In the blink of an eye, autumn arrived, and Zhai Bairong’s monotonous life at the apothecary finally saw some changes.
First, while he was refining basic pills in the public geothermal room one day, a senior alchemist from the back hall happened to pass by. Curious about the temporary alchemist whom many juniors claimed had secured his position through back-door connections, the elder paused to observe. With a single glance, he recognized Zhai Bairong’s extraordinary talent and could not resist offering a few pointers.
Though it was not quite a profound moment of enlightenment from ancient texts, those few words were immensely beneficial to Zhai Bairong. The elder was even more surprised to see how quickly the young man grasped his meaning. Having been an alchemist at the apothecary for centuries, he could not help but ask if Zhai Bairong intended to stay permanently; if so, he was willing to teach him even more.
Zhai Bairong had already decided not to linger, so he politely declined without much thought. The senior was disappointed but did not push the matter. He praised Zhai Bairong a few times before departing. Following this, the gossip in the back hall gradually died down. Word of the senior’s favor had likely spread, and knowing that Zhai Bairong was unwilling to stay even when faced with such a great opportunity, the other alchemists realized he posed no long-term threat to their positions. They finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Grateful that his skills had improved and that the hostility in the workshop had dissipated, Zhai Bairong sent several bottles of hand-refined pills to the senior as a thank-you gift, prompting the elder to insist he was being far too polite.
The second unexpected event was a chance encounter in town with someone he had only recently bid farewell to.
Early one morning, before the apothecary had opened, Zhai Bairong emerged from his rented cultivation room and made his way toward the shop. As he approached the entrance, he saw a blurry figure leaning against one of the door pillars, looking as though they were injured.
Zhai Bairong glanced at the sky, noting there was still time before opening. However, the person seemed to be in an urgent state. If they were here to buy medicine, there was no harm in attending to them early.
He walked over quickly and asked, "Fellow Daoist, are you alright—"
The person leaning against the door was very weak. Hearing a voice, they looked up slightly. Zhai Bairong’s words caught in his throat. The man before him was none other than Shen Yan!
As Shen Yan recognized him, a look of surprise crossed his face as well; clearly, he had not come looking for Zhai Bairong on purpose.
Shen Yan was injured, and Xuan Yang was nowhere to be seen. A flurry of guesses raced through Zhai Bairong’s mind, but Shen Yan was so badly hurt that even speaking seemed difficult. Zhai Bairong quickly took out several of his own pills and handed them over, telling him to swallow them before explaining what had happened.
After taking the pills and resting for a long while, some color finally returned to Shen Yan’s deathly pale face.
"I truly didn't expect to run into Senior here. I thought you had already left for the Middle Layer," Shen Yan said with a bitter smile.
Zhai Bairong explained, "I didn't have enough immortal crystals. The ferry ticket to the Middle Layer is quite expensive. I’m earning travel expenses here before moving on."
By now, many passersby were moving through the town. Seeing a cultivator slumped at the apothecary’s door was bound to draw attention. Sensing the curious gazes of others, Zhai Bairong asked, "Can you walk? Let’s find somewhere else to talk. This is the shop’s main entrance, after all."
Shen Yan nodded. Bracing himself against Zhai Bairong, he stood up and followed him into a deserted alleyway.
"Am I taking up your time?"
Seeing that Shen Yan still had the presence of mind to glance back toward the apothecary, seemingly worried that Zhai Bairong would be late, Zhai Bairong felt a rare surge of fretfulness. "It’s still early for the shop. Why are you in this state? Where is Xuan Yang?"
At the mention of Xuan Yang, Shen Yan’s expression became complicated. He looked as though he found it difficult to explain, his lips moving soundlessly as he struggled with where to begin.
"He’s fine. He’s still with the Phoenix clan, in secluded cultivation," Shen Yan answered briefly.
"And you? Why have you come out here alone?" Zhai Bairong asked.
Shen Yan sighed. "It’s a long story..."
Seeing his wandering gaze, Zhai Bairong knew the street was no place for a conversation.
Though he was still saving money, this was a necessary expense. Zhai Bairong brought Shen Yan back to the cultivation rental facility and paid for an entire extra day. He told Shen Yan to settle in and focus on healing his injuries, promising to return for him in the evening.
"Senior, you’ve spent too much on my account." Although Shen Yan disliked being indebted to others, he truly had nowhere else to go at this critical juncture and had to accept the help.
When Zhai Bairong returned in the late afternoon, Shen Yan had mostly recovered his composure.
"Thank you."
Seeing Shen Yan move to stand and bow, Zhai Bairong waved him down, signaling that there was no need for such formalities.
"Tell me, what happened?"
Shen Yan frowned and finally recounted the sequence of events to Zhai Bairong.
Nearly half a year had passed since Zhai Bairong’s departure. For the first few months, Xuan Yang and Shen Yan had hardly left the residence arranged by the Phoenix Emperor. Since the Emperor forbade Xuan Yang from leaving the territory anyway, the two took the opportunity to cultivate at home.
Xuan Yang had only just advanced to the Soul Transformation stage, but Shen Yan had been at the Nascent Soul stage for a considerable time. The spiritual energy of the Upper Realm was incredibly dense; his cultivation, which had been bottlenecked for so long, soon began to loosen, showing signs of reaching the Great Circle of Nascent Soul.
Xuan Yang was naturally happy for Shen Yan and wanted to prepare early. He finally stepped out of their residence to ask his kin about the necessary preparations for advancement. However, the group of Phoenixes guarding him cared nothing for the affairs of a human lover. Hearing that it wasn't Xuan Yang himself who was advancing, they all washed their hands of the matter. Fuming but helpless, Xuan Yang had no choice but to rely on himself to find a suitable place within the clan territory to set up a formation.
His movement within the clan naturally caused quite a stir. The Phoenixes had heard long ago that the Emperor had brought back a son from the lower realms, and that this son possessed a face carved from the same mold as the Emperor himself—a fact that had greatly pleased the sovereign. Previously, Xuan Yang had stayed behind closed doors for months, but now that he was out, the entire clan secretly flocked to catch a glimpse of him.
Aside from the curious onlookers, there were also those looking for trouble.
Xuan Yang had three older brothers and one older sister. Furthermore, all of them were pure-blooded Phoenix descendants.
Xuan Yang only understood later that the Phoenix clan rarely produced offspring with other races. Likely, when the Phoenix Emperor was scattering his seeds during his various fleeting romances, he never expected other races to actually carry his lineage to term. Had Xuan Yang not possessed that specific face, he would never have been accepted into the bloodline-obsessed Phoenix clan.
When his older siblings blocked his path, Xuan Yang could have sworn that for the first few seconds, he intended to treat them as if they were invisible.
However, Xuan Yang’s temper was clearly more easily provoked than he realized. The group across from him didn't just mock him for being a half-blood; they also directed cold sneers at Shen Yan, calling him a "human furnace." It was fortunate that the news of Xuan Yang’s contract with a human had not spread, or that likely would have been used as a weapon against him as well.
Xuan Yang struck first. He had clearly been goaded into it, falling right into his brothers' trap. Facing that face of his, they didn't dare kill him, but teaching him a lesson was well within their power. Soon, several of them were locked in combat. Xuan Yang fought with a "if I’m suffering, you’re coming down with me" desperation, turning the scene into utter chaos. In the end, while Xuan Yang was the most heavily injured, the others didn't win particularly gracefully either.
The matter soon reached the Phoenix Emperor’s ears. But given his usual hands-off approach to his children, he viewed it as nothing more than kids bickering and fighting. He waved it off and didn't pursue the matter at all.
This only fueled Xuan Yang’s rage. In his eyes, this Phoenix Emperor did nothing a father should do, yet held him prisoner and refused him his freedom. Otherwise, he would have already set out with Shen Yan and Zhai Bairong to find Nie Shiyun!
It seemed that as long as Xuan Yang wasn't truly crippled or killed, the Emperor wouldn't intervene. This emboldened Xuan Yang’s brothers. Whenever they saw him out in the territory, they came to pick a fight. As a result, Xuan Yang returned home every day in a wretched state. Not only had he failed to find a place for the advancement formation, but he also had to spend significant time consuming pills to treat his injuries.
"Next time, just don't respond. Ignore them," Shen Yan told him.
Xuan Yang pursed his lips, dissatisfied. "But I can't stand it when they talk about you like that. It’s fine, they’re just superficial wounds. They’ll heal in a few hours. Besides, I didn't let them get away scot-free..."
Shen Yan remained silent for a long time before sighing helplessly. "If I had known my presence here would make things so difficult for you, I should have left with Senior Zhai."
Xuan Yang immediately protested, "No way! I can only endure this because you’re with me. If I had to stay in this dump alone every day, I would have lost it long ago!"
Shen Yan watched as Xuan Yang pulled his robe down past his shoulder. He glanced at the area; only a few minor scrapes remained that didn't even require pills. He took some spiritual herbs from a cabinet and handed them to Xuan Yang, only for the latter to complain affectedly, "It hurts! I can't move my arm! You apply it for me."
Shen Yan: "..."
Seeing Shen Yan pause, Xuan Yang doubled down. "Those guys hit hard everywhere except the face... help me out."
"That’s not what you were saying just now," Shen Yan frowned, but ultimately sat down to crush the herbs and apply them. "Stop going out to ask about my advancement. The Phoenix clan doesn't welcome me to begin with. You’re just drawing attention to us and making your brothers resent you more."
"Let them come every day if they have the guts. Who’s afraid of—Ow!"
Xuan Yang felt a sharp sting in a wound that was almost healed. Shen Yan had suddenly increased the pressure. Xuan Yang looked at the other man’s dark expression and could only mutter reluctantly, "Next time I’ll try to stay calm. I’ll try..."
Shen Yan hadn't met him yesterday; if Xuan Yang could stay calm just by saying so, he wouldn't be Xuan Yang.
In the heavy silence, Xuan Yang peeked at Shen Yan. The other man was pressing the herb pulp onto his skin with a stoic face, his fingertips indirectly touching the bare skin of Xuan Yang’s shoulder.
The Phoenix clan’s spiritual fields were top-tier even in the Upper Layer, and their self-produced herbs were exceptionally potent.
Shen Yan, keenly aware of Xuan Yang’s suggestive gaze, pulled his hand back irritably. "There. If I moved any slower, your wound would have healed on its own."
"Shen Yan, have you been avoiding looking at my body these past few years? Have you noticed I’m completely different from before?" Xuan Yang couldn't help but ask.
"It’s alright, I suppose," Shen Yan said vaguely, wiping his hands and turning to leave.
"Really!?" Xuan Yang was ecstatic, lunging forward to hug him from behind. He didn't act like a bird of prey, but rather like a happy, oversized dog.
He had only asked as a test. In the past, Shen Yan would have said something like "stop dreaming" while bluntly sizing him up. But in recent years, he truly felt that Shen Yan’s gaze was a bit shifty when looking at him, as if he weren't used to it. Having suffered too much in the past due to his own overactive ego, Xuan Yang had assumed this was just another one of his delusions.
Feeling the chest—which had grown taller and broader than his own at some point—pressing firmly against his back through his clothes, Shen Yan shivered. Long ago, Xuan Yang also liked to pounce on him like this. Back then, when Shen Yan stood up, Xuan Yang’s feet wouldn't even touch the ground; he would just hang from Shen Yan’s neck, shouting as he was carried around.
He really should have left sooner. Being stuck indoors day and night with only Xuan Yang made Shen Yan realize with agonizing clarity that this child—who constantly clamored about liking him and needing him—had long since become a man through and through.
"Let go." Shen Yan pried at Xuan Yang’s arms. Now, if Xuan Yang decided not to let go, Shen Yan couldn't even budge him.
However, Xuan Yang obediently released him. He felt as though victory was in sight, and his mood was incredibly buoyant. When Shen Yan turned around, he was met with Xuan Yang’s radiant, almost glowing smile.
"I’m saying, it’s really too stifling here. You don't like it either, do you?" Xuan Yang said suddenly.
Shen Yan hesitated, then nodded. How could he possibly like it here? As a human with only Nascent Soul cultivation, he was a target for discrimination everywhere in the Phoenix clan. Moreover, because of him, Xuan Yang was given another reason to be mocked.
"That Phoenix Emperor said I can't leave until the Integration stage. Then I’ll just cultivate to the Integration stage as fast as possible. You know I’m a genius; it shouldn't take that long," Xuan Yang said with considerable confidence. "By then, he probably won't care about me anymore. We can go find a place where humans live. Oh wait, you don't seem to like being around humans much either... then we’ll just go back to traveling and seeing the world like before?"
"I wouldn't exactly call what we did before 'traveling and seeing the world,'" Shen Yan mused. Looking back, it was mostly just one person running and the other tirelessly chasing. Though the meaning behind it had gradually changed later on...
"It wasn't? We practically trod through every desolate mountain and wild valley in the cultivation world," Xuan Yang said with a nostalgic look.
Seeing him recall those chaotic days with such a happy expression, Shen Yan found he had no defense against him. After a moment, Shen Yan nodded. "Then I’ll wait. When you reach the Integration stage, we’ll leave together. But you should know, a Nascent Soul cultivator only lives for a thousand years. If I can't advance and you’re too slow, I might die first."
"What kind of level do you think I’m at? There’s no way I’ll take a thousand years!" Xuan Yang cried out indignantly.
After a few seconds, Xuan Yang realized something. "Hey, did you just agree to travel the world with me afterward? The 'always together' kind?"
Shen Yan immediately countered, "I didn't say that last part."
Xuan Yang leaned in relentlessly, the distance between them suddenly becoming very, very small. "But is that what you meant? Is it? I don't want to keep misunderstanding things on my own, so I have to ask clearly about everything."
Having completely shed the awkwardness of his childhood, Xuan Yang had become incredibly direct at some point.
Shen Yan looked as though he couldn't handle Xuan Yang’s almost shimmering intensity and took half a step back. "...It’s more or less what I meant. But reach the Integration stage first."
"Whoa, really? Then I’m going into seclusion right now!" Xuan Yang was momentarily lightheaded with happiness. Shen Yan had finally relented! This was a milestone in his life.
Shen Yan glanced at him. "Calm down. That hyperactive state doesn't look like you’re ready for seclusion. Don't end up with a cultivation deviation."
"I know, I know," Xuan Yang answered as he hurried out of the room. Aside from nearly walking into the doorframe, he made it to the cultivation room successfully.
Despite his behavior, once he actually entered the cultivation room, he settled into the state quickly. Shen Yan felt Xuan Yang’s aura stabilize and was relieved. He was nearing a bottleneck himself, but it wasn't convenient to advance just yet. He could use this time to refine his mastery of formations.
"...After that, we didn't leave the residence for a while, and things were relatively peaceful."
Zhai Bairong listened as Shen Yan briefly described how Xuan Yang was targeted by his brothers while the Phoenix Emperor remained aloof. Shen Yan glossed over the details of the promise he and Xuan Yang had made.
"Then how did you end up out here alone? And with such heavy injuries?"
"Xuan Yang has been in seclusion. But his brothers still came looking for trouble. Xuan Yang shouldn't be disturbed during his cultivation. I thought that since I’m an outsider, they would just mock me a bit and then leave..."
Shen Yan’s eyes flashed with a trace of loathing mid-sentence. But more than that, it was a hatred of his own insufficient cultivation.
"They attacked you?"
Shen Yan nodded. "They probably just wanted to teach me a lesson to make Xuan Yang lose face. But the True Fire of the Phoenix clan is extremely pure; it’s the natural enemy of a cultivator like me who commands yin entities. I felt strained after dodging only a few moves, and eventually, my body instinctively fought back."
Though a Nascent Soul-level ghost was hardly a match for the Phoenix clan.
But as a human—and especially as someone the Phoenixes viewed as merely Xuan Yang’s "lover" or "furnace"—for such a creature to dare attack the Emperor’s eldest sons was an affront. The Phoenixes who disliked Xuan Yang quickly reported the matter to the Emperor.
The Phoenix Emperor didn't care about his children fighting, but when he heard the issue had escalated to a human attacking his sons, he couldn't just ignore it.
He saw through the situation instantly. What Nascent Soul cultivator would have the guts to actively attack a group of Phoenixes? However, the Emperor didn't care who was at fault. In his view, Xuan Yang looked so much like him, yet spent all his time clinging to a human male—it was truly a disgrace.
The Emperor made a token gesture of upholding the Phoenix clan’s dignity and told his eldest son and the others to handle it as they saw fit.
Shen Yan knew they wouldn't dare actually kill him, but he hadn't expected them to throw his injured self out and forbid him from ever approaching the Phoenix territory again.
Injured and forced to traverse dense forests and wilderness to find a town, Shen Yan—who hadn't filled his storage ring before the incident—was on the verge of running out of resources. He had to push through to find a settlement, encountering several beast attacks along the way. His pills and herbs had long since been exhausted.
Throughout this entire farce, Xuan Yang had been in seclusion, completely unaware.
Shen Yan figured that when Xuan Yang eventually emerged and found him gone, those Phoenixes would probably tell him that Shen Yan had taken some benefits and left of his own accord.
"It’s been hard on you." Zhai Bairong sighed. He had thought the two juniors would have an easier time in the Phoenix clan than he was having, but the reality was quite the opposite.
Shen Yan said in a low voice, "Ultimately, it’s because my cultivation isn't up to par. It’s fine; I’ve noted this grudge. I’m grateful to Senior Zhai for the help. To be honest, before I left the Phoenix territory, I didn't realize how much the spirit stones had devalued. If I hadn't run into you, I might not have even been able to afford medicine."
"Don't be so formal. We’ve known each other for many years, after all," Zhai Bairong said calmly.
The two fell silent, unsure of what to say. They had almost never been alone together. Shen Yan and Nie Shiyun had shared discussions about magical treasures, but with Zhai Bairong, he was truly just an "acquaintance."
"What do you plan to do next?" Zhai Bairong asked after a moment. "When Xuan Yang comes out and finds you missing, he’s bound to cause a massive scene."
"..."
Seeing Shen Yan lower his head in silence, Zhai Bairong smiled. "Do you really doubt that? Don't worry. Even if the Phoenixes tell him you left on your own, Xuan Yang won't let you go."
It sounded as though Xuan Yang were Shen Yan’s enemy, but the logic was sound.
"Do you resent him for dragging you into this?" Zhai Bairong asked when Shen Yan didn't respond.
Shen Yan blinked, then shook his head. "How could I? I’ve never thought that."
"Xuan Yang means well, but for you, this is an unmerited disaster. Your cultivation wasn't high enough, yet you were brought to the Upper Realm before you could consider the situation. Then Xuan Yang broadcasted his affection for you to the Phoenix clan without any reservation... In short, he was too inconsiderate."
Shen Yan was surprised to hear Zhai Bairong speak this way.
He hadn't expected Zhai Bairong to criticize Xuan Yang. After all, Xuan Yang was essentially a child raised by Nie Shiyun and Zhai Bairong; Shen Yan was the outsider.
"I understand his heart. That’s just his nature, and I’m used to it," Shen Yan replied.
"That’s good then," Zhai Bairong nodded, looking at Shen Yan. "It seems you’ve figured something out over these past few months."
How Shen Yan truly felt about Xuan Yang wasn't something that could be explained in a few words, let alone as an answer to Zhai Bairong. Fortunately, Zhai Bairong wasn't truly asking; he just made the observation and moved on to other topics.
"If Xuan Yang is serious about his seclusion, he won't be out for at least half a year. I expect to go to the Middle Layer next spring equinox. What do you plan to do?"
Shen Yan hesitated. Unlike Zhai Bairong, he couldn't earn money in a town, and surviving in the wilderness of the Upper Layer was difficult for him. But if he went to the Middle Layer, it would be hard for Xuan Yang to find him.
"There are still many months. You can take your time to consider," Zhai Bairong advised, sensing his conflict.
"True." Shen Yan nodded. He was exhausted; not only was he injured, but his nerves had been frayed. Now that he was in a town and safe, his body finally relaxed, and the physical and mental fatigue of the past weeks came rushing back.
Zhai Bairong’s alchemy had improved lately, and his income had risen. Although he couldn't leave in the autumn, his savings would be more than enough by next spring. Thus, he could afford to rent a better cultivation room.
Zhai Bairong invited Shen Yan to stay and recover until he could protect himself. Since the price for the room was the same regardless of the number of people, Shen Yan thought about it and agreed.
While Shen Yan and Nie Shiyun had once discussed magical treasures, his relationship with Zhai Bairong was strictly that of "long-time acquaintances," and every time they met, at least one other person had been present. Neither was the talkative type, and the room soon fell into silence.
"By the way, how does Senior Zhai plan to find Senior Nie in the Middle Layer? I heard each layer of the Upper Realm is vast. Finding someone won't be easy..." Shen Yan trailed off. He was just trying to find a topic, but then realized his question sounded like he was throwing cold water on Zhai Bairong’s hopes. He really wasn't good at small talk.
But Zhai Bairong showed no sign of confusion or hesitation. He only smiled faintly and said, "If it’s Nie Shiyun, I’ll be able to find news of him. No matter where he goes, he is special and draws attention. It will only take a bit of time..."
This was the truth. *And the same goes for you,* Shen Yan thought. In the lower cultivation world, Nie Shiyun and Zhai Bairong had hardly appeared in the public eye since the Frozen Heaven Secret Realm, yet as the years passed, their fame had not diminished in the slightest.
***
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 纯血 | Pure-blood | Referring to the lineage of the Phoenix clan. |
| 混血 | Half-blood / Mixed-blood | Referring to Xuan Yang's status as a hybrid. |
| 人族炉鼎 | Human furnace | A derogatory term for a human used for dual cultivation. |
| 驱使阴物 | Command yin entities | Referring to Shen Yan's ghost cultivation techniques. |
| 真火 | True Fire | The innate spiritual flame of the Phoenix clan. |
| 储物环 | Storage ring | A spatial storage device. |
| 寒天秘境 | Frozen Heaven Secret Realm | A location from the characters' past in the lower realm. |
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Transmigrated into a Total Shou Novel as a Cannon Fodder, but Ended Up 1v1-ing the Male Lead | Chapter 161 | An Unexpected Reunion | Novela.app | Novela.app
