting my immediate return, I would have indeed gotten furious.

He was fortunate this time.

I probably could use this to my advantage. This way, he’d think I was being considerate and would think more highly of me.

“Fine,” I replied.

His face suddenly softened. He blinked twice, unable to believe what he just heard.

I smirked. “Let’s make a compromise. I understand you’re not ready, so I’ll give you time to gather your nerves, but eventually, we will go there… Is that good enough for you?”

He could not speak. He still looked hesitant to accept the compromise.

“Am I still being inconsiderate to you?”

He shook his head. “You’re being very kind, my lord. But give me two months at least. If you don’t mind, I also wish to return to my wife and spend some time with her. After that, I should be ready.”

The mention of the word ‘wife’ instantly made my blood roil. My vision darkened and I struggled to suppress the urge to knock out the vase at the stand beside the window.

Is he really missing that woman? Does he really prefer her company over mine?

I could imagine the killer glare burning in my eyes. Fortunately, he could not see it.

I knew he’d been using the word ‘wife’ intentionally as his means to dissuade me from taking advances on him, but even though I had no intention of getting into a relationship with him, hearing that word still made me angry all the time.

I tightened my fists and calmed my rising temper. Then I took a deep breath and forced out a smug smile.

“Is she the real reason why you don’t want to go? Because you’re missing her?” I taunted.

“I do miss her, but it’s not the reason why I can’t go. I’m just not ready yet.”

“Does seeing her help in any way?”

“She knows how to comfort me. I’ll feel better after seeing her.”

I clenched my teeth.

Has he fallen in love with that woman? And what does he mean by comfort? What does that woman do to comfort him?

The thought made me want to growl like a beast.

But why am I being so bitter about that? It’s true that this man’s beauty was quite a sight that never failed to entice me, but that was all. I should not involve myself any further than that. It wouldn’t be wise to include unnecessary emotions in my queer fantasies.

His request was actually easy. It would take us two months to return to Xianru. I probably needed a week or two to see through the problem in the imperial palace. By then, he should be ready to travel again.

“Alright,” I said. “I grant your request. Now, we have a deal, and I hope you won’t back out from your word.”

His eyes suddenly glowed which had me immobile for a moment. His whole face just turned brighter with that added sparkle in his eyes.

“Thank you, my lord.” He folded his hands and lowered his head. “I’ll see to it that I will be ready by then.”

Unable to suppress my desire to touch him, I reached out and lightly brushed the side of his face with the back of my fingers. Such a beautiful, soft, and flawless face, so unlike his calloused hands.

He suddenly took a step back, his eyes wide, the sparkle replaced by horror. It snapped me from a trance, as well.

His guard was up. Whenever he was in this stance, I tried not to push further. It’s not that I feared he’d strike me, but I did not want to take things by force. I’d take the initiative, and if he resisted, I’d let him know he was free to do so. I might persist a little, but I knew when to stop. That way, he’d feel some sense of security around me, that he needed not avoid me completely because he could always say no.

I wasn’t usually a very patient person, but if I wanted something so badly, I’d usually take my time and make sure it would eventually end up in my hands. However, this was the first time I had desired a person so forbidden in all aspects. I wanted to find out if the same rule should apply.

“Hasn’t Jinjing ever touched your face?” I asked.

“She would not dare. She’s a decent woman.”

I laughed out loud. “Decent?” I taunted. “Since when did the word ‘decent’ change its meaning?”

His lips thinned, and I knew he wanted to hit me for insulting his beloved, but being a priest, he had to always keep his composure, and that’s a weakness that any wicked person such as myself would always take advantage of.

But not this time. Not while I had every intention of keeping him on my side for a while.

“We’ll leave at dawn,” I said before his anger could escalate.

I was about to leave when I saw the plant on the table. I picked it up and examined it.

Wei Yusheng had used his energy to keep the herb fresh, but the effect was now waning and the plant might wilt soon. It was important that it be refined while it was still fresh or its efficacy would diminish.

“We might have to take another route on our way back,” I said. “We need to take this herb to an alchemist I know. He’s not yet at the level of a Divine Mage, but he’s getting there.”

He smiled. Suddenly, his anger was gone. That was how easy it was to manipulate him. Just change the topic and he’d forget whatever had been done just moments ago. “That’s a good idea, my lord.”

I smiled back. “Anything for my A-Fan.”

He flushed, and the more that it amused me.

He looked even more beautiful with his cheeks glowing red like that. He had no idea how much I craved for a bite of him.