His Widow

In the hundredth year trapped in the Ghost Domain, Yan Linzhi crawled out like a vengeful ghost.

His once-clear eyes now burned with hatred, black as ink. He swore to slaughter every traitor and offer their blood as a sacrifice. But before he'd even taken two steps, he heard that he had a beloved he'd cherished beyond measure...

And that beloved was his widow.

Yan Linzhi: "..."

All his property, including Xihe Palace, had been inherited by his "widow."

Yan Linzhi: "..."

In short, after a trip outside, he'd become penniless.

*

They said his widow was the most devoted person alive, keeping a solitary vigil beside a single lamp for a hundred years, praying and chanting for his soul.

Yan Linzhi scoffed. He was probably afraid Yan Linzhi would return as a vengeful ghost to get even.

People also said this man was a peerless strategist who managed the world's greatest artifact-crafting sect with remarkable efficiency, earning ever greater renown.

Yan Linzhi was speechless. Now that it was his private property, of course he'd take good care of it.

They even said the man was steadfast, and though his aptitude was abysmal, he had endured the unbearable agony of cleansing and strengthening his meridians with a priceless treasure, all so he could wait for his beloved and stay together forever.

Yan Linzhi laughed in anger. That priceless treasure was his, too!

Fine. A sinister smile curled his lips. He'd start his revenge with his "dear Dao companion."

*

After the battle at the Path of Shared Sorrow, Xiao Shuyu escaped the sea of blood.

He knew Young Master Yan Linzhi truly had someone he loved, a treasure that man held in his palm and cherished in his heart. Xiao Shuyu was nothing but a fake gem, a servant, a rat spying on everything from the shadows.

But so what? Yan Linzhi wasn't coming back anyway...

So Xiao Shuyu switched one person for another, took someone else's place, and assumed the identity of Yan Linzhi's "beloved," becoming his widow.

For a hundred years, he worked tirelessly to manage Xihe Palace. He grew accustomed to fine clothes and rich food, the old calluses on his hands gradually faded, and he came to resemble a noble born to wealth.

But could someone tell him why the person standing outside his door looked so much like his "late husband," who had died on the Path of Shared Sorrow?

All color drained from Xiao Shuyu's face. Trembling all over, he stammered, unable to speak, as the man smiled and drew him into his arms.

The mask of benevolence was stripped away, revealing a black, rotten heart.

His late husband touched his earlobe with cold lips, as if whispering sweet nothings to a lover.

"Did you miss me, my..."

"Widow."

Note:

1. Top's perspective, both leads are villains, and they're each other's only partners.

2. Yan Linzhi (ruthless, gloomy, vengeful ghost top) x Xiao Shuyu (black-hearted, greedy, cowardly bottom who stops at nothing)

3. The top turns dark from the start. He's the sort to watch coldly and take revenge on everyone one by one. Many people have feelings for the top, but he doesn't reciprocate. The bottom has his own agenda, but has never betrayed the top at a life-or-death moment. He's a small-time schemer who will be thoroughly "taught a lesson." Their relationship is rather twisted.

4. If it's not to your taste, don't read or leave negative comments.

5. This is my own self-indulgent story. If it doesn't meet your expectations, please don't insult the characters; the author will be heartbroken. And don't insult the author either, or I'll cry under my blankets in secret.

Theme: Don't do things you'll regret