They had been running for several Li, yet no trace of Jiao Jiao or Xiao Zongzi could be found. The deeper they ventured into the forest, the more the whispering and laughter of unseen children seemed to echo around them, faint and disconcerting.
"Master!"
The cry was sudden, followed by a blur of movement. A large spider with the head of a woman landed heavily on top of Xue Laohu, who was still inhabiting Shudu's body. Her humanoid face was twisted into a painful frown, her voice like the wind through dead leaves. Draped across her back was Jiao Jiao, tightly wrapped in a silken cocoon spun from the spider demoness own webbing.
Xue Laohu froze in place, startled by the creature's close proximity. The coarse, hairy spider legs brushed against his shoulder, sending a cold shiver down his spine. He jumped instinctively, a rare crack in his usual composure.
"Ugh!" he grunted, swatting at the sensation of the creeping limbs.
Shudu, inhabiting Xue Tuzi's body, reacted swiftly. He sprinted toward the spider, who had been knocked to the ground and now struggled to rise. The added weight of Jiao Jiao's limp, jelly-like body pinned her awkwardly to the forest floor, her legs flailing to gain traction on the mossy earth.
"Xiao Zongzi! Xiao Jiao!" Shudu exclaimed, his voice filled with urgency. He crouched and carefully lifted the spider, his touch gentle. Xiao Zongzi's many legs twitched uneasily as she tried to balance herself. She turned her humanoid head to gaze at him, one of her spindly legs hesitating before reaching up to rub her temple—a small, anxious gesture.
Her dark, big eyes narrowed as she studied the person before her. Shudu who was in Xue Tuzi's body held her with care. When had he ever worried about her? she wondered bitterly, though she suppressed the thought. Instead, she forced herself to adopt a polite demeanor, her voice tentative.
"Second Master?" she said, the words slow and unsure.
Shudu had insisted she address Xue Tuzi by this honorific, claiming it was because Xiao Jiao had taken a liking to him. But Xiao Zongzi knew better. The flicker of something unspoken in Shudu's expression—the softness in his tone when speaking of Xue Tuzi—hinted at a truth she dared not voice. Shudu wasn't doing it for Xiao Jiao's sake.
He was doing it for his own.
Shudu's grin stretched wide, his teeth flashing in a way that was utterly unlike Xue Tuzi's usual expression. There was a mischievous sharpness to it that was unmistakably Shudu.
"It's your Master," Shudu said, his voice dripping with mockery. "I'm currently stuck in this whore's body."
Xue Tuzi—inhabiting Li Zhameng's body—stiffened and turned sharply, his brows furrowing in irritation. "Who are you calling a whore?" he demanded, his voice raised, though the indignation seemed almost performative.
Before Shudu could retort, a rustling sound drew their attention. Jiao Jiao stirred within the silken cocoon Xiao Zongzi had spun for him. His plump, jelly-like head wriggled its way free of the sticky webbing, his glossy skin glistening under the dappled forest light. With an effortful squirm, he slithered toward Xue Tuzi, his movements oddly determined despite his gelatinous form.
"Xiao Jiao!" Xue Tuzi exclaimed, his annoyance momentarily forgotten. He crouched down and scooped the creature into his arms, handling him with surprising gentleness. Jiao Jiao gurgled contentedly as Xue Tuzi patted his rounded head with a casual affection that seemed second nature.
"Amazing," Xue Laohu remarked, his voice tinged with awe. He moved to whip out his fan for dramatic emphasis, only to pause, realizing he was still in Shudu's body. His hand twitched with frustration.
Li Zhameng—currently inhabiting his Shizun's dignified body—hesitated before pulling out the fan and offering it to Xue Laohu. "Here," he said awkwardly, his face flushing.
Xue Laohu accepted it with a flourish, snapping the fan open and fanning himself with practiced ease. "Despite the body switch," he said, smirking, "Xiao Jiao still recognizes his true master."
Shudu's expression darkened, his grin fading into a deep frown. A flicker of irritation crossed his face as he watched Jiao Jiao nuzzle into Xue Tuzi's arms. Jiao Jiao had been created from Shudu's own demonic essence, a creature born of his power. By all rights, the spiritual connection between them should have been unshakable. And yet, Jiao Jiao had grown attached to Xue Tuzi, drawn to the overwhelming negative energy that seemed to seep from him like a dark miasma.
Xue Tuzi looked down at Jiao Jiao cradled in his arms, his lips curving into a smug smile. "He knows who his Master is," he said, his voice soft but laden with meaning.
He glanced at Shudu, the smirk still lingering, his gaze piercing and almost mocking. Shudu stiffened, his hands clenching into fists.
"We need to find a way to get back to our bodies," Xue Laohu sighed, tapping the edge of the fan against his palm in a rhythm that betrayed his frustration. His movements, though familiar, looked strange and almost too measured in Shudu's muscular frame.
"This is definitely the work of elves," Shudu said, his tone sharp as his gaze swept the dark forest. "Troublesome creatures. Harmless at best, but they revel in causing mischief." His eyes lingered on the fireflies dancing faintly in the air, their glow accompanied by the haunting sound of children's laughter echoing through the trees.
"We must have fallen into one of their magical arrays," Shudu muttered, narrowing his eyes.
A faint rustling in the bushes caught his attention. His sharp gaze locked on a pair of red gleaming eyes staring out from the shadows. With a sigh, he pulled out the ribbon, its length shimmering faintly in the dim light, and lashed it with precision into the underbrush. A guttural growl followed as several demons were dragged into view, their grotesque forms writhing and hungry, their sharp claws raking the air as they surged forward, bloodthirsty and eager for human flesh.
"More of them," Xue Tuzi growled, stepping forward. Despite being trapped in Li Zhameng's body, he moved with his usual deadly accuracy. Drawing the gun, he fired with precision, each bullet finding its mark and sending the demons crumpling to the ground.
Xue Laohu joined the fray, unleashing the brute strength of Shudu's body. His punches landed with earth-shaking force, crushing demon after demon as their relentless assault continued. Still, they came, a horde of ravenous creatures, driven by some unseen command.
"Keep moving!" Shudu barked, using the ribbon in a wide arc to strike down a cluster of demons. The pink strands coiled like a serpent, slicing through the tangled undergrowth as they carved a path forward.
Above them, the screech of falcons pierced the air. Several birds dove toward Xue Tuzi, their razor-sharp talons aimed at the creature cradled in his arms. Jiao Jiao whimpered, squirming closer to Xue Tuzi's chest as the man—despite his borrowed form—moved with calm efficiency. He twisted mid-run, lifting the gun and firing three shots in rapid succession. Each bullet found its mark, and the falcons fell, their bodies tumbling lifelessly through the canopy.
"Persistent bastards," Xue Tuzi muttered under his breath, shifting Jiao Jiao's weight as he broke into a sprint.
In front of him, Shudu gritted his teeth, the ribbon spinning in a whirlwind motion to strike down a cluster of demons clawing toward him. "You kill one, and three more take its place!" he growled, the frustration clear in his voice.
Xiao Zongzi moved deftly at his side, her spider legs clicking against the forest floor. She shot out thick strands of webbing, ensnaring demons and rendering them immobile. Her movements were swift and calculated, but the real terror came when she opened her mouth wide, her sharp fangs extending as a thick, purple miasma began to seep out.
"Careful!" Shudu snapped, pulling the sleeve of his borrowed robes over his nose. The toxic gas was lethal to humans, and while his ribbon held demonic energy, his current form lacked immunity.
The miasma spread rapidly, curling through the air like a living thing. The demons shrieked as it enveloped them, their bodies twitching and falling to their knees in paralysis. Xiao Zongzi's unearthly gaze fixed on the crumpling horde, her voice low and dry.
"They'll stay down," she hissed, her voice barely audible over the dying cries of the demons. Shudu shot her a quick look, then nodded. "Let's keep moving," he said, his tone tense.
Li Zhameng trailed behind the group, his steps faltering despite possessing the body of a Grandmaster. The raw power of the borrowed form was undeniable, yet his inexperience left him struggling to tap into even a fraction of its potential. His movements were clumsy, his grip on the energy within unsteady and uncertain.
"Fly on the sword!" Xue Laohu snapped, frustration clear in his voice as he fought off another demon.
Li Zhameng fumbled with the blade at his side, nearly dropping it in his haste. He gritted his teeth, stepping onto the sword with all the grace of a startled cat, and shot forward into the air. For a brief moment, he looked as though he might master the art—but then he overcompensated, the sword wobbling erratically beneath him.
"Shiiiiiiizuuuuun~!" he screamed, his voice trailing off into the forest as he soared past Shudu, who was ahead of the group, tearing through trees and bushes in his path.
Xue Laohu groaned, rolling his eyes as he clawed his way forward, tearing through a few demons with brute force. The sight that met him further ahead nearly made him drop Shudu's borrowed body in exasperation.
Li Zhameng lay crumpled in a tangled mess of tree branches, rocks, and leaves. His robes were askew, the dignified air of the Grandmaster's body utterly ruined. Xue Laohu came to a stop, tapping his fan against his palm in disapproval.
"Meng Meng," he sighed, his tone heavy with mock reproach, "you've put your Shizun's body through a lot."
Li Zhameng's face crumpled as tears welled up in his eyes. "This disciple has dishonored Shizun," he sniffled, his voice trembling. "He asks for punishment!"
Xue Laohu sighed again, softer this time, and reached out to tap the fan lightly against Li Zhameng's forehead. "Aya, come on," he said, his voice tinged with reluctant amusement. "Dry your face already—you're making my eyes puffy."
Li Zhameng sniffled again, quickly wiping his tears with his sleeve. His movements were hurried, almost panicked, as though he feared further reprimand.
By the time Li Zhameng had pulled himself together, Shudu and Xue Tuzi had caught up. Their footsteps were heavy, their breaths labored but steady. The faint laughter and murmurs of unseen children still echoed faintly in the distance, threading through the oppressive air like a haunting melody.
"We don't have time for this," Shudu said, his ribbon flicking out to lash at an overhanging branch blocking their path. "Let's move before they catch up again."
"I say we follow the sound of the children," Xue Laohu suggested, his eyes narrowing as he observed the fireflies clustering near a shimmering stream. Their soft, ethereal glow reflected on the water's surface, creating a surreal and almost haunting scene.
The others exchanged glances but ultimately nodded, falling into step behind him. As they pursued the faint giggles and laughter, the fireflies scattered ahead of them, their movements seemingly intentional, as if guiding the group through the dense forest. The sound of children's mirth grew louder with every step, echoing around them like a chorus of mischief.
When they reached the stream, the fireflies had gathered in a tight, pulsating cluster, their glow intensifying. The water's surface rippled gently under the dim light, the scene deceptively quiet.
Shudu's lips curled into a smirk as he sidled closer to Xue Laohu, mischief dancing in his eyes. Leaning in, he whispered, "How is the Grandmaster enjoying this venerable one's body? Strong, isn't it?"
Before Xue Laohu could retort, Shudu bit his ear lightly, forcing a startled jerk. He let his hands wander shamelessly, sliding them across the chiseled contours of his own body's chest, trailing downward with exaggerated deliberation. His fingers brushed against the toned abdomen before venturing dangerously close to the groin.
"Do not defile my body with your antics," Xue Tuzi growled, his hand shooting out to seize a fistful of his body's own hair. His grip was firm, his brows furrowing in a mixture of anger and disgust.
"What? I can't touch my own body?" He grunted.
"Shudu Gongzi," Li Zhameng interjected hesitantly, his voice wavering as he stepped forward. "Although it is indeed your body, Shizun's soul is currently residing in it and must be respected—"
Before he could finish, the ground shook violently. A guttural roar split the air, sending tremors through the forest as a massive ogre emerged from the shadows. Its lone, glowing red eye gleamed with fury, its grotesque features twisted into a mask of rage. Without warning, it slammed a meaty hand onto the ground, narrowly missing the group.
The ogre's thick, leather-like skin rendered Shudu's ribbon strikes useless, the attacks barely scratching the surface. Each whip landed like an insect bite on its hide, eliciting little more than annoyed grunts.
Xue Tuzi raised the gun, firing several precise rounds, but the bullets ricocheted harmlessly off the demon's impenetrable flesh. The creature roared louder, stomping its massive foot into the earth and creating a shockwave that sent them all stumbling.
"We're not making a dent!" Xue Laohu shouted, frustration coloring his voice as he clawed at the ogre's arm to no avail.
Shudu, unbothered by the chaos, suddenly straightened with a sly grin. "I have an idea," he declared, stepping forward.
With an exaggerated flourish, Shudu, in Xue Tuzi's body, flipped his robes over, revealing his bare skin. The dim light seemed to catch the curve of his skin, casting it in an almost ethereal glow.
The ogre froze mid-roar, its massive eye widening. For a moment, the monstrous creature seemed transfixed, its rage melting into something uncomfortably close to awe. Its pupil dilated, the fiery red glow softening as its lips parted to reveal yellowed teeth, steam flaring from its nostrils. Drool pooled at the corners of its mouth as its eye curved into a crescent shape, overcome with joy.
Xue Laohu and Li Zhameng stared, their jaws hanging open in shock.
The ogre reached out a trembling hand, its thick fingers stretching toward Shudu's display. Before it could make contact, Xue Laohu's voice snapped back to life.
"Enough!" he roared, leaping into action. With a burst of demonic strength, he plunged his claws deep into the ogre's flesh. The creature bellowed, its massive frame buckling under the attack. Xue Laohu didn't stop, his strikes relentless until he cracked the ogre's thick neck with a resounding snap.
The ogre collapsed to the ground with a thunderous crash, its massive body lying still.
Shudu turned to the others, pulling his robes back into place with a smug expression. "I told you it would work," he said nonchalantly.
Xue Tuzi pinched the bridge of his nose, muttering a string of curses under his breath. Xue Tuzi stormed toward Shudu, his hands trembling with barely restrained rage. He raised a fist, poised to strike, but froze mid-motion, teeth clenched. A harsh reminder flashed through his mind—this wasn't Shudu's body. It was his own.
Shudu smirked, utterly unfazed by the outburst. "Hey, it worked, didn't it?" he drawled, crossing his arms lazily. "That demon was absolutely mesmerized by you. I'd say you should be proud."
Xue Tuzi's fists clenched tighter, his knuckles white as he fought the urge to retaliate. "You—" he started, his voice low and venomous, before stopping himself. His glare could have set a lesser man on fire, but Shudu only chuckled.
Meanwhile, Xue Laohu coughed awkwardly into his hand, his face a studied mask of composure. However, a faint pink flush crept across his cheeks as he struggled to banish the image of Xue Tuzi he had just witnessed. "Let's… continue," he said, clearing his throat and pointedly avoiding eye contact with anyone.
They pressed on, following the scattered light of the fireflies. The giggles and murmurs of unseen children had grown louder, surrounding them like a haunting lullaby. The glow led them to a tranquil stream, the water glinting under the faint light.
There, atop a moss-covered rock that jutted out over the stream, sat a rather large elf. The sight was as surreal as it was bizarre. The elf was entirely naked, save for the oversized straw hat that rested crookedly on his head. His skin had a faint greenish hue, and his enormous belly jiggled slightly as he shifted his weight. Stranger still were his feet, which faced backward, defying all natural order.
In his hands, the elf held a long fishing pole. He was standing, bracing himself with one hand on his hip and the other pulling against the line with all his might, as though battling a monstrous fish beneath the surface of the water.
As the group approached, the elf turned his head with a grin that revealed a set of unnaturally sharp teeth. The straw hat tilted back slightly, giving them a better view of his large, bulbous nose and mischievous, almond-shaped eyes.
"Welcome to my domain," he said, his voice deep and dripping with amusement.