NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 4 - The Path of Immortality
In ancient times, before a man was married off, his family would pass down a book—one so embarrassing that he’d be too ashamed to speak of it after reading.
Su Yu tugged at the corner of his mouth. Did they really take him for some clueless boy?
Though, to be fair, from what he knew, his predecessor was completely ignorant about such matters.
In Su Yu’s memories, this body was pure, its heart untainted. While he had some basic understanding of the boundaries between men and women, he knew nothing specific about the affairs between them.
Sister Bailian must’ve given him this book because he’d turn of age next month—grown up, stepping into a new world.
A sixteen-year-old boy in the bloom of youth!
Su Yu’s mood felt a little strange.
Marriage and betrothal—he wasn’t opposed to them, but he didn’t want to be the one married off.
Decades of gender norms from his past life weren’t so easily overturned.
…
Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, the sun set, giving way to darkness.
After dinner, Su Yu began preparing for a bath.
This world lacked entertainment; nights were dreadfully dull.
Su Yu watched as Little Qing filled the tub with hot water. He’d wanted to help, but with his delicate, frail body—well, it was a sore subject.
Little Qing sprinkled flower petals into the tub, then respectfully withdrew.
Su Yu stood by the tub, pursing his lips.
She’d added something unnecessary—how was he supposed to bathe with this?
Colorful flower petals…
After some hesitation, he finally shed his clothes.
Snow-white, silky-smooth skin.
A pity it belonged to a man.
Su Yu could hardly bear to look. His sky-high looks outshone even women, and now his skin was this soft and rosy too?
He had to start training harder!
That’s what he told himself.
After bathing, he walked to the bronze mirror.
A pair of eyes as deep as black jade, rosy lips and pearly teeth, a refined nose, tender red lips—his features blurred the line between masculine and feminine.
Staring at his reflection, a phrase popped into Su Yu’s mind: Prime Little Bottom!
And with that, he felt a surge of irritation.
Lying back on the bed, covered with a soft thin quilt, he tossed and turned, unable to sleep.
Moonlight illuminated his snowy-white, slender wrist.
“What the hell!”
Gritting his teeth, his lashes trembled faintly.
In this world where women reigned and men were weak, a man could be preyed upon by girls. And with a body this breathtakingly beautiful…
Lost in wild thoughts, the night deepened unnoticed, and drowsiness crept in.
Su Yu wrapped himself tighter in the quilt. His soft sleepwear clung comfortably to his skin, and soon, he drifted off.
…
Morning came, waking him under dazzling sunlight.
“This really isn’t a dream!”
Su Yu had hoped that after falling asleep, he’d wake up back in his familiar world.
But now that hope was shattered, his heart mixed with melancholy, a hint of joy, and some indescribable feeling.
So, he’d really have to live in this world from now on?
Eating a simple breakfast that outshone all the delicacies of his past life, Su Yu thought that for the food alone, he might actually be willing.
The Young Master’s appetite seemed hearty today?
Little Qing stood by, watching his every move.
As he ate, his cherry lips parted and closed slightly. The dish had a touch of chili, making his lips flush a vibrant, glossy red…
Even eating looked this good!
Marveling inwardly, Little Qing zoned out—then accidentally met his gaze.
“Ah…”
Caught in the act, she ducked her head, flustered.
Don’t stare at what’s improper—how had she knowingly broken that rule?
Su Yu didn’t think much of it. He just assumed the little maid was hungry, eyeing his breakfast.
“Wanna… eat together?”
He pointed to the seat beside him.
Having a fourteen- or fifteen-year-old girl serve him felt awkward anyway.
“No, no, no! I’m just a servant—how could I dare!”
Watching the Young Master eat was satisfying enough. Anything more was too much to hope for.
A feast for the eyes—surely that described her Young Master?
Even so, Little Qing couldn’t help but indulge in a fleeting fantasy—if only she could…
Su Yu nodded, not pressing her.
“Oh, right—bring me some books later. I want to read.”
No matter the era, books were a vital tool for recording knowledge. Su Yu wanted to understand this world better.
His predecessor hated reading, so his knowledge was painfully limited.
Little Qing blinked, startled. Reading? Since when did the Young Master like books?
“Just get them for me.”
“Understood.”
Little Qing bowed respectfully.
…
With women ruling this world, their clothing was quite liberal—exposing arms and legs was commonplace.
Men could wear skirts, but women wearing men’s clothes? Unacceptable.
Even in a different world, some things seemed oddly familiar.
Su Yu noticed that much in this world was reversed.
Take aesthetics here: a woman in a flowing long skirt, hem fluttering, wasn’t seen as delicate or charming—it was bold and gallant, exuding mystery and authority.
Pair it with black or white stockings, and it amplified a woman’s majesty. Rumor had it stockings were a symbol of strength.
Su Yu’s expression turned odd. Yes, despite the ancient setting, stockings actually existed here.
According to the books, they were made from the silk of a spirit beast.
A rare material—warm in winter, cool in summer, sweat-resistant—unattainable for most households.
Su Yu liked stockings, especially on pretty girls.
He’d thought he’d never see them again in this world, but they were real.
Fire- and water-proof stockings…
Su Yu felt a surge of curiosity.
Of course, he wasn’t curious about the stockings themselves—just their material! Totally!
Little Qing watched Su Yu, puzzled, as he suddenly grew excited.
And that look in his eyes… it seemed almost feverish.
What was the Young Master reading?
Little Qing quietly noted the book’s title, resolving to study it herself once he was done.
Turning the page, Su Yu finally reached what intrigued him most: cultivation.
This world had immortals. The emergence of mysterious yin energy allowed women to tread the path of immortality.
But since the road to cultivation was newly forged, immortals were scarce—barely over a hundred had ascended in thousands of years.
This was the accumulated legacy of the Taiyin World.
Yes, Su Yu finally understood why women dominated this world.
Taiyin World, Mysterious Yin Energy—not a shred of yang to be found.
With yin and yang so imbalanced, if men could still overpower women, that would defy all reason.
“In ancient times, the Taiyin Immortal passed down the path of immortality. Those with fate, great perseverance, and the fortune of being women could all have a chance to ascend.”
“…And once an immortal, one earns the right to ascend to other worlds.”
Reading this, Su Yu was stunned.
“Other worlds…”
Was that the fabled Immortal Realm? Or…
His eyes flickered, his existing interest in cultivation now blazing with boundless yearning.