PID Chapter 6

 

This idea was very interesting.

 

Since he was idle anyway, why not give it a try? How should he go about it?

 

Actually, it was very simple and didn’t require much effort. For a inner demon at this stage, words were the best weapon.

 

Xiao Mo saw that Chu Jinglan had put down the medicine, finished his instructions, and was preparing to leave. He immediately spoke up: “You’re done talking, right? Hurry up and go.”

 

With this interjection, Chu Jinglan’s foot, which was about to step out, actually stopped.

 

Xiao Mo took one look at his expression and knew he had guessed correctly.

 

After spending these days together, Xiao Mo understood how wary and vigilant Chu Jinglan was of him as a inner demon. While others’ attempts to provoke Chu Jinglan wouldn’t work, Xiao Mo was different!

 

If Xiao Mo said east, Chu Jinglan would definitely go west. If Xiao Mo wanted to beat a dog, Chu Jinglan would insist on chasing chickens instead. He was all about doing the opposite and never following along – that’s how rebellious he was.

 

But this rebellious nature could also be used as a weapon, just like Xiao Mo was doing now.

 

By urgently trying to get Chu Jinglan to leave, it would make Chu Jinglan suspect something was amiss.

 

Chu Jinglan hadn’t yet learned to speak directly through his spiritual senses. When others were present, he wouldn’t converse with the inner demon to avoid being seen as a madman talking to thin air. Hearing the inner demon’s words, Chu Jinglan thought to himself: What is he up to now?

 

As Chu Jinglan hesitated suspiciously, Su Baimo noticed he had gone quiet and blinked, asking “Brother Jinglan?”

 

Chu Jinglan: “I…”

 

Xiao Mo cut in again: “Oh come on, hurry up and go! Haven’t you said everything you needed to?”

 

Without missing a beat, Chu Jinglan finished his sentence: “I haven’t been here in a long time. I’ll go outside to check the surroundings. You stay here and watch over him. I’ll be back soon.”

 

Chu Jinglan quickly finished speaking and headed out. Su Baimo didn’t suspect anything and went to the bedside to observe the still unconscious Dai Zisheng.

 

After walking a distance, Chu Jinglan turned back to look at the black mist ball that had followed him out. His tone dropped to winter cold: “What are you trying to do?”

 

The Xiao ball floated leisurely in the air and said: “Nothing in particular.”

 

“You knew he was a disciple of the Huanjian Sect, yet you didn’t bring him back to the Chu family. It’s because you’re unclear about the origin of his injuries and are afraid getting too close will cause more trouble, since you already have enough problems.” Xiao Mo continued, “You want to leave, and I think that’s appropriate. Why question my good intentions?”

 

Can a inner demon have good intentions? Chu Jinglan’s lips curled in mockery, but his heart was sinking because the inner demon’s earlier words were correct.

 

This newly born inner demon, though irritating and detestable from the start, lacked the typical traits of a inner demon. But now, he had accurately voiced Chu Jinglan’s inner thoughts. Could it be that the inner demon’s powers were growing stronger, already able to fully hear his inner thoughts?

 

Chu Jinglan coldly stared at the inner demon, experimentally cursing at the inner demon in his mind.

 

Of course, Xiao Mo couldn’t hear it and remained unmoved.

 

Seeing no reaction from the inner demon, Chu Jinglan felt slightly relieved… It seemed things hadn’t reached that point yet.

 

If another person could hear one’s thoughts and inner voice at any time, it would be a terrifying thing.

 

With one problem temporarily resolved, another remained: why was the inner demon so eager for him to leave?

 

Could it be that the Huanjian Sect disciple truly possessed something that could suppress the inner demon?

 

The inner demon was so anxious for him to leave, so he decided he wouldn’t go after all.

 

Chu Jinglan made a symbolic tour of the surroundings, then turned on his heel and headed back to the wooden cabin.

 

He thought he was defying the inner demon, unaware that this was exactly what the inner demon wanted.

 

Xiao Mo thought: You little thing, trying to rebel against me? I’ve got you all figured out.

 

The system silently marveled at how these two equally rebellious young men, with their countless schemes, were playing each other. Neither could accuse the other of being more devious.

 

When they returned to the cabin, Dai Zisheng had just woken up. He was about to speak to Su Baimo when he became alert at someone entering. But Chu Jinglan merely said coolly, “You’re awake?”

 

Dai Zisheng looked from Chu Jinglan to Su Baimo, carefully choosing his words: “Yes, may I ask…”

 

“We saved you,” Chu Jinglan said. “Who are you, and why were you injured?”

 

Hearing that this person was also his savior, Dai Zisheng relaxed and let out a sigh of relief. Su Baimo noticed his pale complexion and tugged at Chu Jinglan’s sleeve: “Brother Jinglan, he still looks very weak. Let him rest more, we don’t need to rush with questions.”

 

Dai Zisheng’s fondness for Su Baimo instantly skyrocketed. He felt this person was truly considerate – beautiful and kind-hearted. It wasn’t in vain that he was stunned by Su Baimo’s beauty when he first awoke. He had never felt this way before!

 

Could this be the beginning of a beautiful encounter?

 

Enduring the pain, Dai Zisheng tried his best to maintain his composure: “It’s alright. My name is Dai Zisheng. I was ambushed by enemies, which is why I’m so gravely injured. Ah, but don’t worry, I’ve already shaken them off. I won’t cause trouble for my saviors. May I ask where this is?”

 

He wasn’t foolish enough to reveal his identity as the young master of the Huanjian Sect.

 

Su Baimo eagerly replied: “This is Mu City. My name is Su Baimo, and he is Chu Jinglan.”

 

Chu Jinglan… Dai Zisheng pondered, feeling the name was somewhat familiar, as if he had heard it somewhere before. But he shouldn’t be familiar with people from the lower realm, should he?

 

“This is a wooden cabin once used by the Chu family as a temporary residence. Usually, no one comes to disturb you here, so you can rest easy and recover,” Chu Jinglan said while secretly observing the inner demon’s reaction from the corner of his eye.

 

After returning to the cabin, the inner demon remained silent, but also showed no signs of being suppressed. The previous listless appearance seemed like an illusion to Chu Jinglan.

 

Though equally quiet, Chu Jinglan sensed the inner demon was now at ease, comfortable, and even leisurely watching the show.

 

Heaven knows how he could discern so many emotions from a ball of black mist.

 

So the Huanjian Sect disciple couldn’t suppress him at all? Had Chu Jinglan overthought things?

 

Chu Jinglan couldn’t help but fall into deep thought.

 

Since Dai Zisheng woke up, Su Baimo had been consistently attentive and gentle. He poured a cup of water and offered it to Dai Zisheng, who thanked him and reached out to take it, only to find his hand lacked strength and nearly couldn’t hold it steady.

 

Su Baimo smiled softly and said gently, “Let me help.”

 

Dai Zisheng, blushing, expressed his thanks as he drank the water Su Baimo brought to his lips.

 

Dai Zisheng thought: He’s really so different!

 

His ears reddened as he occasionally snuck glances at Su Baimo while drinking. Noticing his gaze, Su Baimo would smile back, making Dai Zisheng’s face burn even hotter with embarrassment.

 

Xiao Mo thought to himself that Chu Jinglan was truly carefree and genuinely harbored no feelings for Su Baimo. If he truly liked Su Baimo, he might have already become jealous by now.

 

Such obvious interactions and Dai Zisheng’s barely concealed budding feelings were visible to anyone who wasn’t blind.

 

While inwardly praising Su Baimo, Dai Zisheng tried to calm his rapidly beating heart and casually made conversation: “Are you two friends?”

 

Xiao Mo immediately adopted a stance of watching the show: Here it comes!

 

Su Baimo: “No, we’re betrothed.”

 

Dai Zisheng, who thought romance and spring were beckoning, froze.

 

“…Huh?”

 

A bucket of cold water poured over his head. Spring vanished, and the romance floated away with the cold water. His young heart, which had just started to flutter, instantly shattered into eight pieces. The budding emotions were nipped in the bud.

 

His two saviors were a couple. There was no place for an outsider like him.

 

The notion of repaying a great debt with one’s body truly only existed in novels, not something he could encounter.

 

Dai Zisheng gathered up his shattered heart, his potential love interest stalling before it could even take flight. He couldn’t possibly compete with his savior for a fiancé. Dai Zisheng raised his trembling hand: “Ahem, thank you. I can take the cup myself.”

 

Su Baimo was puzzled: “Why? You’re not comfortable. I can feed you, it’s fine.”

 

Dai Zisheng’s hand shook: “No need, no need. Thank you, thank you.”

 

As he spoke, he secretly glanced at Chu Jinglan, hoping his earlier behavior hadn’t displeased the other savior. However, Chu Jinglan seemed lost in thought, not paying attention to their interaction.

 

That’s a relief, Dai Zisheng thought. It would have been bad if Chu Jinglan had misunderstood.

 

Ah, Dai Zisheng sighed as he drank water, mourning his first love that never had a chance to begin.

 

Xiao Mo, on the other hand, observed Dai Zisheng’s reactions closely, not missing a single detail, pondering whether this guy had truly fallen in love with Su Baimo at first sight.

 

He seemed to be actively distancing himself from Su Baimo now. Hmm, good. Chu Jinglan’s status as a savior was having some effect.

 

In the original story, Dai Zisheng initially didn’t know Su Baimo had a fiancé. Su Baimo would visit the cabin to check on him, spending time together without ever mentioning Chu Jinglan. Now that Dai Zisheng knew about their engagement from the start, given his personality, he would indeed be more cautious.

 

However, when Chu Jinglan is later crippled and the engagement is broken off, would Dai Zisheng still be able to resist the charm of the irresistible Su Baimo and avoid getting entangled with him?

 

Xiao Mo had to put a question mark on that.

 

As Xiao Mo pondered the plot and observed Dai Zisheng, Chu Jinglan was watching him.

 

This black mist ball had flown right up to Dai Zisheng without showing any discomfort. But it would be too hasty to conclude that Dai Zisheng had nothing that could affect the inner demon. Better to keep observing.

 

Chu Jinglan waited for Dai Zisheng to finish drinking, then handed him medicine, explaining its usage. He also left him some fasting pills, one of which could substitute for three meals.

 

Dai Zisheng hurriedly expressed his thanks. Chu Jinglan said, “I’ll come again tomorrow.”

 

He wanted to visit a few more times to confirm whether the inner demon could truly be suppressed.

 

Xiao Mo was pleased that Chu Jinglan had taken the initiative to come back, saving him a lot of trouble. The more Chu Jinglan came, the less time Su Baimo and Dai Zisheng would have alone together.

 

Xiao Mo was very satisfied.

 

Seeing that Chu Jinglan was about to leave, Su Baimo didn’t rush to depart: “Brother Jinglan, I’ll stay with him a bit longer.”

 

Chu Jinglan neither agreed nor disagreed, leaving by himself.

 

Su Baimo watched Chu Jinglan’s retreating figure, his eyes showing a hint of loneliness. Dai Zisheng noticed this but felt it wasn’t his place to comment. After finishing a whole cup of water with shaking hands, he couldn’t bear to see Su Baimo’s forlorn expression and tentatively spoke up.

 

“Um, are you feeling down?”

 

Su Baimo glanced at him lightly, saying with a pout: “No.”

 

Dai Zisheng: “…”

 

Help, this conversation was going nowhere!

 

But having come this far, Su Baimo’s gaze clearly said “ask me again,” and as a grateful person, Dai Zisheng could only play along: “I noticed you don’t look too happy…”

 

Su Baimo sighed.

 

This sigh was tantamount to admitting his low spirits. As if talking to himself, he said: “Brother Jinglan is perfect in every way, except he’s too wooden. Does he not like me?”

 

Dai Zisheng thought to himself, how would I know? I’m single and don’t understand these things! He could only laugh dryly.

 

Su Baimo looked at him with a pitiful expression: “Do you think there’s something wrong with me?”

 

Having just been saved, Dai Zisheng couldn’t possibly criticize his savior. He quickly said: “Of course not! You’re kind-hearted, elegant, and flawless!”

 

Su Baimo blushed at his praise, the loneliness disappearing from his face. He smiled shyly at Dai Zisheng: “You’re making me embarrassed with such compliments.”

 

Su Baimo asked softly: “Can you keep talking with me for a while?”

 

Who was it that just told Chu Jinglan to let Dai Zisheng rest? How quickly he changed his mind. One shouldn’t be so inconsistent.

 

Dai Zisheng was in pain and just wanted to lie down, but a man can’t say no. He gritted his teeth, smiling outwardly while crying inwardly: “Sure.”

 

Regardless of how much Su Baimo wanted to talk, on the other side, the inner demon and host duo returned to the Chu family as the sky began to darken. Usually, dinnertime was a moment Xiao Mo looked forward to, but today, having just been caught by Chu Jinglan, approaching him again would be asking for trouble. He didn’t want to be teased further, so he retreated into the sea of consciousness.

 

Although lonely in the sea of consciousness, at least he could take human form. Xiao Mo resumed his human shape and strolled around his small courtyard, lest he forget how to walk on two legs after being a ball for so long. He chatted idly with the system: “If I really change the plot between Dai Zisheng and Su Baimo, will it be a problem?”

 

If the plot could be easily changed, why arrange for the system and him as a task executor to stabilize Chu Jinglan?

 

Previously, Xiao Mo hadn’t asked because he didn’t care.

 

But the system’s answer was unexpected.

 

“It’s not a problem,” the system said. “Including Su Baimo and Chu Jinglan, there are eight important cornerstone characters in this world. Their main growth points will never change. As long as the foundation is solid, other changes don’t matter.”

 

Xiao Mo pondered upon hearing this: “So, no matter what, Chu Jinglan will fall in love with Su Baimo and die for him?”

 

Unexpectedly, the System replied, “No.”

 

Xiao Mo was startled: No again?

 

“Chu Jinglan’s pivotal growth arc concludes once he overcomes his inner demon tribulation. The world’s foundation doesn’t dictate what happens afterward. Whether he dies for Su Baimo isn’t crucial to the core narrative.”

 

Xiao Mo’s eyes flickered in surprise. So it’s like that?

 

The System, observing his reaction, added, “We have considerable flexibility. As long as you stay within reasonable bounds, you’re free to alter characters’ fates or subplots. However, key plot nodes cannot be changed. Any attempts to modify them will fail. Remember this.”

 

Knowing Xiao Mo disliked Chu Jinglan’s tragic ending, the System ventured, “If you wish to rewrite his fate—”

 

“I don’t.”

 

Xiao Mo cut it off coldly. “What does he have to do with me? Meddling in Su Baimo and Dai Zisheng’s subplot today was just out of boredom—and it only took a few words. Changing Chu Jinglan’s fate will require tedious, long-term effort. Too much trouble. I won’t bother.”

 

The System fell silent. “Oh.”

 

Host’s word is law. If you say so.

 

“Enough about him.” Xiao Mo dismissed Chu Jinglan entirely, proving his indifference. “Show me my current points.”

 

Cultivating a human form was his priority. Chu Jinglan’s ending paled in comparison to points and cultivation progress. Absolutely.

 

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