“Please. Do you have to look like that? With Jiu-shimei and I here, do you think anything bad will happen?” Gui Yin asked.
“It’s not that. I have complete faith in you all,” Lin Cangyuan said. “But just stay careful, okay? Don’t get arrogant.”
“When have I ever been arrogant?” Gui Yin asked.
Lin Cangyuan gave Gui Yin a long look before sighing. “Everyone calls you ‘War God’. While it’s a good thing, it means you will have a larger target on your back. If a person is cautious twenty percent of the time, you have to be cautious fifty percent.”
“I’m cautious a hundred-twenty percent of the time,” Gui Yin reassured Lin Cangyuan. He glanced behind him to Deng Yenuo and turned back to the man. “Alright, alright. You don’t want to travel at night, do you? The fog will get so dense. Hurry and go. But take your take and stay safe. I heard there’s a lot of demonic creatures crawling out there now.”
“Don’t worry. We know,” Lin Cangyuan said. He turned to Jiu Jingyi. “Shimei, rest when you need to. Don’t push yourself.”
“Speak for yourself. And why are you acting like you’ll never see us again? It’s just a four day travel by sword. You’ll be back in no time!” Jiu Jingyi said, smacking Lin Cangyuan’s shoulders. She turned him around and walked him over to Deng Yenuo. “Yenuo! Take care of your shizun! Not that I need to tell you.”
Lin Cangyuan glared over his shoulder at Jiu Jingyi. “Jiu—”
“I know. I’ll take care of my shizun,” Deng Yenuo promised seriously.
“You…do I need to be taken care of?” Lin Cangyuan said, looking between the three people.
“Our Sect Master-shixiong cares about everyone but himself. Of course, he needs someone attentive by his side to take care of him. We’re just making sure your Yenuo does his job,” Gui Yin said.
“Your Yenuo”—the phrase echoed in Lin Cangyuan’s head. He wanted to deny it, but he felt that if he made a big show of it, then his two martial siblings would continue to tease him to no end. Instead, he let out a tired sigh, shook his head, and tilted his chin to Deng Yenuo.
“Let’s go.”
“Yes, Shizun,” Deng Yenuo lowered his head. He bid a quiet farewell to his martial uncle and aunt before he quickly followed Lin Cangyuan.
Because of the pollution of demonic energy, the skies had become smoggier, making it difficult to travel by sword. At some point or other, the demonic energy had fostered spirits into demons. Luckily, in the surroundings that had been purified, there were few of those beasts that prowled the land. For a spell, Deng Yenuo and Lin Cangyuan were able to fly by sword until the fog became too dense.
Lin Cangyuan sighed, his chin resting against the back of his hand as he watched Deng Yenuo fish in the river. “With this pace we’re going at, when are we going to get to the barrier?”
“It should be about a week,” Deng Yenuo said helpfully. He resurfaced with a few fish and sat down beside the small fire. “It isn’t safe to fly in this kind of weather.”
“I know,” Lin Cangyuan grumbled. He glanced at Deng Yenuo.
He rested his chin comfortably against his hand as he observed Deng Yenuo silently. The younger man in front of him had flowered beautifully in the past few years. It was hard to see him as only his disciple anymore. Deng Yenuo was his own person. Even without his shizun, he could take care of himself. In fact, he could probably take care of himself better. On the battlefield, he was a raging monster, but after battles he was gentle and caring.
Many cultivators who joined their troops would watch Deng Yenuo around the camp with lingering gazes. A few even tried to flirt with him. However, every time, Deng Yenuo would turn them down sternly, saying that he already had someone he loved.
For a time, Lin Cangyuan even found himself wondering if that person was still him. Or had Yenuo finally found someone else?
It would be for the best, he would think to himself. Once all this was over, maybe Yenuo would leave Yunjing Pavilion and live a life outside with his beloved. The thought both warmed Lin Cangyuan’s heart and made his fingers cold. But after Deng Yenuo’s confession eight years ago, the younger man hadn’t brought it up again. It was probably better to have fewer expectations.
“Shizun?”
“Hm?”
“The fish is ready,” Deng Yenuo said, holding the stick out for Lin Cangyuan. He watched as Lin Cangyuan absentmindedly took the fish. His brows furrowed. “Shizun, are you okay?”
“I’m fine. I think the fog is getting to me a little,” Lin Cangyuan said, gingerly taking a bite of the fish.
The further they were from camp, the denser the pollution became.
Deng Yenuo frowned. Lin Cangyuan should technically be the most immune, since he had the highest cultivation between the two of them, but after an attack three years ago, Lin Cangyuan seemed to have weakened. There were even times when he showed signs of an asthma attack.
Deng Yenuo’s grip on the stick tightened. He set the fish down and sat down beside Lin Cangyuan. “Shizun, will you allow this disciple to share some spiritual energy with you? It might make you feel better.”
Lin Cangyuan glanced at Deng Yenuo. “No. Just save it for yourself.”
“But it might make you feel more comfortable,” Deng Yenuo said, his hand already against Lin Cangyuan’s back.
Lin Cangyuan unconsciously straightened. The large hand against his back sent tingles up his spine. He turned and glared at Deng Yenuo. “Your cultivation realm is lower than mine. If I’m tired, then what about you? Save your energy.”
Against Lin Cangyuan’s scolding, a soft warmth already flowed through Deng Yenuo’s palm to Lin Cangyuan’s back. Lin Cangyuan slumped away, but Deng Yenuo held him still with his free hand.
“Shizun is injured.”
“I—”
“You have been,” Deng Yenuo said. It wasn’t a question, but a statement. “You’ve just been hiding it. This disciple just hasn’t said anything because I know Shizun understands his limits. But living your life on the limit also has its dangers. Shizun doesn’t have time to rest on the battlefield, but this isn’t the battlefield. Let this disciple help.”
Lin Cangyuan slowly closed his mouth. He felt the warm flow of energy pass through him. The body aches that had been plaguing him for a few years were miraculously soothed. His breathing even felt easier. He relaxed against Deng Yenuo and concentrated on the foreign energy. He guided it, using it to massage out the knots in his meridians that had been impeding on his energy flow.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
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After an hour, Lin Cangyuan finally patted Deng Yenuo’s hand. “Alright. I’m fine now. Let go before I start leeching your life force too.”
“I wouldn’t mind even if you did,” Deng Yenuo mumbled, but still obediently pulled away. He watched Lin Cangyuan silently. “Do you feel better, Shizun?”
“Mn. Thank you,” Lin Cangyuan said.
Deng Yenuo shook his head. “Then, we should do this every night for an hour.”
Lin Cangyuan’s brows furrowed. “Your—”
“I’ll be fine,” Deng Yenuo said. “I’ll just need to sleep a little more. But from what I saw, Shizun, you’ve been having issues circulating your spiritual energy. If using my own helps with the knots and clogs, then I’m more than willing. If you don’t take care of this issue frequently, you might run into issues on the battlefield.”
“But—”
“Even if not for yourself, then think about the sect. What is Yunjing Pavilion going to do if something happens to you?” Deng Yenuo asked.
Lin Cangyuan stared at Deng Yenuo wordlessly. After a moment, he laughed. “Your mouth says Yunjing Pavilion, but your eyes are asking me what you’ll do if something happens to me.”
“And what if that’s what I mean?”
Lin Cangyuan’s smile stiffened. He slowly averted his gaze. Was he stupid? Why did he have to say that?
“We should get going. Make a few more miles before the sunsets,” Lin Cangyuan said. He glanced at the fish. “Eat that while we walk.”
Deng Yenuo watched Lin Cangyuan quickly walk away. He sighed, took the fish, and ate as he walked.
The silence felt deafening, but Lin Cangyuan could distract himself by reveling in his own fascination. He was moving so smoothly now. Every step didn’t hurt. He could flourish his sword without a crick in his wrist. He smiled happily to himself and glanced at Deng Yenuo.
At some point, he had finished his meal and had discarded the stick. Now, his gaze was just concentrated on the back of Lin Cangyuan’s head. Until the man turned around.
Deng Yenuo’s own smile faded. He quickly looked away and coughed loudly. He hadn’t realized he had been staring so intently. His shizun wouldn’t be upset, would he?
“Let’s do it.”
“What?”
“You’re right. I should be more careful, so we’ll do as you’ve arranged,” Lin Cangyuan said. He frowned suddenly and looked at him sternly. “But you must rest a lot. And eat a lot more. You cannot neglect yourself for my sake.”
Deng Yenuo nodded. “I promise I won’t.”
“Good,” Lin Cangyuan rubbed Deng Yenuo’s head. For a moment, his smile fell. He took his hand away and looked Deng Yenuo up and down with a hint of displeasure. “When did you get this tall?”
“…I’ve been this tall for a long time.”
“Have you?” Lin Cangyuan asked. He looked away, his heart feeling a little sour.
It was obviously a natural growth. So natural that Lin Cangyuan hadn’t even noticed. It made him a little sad. His gaze shifted uncertainly, but he ignored the feelings that surfaced in the back of his mind.
“Be careful!”
Lin Cangyuan was jerked back as an object whisked past his face. His eyes widened, but his reflexes were faster. His sword was called out and just managed to block the talons that came straight for his eyes. While he slashed upwards, Deng Yenuo had already taken his job of protecting Lin Cangyuan’s flank.
Lin Cangyuan clicked his tongue. “We weren’t vigilant enough. We walked into the nesting area of Wolf Crows.”
Wolf Crows were common beasts that would show up in the mortal realm. It was easier for them to cross over the barrier of the Demon Realm because they were creatures of flight. They were given the name because of their wolf-like qualities, despite their appearance as a slightly larger bird.
Lin Cangyuan and Deng Yenuo looked up at the trees. The sounds of cawing and the lines of drool that came from the beaks of the birds were fairly obvious. Deng Yenuo shifted closer to Lin Cangyuan.
“Shizun, what should we do?”
“Do you still have to ask?” Lin Cangyuan murmured.
He grabbed Deng Yenuo’s wrist. Although it was a bit difficult with two people, he still managed to teleport away. Lin Cangyuan glanced over his shoulder to make sure the birds hadn’t followed, and tugged Deng Yenuo to walk faster.
“They’ll find us faster if we take to the skies, so we’ll just have to run and teleport,” Lin Cangyuan said.
“Wait, Shizun—”
“Or do you think we can take on a swarm by ourselves?” Lin Cangyuan asked, throwing a look back at Deng Yenuo.
The younger man closed his mouth. It was useless to argue with his shizun during times like this. He could only nod and allow Lin Cangyuan to take care of him.
It took until nightfall for the two of them to completely escape the Wolf Crows’ pursuit.
Lin Cangyuan tiredly slumped against a tree and sighed. He frowned as he looked up at the night sky. “How is it night time already?”
“We shouldn’t travel at night,” Deng Yenuo said.
“I know,” Lin Cangyuan murmured. He looked to his right. “If I remember correctly, there should be a small village that we evacuated a while back. Let’s stay there for the night.”
Deng Yenuo quietly kept an eye on Lin Cangyuan as they walked, but the man didn’t seem to be too tired. Lin Cangyuan glanced back, offering Deng Yenuo a small smile when the younger man jerked back in surprise. He raised a brow.
“What? You can stare at me, but I can’t look at you?”
“N-no, it’s not,” Deng Yenuo murmured. He averted his gaze.
Lin Cangyuan slowed to a stop and placed his hand on Deng Yenuo’s chest. Deng Yenuo glanced up.
“It’s been a while since I got to do anything for you,” Lin Cangyuan said.
Deng Yenuo’s brows furrowed tightly. “What are you saying? Shizun, you’ve always—”
“I feel like since you’ve grown-up, it’s only been you taking care of me,” Lin Cangyuan said. He smiled wryly. “It was nice. For a brief moment, it felt like we returned to the past.”
Deng Yenuo slowly clenched his fist. “…Did you like it better in the past?”
“Who wouldn’t like the past better?” Lin Cangyuan asked. He laughed a little. “If the only thing I still had to worry about was desecrating a mentor and disciple relationship, then I would be the happiest man on earth.”
Deng Yenuo lowered his gaze. “That’s true.”
Lin Cangyuan glanced at Deng Yenuo. His forced smile faded a little and his heart clenched. Although the events just now reminded him of the past, he definitely felt that something was subtly different.
“Yenu—”
“Shizun,” Deng Yenuo met Lin Cangyuan’s gaze. “I…I really like you. Still. I’m sorry. I tried to stop, but I really can’t. So—”
“I know,” Lin Cangyuan said. “It’s okay.”
Deng Yenuo pursed his lips. He lowered his gaze and nodded.
For a brief moment, he had hoped Lin Cangyuan would say something else. He wanted to hear the words “I also like you”, but perhaps that was too tall of an order. Still, even if he knew that Lin Cangyuan couldn’t possibly like him back, he still wanted…
“Just seven years and this area is a mess,” Lin Cangyuan said, frowning as he waved aside the dust in the area. He rolled up his sleeves and began picking aside enough space on the floor for the two of them to rest.
Just as he was about to figure out where they could sleep, Deng Yenuo pulled out a blanket and placed it on the floor.
“Shizun, sit here. I’m going to go find some firewood.”
Lin Cangyuan frowned slightly. He wanted to say something about how they could both go together, but Deng Yenuo had gently guided Lin Cangyuan to the floor.
“You teleported so many times in succession, you need to rest,” Deng Yenuo said. “I’ll be right back.”
Lin Cangyuan frowned, but seeing Deng Yenuo’s furrowed brows, he finally relented. He needed some time to himself anyway.
Once Deng Yenuo left, Lin Cangyuan laid down on the blanket. He supported his head with his arm and stared up at the ceiling.
It had been a long time since he had the chance to think about anything. Even such an obvious detail, like the pollution of demonic energy in the area had flown by him. In the eight years, it was like he had thrown himself into work again and again. His emotional root seemed to have been partially cut out, leaving only fear, frustration, and anger behind. But after a goodnight’s rest and after he was able to soothe his spiritual energy, his mind cleared again. The brain fog dissipated and the turmoil in his mind subsided.
Lin Cangyuan laughed at himself. If he continued on that way, he wondered how much longer it would have taken for him to work himself into a Qi Deviation. The risk was extra high with the pollution.
He closed his eyes. Now that he had a moment of respite, he wasn’t thinking about how the disciples back at Yunjing Pavilion were doing or even what else they should be doing to win the war. Instead, foolishly, he found himself thinking about Deng Yenuo.
It felt like Gui Yin’s words had lodged itself into his mind and had just never come out. If anyone else treated Lin Cangyuan like Deng Yenuo did, then how would he feel? But Lin Cangyuan couldn’t imagine it. Because there was no other person like Deng Yenuo and there was no other person who could replace Deng Yenuo in his mind.
It had been difficult to accept at first, but what about now? After so many years of Deng Yenuo’s silent companionship, were his feelings the same? No. They were obviously different. They were undeniably different. It was just up to whether he wanted to accept this difference or not.
The answer was there, but could he accept it?
Deng Yenuo returned to find Lin Cangyuan’s dozing form. He walked in slowly and placed the pile of wood down. He reached into his Qiankun pouch and pulled out another blanket. He carefully placed it over Lin Cangyuan. His gaze lingered on the other man’s face and his movements stopped. His fingers curled into the blanket and, for a brief second, he thought about stealing a kiss.
The idea shocked Deng Yenuo. He quickly released the blanket and turned back to make the fire.
“If you give me all the blankets, what are you going to use tonight?”
Deng Yenuo froze.
The fire had been lit now, making their surroundings all the brighter. Lin Cangyuan watched him with a small smile as he propped himself up. He lifted the blanket.
“Or are you planning to just sleep with me?”
Deng Yenuo listened to those teasing words and felt his heart jump to his throat. He lowered his gaze for a moment to compose himself.
“If Shizun will allow me to.”
“Well, if that’s what you want.”
Deng Yenuo’s smile froze. He could feel his heart pounding against his chest for a minute as stared at Lin Cangyuan. He wasn’t sure if he had accidentally fallen asleep already. Was this a dream? If it was, then how was everything so realistic?
Lin Cangyuan met Deng Yenuo’s gaze. “What?”
“Shizun…really?”
“Really what? Do you think I’ll let you freeze? It’s cold in the lower realms, and—”
Lin Cangyuan’s words halted at the back of his throat. He glanced down at the man, who had suddenly shifted closer. He observed the expression on Deng Yenuo’s face. A soft sigh left his lips, but he didn’t shove Deng Yenuo away. Instead, he gently carded his fingers through Deng Yenuo’s hair.
“What’s wrong now? Why are you still making that expression?”
Deng Yenuo pursed his lips. He didn’t want to get his hopes up. Perhaps Lin Cangyuan had felt bad for him and finally decided to give in to his persistent efforts. Maybe there weren’t any romantic feelings involved. But this small hope sent Deng Yenuo’s heart hammering against his chest. He was almost sure Lin Cangyuan could hear him. He allowed himself to melt against Lin Cangyuan’s hand, pressing his head against the warm palm as he had done as a child.
Lin Cangyuan felt his heart clench. He slowly shifted away and watched as Deng Yenuo’s gentle expression crumbled. But before the younger man could excuse himself, Lin Cangyuan gripped Deng Yenuo by the arm and pulled him against his chest. Deng Yenuo remained in a shocked silence as Lin Cangyuan embraced him tightly.
Hesitant hands rose and settled on Lin Cangyuan’s face. He shifted closer and closer until there was no space between them. Deng Yenuo silently nuzzled against Lin Cangyuan’s neck. He felt the other man wiggle beneath him.
“Yenuo…”
“I can’t?” Deng Yenuo murmured, his grip tightening. “I’ve waited so long just so I could hug you like this. Since you’ve already hugged me, just let me indulge a little.”
Lin Cangyuan found his heart souring. The hand he had raised to push Deng Yenuo away lowered onto his back. He softly patted him, as if he were comforting a child. Deng Yenuo closed his eyes, basking in the warmth that he had been craving for so long. If this was all he was given, he would be happy, but then he felt a soft, hesitant kiss against his temple.
Deng Yenuo pulled back. His eyes were wide as he stared at Lin Cangyuan.
Lin Cangyuan averted his eyes once, then looked back at Deng Yenuo. “…I can’t?”
“…You can…can I?”
“…Just once.”
Deng Yenuo straightened. He tried to hide the way his breath shook as he leaned closer, his hand coming up to cup Lin Cangyuan’s jaw. His thumb brushed against his lower lip. “Can I do it here?”
His gaze flickered up to meet Lin Cangyuan.
His shizun’s cheeks were painted a brilliant red. Even if he was slapped or pushed away now, Deng Yenuo would still feel a triumphant satisfaction. He was certain that there was no one else in this world who had seen such a bashful Lord Immortal Liaosu. The man in front of him was venerated and near-worshipped. Yet, this godlike existence was sitting in front of him now—so soft and endearing.
Lin Cangyuan wanted to scold Deng Yenuo as he usually did, but under his fiery gaze, he began to feel a little weak. He averted his gaze, but he still couldn’t deny the hand that seemed to be burning his jaw.
“Just…do it,” Lin Cangyuan said. He had never heard his own voice so weak and small before. His hands trembled, but he hid them away as he felt a soft pair of lips press against his own.
For a moment, neither moved, yet Lin Cangyuan felt as if his breath had been stolen away. Then, he felt Deng Yenuo kiss him again. Hesitantly, Lin Cangyuan reciprocated. Deng Yenuo’s lips quivered against his own. The hand that had been holding his face slipped to the back of his neck. Lin Cangyuan leaned back as Deng Yenuo pushed forward. The hesitation turned into something desperate, yet still so gentle. Lin Cangyuan’s hands found Deng Yenuo’s shoulders, spurring the younger man on further.
When the two pulled apart, a silvery thread still connected them. Lin Cangyuan turned his head away. It was difficult to ignore the bulge pressing against his thigh.
“Shizun,” Deng Yenuo whispered, his hot breath still brushing against Lin Cangyuan’s neck.
Lin Cangyuan closed his eyes in shame. “Don’t call me that when you’re…doing this.”
Deng Yenuo’s brows furrowed slightly. He pressed himself closer. “Then, what should I call you?”
“Call me…call my name,” Lin Cangyuan said hesitantly.
He heard Deng Yenuo inhale sharply. It was getting more and more difficult to pretend that the growing bulge didn’t exist. Just as Lin Cangyuan was about to push Deng Yenuo off, the man stood up by himself.
Lin Cangyuan looked up at Deng Yenuo in confusion, but Deng Yenuo had already turned away.
“I…This…This disciple…please excuse me for a moment.”
Lin Cangyuan sat up and watched Deng Yenuo run from the dilapidated house. For a moment, he was shocked. Then, he laughed. The laugh was soft and he caught himself before he could do anymore. He clasped a hand over his mouth. It was fine to laugh, but if this laugh was mistaken as him making fun of Deng Yenuo, then that wouldn’t be good. He held himself back, but an endeared smile still landed on his face.
He never knew his Yenuo actually had such a cute side to him.
Thank you for the update ❤️💯
thank YOU for reading
i can hear Gui Yin’s “exactly like i said it would” esque line from here ajxbajxhs
ALSO wolf crows sound so cool!!! scary but cool!!!!
LMAO he will totally gloat when he finds out what happened between them– THANKS FOR READING
And I thought this chapter was gonna end in a kidnapping. Damn cute.
Everyone’s love life is setting off but wht about our mc😭 it’s still stuck man!!
HIS YENUO * he said it!
Thnx for the chap! 💜✨
It’s a good thing they have extremely long lives, otherwise leaving the man hanging for at least a decade would be an unforgivable sin.