Qiao Xuan slowly woke up and found himself lying on a soft bed, seemingly being held in someone’s arms… He turned his head and was met with a cold, stern face up close. His gaze locked onto those dark purple eyes, and his breath caught in his throat. He almost fainted from the shock again!

He was being held in Bai Cang’s arms!

Too scary! T T

That red light had shot straight at him earlier, and Bai Cang must have already figured out his identity. But there was no way he could admit it! He wasn’t interested in having a tearful “old friends reuniting” scene with Bai Cang, and he definitely didn’t want to rekindle any past romance. He still didn’t even know why Bai Cang wanted to revive him!

What should he do? What should he do?

The only option was to play dumb!

Qiao Xuan quickly thought it through. The situation had been so intense back then, with his soul almost being pulled out. It made sense to claim he didn’t remember the soul-summoning ritual due to the shock, right? Temporary amnesia should be understandable!

Yes, that’s it! He knows nothing, remembers nothing!

He’s just an innocent, pitiful hostage!

Even though logic suggests Bai Cang wouldn’t hurt him now that he knows he’s Qing Xun… Western Wasteland demon cultivators don’t follow common sense. Bai Cang is unpredictable, cruel, and always gets what he wants. If Qiao Xuan isn’t careful and angers him, Bai Cang might just get mad and pull his soul out again to force him back into Qing Xun’s body!

It’s best to act weak, use his current identity to keep Bai Cang at bay, and then figure out a plan later.

With that thought, Qiao Xuan, seemingly frightened, suddenly pushed Bai Cang away!

Bai Cang was slightly startled, watching as the pale-faced boy shrank into the corner of the bed. The boy had just woken up, but as soon as he saw Bai Cang, he couldn’t avoid him fast enough…

Deep in Bai Cang’s eyes, a hint of regret flashed. If he had known earlier, he wouldn’t have been so harsh at the start, scaring the boy like this. But how could he have predicted that the random little hostage he took would turn out to be the person he had been searching for nearly a thousand years?

And after everything that happened at the altar… you don’t have anything you want to ask me?

Seeing Bai Cang’s intense gaze made Qiao Xuan’s heart race, and he decided to act first. He curled up, hugging his knees, biting his lip, and trembling as he begged, “P-please don’t kill me… I promise I won’t run again, I won’t run anymore…”

The boy’s face was pale, his body trembling as he curled up into a ball, stammering nonsensical pleas…

Clearly, he had frightened the boy earlier.

Bai Cang looked into the boy’s fearful eyes, feeling an inexplicable heaviness in his chest. He was reminded of Qing Xun… His Qing Xun was just like this, always cautious and timid around him. A little harshness from Bai Cang, and he would shrink back like a frightened little animal. Qing Xun wasn’t strong or brave; he could only passively accept whatever fate had in store for him…

Bai Cang had once looked down on such a fragile thing, but in the end, it was this very person, whom he had discarded as a useless pawn, who had risked everything to save him…

Giving up everything for Bai Cang.

At that moment, the courage and brilliance that flashed in the boy’s eyes were something Bai Cang had never forgotten.

It was also that memory that kept him going for hundreds of years in this cold, dark world. He relentlessly pursued strength, eventually claiming the title of Demon Lord. He rejected fate and defied the heavens, searching both above and below, all for the chance to reclaim that light for himself…

This was the meaning of living that he had finally discovered, beyond being just a puppet driven by survival instincts.

Thinking of this, Bai Cang’s gaze darkened slightly, and his voice turned husky as he asked, “How much do you remember of what happened before?”

Qiao Xuan was tense, every nerve on edge, but his face remained a mask of confusion and fear. All he could do was woodenly repeat, “Please don’t kill me, I won’t run anymore…”

Bai Cang pressed his lips together tightly, staring deeply at the boy.

Qiao Xuan had been with him for quite some time and had even witnessed the soul-summoning ritual. He should have realized there was a connection between him and Qing Xun… But now, all he showed was fear and confusion, not a single question about what had happened at the altar. It seemed he really didn’t remember.

Given the dangerous situation at the time and the damage to his soul, it was possible…

Qiao Xuan didn’t know he was Qing Xun, which was why he was so scared of Bai Cang, thinking he wanted to kill him.

Now that the Tian Xin Pearl was destroyed and Qing Xun’s body was too damaged to contain the boy’s soul, it didn’t matter anymore. Besides… Bai Cang only wanted this person, regardless of his form or whether he remembered anything about the past.

As long as it’s you, it’s enough.

Bai Cang gazed at the boy before him and tried to soften his usually cold tone, his voice hoarse as he said, “I won’t kill you.”

Qiao Xuan knew Bai Cang wouldn’t kill him, but he still acted like he didn’t believe it.

Bai Cang was silent for a moment, realizing that his drastic change in attitude must seem unconvincing. After thinking it over, he slowly added, “You’re still useful to me right now. As long as you behave, I won’t harm you.”

Qiao Xuan cursed this shameless man in his heart. Even now, you’re still threatening me to behave. No wonder you’re a big demon lord!

Even though he was silently complaining, Qiao Xuan nodded eagerly. “I-I’ll definitely behave…”

Bai Cang, satisfied, reached out and patted Qiao Xuan’s head.

Qiao Xuan wanted to avoid his touch, but he forced himself to endure it.

Seeing the boy’s obvious fear and disgust, yet forcing himself to stay still, Bai Cang found it strangely endearing. He felt an urge to tease him even more but decided against it.

He had already waited nine hundred years. A little more patience wouldn’t hurt.

For Qing Xun, he could be a little more patient.

Bai Cang chuckled hoarsely. “Rest well.”

With that, he turned and left.

The little one had just woken up; better to give him some time to process things, not push him too hard.

…

As soon as Bai Cang left, Qiao Xuan let out a long breath, a troubled expression on his face.

Although Bai Cang seemed much gentler, Qiao Xuan knew that his chances of escaping had become even slimmer.

Now that Bai Cang knew his identity, there was no way he’d let him go.

Should he just stay here? That was out of the question! The only option left was to get help. But… would that end up dragging his master into this mess?

Qiao Xuan was torn with indecision.

He pushed open the door and stepped outside.

This was Bai Cang’s palace, but it felt empty. There weren’t even any living creatures, let alone people. How could anyone live in such a place? No wonder Bai Cang turned into such a crazy person!

There’s no one normal in the Western Wasteland…

Qiao Xuan walked along the black stone floor, leaving the palace. Gradually, he began to see demon cultivators and servants, but it seemed like they had been instructed to ignore him. Qiao Xuan wandered around for quite a while without being stopped by a single demon.

It was clear there were no restrictions, but Qiao Xuan knew he couldn’t leave.

Feeling lost, he sighed in frustration.

Just as he was about to turn back, there was a sudden loud rumble from up ahead. A giant man, as big as an ox and clad in bronze armor, charged at him with an angry glare!

Crap, it’s Kui Yuan again!

Qiao Xuan focused and quickly dodged! This giant’s punches could shatter mountains, and he definitely couldn’t afford to be hit. At least this time, compared to before, although Kui Yuan was furious and chasing after him, none of the other demon cultivators came to surround him. Instead, they all kept their distance cautiously… With just one-on-one and plenty of room to run, there was no way Qiao Xuan was going to be caught easily.

Kui Yuan chased Qiao Xuan for ages but found that the little guy was incredibly agile and cunning. After a long while, he still hadn’t even touched Qiao Xuan’s clothes. Frustrated, Kui Yuan roared, “Get down here!”

Qiao Xuan, standing on a rooftop, shouted back, “I won’t come down!”

Kui Yuan was livid, feeling completely tricked. This guy had given him those fruit treats yesterday, which made him sleep for an entire day and night! He’d only just woken up, and he’d heard that the demon lord’s soul-summoning ritual had failed last night. It had to be because he hadn’t guarded the altar properly…

What if the demon lord punishes him…

Furious, Kui Yuan’s nostrils flared as his eyes turned red. He was getting serious now, and as he looked at Qiao Xuan, he was practically drooling with hunger…

This annoying little heavenly guy! Not only did he trick me, but he also caused the demon lord’s ritual to fail. Today, if I eat him, maybe the demon lord won’t blame me!

Drooling, Kui Yuan charged at Qiao Xuan like a rampaging beast!

Qiao Xuan’s expression changed, his face paling as he turned and bolted!

Kui Yuan, like a giant beast, charged forward with brute strength, crashing through everything in his path. No matter where Qiao Xuan ran, Kui Yuan followed in a straight line, smashing through walls and leaving holes in his wake. As the distance between them shrank… a sharp blade of light descended from the sky like a rainbow, slamming Kui Yuan back with a heavy blow!

Bai Cang, dressed in black, hovered in the air like a demon god, his expression icy. He held a long black blade, and with a single glance at Kui Yuan, he flipped his hand and slammed the flat of the blade down on Kui Yuan’s head!

Kui Yuan, with his massive, mountain-like body and skin as tough as stone, was a terrifying beast. But Bai Cang’s blows had him howling and whimpering. The red light in his eyes faded as he crouched on the ground, covering his head, completely dazed from the beating. He let out a pitiful, booming cry, “Waaah, Demon Lord, I was wrong, I was wrong! Please stop, please stop…”

Only after seeing Kui Yuan calm down did Bai Cang stop.

But Kui Yuan didn’t dare get up. He crouched there, his large, bell-like eyes filled with confusion and hurt, not understanding why he’d been beaten like this.

Except for the time when Bai Cang had first subdued him, Bai Cang had never beaten him again, no matter how many people he’d eaten or how much trouble he’d caused.

Kui Yuan had developed a bit of a psychological shadow from this beating. Just seeing Bai Cang holding that blade now made him gulp nervously, looking huge but pitifully helpless.

Was it because he’d fallen for that trick yesterday and hadn’t guarded the altar properly?

Bai Cang looked at him coldly and said, “Who gave you the nerve to try and eat someone who belongs to me?”

Kui Yuan was stunned, his mind struggling to process what was happening.

Bai Cang was beating him up because of Qiao Xuan? But he was just a person, wasn’t he? Is he really off-limits to eat? It’s not like I haven’t eaten people here before. Sometimes I secretly grabbed a few demon cultivators for a snack, and Bai Cang never cared, always turning a blind eye…

Why was he being serious about Qiao Xuan now?

As Kui Yuan still looked confused, Bai Cang’s eyes narrowed…

At that moment, Ji Xiao hurried over, bowing to Qiao Xuan and respectfully saying, “Kui Yuan was out of line and offended you, my lord. Please forgive him. He knows his mistake and promises not to do it again.”

Kui Yuan, still unsure of what was going on, decided to follow Ji Xiao’s lead. Ji Xiao was always the smart one, and it was best to listen to him. So Kui Yuan immediately begged Qiao Xuan for forgiveness, pitifully howling, “I know I was wrong! I won’t dare again! I swear I won’t eat you! Really!”

Even if you gave me a hundred more chances, I wouldn’t dare!

Qiao Xuan: “…”

This 180-degree attitude change is really putting me in a tough spot. I’m just a poor hostage here. Why should I be the one to influence Bai Cang’s decisions?

The commotion had drawn the attention of many demon cultivators, and though none dared approach, they watched from afar. With Ji Xiao and Kui Yuan both begging him for forgiveness, Qiao Xuan was now the center of attention… Dragging this out would only make things more awkward. He didn’t want to stand out like this; he just wanted to leave this suffocating place as soon as possible…

Gritting his teeth, Qiao Xuan whispered to Bai Cang, “Just let it go…”

He really didn’t want to be in the spotlight anymore.

Bai Cang, however, seemed completely unfazed by the crowd. Hearing Qiao Xuan speak, he decided not to pursue Kui Yuan further. Still, he looked around and casually said, “I’ll let it go this time, but if anyone disrespects you again, I’ll throw them into the Ten Thousand Demon Pit.”

His tone was casual, as if discussing something insignificant, but the surrounding demon cultivators shuddered.

They looked at Qiao Xuan with newfound fear and curiosity.

It was the first time the Demon Lord had protected someone like this.

Qiao Xuan’s expression froze. How could he not understand what Bai Cang was doing? Bai Cang was deliberately establishing his authority… But he didn’t need that kind of protection!

He just wanted to slip away quietly, but Bai Cang kept stirring the pot…

Qiao Xuan, feeling dazed, suddenly found himself being picked up by Bai Cang!

Qiao Xuan: !

Bai Cang carried Qiao Xuan back to the palace in front of everyone, striding inside. Qiao Xuan struggled to get free, but this time Bai Cang didn’t let go. Instead, he held him tightly, resting his chin on top of the boy’s head, his voice hoarse but with a smile, “Now you can relax, right? I won’t give you to Kui Yuan, and I won’t let anyone else hurt you.”

Qiao Xuan: Do you realize how terrifying your sudden change in attitude is?

But Qiao Xuan wasn’t grateful at all. Instead, he gritted his teeth and said, “But you said before that if I tried to run, you’d send my corpse to Hua Lan.”

Bai Cang replied, “I won’t—”

Before he could finish, Qiao Xuan interrupted, “You also said you’d hand me over to your subordinates, let them have their way with me, then kill me and send my corpse back to the Heavenly Realm.”

“And you said you wanted to make me your furnace and see what people from the Heavenly Realm tasted like…”

Bai Cang: “…”

Staring at the boy’s accusatory gaze, Bai Cang felt a headache coming on. Those were indeed all things he’d said. This little guy sure held grudges…

Qiao Xuan looked at him with indignation, as if deeply humiliated, his eyes reddening. “So, what exactly do you want from me now, Demon Lord?”

Bai Cang: “I—”

Qiao Xuan let out a bitter laugh, his voice hoarse. “My life is in your hands, my death depends on your whim, so why toy with me like this…”

I don’t care, I don’t care, you’re definitely up to something evil!

Bai Cang had never tried to comfort anyone before, nor did he know how to, but looking at the boy’s desperate and helpless expression, something inside him felt heavy and suffocating…

How could he bear to toy with him?

He had gone through so much to bring him back, just so he could protect and cherish him…

Bai Cang gazed tenderly at the boy in his arms. His features were handsome and delicate, his eyes slightly red, his lips a soft pink—everything about him tugged at Bai Cang’s heart. Bai Cang leaned closer, his voice low and gentle, “I’m not toying with you.”

Qiao Xuan pushed at Bai Cang, saying, “Then let go of me.”

But Bai Cang couldn’t bring himself to.

He had already let go once earlier, giving the boy space because he didn’t want to scare him… But now, he didn’t want to let go again. As he lowered his head, his eyes grew darker. Although the boy’s body and appearance were different from Qing Xun’s, just knowing that the soul was the same ignited a desire in Bai Cang. He had waited far too long…

If you don’t remember the past, perhaps that’s not a bad thing. Forgetting those painful memories might be for the best.

From now on, I will treat you well, and you’ll never have to suffer again…

I’ll make sure you only remember happiness.

Qiao Xuan struggled but couldn’t push Bai Cang away. He saw the man’s eyes grow even darker, with a familiar madness and obsession in them. Bai Cang lowered his head, and Qiao Xuan quickly turned his face away, dodging the kiss. Bai Cang’s cool lips brushed against his cheek…

Qiao Xuan was on the verge of losing his mind.

Why are you acting so lust-driven all of a sudden?!

You just found out who I am yesterday, and today you want to get all touchy? Can you please stop being such a typical demon cultivator?!

Panicked, Qiao Xuan’s eyes turned red. Don’t come any closer, aaahhh!!

Bai Cang paused, noticing the boy’s clear resistance and disgust. His eyes instantly cooled, and after a long moment, he coldly said, “You like Hua Lan, don’t you?”

Hua Lan had given the Tian Xin Pearl for Qiao Xuan without hesitation and had been watching over him closely. Bai Cang had never cared before, but now the thought felt like a thorn in his throat, sparking a murderous intent. He wanted nothing more than to kill Hua Lan.

Qiao Xuan blinked in surprise. I just don’t want to do anything with you—what does that have to do with Hua Lan? But seeing Bai Cang’s icy gaze, filled with killing intent, Qiao Xuan shivered. Could Bai Cang have misunderstood?

This is bad. Bai Cang’s the kind of person who could do anything. He’s already talked about attacking the Heavenly Realm, and if he starts a massacre because of me, all that bloodshed would be on my hands!

Before crossing over into this world, Qiao Xuan had scoffed at the idea of karma, but after crossing over, he had developed a deep fear of it.

Seven lifetimes of suffering had taught him one thing: karma is real.

The heavens are ruthless, and especially so to him. All he had done was live a bit recklessly, without committing any major crimes, but he had been cursed to endure seven lifetimes of tragic love and death. If he caused more bloodshed, wouldn’t he be struck by lightning just walking down the street?!

This is bad, really bad.

Qiao Xuan quickly explained, “I don’t like Hua Lan! You’re misunderstanding!”

But Bai Cang clearly didn’t believe him, his gaze still cold.

Qiao Xuan blinked and said, “Actually, I’m Hua Lan’s cousin. My mother is his mother’s sworn sister! I was visiting Yunhai Tian Palace as a guest when you kidnapped me. If anything happened to me, Hua Lan wouldn’t be able to face my mother, so that’s why he’s been looking after me. He… he’s always treated me like a little brother…”

Bai Cang clearly wasn’t convinced, his gaze still cold as he spoke hoarsely, “Oh? If that’s the case, then why won’t you let me get close?”

Qiao Xuan almost passed out from anger, gritting his teeth. “I’m a Heavenly Realm immortal! You’ve humiliated me over and over, and you think I’d be willing to get close to you?!”

Bai Cang stared at him, his tone slow and serious. “It wasn’t humiliation.”

Qiao Xuan retorted, “Being made into a furnace isn’t humiliation?”

On the surface, Qiao Xuan looked indignant, but inside, he was smirking coldly. After everything you’ve done, you really think I’d believe you? Try using your brain for a second!

No normal person would ever believe you!

Bai Cang fell silent. He had indeed gone too far in the past, and it wouldn’t be easy to change Qiao Xuan’s perception of him. Whatever he did now, the boy would think he had ulterior motives, convinced he was just trying to humiliate him…

One way or another, Bai Cang wasn’t going to let go. But now that he had finally gotten him back, he didn’t want to see the boy hurt.

In the past, he hadn’t known what trust or sincerity meant. He hadn’t thought anything in this world was worth caring about. But when he finally discovered there was, he had already lost the chance to treasure it…

Bai Cang stared at Qiao Xuan for a long time before finally releasing him.

Qiao Xuan let out a small sigh of relief. It seemed like his gamble had paid off. With his identity as Qing Xun, he should be able to protect himself for now…

Just then, he heard Bai Cang speak again.

“I know you have your doubts about me. I was wrong before…” Bai Cang looked deeply into Qiao Xuan’s eyes, his voice hoarse as he said each word slowly, “I fell in love with you at first sight. I am willing to give you the title of Demon Queen. From now on, we’ll stand as equals, ruling the demon realm together. I’ll have all the demons bow before you, to prove my sincerity… Does this convince you that I’m not playing with you?”

Qiao Xuan’s eyes widened in shock as he stared at Bai Cang, completely dumbfounded.