Yetao descended from the mountain, the cool breeze ruffling his dark hair as uncertainty plagued his mind. The path ahead remained shrouded in mystery, and every suggestion he offered to Bambam was met with cold silence.
Why is he ignoring me? Yetao frowned, his patience wearing thin with each passing moment.
The Bambam's mercury eyes refused to meet his, silver hair gleaming under the dappled sunlight as he walked several paces ahead. Frustration bubbled in Yetao's chest until he finally snapped, darting forward to plant himself directly in Bambam's path.
"Will you just look at me?" he demanded, arms spread wide to block escape.
Yet Bambam simply sidestepped him with ethereal grace, continuing onward as though Yetao were nothing but a minor inconvenience.
He's definitely sulking, Yetao concluded, a muscle twitching in his jaw. But why?
His internal struggle was interrupted when another man appeared on the forest path—tall and commanding, with features that sparked immediate recognition in Yetao's mind.
"Huh?" Yetao's eyes widened in disbelief. "Jackson Wang from GOT7?"
The newcomer greeted Bambam with familiar ease, clapping him on the shoulder before exchanging words too quiet for Yetao to hear. Unable to contain his excitement, Yetao rushed forward, tugging at Bambam's embroidered sleeve.
"Bambam," he whispered urgently, eyes shining with admiration, "how do you know him? Can you get me an autograph?"
Bambam's expression darkened dangerously. "You awfully know a lot of people," he hissed, venom lacing each word before he stalked away, leaving Yetao bewildered in his wake.
"Who did I know before?" Yetao muttered, utterly confused. His brows knitted together as he tried to piece together the puzzle of Bambam's behavior.
Jackson, observing their interaction with keen interest, noted the tension between them. His lips curved into a subtle smile as a plan formed in his mind—perhaps some mischief would clear the air.
With practiced confidence, he approached Yetao, his posture regal and imposing. "I'm Jackson," he announced, voice dropping to a dramatic baritone, "the Snake Lord's close confidant." His expression remained stern, though amusement flickered in the depths of his eyes. "A pleasure to meet you."
"No, the pleasure is all mine!" Yetao gushed, temporarily forgetting his frustration. "I'm your biggest fan! I've practiced your dance moves for—"
A flash of movement cut him short as Bambam materialized beside them, seizing Yetao's wrist with supernatural speed. His grip burned like ice as he dragged the protesting young man away, celestial energy crackling around them in barely contained fury.
Yetao's servants, who had been following at a discreet distance, rushed forward in alarm. Jackson intervened smoothly, blocking their path with a graceful sweep of his arm, his mercury-colored robes flowing like liquid metal.
"Allow them this moment," he advised with a knowing look. "Some conflicts must be resolved before they fester."
Deep within the forest's embrace, Bambam's grip tightened around Yetao's wrist until pain shot up his arm like lightning. A pained gasp escaped him, and Bambam immediately released his hold, though the storm in his eyes remained undiminished.
"You're hurting me!" Yetao snapped, massaging his throbbing wrist. "What is wrong with you? First you ignore me for hours, and now you drag me into the woods like some cave-dwelling barbarian!"
His chest heaved with indignation. "I was just talking to my idol! How do you expect us to work together when you act like this?"
"Your idol?" Bambam echoed, one perfect eyebrow arching in disdain. The sunlight filtering through the canopy cast ethereal patterns across his sculpted features.
"He's a famous idol in my world," Yetao retorted. "Of course you wouldn't know—you came here seventy years ago. He's still in his thirties back home." The jab at Bambam's age was deliberate, a small victory in their verbal sparring.
A cold, humorless laugh escaped Bambam's lips. "Thirty? That 'idol' of yours has existed for over a thousand years in this realm. He's even older than me."
Yetao's jaw dropped, momentarily distracted from his anger. "He's what? That's impossible! He looks exactly as I remember him—young and handsome."
The comment visibly aggravated Bambam further, a muscle jumping in his jaw as he clenched his teeth. "You seem to be enjoying this situation far too much. Have you forgotten why we left your mountain sanctuary?"
Yetao rolled his eyes dramatically, the gesture emphasizing his long lashes. "How could I know? I kept asking what to do next, but someone was too busy sulking to answer me."
When Bambam remained stubbornly silent, Yetao threw his hands up in exasperation. "See? That certain someone still won't tell me what his problem is! Forget it—you're clearly not ready for teamwork. I'll figure out how to escape this ridiculous world on my own."
He spun on his heel to leave, but Bambam's hand shot out with supernatural speed, catching his wrist again—gentler this time, but no less insistent.
"Fine!" The word exploded from Bambam like thunder. He stepped closer, backing Yetao against an ancient tree trunk, its bark rough against his spine.
"I was going to let this slide," Bambam continued, voice dropping to a dangerous whisper, "but you'll just keep acting recklessly if I remain silent." His eyes, ancient and penetrating, bored into Yetao's. "Tell me, Taotao, why did you fracture your own hands?"
The question struck like a physical blow. "H-how did you know about that?" Yetao stammered, blood draining from his face.
"I just know," Bambam growled, advancing another step. Their bodies were now mere inches apart, and Yetao could feel the supernatural heat radiating from the immortal's form. "Answer me."
Yetao retreated instinctively, only to find himself trapped as his back pressed against the tree. Bambam placed his palms on either side of Yetao's head, effectively caging him in.
"Why create all that drama?" Bambam demanded, his voice a seductive rumble that made Yetao's heart race despite his anger. "I would have come for you if you'd simply waited in your cave. You told your aunt you lost your memories? And what nonsense was that about not washing your face after she kissed you?"
His face drew closer with each accusation, warm breath ghosting across Yetao's cheek. "Isn't she your aunt? Why did you call her jiejie? What if that ritual had harmed you? You allowed her to manipulate your mind without question—are you truly that foolish?"
The accusation ignited something primal in Yetao. With a sudden burst of strength, he slammed his forehead against Bambam's chin, making the snake lord stumble backward with a surprised grunt. Seizing his chance, Yetao ducked under Bambam's arm and put distance between them, his cheeks burning with indignation.
"What utter nonsense!" he shouted, fists clenched at his sides. "Were you hiding in my cave watching me? You absolute pervert!"
"What? No!" Bambam sputtered, rubbing his chin. "I simply sent my pet snake to observe you. Who's the pervert here?" The admission tumbled out before he could stop it, and instant regret flashed across his perfect features.
"Oh, really?" Yetao's voice dripped with sarcasm. "You spied on me!"
He dramatically wrapped his arms around himself, as though protecting his virtue from Bambam's gaze. "Forget about escaping this realm—I refuse to travel with a perverted grandpa who can't act his age! I'm literally young enough to be your grandson! Have you no shame?"
Bambam's expression shifted from anger to bewilderment. "Then what was I supposed to do?" he countered. "Someone couldn't wait patiently for my arrival! I was attending a crucial celestial gathering, but thanks to your antics, I had to leave without completing my duties. What choice did I have when you were practically begging to get yourself killed?"
"And what was I supposed to do?" Yetao fired back. "Sit in that cave like some helpless damsel in distress? No thanks—I can handle myself because I'm a capable man!" His voice rose with each word. "And what's with you talking about my feelings for Yang Mi-jiejie? She's a famous actress in my world, and she's married! I respect her as a fan. How dare you twist that?"
Then, almost inaudibly, he added, "Besides...I prefer men."
Despite the whispered confession, Bambam's supernatural hearing caught every syllable. His eyes widened, pupils dilating visibly. "What? You like men? Is that why you were flirting with Jackson-gege?"
"Seriously?" Yetao laughed bitterly. "You're picking fights over everything now! Has immortality rot your brain, grandpa? Get a grip! People would think we're a married couple and I got caught cheating. We've only just met—why do you care who I flirt with?"
With that final barb, he stormed off toward his waiting servants, leaving Bambam frozen in place, an unfamiliar emotion swirling in his ancient eyes.
"Yes...we've only just met," Bambam murmured to himself, confusion evident in his usually confident demeanor. "So why do I care?"
"Precisely my question, my lord," Jackson's smooth voice cut through his thoughts like a blade.
"Were you eavesdropping?" Bambam asked without turning, the muscles in his shoulders tensing beneath his silver-embroidered robes.
"What's with the formality when it's just the two of us? Address me as you always have."
Jackson circled around to face him, arms folded across his broad chest. "Then perhaps I should beat some sense into you?" His playful tone barely masked the seriousness beneath.
The Jackson's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Have you forgotten why we're here? You know what awaits that fox once his vessel is activated and we find the treasure."
He studied Bambam's expression with centuries of practiced perception. "Yet you seem to be growing attached to him. Tell me I'm wrong, Bam. I'll accept no other answer from you."
Their gazes locked in silent combat—ancient powers recognizing each other's strength—until Bambam finally looked away, a muscle working in his jaw.
"I remember our mission perfectly," he said, voice barely above a whisper. "Don't concern yourself, gege."
Jackson gripped his shoulder firmly. "Good. Stay focused. The boy is furious right now—I'll explain the situation to him while you collect yourself. Remember what's at stake." With a final meaningful look, he departed in search of Yetao.
Yetao stood surrounded by his concerned servants, their worried whispers creating a bubble of protection around him.
"Young master," the lead servant girl murmured, her eyes darting suspiciously toward where Bambam stood. "If he's mistreating you, just signal your aunt. Or give us a sign—we'll handle him."
"Hu Yetao?" Jackson's melodious voice interrupted. "Might I have a moment of your time?"
Though emotionally drained from the confrontation, Yetao couldn't bring himself to refuse. He nodded, and his servants reluctantly backed away, though their vigilant gazes remained fixed on the interaction.
"Please don't take his behavior to heart," Jackson said once they were relatively alone. "He's always been a mature one. It's just that... he's been in a fickle for the past month. He truly cares for you, though his methods are... unconventional."
"Cares?" Yetao scoffed, folding his arms. "His idea of caring is certainly unique. Forget it, gege. I'm exhausted from thinking about him, and I'd rather not argue with you of all people."
Jackson tilted his head, genuine confusion crossing his handsome features. "But... isn't this our first meeting?"
"Oh!" Yetao backpedaled quickly, flashing his most disarming smile. "I just... make it a policy not to fight with handsome men. And you're very handsome, gege."
The brazen compliment left Jackson momentarily speechless. How can he say such things so casually? he wondered with increasing wariness. He's far more dangerous than we anticipated.
Clearing his throat, Jackson steered the conversation back to safer territory. "I'll explain our next steps. I understand your circumstances—Bam has briefed me on the situation."
How much does he know? Yetao wondered, anxiety creeping up his spine. Does he know about Bambam's true identity?
"Before we discuss the plan," he ventured carefully, "could you tell me exactly how old Bambam is? Just curious."
"You don't know?" Jackson raised an eyebrow. "He's over seven centuries—approximately 750 years old."
Yetao burst into genuine laughter, the sound like silver bells in the forest clearing. "So he truly is an ancient grandpa! No wonder he's so infuriatingly stubborn!"
He'd better not hear that, Jackson thought, suppressing his own amusement with a strategically timed cough.
He seems unaware of Bambam's transmigration, Yetao concluded, filing the information away. I need to watch what I say around him.
"Shall we discuss the task at hand?" Jackson suggested, and Yetao nodded in agreement.
"According to the Snake Lord, you must acquire a demon's heart to activate your vessel. Do you know which demon heart is required?"
'Activate the vessel. Is that a term he used to mention this situation? Whatever, I'll go along with it for now,' Yetao reasoned internally before responding aloud, "No, I just know I need a demon's heart."
"Fine, we have more than 2,000 demon clans in this realm," Jackson explained, his voice carrying the weight of ancient knowledge. "But omitting the insignificant ones, we have five main clans and...." he hesitated, a shadow crossing his face.
"And?" Yetao leaned forward, curiosity piqued.
"And our Demon lord," Jackson admitted reluctantly. "But let's not target him. We'll first deal with the five main clans: the Black Dragon, White Dragon, Phoenix, Wolf, and our Snake clan. As for these clans, they preserve their heart outside of their body and seal it. We have already informed the Black Dragon clan that we're paying them a visit. Let's just test what the phrase really means after arriving there." His explanation left Yetao with more questions than answers.
"Why don't we start with the Snake clan first? He's literally here, isn't he? Should I go and seduce him?" Yetao suggested with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Se..duce.... what?" Jackson spluttered, his face flushing. "Please don't speak such things in the open."
'Ehhh! why is he so innocent after living for more than 1,000 years?' Yetao marveled internally, a sneaky smile playing on his lips.
"Snake Lord's heart is incomplete," Jackson confided, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Please don't ask me the reason. But... we can't test with his heart. I object to the idea."
Regaining his composure, he continued, "Acquiring can mean getting a hold of or getting a favor. It can also mean just obtaining a part of it. So, let's see how your vessel reacts to all three scenarios."
"Okay then," Yetao nodded, confidence returning to his posture. "If it is getting a favor, then I've already did a PhD in it. I can handle it. For the other two scenarios, just tell me what I must do after arriving there."
'PhD? What's that? He's speaking some weird language. Whatever,' Jackson dismissed the unfamiliar term and nodded in agreement. Their conversation concluded, they rejoined Bambam, who was engrossed in drawing intricate symbols on the ground.
"I've completed creating the portal," Bambam announced without looking up. "Wang gege, just activate it."
At Jackson's command, power surged forth—neither water nor glass, but something akin to quicksilver. Yetao watched in awe, his previous anger momentarily forgotten in the face of such mystical display.
When Bambam glanced his way, Yetao promptly turned his head, his pout returning. Bambam sighed heavily, his thoughts turning inward. 'Everything will be over once his vessel is activated. I shouldn't sway from my goal. But....what is this strange feeling I'm getting over him?' As he said, we just literally met a week before. The question lingered in his mind as the portal neared completion.
"Everyone, get on the portal," Jackson called out, beckoning them forward.
Despite his curiosity, fear flickered across Yetao's face as he approached the shimmering light. Bambam noticed his apprehension and extended a hand, only for Jackson to pull Yetao close.
"Hold on to me tight. It'll be over within a blink," Jackson reassured him.
Annoyance flashed in Bambam's eyes, but he said nothing.
With his nerves steeled, Yetao gripped Jackson's robes tightly, squeezing his eyes shut. A brilliant flash of light engulfed them, and in an instant, they vanished from sight.
When Yetao opened his eyes, they stood before the majestic Black Dragon Palace. In the distance, a group awaited their arrival.
Still dizzy from the teleportation, Yetao rubbed his eyes, squinting to make out the distant figures. "Who are they?" he inquired.
"He's the Black Dragon and a few of his servants," Jackson explained with a sigh. "Always careless. Which lord comes out to meet their guests themselves?"
"Leave him be," Bambam chuckled, a genuine smile appearing on his face for the first time. "Who could even do him harm? He's the Black Dragon for a reason, you know?" Without waiting for a response, he strode forward to embrace the approaching figure.
'Seems like they're quite close,' Yetao observed, still rubbing his eyes to clear his vision.
When the fog finally lifted from his sight, shock rendered him speechless. "Jeff Satur?" he exclaimed before he could stop himself.
Jeff's eyes widened in surprise at hearing his name. "Do you know me, dear?" he inquired, his smile gentle and curious.
Yetao remained frozen, his mind racing. 'What's with all these celebrities roaming around this world? At this rate, I could die of a heart attack before I die by failing the game,' he thought frantically.
Understanding dawned on Bambam's face. With swift movements, he pulled Yetao closer. "He's just a kid who likes pretty things," he explained smoothly. "He must be in shock thinking you're handsome." A subtle pinch to Yetao's arm signaled him to play along, and Yetao nodded vigorously.
"You think I'm handsome?" Jeff's smile brightened, illuminating his celestial features. "It's been long since I've heard something like that. You're cute." He reached out to ruffle Yetao's hair, causing the young man's face to flush crimson.
"Ah, look at you," Jeff observed warmly. "You must be feeling hot from all the traveling. Just rest for today. I've already prepared your place. Let's talk business tomorrow, okay?" With those parting words, he instructed his servants to guide them to their quarters.
Yetao's heart thundered in his chest, his hand pressed against his heated cheek in a futile attempt to cool down. 'I love his songs so much. If only I could get his autograph,' he squealed internally.
Bambam's expression darkened at Yetao's obvious admiration. Without a word, he stalked off toward their assigned quarters, his movements stiff with irritation.
"Young master," the servant girl whispered once Bambam was out of earshot, "the people here are nice, but why did we come here?"
"I don't know too," Yetao admitted with a gentle smile. "Let's wait and find out." With those words, he followed the Black Dragon's servants, his mind brimming with questions about the journey ahead.
As the sun set over the Dragon Palace, casting long shadows across the ornate gardens, one thing became clear—their journey was just beginning, filled with new characters and sequences waiting to be unraveled.