The territory of the cat demon clan.
The ancient trees, towering and intertwined, are covered with luminous vines that resemble stars, casting a soft, clear glow, and the air is filled with the fragrance of grass and trees.
Beneath the oldest and largest Qiyun tree in the center of the valley, several figures had already been standing quietly waiting.
He was a man dressed in a dark blue robe, with a tall and handsome figure.
Her emerald eyes held a clear smile and expectation, and her aura was restrained and profound.
It was Cangming, the current patriarch of the cat demon clan.
He is Shu Bai's older brother. After their parents died in the civil war, he raised Shu Bai alone and stabilized the tribe.
Behind him stood several clan elders and core members, all holding their breath and waiting for today's protagonist.
The space rippled slightly, like water rippling.
The next moment, the figure of a boy dressed in black with black hair appeared clearly.
The moment Cangming saw him, his eyes filled with joy. He quickly stepped forward, reached out and ruffled Cangming's hair vigorously, his voice filled with undisguised joy and affection:
"You're finally back! Our young master, it's been four years, why do you still have that same expression that looks like someone owes you eight hundred dried fish?"
These actions and words instantly diminished the solemnity that the welcoming ceremony should have been.
The boy shook his head as the man rubbed it, then turned away in disgust: "That's enough. You already owe a lot. With interest compounding, it's now 1,600 debts."
Cangming chuckled, put his arm around his shoulder, turned to the crowd, and resumed a tone that was somewhat formal, like that of a clan leader:
"Everyone, our young master of the cat demon clan has completed his training today and is officially returning to the clan!"
The elders and clansmen all smiled warmly, stepped forward to greet him, and said polite words such as "Welcome back to the clan, young master" and "You have worked hard during your training."
…
After a simple welcoming ceremony, Cangming dismissed everyone, leaving only the two brothers under the Qiyun tree.
"How have you been? These past four years, living alone out there, haven't you suffered any losses?"
Cangming pulled the boy to sit down on the gnarled tree roots and carefully examined him. "Did you really not encounter any trouble when you used the sealing opportunity last time?"
"Anyone who could make me suffer a loss," the boy said lazily, "is probably still in line to be reincarnated."
According to clan rules, especially for him, the young master, he was strictly forbidden from revealing his true identity and origin to any living being during his training period, in order to prevent him from being used or targeted by those with ulterior motives.
For the past four years, he has indeed kept his mouth shut, even to that stupid dog...
Cangming observed his expression, but did not press him further. Instead, he smiled and moved on to another crucial topic.
"Alright, you're impressive. Now, according to the rules, and this is the most important thing. Four years of training have passed, and your mindset must be different now. Our young master, have you decided on your name?"
According to the tradition of the demon race, after completing their adult trials, they must formally name themselves at the Ceremony of Self-Acceptance, which signifies mental maturity and the completion of self-awareness.
The boy remained silent for a moment.
These four years, especially the last few months on earth, were more complicated and eventful than the past century.
That loud, self-important guy who forcefully barged into his life and then walked away was like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, disrupting everything.
name.
He used to think it was just a code name, and that he could just pick one that looked good.
He even considered asking his brother to randomly pick one for him if he was too lazy to think about it.
But that was before he met Li Yuheng.
This guy's name is arrogant and unique.
"Standing" between heaven and earth, "giving" whatever one desires, "wearing" a jade pendant on one's body.
It sounds arrogant and rude, as if declaring: What I set my sights on in this world is mine, and I must be matched with the finest jade.
He genuinely felt that the name was a perfect match for that stupid dog.
Now……
The boy looked up at his older brother and said, "I've thought it through."
He wants a name.
A name that can go against "Li Yuheng".
It can't be too weak, it can't be too vulgar, and it certainly can't look like it's imitating.
Wasn't that guy supposed to be "arrogant"? Wasn't he supposed to be domineering?
He insisted on doing it "vertically".
"vertical"……
"Vertical" sounds too straightforward and not elegant enough. How about "sparse" with a similar sound?
The word "疏" implies estrangement, dredging, and even confrontation, as if it were trying to cut through the guy's omnipresent "tyranny".
That guy's name contains the character for jade (珩), which means brilliance, but he refuses to accept any of that brilliance.
"Oh?" Cangming leaned forward with interest. "What's your name?"
The boy uttered two words slowly and deliberately:
“Sparse, white”.
"My name is Shubai."
A hint of surprise flashed in Cangming's eyes, which then turned into a deeper smile. He savored the two words: "Shubai... Shubai... Hmm, not bad, sounds quite unique. Does it have any special meaning?"
His tone was curious, still displaying the gentle yet slightly gossipy demeanor of an older brother.
Shu Bai twitched the corner of his mouth. "It doesn't mean anything. I just think the name sounds like it's good for annoying people."
He would never admit that the name "Shubai," from its meaning and pronunciation to the feeling it evokes, forms a subtle contrast with "Liyuheng."
But only he himself knew that this deliberately created antagonism had become his deepest bond.
Despite their apparent deliberate opposition, the name "Shubai" exists because of "Liyuheng".
Of all the names in this world, only "Shubai" was chosen to correspond with "Liyuheng".
"Annoying?" Cangming chuckled. "You child, even choosing a name can be a way of picking a fight with people. Who are you trying to annoy?"
"I'll make anyone I don't like angry."
Hearing his younger brother's clearly emotional reply, Cangming's smile deepened. He seemed to see through something, but considerately didn't point it out, instead teasingly following the conversation:
"Oh? It seems our young master has formed quite a few connections during these four years away. Even his name is deliberately chosen to be annoying."
Shu Bai turned his head away expressionlessly, staring at a small insect slowly crawling on the glowing vine beside him: "There's no fate between us, but there might be a tragic fate."
“Even a tragic fate is still a fate,” Cangming said with a smile. “Alright, the name is decided, Shubai. It’s quite good, it sounds clean and crisp, just like you. So what are your plans now? You’ve just returned, are you going to rest for a while and familiarize yourself with the clan’s affairs, or…”
"I'm going into seclusion," Shu Bai interrupted him, her tone unwavering. "I'm planning to take the exam for immortal status for fun."
"Pfft—" Cangming couldn't help but burst out laughing. He looked his younger brother up and down as if he had heard something out of the blue. "Taking the exam for immortality? Just for fun? You? Did I hear that right?"
No wonder he was surprised.
The cat demon clan has always been carefree and has kept its distance from the rules and regulations of the Heavenly Court.
Although there are those in the clan whose strength is comparable to that of an Immortal Lord, very few of them actively seek to obtain Immortal status and are bound by the heavenly rules.
"What?" Shu Bai raised an eyebrow at him. "I can't take the exam?"
"Yes, of course." Cangming's smile faded, but the playfulness in his eyes remained. "It's just a little surprising. When did our young master Shubai become interested in a position in the Heavenly Court? Or... um?"
His gaze swept meaningfully across Shu Bai's face. "Is the real intention not in the wine?"
Shu Bai felt uncomfortable under his gaze, but forced herself to remain calm: "Stop talking nonsense. Just tell me whether you support it or not."
"Support, of course I support!" Cangming immediately declared, patting his chest.
"My younger brother wants to make progress, and as his older brother, I must fully support him! If he needs any books, materials, or intelligence, just ask! I may not have much else, but I do have some connections!"
He leaned closer, lowered his voice, and winked: "But tell me the truth, is there... some 'special' person or thing in Heaven that's attracting our young master to go there?"
Shu Bai pushed his face away, which was too close, and said in a stiff tone, "No. I'm just bored."
He certainly wouldn't admit it.
He was annoyed by Li Yuheng's matter-of-fact manner in which he was told to go find him.
Despite his anger, he knew exactly what was going on in his mind.
Given Li Yuheng's concrete-and-steel brain, coupled with the fact that he knows almost nothing about him, hoping that the stupid dog will suddenly come to his senses or take the initiative to come to him is like hoping the sun will rise in the west.
So, it still has to be him who goes.
But the Heavenly Court isn't a place where just any cat or dog can wander up.
Forcing your way in is definitely not an option; that would be too undignified and could easily cause trouble.
The safest and most legitimate way is to pass the imperial examination and obtain a pass and temporary residence permit for the Heavenly Court.
As for whether to beat up Li Yuheng or scratch his face after finding him, that's another story.
Cangming was secretly delighted to see his younger brother's awkward expression.
His younger brother has always worn his heart on his sleeve since he was a child. The way he looks now clearly shows that he has a guilty conscience, and a very big one at that!
"Alright, alright, you're free, you're free." Cangming nodded and stopped pressing. "Then you can focus on your seclusion and prepare. Don't worry about the clan's affairs, I'll take care of you. Just ask if you need anything."
He paused, then added, his tone carrying a hint of indulgence and anticipation: "Brother is waiting to see what you 'play' and make a name for yourself."
Shu Bai responded with an "Mmm".
He stood up, preparing to leave to arrange his seclusion.
He took two steps, then stopped. Without turning around, his voice came through, somewhat muffled: "...Thanks, bro."
Cangming watched his slightly hurried back, muttering to himself with endless amusement and a hint of anticipation for a good show:
"You little rascal, still trying to act tough with your older brother. Looks like these past four years have been quite eventful..."
…
The Underworld, the Crown Prince's Palace.
Li Yuheng sneezed for no apparent reason. He rubbed his nose and muttered, "Who's talking about me?"
After reviewing the last document, he put down his red pen and stretched comfortably.
"Done!" He snapped his fingers, and the mountain of files on the desk was instantly organized into perfect order. "Sigh, that's how efficient the male lead is, nothing I can do about it."
He stood up and stretched his limbs.
Now he handles these official duties with ease, no longer the little old man who used to get a headache just looking at documents.
It was Lao Tzu, the great father.
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