Xiong explained things vaguely to Barcode and Lucas, while Yetao's fox form snuggled weakly in Barcode's arms, his energy nearly depleted.
"So, this is our Yetao and that is an evil Yetao, but both are Yetaos?" Barcode asked, trying to piece everything together but failing to grasp the full picture.
Xiong waved dismissively. "Whatever you think, I only know so much. We need to get Lord Jackson's heart next."
Barcode's brows furrowed in confusion. "But why his heart? Isn't Lord Bambam the snake clan's leader?"
"From when?" Xiong asked, genuine shock evident in his voice.
"From first," Barcode replied simply.
Xiong sighed deeply. "I don't know what's happening. But we need Lord Jackson's heart. Not the vile demon's."
Barcode was annoyed. "Why are you calling him demon? Do you know that he went to the reaper forest to get a ginseng for Yetao just because he was training for a performance?", Barcode snapped at him.
"Oh really? I didn't know he had such a caring personality", Xiong said sarcastically, and barcode was irked, "If he is not the Snake lord, then who is he? Why does the so-called snake lord you claim to be is letting him play the role?", Barcode asked with a fierce look.
Xiong couldn't reveal his identity, "He's .... just his brother", Xiong said and Barcode rolled his eyes.
Their disagreement quickly escalated into a quarrel. Amid the chaos, Lucas gently took Yetao from Barcode's hands and lifted the tiny fox to eye level.
"Taotao... let me ask you something to be sure that you're the original," Lucas said softly.
Yetao nodded with his small, furry head.
"When is my birthday?" he asked.
"October 25," came the reply that only Lucas could understand.
Lucas's eyes widened in surprise at his own ability to comprehend the fox's speech, but recalling his experience from the previous illusion, he continued his questioning.
"When did you wake up early for the last time in our world?"
Yetao's fox face scrunched up in thought. "Huh? Did I do that? When?" The tiny creature seemed genuinely puzzled by the question.
Lucas smiled and moved to his final test. "Now the last question. Who was your first crush?"
The fox's expression shifted to annoyance. "Your stupid brother," Yetao replied with what could only be described as a tiny huff.
Lucas's face broke into a wide grin as he hugged the cute fox. "You're definitely Taotao. What in the world has happened to you?"
The fox wrapped his tail around Lucas's arm, returning the embrace in the only way his current form allowed. A comfortable silence fell between them.
"Taotao... what you experienced is just an illusion. Don't take it to heart, okay? Once everything is over, we'll go back to our world and debut together, alright?" Lucas's voice was gentle, reassuring.
A drop of moisture formed in the corner of Yetao's fox eye. It was not an illusion, Lu. There's more to it than you can imagine, Yetao thought but couldn't bring himself to say. Lucas would only be saddened by the truth.
Barcode remained silent through their exchange. He glanced at Xiong, only to find him already fast asleep. With a sigh, he rose to his feet.
"I'll go seek the snake lord," he announced, heading for the door.
But no sooner had he stepped into the hallway than he came rushing back in, eyes wide with alarm.
"Emergency! Lord Bambam is on his way here along with Lord Jackson!" Barcode's shout jolted Xiong awake.
Moving with surprising speed for someone so exhausted, Xiong snatched Yetao and cast a spell, sealing the fox within his pendant.
"What did you—" Lucas's protest was cut short by a knock at the door.
"Shh..." Xiong gestured for silence regarding Yetao.
Though confused, Lucas chose to hold his tongue as Jackson and Bambam entered the room.
Jackson's gaze immediately fell on Barcode and Lucas. "What are you two doing here?"
Xiong grabbed Lucas's hand with unexpected affection. "Just catching up with my long-lost friend."
Lucas inwardly was annoyed at the contact but managed to force a smile.
Jackson sighed. "Xiong, why did you arrive all of a sudden like that and scare Jeff? He's whining like an abandoned puppy since you've lost contact."
"Gege, not you too," Xiong pouted childishly. "I wanted to aid my friend, and that's why I settled in the immortal realm. You know all too well Dorn is a kind kid who doesn't see demons as untouchable species."
"Xiong..." Jackson's voice softened. "Jeff is just missing you. When did he say he doesn'tt like you going to the immortal realm? After all, you and Minghao are the only blood relatives he still has. At least Minghao hangs out with Jeff once in a while. You're the one who's growing distant."
The words struck a chord in Xiong's heart, though his pout remained firmly in place. "That's why I'm here now, aren't I?"
The room fell into uncomfortable silence.
From inside Xiong's sealed pendant, Yetao observed Bambam intently thinking about the things they went through together and was conflicted. But the demon lord was staring at Lucas, seemingly lost in deep thought.
Is he thinking of the old days? Why is he looking at Lu like that? Yetao wondered.
"Did I steal his cookie jar? Why is he drilling a hole in my face?", Lucas deliberately avoided eye contact with Bambam, uncomfortable under the intense stare. Without warning, Bambam approached and leaned in, to sniff at him.
Goosebumps erupted across Lucas's skin as he jerked away. "What are you doing?" he shouted.
Bambam's face remained expressionless. "It's just... nothing," he said before turning to leave.
At the door, he paused to acknowledge Xiong with a slight nod before disappearing into the hallway.
As he walked, thoughts swirled in Bambam's mind. Why does he smell like Taotao? Did he meet him? Then why is Taotao avoiding me for 5 days now?
He stopped walking, his fists clenching tightly before relaxing once more. Forget it. It's better if Taotao likes him. I'll only make his life worse. After all, they're going to return to their world one day. Who am I to feel bad after all the things I've put him through?
With that bitter thought, he resumed walking, each step heavy with resignation.
Back in the room, Barcode carefully closed the doors and checked the hallway to ensure they were alone. Jackson watched with growing suspicion as Barcode approached him.
"You're the snake lord?" Barcode asked abruptly.
The question hit Jackson like a physical blow, shock registering clearly on his face.
Before Jackson could deny anything, Xiong swiftly removed the pendant from his neck and released Yetao from the seal. A small fox tumbled onto the bed with a soft thud.
Jackson's eyes widened in shock. "This... Why did you hide him there?" His gaze fell on the small fox's weakened state. "What happened to his life force? I need to get the physicians—"
"Gege, stop." Xiong's firm voice halted Jackson in his tracks. "This is the real Yetao." His eyes narrowed. "The one inside the palace is just a tainted dark energy."
Jackson's brows furrowed in confusion, looking between the fox on the bed and Xiong.
Xiong sighed dramatically and collapsed into a nearby chair. "Hey, you two," he gestured lazily at Barcode and Lucas. "Explain it to him. Why must I always be the one explaining things? My mouth hurts."
Barcode was annoyed but he already knew of Xion's laziness. He exchanged glances with Lucas before stepping forward with a resigned sigh.
Meanwhile, in another wing of the palace, the doppelganger Yetao's eyes snapped open during his meditation. A foreign energy had disturbed his senses, powerful and distinctly immortal.
"What is this?" he whispered, rising to his feet. "An intruder?"
He slid open the door to his chambers and moved through the corridors with silent, predatory grace. The immortal energy grew stronger as he approached Xiong's guest quarters. His lips curved into a thin, calculating smile as he reached the door.
Without warning, he pushed it open.
Four pairs of eyes turned to him—Jackson, Barcode, Lucas, and an unfamiliar immortal. The doppelganger masked his wariness with a practiced smile.
"I didn't know we had such an esteemed guest in the palace," he said, his voice honey-smooth but eyes cold as winter. "May I inquire who this might be?"
Jackson stepped forward, placing himself subtly between the doppelganger and the others. "He's Jeff's cousin from the immortal realm. Just descended. You don't need to concern yourself. Just focus on your recovery."
The doppelganger's eyebrows rose in feigned surprise. "Oh? I wasn't aware Jeff gege had such connections." He offered Xiong a convincing bow. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance."
Xiong forced a smile in return, but his complexion paled visibly. The tainted energy radiating from the false Yetao was suffocating him just by being in the same room.
"I merely thought to pay my respects," the doppelganger continued, then turned his attention to Lucas. "Lu? Why are you sweating so profusely? Are you unwell?"
He reached out, pressing his palm against Lucas's forehead. Lucas flinched violently, jerking away from the touch before he could stop himself.
"I—I apologize, Taotao," Lucas stammered, realizing his mistake. "I must be coming down with something."
The false Yetao's smile didn't waver, but something dangerous flickered in his eyes. "It's quite alright, Lu. The aftermath of illusions can be... disorienting. Rest well." With one last calculating glance around the room, he departed.
The moment the door closed, Lucas collapsed against the wall, releasing a shuddering breath. "By the gods..."
Xiong clutched his chest, gasping for air as if he'd been underwater. Jackson quickly moved to his side, stabilizing his fluctuating life force with a steady stream of spiritual energy.
"Good thing I sensed his approach," Xiong wheezed, retrieving his pendant and releasing Yetao from it. "Did none of you feel that darkness?"
"I didn't notice before, but he is definitely not our Taotao," Barcode whispered, his face ashen.
Lucas nodded vigorously. "For real. It felt like an evil villainess from a historical drama walked in."
Everyone turned to stare at him with blank expressions.
"...Maybe a villain?" Lucas amended weakly.
Xiong sighed and pushed himself upright. "Now do you see, gege? If he were just a powerless vessel, how did he detect my presence when no one informed him? He clearly sensed the immortal realm's energy." He gestured to the fox curled on the bed. "If this Yetao's life force were even slightly stronger, the impostor would have found him instantly."
Jackson's expression grew grave. "This is more serious than I thought. We need to neutralize the resentful energy corrupting him."
"Impossible," Xiong stated flatly. "His soul has literally taken form from resentment itself. We can't neutralize what he fundamentally is. Our only option is to follow the prophecy of 'Parallel Eye'."
Jackson's head snapped up. "How do you know about the prophecy? Do you know where Parallel eye is?"
Xiong's smile strained at the edges. "How do I know that? Well... Yetao told me he needs to acquire the demon's heart."
Jackson seemed to accept this, though suspicion lingered in his eyes. "So he needs Oscar's heart now, correct?"
"He needs yours," Xiong corrected grimly. "He already acquired Oscar's."
"He what?" Jackson's face drained of color. "How did he manage that? Wait—he needs mine now?" The terror in his voice seemed disproportionate, raising eyebrows around the room.
"Gege, why are you so frightened?" Xiong leaned forward. "Is it fatal to extract the heart?"
"No, but..." Jackson hesitated, avoiding everyone's eyes.
"Just say it," Xiong pressed impatiently. "What's with all this suspense? You're scaring us."
Jackson exhaled heavily. "The heart can only be reached through my other half."
Xiong considered this. "Like... your marriage partner?"
When Jackson nodded reluctantly, Xiong's expression brightened. "That's it? That's hardly an obstacle, gege. He can manage that much to save himself—right, vessel boy?" He crouched beside the small fox, who appeared as shocked as everyone else.
"Listen," Xiong whispered to Yetao, "it's just a ceremony. A few bows, a ceremonial drink, nothing difficult. Don't think you're betraying anyone—you'll return to your world when this is over. But for everyone here, this is vital."
After a moment's consideration, the fox nodded.
Xiong straightened, clapping his hands together. "See? He agrees. Let's arrange a small wedding ceremony."
"Wait, it's not—" Jackson started, but Xiong was already giving instructions to Barcode.
"We won't judge, gege. No need for shyness. Would you prefer a grand wedding dress made of snow silk?" Xiong teased.
Jackson finally erupted, "It's not marriage! It's dual cultivation, alright?!"
The room fell silent. Barcode's face flushed crimson while Lucas and Yetao tilted their heads in confusion.
Barcode turned slowly to look at the small fox. "Taotao... what do we do now?"
"What does that mean?" Lucas asked, apprehension creeping into his voice.
"It's... the marital duty," Barcode explained haltingly, his entire face burning.
Lucas's jaw dropped. "What?!"
Understanding dawned on Yetao, who curled into a tight ball of embarrassment.
"That's why it's impossi—" Jackson began, but Xiong cut him off.
"Gege, answer me this. If someone else acquires the heart, can they willingly transfer it to another?"
"They can, but—"
Before Jackson could finish, Xiong placed his hand firmly on Jackson's shoulder. "Let's do it, then."
Jackson recoiled as if burned. "Have you lost your mind? Why would I do that with you?"
"Why not?" Xiong advanced as Jackson retreated. "It's not like either of us will end up pregnant. Consider it a one-time necessity." He gestured toward the trembling fox. "The poor thing clearly can't handle it."
"That's not the issue!" Jackson protested, his back hitting the wall.
"Then what is?" Xiong pressed, closing the distance between them until they were mere inches apart. "Do you prefer women? But I guess not"
Their heartbeats thundered in the suddenly stifling room—one racing with terror, the other with determination. The air crackled with tension as the others watched, speechless.
As Xiong leaned closer, saying, "Am I not attractive enough? But I know I'm handsome" Jackson finally snapped.
"If you're so desperate, go find Bambam! I will never do this with anyone but my destined one!" In a flash, he channeled spiritual energy into his fingertips and flicked Xiong's forehead with enough force to send him staggering backward.
Xiong collapsed to the floor with a groan, clutching his forehead as it burned with the spiritual backlash.
"That's your punishment for not letting me speak," Jackson snarled, straightening his robes.
Barcode hurried to help Xiong up, who was still wincing from the attack.
"Why bring that guy into this?" Xiong complained, rubbing his throbbing forehead. "Why would I waste my precious time with that thing?"
Jackson sighed, exasperated. "We both drank from the ceremonial cup at the Snake Clan coronation ceremony. Technically, we're both Snake Lords. If you're that desperate, try Bambam. He's skilled in elemental cultivation too, though I can't guarantee a full success rate of getting the heart."
With that bombshell dropped, Jackson stalked out of the room.
In the silence that followed, Lucas finally erupted, "Elemental cultivation? Dual cultivation? What kind of twisted game is this?" He clenched his fists in frustration. "Adding these sorts of tropes is just—"
His tirade was interrupted when Yetao, now in human form after replenishing enough energy, approached Xiong and placed his hand on his arm.
"I'll do it," he said softly, determination in his eyes despite his obvious fear.
Xiong looked at him, a complicated mixture of guilt and concern crossing his face. Though they had only known each other briefly, he couldn't help but feel sorry for the young man's predicament.
The fate of their world now rested on shoulders far too slender to bear such weight.