Chapter 26: Secondhand embarrassment

Words : 1012 Updated : Sep 12th, 2025

Chapter 26: Secondhand embarrassment After dealing with that little problem, Hei Long wandered deeper into the sect grounds. Despite being "allowed to join," the Sect Leader had given him no guidance—no assignment, no personal master, no instructions. Nothing. Most might have taken offense. Felt lost. Or maybe even questioned their standing. But Hei Long? He smiled. That was exactly how he preferred it. No leash. No handler. No one watching his every move. Freedom was more useful than a dozen mentors. As he explored the upper peaks—passing ornate pavilions, flower gardens, and jade-tiled halls—his eyes eventually settled on a secluded mountaintop estate, nestled between trees and surrounded by a small mist-covered lake. The courtyard was pristine. Its roof tiles polished obsidian. Its perimeter lined with dragon-shaped lanterns and walls carved. A wooden placard above the bamboo gate read: [Saint’s Residence] Hei Long raised a brow, folding his hands behind his back. "So... this is the Saint’s place?" he muttered to himself, stepping forward until he stood at the entrance. Of course, he already knew. This sect had no male Saint. Only a Saintess—Ji Yao. The position of "Saint" was vacant. Always had been. No man had met the requirements. Not yet. In the novel, Lin Fan—the protagonist—would eventually earn that title far later in the story. But Hei Long had no intention of letting things proceed that far. Not if he could help it. And so, with zero hesitation, Hei Long slid the bamboo gate open. He stepped into the courtyard, his footsteps echoing softly against the smooth stone path. The inner place was immaculate. Flowering plum trees. A koi pond shaped like a crescent moon. A training field in the back. Every corner of the estate screamed status and exclusivity. "Lavish," Hei Long murmured, pleased. He wandered through and slid open a door, revealing a bedroom. Velvet cushions, hand-carved furniture, incense trays, and a bed the size of a small stage. Sheets like silk. Even the air smelled faintly of spiritual herbs and lotus blossoms. Without a second thought, Hei Long threw himself onto the bed. "Ahh~" he sighed, stretching out as if he owned the place: "This is more like it." He folded one arm behind his head and gazed up at the painted ceiling, smirking. "I’ll become the Saint sooner or later, anyway. Might as well start claiming my territory now." Letting out a small chuckle, Hei Long sat up on the edge of the bed and cracked his neck. A glint of mischief danced in his eyes. "I should accelerate the process," Hei Long muttered: "Why sit around and wait for the title to fall into my lap when I can just go out and take it?" There was no need to linger in the shadows or play the slow game. Hei Long stood, dusted himself off, and adjusted the collar of his robes. He would go straight to the Sect Leader herself. . . . Lin Fan walked beside Yue Yu under the starlit sky, his steps light, his heart lighter. A foolish grin stretched across his face as his gaze lingered on her delicate features. ’She’s so beautiful... especially under the stars...’ Lin Fan thought, utterly enchanted. Slowly, hesitantly, he began to reach out—his fingers inching toward hers, hoping to gently brush her hand. But the moment Lin Fan’s skin drew near— Yue Yu felt a repulsive shiver crawl up her spine. Instinctively, she pulled her hand back at lightning speed, her face tightening for the briefest of seconds. ’Ugh... so disgusting...’ she seethed inwardly, her expression briefly twisting in contempt before she caught herself: ’Does trash like him really think I’d let him touch me? Keep dreaming.’ Lin Fan tilted his head, clearly concerned. "Are you okay? You look..." "Hmm? Oh!" Yue Yu cut him off quickly, forcing a cheerful laugh as she rubbed the back of her head, trying to recover: "My bad—I was just thinking about Hei Long for a second." The lie slipped out without thought. It was the only thing Yue Yu could think of to explain her reaction without raising suspicion. But Lin Fan’s expression darkened instantly. His jaw tightened, and a flicker of bitterness passed through his eyes. "That bastard?" Lin Fan replied: "I get it... But trust me, he’s trash. He only relies on his family name to chase women. Not like me—I’m a real gentleman." Lin Fan flashed a grin he must’ve thought was charming. "..." Yue Yu barely resisted the urge to gag. Of course, the old man noticed this: ’Boy, she’s obviously lying. And can you please stop with those creepy expressions?’ Lin Fan’s smile twitched. He internally rolled his eyes and snapped back: ’Quiet, old man. She clearly has a crush on me—why else would she come with me instead of the Young Master of the Hei family?’ The old man gave an exhausted sigh, laced with pity and secondhand embarrassment: ’You really are a horny idiot... Not even a smart one...’ If the old man had a head to bang, he would’ve slammed it against the nearest wall of Lin Fan’s consciousness. Instead, he could only float there in tortured silence, watching his so-called successor fumble through life... "Anyways, it’s getting quite dark," Yue Yu said suddenly, coming to a gentle stop: "I should head back. I have training early tomorrow morning, so I need to get some sleep." Lin Fan clutched his chest. "Please—allow me to walk you home. I’d be worried sick knowing you were out here all alone at night." Yue Yu barely kept her eye from twitching. ’I’m literally stronger than you, you delusional donkey. If anyone needs protection, it’s you, you stupid fuck!’ she screamed internally, biting back the urge to roll her eyes into another dimension. But her sweet smile never faltered. "Oh... if you could, please," Yue Yu said, giving a soft nod, the perfect image of a grateful maiden. Her stomach churned at the act, but she knew better than to drop the mask—at least not until Hei Long said so.

Chapter 26: Secondhand embarrassment

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