A Sudden Thought of the Guest in the Mountains

【Established couple, breaking up and getting back together】 Besides the main couple and the openly established side couple, there are plenty of subtle romantic threads hidden throughout. Plot-driven, with a fast-paced story. Skimming may make you lose track of things (plot ≥ romance). (Though I guess you could read it as an infinite-flow dungeon run. The author is trying hard to update dailyᕙ( •̀ ᗜ •́ )ᕗ) Q: Kiddo, what would you do if you got kidnapped by human traffickers? Lin Mian: What can I do? When you’re under someone else’s roof, you have to bow your head. Luckily, this trafficker has a conscience. He treats me well and even gives me kisses, hugs, and piggyback rides. He’s been such a devoted friend, too. Wait... friend?! Qin Ao: Mm. He’s easy to take care of. Hey...! (Author’s little PSA: Don’t just go off with human traffickers. And no, not even with a swaggering guy like Qin Ao.) 【Cold-faced, secretly passionate gong】×【Hot-blooded, chuunibyou shou】 I think of the traveler in the mountains, and one thought spans a thousand years. Drunk on spring, I hold the lingering snow in my heart; through the ages, I have never met you again. There has been a rule passed down through the Three Realms since time immemorial: humans and demons must not marry. Any children born of such unions are considered abominations, and their descendants will be scorned as well. A thousand years ago, during the war between gods and demons, the world fell into chaos and the rule was forgotten. Humans and demons no longer followed separate paths. After the war, the so-called “mixed-bloods” formed their own lineage and fled the Three Realms. They built several mountain estates beneath Mount Zhua, settling down to enjoy the scenery and live in peace for a thousand years. Young Lin Mian had one grand ambition: to leave Wangba Village and win justice for his ostracized people. So Lin Mian, who had yet to be battered by the harsh realities of life, packed his bags and left home. On the road, he met a Daoist priest who had only recently emerged from seclusion. The priest insisted that Lin Mian was a demon. Lin Mian: (pointing at himself) Huh? Me? Though the priest was breathtakingly beautiful, and exactly Lin Mian’s type (Wait! Lin Mian is straight!), he claimed he would protect Lin Mian, then dragged the helpless young man into one perilous adventure after another. He was every inch the hero roaming the world. But Lin Mian really was just a barefoot doctor who had learned a few basic skills from his brother. Qin Ao, you look insanely cool when you’re slaying monsters, but have you even thought about Lin Mian, who’s busy dodging for his life?! Lin Mian was close to tears, but for the sake of staying alive, he swallowed his pride and followed Qin Ao. “Daoist Qin, I’m begging you. Please let me go.” Qin Ao glanced at him, the corner of his mouth lifting almost imperceptibly. He grabbed Lin Mian’s wrist and led him into the mist. “It’s a formation. Don’t get separated.” Lin Mian rubbed his eyes and cried out in disbelief, “Did you just smile? You can smile!” “...You’re seeing things.” “How much farther do we have to go?” “I don’t know.” If you don’t know, then let go of my hand! I don’t want to get myself killed! After witnessing the world’s cruel turns, Lin Mian finally understood: human lives were as insignificant as blades of grass, and in every war, ordinary people were the innocent ones left to suffer. That man gave him a calm look, then sent the final wisp of a soul drifting away from his fingertips. Whether he was a beast in human skin or a master of careful schemes hardly mattered. Someone in this world has to pretend to protect people. Care enough for enough people, and among the teeming masses, a true immortal will emerge. Just like you did back then. Theme: Though the road is long and the waters wide, wait for an old friend to return.