Among a Thousand Peaks

Pei Youzhi was orphaned as a child. After his master, a sage-like cultivator, found him and took him up the mountain, he began an unwilling life of chopping wood and cooking.

Then one day, his master had a sudden inspiration. "It's time we went out to save the world."

And with that, his master kicked Pei Youzhi down the mountain, where he landed in a pigsty.

Pei Youzhi shouted, "Whoever wants to save the world can do it! I'm going back!"

Then he fell in love at first sight with a stunning beauty.

The beauty smiled at him and said, "I want to bring peace to the world and save its people."

Pei Youzhi hurried over. "Sure, sure! My lifelong dream is to save the world!"

And so Pei Youzhi went back to chopping wood and cooking for the beauty, happily enjoying every day of it.

Until one day, his master calmly told him, "You were originally the villain of this world. Now, come with me and destroy it."

Hold on, why didn't you say so earlier? First you want to save the world, now you want to destroy it.

But just then, the beauty took his hand. "Youzhi, help me."

Master, it's not that I don't want to, but he called me Youzhi.

Pei Youzhi decisively betrayed his master.

After Pei Youzhi finally tried every trick in the book and won the beauty's heart, the beauty suddenly started keeping him at arm's length. In practical terms, he wouldn't let Pei Youzhi touch him, but Pei Youzhi felt awful if he didn't get kisses, cuddles, and to be lifted up every day.

Finally, one day, after being lifted up, his wife said through tear-filled eyes, "Don't hurt the baby."

Pei Youzhi answered distractedly, "I won't, I won't."

A few months later, Pei Youzhi stared blankly at his wife and child.

Without changing expression, he took his wife's little hand and led him back to their room.

Hold on. He needed to check properly. He could really give birth?

Many years later, Pei Youzhi took his wife on a trip through mountains and rivers to enjoy some time alone together. At an inn in Jiangnan, he ran into an old acquaintance.

Pei Youzhi stared in disbelief. "Master."

His master put on airs. "After all these years, old friend, how have you been..."

Suddenly, a hand landed on his shoulder, interrupting his performance.

It belonged to someone who looked exactly like his master, but was dressed all in black.

As calmly as ever, he said, "Have I ever told you not to leave my sight? Do you want to lose your legs?"

Pei Youzhi went home and muttered to his wife, "I knew Master was narcissistic, but I didn't know he was this bad. He's even dating himself!"

Theme: Love your country and take pride in your work