Little Pink Starfish

After uttering the words “leads to a secret prison,” Qiguan Rui wrapped Gu Bai in a satisfied embrace and closed his eyes. “Mmm, Gege, I’m so tired… Let’s talk about it tomorrow.”

Gu Bai: … What’s with this suspense?! Either tell me everything now or keep your mouth shut! What am I supposed to do—sleep or not sleep?! Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Gu Bai decided to close his eyes. Fine, tomorrow then…

The following day, Qiguan Rui clung to Gu Bai like glue, keeping him in their room for a full day of sticky affection. Gu Bai remained stoic, treating it as if the previous conversation had never happened.

When night fell again, Qiguan Rui retrieved a black robe from the wardrobe, presenting it to Gu Bai.

Gu Bai stared at it, unimpressed. Does this pervert think giving me a “gift” will make me forget his nonsense? Not happening! Also, doesn’t he know my favourite outfit for maintaining my mystique is a white robe? What’s the meaning of this black one—zero sincerity!

In a gentle voice, Qiguan Rui explained, “Gege, tonight I’ll take you somewhere. It’s best to wear the black robe; it’ll be more convenient in the dark.” He held out the robe, adding, “Don’t worry, gege. This isn’t some coarse fabric that would disgrace your status.”

Gu Bai squinted. “The secret chamber?”

Qiguan Rui smiled faintly. “Exactly. Gege, please don’t be upset. I couldn’t explain it fully before, but once you see it, everything will be clear.”

Gu Bai took the robe. Fine, at least you know how to behave.

Once Gu Bai donned the black robe, Qiguan Rui gave him an approving look, his expression turning tender. “When you wear white, you’re like an icy snow lotus; when you wear black, it accentuates your purity even more. Truly stunning. I almost can’t bear to let anyone else see you.”

Gu Bai shot him a look. What a load of nonsense. He quickly concealed his face with a light sweep of his hand, obscuring most of his features to avoid being recognised.

Qiguan Rui couldn’t resist stealing a kiss. “Gege, you’re so considerate…”

Gu Bai smacked his head lightly. “Let’s go.”

The pair slipped out of the window without making a sound, leaving no trace to alert anyone.

It was around 11 p.m.—a perfect time for clandestine activities like murder, arson, burglary, or abductions.

Leading the way, Qiguan Rui moved like a shadow, gliding silently over the ground. Gu Bai, cloaked in black, used his light-foot technique to blend into the night, becoming a whisper of wind that disturbed nothing. In no time, Qiguan Rui stopped in front of a modest building. “This is it,” he murmured.

The unassuming structure was none other than Sang Jun’s residence—a home that reflected his image as a kind, humble man dedicated to serving his brother and Golden Phoenix City. It’s simple, unadorned appearance seemed to corroborate this impression.

Pulling Gu Bai closer, Qiguan Rui merged their forms into his shadow.

Gu Bai: What the hell is this?! Since when could this pervert do this? Wasn’t this supposed to be a unique protagonist ability?

As if sensing his astonishment, Qiguan Rui whispered into his ear, “This is a skill inherited through my bloodline. Don’t speak, and I can take you anywhere without being noticed.” He added, “Sang Jun is a wu di-level expert, his martial strength equal to mine. I wouldn’t risk Gege being discovered.”

Suppressing his shock, Gu Bai gave a subtle nod of understanding. Fine… Let’s see what this world’s protagonist halo has cooked up.

In shadow form, Gu Bai felt restricted, unable to move more than a few degrees. It was as though his entire body was encased in a viscous substance, leaving him only the sensation of Qiguan Rui holding his hand. He dared not speak, as Qiguan Rui had warned that doing so would eject him from this strange state.

Without further ado, Qiguan Rui led him through the walls.

Gu Bai: I… I’m phasing through walls?! Is this what it feels like to be a ghost?!

After traversing several walls, they stopped within a hidden crevice in Sang Jun’s bedroom.

Inside, Sang Jun sat by the window, gazing at the moon. His expression was far from the amiable smile he wore during the day—it was dark and brooding.

The two in the shadows waited patiently.

After some time, Sang Jun’s expression settled into normalcy—only for him to leave and head to the bathroom. Through the muffled sounds of water, they heard him humming a creepy tune.

What kind of person hums like that?

When he returned, tightly wrapped in robes, Gu Bai couldn’t help but notice his physique. Not bad for his age… but why bundle up so tightly? Must be a sign of insecurity.

Sang Jun lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

Gu Bai: …And the secret chamber? The secret prison? I’ve been waiting all this time for this?!

Qiguan Rui nudged him lightly. “Patience, Gege.”

Gu Bai: I’m not impatient! But why can you talk while I can’t? This system is rigged!

Three minutes later, Sang Jun began tapping rhythmically on the bedframe. With a soft click, the bedframe flipped open, and Sang Jun vanished into the darkness below.

Gu Bai: What the…? Is this some kind of secret passage?

Qiguan Rui immediately followed, pulling Gu Bai’s shadow along as they descended into the hidden tunnel. The slide spiralled downward like a corkscrew, and after an indeterminate number of rotations, they reached the bottom.

Dusting himself off, Sang Jun’s demeanour shifted entirely.

If his daytime persona was warm and kind, and his solitary moments were slightly melancholic, the man now exuded pure malice—sinister and oppressive.

“This is the secret chamber,” Qiguan Rui whispered.

Gu Bai nodded subtly within his 5° range of movement.

They followed Sang Jun into the chamber, watching as he manipulated hidden mechanisms to reveal another layer—a dark, foreboding corridor. Cells lined both sides of the passage, their bars forged from a highly recognisable material.

Gu Bai stared blankly at the bars.

Qiguan Rui raised his wrist, jingling the lock that had once been his restraint.

Gu Bai understood instantly. This is… jinwu xuantie! This guy built an entire prison out of it?!

As they crept through the corridor, the first cell on the left caught their attention.

Inside were several beautiful women, each possessing refined demeanours and clearly of noble lineage. A few even appeared to be pregnant.

Gu Bai: What in the world? Is Sang Jun abducting noblewomen for some twisted reason?!

But their expressions were not despairing—merely filled with resentment and hate. That doesn’t make sense… Shouldn’t they be more distraught?

Qiguan Rui directed his attention to the second cell. Inside were young, handsome men—“talented youths”—each bound yet seemingly resilient. “These men correspond to the women in the first cell,” Qiguan Rui explained.

Gu Bai gawked. So they’re… couples? Why keep them apart?

“They’re bred for children,” Qiguan Rui continued coldly. “Once the women give birth, both parents are killed. The children are raised as Sang Jun’s death soldiers.”

Gu Bai: …

The third cell housed children, their deadened eyes fixed as they meditated and trained. Clearly brainwashed, they showed no signs of individuality or spirit.

Gu Bai averted his gaze, unable to stomach the sight.

Finally, the cell on the far right revealed the most disturbing scene yet: High-level wu wang-rank warriors were shackled with chains of jinwu xuantie.

Sang Jun stood before one of them, hands clawed as he drained the man’s dantian mercilessly. Throwing his head back, Sang Jun’s expression twisted in ecstasy. “Ah… Brother…”

Gu Bai: …Mum, I’ve found a certified lunatic!