PID Chapter 31

Extra Update for (5/5)~

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Xiao Mo perched on a tree branch, watching the people below as he asked the system: “Did Su Baimo also come to Black Forest?”

 

After Chu Jinglan was crippled, much of the perspective shifted to Su Baimo in the original novel. Xiao Mo had skipped through most of it—he didn’t have the patience to watch every detail of Su Baimo’s tangled web of love and hate.

 

System: “The original novel didn’t mention it. Black Forest likely didn’t have any significant romantic developments, so it was glossed over.”

 

Glossed over here, glossed over there—but dogblood must be written in abundance. Very well, that’s very true to the original.

 

Xiao Mo’s gaze flickered slightly: “Has Mu Jian’s growth arc been completed?”

 

The system replied without hesitation: “Not yet. There’s one final event—when his master fails to break through during closed-door cultivation and dies, Mu Jian will take over as peak master after bidding farewell to his master. That will complete his arc.”

 

Both Mu Jian and Dai Zisheng were direct disciples of Huanjian Sect, but they had different masters. As the sect’s young master, Dai Zisheng’s master was none other than his father—the sect leader himself. Mu Jian’s master was one of Huanjian Sect’s peak masters and a senior brother to the sect leader.

 

Xiao Mo hummed thoughtfully and noticed something interesting: “Curious—while the original novel spends so much time on Su Baimo’s perspective, key events in Chu Jinglan’s and Mu Jian’s arcs as cornerstone characters have nothing to do with Su Baimo at all. Am I reading a dogblood novel or not?”

 

The system replied confidently: “Novels can indulge in mindless dogblood drama, but once extended into a world, they must follow logic.

 

All things in existence—creatures and cycles of cause and effect—must form a stable torrent of destiny within heaven and earth. Otherwise, what is the point of this world? Without order, everything would collapse.”

 

Thinking about this explanation, Xiao Mo realized that he had avoided paying attention to Su Baimo due to his strong aversion toward him. Now that they were discussing it anyway, he asked casually: “What about Su Baimo’s growth arc?”

 

System: “Two events remain—advancing to Divided Spirit stage and joining the Upper Realm’s Immortal Alliance Headquarters.”

 

It turned out that every major character’s growth arc had little to do with romance but instead focused on spiritual tempering, cultivation breakthroughs, and changes in status—all contributing to creating complete and realistic characters.

 

Ah, no, Su Baimo is an exception.

 

Because whether it’s his cultivation or his status, both rely on the help of others. While his growth nodes may seem unrelated to romance, the path he has chosen is inseparable from those two words.

 

Xiao Mo’s thoughts had just wandered far when Chu Jinglan’s voice suddenly echoed in his sea of consciousness: “Why did you stop?”

 

Chu Jinglan couldn’t hear Xiao Mo’s conversation with the system. Even though their divine senses were practically pressed together, each occupying half of the space, it was as if they were in separate chat groups. Everyone talked to their own group.

 

The “five groups” were as follows: Xiao Mo, Chu Jinglan, and the system each had their own solo groups; then there were smaller groups for Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan, and Xiao Mo and the system.

 

Someone was always left out of a group.

 

Xiao Mo exited his “chat” with the system and half-jokingly replied to Chu Jinglan: “I saw some old acquaintances. No thoughts about it?”

 

Chu Jinglan’s divine sense remained cold: “None.”

 

Xiao Mo: None is best.

 

Whether or not they would inevitably run into situations involving Su Baimo again, as long as Xiao Mo was around, there wouldn’t be any chance for sparks to fly—especially now that Chu Jinglan’s body was under Xiao Mo’s control.

 

Flirtation? Don’t even think about it.

 

Below them, Dai Zisheng was feeling frustrated by the argument among his fellow disciples.

 

Although he was the young master of Huanjian Sect, he wasn’t someone who relied solely on others for protection. Disciples from the same sect often competed internally; receiving help was a matter of goodwill, not obligation. However, Dai Zisheng had a close relationship with Mu Jian and several other senior brothers—they were as tight-knit as a family and often helped one another.

 

With so many Golden Core cultivators present, bringing Su Baimo to the second layer for some experience shouldn’t have been an issue at all.

 

After all, Su Baimo was his lifesaving benefactor. Dai Zisheng couldn’t understand why Mu Jian was so adamantly opposed to letting Su Baimo come along.

 

Mu Jian glanced at Su Baimo with a stern expression but spoke to Dai Zisheng: “I believe you can protect him. But what about your own training? You need to form your core soon if you want to enter Lin’an Academy for further cultivation. Our main goal this time is to support you. If we encounter unexpected circumstances, we might not be able to look after him.”

 

Lin’an Academy’s best medical cultivator had some conflicts with one of Huanjian Sect’s peak masters. However, as long as Dai Zisheng met the academy’s requirements, studying under other instructors there would still be highly beneficial for him.

 

Mu Jian had a bit of a “tiger parent[mfn]鸡娃潜质” (jī wá qián zhì): A modern slang term derived from “鸡娃” (jī wá), meaning “tiger parenting” or pushing someone hard to succeed.[/mfn]” streak: “If you don’t focus your mind on what’s important now, how much longer are you planning to delay?”

 

These words left Dai Zisheng momentarily speechless—he couldn’t argue back.

 

It was true. He had just turned twenty a few days ago and had planned to form his core on his birthday. However, that plan had been delayed. His cultivation level and insights were already in place; if he delayed any longer, it wouldn’t lead to greater breakthroughs but rather a weakening of his momentum.

 

Dai Zisheng was somewhat convinced and looked conflicted. At this moment, Su Baimo finally spoke up. His words were considerate as always: “It’s fine. I’ve already gained enough experience. I’ll wait for you outside Black Forest.”

 

Xiao Mo sharply criticized: If you didn’t want to make Dai Zisheng uncomfortable, why didn’t you speak up earlier? Why wait until now?

 

After Su Baimo finished speaking, he stepped back a couple of paces, reluctantly glancing at Dai Zisheng. After walking two or three steps away, he seemed to remember something he had forgotten and turned back to wave at Dai Zisheng: “I’m leaving now. See you later.”

 

Dai Zisheng’s conflicted heart hadn’t fully settled when he noticed the fading expectation in Su Baimo’s eyes, the subtle hint of disappointment that unintentionally showed, and his lonely figure standing just a few steps away from them, as though he had been excluded—looking utterly pitiful.

 

Dai Zisheng: “…”

 

Letting his lifesaving benefactor feel this way—was this how he repaid kindness?

 

Dai Zisheng took a step toward Su Baimo and opened his mouth to say something. Unfortunately, before he could utter a word to stop him, an unfamiliar voice rang out from above: “If you’re going to leave, then leave. What’s with all the lingering theatrics? Are you performing a drama?”

 

The Huanjian Sect disciples were instantly startled and drew their swords in vigilance: “Who’s there?”

 

It was only then that they noticed someone standing on a nearby tree.

 

Mu Jian’s expression tightened—they hadn’t noticed him at all!

 

The person was either exceptionally skilled at concealing their presence or far stronger than them in cultivation. But if they had been hiding all this time, why suddenly speak up? If they hadn’t said anything, the Huanjian Sect disciples wouldn’t have realized someone had been eavesdropping.

 

Xiao Mo gracefully descended from the tree. He suppressed his voice and altered its tone—it was no longer the clear voice of a youth but entirely that of an adult man. Facing the Huanjian Sect disciples, his demeanor was leisurely and composed.

 

“Just passing by—I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. But you’re blocking the way.”

 

Using the formations on the ground as boundaries, Black Forest was divided into three layers. Each layer had only a few entrances, and Xiao Mo had chosen the one closest to him, which also provided a direct path to the final layer.

 

The Huanjian Sect disciples immediately felt embarrassed. Mu Jian hesitated before stepping aside: “Apologies—please go ahead.”

 

Xiao Mo nodded with an air of elegance and walked forward two steps before suddenly turning back.

 

Mu Jian and the others hadn’t yet let down their guard—they watched Xiao Mo’s every move intently. When he abruptly turned around, their hands tightened around their swords again.

 

But Xiao Mo simply looked at Su Baimo from afar and asked: “Why are you staring at me?”

 

Su Baimo froze for a moment, surprised to be singled out: “I wasn’t… I’m sorry.”

 

Everyone else is looking at you too—why am I being singled out? he thought indignantly.

 

He had been staring absentmindedly at the masked figure because the person’s silhouette reminded him of someone—a familiar figure… Chu Jinglan.

 

He had seen Chu Jinglan’s back many times before.

 

The golden mask covered most of the person’s face. Judging by just their lips and jawline, there was some resemblance—but he couldn’t be sure.

 

However, when Su Baimo met the eyes beneath the mask, he immediately realized he had been mistaken.

 

Chu Jinglan’s gaze was always calm like snow—even when cold, it carried a clarity like frost on ice. But this masked man’s eyes were lighthearted and casual, carrying an indescribable sense of danger and recklessness.

 

After apologizing again, Su Baimo heard the masked man lazily reply: “If you’d been more decisive earlier, you wouldn’t have wasted everyone’s time. I really don’t want to listen to your strange arguments between youngsters.”

 

He was playing the role of an elder quite convincingly.

 

Then his voice suddenly took on a tone of realization: “You keep looking back—are you waiting for someone to come after you?”

 

Having his little scheme exposed so bluntly made Su Baimo’s face flush bright red. He quickly retorted: “Absolutely not! Please don’t speak nonsense!”

 

In the first layer of the forest, everyone was busy hunting demonic beasts. Second-tier beasts normally required some effort for Foundation Establishment cultivators to deal with, but at this moment, the faster ones were already fleeing for their lives. The easier-to-catch ones were immediately pursued as soon as they appeared, so there wasn’t much danger.

 

Xiao Mo swept his gaze over Su Baimo with a teasing look, as if to say: So why are you still standing here?

 

Su Baimo had already said he would leave, so asking Dai Zisheng to escort him now would be humiliating. He bit his lip in frustration and embarrassment before turning and running off. Dai Zisheng could only call out after him: “Wait for us outside the forest! We’ll come find you later!”

 

Xiao Mo chuckled softly and stepped into the second layer.

 

He could have chosen to take a detour and enter through another entrance, keeping far away from Su Baimo. But if fate insisted on bringing them together repeatedly, avoiding him once wouldn’t guarantee avoiding him twice.

 

Rather than constantly dodging, it was better to crush stubborn fate into pieces and weave a new path for himself.

 

A young man’s spirit is bold—why not be a little reckless?

 

Xiao Mo was in a good mood, and Chu Jinglan could feel that his body’s lips were curved into a smile—a smile that belonged entirely to Xiao Mo.

 

Chu Jinglan had observed the entire situation earlier but didn’t find anything particularly worth celebrating. This was one of the differences between him and Xiao Mo—Xiao Mo always seemed able to derive joy from small things.

 

If Xiao Mo were an ordinary person, he would likely know how to enjoy life in the mortal world.

 

But Chu Jinglan was puzzled about one thing. He had thought Xiao Mo wouldn’t bother much with Su Baimo, yet at the entrance, Xiao Mo had deliberately turned back and said a few extra words to him.

 

Back when they were still in the Chu family, Chu Jinglan had once tentatively asked: “Do you care about Su Baimo?”

 

At that time, the Inner Demon in its small form had bristled with anger and quickly brushed the matter aside.

 

Now, Chu Jinglan couldn’t help but revisit old doubts: Does Xiao Mo actually pay attention to Su Baimo?

 

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Xiao Mo quickly passed through the second layer, casually collecting beast cores from two third-tier demonic beasts before arriving at the third layer. To his surprise, there were fewer competitors than he had imagined.

 

Golden Core peak cultivators could handle fourth-tier demonic beasts but for lone rogue cultivators, hunting in areas crowded with fourth-tier beasts was too dangerous. If surrounded by beasts, their only option would be to figure out how to escape.

 

In mid-sized sect teams, not everyone was at Golden Core level. Considering their fellow disciples’ safety, the number of people venturing into the third layer was significantly reduced.

 

As for Nascent Soul cultivators—they didn’t even bother looking at fourth-tier beast cores. A single core worth ten mid-grade spirit stones wasn’t enough to tempt them into doing grunt work.

 

Who do you think you’re insulting?

 

Give me one hundred spirit stones—then maybe I’ll consider working for you.

 

Nascent Soul cultivators being as poor as Xiao Mo’s group—fretting over a few low-grade spirit stones—was truly rare.

 

Thus, most of those in the third layer were Immortal Alliance cultivators grumbling while chasing demonic beasts. After all, no one liked overtime work—especially when it barely paid anything.

 

Only Xiao Mo eagerly pursued the big money.

 

He hadn’t walked far when he encountered his first fourth-tier demonic beast. On the other side, an Immortal Alliance disciple had initially been chasing it but, seeing someone else arrive, simply waved at Xiao Mo and turned away without any intention of competing for the beast.

 

Xiao Mo sighed: “Good thing they’re all rich.”

 

Affected by the spiritual vein fluctuations, these demonic beasts were all highly agitated. Perhaps because fourth-tier beasts could understand human speech, Xiao Mo even detected a faint scent of desire transformed into obsession emanating from the beast.

 

Could that be edible too?

 

The fourth-tier white tiger with drooping eyes had already been driven into a frenzy by cultivators. Unable to accurately sense Xiao Mo’s aura, it opened its blood-red maw and leapt forward—at least five meters high—its massive body descending from mid-air, aiming to tear the human’s head apart in one bite.

 

Its sharp teeth were mere inches from its prey, seemingly about to draw blood and send its victim crashing to the ground.

 

But the human remained calm, merely lifting his gaze—and the white tiger froze mid-air.

 

Suspended in an eerie pose, the tiger struggled desperately but seemed bound by something invisible that tightened around it with every movement.

 

Xiao Mo casually strolled toward it, and the tiger finally realized fear, trembling uncontrollably.

 

But it was already too late.

 

Without even moving his fingers, Xiao Mo used black mist to bind the tiger in mid-air.

 

Trying to make a meal out of me? Should’ve checked if your claws were sharp enough first.

 

A fourth-tier demonic beast that would require all-out effort from a Golden Core peak cultivator was nothing under the hand of a Nascent Soul cultivator.

 

Xiao Mo even attempted to devour the tiger’s agitated “thoughts.”

 

Normally, when Xiao Mo consumed “thoughts” from humans, Chu Jinglan couldn’t see it. But now that Xiao Mo was attached to him, Chu Jinglan saw everything clearly. Black threads floated out from the tiger’s body and were drawn toward Xiao Mo.

 

The threads didn’t pass through Chu Jinglan’s body; they seemed to be directly absorbed by Xiao Mo’s divine sense.

 

Chu Jinglan asked: “What is that?”

 

“Heart thoughts,” Xiao Mo explained. He went on to clarify that any emotion exceeding a certain threshold could become food for an Inner Demon.

 

“I’ve only ever consumed thoughts from humans before—I didn’t expect demonic beasts to have them too. But it makes sense; after all, all living things have spirits. If there’s a heart, there can be thoughts.” Xiao Mo savored it thoughtfully. “The flavor is a bit bland—probably because its intelligence isn’t very developed yet.”

 

Chu Jinglan: “…It has flavor?”

 

Xiao Mo: “Of course! For example, this one tasted like boiled fish—smelled fresh and fragrant but lacked seasoning. Bland when eaten.”

 

Chu Jinglan suspected that Xiao Mo was just hungry from not being able to eat real food for so long—but he had no proof.

 

The white tiger continued struggling in mid-air as Xiao Mo contemplated giving it a swift end. But then his gaze met the tiger’s eyes.

 

Suddenly, another idea popped into Xiao Mo’s mind.

 

Hmm… since it has intelligence, could it also be controlled?

 

With that thought, red light flickered in Xiao Mo’s eyes as he locked gazes with the tiger’s beast-like pupils.

 

The frantically struggling tiger’s pupils dilated, and its writhing body gradually calmed down. Its gaze turned vacant and lifeless.

 

Xiao Mo attempted to instill a thought into the white tiger.

 

[Take me to find other demonic beasts.]

 

After silently repeating the command several times, the tiger’s body merely trembled but didn’t respond further. Xiao Mo then pulled out his flute, placed it to his lips, and blew a sharp whistle.

 

The flute sound carried spiritual energy, causing the tiger’s body to tremble violently. Its vacant eyes seemed to flicker with a struggling light that tried to break free but was ultimately suppressed again.

 

Moments later, the once-fierce and violent white tiger had turned into an obedient big cat. It raised its head and let out a low growl toward Xiao Mo.

 

Xiao Mo lowered the tiger to the ground. The white tiger slowly took two steps forward, signaling for him to follow—it was ready to lead him to other demonic beasts.

 

Xiao Mo tapped his flute against his palm: “Success.”

 

Some fourth-tier demonic beasts were skilled at hiding, but the white tiger could track them by scent and assist in hunting. Having an extra helper—why not?

 

Feeling very satisfied, Xiao Mo followed the white tiger while speaking to Chu Jinglan in the sea of consciousness: “I can even control demonic beasts now. By the way, you seemed stiff earlier—were you surprised?”

 

Chu Jinglan replied: “…No, I was just distracted. It’s nothing.”

 

Xiao Mo chuckled lightly, intrigued: “You can get distracted too?”

 

Of course he could, but the reason for his distraction wasn’t something he could explain.

 

The moment the bamboo flute touched his lips, Chu Jinglan became acutely aware that this was the same flute Xiao Mo played every day.

 

The warm yet slightly cool sensation reminded him of Xiao Mo’s similarly cold fingertips—now pressed against his own lips.

 

Chu Jinglan’s divine sense froze entirely.

 

Xiao Mo seemed completely unaware of this. He played the flute without hesitation, his movements and demeanor so natural that if Chu Jinglan brought it up, it would only make things feel more awkward.

 

…Forget it. Using his own body with Xiao Mo’s techniques would inevitably lead to situations like this. After all, Xiao Mo wasn’t a sword cultivator. This kind of thing would happen many more times in the future—he needed to get used to it.

 

The lingering sensation of the flute pressing against his lips refused to fade. As he moved and felt the wind brush against him, a faint tingling itch seemed to carve itself into his divine sense, unwilling to dissipate.

 

Chu Jinglan: “…”

 

For the first time, he realized that trying to get used to something harmless and trivial could be surprisingly difficult.

 

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1 Kofi = 1 Extra Chapter