Chapter 133 - The Forest of Desire
Translated by Eve
Edited by Serefina
Trigger warning: Descriptions of gore. (For the entire arc... lol)
4. The Forest of Desire
Joshua’s gaze was fixed on the black-haired man. The moment their eyes met, an intense killing intent came rushing at him!
He grabbed onto the gem pendant hanging at his chest, chanting a spell and doing his best to withstand the killing intent! This was nothing but an intangible killing intent, but Joshua had used up even more magic withstanding this than in combating the ghosts. Joshua’s face paled and something in his chest shook.
Soon after, after one last piercing stare at the black-haired man, Joshua turned around and left without any hesitation, indicating that he had no intentions of being hostile with the other party.
Saj noticed that he actually hadn’t been able to kill that human with his attack and felt a bit surprised. He didn’t think that the humans’ Holy Son would actually possess some strength.... A disdainful smile appeared on his lips. He was about to continue his offense when he saw the human leave, as if the other didn’t care that his comrade was being violated and disgraced.
A flicker of interest flitted through Saj’s eyes. This was nothing but a little interlude in his life. Moreover, that human was nowhere as important as his elf. He thus looked down and continued to stare at his struggling elf.
How much longer can you persist, ne...? I’m really looking forward to it....
Xie He’s mind was already muddled. He hadn’t noticed that Joshua had come over.... Even though his mind wasn’t willing, his body became more and more used to being violated by that man. It would instinctively welcome him. All of this caused great turmoil and suffering in him.
Saj lowered his head and placed a loving kiss on the elf’s soft lips, chuckling softly. “I will wait for you to come see me....”
When he finished, he got up and disappeared into the darkness.
...................................................
When Joshua ‘left’, he didn’t really leave the scene. Instead, he had gone to stand a short distance away, waiting.
After some time, a dark shadow suddenly enveloped his surroundings. A black-haired, black-eyed man walked out from the dark haze. He looked exactly like Galanodel, but Joshua knew that this wasn’t his true visage.
He placed his hand on his chest and greeted the other respectfully. The corner of his lips rose and a pleasant voice came from his mouth, “Your Excellency, the honourable Saj.”
Saj gave him a thoughtful look. “You know who I am?”
Joshua smiled, “Aside from the great God of Darkness, who else could possess such formidable magic? Moreover, this place is so close to the Dead Sea Forest. It is not difficult to guess.”
Saj nodded, a fake smile on his lips. “If that’s the case, are you not afraid that I will kill you?”
Joshua gave him a meaningful look. “I’ve come with no ill intent. You should have already felt it. Otherwise, you would not speak to me. You would have already killed me.”
Saj raised an eyebrow. He didn’t admit or deny it. Instead, he said, “You are the Church’s Holy Son but you say you’ve come with no ill intent. Why did you come?”
Joshua’s handsome, sunshine-like face wore a pure and holy smile. There was sorrow for the world’s fate in his eyes. He slowly said, “I came to release you. The Great God of Darkness should not submit and be sealed up. The Continent’s beings should not forget the fear that you bring.”
Saj stared at Joshua. The other had a pure and holy appearance, pretending to be merciful towards the world. But he was also smiling while negotiating with a demon on bringing darkness into the mortal realm.
This was not what the Holy Son of the Church should do, but....
Saj suddenly broke out into a smile. It seemed that he encountered something interesting. This human...was really similar to that old fellow....
That two-faced fellow was worshipped as a god by those stupid humans. He took—or rather, robbed—them of their faith, pretending to be bright and kind but he was actually the most selfish, despicable and shameless entity to ever exist.
The current Holy Son was the most similar to that god that Saj had seen in many, many years.
If that old fellow was still alive, he would certainly be happy that he had a qualified successor.
The smile on Saj’s face slowly turned into one of disdain and ridicule. His body slowly merged with the darkness and his deep voice reverberated through the night: “Then...here’s to a happy partnership.”
Joshua watched Saj leave. When he felt the dark energy disappear, he sighed in relief.
His back was drenched in sweat. Just now, he had risked his life to negotiate with the most sinister, most temperamental fiend in this world, to mutually use one another to accomplish their respective goals.
A cold glint flashed through Joshua’s eyes. He then turned around and left.
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【444：Host dada, dawn has come. It’s time to get up, la.】
&#k3010;Xie He&#kUU1J;Ah, what a beautiful night. If I could sleep in, it would be even better. Smile.JPG&#k3011;
&#k3010;444&#kUU1J;Then sleep a bit more? (&#k2299;v&#k2299;)&#k3011;
&#k3010;Xie He&#kUU1J;I’m afraid they’ll worry themselves to death.&#k3011;
【444：......】How rare that you’re actually afraid of worrying others...._(:зゝ∠)_
Now that it was day, the Spectral Marshes had already become peaceful again. The massacre of the previous night had disappeared without a trace. Xie He crawled up from the earth and put on his unbearably tattered clothes. Saj had never been willing to take off his clothes properly. Because of this, Xie He had wasted quite a number of beautiful Elven clothes. He felt that it was really a pity.
Moreover, he didn’t have any clothes to change into. After putting on his clothes, Xie He found that he appeared to be in a very sorry state. He didn’t quite feel covered....
But it was fine. There was still a Holy Son who was concerned about him.
Xie He was currently not far from the edge of the marshes. Because his nighttime activity had been too intense, he could only stumble along slowly. However, it was fortunate that he had plenty of time. When he finally reached the edge, he heard someone call for him.
Xie He turned his head and saw that Joshua was standing not too far from him. The other beckoned at him and said, “Your Excellency Galan, over here!”
Xie He quickly reached Joshua’s side. He frowned and asked, “Where are the others?”
Joshua smiled and said, “Don’t worry. The others have already headed out. I stayed back to look for you because I was worried.”
Xie He sighed in relief. As if he just realized what a sorry state he was in— that his tattered clothes could not hide the traces on his body at all— a flush of discomfort emerged on his cold face. He turned his head to the side and tried his best to keep his tone normal, “Then let’s leave.”
He was about to head out when he felt something drape over him. He whipped his head to the side, surprised. Joshua had taken off his robes and placed them on top of him.
Joshua had yet to retake his hand. He stood behind Xie He. As he placed his robes over Xie He, his fingers gently swept over Xie He’s shoulders. He then leaned forward slightly, arms wrapping around Xie He’s waist, his long and slender fingers helped him fix the belt.
Joshua lowered his head, nose nearly touching the nape of Xie He’s neck. His gaze fell on the mottled hickeys and an indecipherable look flickered through his dark blue eyes. When he remembered that alluring display this beautiful elf had made last night, a strange feeling rippled through his heart for the first time....
He really wanted...to have a taste.
Xie He’s entire body was rigid. When he felt the man behind him and his warm breath against the side of his neck, he nearly pushed the other away. However, he thought that his kind of reaction would be too extreme, especially given that Joshua didn’t mean any harm—he was only giving him some clothes to wear. Xie He felt rather touched towards the other’s understanding and sympathy.... He didn’t want others to see him in such a sorry state.
It was just that...would Joshua look deeply into this? Was it because he noticed something that he gave him his robes?
Xie He pursed his lips, looking hesitant. At this moment, Joshua let go and took a step back, maintaining a certain distance from Xie He. He sighed, “Your Excellency Galan, you’ve sustained such injuries while protecting us and fighting the ghosts last night. I am very sorry. Your honourable body should not be seen by mere mortals, so I’ve acted presumptuously. I hope that you will not be offended.”
Xie He’s expression gradually relaxed. Seeing that Joshua just thought that he had been injured, Xie He nodded. “I won’t.”
Upon hearing this, a shy smile appeared on Joshua’s face, as if he was really happy. He gestured for Xie He to walk ahead of him and said, “Then let us go. I believe that they’re worried about us, having waited so long.”
Xie He said, “All right.”
Thamior had waited outside all night. The elves he led had already halved in number. Moreover, His Excellency Galan was still inside. A whole night had passed and he had yet to come out. It couldn’t be that His Excellency had died? When he thought of this possibility, he felt like the sky had collapsed. Impossible! It was definitely impossible!
The human knights also looked deeply worried. His Eminence Joshua had gotten lost last night and had yet to appear. It couldn’t be that something had happened to His Eminence?
They didn’t know if either leader was dead or alive in the Spectral Marshes. Fear and helplessness filled their hearts. What should they do? What should they do next?
Just as they were about to quarrel because of their worry and unease, two figures quickly made their way over from the marshes.
It was Xie He and Joshua!
It felt like a stone had lifted from their stomachs. It was like they had once again found their pillars. The knights immediately surrounded Joshua while Thamior and the other elves went to Xie He’s side.
Thamior asked worriedly, “You Excellency Galan, are you OK?”
Xie He said, “I’m fine. I apologize for worrying you all.”
Thamior and the other elves said, “As long as you’re fine, it’s all good!”
Quite a number of people were injured. There had also been deaths. After heading a bit further out, they chose a spot to make camp.
Xie He washed his body simply and borrowed a change of clothes from a fellow elf. He then walked over to Joshua and handed his robe back to him. Because he was grateful that Joshua had prevented him from being in an awkward predicament, Xie He’s expression was much softer. It was not as aloof as it had been before. He smiled and said, “Thank you.”
Joshua took his robes back without much formality and smiled. “No need for courtesy. I was only doing what I should.”
This topic bothered Xie He a bit so he didn’t have it in him to continue talking to Joshua. He nodded and then headed back to his side’s camp.
Joshua watched Xie He leave. He put his robe back on and sniffed at it. There was still the elf’s scent on it—that unique, delightful, refreshing scent.
Such a beautiful creature, no wonder the God of Darkness was tempted. Even he...almost couldn’t hold himself back.
..................................................................
Everyone rested for a night and then they continued on their rapid trek. Just a few days later, they arrived at the Valley of Death.
The Valley of Death was a valley made of grotesquely shaped rocks. The terrain was complicated, like a labyrinth. There were no trees, no flowers, no grass, nor any living creatures. It was deathly still, decorated only with the bones of the dead. It was sinister regardless of whether it was night or day.
The Valley of Death was not dangerous because of beings that would attack them— there were no enemies. Here, their enemies were themselves.
All living beings that came here would be tempted by their ugliest desires. They would then kill each other after succumbing to said desires. The weaker one’s heart was, the more easily they would fall to them.
Joshua muttered to himself for a while and then said, “Let’s all go in alone and then reconvene.”
Xie He did not object to Joshua’s suggestion. Actually, this was the best method. If they split up, they would not lose their reasoning and kill each other. He said, “Let’s enter one by one. I’ll go last.”
Thamior nodded. The elves entered first, one after another. Then, it was Joshua’s knights. Very quickly, only Joshua and Xie He remained at the entrance.
Joshua nodded and smiled at Xie He. “I’ll go first.”
After saying this, he strolled in leisurely, as if no matter the time or place, he would always be calm.
After Xie He watched Joshua enter, he waited a few moments before following.
As soon as he entered the Valley of Death, he could feel the air turn many times colder and darker.
To elves and humans, this was an extremely dangerous place. But for Xie He, it was pretty simple, because no psychological attacks would work on him. Furthermore, he had 444, the super navigator, so he wouldn’t get lost.
The only thing was that he had to make sure to walk slowly. He couldn’t get through it too quickly.
He also figured that he might as well up some Favourability points while he was at it.
【444：Host dada, do you plan on pretending to be affected? Won’t it seem too fake? ( ⊙o ⊙)】
【Xie He：There’s no need for me to do that. Smile.JPG】
【444：Why? _(:зゝ∠)_】
【Xie He：Because a resolute heart like mine holds no dark desires. I have the purest and most flawless heart in the world. Of course I won’t be tempted, ah. Baby. 🙂 】
【444：......】I feel like swearing.
【Xie He：Tell me where my Holy Son is.】
【444：Oh....】
Joshua slowly walked through the stone forest. As soon as he had entered, he had felt that this place had a strange atmosphere.
It felt like there was something calling out to him in his mind. His heart flared up and he felt a baffling jitter and impulsiveness. Joshua narrowed his eyes in concentration and cast a mind purifying spell on himself. It felt like clear water was flowing through his brain, washing away the unease and fretfulness. It helped him regain some of his peace. He continued forward.
Because of the steady faith and conviction in his heart, as well as his powerful magic, Joshua was not particularly affected by it. He walked rather quickly. However, the elves and knights ahead of him were not as fast as he was.
After a while, he heard the sounds of battle come from in front of him.
A knight and an elf were fighting each other to the death. The knight’s eyes were red and he let out an enraged roar, “You elves, always pretending to be noble and aloof. Just because you don’t eat meat, you force us not to as well! Are you sick in the head?!”
The elf’s voice was just as furious, “You humans are so vile and cruel to actually end the lives of other beings! You actually do such a horrendous thing as to eat meat!”
Because of the matter of eating meat, one elf and one human began to tear at each other. The elf’s movements were very nimble and pierced the knight’s abdomen with one stab! The knight’s eyes were already red and he had no intention of dodging. A crazed expression emerged in his eyes. That knight cried out in pain but suddenly reached out to grab the elf, hacking at the other’s head. Soon after, both of them stopped breathing at the same time. The ground was covered in blood and remains.
Joshua stared at this tragic scene and agitation once again welled up inside of him. A group of worthless things. It was just a matter of eating meat, but they were still affected by the valley! Such weak and powerless things deserved to die.
His gaze was cold and indifferent. He stepped over the blood and corpses, walking straight past them.
After a while, Joshua once again encountered another person. This person was one of his Holy Knights. Normally, he was silent, taciturn, really obedient and respectful. But now, as soon as he saw Joshua, he charged over, sword in hand, slashing at Joshua while screaming, “Ah, why do you get to be the Holy Son who stands high above us all? Just because God cares for you? It’s not fair! I’m going to kill you! Kill you! I can also be the Holy Son!”
The corner of Joshua’s lips rose. Heh...this was humankind. Although he was a Holy Knight that had been carefully selected and cultivated since childhood, his heart was actually ugly and greedy. Humans...they were really repulsive. They didn’t deserve God’s care or mercy....
He was the Holy Son. There was no other reason for why he was chosen...except that it was because he was strong enough.
Humans without deference were nothing but trash that had to be dealt with.
Seeing that the knight’s sword was about to meet with his neck, Joshua gathered his fingers slightly. Just as he was about to kill that knight, an arrow suddenly shot out by his side! That arrow pierced through that crazed knight, pinning him to the stone wall!
Xie He leapt with his long legs, jumping down from a giant rock. His eyebrows were furrowed and a sliver of worry flickered through his eyes. “Are you okay?”
He had heard voices in the distance just then. He had been worried that Joshua would be hurt by some knight so he had rushed over here, lending the other a helping hand without any hesitation!
It must have been difficult to bear this kind of betrayal from one’s subordinates, even if it was because of the Valley of Death’s influence.
Joshua slowly hung his head. He turned around to face Xie He, who was holding onto his bow.
The beautiful, haughty elf’s hair fell down past his shoulders. His handsome face had a concerned expression. His emerald eyes were fixed onto Joshua and the other’s tall, slender body was wrapped up in a form-fitting outfit....
But what Joshua recalled was the scene of this elf being pressed down and violated on a stone while completely naked. It was like he could see through the other’s clothes, the clothes that were covering up the other’s body and beauty....
The scene replayed before his eyes.
Heh...you act so cold and arrogant but didn’t you submit to another man?
Joshua’s eyes grew darker. He stared at Xie He silently. He knew that there must be something wrong with himself. He had probably been affected. The darkness in his heart was growing but...why didn’t he want to control his desires? Wasn’t it normal for humans to want to possess beautiful things?
He suddenly started towards Xie He.
Seeing that Joshua seemed fine, not at all frenzied like the others, Xie He thought that the other was unaffected like he was. The Church’s Holy Son was indeed a strong-willed fellow. He put away his bow and arrows and sighed. “We should go quickly. I don’t know how the others are.”
Just as he was about to take a step, he felt Joshua grab his wrist.
Xie He turned his head questioningly. “What’s wrong?”
Joshua didn’t make a sound. He suddenly grasped Xie He’s wrist tightly and pushed him onto the stone wall! Xie He’s eyes sharpened in that moment. He finally realized that there was something off about Joshua’s bearing. His reaction was very quick. He launched a punch towards Joshua’s face!
Joshua’s head whipped to the side from the impact. Blood trickled down the corners of his lips. This punch seemed to enrage him. Icy light shot out of his dark blue eyes. Suddenly, a scorching heat blasted out from his palms! Xie He made a suppressed sound of pain. The heat from Joshua’s palm seemed to burn his skin. The pain made his body tremble....
He lifted a leg, wanting to kick Joshua! The elves were generally stronger than humans. Joshua was inferior to Xie He in terms of physical combat. However, his magic was purer and stronger. It felt like a giant hand had materialized in thin air, tightly pressing down on Xie He’s body so that he could not budge even an inch.
Xie He looked at him in rage. He wanted to cast a spell but when he opened his mouth, he couldn’t utter a sound!
He watched as Joshua’s face came closer...on the face of this handsome Holy Son that always held a gentle and shy smile, a strange, cold expression now hung.
Joshua’s fingers gripped onto Xie He’s soft blond hair. He looked at the other’s angered appearance, pressed against the back of the other’s head, and kissed those pink lips.... This was the elf’s taste. It was really wonderful. He really wanted to recklessly possess the other like this! To make him cry under him!
【Ding, Joshua’s Favourability Value +10. The current Favourability Value is 70.】
Eve: I love two-faced black belly characters like Joshua. Hehe, betray him. Eat him up. Too bad the second male leads never get more than a kiss and some groping.
sere: ok but i don’t like this second ML. Usually they are there to make me feel sad and pet the poor puppy but he’s really a big bad wolf. Galan deserves better. (ಥ﹏ಥ)
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