"My third son, take this special token. It will allow you to freely enter the Temple where the High Priestess usually resides in the Sacred Mountain."

After being sent to their own courtyard to stay in the Fourth Temple, Shao Cheng was called out by his father Shao Yin.

"The head of an important and influential family is only able to take one person with them. Don't worry, I had already taken your brothers and sisters during the years. My son, it's finally your turn."

Although Shao Yin spoke in a steady and firm manner, completely showing confidence in everything he does, yet, Shao Cheng could still perceive the nervousness in his Father's voice, along with the hidden cautiousness about suddenly receiving his dislike.

He could only sigh at the effect of the years of heartache the original Shao Cheng left on his family. Although he showed that he was getting better and planning to integrate into his family, however, the years of indifference and coldness couldn't easily be wiped off.

They are getting used to Shao Cheng closeness, and yet, there is still unease hidden deep in their hearts.

"Hmm, I'll check the place later Father. Thank you."

Although Shao Cheng still spoke with coldness in his voice while taking the special token from his Father's hands, however, the softness and tiny gentleness hidden within could be perceived by his father.

The bright eyes, wider smile, and the slight lightness of his father's steps when walking away was enough evidence to let Shao Cheng know how happy and delighted his father was deep down.

… Ah… Shao Cheng (original) aren't we both such trash people?

Before Shao Cheng could begin to a tirade against his cruel nature, the amusing voice of Ren Yuan pulled him back from descending in one of his moody and dark thoughts.

"Hey, your old man sure is an interesting and passionate person. Unlike my old man who can be annoying, always has the bad habit of making those officials angry that he keeps receiving complaints and being reprimanded by the Emperor."

"Hmm… aren't you the same?

"Gasp! Am I that kind of person in your eyes?"

"Well, yes? Brother Yu Yu can be annoying."

Shao Cheng's emotions slowly lightened as he continued to banter and secretly tease Ren Yuan, which easily swept away the darkness buried in his heart.

Unbeknown to him, a flash of satisfaction appeared in Ren Yuan's grey pupils after detecting that the depressed atmosphere he was able to detect around the young man had finally disappeared as they continued to speak with each other in a friendly and teasing manner.

… Sigh…

As the older one between them, Ren Yuan felt that it was his responsibility to help out with whatever darkness and heavy emotions his special friend carried within him.

Because, despite the coldness and indifferent expression the young man always showed, particularly about displaying that there was nothing wrong, however, Ren Yuan was quite good at detecting when there was something wrong within a person.

Of course, even after being together for a long time, he was only able to figure out that the young man was carrying something heavy within him.

… Whitey sure is becoming a complicated person...

For the trouble, it might lead, but the feeling of being able to easily relax and at ease just by the young man's side made it all worth it.

If I were to completely show my true self, I would not be judged… or pushed away… there is also the feeling that the young man will instead support whatever I do… It really is such an interesting thought to have…

"... but… this is the reason why I can't just leave you alone…"

Ren Yuan murmured in an extremely soft voice that the young man who was putting away the special token he received from his father wasn't able to clearly hear it.

"Hm? What did you say?"

"Oh, I have already contacted the people I know here. I'll be going with your younger brother to meet Renshu. I'm sure that guy has arrived first before us."

"Ok. I'll leave my younger brother in your hands."

Shao Cheng nodded his head while examining the new disguise that Ren Yuan had made, which was a man with a normal appearance. After all, being in a female disguise with his family was an entirely different matter compared to meeting the people that worked for him.

"I'll make sure to protect your brother's chastity!"

"What do you want?"

Shao Cheng went straight to the point, knowing fully well that Ren Yuan wanted something from him after seeing how the man was behaving nicely and being thoughtful.

"Well, first, I want Whitey to not be mad at me anymore…"

… you are a bit terrifying when angry…

"Hm… I'm not angry anymore."

… your beauty trap works, but I won't let you know about it…

Shao Cheng inwardly raised his eyebrow after perceiving the small sound of relief the man had secretly let out. Wondering if he should act angry sometimes since the man seemed to behave well from the look of it.

"Second… well, I miss Whitey personally cooking the food I eat, so sent me some 'lunch boxes' 'snack boxes' that you have been doing before. Of course, whenever you have time since I'm sure you are either out creating trouble or unluckily meeting a troublesome situation."

"... I can do that…"

Somehow, Shao Cheng felt proud at the mere thought that he seemed to have conquered Ren Yuan's stomach after hearing such a request that he didn't hesitate to nod his head while ignoring the last words.

"Third, I want Whitey to wear fema-!"

"Rejected."

"...Tsk…"

Shao Cheng's lip twitched before telling the man to leave with his eyes before turning around and entering his room.

"Well, I'll be going now but I'll be back soon, so don't miss me too much."

"..."

Well… I will indeed miss you… but it's going to be another secret again...

After Ren Yuan had completely disappeared from the courtyard, Shao Cheng walked out of his room, before visiting his Twin Mothers to let them know that he was going out for a bit.

Soon, Shao Cheng calmly walked towards the stairway that led to the highest point of the Sacred Mountain. However, when he was halfway there the atmosphere suddenly decreased while he detected a silent wave of power covering the entire place.

"... Please show me the key."

Despite the sudden voice resounding in the entire place that had become mysterious, Shao Cheng calmly took out the special token he took from the branch of the tree instead of the one his father had given him before casually throwing it to where he detected where the voice had come from.

"Please come with me."

Shao Cheng took a glance at the bottom of the stairway for a second, seeing that everything looked normal despite knowing that a spell was cast before he followed the young woman dressed in the similar robes that the people serving the Temple usually wore without asking questions.

After being guided in a secret route to the highest point of the Temple, Shao Cheng calmly walked towards a beautiful pavilion after the guide made a polite gesture to continue on without her.

And inside the pavilion, sitting on a luxurious but elegant chair was a young woman, close to his physical age with an extremely pale face but showing bright purple eyes.

"Give my snake back to me."

The young woman blinked her purple eyes with surprise as the young man dressed in a beautiful snow-white robe calmly sat down on the opposite chair before getting straight to the point without even performing the proper etiquette when greeting a person with a higher status.

"You are the only person who would rudely speak like that to the next High Priestess."

The young Jiayi let out a chuckle before smiling widely after the young man continued to remain silent while calmly taking a sip of the prepared tea on the jade table.

"Such courage… but it's quite fitting for the future Emperor of the Chang Empire."