Pill Extraction

Xi Chun was the most ordinary mortal: no spiritual roots, no family connections, just a slightly more handsome face than most.

By ingratiating himself with the person who had once saved him, he became Sword Venerable Xie Yujing's lover for three years.

The Heavenly Secrets Pavilion divined that Xie Yujing's destined partner was Liu Rong, an equally brilliant alchemist. As expected, Xi Chun was kicked out.

He heard that Xie Yujing had suffered a qi deviation, been gravely injured, and fallen into a coma.

Xi Chun secretly went to the Demon Realm to steal an antidote. Xie Yujing had saved his life, he thought. He could always repay him with his own life if it came to that.

As he lay dying, Xi Chun watched the demonic beasts slowly devour him. He was in so much pain that he couldn't even shed a tear. Only the broken pieces of his heart-protecting mirror were left lying alone on the ground.

Xi Chun didn't know.

The Sword Venerable was a half-immortal, deathless and indestructible. The only one who could kill him was himself.

He could never have known, either,

that the man whose eyes had always been fixed solely on the Great Way would one day cut out his core to save him.

But did he really not know?

[Reading Guide]

A very short story, with a fake scum-and-doormat setup, a twist, and lots of melodramatic angst, but a happy ending.

Other short stories in the author's collection:

"A Happy Ending with My Childhood Friend's Moonlight": A short story about a mutual secret crush.

"Inheritance": Sui Yuan inherits everything, including his father's lover.

Theme: A gentleman can wait ten years to take revenge.