Han Rui strolled along the familiar paths of the Han Estate, a bright smile lighting up his face as his feet carried him forward. Servants, guards, and clan members greeted him in passing, their bows and warm words met with his polite nods. It had been three hours since the meeting had concluded, and Han Rui had spent much of that time laughing with Xianlong and the elders, finalizing plans and patching any potential loopholes in their strategies.
[Seems like you’re having fun!]
The system’s voice chimed in his mind, playful as always.
“I’d be insane not to be,” Han Rui replied mentally, his grin widening. “I’m going to be ridiculously rich soon.”
[Interesting... Congratulations. Just don’t forget your duties. You know the consequences if you do.]
Han Rui nodded enthusiastically. Not even the system’s veiled threats could dim his mood. “Don’t worry, I’ll keep up with my missions.” He paused, a mischievous grin curling his lips. “Say, would it break the rules if I made an app to sell the—”
[Yes, that would be a violation!] the system interrupted sharply. [You’re still a low-level pusher. Don’t start thinking about going global. This isn’t some Netflix drama.]
Han Rui sighed, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. “You’ve been snooping through my memories again, haven’t you?”
[Your taste in TV shows is tragic. Over thirty thousand hours of, shall we say, research? How is that even possible?]
“It was for science,” Han Rui muttered defensively, his gaze darting anywhere but the glowing display in his mind. “I swear.”
[Sure, it was.]
His cheeks flushed as he coughed and quickly changed the subject. “Anyway, there won’t be any issues with the QiPhones, right?”
[None at all,] the system replied, its tone shifting to one of playful glee. [But expect a very special friend to visit you soon.]
Han Rui blinked. “What? Who? What are you talking about?” he demanded, but the system had already faded into silence.
He bit his lower lip, his fingers drumming nervously against his thigh. I have a bad feeling about this. That thing never says anything it doesn’t mean... but who could it be talking about?
No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t figure it out. His social circle in the Sacred Martial World was practically non-existent, and he certainly wouldn’t describe anyone as a “friend.” Most of his time was spent either studying or scheming.
“There’s no point overthinking this,” he muttered to himself. “Future Han Rui can deal with it.” With a self-deprecating chuckle, he resumed his stroll, heading toward the quieter, more remote corners of the estate.
The further he walked, the fewer people he encountered. Here, lush flowerbeds and towering trees dominated the landscape. The air was thick with the scent of blooming petals, mingling with a faint, frigid chill carried by the breeze. A soft fog lingered, just dense enough to notice but not so thick as to obscure his path.
Bioluminescent butterflies flitted through the air, their delicate wings scattering shimmering, multicolored particles that danced like stardust. The occasional song of hidden birds echoed sweetly in the distance, blending with the faint chime of unseen instruments carried by the wind.
The butterflies seemed drawn to Han Rui, their luminous particles falling like blessings as he moved deeper into the fog. The path grew increasingly obscured, but he pressed on without hesitation.
Soon, the fog wrapped around him completely, stealing away sight and sound. Han Rui’s pace remained steady, his steps measured and deliberate. Then, as if responding to an unseen command, the butterfly dust began to glow brightly, painting his figure in dazzling hues. The fog churned in response, parting before him like a curtain.
In a flash, the path twisted and reformed, opening into a magnificent flower field nestled by a waterfall.
Night had fallen here, the moon and stars casting a silvery glow across the landscape. Plants shimmered with an otherworldly light, exuding a potent, invigorating qi that mingled with the essence of heaven and earth. Like the butterflies before them, the flowers occasionally released bursts of radiant particles, their fragrances heavenly enough to tempt even the most stoic of hearts.
Han Rui strode along the stone walkway that wound through the field, his gaze fixed on the grand wooden manor near the waterfall. Its polished surface gleamed under the starry skies, radiating quiet elegance.
“No matter how many times I come here, this place never loses its charm,” Han Rui muttered, quickening his pace.
But on his fifth step, he paused. Out of the corner of his eye, he caught sight of a lone figure sitting near the waterfall.
He’s back already? What’s he doing there?
Curious, Han Rui adjusted his path. As he approached, a new walkway materialized beneath his feet, leading him straight toward the mysterious figure.
“I wasn’t expecting you to be back so soon. I’m surprised you didn’t even try to run away,” Han Rui chuckled, stopping a few paces from a towering man dipping his feet into the serene pool.
The man turned slowly, locking gazes with Han Rui. Any elder who had attended the earlier meeting would have immediately recognized him as Chang Xiao, a figure shrouded in mystery from the Far Night Grotto.
Han Rui’s smile deepened. “I’m surprised you haven’t shifted back to your usual form. Or... is this new look growing on you, Zhanghuo?”
Zhanghuo sighed, resignation flickering across his face. “It’s not like I have a choice. Master insists I remain like this.”
Han Rui’s brows shot up in surprise. Oh? Scholar Wang already accepted him as a disciple? That’s fantastic news. Scholar Wang has always been shy—good to see he’s getting along with someone other than me.
Zhanghuo, still disguised as Chang Xiao, continued, “I wasn’t expecting you to take this long, either.” Rising to his feet, he retrieved a QiPhone from thin air, its sleek surface gleaming under the starlight. His eyes narrowed, sharp and probing. “Why didn’t you tell me you had something like this? No, better yet—where did you even get this?” His tone carried both awe and suspicion.
Han Rui’s chuckle was light as his gaze flicked to the QiPhone. “Ah, you like it? If you’re confused about anything, just ask. But do try not to get addicted, okay?” He patted Zhanghuo lightly on the side and turned to leave.
Zhanghuo, the bull-turned-human, bristled. “Answer me, you scheming bast—” His voice faltered abruptly, his eyes bulging as if he’d seen a ghost. Trembling, he stared past Han Rui at an ethereal figure hovering in the air—a scholarly man clad in flowing white robes, radiating an overwhelming aura of wisdom and authority.
Han Rui paused mid-step, glancing back with a bemused expression. “Bast... what? Wait, were you about to curse me?”
Cold sweat trickled down Zhanghuo’s forehead as he forced a strained smile. “Of course not!” he stammered, his gaze darting between Han Rui and the spectral scholar floating ominously behind him.
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“Oh? Then what were you going to say?” Han Rui folded his arms, a playful grin tugging at his lips. “Enlighten me.”
Zhanghuo’s mouth worked soundlessly for a moment, as though his brain had momentarily short-circuited. Finally, he blurted, “Bastion of unparalleled wisdom and grace!” His voice cracked, but he forced his lips into a painfully wide smile, hoping it would pass muster.
Han Rui burst into laughter. “This is why I like you, my friend. Keep this up, and it won’t be long before you reunite with your wife.”
Zhanghuo’s smile twitched, but he dared not retort, not with Scholar Wang’s spectral figure glaring daggers at him.
Han Rui cocked his head slightly. “You’ve been staring at me for a while now. Is there something above my head?” He glanced upward, his gaze meeting the clear, star-studded skies. Huh, nothing there. Was I imagining it?
Unbeknownst to him, Scholar Wang had shifted to hover behind him again, his piercing gaze still fixed on Zhanghuo.
Oblivious, Han Rui changed the subject. “What about Meixue? Has she made any progress?”
Zhanghuo shook his head. “Not that I know of. But you realize she’s transforming her physique into an immortal one, right?”
Han Rui nodded thoughtfully, though a flicker of confusion passed over his face. “Yeah, so? I thought she’d be done by now.”
The corners of Zhanghuo’s eyes twitched, but under the looming presence of Scholar Wang, he kept his smile plastered firmly in place.
“Well, no rush,” Han Rui sighed. “If she’s not done, there’s no reason for me to linger here.” His gaze drifted to the QiPhone in Zhanghuo’s hand. “Let me give you my number. It’ll make things much easier.”
Although reluctant, Zhanghuo nodded as Han Rui recited his number. He saved it under Wicked, No-Good Bastard Employer.
“You’re welcome to stay here as long as you like,” Han Rui continued. “Feel free to explore, but let me know beforehand, alright?”
Zhanghuo nodded stiffly, his jaw clenched as he maintained his strained smile.
“Alright then, I’ll take my leave—”
Before Han Rui could finish, a loud splash echoed from the distance, drawing both of their gazes.
Han Rui and Zhanghuo simultaneously turned toward the source of the splash, their expressions diverging instantly.
While Zhanghuo’s face remained calm and composed, Han Rui’s bore the unmistakable panic of a debtor encountering their creditor on a deserted road. “Shit. Shit. Shit,” he muttered under his breath, spinning around to sneak away.
But a sharp voice rang out, halting his retreat. “Don’t you dare leave!”
In the blink of an eye, a figure materialized before him. Depending on one’s perspective, they could easily pass as either the most handsome man or the most beautiful woman in the Sacred Martial World.
Han Rui plastered on a sheepish grin as he faced the drenched figure blocking his path. “Sir Heavenly Dao, what an unexpected surprise! If I’d known you were here, I’d have rolled out the red carpet myself.”
The person standing before him towered with an almost divine presence. As tall as Zhanghuo, but unequaled in charm and physique, he looked like a deity sculpted from perfection. Glistening water slid down his chiseled abs and long, flowing black hair. His multicolored eyes sparkled like fiery gemstones, and his flawless white skin exuded a fragrance so intoxicating it put the surrounding flowers to shame.
The Heavenly Dao glared, folding his arms as he surveyed Han Rui with an air of annoyance. “Do you think playing dumb will get you out of this?”
“Sir, I don’t quite understand what you mean.” Han Rui’s expression shifted to one of practiced innocence. “Have I ever wronged you? Wait—don’t answer that. What I meant to say is, I haven’t done anything unruly... recently.”
The Heavenly Dao snorted, and with a wave of his hand, a massive book materialized, its gilded pages flipping ominously. “Shall I recite your latest transgressions, or will you do what you know you should?”
Han Rui scratched his head awkwardly before pulling an ornate porcelain wine flask from his robes. “Sir Heavenly Dao, about the misunderstanding at my doorstep the other day... I didn’t mean to leave you out there. My subordinate swearing that heavenly oath caught me off guard. Please, accept this humble offering as a sign of goodwill.”
He extended the flask, but the Heavenly Dao didn’t move, his piercing gaze fixed on him.
“How dare you!” he roared, his voice shaking the heavens. Ripples distorted the air; the ground trembled as night and day alternated in rapid succession.
Zhanghuo, standing to the side, fought back a laugh, a wicked smile tugging at his lips. Finally, this demon gets his comeuppance! Trying to bribe the Heavenly Dao with cheap wine—how ridiculous. He could barely contain his glee. This is going to be so satisfying.
“You dare to insult me with this?” the Heavenly Dao growled; his eyes locked on the wine flask.
Han Rui coughed, bowing apologetically. “A grave mistake on my part, Sir. Please, forgive me.”
He reached into his robes again, pulling out flask after flask, each more exquisite than the last. Within seconds, over a dozen bottles floated in the air around him.
Zhanghuo’s grin widened. What an idiot. Does he think quantity will save him? He watched expectantly as the Heavenly Dao raised a hand. Yes! That’s it! Slap him senseless, Sir!
But to his shock, the Heavenly Dao gently placed his hand on Han Rui’s shoulder, his expression softening into a weary smile.
“Do you know how difficult it is to be the Heavenly Dao?” he sighed, his multicolored eyes shimmering with emotion. “Everyone swears oaths to me, drags me into their petty squabbles, and even dares to curse me! They shout things like, ‘If heaven blocks my path, I’ll slay the heavens!’—but do they ever think about how I feel? No. All these cultivators ever do is demand, demand, and demand. No one asks about how the heavenly dao is doing.”
Zhanghuo’s jaw dropped, his eyes bulging as he stared at the scene unfolding before him. Sir Heavenly Dao? Is this your true nature?
The Heavenly Dao sighed again; waving his hand, the wine flasks vanished. “Han Rui, my boy, just let me know if anyone gives you trouble. I’ll cook up the nastiest tribulation for them personally.”
Zhanghuo remained frozen, his mind reeling. What is happening? Sir Heavenly Dao, where is your dignity? Bribed by a mortal? Aren’t the heavens supposed to be impartial?
“I’ll be sure to let you know, Sir,” Han Rui replied with a wry smile, straightening up. “But I must take my leave now—there are pressing matters to attend to.”
“I understand. Farewell,” the Heavenly Dao said with a kind smile.
Saying nothing further, Han Rui waved off the Heavenly Dao and swiftly departed.
The Heavenly Dao watched him go, his expression calm, before shifting his attention to Zhanghuo. A frown creased his divine features. “Zhanghuo, what’s wrong with you? Are you training to catch flies with your mouth or something? And why didn’t you tell me Han Rui was here? He almost snuck away without giving me my reward!”
Striding forward, the Heavenly Dao clapped Zhanghuo on the shoulder. “Come, let’s drink. Trust me, this wine is unlike anything you’ve ever tasted.”
Zhanghuo hesitated, his thoughts swirling. “Senior, what exactly is your relationship with... that guy?” The words barely escaped his lips, his mind reeling at the audacity of a mortal being so friendly with the heavens themselves.
“Han Rui?” The Heavenly Dao shrugged casually. “We’re in a mutually beneficial partnership. Why? Isn’t that the case with you?”
Zhanghuo’s thoughts tripped over themselves. A partnership? With a mortal?
The Heavenly Dao’s expression darkened slightly, as if recalling something unpleasant. “Oh, right—your vow. Don’t worry, Han Rui isn’t the type to mistreat his subordinates.” A sly grin spread across his face. “Not that I’d ever let myself be in that position. You, though...” He chuckled, shaking his head as he settled by the pool.
Zhanghuo’s face flushed deep red, humiliation creeping up his spine. Suddenly, he dropped to his knees, his head bowed low.
“Zhanghuo, what’s gotten into—”
“Senior! Please, help me take revenge on that guy!” Zhanghuo’s voice trembled with determination. “I’ll do anything. Whatever it takes!”
The Heavenly Dao stared at him, their gazes locking in a tense silence. For a moment, all was still. Then the Heavenly Dao erupted into laughter, his voice echoing like thunder. “You’re killing me! I didn’t know you were this funny. For a second, I almost believed you!”
Zhanghuo’s lips quivered. Tears welled in his eyes.
The Heavenly Dao stopped mid-laugh, his brow furrowing as realization dawned. “Wait. You’re serious?”
Zhanghuo nodded fervently, his fists clenched in desperation.
This time, the Heavenly Dao laughed even harder, his mirth shaking the earth. “Zhanghuo, my friend, you don’t even need wine to start talking nonsense!” His laughter faded, replaced by a grave tone. “Listen to me carefully. Erase that rubbish from your mind. You already complain about what Senior Wang did to you, don’t you? Trust me—what Han Rui can do makes that look like child’s play.”
A chill ran down Zhanghuo’s spine. His thoughts raced. Did he just call Master ‘Senior’? A sinking realization took hold of him. Oh, heavens, what misfortune has fallen upon me? He barely held back his tears, his shoulders trembling.
The Heavenly Dao noticed and waved a hand, summoning a gentle wind that pulled Zhanghuo closer. “Now, now, don’t cry. This isn’t misfortune—it’s a blessing! Let’s drink. You’ll feel better. Trust me.”
Too defeated to argue, Zhanghuo slumped down, nodding weakly.
As the two sat, the Heavenly Dao’s gaze fell on the QiPhone lying on the grass beside Zhanghuo. His eyes lit up. “Oh, you have a QiPhone too!”
Zhanghuo’s head snapped up. “Senior, you know about it?”
“Of course!” The Heavenly Dao flicked his hand, and a crimson QiPhone Pro Max appeared in front of him, gleaming brilliantly in the moonlight. “Who do you think Han Rui consulted about the Tribulation Tracker app?” A mischievous smile spread across his face. “I can’t wait for it to go mainstream. I’m going to teach all those bastards who slander, challenge, and disturb me a proper lesson!”
As the Heavenly Dao laughed ominously, Zhanghuo stared blankly at the scene. Slowly, he raised his head toward the sky, his expression one of utter despair. Honey, it seems I’m going to be here for a while.