After Transmigrating Into the Book, I Picked up the Protagonist-Shou

Xie Shuci glanced at Xie Yan dissatisfiedly.

He thought to himself, “You were so afraid yesterday and even slept with me. What’s wrong with hugging me now?”

With this thought in mind, he felt that Xie An was somewhat clueless so he held onto Xie An’s wrist, firmly placing it around his own neck. At the same time, he leaned back slightly, using his back to press against Xie An’s arm.

Xie An wanted to pull his hand back, but Xie Shuci lightly patted his hand, signaling him not to move.

Li Song, who had witnessed everything, “…”

His mouth twitched a few times, and he spoke with a dark expression, “Do you have to stick with him all the time?”

Xie Shuci sighed, “I just can’t bear to see him sitting alone while we talk. Don’t you think he looks pitiful?”

Li Song pursed his lips and glanced at the expressionless Xie An, “You and him…”

Interrupting him, Xie Shuci furrowed his brows and said, “Why are you always prying into my relationship with Xie An? Let me tell you, he’s still young, so don’t harbor any strange ideas.”

Li Song’s expression turned sour, and he retorted, “You’re talking nonsense! I’m not like you. I…”

“Okay,” Xie Shuci waved his hand, relaxing his body as he leaned against Xie An. This time, Xie An didn’t make any movements and allowed him to lean on him. “What about the demon’s intelligence?”

Li Song glared at him and snorted coldly.

After exchanging a few more words with Xie Shuci, his weariness dissipated somewhat. When the topic of the demon came up, there was a lingering haze on his face.

Li Song didn’t immediately speak. He took a sip of lukewarm tea and fell silent for a moment before sighing, “It left a few words on the ground with its claws: ‘Once the great vengeance is avenged, it will leave.'”

Xie Shuci was shocked, “It can write?”

“Yes. It has been alive for over two hundred years, so it’s not strange for it to know how to read and write. If it continues to cultivate for another two hundred years, it should be able to transform into a human,” Li Song explained.

Hearing this, Xie Shuci felt puzzled, “I vaguely remember reading somewhere that it’s very difficult for demons to cultivate. They need to accumulate good karma and cannot kill indiscriminately. It killed people, so can it still achieve enlightenment?”

Li Song slowly shook his head, looking puzzled as well. “No, it can’t. After cultivating for two hundred years and becoming a spiritual beast, it willingly abandoned its two-hundred-year cultivation for the sake of revenge. Even if it continues to cultivate, it will undoubtedly be struck down by heavenly thunder before its transformation.”

Xie Shuci furrowed his brows tightly, “What vengeance is it seeking?”

Li Song sighed again, with a hint of struggle in his eyes, he said, “Two months ago, it led its tribe to settle in the deserted mountains near the small town. It was an uninhabited place, rarely visited by humans. Old Lady Zhang’s son, Zhang Quan, the person who died last night, happened to come across a dying wolf-dog demon and brought it home to share with his family. Thinking the taste was good, he had the wicked idea of hunting with several warriors from the town, killing two wolf-dog demons every other day. By the time the demon brought the second batch of its tribe to the deserted mountains, all of its tribe’s demons had been captured and eaten.”

Xie Shuci listened, and his whole body was covered in goosebumps. He couldn’t help but move closer to Xie An, and his right hand instinctively grabbed onto Xie An’s belt.

Xie An lowered his gaze and pulled his hand away from the belt, firmly gripping it in his own hand. Xie Shuci didn’t react, seemingly absorbed in Li Song’s words and unaware of what had happened.

“It’s seeking revenge for its tribe’s demons?” Xie Shuci’s mood became complicated.

“Yes. According to Master Uncle, the first batch of tribe demons that migrated with it already had the intelligence of four or five-year-old children and no ill intentions towards humans. That’s why they were easily preyed upon,” Li Song explained.

Xie Shuci felt disheartened. The demon gave up its two-hundred-year cultivation opportunity for the sake of avenging its tribe’s demons. Xie Shuci didn’t know whether to admire its loyalty or call it foolish.

“What are you planning to do with it after capturing it?” Xie Shuci asked.

Xie Shuci’s thoughts were too naive. He knew they couldn’t let the demon continue killing, but he didn’t think the demon was extremely guilty. In fact, he sighed at the demon’s sacrifice of giving up the chance to easily achieve human form for the sake of avenging its tribe’s demons.

Li Song clenched his fist. “Extract its core after killing it.”

“It’s not that guilty. After all, Zhang Quan killed its tribe’s demons first. Its not wrong for him to avenge its tribe,” Xie Shuci furrowed his brows.

“Do you know how precious the core of a spiritual beast is? Especially a powerful demon that has cultivated for two hundred years. It can extend lifespan, aid in cultivation, and even restore spiritual veins as a substitute for Golden Elixir. Someone like you, lacking talent, could use its core to reshape your spiritual roots. Wouldn’t you want that?” Li Song’s expression was filled with anger, but Xie Shuci couldn’t see a trace of joy or greed on his face.

Shaking his head, Xie Shuci said, “I don’t want it, and neither do you. Li Song, don’t you also think it’s not completely at fault?”

“I…” Li Song clenched his fists tightly, gritted his teeth, and lowered his head slowly. “I want it! Do you know how many people desire its core? Once we obtain its core, the Li family can rise to greater heights, and participate in the selection of big immortal sects. Even if it doesn’t kill anyone, I still want its core. Our purpose in coming here is to kill it and take its core!”

Xie Shuci stared at him in a daze. For some reason, although Li Song spoke so firmly, Xie Shuci could sense a struggle on his face.

“Do you really want to kill it?” Xie Shuci asked skeptically.

Xie Shuci’s eyes were clear and straightforward. Under such a gaze, Li Song felt like he couldn’t hide anything. There was a scale in his heart, and he stood in the middle, unsure which side to lean towards.

“It’s none of your business!” Li Song suddenly stood up, his eyes fiercely staring at Xie Shuci. “You don’t want its core because you’re foolish!”

After saying that, he grabbed the sword from the table and left the hall.

Xie Shuci rolled his eyes at his departing figure. “What a lunatic! He gets angry every time when I say a few words to him?”

Xie Shuci sat up straight, only then realizing that his hand was still being held by Xie An.

Xie An’s hand was always cool, likely due to being pressed against Xie Shuci’s skin, now it had a slight warmth.

Xie Shuci gently struggled, and Xie An let go of his hand.

Xie An asked, “What were you talking about?”

Xie Shuci wrote in his palm, “Nothing.”

After a moment, he seemed to remember something and continued writing, “Can the core of a demon with two hundred years of cultivation help you restore your cultivation?”

Xie An fell silent and nodded.

Xie Shuci’s heart tightened, and he hesitantly asked, “If it can, do you want it?”

Xie Shuci stared intently at Xie An’s face, not wanting to miss any hint of emotion. He felt anxious and unsure. Li Song had made a valid point that anyone would want a core that could enhance their cultivation. However, for some reason, he didn’t want Little Blind to be like others.

There was no reason, he just didn’t want it.

Under his intense gaze, Xie An remained silent for a long time, so long that it made Xie Shuci’s heart ache.

Finally, after a long period of silence, Xie An spoke up, “I won’t take it.”

Xie Shuci breathed a sigh of relief.

However, he didn’t notice that Xie An said, “I won’t take it,” instead of “I don’t want it.”

They safely passed the day without any incidents. Before going to sleep, Xie Shuci became smarter. He laid his bedding beside Xie An’s bed and specifically instructed Xie An not to get out of bed after waking up, but to call for him before getting out of bed.

The next morning, as soon as Xie Shuci opened his eyes, he saw Xie An leaning against the headboard with his eyes closed. He quickly got dressed and woke him up. The two of them, along with Ah Dong, went to the medical clinic.

Since the night, Zhang Quan died, the innkeeper rarely appeared, and Ah Dong practically stayed by their side.

Upon arriving at the medical clinic, a medical apprentice opened the door and welcomed the three inside.

Although it wasn’t the first time Xie Shuci accompanied Xie An for acupuncture, he still felt his head throbbing as he watched the slender silver needles pierce Xie An’s skin. He quickly covered Ah Dong’s eyes and turned his head to the side.

“Brother Xiaoci, I’m not afraid,” Ah Dong muttered.

“You’re afraid.”

“I’m not afraid.”

“You’re afraid!”

Ah Dong helplessly said, “Fine, I’m afraid.”

The old doctor chuckled, and the medical apprentice playfully teased them.

Half an hour later, the old doctor put away the silver needles and said to Xie Shuci, “You don’t need to bring him for acupuncture in the future. His hearing should recover within three days.”

“Really? That’s great!” Xie Shuci exclaimed happily.

The old doctor nodded slightly. Although he was an old man with one foot in the grave, his skills were still steady. He neatly put away the hair-thin silver needles.

Before leaving, the medical apprentice looked worried and said, “Young Master Xie, I heard from those little Daoists from the Li family that the demon will kill someone today. Please be careful on your way back.”

Before Xie Shuci could reply, Ah Dong tugged at his robe, looking proud. “Brother Xiaoci is also a cultivator. The demon won’t be able to defeat him.”

Xie Shuci pinched his chubby face and held onto Xie An with his other hand, sighing to the medical apprentice, “Thank you, we’ll take our leave now.”

That demon had its principles. It was likely seeking revenge and wouldn’t harm the innocent.

Looking around, the long street was empty, and a gentle breeze blew in from the street, adding a touch of desolation.

“The doctor said you’ll be able to hear in a few more days,” Xie Shuci pulled Xie An aside to talk.

Xie An nodded without any expression of sadness or joy.

Passing by a dark alley, Xie An suddenly halted, placing his hand horizontally in front of Xie Shuci, blocking their path.

“There’s a smell of blood,” Xie An’s lips moved slightly.

Xie Shuci’s gaze condensed, and he bent down to pick up Ah Dong.

Ah Dong nestled on Xie Shuci’s shoulder, his black and white eyes curiously looking around.

Just as Xie An finished speaking, hurried and chaotic footsteps could be heard from the alley.

“Baiyi! Li Baiyi, hold on!”

“Quick, there’s a medical clinic ahead, take him there first!”

“No, the wound is too deep, we need the Resurrection Pill to save his life.”

“Resurrection Pill? How could there be a Resurrection Pill here?”

Shortly after, seven or eight young Daoists in green brocade robes rushed out, with Li Song leading them.

He raised his head and unexpectedly met Xie Shuci’s gaze. After a moment of astonishment, he angrily said, “Why are you here?”

Xie Shuci was also taken aback. He saw that the young cultivator who drew his sword at him yesterday had several deep gashes on his chest, blood spreading throughout his body, and his face devoid of any color, making him look even more emaciated.

Xie Shuci covered Ah Dong’s eyes with one hand, his own face turning pale. He took a step back and leaned against Xie An, who raised his hand to support his waist. It had become an almost reflexive action.

“Why are you…” Xie Shuci’s voice trembled, afraid to look at the injured young cultivator.

Li Song tightened his grip on his sword, met Xie Shuci’s gaze for a moment, then quickly averted his eyes. Through gritted teeth, he said, “It has nothing to do with you. Quickly take them back to the inn and don’t come out.”

At the same time, one of the young cultivators glanced at Xie Shuci and whispered, “Young Master, he is also a cultivator. It might be better to have him help us. With one more person, we’ll have a better chance.”

“Shut up!” Li Song snapped, “That demon’s cultivation is far above us. Having one more person will only be throwing their life away! Besides, Xie Shuci has already been expelled from the sect. He doesn’t need to risk his life.”

Xie Shuci glanced at him and said, “You can also choose not to risk your life. The demon only seeks revenge and won’t harm the innocent. It’s you who wants its life.”

The group of cultivators was stunned, looking at Xie Shuci in disbelief, as if they had heard a ridiculous joke.

Li Song’s gaze darkened, and his look toward Xie Shuci became unusually complex.

Just then, Xie An suddenly pulled Xie Shuci.

Confused, Xie Shuci turned around and saw Xie An’s lips move slightly, “Leave this place, it’s dangerous.”

Xie Shuci was taken aback but then heard several barks in the distance.