Monsters also need to cultivate immortality scientifically (19): Poor time traveler brother

Under the dazed gazes of the live-streaming (?) audience, the cultivators from various major sects quickly made the most rational and correct choice.  

Aside from a few individuals who couldn’t wrap their heads around the situation and still struggled to adapt to the idea of negotiating as equals with the demonic beings—needing more time to adjust—most cultivators had already snapped out of their initial shock over “Master Si isn’t even human!” and were now excitedly exclaiming:  

“Master Si is truly extraordinary!”  

“He accomplishes what others cannot!”  

“And he’s just a baby among the demonic race! So tiny!”  

“If he were human, he’d only be about five or six years old, right?”  

“To have invented so many groundbreaking creations at just five or six years old—Master Si is undoubtedly a genius!”  

“Come to think of it, Immortal Venerable Chu must have known Master Si’s true identity from the start. To take him in as a disciple without hesitation, snatching him up from the demons’ grasp—Immortal Venerable Chu’s insight is truly unmatched!”  

“Exactly! What if Master Si had wandered into our world but hadn’t become a disciple of Lingxiao Sect? What if he’d just taken a look around and left? That would’ve been an immeasurable loss for all cultivators!”  

“No supreme-grade elixirs, no supreme-grade artifacts, no flawless talismans… No memory pearls, no sound pearls, no spirit stone refrigerators… And definitely no situation where we can now trade for resources from the demonic realm with just a handful of spirit stones! Nothing!”  

“We took it all for granted before, but if we had to go back to the way things were, I’d go mad!”  

“Right!”  

The crowd remained glued to their memory pearls, unable to tear their eyes away from the live broadcast.  

On the other side of the screen, millions of demonic beasts were stationed at the border between the two realms (?), looking disdainfully at the cultivators, who didn’t even have a few trees to their name. With a snort, the beasts rammed into the forest, knocking down trees and hauling them over to the cultivators. After thanking them, the cultivators unleashed a dazzling array of spells—peeling bark, trimming branches, effortlessly slicing the logs into planks before drying and assembling them into sturdy, exquisitely crafted structures. A city began to rise at a visible pace.  

By dusk on the third day, a sprawling city spanning dozens of li stood where there had once been nothing. Cultivators from various sects, as well as independent cultivators who had rushed over upon hearing the news, rubbed their hands in anticipation, their eyes burning as they stared at the demonic beasts and cultivators.  

The intensity of their gazes made the demons’ scalps prickle, reminding them uncomfortably of how humans used to eye their bodies for useful parts.  

That was, until their generals explained that what the humans actually wanted wasn’t their flesh, blood, or bones—but rather, some very peculiar things.  

Like the snakeskins and tortoise shells they shed naturally every year. Like the antlers that grew too cumbersome on their heads. Like the fur that molted twice a year, half a year at a time…  

Heck, the humans even wanted their claws and dung!  

Hearing this, the demons—who had initially thought trading with humans was like “making a pact with a tiger” —suddenly felt a complicated mix of emotions. The way they looked at the eager cultivators now carried an unmistakable hint of disgust…  

Ew, these guys actually want that kind of stuff? Gross…  

Si Qi glanced at the demons, whose thoughts were as transparent as their expressions, and stifled a laugh.  

Then, under the nervous watch of the demonic cultivators, he sprawled lazily in Chu Feng’s palm, stretching his round, fluffy belly with a contented yawn. Munching on a strip of dried meat, he nuzzled against Chu Feng’s fingers, his heart swelling with pride when he saw the unprecedented softness in his lover’s gaze.  

Back when he was still a little dragon, snuggling in the Lord God’s arms, Chu Feng had looked at him the same way.  

When it came to acting cute, he had tens of thousands of years of experience!  

“Awoo~~” Si Qi let out a sound that melted the hearts of every demonic cultivator present. “Awoo awoo~~~”  

Chu Feng, unable to understand tiger language, finally couldn’t hold back and asked one of the tense demonic generals standing nearby, “What is he saying?”  

“Huh?” The general scratched his head. “Oh, just that he really likes you and wants to roll around in the grass with you or something?”  

Rolling around with someone they liked was what demonic cubs loved doing most—tumbling all over their favorite adults and playing with them.  

Chu Feng’s pupils darkened for a moment before his lips curled into an unconscious smile, his hold on the little one growing even gentler.  

The generals observed the interaction up close, confirming that the bond between Si Qi and Chu Feng was indeed strong. The legendary Immortal Venerable Chu—who even the Demon King regarded with extreme wariness—was now firmly on their little cub’s side. That alone put many of their worries to rest.  

Later, when the famously formidable Immortal Venerable Liu—whose strength ranked easily within the top ten of the cultivation world—arrived, the demons didn’t panic.  

Because they had Chu Feng backing them up.  

Si Qi perched on Chu Feng’s shoulder, his big round eyes fixed on the newcomer.  

He didn’t understand why, while other Immortal Venerables were silently observing, Immortal Venerable Liu had chosen this moment to step forward and take a stance. Knowing that the other’s attitude would greatly influence public opinion, Si Qi had stubbornly insisted on coming despite Chu Feng’s objections.  

If Immortal Venerable Liu opposed cooperation between humans and demons, Si Qi needed to persuade him immediately.  

But the moment Immortal Venerable Liu laid eyes on Si Qi, all his worries vanished.  

The man smiled at him and greeted, “Hello, little friend.”  

The curve of his eyes, the shape of his nose—everything about him looked familiar.  

Wasn’t this the Shengliu Sect’s head disciple, the one Si Qi had been in sporadic contact with over the years? While that senior brother had never mentioned his family, one glance at this face told Si Qi they had to be related.  

And Immortal Venerable Liu’s reaction all but confirmed it.

His attitude toward Si Qi was noticeably warmer than his demeanor toward Chu Feng. Upon meeting, he lavished praise on Si Qi, calling him a young hero, and even gifted him treasures that even Si Qi would consider valuable.  

Then, as if sensing Si Qi’s concerns, he outright stated that he would remain in the city for a while to help handle any potential troubles—if Si Qi was willing, of course.  

Si Qi couldn’t have been more willing.  

Changing the relationship between two long-hostile species—from mutual hatred to peaceful coexistence—was bound to come with inevitable friction. Having a powerful figure from the human side openly support him at this critical moment was more than welcome.  

No doubt, those who had been quietly critical would be taken aback by Immortal Venerable Liu’s stance, and any ill intentions would likely be reined in.  

As time passed, the city was finally completed. Excited cultivators occupied nearly half the shops and stalls, eagerly awaiting their big-spending customers—the demonic beasts.  

The beasts were familiar with bartering; their own Demon King’s city had a similar setup. Carrying items they thought “How could this possibly be valuable?”, they tentatively approached the human cultivators to trade.  

The humans, meanwhile, were astounded that the demons had no idea what treasures they were holding—exchanging such precious materials for common elixirs and talismans was  ̶s̶o̶ ̶w̶a̶s̶t̶e̶f̶u̶l̶ —so generous!  

The demons, for their part, thought the humans were absolute fools. How could stuff they could casually pluck off themselves or pick up from the ground be worth so many delicious, potent “candy pills”? Were they stupid?!  

Both sides walked away convinced they’d gotten the better deal, practically floating with joy. Si Qi, staying close to Chu Feng, extended his divine sense throughout the city, watching for any cultivators trying to swindle naive demons with smooth talk or demons reflexively resorting to force to snatch treasures. At the first sign of trouble, he dispatched enforcers to intervene.  

Those willing to cooperate received a warning and were let off. Those who refused were detained for “labor rehabilitation.” Most of the offenders were hardline demonic warmongers, while the human cultivators, ever pragmatic, knew when to back down.  

Gradually, the militant demons, witnessing firsthand the harmony between humans and demons, softened their stubbornness. Most adapted; those who didn’t had younger generations or relatives who did. Over time, even the dissenters found themselves powerless against the tide of change.  

Thus, the cultivation world’s first human-demon coexistence city was born—a historic milestone, a pivotal first step from nothingness into being.  

More and more cultivators and demons flocked to the city, experiencing this unbelievable journey for themselves before spreading the word. Slowly, acceptance grew. Encounters in secret realms or chance meetings on the road no longer ended in drawn blades and bared fangs.  

Instead, they nodded politely at a distance before going their separate ways—or, on a whim, struck up an impromptu trade, exchanging spirit herbs for elixirs. Why not?  

The once-desolate borderlands now thrived with the bustling city, its markets hotter by the year. Humans and demons traveled great distances just to trade there.  

Si Qi and Chu Feng settled in the city, inseparable as always. Both humans and demons grew accustomed to the pair.  

To humanity’s delight, even after revealing his true nature, Si Qi continued inventing miraculous wonders for them. Cultivators rejoiced, and even the mortal realm buzzed with legends of an “Immortal Si” who descended to bless the people—shrines and temples supposedly erected in his honor.

To be honest, Si Qi had simply modified a rain-summoning spell when he saw the mortal realm suffering from drought, engraving the formation onto a stone disk before giving it to the frantic emperor and local officials…  

Their gratitude manifested in temples built in his honor. Streams of faith and blessings flowed toward Si Qi, smoothing his cultivation path and gathering ever more world energy, elevating his “fate” to a level as formidable as Chu Feng’s.  

Finally, Chu Feng no longer had to constantly worry about his little treasure facing danger—his heart settled firmly back in place.  

Yet, after so much time, he had grown accustomed to frequent touches and closeness. Even knowing Si Qi no longer needed his fortune, he still loved reaching out to him.  

To certain “knowledgeable onlookers,” this behavior signaled Chu Feng’s own affections—betrothal gifts practically prepared, just waiting for the two to make an announcement.  

One day, Xiu Xiu alerted Si Qi: the Son of the World’s world energy had dropped below 10%, utterly abandoned by the World Consciousness. In contrast, Si Qi’s actions—allowing humans and demons to flourish without war—had won him overwhelming favor. The opportunistic World Consciousness now showered him with vast world energy, terrified its once-discarded child might suffer even a scratch.  

Si Qi could confidently declare that humans and demons had achieved true harmony, destined to walk forward together in peace.  

After all, even the Heavenly Dao had acknowledged this outcome.  

In high spirits, humming a tune as passing cultivators and demons greeted him excitedly, Si Qi strolled toward the city’s prison for lawbreakers.  

When designing this facility, he had deliberately assigned the Son of the World the cell with the clearest view and least soundproofing—forcing him to witness day and night the thriving coexistence he had nearly destroyed. Let him writhe in torment, let him never know peace.  

How could Si Qi rest without ensuring sufficient punishment?  

He stopped before the exposed cage, where wind and sun battered incessantly, and gazed at the hollow-eyed, broken figure inside. “Are you satisfied with what you see?”  

Zhou Junyi, long past caring, slumped against the ground. Having accepted his fate, dignity meant nothing—whether facing former lovers, “friends,” those he’d nearly killed, or the Demon King who’d played him for two years as a fool.  

Each visitor left shaking their heads, contrasting his past cunning brilliance with his current ruin—a fitting end for his sins.  

After their visits, no one returned. The greatest human traitor, the thief who stole the Demon Prince’s body and tried to ignite war, was forgotten. The world flourished with hope, but none of it belonged to Zhou Junyi.  

Only when Si Qi appeared did the former Son of the World—often suspected by guards to already be dead—finally stir. His stiff, vacant eyes shifted slowly, cracked lips trembling before tears spilled over. A shattered sob tore from his throat.  

“Brother Si… I was wrong… I was truly wrong…”

Si Qi feigned confusion, saying, “Who are you calling ‘brother’? I have nothing to do with you.”  

Zhou Junyi was devastated. He curled into a ball, collapsing onto the ground in despair, wailing, “Why did I do this… If only I had realized my mistake when you killed me the first time, if I had sought you out after rebirth and become your friend—I could have lived more gloriously than anyone in this world!”  

“Why did I overestimate myself and oppose you? I already died once—why didn’t I learn my lesson? Wuwuwu…”  

“Brother Si, spare me… I’ll never dare again, wuwu… I really won’t… Let someone talk to me, don’t let those people passing by look at me with such contempt! Give me something to do, let me know I’m still alive! I can’t take it anymore, wuwuwu…”  

The once-mighty Son of the World cried snot and tears, drawing the curious gazes of patrolling guards. As expected of Master Si, they marveled. Even this numb, broken shell of a man could be reduced to tearful repentance at the sight of him. Truly incredible!  

Si Qi had no intention of granting him a quick death—that would be too merciful. Besides, the man still retained traces of world energy. If it could be put to use, even trash had its value.  

So Si Qi handed him Buddhist scriptures—texts on self-cultivation that required deep fortune to truly comprehend.  

Locked in solitary for so long, Zhou Junyi would have clung to even a scrap of paper. He didn’t scorn the dense, tedious sutras but pored over them day and night with desperate focus.  

Over a decade later, when Si Qi had nearly forgotten him, rumors spread that Zhou Junyi’s body had suddenly radiated golden light—yet another epiphany.  

This time, when he emerged, he seemed a completely different person, exuding a saintly compassion. Twice daily, he voluntarily chanted calming sutras for passing cultivators and demons below. Those who listened reportedly felt a soothing warmth, as if bathed in spring breeze. Those with unstable cultivation or inner demons even made special trips to hear him—the effects were said to be remarkable.  

Perhaps this was the Son of the World’s way of atoning, now that he truly understood his sins.  

Whether it lasted centuries or millennia, Si Qi didn’t care—and the enlightened Zhou Junyi likely didn’t either.  

They maintained this uneasy peace for a lifetime, until Chu Feng regained all his memories. Si Qi and Chu Feng spent many long, sweet years together in this world.  

Later, under the guise of ascension, the two left hand in hand, leaving behind only legends etched into history and the people’s bittersweet longing.  

—  

New Immortal-Demon Calendar, Year 2022.  

A young man, freshly reborn after a fatal car accident, woke in an unfamiliar body.  

Blinking at the familiar air conditioner, refrigerator, and the plush sofa beneath him, he froze.  

It took him half an hour to accept that he had somehow transmigrated into another’s life. Glancing at his lit phone, he saw the date matched the day of his death—and excitement surged.  

I can see my friends and family again!  

Unlocking the phone with his fingerprint, his screen displayed an ethereal young man in white ancient robes, beside whom a massive tiger—with no trace of CGI—nuzzled affectionately. Must be a still from some xianxia drama he missed, he thought. The casting was unreal.  

Notifications flooded the screen with baffling headlines:  

– “Immortal Venerable So-and-So Prepares for Tribulation—Click for Live Broadcast!”  

– “Butterfly Clan Beauty Stars in Heartbreaking Human-Demon Romance—New Episodes Now Streaming!”  

– “Mermaid Diva Concert Tickets on Sale!”  

The reborn man stared.  

What kind of world did he wake up in?!

Every single character made sense, but strung together like this—how could they be so utterly bewildering?  

It must be that the original owner of this body had been an obsessive fan of fictional cultivation worlds. The gaming news on the phone, the array and yellow talismans he later found hanging on the wall—all of it pointed to that.  

Brushing aside these details, the young man tapped the contacts icon and dialed his parents’ number. His heart pounded with worry—what if they had already learned of his death and were devastated? But no matter how many times he tried, the call wouldn’t connect. Frantic, he wondered if the phone was broken and decided to go outside to borrow someone else’s.  

He stepped out the door.  

And stared at the “cliff edge” beyond, fingers clawing the doorframe, one leg dangling midair. His body went limp with terror.  

“Ah… AHHH—!!”  

With a desperate lurch, he threw himself backward, landing hard on the floor before scrambling deeper into the hallway on all fours. Disbelieving, he shook his head, gaping at the impossible world outside.  

People in modernized hanfu rode flying swords through the air. Birds of prey and wild beasts—creatures that should’ve been confined to zoos—roamed or soared freely among steel-and-concrete skyscrapers, as though they were perfectly ordinary residents.  

A few passersby, drawn by his scream and ashen face, peered curiously in his direction. One cautiously steered their sword closer, stopping at the glowing barrier that automatically lit up outside the door. “Fellow Daoist, are you alright?”  

F-Fellow Daoist?!  

Trembling, the young man stared blankly, his mind a swirl of chaos.  

“H-how…?” How are you flying?!  

The question nearly burst out—but reason clamped his mouth shut.  

Novels always warned about cultivation worlds being cutthroat, where body-snatching was taboo. If this person realized he’d “stolen” this body, would they kill him on the spot?  

There were no laws here!!  

Pale-faced, he stammered, “I-I’m fine…”  

The cultivator only grew more concerned. “Should I take you to a hospital? If it’s not your health, you could always seek help from the police.”  

“P-police?!” Hearing such an absurdly familiar term in this xianxia world made him shudder, nearly weeping with relief—until it hit him: Would this world’s laws protect an Earthling like him?  

Wouldn’t they side with the original owner of this body? They might even extract his soul to resurrect the real occupant!!  

The young man’s face crumpled in despair. He’d never imagined that death would land him in a world like this—how was he supposed to survive now?!