After Transmigrating Into the Book, I Raised the Sickly Side Male Character to Be the Yandere - Chapter 169-Final Chapter

Chapter 169: The Grand Finale

Yin Xuansu ignored Yin Buqi and snuggled further into Jiang Niannian’s arms, looking at her with pleading eyes: “Mother, other kids get to sleep with their parents, but not me. Do you and Father not love me anymore?”

Jiang Niannian reached out and ruffled his hair, “How could we not love you? Remember when you were born and loved eating candied haws? Your dad bought you so many, even though he liked them too, he didn’t eat a single one. After that, you got a cavity, and your dad felt really bad, which is why he started confiscating your malt candy every day. Both your father and I love you very much.”

Yin Xuansu nodded, though he only half-understood.

From the bed, Yin Buqi glanced down at the little troublemaker in his way.

The sword in his hand twitched with restless energy.

Jiang Niannian, holding their son, shot Yin Buqi a glare, signaling him not to hurt their son’s fragile little heart: “Put that sword away, what kind of behavior is that? If you hurt our Tuanzi, I won’t sleep with you.”

Yin Buqi, glared at, looked at the ‘little troublemaker’ with even more malice in his eyes, but obediently sheathed his sword.

Yin Buqi looked past the little troublemaker at Jiang Niannian, his voice dark: “Niannian.”

Just two words, but they carried endless displeasure and menace.

Jiang Niannian frowned, “He’s so young, he hasn’t slept with me many times. Why are you competing with a child? You promised to be good to him. Besides, he’s only one year old.”

Yin Buqi suppressed his irritation, “One year old, not so little.”

Jiang Niannian was both angry and amused.

She pinched his handsome face, gritting her teeth in frustration, “You’re a father now! You can’t act recklessly anymore. Since we’ve brought him into this world, we have to take responsibility for him! How is he big? A one-year-old human child is still babbling!”

Yin Buqi: “Our child can’t be compared to a human child. Have you ever seen a one-year-old human child who can crush boulders with his chest?”

Jiang Niannian said, “Yin Buqi! Are you trying to make me angry today?”

Her words were filled with love and protection for their son.

Little Tuanzi was quite the actor, looking at Jiang Niannian with innocent, dependent eyes: “Mommy~”

Jiang Niannian’s heart softened, holding the little body close, “Mommy’s here.”

“Will Tuanzi get a good morning kiss from Mommy when he wakes up tomorrow?”

Jiang Niannian said firmly, “Of course.”

As she spoke, she patted his back, lulling him to sleep.

Yin Xuansu felt at ease.

Cradled in Jiang Niannian’s arms, he soon fell asleep.

Yin Buqi’s eyes grew colder, his red pupils swirling with dark clouds.

He glanced at Yin Xuansu and suddenly murmured, “He’s one year old, indeed not so little.”

Jiang Niannian, noticing his odd behavior, couldn’t help but ask, “What are you plotting?”

Yin Buqi didn’t answer, but reached out and pulled Yin Xuansu into his arms.

Then, Jiang Niannian sensed something was off.

A fox tail crept onto her body, followed by more.

These fox tails would wrap around her every night as she slept, always careful not to restrict her movement.

They were more like gentle adornments, only causing a stir if she moved too much, occasionally brushing her cheek.

But today, the fox tails were different.

They made her feel both ticklish and tingly, her hair standing on end, and they quickly tightened around her, holding her as tightly as he did.

She felt something was amiss.

Jiang Niannian tilted her head back, her eyes wide with confusion, only to meet Yin Buqi’s obsessive gaze.

It was then that she seemed to snap out of her daze.

Yin Buqi pulled Yin Xuansu out of her arms and placed him behind him, then embraced Jiang Niannian.

Yin Xuansu, tiny and peaceful, slept soundly by the bed.

Jiang Niannian began to struggle, her arms pinned above her head by one of his hands, entwined by fox tails, forcing her to lie obediently beneath him.

Now, she wriggled like a loach.

But she didn’t dare struggle too much, afraid of waking their son.

Yet, the old fox was thoroughly wicked.

The more she moved, the more he restrained her, the corners of his eyes tinged with red, slightly upturned, carrying a hint of decadent allure.

He pinched her chin, his voice low, his crimson lips parting, “Niannian is right, he’s too weak.”

Such a weak little troublemaker, when else would he go out to train if not now?

Jiang Niannian, truly afraid he might do something, was somewhat overwhelmed: “Control yourself, Tuanzi is right here, don’t set a bad example.”

“He won’t wake up for now.”

Yin Buqi, unhurried, spoke with his thin lips close, so close that just speaking brushed against her lips.

Yin Buqi touched her lips, finding them excessively soft, and gently bumped them again, then kissed her fiercely, each kiss more demanding.

His breath drew near, making Jiang Niannian’s own breath tighten.

She clutched his inner robe, feeling somewhat dizzy.

Yin Buqi’s arm around her waist tightened, his kiss deepening, stealing Jiang Niannian’s breath away.

Gradually, their intimacy became harder to control, Yin Buqi clearly unable to stop.

Jiang Niannian, gasping for breath, pushed him away: “Tuanzi’s asleep.”

Yin Buqi’s slender fingers quickly undid his clothes: “I’ll be gentle.”

Gentle?

Jiang Niannian knew Yin Buqi’s nature all too well.

Could he really be gentle?

She refused: “Buqi, stop fooling around.”

But in the heat of passion, Yin Buqi had no intention of stopping.

He kissed her again: “Niannian, say you love me.”

Jiang Niannian, sensing his emotions, complied: “I love you, I love you.”

“Say you love me most.”

“I love you most.”

Hearing this, Yin Buqi chuckled softly, grabbing Jiang Niannian’s hand: “Good girl, trust me.”

His tone left no room for refusal.

Jiang Niannian could say no more.

Yin Buqi’s red eyes surged with desire as he quickly stripped Jiang Niannian’s clothes and pounced.

…

Jiang Niannian slept deeply.

When she woke, she didn’t know how much time had passed.

Opening her eyes in Yin Buqi’s arms, she found herself covered by a soft quilt, with an extra cushion beneath her.

It was really comfortable.

Jiang Niannian stretched, feeling refreshed.

Yin Buqi suddenly flipped over, covering her, causing Jiang Niannian, who hadn’t noticed if he was awake, to gasp in surprise.

She hit him: “You hurt me last night.”

Yin Buqi, being hit, smiled charmingly, his crimson lips slowly approaching hers.

Jiang Niannian glanced at him: “No more.”

Yin Buqi obediently said: “Just a kiss.”

With that, he successfully kissed her.

As they kissed, he couldn’t help but smile against her lips.

Jiang Niannian, looking at him so close, felt like he had gone silly.

Look at him, smiling like a child.

Wait… child?!

Jiang Niannian suddenly sat up, exclaiming: “Where’s my Tuanzi? Where did you take him?”

Yin Buqi’s deep red eyes met hers, a faint shadow passing through them, his brow slightly furrowed: “He’s gone to the Abyss for training. He’ll be back in a few days.”

For example, in two or three years.

Poor little Tuanzi, who had been sleeping soundly this morning, was woken by his cheap father Yin Buqi, who said the world was big and he wanted to show him around.

Then, in the blink of an eye, Yin Buqi pushed him into the Abyss, telling him to train well.

Jiang Niannian exploded, frowning: “He’s only one year old, how could you send him to such a dangerous place?”

“Niannian, neither of us is ordinary. Our son isn’t as weak as you think.”

Jiang Niannian fell silent.

Yin Buqi was right; Tuanzi was strong, but she had always treated him like a normal child.

Yin Buqi lowered his eyes, looking desolate, his voice hoarse: “So, in Niannian’s eyes, I deliberately sent him to the Abyss to get rid of him.”

After a pause, he coughed lightly, “Thinking about it, it makes sense. They say a woman’s words are deceitful, saying she loves me most, all lies. In Niannian’s heart, I can’t compare to that little troublemaker… our baby.”

His raspy voice made Jiang Niannian’s heart ache: “I was wrong, Buqi, come here, let me hug you.”

Only then did Yin Buqi cheer up, leaning over with exaggerated delicacy.

He quietly lowered his head, resting his chin on her shoulder, his long lashes casting a shadow: “If Niannian wants to see him, I can take you there. But I think he needs to face the storms alone.”

Jiang Niannian glanced at him.

Having been with this fox for so long, she had a good grasp of his thoughts.

He probably didn’t want her to see Tuanzi.

Even so, the decision to let him train was genuine.

No matter what, he was their flesh and blood.

It might be painful, but it was for Tuanzi’s good.

She asked: “When will he be back?”

Yin Buqi replied: “It depends, maybe next month.”

With that, it was up to fate.

No one could take his Niannian away, no one.

The corners of his lips curled up gently as he kissed the corner of her mouth.

Her lips tasted sweet, carrying a haunting fragrance that filled his blood.

He greedily pecked her again and again, “Niannian, say you love me again.”

Jiang Niannian held him, saying solemnly: “I love you.”

As soon as the words left her mouth, he sealed her lips with his.

In the days that followed, they kept each other company, never feeling lonely.

The legendary love story of the Ancient Tree Goddess and Emperor Jiuyin was sung among mortals.

All these events, recorded in books, were just words for future generations to pass down.

But for the two protagonists, the fleeting clouds and past events had already spanned several hundred years.

(End of main text)

Extra 1: Sixteen Years in the Guiyuan Formation

This happened in the second year after the two entered the Guiyuan Formation.

The early morning mountain wilderness was shrouded in a hazy mist.

A faint white veil covered the surroundings, and the air was filled with the scent of flowers.

Amidst the swaying tree shadows, a black figure silently flitted through the forest.

Wherever he landed, leaves fluttered.

He stepped on one leaf and in an instant, was on another, running swiftly.

Behind him was a large demon beast.

A human face with a snake body, ink-black eyes, sharp fangs, and a black-and-white snake body with a crimson forked tongue.

“Hiss hiss hiss hiss hiss!!”

The snake head turned into a streak of light, swiftly charging towards the black figure.

The black figure moved quickly, but the demon beast was faster, biting down on one of his arms.

The black figure retaliated with a sword strike, and both man and snake fell to the ground.

Upon closer inspection, the black figure was actually a boy in his teens.

Dressed in black, he wore a smiling jade Buddha around his neck, his long hair tied back. With black hair and red eyes, his fair skin made his lips appear even more crimson.

Though still youthful, he already showed signs of future elegance.

At this moment, however, he looked somewhat disheveled.

His brows were tightly knit, his long lashes fluttering, hiding the fierceness and unease in his eyes.

The demon beast, injured in one eye by his sword, released its grip in pain. Its body began to grow larger and larger, the snake expanding, its imposing aura intensifying.

The boy’s body tensed as he resisted fiercely. His bitten arm was bleeding profusely, but he tightly held onto a flower in his hand.

This flower was quite peculiar, with each petal a different color—red, yellow, blue, white—exceptionally vibrant and beautiful, the stamen like a shy maiden.

The demon beast was clearly after this flower.

Being so close, the oppressive aura made it hard for him to breathe, and he involuntarily took a step back.

But there was no trace of fear in his expression. His long sword pointed at the demon beast: “I don’t want to kill you, I just want this flower.”

The demon beast let out a roar, baring its sharp fangs, and charged at the boy.

Man and beast clashed, the earth shook, and the entire mountain collapsed.

A tremendous force swept through, accompanied by billowing smoke.

The sky darkened with rolling black clouds, pressing down like a city about to be crushed, creating a suffocating sense of dread.

Man and beast fell off the cliff, the thick smoke obscuring the view below.

Amidst the swirling smoke, a pale, delicate hand reached up from the edge of the cliff.

The boy held the flower in his mouth, careful not to bite too hard, just gently gripping the stem.

The boy, disheveled and tattered, was covered in wounds, even his face bearing several bloody gashes.

He took the flower from his mouth, seeing it intact, wiped off the blood, and actually smiled.

The boy didn’t return immediately but limped to a river, washing off the blood and grime.

He then took out a clean set of clothes from his storage pouch and changed into them before heading back.

Notably, as he changed, all the fish in the river seemed to come alive, gathering in the water before him, continuously blowing bubbles.

The boy’s red eyes coldly glanced over, saying nothing, and he turned to leave.

The boy quietly observed the situation in the courtyard from behind a tree.

A woman in white was watering the vegetable garden in front of the house.

The boy watched her intently for a long time, his red eyes focused.

He took a deep breath and slowly emerged from behind the tree.

Due to his injuries, his movements lacked the previous agility.

He walked up behind the woman and called out: “Niannian…”

Jiang Niannian knew he was there but pretended to be startled, the water ladle in her hand falling into the bucket, splashing some water.

Jiang Niannian turned to look at him, her eyes filled with tenderness: “You’re finally back. How many days have you been gone? Let me see if you’re hurt anywhere.”

The boy was Yin Buqi.

He shook his head: “I’m fine.”

Jiang Niannian, seeing the wounds on his face, didn’t believe him.

She grabbed one of his hands, sending in spiritual energy to check, only to find he was severely injured.

Her brows furrowed.

Yin Buqi brought out the hand he had been hiding behind his back, saying softly: “Niannian, I just picked this flower. I thought it was pretty, so I’m giving it to you.”

His big red eyes sparkled, looking at Jiang Niannian sincerely, his neck turning red.

Jiang Niannian, seeing the flower, was stunned.

This flower was called “Beauty’s Admiration,” growing only on cliff edges.

Each flower was usually guarded by a human-faced, snake-bodied demon beast.

To obtain it, one had to kill the guardian beast.

She now understood how Yin Buqi had gotten his injuries.

For a moment, feelings of gratitude and anger intertwined within her.

Her voice trembled as she asked: “For me?”

“Mm.” Yin Buqi nodded, one eye still slightly swollen.

He smiled, both charming and amusing.

The flower swayed gently in his hand, not a single petal fallen, clearly carefully protected.

Dried blood still stained the petals, making them appear both enchanting and beautiful.

Jiang Niannian took the flower without another word, walked past him into the house, and with a “bang,” closed the door.

Yin Buqi’s heart tightened.

Limping to the door, he gently knocked.

The boy’s voice still carried a childish tone, his knuckles white, nails almost digging into his palms.

He murmured: “Niannian, don’t you like the flower?”

“Niannian, did I do something wrong? Don’t ignore me.”

“Niannian…”

Yin Buqi felt utterly lost, lowering his head.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed something, followed by the sound of tiny footsteps.

A small, pitch-black creature ran over.

Its right eye was surrounded by a small patch of white fur, with horns on its head and a tail, resembling a cat but larger.

Having played in the mud somewhere, it was covered in dirt.

Coalball let out an “awoooo,” seemingly amused by his predicament.

Yin Buqi’s red eyes flashed with a hint of ferocity.

He swiftly reached out, grabbed it, and smacked its head several times, leaving Coalball dizzy and pouting pitifully.

Yin Buqi, feeling sad, called out to the room: “Niannian, do you dislike it because it’s stained with blood? I’ll go pick a bigger, prettier one without any blood…”

Just as he was about to leave, a voice came from inside: “Come in.”

The door wasn’t locked.

Then, Jiang Niannian saw the boy, full of grievances, obediently walk in.

“Niannian!”

Yin Buqi clung to Jiang Niannian like a well-behaved child.

*************

Extra 2: Sixteen Years in the Guiyuan Formation

“Niannian!”

Yin Buqi clung to her somewhat awkwardly.

“Niannian!”

His voice was tender and crisp, deliberately tinged with a childish tone.

“Niannian, I know I was wrong.”

Yin Buqi stood as if he were being punished, hands pressed straight against his thighs, his posture perfectly upright.

His attitude of admitting fault was impeccable: “Niannian, I know I was wrong.”

Tilting his head up, his overly fair face still bore wounds, looking so pure that one couldn’t bear to scold him.

He blinked, his long eyelashes fluttering, his delicate lips pressed into a thin line.

“What did you do wrong?”

Jiang Niannian’s eyes were slightly damp, her eyelashes trembling.

“I… shouldn’t have disappeared for two days without saying a word, shouldn’t have—”

“That’s not the most important issue.”

Jiang Niannian gently placed the flower into a vase filled with spiritual liquid.

This flower was extremely delicate—once uprooted, it would wither within half an hour unless nourished by the finest spiritual liquid.

She said, “I’m just angry that you care so little about your own life.”

“Niannian…”

His red eyes gazed at her directly.

His voice was clear, yet softened by a hint of grievance.

Over the years, they had long stopped caring about the roles of master and servant.

Etiquette and hierarchy no longer mattered to them—what mattered was that they had become each other’s entire world.

Jiang Niannian was more like an elder to Yin Buqi.

But whether Yin Buqi saw her as an older sister or not was another matter.

Jiang Niannian looked at him, unusually at a loss.

“Do you have any idea how ferocious that guardian beast was? Look at your injuries—”

“I know, Niannian. I just thought the flower was beautiful, so I wanted to bring it to you…”

She couldn’t bring herself to scold him anymore.

Stroking his head, she sighed, “You’re such a fool. Don’t do this again. You’re still young. Don’t gamble with your life.”

This was a flower he had risked his life to pluck for her.

If anyone else gave her flowers in the future, she doubted it would stir any emotions in her heart.

Yin Buqi nodded and smiled.

“I won’t do it again.”

Jiang Niannian raised her hand, her soft fingertips brushing against Yin Buqi’s face.

After a moment, she asked, “Does it still hurt?”

Yin Buqi felt warmth spreading through his chest, like a gentle spring washing over him.

Unconsciously, he raised his hand to cover hers, shaking his head.

“It doesn’t hurt anymore.”

Jiang Niannian was dazed for a moment before she suddenly smiled.

It was a smile of utmost gentleness, as radiant as blooming flowers in spring, filling the entire room with warmth.

Yin Buqi was utterly mesmerized…

His mind went blank, holding only the image of that smile.

He asked, “Niannian, do you like the flower?”

“Of course, I love it. I love it very much.”

The boy smiled brightly, but his eyes held a deep, unreadable emotion.

“As long as Niannian likes it…”

For the next half an incense stick’s time, Jiang Niannian carefully applied medicine to his wounds.

No matter how much it hurt, Yin Buqi didn’t make a sound, which made Jiang Niannian’s eyes mist over.

Once Yin Buqi left, the usually silent system suddenly spoke up.

[Dear, have you noticed something… off?]

Jiang Nian Nian asked, “What’s off?”

[Yin Buqi seems… a little strange.]

Jiang Nian Nian raised an eyebrow.

“What’s wrong with him?”

Strange? She thought Yin Buqi was doing great.

Under her Jiang family upbringing, he had become more cheerful, healthier, and had a great appetite!

For some reason, the system instinctively fell silent.

It didn’t know whether to tell Jiang Niannian about the bloodthirsty glint in the boy’s eyes when he slaughtered the beast… or the ruthlessness with which he had leaped off the cliff with it.

That night, Jiang Niannian had already washed up and was lying in bed, reading a storybook.

“Niannian, the oil lamp’s light is too weak. Reading like this isn’t good for your eyes.”

Yin Buqi had just finished bathing and stood by the bed, staring at her intently.

Freshly cleaned, he wore only his inner robes.

His delicate features and the injuries on his face made Jiang Niannian feel a pang of heartache.

His hair was still damp, with stray strands clinging to his forehead.

A droplet of water slipped from his bangs, landing on his brow before trickling down.

His red eyes, misted over from the bath’s steam, gave him an ethereal, almost unreal look—more like a porcelain doll meant for display, fragile enough to shatter at a touch.

Jiang Niannian glanced at him, set her book aside, and beckoned him over.

“Why didn’t you dry your hair properly?”

Yin Buqi replied, “I got hurt fighting that beast today. Lifting my arm hurts.”

Jiang Niannian sighed.

“I’ll dry your hair for you. How can you sleep like this?”

Yin Buqi obediently walked over and sat at the bedside.

The candlelight flickered, casting warm hues over his delicate features.

It was summer, and the room was a little stuffy.

Yin Buqi glanced at the space between them.

It was a bit far.

Just two fists’ width apart, yet he still found it displeasing.

Shifting his position, he scooted closer to Jiang Niannian.

“Don’t sit so close. It’s hot,” Jiang Niannian muttered.

The window was open, but only the faintest breeze drifted in.

Yin Buqi’s body radiated heat like a small furnace.

Now that his back was pressed against hers, she felt even warmer.

Yin Buqi turned his head, his red eyes full of grievance.

“Niannian, are you disgusted by me?”

Jiang Niannian: “No…”

Before she could finish, Yin Buqi’s lips curved into a satisfied smile, and he inched even closer.

His leg, though not yet as long as hers, pressed firmly against hers, his arm sticking to hers—he practically clung to her.

Jiang Niannian: “…”

She quickly dried his hair, using her spiritual power to speed up the process.

Once the oil lamp was extinguished, they lay on the same bed, though each had their own blanket.

“Niannian, I want to share a blanket with you.”

“No. It’s too hot, and you have injuries. You’ll get hurt if you move too much.”

Yin Buqi’s soft, melancholic voice murmured, “So… love really does fade, doesn’t it?”

Jiang Niannian: “…Fine. Come over.”

—

Extra  3: Sixteen Years in the Guiyuan Formation

As for when Jiang Niannian first realized the little boy she had raised had grown up—and started insisting on separate beds—that would be in their tenth year inside the Guiyuan Formation.

“Swish, swish, swish—”

In the misty mountains, the wind rustled through the trees, startling birds into flight and sending a few leaves drifting down.

Not far away, the sound of a babbling stream could be heard.

Amidst the shifting tree shadows, a figure could be glimpsed bathing by the water’s edge.

Neatly folded in the grass lay a black robe embroidered with golden threads.

In the misty air, a lean yet powerfully built young man bathed in the stream.

His figure, though slightly slender, was by no means lacking in allure—

From his sharp collarbones to his sculpted abs, the defined V-line, his tapered waist, his firm hips, and his long, straight legs…

The river’s fish swarmed toward him, only to be stopped a foot away by the chilling aura emanating from his body.

Golden sunlight filtered through the branches, scattering shimmering light onto the water and accentuating his flawless, jade-like skin.

His damp black hair clung to his back, the ends fanning out on the water’s surface.

Beneath the disheveled bangs on his forehead, his crimson eyes were deep, dark, and utterly hypnotic.

“Buqi? Buqi?!”

A woman’s anxious voice called from nearby, growing closer.

Upon hearing that all-too-familiar voice, the young man’s eyes instantly brightened, his once somber gaze softening in the light.

“Buqi…!”

The voice was now right behind him—only to suddenly cut off, as if strangled.

The young man turned his head, raising an amused eyebrow as he gazed at the stunned woman standing at the stream’s edge.

Jiang Niannian had come looking for Yin Buqi, worried he had been injured by a beast…

She just hadn’t expected to walk into ‘this’ scene.

“Niannian, does it look good?”

Jiang Niannian was momentarily stunned.

It wasn’t until the boy in the river spoke that she snapped back to her senses—what she should be doing right now was turning around and leaving, not staring at him!

Her face instantly flushed red.

She turned around, repeatedly telling herself—

It’s not like I haven’t seen it before…

Jiang Niannian, what are you panicking for?

Forcing herself to stay calm, she said, “I called you just now. Why didn’t you answer?”

Behind her, the soft sound of water dripping echoed.

The boy stepped onto the shore, followed by the rustling of fabric—he was probably getting dressed.

“Niannian, I’m done dressing.”

A familiar presence brushed against her ear, startling Jiang Niannian so much that she stumbled.

Just as she was about to lose her balance, a hand reached out to steadily catch her.

She looked up, only to be greeted by the breathtakingly handsome face of her own little cub.

Yin Buqi had hit a growth spurt and had unknowingly grown much taller.

At this close distance, she suddenly realized—he was about the same height as her now, or maybe… even taller?

Moreover, his features had shed their former boyish innocence.

Gone was the adorable, soft charm of a young child.

In its place was an allure steeped in worldly emotions—a dangerously seductive beauty.

Jiang Niannian felt that his appearance was like the forbidden apple from Eden—enticing, bewitching, the kind that ought to be censored just by looking at it.

Goodness gracious.

When did her little cub grow up this much?!

Give her back her adorable, innocent cub!

Wait a second—what kind of posture was this?!

She hastily pushed away Yin Buqi’s arm that was holding her, lowered her gaze slightly, and spoke awkwardly, “Why do you walk around so silently… Let go of me first.”

The corners of Yin Buqi’s crimson lips curved up as he obediently withdrew his hand.

“Niannian, why don’t you dare look at me?”

His voice was no longer the soft, childish tone from before.

Now, it was low, magnetic—rich with a deep timbre.

Jiang Niannian: Even his voice isn’t cute anymore, QAQ.

Yin Buqi was still gazing at her.

Feeling flustered, Jiang Niannian said, “…Let’s go.”

But deep down, she was already plotting: It’s time to set up a new room. Yin Buqi needs to start sleeping alone.

Yin Buqi’s gaze, however, fell on her slightly dirtied skirt and the wound on her shoulder.

His expression darkened to match his clothing.

“Niannian, you’re hurt?”

Jiang Niannian was taken aback, only now realizing she had been injured.

“On my way here, I ran into a large demon beast. I was in a hurry to find you, and it ambushed me. Luckily, I reacted quickly and managed to drive it away, though it did manage to scratch me.”

Yin Buqi’s eyes darkened with growing hostility as he stared at the wound.

“Do you remember what that demon beast looked like?”

His voice was low and magnetic, the ending note deliberately lifted in a way that sent shivers down one’s spine.

“…Huh? Oh. It had horns on its head, a tail behind it, a snake-like body, a carp’s tail, and deer-like antlers…”

Before she could finish, Yin Buqi suddenly scooped her up in his arms and leapt into the air, speeding through the forest at a pace that left her dumbfounded.

His voice was laced with an icy edge.

“I understand.”

“…Huh?” Understand what?

Jiang Niannian said, “What are you doing? I can walk by myself.”

Yin Buqi replied, “You’re injured. You need to get treated as soon as possible.”

“My arm is hurt, not my legs.”

Yin Buqi didn’t respond.

His lips pressed into a thin line, his whole body exuding a dangerous aura.

Upon reaching their house, Yin Buqi carried Jiang Niannian inside and sat her down.

In the blink of an eye, he was already in front of her, holding a wooden medicine box.

Without a word, he took her hand and rolled up her sleeve.

“…It’s nothing, just a small wound.”

Jiang Niannian, who had been stunned for a while, finally found her voice.

A cooling sensation spread from the wound.

Yin Buqi knelt beside her, carefully applying the ointment, his expression meticulously focused.

“Niannian, why are you so careless?”

“…”

“Have you never heard that girls shouldn’t have scars?”

“You’re always lecturing me about being careful, but look at yourself.”

“If you keep this up, I’ll feel distressed.”

“…”

Finding his careful ministrations too excessive, Jiang Niannian snatched the ointment from him.

“I’ll do it myself…”

Yin Buqi stood up and stepped back, his gaze unwavering as he watched her from the side.

Her fair, delicate face was framed by thick lashes, casting soft shadows.

Her slender neck curved elegantly as she treated her wound…

Just looking at her like this sent an indescribable tremor through his heart.

A faint smile tugged at his lips.

“Niannian, you’re really beautiful.”

Jiang Niannian was startled and looked up at the boy with a gentle smile.

There was something unreadable in Yin Buqi’s smile—like ice melting solely for one person, an exclusive warmth… and something deeper, something almost indulgent.

Something didn’t feel quite right.

Staring at him for a moment, Jiang Niannian blurted out, “If you ever leave the Guiyuan Formation one day, who knows how many innocent girls you’ll end up bewitching…”

Sorry, girls, I’ve accidentally raised a master flirt—and he just had to be ridiculously good-looking! Stay strong!

At her words, the curve of Yin Buqi’s lips slowly flattened.

His eyes darkened, and without a word, he stepped forward, put away the ointment, and said blandly, “If you’re worried about that, you can just keep me here and never let me leave.”

“What? That’s ridiculous. Do you plan to stay in this formation forever without getting married?”

“Why not?”

“Don’t be silly,” Jiang Nian Nian chided. Then, as if recalling something, she added, “You’re not a child anymore. Tomorrow, I’ll prepare a separate room for you to sleep in.”

Yin Buqi paused, then clenched his lips and slammed the medicine box onto the table before walking out without looking back.

Jiang Niannian was bewildered.

“Where are you going?”

“To kill that demon beast.”

—

Extra 4: Niannian’s Great Escape

Years ago, people in the mortal realm were still discussing the story of the Ancient Tree Goddess and Emperor Jiuyin. In recent years, however, a new topic had taken over—

“The new Heaven’s Will has been born. That day, amidst a raging blizzard and crackling thunder, a nine-tailed fox shot out of the Abyss like a bolt of lightning, tearing through the sky! From then on, the Ancient Tree Goddess, who once governed the mortal realm, was banished from the heavens, forced to wander the human world. Ah, how quickly things change!”

That was what the storytellers said.

But in reality—

That day, Tuanzi finally completed his cultivation and emerged from the Abyss, eager to reunite with his mother in the heavens.

Little did he expect that his scheming father would immediately dump the responsibility of governing the mortal world onto him—before running off with his mother to live a carefree life in the human realm.

Yin Xuansu: Damn it! How tragic is this?!

—

That day, Yin Xuansu, missing his mother dearly, sneaked into the human realm to visit Jiang Niannian.

Just as he reached the estate, he spotted her rushing out with a bundle on her back, looking flustered.

She jumped at the sight of him.

“Ah!” Jiang Niannian patted her chest, looking guilty.

“Tuanzi, why are you here?”

The young man before her had an ethereal beauty, like a celestial being.

Especially striking were his peach blossom eyes and sharp features—he had inherited every bit of her and Yin Buqi’s best traits.

Tsk, tsk. Her soft, chubby little dumpling was no more.

Yin Xuansu beamed.

“I missed you, so I came down to see you. Where’s Father?”

At the mention of Yin Buqi, Jiang Niannian’s temper flared.

“I told him I wanted buns from the west side of the city, so I sent him off. Now don’t stop me—I’m going to visit your Auntie Hu!”

Yin Xuansu asked, “But what did Father do to make Mother angry?”

Jiang Niannian said, “Grown-up matters are none of a child’s concern.”

She had no way to explain her predicament.

She couldn’t exactly tell her own son that she ran away from home because his father had no restraint in bed, that she simply couldn’t take it anymore and needed to hide for a few days.

Before leaving, Jiang Niannian gave countless reminders.

“Tuanzi, my good son, I’m leaving and never coming back.”

“Make sure you don’t tell your father that I went to your Auntie Hu’s place.”

“You absolutely must not tell your father that I went to your Auntie Hu’s place.”

“Tuanzi, promise me. No matter how your father asks you, whether he threatens or bribes you, you cannot tell him that I went to your Auntie Hu’s place.”

Yin Xuansu had only just seen Jiang Niannian for a short while.

Though reluctant to part, he still said, “Mother, go ahead and leave without worry. I will keep my mouth shut. No matter how Father asks, I won’t say a word.”

“That’s good.”

Time was pressing—Yin Buqi could be back any moment.

Jiang Niannian slung her small bundle over her shoulder and left without looking back.

…

This was the third time Yin Buqi ascended to the Heavenly Realm in one day.

“Father.”

Yin Xuansu shifted his gaze away from the Floating World Mirror and looked at his cold-faced father, Yin Buqi.

For the 108th time, he insisted, “Mother really isn’t here with me. I don’t know where she went either.”

“Mm.”

Yin Buqi cast him a calm glance.

“I already know where my Niannian is.”

Yin Xuansu was shocked.

“Father, how did you know Mother is at Auntie Hu’s place?!”

Yin Buqi: “…”

He didn’t linger any longer and turned to leave.

…

Meanwhile, at the Soul-Enchantment Hall, Hu Feishuang looked at Jiang Niannian sprawled lazily on a chaise lounge, flipping through a storybook and snacking on pastries, with an expression full of disdain.

She clicked her tongue in frustration.

“Just look at yourself. The older you get, the more you regress! Not even a trace of a proper married woman’s demeanor!”

Jiang Niannian smacked her lips.

“It’s been so many years, and you still haven’t found a man?”

Hu Feishuang: “…I #&*%￥?!!!”

She retorted, “And yet, you have a man, but you still ran to my place?”

Jiang Niannian said, “I just thought you seemed lonely, so I came to keep you company.”

Hu Feishuang gritted her teeth and glared at her.

“When are you going back?”

“Not going back…”

Just as the words left her mouth, the entire Soul-Enchantment Hall suddenly trembled as if an earthquake had struck.

The next second, a figure appeared in the middle of the hall.

White-haired, red-eyed, exuding an air of otherworldly beauty—one glance at him and he was impossible to forget.

He fixed his icy gaze on Hu Feishuang.

Hu Feishuang met his eyes and instantly froze.

The next moment, she swiftly shifted the blame.

“It has nothing to do with me! Jiang Niannian shamelessly begged me to take her in!”

Jiang Niannian: ???

Her eyelids twitched as she looked up, forcing a dry laugh.

“Buqi, why are you here?”

Yin Buqi stared at her in silence for a long time, making Jiang Niannian’s scalp tingle.

Then, he suddenly smiled. “I’ve come to take Niannian home. Niannian, come here.”

The way he smiled only made her more nervous.

Instinctively, she wanted to refuse.

She was doomed.

She had played too hard this time.

Before she could make a move, Yin Buqi appeared beside the chaise lounge in an instant, his slender fingers clasping her wrist, his grip tightening.

“Niannian, you’re being disobedient…”

He turned to Hu Feishuang and coldly commanded, “Get out.”

Hu Feishuang dared not stay a moment longer.

As she left, she even thoughtfully shut the hall doors behind her.

Before Jiang Niannian could struggle, the fox tails behind Yin Buqi materialized, swiftly binding her wrists and ankles to the chaise lounge.

Jiang Niannian: “What do you think you’re doing?!”

Yin Buqi’s eyes were tinged with red, deep and unreadable.

He smiled, pressing down on her as he lowered his head for a kiss.

Smoke curled in the air, the atmosphere thick with intimacy.

It was a long time before Yin Buqi finally let go of her lips, trailing soft kisses along her sweat-dampened brows, lips, and the tip of her nose.

Jiang Niannian gritted her teeth and snapped, “Can’t you at least change the location? Anywhere else would do!”

Yin Buqi’s long lashes fluttered.

He looked almost innocent as he leaned in, his fingers brushing against her cheek.

His voice, however, was unreasonably gentle.

“This is your punishment for sneaking away from me.”

Jiang Niannian: “…”

She felt so overwhelmed she was nearly cross-eyed.

“Niannian, do you like this?”

Amid her gasping breaths, she faintly heard Yin Buqi’s voice, laced with a dangerous edge.

“Niannian, will you still run?”

Jiang Niannian panted.

“No… I won’t run.”

“Really?”

“I won’t run. Not in this lifetime!”

Her voice carried a hint of exasperation, but within it, one could still hear affection and joy.

Hu Feishuang: “As soon as they leave, I’m throwing this chaise lounge out—far, far away! I never want to see it again in my life!”

—

Extra 5 – Wen Shili and His Disciple

“Everyone says you are the embodiment of righteousness, the True Monarch Qinghe who protects the human realm. But now, you point your sword at us, defenseless commoners!”

“Spare me, True Monarch! I have elders to care for and children to raise—I don’t want to die! Please, I beg you! I won’t do evil again! I swear I’ll change! Aaaahhh—”

Blood dripped from the sword in his hand, pooling on the ground.

Cries and wails filled the air.

“You imprisoned millions in the abyss, using forbidden techniques to extend my life at the cost of theirs. Just thinking that every medicine I took over the past thirty years was made from the lifeblood of others—it disgusts me!”

Wen Shili stared at the book in front of him, lost in thought.

“What does it mean to have the world in one’s heart and to understand righteousness? Immortal master, could you explain it to us in detail?”

The crowd looked upon the refined immortal before them, dressed in long flowing robes, his hair adorned with a jade crown, with a mixture of reverence and awe.

Yet Wen Shili showed no reaction.

His mind was filled with echoes of the past.

His sword was no longer a tool to protect the people—it had become a weapon of slaughter.

Because of his selfish desire to keep Jiang Ziyou alive, he had killed far too many.

He had thought that, after his death, he would be sent to the eighteenth level of hell, tortured and judged.

Never did he expect to still be “alive” in this way.

Closing the book, his eyelashes trembled slightly.

He merely said in a quiet tone, “The world belongs to its people. The future is theirs to decide. None of us can shape it by our will alone.”

With that, he picked up his book and left.

Wen Shili had always carried an air of celestial grace, his looks exceptionally handsome.

From a distance, he seemed a cold and otherworldly scholar.

Up close, however, there was a sharpness in his gaze that made him appear particularly distant and unapproachable.

“Immortal master, today’s class ended early!”

One of the observing women called out.

“Heading home to take care of your disciple?”

Wen Shili paused for a moment before answering, “Mm.”

Without another word, he walked away.

The woman blushed as she watched his retreating figure.

Nudging her companion, she whispered excitedly, “Did you notice? The immortal master seemed a lot gentler today! Do you think… maybe he has a tiny bit of affection for me?”

“What nonsense! He was obviously thinking about his disciple—that’s why his expression softened. What does that have to do with you?”

—

When Wen Shili returned home and opened the courtyard gate, the first thing he saw was his little disciple locked in a fierce tug-of-war—with a dog.

Then Jiang Ziyou suddenly shouted, “Enough talking, you audacious mutt! Take this!”

With a smooth sliding kick, he sent the dog rolling several times, successfully snatching back the cloth that had been torn in its mouth.

Wen Shili: “……”

Jiang Ziyou heard the noise and turned around.

Their eyes met.

“Master, why are you back so early today?”

Wen Shili glanced at the now-hole-ridden cloth in his disciple’s hand but said nothing.

Instead, he stepped forward and handed him a freshly bought oil-paper package of butter pastries.

“Class ended early today.”

Nian city was peaceful now; Wen Shili no longer needed to exorcise demons.

Instead, he took up teaching, earning spirit stones to support his disciple.

Jiang Ziyou set the cloth aside and eagerly took the warm pastries, biting into one with a crisp crunch.

The golden, flaky layers spilled a bit of hot oil, releasing an irresistible fragrance.

Savoring the taste, he exclaimed, “This is amazing! Master, do you want some?”

Wen Shili shook his head.

“I don’t need any.”

After Jiang Ziyou finished eating, Wen Shili pulled him onto his lap and gently wiped his mouth with a handkerchief.

His usually cold eyes softened slightly.

He reached out and patted Jiang Ziyou’s face.

“Why were you fighting with a dog? We’re not lacking anything at home.”

“It’s not that,” Jiang Ziyou huffed.

“I bought this cloth today at the market. I wanted to use it to make a few handkerchiefs for you, Master. But then that dog snatched it away.”

His face was filled with regret.

“You don’t need to do such things,” Wen Shili said.

“Oh…” Jiang Ziyou lowered his head in disappointment.

After a moment, he lifted it again.

“When I was learning swordsmanship before, Master always said the same thing—like no matter what I did, it wasn’t necessary.”

Wen Shili was momentarily stunned.

Seeing the hurt in Jiang Ziyou’s expression, he felt a pang in his heart.

Jiang Ziyou slipped off his lap and went inside, leaving the tattered cloth on the courtyard table.

He didn’t take it with him.

That night, as always, Wen Shili held Jiang Ziyou from behind as they slept.

Wen Shili’s body was always cold, while Jiang Ziyou’s was warm, like a little stove.

Drowsily half-asleep, Jiang Ziyou breathed evenly.

For a long time, Wen Shili lay awake, listening.

Then, slowly, he opened his eyes, got up, tucked the blanket around Jiang Ziyou, and quietly stepped outside.

The moment he left, Jiang Ziyou woke up.

For years, he had lived in the pain of his master’s death.

Now that his master was back, he couldn’t help feeling uneasy.

Pushing open the door, he saw Wen Shili sitting at the courtyard table, lost in thought.

At the sound of the door opening, Wen Shili turned.

Seeing Jiang Ziyou barefoot again, he frowned and picked him up.

“Why are you awake?”

“I wake up when Master isn’t here,” Jiang Ziyou said, studying his face.

“Master, are you thinking about the past?”

Wen Shili’s eyes wavered.

For the first time, a crack appeared in his cold exterior, revealing a moment of vulnerability.

After a long silence, he finally asked in a hoarse voice, “Were you… very disappointed in me?”

“For becoming that kind of person…?”

“No, Master,” Jiang Ziyou answered firmly.

“To me, you are still a great hero. And besides, you did it all for me.”

“You didn’t say that back then,” Wen Shili murmured.

“I was just upset at the time… Master, don’t take it to heart. You’ll always be the best person in my eyes.”

Wen Shili’s expression shifted.

“From now on, whatever you want to do, I will go along with you. I will stay by your side, alright?”

“Really?!” Jiang Ziyou’s eyes sparkled like polished obsidian.

“Really.”

“Master, you’re the best!”

Jiang Ziyou cried out joyfully, hugging Wen Shili tightly.

He clung to him for a long time before finally letting go, his eyes bright as fireworks, shimmering like two galaxies.

Wen Shili looked at him, smiling softly.

He gazed at him for a long while before snapping back to reality, his eyes slightly wet.

“Ziyou, I’m so glad you’re still here with me.”

—

Extra 6 – Yin Ci and Coalball

After Yin Ci’s return, they settled in Fengdu City since Coalball, being a sacred beast of the underworld, needed an environment rich in yin energy.

At first, Coalball was hesitant, unsure if Yin Ci could adapt to life here.

But Yin Ci told him—he would rather be surrounded by endless night and darkness.

The Reincarnation Technique came with consequences.

And Coalball bore the worst of them.

This time, the backlash hit him harder than ever.

He had been unconscious for three days.

Even in sleep, he seemed to be in pain, whimpering and gasping for breath.

Yin Ci, nearly driven mad with worry, refused to leave his side.

That evening, Coalball suddenly groaned, his brow furrowed in distress.

Yin Ci thought he was waking up, but after holding him for a long while, Coalball still didn’t open his eyes.

His forehead was covered in cold sweat, his head drooping weakly, eyelashes trembling.

His tiny paws grasped at Yin Ci, as if lost in fevered confusion.

Finally, Yin Ci lifted his chin slightly and saw him slowly open his eyes, breathless.

“Mate…” Coalball murmured weakly, “I missed you so much.”

The pain had muddled his mind—he thought he was still waiting for Yin Ci, and that the Yin Ci before him was just a dream.

Yin Ci stared at him in a daze, unable to say a single word.

Tears fell almost instantly, the beauty mark at the corner of his eye burning red.

He watched as Coalball reached out and touched his face.

In a soft voice, Coalball said, “Mate, I’m too tired. Let me sleep for a bit… just a little while… don’t go.”

Yin Ci never loosened his grip.

He watched as Coalball, weak and exhausted, fell asleep in his arms.

He barely dared to breathe too loudly, carefully wrapping his arms around Coalball’s frail shoulders.

Coalball’s sleep was restless.

Cold sweat beaded on his forehead, and his heartbeat was fast and erratic.

Yin Ci held him, unsure of what to do, gently rubbing his back until Coalball gradually calmed down and obediently nestled into his embrace.

Coalball felt as if he had slept for a long time, but in reality, it had only been a brief moment before he opened his eyes.

The two of them locked eyes in silence.

Coalball weakly pushed at Yin Ci’s shoulder, still curled up in his arms, and kept asking, “Is it you?”

Yin Ci stared at him for a long time before finally smiling and answering softly, his eyes bright, “Who else would it be?”

As the backlash of the Reincarnation technique faded and the pain subsided, Coalball fell into unconsciousness once more.

He couldn’t say a single word.

In a daze, he had a long dream.

When he woke, the first thing he saw was Yin Ci.

Just as he had always hoped.

…

A few days later.

Yin Ci placed some food on the table beside the bed.

Glancing at Coalball, who was sleeping in a completely disheveled position, he chuckled.

“That sleeping posture… I wonder who he takes after.”

He picked up a piece of osmanthus cake—Coalball’s favorite—and brushed it against Coalball’s lips.

“Wake up and eat.”

Coalball’s nose twitched.

His mouth opened, trying to bite the cake.

Yin Ci deliberately pulled it away.

Coalball, still half-asleep, muttered something unintelligible and reached out for the cake again.

Yin Ci pulled it even further.

Coalball kept chasing after it.

Yin Ci pulled it back again.

Coalball suddenly used his core strength to sit up, blinking drowsily as he woke.

Yin Ci watched his innocent expression and laughed.

“Mmm…” Coalball rubbed his eyes and stared directly at the food in Yin Ci’s hand.

“Ah—I want to eat osmanthus cake.”

The two of them sat close together, sharing the food.

But most of the time, it was Yin Ci feeding, and Coalball eating.

Yin Ci had matured a lot.

He was no longer the proud and aloof young man he once was—he had become steadier, more composed.

After finishing his portion, Coalball was still reluctant to part with the taste.

He grabbed Yin Ci’s hand and ate the last bits left in his palm.

Yin Ci liked this feeling—it gave him a deep sense of security.

Because he could completely control Coalball, hold him in his arms, and make him belong entirely to himself.

Coalball snuggled against him, making his heart melt.

Yin Ci couldn’t resist kissing his cheek.

“Why are you so good?”

Sitting at the bedside, Yin Ci tried to suppress the restlessness in his heart.

“I’m still sleepy…” Coalball murmured weakly, his face scrunched up as he mumbled.

Yin Ci’s pupils suddenly contracted.

“The Reincarnation Technique backlash again?”

Coalball looked at him pitifully.

“No…”

Hearing that, Yin Ci’s tense expression softened, and he let out a helpless chuckle.

How could he not understand now?

He sighed, “Then sleep a little longer?”

Coalball nodded, lying back down.

“You’re not allowed to go anywhere.”

“Alright.”

The two of them lay under the blanket.

Yin Ci gently patted Coalball’s back, distracting him from the lingering pain.

Holding him close, Yin Ci felt Coalball finally relax.

Exhausted, Coalball mumbled sleepily, “I’m going to sleep now. You can’t leave.”

Yin Ci tightened his embrace slightly and whispered back, “I know. Sleep well.”

(T/N:huhu…finallly this novel is complete)