Reborn as a succubus - Chapter 24

Xi Che’s injuries weren’t serious  he had only coughed up blood because of the Vermilion Bird’s powerful cry. After Chu Yan had infused him with spiritual energy for a while, he quickly recovered.

In truth, he ought to thank his current incubus body. Since such beings naturally draw power from others to survive, his system absorbed outside spiritual energy far more easily. Otherwise, Chu Yan’s energy might have caused him pain instead of healing.

What surprised him most was how perfectly Chu Yan controlled his strength. Their levels were worlds apart, yet the flow of Chu Yan’s energy felt like a gentle stream of water running through his veins, dispersing softly before merging into his own.

Even the timing was flawless, precise and practiced, like the touch of a master physician.

Xi Che wondered about it for a moment, but since it wasn’t something important, he let the thought fade.

He had actually woken up some time ago, lying still with his eyes closed, not daring to move. A cool, pleasant fragrance surrounded him, stirring up old memories.

It was the scent unique to the Jade Palace, Chu Yan carried it too, faint but unmistakable. Not all deities bore fragrance; Chu Yan’s soul originated from a jade spirit, and the entire Jade Palace was built from jade stone. It was said that beautiful jade gives off a natural scent and clearly, this was true.

Xi Che had only been able to speak so boldly earlier because of the anger driving him. Now that he’d calmed down, the closer he felt to Chu Yan, the more uneasy he became. Even without opening his eyes, he could sense Chu Yan’s presence — the hand holding his, the gaze fixed on him making him too nervous to face it directly.

What should he say first?
“Long time no see”? That sounded too distant.
Or “You haven’t changed”? That one was warmer and more natural. Yes… that would do.

He was still debating when the smell of food drifted in, and Chu Yan’s voice quietly said, “You can come out now.” Footsteps followed, fading away.

Curious, Xi Che cracked his eyes open, only to meet Chu Yan’s gaze head-on.

Chu Yan was looking down at him with a faint smile, as if saying, Finally awake?

Ah… right. Chu Yan wasn’t someone he could fool by pretending to sleep — not before, and certainly not now.

Realizing this, Xi Che felt embarrassed. He quickly recalled his chosen opening line, but when he spoke, the words slipped:

“You’ve gotten old.”

…Wait. What?! Why did he say that!

Chu Yan blinked and touched his own face. “Have I?”

His serious reaction made Xi Che wish the floor would swallow him. He stammered, face burning from his hairline to his toes:
“No, no… I meant you haven’t changed! That’s what I—uh—meant…”

Chu Yan didn’t seem offended. His thoughts were elsewhere anyway. He watched Xi Che for a long moment, then, seeing him looking down with that flustered expression, reached out and patted his head gently.

“You haven’t changed either,” he said softly.

Xi Che froze, a quiet warmth spreading through his chest and yet beneath it was sadness. Him? Still the same? How could that be, looking at what he’d become now…

“Are you hungry? Want something to eat?”

Only then did Xi Che notice the aroma again and glance toward the table, a full meal had been laid out.

“You made this?” he asked.

“You came from far away,” Chu Yan said. “I thought you’d be hungry, so I had someone prepare it.”

Xi Che frowned slightly. “Wait how did you know I’d come? Or do all candidates for the inheritance get treated to dinner like this?”

The spread looked far too refined for that. Every dish perfectly balanced, each plate an artwork.

Chu Yan hesitated before replying, “No. I asked them to make it while you were asleep.”

So he had done it himself. Xi Che nodded awkwardly. “Ah… I see. Well, I am hungry.”

Chu Yan led him to the table. Once seated, Xi Che didn’t hold back, he picked up a translucent little dumpling and popped it into his mouth. It burst with flavorful broth.

Hmm… looks like Chu Yan’s fine with my new form after all.

“Ha! Offering food for no reason always means trouble,” the White Tiger’s voice suddenly echoed in his mind.

It had been silent since they entered the Jade Palace. Now it spoke again, dripping with sarcasm. The tiger always tried to stir discord between Xi Che and Chu Yan, magnifying any hint of displeasure.

Xi Che, noticing Chu Yan’s eyes on him, forced a smile. “Where’d you find such a good chef? This is amazing.”

A faint smile curved Chu Yan’s lips, enough to make Xi Che’s heart skip. His eyes, always somewhere between aloof and inviting, seemed to catch the light just right no wonder he usually kept such a calm expression; one smile could easily be misunderstood.

Xi Che said nothing more, focusing on his food. Chu Yan quietly watched him, fingers twitching slightly on his knee. He’d never felt so uncertain before, a simple urge rising inside him: he wanted to hold this person.

Hold him in his true form.

“Uh… why are you staring at me like that?” Xi Che mumbled without looking up. “Is it because of how I turned into an incubus?”

Chu Yan finally looked away. “No. But you could tell me what really happened.”

“It’s a long story… pity there’s no wine. I’ve got questions too. Why don’t you fetch some, and we’ll talk over drinks?”

Chu Yan paused, then nodded. “All right. Wait here.”

Xi Che raised an eyebrow. “You even have wine in the palace?”

“Not here but I’ll find some.”

With that, Chu Yan stood and left, disappearing in a shimmer of light.

As soon as he was gone, Xi Che slumped back into his chair, swinging his legs and humming while he picked at the dishes, clearly pleased with himself.

The White Tiger grumbled again, “Don’t get too happy. He’s up to something. First he hits you, now he feeds you? Can’t you see what’s happening?”

Xi Che picked up a delicate pastry and waved it. “You call this a trap?” He popped it into his mouth, chewing happily. “You’re blind.”

“You fool, always choosing affection over reason.”

“You’re the fool,” Xi Che cut in. “I told you not to fight that bird. If it hadn’t tried to attack you, I wouldn’t have been hurt.”

The tiger huffed and went silent, curling up inside his spiritual sea to sleep.

Xi Che was still eating when hurried footsteps echoed outside. A voice called, “My Lord! My Lord, have you already chosen that person as—”

The voice stopped short. The newcomer froze, staring at Xi Che.

It was the old man Xi Che had seen earlier on the Heavenly Stair — likely Chu Yan’s attendant.

Xi Che smiled politely. “God of light went out. Did you need him for something?”

The man — Dream Master — stiffened. Who is this?

He’d only joined Chu Yan after Xi Che had vanished from the Netherworld, so he had no idea who this stranger was. And now, in the form of a charming incubus, Xi Che didn’t resemble his former self at all.

Dream Master’s expression soured. This was the Jade Palace — apart from God of light, he was the one in charge here. How dare this unknown person speak to him so casually?

Then he remembered — wasn’t this the person God of light had carried up the Heavenly Stair?

The thought struck him like lightning. No… this can’t be good!

This man — beautiful, improper, with that air of mischief — didn’t look like a successor at all. More like… a captured favorite.

And look at this feast! Meat dishes everywhere — disgraceful! Dream Master prided himself on his asceticism. The Jade Palace had always been pure, scented only with divine fragrance — not roast lamb!

This was terrible. If lord Ming Zhao kept indulging this “guest,” he’d lose his dignity entirely!

Dream Master’s lips trembled with outrage as he glared at Xi Che.

Xi Che blinked back, confused. “Um… do you still need something?”

Dream Master said nothing. He turned sharply, snorted, and swept away with a whirl of his sleeves.

He knew well — once someone fell into temptation, persuasion was useless. He had thought returning the Dream-Stone meant lord Ming Zhao had freed himself from desire, but clearly, he’d only found another outlet.

No this couldn’t continue. Only one person could bring him back to the right path.

Dream Master left the Jade Palace, face full of solemn purpose, heading for Danchi Palace, home of the Law-God Zhu Wu.

Of all the gods remaining above the Netherworld, only Zhu Wu might still have the authority to stop this.

Back inside, Xi Che just blinked at the old man’s dramatic exit, entirely lost.

Well, whatever. Not his problem. He set his chopsticks down, thinking that maybe he should stop eating before Chu Yan came back. It wouldn’t look great if he was too full.

The White Tiger, still sulking, stayed quiet until Xi Che finally said, “All right, I was too harsh earlier. Don’t be mad, okay? It’s all that bird’s fault anyway — always picking fights with you. Typical troublemaker.”

The tiger gave a short snort. “Hmph. At least you know.”

“Why don’t you come out for a bit?” Xi Che offered. “Chu Yan’s gone, and that bird isn’t here either.”

Easily placated, the White Tiger emerged from his spirit sea, taking the form of a small cub on the table. Xi Che smiled, scooped him up, and rubbed his ears.

“Look at you — mighty beast of legend, yet so petty.”

The tiger tolerated it, tail flicking. He only ever got truly angry when it involved the Vermilion Bird; otherwise, Xi Che could coax him out of any mood.

He was still petting the cub when footsteps sounded again. Instinctively, he looked up, smiling — finally, Chu Yan was back.

But instead, a figure in deep violet robes entered.

Xi Che’s smile froze. The newcomer’s face was severe, his aura sharp and violent. The moment he saw Xi Che — and then the White Tiger in his arms, his expression twisted into fury.

“Asas!”

Startled, Xi Che tried to back away but slipped off the chair, hitting the ground. The White Tiger landed lightly beside him.

“Zhu… Zhu Wu…” he stammered.

It was the Law-God himself.

Now that the White Tiger had taken physical form, any old friend could recognize him at once. No matter what Xi Che’s body looked like now, his soul had not changed.

Zhu Wu’s black hair rose behind him like living tendrils, his anger shaking the air. Raising his staff high, he thundered—

“You dare return? You still have the face to come back? Prepare yourself!”