The Demon Lord Only Wants to Follow the Script - Chapter 7

Chapter 7: Picking aFight

November 14th, 2022

TL Note:

First of all, thanks everyone for reading and for your comments! Its really nice and motivating to see that people are enjoying this.

And second, in terms of release schedule, Ive decided to continueshitting outreleasing new chapters at roughly this pace until the end of the non-VIP chapters (chapter 13), after which Ill be switching to a somewhat more sane bi-weekly release schedule.

The air was dead silent.

Although it wasnt the first time, the feeling of doing it while the victim was unconscious and doing it while the victim was awake was like night and day.

After allhe wasnt really a pervert.

Oh, right, Xie Huai wouldnt think that he was trying to pinch him to death, would he? Or maybe that his desires werent normal?

Fang Li pretended to be calm as he retracted his hand, glancing to the side without a trace. Sure enough, the incense burner on the table had gone out at some point A trace of vexation crept into his expression.

Xie Huai had truly woken up at a bad time.

Fang Li murmured under his breath, then said blandly, Your blankets slipped.

Saying that, he abruptly turned and left with big strides.

The System hadnt expected Xie Huai to suddenly awaken either, and it hadnt experienced any less of a scare than Fang Li. After calming down a bit, looking at the hosts somewhat rapid footsteps How rare. So even the host could get nervous!

Xie Huai watched Fang Lis departing figure, and his eyes darkened, pensive.

Fang Li lit the incense every night, and unless he himself fell asleep, he absolutely wouldnt approach He was clearly guarded toward him and wasnt a self-conceited person, but since he was so guarded against him, then why didnt he simply thoroughly cripple him and be done with it once and for all? Instead of choosing such a bothersome method filled with hidden dangers.

This was the first contradiction.

Fang Li in truth had no interest in him, yet he insisted on staying here night after night and pretending to care about him. Was it really only for the sake of humiliating the righteous cultivation sects? There were thousands upon thousands of ways to humiliate someone, there were plenty of dirtier and more ruthless methods. What need was there to stay in a room together? Going to this much trouble was truly over the top.

This was the second contradiction.

Xie Huai had remained here in order to kill this devil and eliminate harm from the world but in the time that theyd interacted, every time they got a bit closer, every time he understood a bit more, he would find that this person was the complete opposite of what hed imagined.

Although they were sharing a room, this person rarely spoke and never bothered him

Although they slept in the same bed, this person maintained propriety and never exceeded it by a hair.

Although he said he would make himself obey, hed never so much as touched him once.

Refined and polite, gentle and amicable.

He was like a mild and tranquil spring, so clear you could see the bottom at a glance, but sometimes more like an imperceptible fog, concealing everything in unknown depths, impossible to see through or grasp.

Everything that he did seemed to have a purpose, but on closer thought, also had no purpose at all.

Seemingly necessary, but in truth unnecessary.

And he slept beside him in this way night after night, and there were many times that Xie Huai felt a kind of illusion, that killing this person would be very easy.

So easy that there was no need to break through the seal, no need to pick a path of mutual destruction. All he needed to do was snap his neck while he was in the middle of a dream. Such a pale, wan, and fragile neck would be very easy to snap

Perhaps it was so simple and so easy that it seemed more like an obvious trap, leading Xie Huai to hesitate.

He suddenly felt an urge to probe

So at that moment when he shouldnt have opened his eyes, he did.

Yet that person hadnt subconsciously revealed any murderous intent, nor had he seized the opportunity to do anything dirty or improper hed only seemed a little at a loss, then pretended to be unruffled as he fled.

Xie Huai hadnt missed the split second of embarrassment in the others eyes.

Why had he been uncomfortable? Why had he avoided Xie Huai?

He could clearly follow his desires and do anything he wanted. There was no need to mind whether Xie Huai was awake or asleep and there was even less of a need to give him time to consider.

Yet hed instead left in that manner, looking a little bit pitiful, like a child whod been caught red-handed while secretly playing a prank.

Xie Huai had originally thought that his move could capture a hint of the truth hidden beneath those pretenses so that he could confirm his conjectures, so that he could prove that everything was part of that devils hidden schemes but it had only given birth to more doubts, more confusion.

It was like he was surrounded by dense fog, thinking that if he took a step forward, he would be able to see exactly what was concealed, but hed only trapped himself even deeper, and even the way back behind him had become blurrier and blurrier.

Shui Yaos right wrist was wrapped in gauze. Although Xie Huai hadnt held back at the time, Shui Yao was still a little spirit, and with the miraculous spirit medicines in the demon lords palace, his injury had actually recovered most of the way. But he still hadnt removed the bandage.

It was said that ever since Xie Huai had entered His Excellencys palace, His Excellency had stayed there night after night, as if he was monopolizing the lords favor

Shui Yao paced back and forth inside the room, growing more and more uneasy. Xie Huai really was too beautiful. Even if he didnt want to, he had to admit that when he had faced Xie Huai, he had felt a kind of shame about his own appearance

With someone like that around His Excellency day and night, could His Excellencys heartreally remain unmoved?

Shui Yao didnt believe it.

Irritably, he squeezed the cup in his hands until it shattered. Hed originally wanted to take the opportunity to eliminate Xie Huai, but who couldve known it would instead backfire and send Xie Huai to His Excellencys side If he still didnt make a move right now, he was afraid he wouldnt get the chance in the future.

Only, without His Excellencys summons, Shui Yao didnt really dare to request to see His Excellency on his own. If he angered His Excellency

Just as he was struggling to come to a decision, Feng Yin opened the door and entered.

He and Feng Yin had entered the demon lords palace at around the same time; their relationship was pretty good, and they had always supported each other. In the rear court where everyone harbored ulterior motives, only by forming alliances could one avoid becoming isolated and helpless, and he and Feng Yin were on the same side.

As soon as Feng Yin entered, he said anxiously, I heard Xie Huai has captivated His Excellency to the point that hes almost lost his soul.

Shui Yao was in the middle of worrying about precisely this, and he became even more resentful after hearing that. With a wave of his hand, he knocked the teapot on the table onto the ground, his chest heaving. I heard so too.

Feng Yin furrowed his brow and said, We cant sit here and wait for death.

How could Shui Yao not be thinking the same? But they couldnt even get close to His Excellency, so what could they do?

Feng Yin mulled it over for a long time, then suddenly said, Lets go see His Excellency.

Shui Yao suppressed the excitement in his chest and said anxiously, Have you forgotten, there was someone who had crooked thoughts and went to the lords palace in the past, pretending to chance upon him, but he only angered His Excellency and was directly sentenced to death.

Feng Yin clearly remembered this as well, and his face became pale. He seemed to retreat for a bit, but finally his ambition won out over his fear. He grit his teeth and said, That was because he overestimated himself, but youre different. Perhaps His Excellency wont be angered.

Shui Yaos heart skipped a beat. How am I different?

Feng Yin side-eyed him, his tone full of jealousy as he said, Dont play dumb. Everyone saw the way that His Excellency treated you that day, you couldnt not have a clue? When has His Excellency ever treated me that way? Besides, he even had you rest to recover from your injury and rewarded you with all kinds of miraculous cures

Shui Yaos cheeks reddened slightly, and he couldnt hide his delight. His lips twitched as he said, Perhaps that was only His Excellencys momentary whim

Feng Yins eyes were about to roll back into his head. Oh, please! There are so many beauties in the rear court, how come His Excellency never had any momentary whims in the past? Im telling you, its hard enough that His Excellencys taken an interest in you and treated you so well. Dont give up such a good opportunity. If you dont hurry and show your face in front of His Excellency, His Excellency might really get seduced by someone else and forget about you. By then you wont even have anywhere to cry!

Shui Yao bit his lip.

A ferocious look flashed past Feng Yins eyes. Dont hesitate. If it comes down to it, Ill go with you!

Shui Yao was finally moved. He was a little scared to go by himself, but if someone went with him, he felt a little better. Plus, Feng Yins words really did speak to his heart As expected, it wasnt just his own misconception; other people also thought that His Excellency had treated him differently.

Risk and reward went hand in hand. Shui Yao finally made up his mind.

He said, Alright.

Feng Yin finally smiled, saying, When you make it big, just dont forget about me.

Shui Yao covered his face and laughed. Of course I wont.

Pet lovers like them lived inside the rear court, which was situated in a corner of the demonic palace. Shui Yao and Feng Yin quietly slipped out with no one the wiser.

The two of them carefully made their way to the center of the palace. The buildings outside were extensive and cold, completely different from the romantic, charming style of the rear court. Even the black stone pathways emitted a stern air.

After walking for a short while, they arrived near the side palace hall. They could faintly hear a persons voice to one side, and the two immediately hid behind a fake rock. Not far away, they saw servants entering and exiting in a stream, carrying fine delicacies. Looking at this scene, Shui Yao and Feng Yin were so jealous their eyes became red.

Shui Yao said fiercely, That vixen!

This was supposed to be where Xie Huai lived. Everyone said that His Excellency had hidden him away in the side palace, where he passed heavenly days piled in fine clothes and luxurious feasts. Sure enough, Shui Yao was so bitter he was about to grind his teeth to dust.

Feng Yin was silent for a long time, then said, Seeing as were already at the side palace, just ahead should be where His Excellency lives.

Shui Yao said, Thats right. I bribed a guard once, His Excellencys palace is right there.

Feng Yin hurriedly said, You go see His Excellency, I wont go with you.

Shui Yao said in astonishment, Youre not coming?

Feng Yin cast him a sidelong glance, saying unhappily, If sparks start flying between you and His Excellency, am I supposed to stand to the side and watch? Youll be fine by yourself, Im not the kind of person who doesnt understand tact.

Those words resonated with Shui Yaos heart. Since they had already gotten here without a hitch, he didnt really want Feng Yin to disturb things, either, so he said, Alright, be careful.

Feng Yin nodded. Dont worry.

He watched Shui Yao walk forward. Then, his eyes flashed and he turned around, walking toward the side hall.

Xie Huai had finished dinner and was sitting by the large table in the room. He held a go piece in one hand, playing a match with himself.

Ever since hed left in a hurry, Fang Li hadnt returned even once in the past several days.

Why?

Was it because hed accidentally gotten too close while dreaming? Or because hed been caught red-handed in the middle of his little trick? Or perhaps was it merely because Xie Huai no longer had any value to make use of?

Was he not going to come anymore?

Xie Huais eyes darkened minutely, and he slightly pursed his lips. It wasnt that he minded whether Fang Li would come or not only that he was afraid he wouldnt have the opportunity to kill him.

Clink, the stone piece landed softly on the table surface.

Xie Huais expression was indifferent, his voice clear and cold. Whos there?

The window was blown open with a crash, and Feng Yin walked out from the shadows. He glazed coldly at Xie Huai, raising the corners of his mouth in a mocking voice, And here I thought you righteous cultivators were the courageous type. I didnt imagine you were just pretending to be virtuous. To think that the grand Yuyi-jun would also be willing to serve in bed.

Xie Huai looked at him steadily, with no trace of resentment on his face. He instead raised his eyes slightly. Oh, and?

Seeing that he remained unmoved, Feng Yin seemed flustered and said viciously, You dont have your cultivation right now, what do you have to be arrogant about?! Although he spoke this way, he seemed to have some anxieties and didnt dare act.

Xie Huai suddenly laughed and said, Why not come have some tea and take your time speaking.

Feng Yin hesitated for a long time, then said coldly, Whos afraid of who? You think I wouldnt dare to come over?

Saying that, he leapt into the room.

There was no one around them, and Feng Yins back was against the window, somewhat blocking it. His expression suddenly changed, and he revealed a concerned expression. Silently, he mouthed, Im worried about you.

Xie Huai was pensive as he looked at youth in front of him. The mindless jealousy was only a faade; he had looked for an opportunity to come see him on purpose, but Xie Huai didnt recognize him.

Feng Yin also knew that he needed to acquire Xie Huais trust. He advanced a step and dipped his finger in the tea to write two words on the table surface: Feng Ying.

Xie Huais expression shifted, pondering.

Seven years ago, Xiyuan provinces Red Scroll Faction1had been exterminated by the Ghost Moon Creed, a demonic sect, and the Red Scroll Factions leaders young son Feng Ying had been captured by demonic cultivators. Xie Huai had just happened to be traveling in Xiyuan, and after hearing about the matter, he and his sword had extinguished the Ghost Moon Creed. However, he hadnt been able to rescue the captured Feng Ying, and hed only thought that the child had already died.

Feng Ying suddenly lifted his sleeves and knelt on the ground, bowing deeply.

His eyes were reddened. At the time, after being kidnapped by the Ghost Moon Creed, theyd seen that his cultivation potential wasnt poor, and he looked fairly good, so theyd sold him to a Hehuan Sect2elder. The Hehuan Sect elder had personally trained him into a cultivation furnace and sent him into the demon lords palace to curry favor with the demon lord.

He hadnt been able to escape in all of those years, and later, it was already too late to leave. He was covered in filth, and he didnt have the face to confront the past, so he might as well simply sink further into the demonic path.

But he had always remembered that his familys blood debt had been paid for him by Yuyi-jun.

He hadnt thought that he would also have the chance to repay this favor.

Stroke by stroke, Feng Yin wrote on the floor, I have a way to send information outside. As long as you give the word, I wont hesitate to go to any length.

Xie Huai sank into silence for a moment, then said, I understand.

Feng Yin stood up and rubbed his eyes, so stirred up that his hands were faintly trembling. In truth, he had been extremely worried that Xie Huai wouldnt believe him, or that he would look down on his current state Thank goodness that Xie Huai hadnt.

Xie Huai said slowly, You took too big of a risk.

Regardless of whether Feng Yin was sincere or not, visiting so brashly was exceedingly dangerous and was putting himself at risk.

Feng Yin also knew that he had been impulsive.

If he hadnt truly been too worried about Yuyi-jun, afraid that his benefactor wouldnt be able to withstand the demon lords torment, he wouldnt have taken this risk and revealed himself.

Seeing that Yuyi-jun was unharmed right now, he also relaxed.

I cant stay here. If you have any matters, please give the order, Feng Yin said in the quietest voice possible, then suddenly retreated a step and raised his voice sharply, Dont be so pleased with yourself. His Excellency is simply seeking novelty, hell get sick of you soon!

Fang Li sat in the study, reading.

These days, he hadnt gone over to Xie Huais, but hed instructed his servants not to treat him poorly. Actually, missing a few nights probably shouldnt be a big deal. Right now, who didnt know that he doted on Xie Huai?

As long as the result was the same, it was fine.

Fang Li read until he started to get tired, closing his eyes and dozing off lightly. Hed promised to give Xie Huai time to consider, yet hed taken advantage of him while was asleep to get close, and had even tried to pinch his neck What would Xie Huai think of him?

He didnt want to spoil this hard-won equilibrium because of a momentary lapse.

Fang Li sighed faintly and pressed his forehead. Suddenly, a shadow landed beside him and spoke quietly.

This was the secret guard hed left by Xie Huais side, reporting to him that someone had come to seek Xie Huai for trouble. It looked like in this period of time that hed favored Xie Huai, there really were a few people who couldnt sit still.

After searching through his memories for a bit, Fang Li shook his head.

Feng Yin, the cultivation furnace that the Hehuan Sect elder had sent over.

Only, he didnt know if these actions were for the sake of the Hehuan Sect, or if he had another purpose?

If he was handling something for the Hehuan Sect, that wouldnt be strange, but why had he left Shui Yao behind to go see Xie Huai? It couldnt be that his mind had really been muddled by jealousy? Interesting

Fang Li lowered his eyes pensively for a few moments, then a smile suddenly stretched across his face. Who cared what his purpose was? If Feng Yin wanted to visit, then he could go ahead. As long as Xie Huai was here beside him and could accompany him in following the script, he could turn a blind eye to everything else and happily take it easy.

Besides, the script hadnt mentioned this part. He wasnt too clear exactly what role Feng Yin played, so it was better not to concern himself too much with extraneous matters.

Fang Li waved his hand. Enough, dont bother with it.

The secret guard abruptly disappeared.

Fang Li stood up and pushed the door open to leave.

The System who had been silent for several days suddenly woke up.

System: Host, where are you going?

Fang Li: Someone already came to find trouble for Xie Huai. If this lord just sits by, wouldnt it look like Im not paying enough attention to him?

System: Youre right, host! Host, youre so smart! Thank heavens, the host was finally willing to go see Xie Huai!

Fang Li laughed and shook his head.

As soon as he went out the door, he saw Shui Yao coming over. As soon as Shui Yao saw Fang Li, he revealed the expression of a beautiful, lovable consort and said with coquettish indignation, Your Excellency, did Your Excellency forget Yaor?!

The beautys wrist was wrapped in bandages. Logically, the injury should have already healed, but it looked like he didnt want Fang Li to forget and was reminding him

Fang Li raised the corner of his mouth in amusement.

In Yan Suis memories, the pet lovers in his rear court would never dare to be this bold and were quiet as could be, not even daring to breathe too loudly when they saw him He had only been here for a few days, and there was already someone bold enough to come to his door to seek favor. He was afraid hed given them a misconception that he shouldnt have given them, leading them to think they could be presumptuous.

Fang Li didnt like to do things that wasted peoples time.

He glanced down at Shui Yao from above and said blandly, I didnt forget.

His Excellency saying that he hadnt forgotten should have been a happy thing, but Shui Yao looked into Fang Lis eyes. They looked gentle, but they didnt have a shred of warmth. Suddenly, a chill went down his spine His expression slowly froze, and his lips began to tremble faintly.

Shui Yao suddenly realized that hed become muddle-headed and had done something that he shouldnt have done.

Fang Li gave a soft laugh. If theres a next time, you neednt bother going back.

After saying that, he walked past Shui Yao and left.

Shui Yaos entire body knelt limply on the ground, barely able to crawl upright. He didnt understandHis Excellency had obviously been so gentle, so special toward him. Why was it that in just a few days time, hed become so cold and callous, just like His Excellency from before?

Could it be that it really was all his own imagination?

After handling the cannon fodder who didnt know how to use his eyes, Fang Li ambled leisurely into Xie Huais courtyard. As soon as he entered, he saw Feng Yin push open the door and fly out in a rage, cursing as he walked, as if he loathed and disdained this righteous sect cultivator

It looked like hed arrived at the perfect time.

Fang Li lowered his eyes. According to the script, at this point, Yan Sui should have already fallen for Xie Huai, and moreover, this work had a central theme that ran through the whole book from start to finish, which was

No matter how much Yan Sui humiliated or tormented Xie Huai, nobody else could touch even a fingertip of Xie Huais, or they would die.

Thinking about it, had Feng Yin actually touched one of Xie Huais fingertips or not? Listening to the report, it sounded like hed just gone a round of cursing? And it sounded like he hadnt actually gotten anywhere with his cursing?

In that case the death penalty wasnt necessary. Some punishment would be hard to avoid, probably.

Fang Li cleared his throat, his expression cold and indifferent as he said to the demonic servant beside him, Be more attentive. Dont let just anyone in anymore. In the future, if anyone dares to disrespect Yuyi-jun again, kill without mercy. As for him

He lowered his eyes to glance at Feng Yin. His next words hadnt yet come out when the door opened with a creak. Xie Huai appeared, tall and slender in his white robes, his expression cold and apathetic like freezing snow on a high mountain. He said slowly, I have no right to comment on how Your Excellency handles your people, but if its for my sake, then its unnecessary. Your Excellencys deep favor, I cant afford to receive.

Truly cold and ruthless. It seemed like he didnt care about Feng Yin the slightest and only hated Fang Lis actions.

It was pretty consistent with Xie Huais character profile, but was that really all?

Although, Fang Li had no intention of executing Feng Yin from the start.

He took advantage of the opportunity to neglect Feng Yin, dripping with a cold, tyrannical air as he said, Seeing as you belong to this lord, naturally, other than this lord, no one is allowed to slight you. Even if youre unwilling, you have no choice but to receive it.

Xie Huai gave him a tranquil look, then spit out two words from his thin lips. Suit yourself.

Having said that, he turned and left.

The highest level of disdain was to ignore someone, to look without seeing, to treat the other party like air.

And right now, Xie Huai truly was treating him just like air.

Fang Li was beyond delighted to be treated like air. He hoped Xie Huai could stay just like this through thick and thin, but right now he was the demon lord, and he absolutely couldnt leave with his tail between his legs, or that would be cramping the style of a demon lord.

If it was behind closed doors then he could just forget it, but right now there were people watching, and he couldnt neglect his reputation.

Fang Li appeared to be infuriated. He abruptly stepped forward and tightly gripped Xie Huais wrist! And pressed him against the door! He said in a sinister voice, Who allowed you to speak to this lord like that? It looks like this lord will have to help you improve your memory.

A violent, cold-blooded, ruthless, exceedingly possessive, perverted demon lord. Fang Li was beginning to get a feeling for the act. He tightened his grip on his wrist and was just about to drag Xie Huai into the room, but then

Xie Huais thin lips curled and he leaned close to Fang Lis ear, his cool and clear voice flowing, Is that so? How exactly does Your Excellency intendto improve my memory?

Fang Li, ?

It felt like he was being challenged!

The Author Has Something to Say:

Author: Its said, its said~ that wanting to understand someone, is the beginning of love.

Xie Huai:

1Red Scroll Faction () Red ink is associated with imperial edicts and also talismans and stuff

2Hehuan Sect Im leaving this one untranslated because ahem it isthecultivation sex cult signature, after all