Upon receiving the materials sent by Immortal Lord Yelin, Song Qingshi was silent.
Having taken courses in physiology and hygiene, he initially thought that intimacy between men and women was relatively simple. He never realized that the complexity increased manifold between two men, requiring an array of bizarre techniques to satisfy the "invading" partner.
As a perfectionist in academics, Song Qingshi was committed to mastering this, regardless of its complexity.
Seizing the time he had while waiting for the new petri dishes of the Black Death Butterfly to yield results, he pulled out a new notebook and began going through the materials. He highlighted key points and took notes.
First and foremost, he had confirmed that his spiritual roots were highly suitable for transferring cultivation levels through alchemic means. If the accident he had considered did not happen, or if the Nascent Soul hadn't fully shattered, he would try to convince Yue Wuhuan to accept some of his cultivation levels to enhance his self-defense capabilities.
Yue Wuhuan had reached a point of self-harm in his efforts to suppress his desires.
This was a dangerous sign that couldn't be left to fester.
Instead of allowing his anxiety to grow, exacerbating the issue, it would be better to try desensitization therapy, forcing him to confront the root of his anxieties.
Yue Wuhuan needed to understand that desiring someone he liked was not terrible. What he wanted to do wouldn't harm the other party; though it might bring pain, if willingly accepted, it could also bring joy.
But then again... was it that difficult to be the receiving partner? The pictures showed numerous challenging positions that looked rather painful.
The more research Song Qing did, the more confused he became. He wasn't sure what Yue Wuhuan would like, but it was best for beginners to start with something simple. He would try something he felt confident about.
He also studied erotic literature diligently, noting down professional terms and lines that would please the active partner during intimacy. The books often depicted the active partner asking questions, with the receiver scoring points by responding correctly.
It's always good to be prepared for the unexpected.
What if Yue Wuhuan also asked questions and he answered incorrectly?
He needed to prepare for every possible question and answer, memorizing them thoroughly.
He also had to stock various balms and medications for injuries. No matter how dire the situation, he couldn't let out a cry of pain or end up immobilized like the characters in the literature; that would not only lose face as a Nascent Soul cultivator but also deepen Yue Wuhuan's psychological trauma concerning these matters.
After several days of preparation and ensuring everything was in place, Song Qing used his divine sense to locate Yue Wuhuan. Late at night, he returned to his room and went to find him.
Unable to find a substitute for Celestial Heart Bamboo, Yue Wuhuan feared that his Master's advances and kisses might make him lose control. So, he looked for an excuse to avoid the situation.
A sense of urgency filled Song Qing, and a barrier of flames rose, cutting off any retreat. With a stern face, he said, "We need to talk."
Left with no room to maneuver, Yue Wuhuan asked, "About what?"
Song Qing quickly responded, "Celestial Heart Bamboo."
"As you've noticed, my body is highly susceptible to desires," Yue Wuhuan, realizing that his secret was exposed and with nowhere to run, spoke with a sense of despair, "I fear I may lose control and commit disgraceful and vulgar acts towards you, which is why I need Celestial Heart Bamboo."
Puzzled, Song Qing asked, "Disgraceful and vulgar?"
He had always considered himself naive, while Yue Wuhuan seemed experienced and knowledgeable. By "dirty," he thought it symbolized the emotional and physical scars one bears after being forced. Now he realized that due to inadequate sexual education and continuous verbal humiliation, Yue Wuhuan had come to view normal physiological reactions as monstrous impulses, resisting them for fear of further humiliation.
Desire is a natural human need, but it requires mutual consent and should be conducted within the bounds of law and ethics.
Song Qing decided it was time to give him a comprehensive lesson, covering human physiology and proper sexual education. He started from human evolution, included diagrams of bodily structures, and even added elements of sociology and ethics. He lectured for over an hour, nearly forgetting the original purpose of his visit.
Yue Wuhuan was confounded, struggling in his dying moments. "We are different, my body... my desires for you are overwhelmingly strong, but you have no such desires for me. You're so pure, so innocent..."
The contrast is unbearably stark...
He couldn't face it, and despised himself even more.
Song Qingshi sensed his evasion and resolutely pressed a deep kiss onto his lips.
Yue Wuhuan felt disoriented by the kiss.
Song Qingshi was a quick learner. With Yue Wuhuan's guidance during their daily kisses, he had gradually mastered the techniques that bring joy to both. It was as if he'd returned a perfect score on an exam.
Yue Wuhuan felt his body heating up. Fearing embarrassment, he tried to push the person clinging tightly to him away, but noticed that the other had also experienced a different kind of reaction.
"Wuhuan, do you feel it?" Song Qingshi released him, speaking softly, "I do desire you, I've just been too slow to show it. I was also afraid you wouldn't like it."
Yue Wuhuan gasped, "I do like it."
Song Qingshi kissed him again, took a deep breath, and declared resolutely, "No more Tianxin Bamboo. You can do anything to me; I'm not afraid of the pain."
"Do you even understand what you're saying?" Yue Wuhuan grasped the implication, restraining his limited rationality, and tried to make him reconsider. "You're a man. Won't you feel ashamed enduring this?"
"I won't," thought Song Qingshi for a moment, then answered, "I'll only do these things with someone I like. There's no shame in that."
Yue Wuhuan was incredulous, "Like?"
Song Qingshi looked at him earnestly, "Wuhuan, I like you."
These long-fantasized words returned him to that most beautiful illusion.
Yue Wuhuan stared blankly into the young man's clear eyes, where he was the only reflection. He felt like he could hear his own heartbeat.
The real world and the world of illusion overlapped...
The emotional shackles within him started to loosen one by one. The beast of desire was roaring, the Lock of Affection seemed to lose its effect. He'd forgotten to restrain his emotions...
Song Qingshi sensed that his body was taut to the breaking point. He produced several jars of ointment and healing potions and placed them in his palm. "Don't be afraid, I won't get hurt."
With the last shred of his rationality, Yue Wuhuan murmured, "Qingshi, we can't..."
Song Qingshi undid his robe, revealing his most sincere heart like an unwrapped gift, presenting his entirety to the one he loved, aiming to leave an indelible mark in his soul.
Yue Wuhuan couldn't avert his eyes.
"Wuhuan, in what position would you like to do this with me?" Recalling the notes he'd prepared, Song Qingshi sneakily glanced at his cheat sheet. Feeling the task was daunting, he decided to leave the choice to the more experienced one. "Should I lie down? Kneel? Be on all fours? Or should I be tied up?"
Every string in Yue Wuhuan's mind snapped.
Vines shot out from all directions, wrapping around Song Qingshi's limbs, pulling him in, and holding him captive. Yue Wuhuan lightly sniffed the long-desired medicinal scent at his neck, his voice trembling and hoarse, "It's too late for regrets. Are you sure you know what you're doing?"
"Yes," Song Qingshi recalled the standard answers from his notes, "I owe it to you."
A terrifying madness flashed in Yue Wuhuan's eyes. The beautiful tear mole below them seemed almost to bleed, overwhelmed by desire. The long-restrained beast of hunger was finally unleashed, ravenous beyond endurance. He longed to savagely feast on the object of his obsession, leaving no room for remorse.
The unblemished page was finally stained...
With nothing but his scent.
...
The next morning, Song Qingshi awoke entwined in vines, finding himself tightly bound over Yue Wuhuan's heart.
Yue Wuhuan had released all his pent-up desires, everything he needed to do was done. He had no more nightmares to fear, and the years of exhaustion welled up, leading him into a deep sleep.
Not wanting to disturb his rare slumber, Song Qingshi remained still, pressing against his heart, counting the heartbeats, and contemplating whether he passed the test of last night's performance.
He pretended to be calm, but he was actually quite nervous.
The experience was less painful than he had imagined, even rather comfortable in an indescribable way. However, Yue Wuhuan's overpowering dominance left him with no control over his body. The heightened sensitivity and intensity brought tears to his eyes, slightly shameful.
Toward the latter part, he felt disoriented, almost unable to continue. It seemed like Yue Wuhuan was asking if he was alright, if he needed to stop. Luckily, he remembered the standard answers from the books, struggling to reply: "More." "Finish me." "So good."
Then, Yue Wuhuan seemed to become even more unrestrained…
His mind blanked, knowing nothing anymore.
After much contemplation, Song Qingshi felt he hadn't made any grave mistakes. He initially wanted to handle the aftermath and apply the medicines himself, but Yue Wuhuan snatched them away with a stern face, insisting he not touch them.
Having accomplished all this, could he consider himself no longer single?
A satisfied thought crossed Song Qingshi's mind.
...
Yue Wuhuan woke up quite late. Before opening his eyes, he thought last night had been a rather pleasant dream. Although he had ultimately lost control, the Song Qingshi in his dream was incredibly tender. Even when his true, terrifying self was revealed, Song Qingshi neither fled nor pleaded, even encouraging him to lose himself, causing him to completely unravel.
This dream left him with less guilt than others; it was deeply satisfying.
He wished it would happen again.
Yue Wuhuan opened his eyes and saw Song Qingshi sprawled atop him, his body adorned with an array of kiss and bite marks. There were also signs of the Blood King Vines he had summoned during his loss of control.
Upon seeing Yue Wuhuan awake, Song Qingshi leaned in and kissed him, saying, "Good morning."
Yue Wuhuan's body stiffened, his rational mind clouding over...
Last night's madness had been no dream. What horrendous thing had he done? He vaguely recalled pushing the boundaries, driving Song Qingshi to tears without stopping, only becoming more frenzied, even uttering some vulgarities.
If a dark fire came burning at him now, he would undoubtedly deserve it.
Yue Wuhuan quickly retracted the Blood King Vines and waited nervously for the final judgment.
Song Qingshi got up and stretched. The stories said that one could ache all over after a night like that, but he thought that was an exaggeration. Cultivators recovered swiftly, and he only had minor injuries that would heal soon enough.
Ye Lin, the Immortal Lord, had instructed him to be gentle with Yue Wuhuan, to avoid causing injury.
Only during the act did Song Qingshi realize he had a compulsion to bite and scratch Yue Wuhuan. He held back as much as he could but still ended up leaving a mark on Yue Wuhuan's shoulder.
Song Qingshi checked the wound and felt it wasn't too bad—perhaps a minor deduction in points.
Seeing that Song Qingshi wasn't angry only made Yue Wuhuan more uneasy. He had lost control; the marks he'd left were numerous, stark against the fair skin and a little jarring to see.
Song Qingshi noticed Yue Wuhuan's gaze on the marks and chuckled. "It's fine, I bruise easily. A little ointment, and they will fade soon."
Yue Wuhuan cautiously asked, "You don't think I went too far?"
Song Qingshi dressed, casually saying, "It was quite nice. I thought it would be more painful. You were very gentle, actually."
Yue Wuhuan stared at him in disbelief as Song Qingshi looked utterly content. He suddenly saw a small cheat sheet fall out from Song Qingshi's sleeve—it seemed to be his preparation for this act. It detailed several 'exotic' practices he wanted to try, each more taboo than the last—two of which Yue Wuhuan had never even encountered before.
He understood now...
The illusion gu was indeed laced with falsehoods.
So, the young man he loved wasn't just into tenderness and care, but also craved novelty and wild experiments?
That meant he was free to be as adventurous as he wanted in their intimate moments?