1. Fallen Immortal

Ding—

Ding Ding—

A pleasant ringing sound came from the top floor, catching the attention of countless patrons.

 

The music in the Pin Feng Lou abruptly stopped, and the patrons turned to look, only to be captivated by a pair of dazzling, exquisite jade legs.

A faint golden thread outlined a phoenix feather on the girl’s calf.

The bell that made the sound was tied to her delicate ankle with a red string.

The girl wore a red dress with jade embroidery, a spirit fox mask half-covering her phoenix-like face. Her calves were wrapped in snow-white stockings with floral embroidery, and her fair jade feet stepped on the stairs with the lightness of a fairy walking on lotus petals, starkly contrasting with the worldly and vulgar environment of Pin Feng Lou.

The patrons were all guessing whose precious treasure this girl might be.

After all, Pin Feng Lou was not a proper establishment.

The girl was beautiful and dressed elegantly. More awe-inspiring was the pair of bells on her feet, engraved with the Grand Tutor’s insignia.

Who in Luo City didn’t know about the Grand Tutor’s residence?

 

On the land of the current Da Xia Dragon Dynasty, anything engraved with the Grand Tutor’s insignia was for the exclusive use of the Grand Tutor’s residence—including people.

“Bai Ling Pavilion Master?!”

“The old woman failed to welcome you from afar. I didn’t know you would grace this vulgar place today.”

The madam from the top floor almost ran over, bowing obsequiously.

 

The jade-faced girl squinted her phoenix eyes slightly, her gaze tracing and locking onto a refined room behind the madam.

“Is my young master playing here?”

“Yes, but the young master is only drinking plain tea and hasn’t even ordered a dancer… It shouldn’t break your house rules, right?”

The madam cautiously probed.

Under the spirit fox mask, the girl’s red lips curled into a reassuring smile: “Of course, it doesn’t break any rules.”

“Then why are you here?”

“Don’t be nervous. My young master was scolded at home during the day and felt wronged.”

She smiled sweetly: “I’m here to cheer him up with a dance~”

 

With that, the girl turned around to show off her meticulously dressed Western Region dance skirt.

“?”

The madam wondered if she had misheard.

 

Bai Ling Pavilion Master was one of the nine most esteemed masters on the road. Countless dignitaries sought her favor, and even when elders from immortal sects visited, they had to kneel at her feet to discuss business…

How could such a woman humble herself to please a wasteful young master with a terrible reputation in Luo City?

“Miss, please don’t tease this old woman…”

The madam awkwardly smiled.

The girl’s smiling lips gradually grew impatient.

 

“Do you think you have the emotional value for me to tease?”

Under the spirit fox mask, her phoenix eyes pierced through hearts coldly.

 

The madam broke out in a cold sweat, not daring to speak.

The jade-faced girl walked to the elegant room where the Grand Tutor’s seventh young master was and raised an eyebrow:

“What are you standing there for?”

“Aren’t you the madam of Pin Feng Lou? Please make sure to introduce my new Western Region dancer to my young master later.”

She smiled charmingly, her beautiful eyes curving into a celestial visage once more.

—

He Yimo had been soaking in Pin Feng Lou drinking tea all day.

Ever since he reincarnated as a cannon fodder villain in the game “Fallen Immortal,” He Yimo had been playing the role of the Grand Tutor’s wasteful seventh young master.

This year, he was sixteen years old.

 

According to the plot of his previous life in “Fallen Immortal,” at sixteen, He Yimo would die at the hands of a fairy named Mo Yuyan.

Mo Yuyan was a sword genius from Wuji Sect and one of the most popular female protagonists in “Fallen Immortal.”

She was taught by the sect master and visited the Grand Tutor’s residence this morning, representing Wuji Sect’s intentions.

Cooperating with such an immortal sect should have been a joyous event for the Grand Tutor’s residence.

But for He Yimo, it was a funeral.

He wasn’t born into a good family; he reincarnated as a cannon fodder villain seventh young master.

Villains meeting female protagonists were like goblins meeting saints.

Moreover, he was just a minor character cannon fodder.

 

According to his previous life’s memory, in “Fallen Immortal,” the two most likely ways he would die were both related to Mo Yuyan.

Either he would offend Mo Yuyan at the Grand Tutor’s residence and be killed with one sword strike.

Or he would be taken up the mountain by Mo Yuyan, join Wuji Sect, and then encounter the main character of the plot, who would explode his equipment.

Anyway, meeting that woman never ended well.

So He Yimo chose to run away from home on the day Mo Yuyan visited the Grand Tutor’s residence.

 

If he couldn’t provoke her, couldn’t he avoid her?

He Yimo was already playing the role of a playboy young master; no one would suspect him of hanging out at Pin Feng Lou for a few days.

He was only sixteen years old this year, still very young.

Reincarnated as a young master in the Grand Tutor’s residence, He Yimo not only had immense power and resources but also secretly harbored mysterious Western Region demon blood!

This heavenly start made it too wasteful to give equipment to the main character!

 

If he changed the script and let He Yimo hide in the Grand Tutor’s residence in the early stages, enjoying endless resources for a few years until his cultivation was complete before emerging, then awakening his hidden demon bloodline in one fell swoop. Utilizing He Yimo’s control over his previous life’s plot, he could punch villain bosses to explode equipment and step on main characters to seize opportunities…

“By then, why fear Mo Yuyan?”

“Innate Cold Resistance Sacred Body? I’d find her too cold even for warming my bed.”

In the elegant room, the youth in luxurious clothes smiled coldly, picked up his teacup, and took a sip.

Due to the Grand Tutor’s family rules, He Yimo never touched women at Pin Feng Lou; he purely drank tea.

He wasn’t always so honest from a young age.

 

In the past, He Yimo had been curious and couldn’t resist temptation; he once indulged himself by touching a dancer sister.

But that night when he returned home, his aunt smelled wild women’s scent on him and used it as leverage to threaten He Yimo with telling his father.

He Yimo feared his father’s merciless iron palm.

 

He didn’t dare resist and was under his aunt’s thumb for a long time. During the day, he accompanied her shopping; at night, he had to fetch water for her foot bath.

What a disgrace for a villain!

What noble young master would let himself be bullied by a girl like this?

“Yuan Xinyao must be part dog; that’s why her nose is so keen.”

He Yimo couldn’t help but mutter sarcastically.

 

But just as he finished speaking, someone pushed open the door of his elegant room—

“Young Master He, sorry to disturb you.”

The madam smiled apologetically as she brought in an exquisite dancer dressed in jade-embroidered attire.

He Yimo inexplicably felt his neck grow cold because beneath that spirit fox mask lay icy eyes.

 

“What’s this about?”

He Yimo raised an eyebrow in confusion: “I don’t have money to order dancers… And did she just glare at me?”

“No no no.”

 

The madam’s expression was awkward but still forced out a smile: “This lady is our newly recruited Western Region dancer at Pin Feng Lou! Young Master can just enjoy her dance as a favor to this old woman without any charge.”

As she finished speaking, even though she smiled faintly under her jade mask while nodding politely back towards him – all traces of chill vanished from within those fox-like eyes which softened into something warmer yet more mysterious than before…

“What’s there worth watching?”

“It’s like chopping board material – don’t you know I prefer something with weight?”

 

He Yimo lounged leisurely sideways while dismissively waving away such pleasantries; understanding full well how pretty dancers resembled thorny roses…

Seeing too much led only towards desire clouding judgment!

He wasn’t truly dismissive due solely towards her small chest size…

 

It stemmed instead from fearing his aunt’s dog-like nose which could lead towards eternal regret if caught again leading back into foot-washing duties…

“Oh dear! Young Master must be seeing things!”

 

Tonight’s madam seemed particularly uneasy; hearing how He ridiculed their new recruit caused beads sweat trickling down heavily painted face…

“This old woman shall not intrude further – please take time conversing privately between yourselves.”

 

Hurriedly excusing herself whilst ushering dancer inside before retreating hastily outside closing door behind them…

Leaving only spirit fox-masked girl alone together within elegant room alongside He himself…

 

“Forget it.”

“Miss should save effort sitting here sharing few cups tea before leaving afterwards.”

Sighing resignedly whilst gesturing politely towards seat across table…

 

Yet opposite remained standing still unmoving voice carrying cold undertone:

 

“Does Young Master refuse dance because dislikes small chest?”

Asking pointedly whilst subtly squeezing arms together emphasizing slight curves beneath light attire…

 

“Joking merely won’t strike sore spot surely?”

Chuckling lightly whilst casually observing exquisite dancer standing before him:

“To be honest – someone possessing such refined grace coupled alongside breathtaking beauty wouldn’t likely belong within brothel walls… Raised carefully within noble household perhaps?”

“Furthermore judging from Madam’s fearful reaction earlier suggests holding considerable authority therefore whoever sent must possess significant status themselves…”

“Regardless since unable touch nor enjoy performance – what purpose serves?”

“I’m merely common vulgarian; should seek out those appreciating artistry sharing tea instead.”

Unabashedly voicing analysis aloud…

 

He remained renowned wasteful seventh son; women seeking favor desired wealth power alone yet presence such esteemed beautiful dancer offering herself seemed contrary intentions…

Otherwise why glare upon entering room unprovoked?

 

Moreover…

Vaguely familiar sense emanated from beneath spirit fox mask reminding distinctly unlike ordinary women encountered previously!

 

“Benefactor? Literati gentlemen?”

Listening intently towards He’s deductions couldn’t help tilting head slightly amusement mingling disdain within smile hidden beneath mask:

“Young Master certainly possesses vivid imagination.”

“Yet unaware countless officials scholars admire this girl never having opportunity glimpse even once!”

Smiling wryly lips curling upwards displaying confidence pride exuding naturally…

 

But soon enough phoenix-like eyes curved seductively forming alluring arc:

“If Young Master doubts perhaps personally verify oneself?”

“This girl understands.”

 

 

Narrowing phoenix eyes teasingly:

“Though outwardly disdainful truthfully fears succumbing charm yet hesitant daring act due perceived status?”

Speaking softly approaching closer towards He himself…

 

Unable respond momentarily stunned realizing how accurately understood male thoughts…

Gently lifting hem robe deliberately revealing glimpse white jade leg beneath skirt fabric…

 

“No need worry – tonight may serve Young Master first.”

“Once tasted assurance granted perform dance afterwards appreciating artistry properly?”

Last words spoken almost leaning down whispering directly into ear…

 

Sultry voice resonating deeply causing involuntary shiver running throughout body turning ears bright red instantly…

Furrowing brows struggling internally…

Yet gently cradling face forcing direct eye contact instead…

 

Unable escape caught within mesmerizing gaze emanating from beneath spirit fox mask golden phoenix-like eyes ensnaring soul entirely!

Such captivating gaze capable drawing one deeper like falling love breathtaking dancer herself!

 

“Mm-hmm~”

“Wasn’t Young Master worried about deception earlier?”

“How come after mere few words already entranced staring intently?”

 

Licking lips lightly concealing smile beneath sleeve displaying smug satisfaction quietly laughing softly…

Gently lifting jade leg suggestively gesturing enticingly…

Though outwardly resisting internally honest hand remained sincere enough…

Gradually caressing jade leg feeling soft skin pressing against palm simultaneously causing slight gasp escaping involuntarily beneath spirit fox mask biting lip nervously suppressing moan…

Curiously glancing upwards meeting gaze once more…

Yet blushing face revealed only awkward polite smile remaining poised gracefully:

“Doesn’t Young Master enjoy such ambiance?”

 

“Indeed part performance too?” Raising brow coolly questioning intent hidden beneath demeanor

Unfazed expression unable confirm nor deny choosing instead mysterious smile:

 

“What does Young Master think?”

“I suspect preserving purity untouched rarely experiencing male touch previously yet tonight compelled completing task requiring sacrifice unwillingly offering opportunity?”

“Young Master truly enjoys imagining scenarios doesn’t one—merely acting after all.”

Continuing unfazed smile despite probing inquiry

 

“Really? Then allow further verification?”

Chuckling coldly tone shifting cautiously playful amusement

 

Fingers trailing gently along jade leg slowly rhythmically downward caressing

Observing intently fingertips gliding across silky smooth skin beneath spirit fox mask slowly shifting demeanor gradually transforming from aloof disdain towards bashful blush eventually even subtly trembling visible beneath lips biting softly revealing faint hint fangs

 

“Impressive acting skills Miss possesses huh?”

Continuing knowingly teasing further

 

But next moment peripheral vision caught glimpse golden embroidered phoenix feather pattern adorning calf beneath skirt fabric

Lighthearted expression gradually stiffening upon realization

Childhood memories deeply ingrained within bones causing eyelids twitch inexplicably

Such tattoo-like patterns weren’t uncommon representing racial markings appearing upon demon clans transforming human form

Yet golden phoenix feather pattern specifically located upon calf only witnessed once within Grand Tutor’s residence vividly remembered ever since

Once spent entire month washing feet belonging owner possessing these phoenix-marked jade legs

No one understood deeper significance behind these legs better than He himself!

 

“Young Master why suddenly stop touching?”

“Could it be guessed benefactor raising since childhood perhaps?”

“Oh dear! Puppet master orchestrating seduction behind scenes couldn’t possibly turn out being seventh son residing within Grand Tutor’s residence could it?”

This time round deliberately feigning surprise teasing provocatively

This time round leaving He himself drenched sweat nervously

 

Jade-faced girl snorted coldly lifting skirt abruptly raising leg placing white silk stocking-clad foot firmly against wall behind He himself

Glancing sideways discovering red string tied bell dangling mere inches away beside face

Ding Ding—

Bell jingling softly following movements graceful foot

 

Prize awarded winning first place Luo City Youth Martial Arts Competition aged seven: [Luo Fei Bell]

Later gifted aunt expressing gratitude teaching martial arts returning home presenting bell token appreciation

 

Upon closer inspection bell engraved symbolizing Grand Tutor’s residence [He] character yet inner side discreetly inscribed [Yi Mo] characters

“Yuan Xinyao.”

“Could this also constitute entrapment strategy perhaps?”

Lips twitching resigned expression directed towards jade-faced girl

 

Yuan Xinyao removing spirit fox mask revealing pure radiant youthful face:

“If indeed entrapment strategy then congratulations!”

 

“He Yi Mo aside from secretly insulting aunt being dog small-chested everything else performance remains satisfactory according expectations. Although uncertain source learning leg-touching technique nevertheless refrained easily deceived wicked women entranced demonstrating progress compared fourteen-year-old self.”

“But…”

“If not entrapment strategy instead aunt fetching runaway foolish nephew returning home then?”

Words spoken gently comforting smile gradually fading away

 

Leaving He Yi Mo’s expression once again stunned bewildered

Lowering eyelids ceasing playful teasing

Gently caressing youthful face voice turning tender jade visage reflecting genuine concern:

“He Yi Mo.”

“From childhood although mischievous rascal frequently causing trouble…”

 

“Nevertheless within aunt’s heart outwardly frivolous inherently considerate thoughtful obedient child.”

“You should know.”

“This morning Wuji Sect fairy visiting Grand Tutor’s residence elders speaking favorably hoping fairy agrees taking mountain cultivating…”

“Yet choosing hiding away avoiding everyone here.”

“—Could you tell aunt why?”