A soft knock on Erlang’s bedroom door interrupted their conversation. Gui Yin glanced at Erlang, who sighed, flicked his sleeve, and told the visitor to enter.
The large doors creaked open and Su Wen walked in. His smile brightened when he saw Gui Yin up and about, but he first reined his emotions in and gave Erlang and Gui Yin a proper greeting.
“Good morning, Master, Lord Ninglan.”
“It’s been a while,” Gui Yin greeted. “How have you been?”
“I have been well, My Lord,” Su Wen said as he straightened.
“Why are you here?” Erlang asked. “Did something happen?”
Su Wen lowered his gaze. He cupped his hands together and bowed again. “Something did indeed happen, Master. This servant has just dropped Young Master Gui to Lord Xun’s residence. I returned temporarily to check on things in Huigu Palace, only to hear that Master had come out of seclusion and had even requested for a new set of clothes, so this servant came to see if Lord Ninglan had truly woken up.”
“Young Master Gui?” Gui Yin’s brows furrowed. He glanced at Erlang and then to Su Wen. “Do you mean Linghuo? What happened to him?”
Su Wen glanced at Erlang.
Erlang lazily waved his sleeve and went to sit down at the divan. “Report.”
“Yes, Master,” Su Wen said. He straightened and began to speak, “In the time Lord Ninglan had been comatose, there was a suspicious character who tried to approach Young Master Gui under the guise of the late Miss of Yin Hua Palace.”
The longer Gui Yin listened to Su Wen’s report, the more severe his expression became. When the report came to a close, Gui Yin threw his sleeve.
“Outrageous!” Gui Yin hissed. His eyes narrowed. “Just because I haven’t been around for five years, those dastardly ghost cultivators must think that the world is in their palm now!”
His chest heaved as he tried to calm himself down. Erlang watched him silently and felt a bit enraged himself, but the feeling came and went as confusion took its place. He glanced at Gui Yin again and frowned slightly, but did not interrupt Gui Yin and Su Wen’s conversation. He sat back and quietly observed as Gui Yin paced.
“And then? How is Linghuo?” Gui Yin asked.
“He…he’s reverted to how he was five years ago, when Miss Li passed and My Lord went missing,” Su Wen said. He softly added, “It’s not a good state. I could only observe from afar, but even then, this servant could have mistaken his absentmindedness to losing a soul. I heard from Lord Caowen and Lord He Ying that he hasn’t made any progress in the past five years because he has been so haunted by heart demons.”
Gui Yin slowly tensed. Erlang’s gaze flickered down as his heart ached sourly. He glanced at Gui Yin again as his fingers impatiently tapped on the arm of the divan.
Gui Yin’s fingers clenched and unclenched. Without anything to fiddle with he had nowhere to expend his irritation. Just as he was about to speak again, something suddenly poked his arm. He looked over in surprise.
Erlang held out a black fan and tilted his chin slightly. “Take it.”
“This…what’s this for?” Gui Yin asked with a raised brow.
“Placeholder,” Erlang said as he reclined back. “You like fiddling with your fan when you’re upset.”
Gui Yin loudly cleared his throat as he flourished his fan. He averted his gaze and observed his new toy. It just happened to be the same size as Fenghua. He glanced at the gold painting on it and thought that it resembled its owner a bit.
“Fenghua is back at Yunjing Pavilion, My Lord,” Su Wen quickly said. He smiled. “Your disciples have been taking good care of it.”
Gui Yin hummed. He fell silent for a moment before he snapped the fan shut and turned to Erlang. “Shui Meng—”
“I got it repaired. It’s waiting for you to retrieve it in my study. Don’t worry—Wu Feng consistently wipes it down.”
Gui Yin let out a soft sigh of relief. He wouldn’t know what he would do if one of his two natal weapons had broken. He gave a soft thanks before his mind returned to the matter at hand.
“Can we visit him right now?” Gui Yin asked.
Su Wen sheepishly shook his head. “Lord Xun says that visitors are not allowed until they at least stabilize the Young Master’s condition.”
“Is it that bad?” Gui Yin asked, his expression falling.
“He’ll be fine. I heard that Young Master Yankui must have done something before he was taken away. Apparently, he could absorb the resentful energy in Young Master Gui.”
Gui Yin’s eyes widened. His grip on the fan tightened again. He looked at Erlang, who was lounging on the divan as if none of this concerned him. Which, to be fair, it really did not.
“You say what you want to do and I’ll accompany you,” Erlang said.
Although Gui Yin had previously been annoyed by a similar statement, he suddenly felt relief flood his heart. He nodded with a small smile on his face. “Can we return to Yunjing Pavilion first?”
“Of course,” Erlang said. He rocked to his feet and stopped beside Gui Yin. His gaze landed on Su Wen with a raised brow. “I’m assuming you’ve done your job?”
“Yes, Master,” Su Wen said. “The information on Young Master Yankui’s whereabouts will be sent directly to your study.”
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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A few theories floated through his head, but when he wasn’t quite sure yet, he would not share these thoughts with Gui Yin.
Erlang’s study was clearly more used than his bedroom.
Everything was neat, but there were objects purposely separated into piles, strewn across the various tables, seating areas, and even the window sills. There were books in languages Gui Yin didn’t understand that lined an entire wall, while the others carried scrolls and pamphlets. A large astroglobe sat on the balcony that was veiled only by a curtain. The curtain fluttered slightly as a soft breeze entered the large study.
Gui Yin tilted his head as he looked up at the massive chandelier above that was composed of floating lanterns, making it reminiscent of stars. His gaze trailed over the second and third floors of the study. Books and scrolls surrounded those floors from wall to wall, creating an impressive scenery that opened up into the pink skies that reflected the outside.
Gui Yin let out an impressed exclamation. His bad mood had been swept away by this fantastical sight. He turned back to Erlang as he pointed at the chandelier.
“Enchanted lanterns?”
“Your invention,” Erlang said. He gently touched on that had drifted a little too low and pushed it up again. He glanced at Gui Yin. “Quite useful, I must say.”
“Thank you,” Gui Yin chuckled. He looked around at the enchanted lanterns and felt a bit proud that someone like Erlang would use his inventions.
“It’s over here,” Erlang said.
Gui Yin turned and followed Erlang over to a shelf that sat behind his desk. He turned one of the ornaments that sat on the shelf. Gui Yin watched as the shelf slid back and revealed a smaller round room. He entered curiously and looked around.
“A bedroom,” Gui Yin muttered.
“I usually sleep here,” Erlang said. He stopped beside his desk with a smile. “Your Shui Meng.”
Gui Yin’s eyes lit up. He walked over with wide steps and gently touched the new strings. He felt a happy vibration beneath the beds of his fingers. His smile softened as he gently swept his sleeve over the magnificent instrument. It disappeared in a flurry of white petals and returned into its allotted space.
“Thank you for taking such good care of it,” Gui Yin said. “Shui Meng can be quite temperamental.”
“Not at all. It behaved very well,” Erlang said. His thoughts drifted back to the memories of its reluctance of being handled once its original appearance was restored and smirked slightly. He turned to Gui Yin and smiled properly. “Very well.”
“That’s good,” Gui Yin said. He pinched the fan. “Then, shall we…?”
“Let’s,” Erlang said.
As they descended down the steps of Huigu Palace, Gui Yin couldn’t help but look around in awe.
The palace in the name of this sect was not for nothing. Although it wasn’t gaudy like Yin Hua Palace, there was an undeniable majesty to this sect. Each member of the sect acknowledged Erlang as their one true master, their heads lowered as they moved past. Despite this, Gui Yin could tell that they weren’t afraid of them. As they walked past, they excitedly nudged at each other. Their object of excitement was clearly the lord immortal beside their master.
“You don’t have any disciples?” Gui Yin curiously asked.
“I would rather not,” Erlang said. He met Gui Yin’s quizzical gaze. “If I have disciples, I won’t have as much freedom to act anymore. I still have things I must do.”
Gui Yin thought about it and found it reasonable. “Didn’t you say you were similar to me in age?”
“I am.”
“You still have a lot to do?” Gui Yin asked with slight awe.
Erlang met Gui Yin’s disbelieving gaze before he burst out in laughter. He lifted a hand and covered his mouth as he tried to hold back his laughter. He lightly coughed into his fist.
“Yes, well…you find more things as life goes on. You should try going out more.”
Gui Yin’s expression puckered. “You didn’t have to dig at an old wound.”
Erlang chuckled. “You’ll find new things when you leave your sect more often. However, I will say my main objective is something that has haunted me my entire life.”
Gui Yin shifted closer curiously. “What’s that?”
Erlang glanced down his nose at him. “I won’t tell.”
Gui Yin’s excitement deflated. He scoffed and snapped his fan shut, then flourished it open again. He fanned himself, allowing the breeze to blow back his hair. “Fine. Don’t tell me. Stingy.”
He shifted his attention back to his surroundings and looked at the abrupt drop in front of him. He turned to Erlang.
“What do we do now? Just jump?”
“There’s an elevator over that way,” Erlang said with a tilt of his chin.
Gui Yin glanced over and slowly hummed. He fiddled with his fan and smiled sheepishly. “Then, what method do you usually use?”
“Fly.”
“Erlang,” Gui Yin said, “I don’t have the energy to transform my fan. Could you…give me a ride?”
“I also don’t have a sword,” Erlang said.
Gui Yin’s expression pinched again. He clicked his tongue. “You clearly do! All the stories people tell say that you have twin swords.”
Erlang glanced at Gui Yin and slowly looked away again. “I don’t use them anymore.”
“…They’re your natal weapons, aren’t they?”
“They are,” Erlang said. He casually flexed his right hand. “It’s not so convenient to use them anymore though. I’d rather use spiritual energy to fight. It’s not as if I lack any.”
Gui Yin glanced at Erlang’s arm. It moved stiffly as if it hadn’t been used in a long time. “A hand injury?”
Gui Yin’s voice had softened tremendously. Erlang lowered his gaze and smiled to himself. “Not quite.”
Gui Yin thought about it some more as they made their way over to the elevator. He remembered the cloaked man who watched the play with him, as well as the hard feeling of Erlang’s right arm. The suspicion was rekindled in him, but he didn’t think it would be appropriate to directly ask him. And Erlang no longer provided an explanation.
Once they were on the ground, things became easier. Gui Yin thought that Erlang would naturally grab a carriage or demonic beasts, but instead, he grabbed Gui Yin.
Gui Yin stared at him. “What are you doing?”
“Quick step,” Erlang said.
Gui Yin’s eyes widened. He pushed at Erlang. “I can’t do that here. This is Kunlun! Do you want me to die?”
“You can’t, but I can,” Erlang said. He smiled and placed Gui Yin’s hand on his shoulder. “Have you ever traveled this way with others?”
“No. Why in the world would I have to?” Gui Yin snapped.
“Then, you should be careful. You need to hold on tight. If you fly off while we’re traveling, that would be very bad,” Erlang said.
Hearing this, Gui Yin suddenly felt a bit nervous. He stepped closer until his feet were between Erlang’s legs. His arms were tightly wrapped around the other man and he could feel his arm tighten around his waist. Gui Yin glanced down. He was using his left arm this time.
“Ready?”
The voice wasn’t projected into his ear this time, but whispered. Gui Yin glared at him and hummed. “Just move already.”
Erlang chuckled. “As you wish.”
The trip from Kunlun to Yunjing Pavilion took a whole day. It was much slower than flying by sword, but much faster than traveling by beast.
When they arrived, Gui Yin finally released Erlang. They had taken a few breaks here and there, but Gui Yin still felt as if his hands had gone numb from holding onto him for so long. He released him and shook his arms out as he looked around. They were at the entrance to Yunjing Pavilion.
“Why didn’t you just go in directly?” Gui Yin asked. “You’ve done that many times with Shuangye Peak.”
“It’s a different method. I wouldn’t be able to bring you with me,” Erlang explained.
Gui Yin raised his brows. “What method?”
“A technique I developed on my own. Only members of Huigu Palace can learn it,” Erlang said. He met Gui Yin’s eyes. “Are you planning on becoming a member?”
“I’ll think about it,” Gui Yin said. “I don’t want to be your servant though.”
Erlang slowly smiled. “There are other positions open.”
Gui Yin smacked Erlang’s hand away from his waist. “Move your slimy hand.”
Erlang chuckled softly and watched as Gui Yin began to walk up the stairs.
His gaze flickered around as he took in his surroundings. This was the first time he was able to take a good look around Yunjing Pavilion. All the other times, he had never been physically present and had only relied on his abilities to communicate with Gui Yin. Now that he was here, he found that this place was not only beautiful, but very calming.
Gui Yin and Erlang made it up to the top in no time. However, it was already late into the night. It wouldn’t be appropriate to announce his arrival to the other peak lords—they were most likely sleeping. He thought about Shuangye Peak and felt a bit hesitant.
Would it be the same as before? Would Shan Yu and Qiyi even be there? Or would it just be an empty home that greeted him.
Erlang lowered his gaze and glanced at Gui Yin again.
“Qinle.”
Gui Yin lifted his head and looked at Erlang. “Huh?”
“Shouldn’t we head back to Shuangye Peak? It’s late and you’ve only just woken. You should get some rest.”
Gui Yin slowly nodded. “You’re right. Let’s go then.”
Gui Yin lifted one foot in front of the other and led Erlang towards Shuangye Peak.
The red maple leaves were the same. The stairs and every pebble seemed to have remained as they were. But Gui Yin still hesitated.
Erlang let out a soft yawn. Gui Yin flinched and glanced at Erlang quizzically. The man looked back with a casual smile. Gui Yin sighed, knowing full well what he was trying to do.
He took a deep breath again and slowly climbed up the stairs. One step at a time, he could feel the anxiety at the bottom of his heart growing.
It had been five years—things must have changed right.
Just before they made it to the top of the stairs, hurried footsteps came rushing their way.
A sharp gasp drew Gui Yin’s attention forward. Qin Siyi and Shan Yu stood at the top of the steps, looking down at Gui Yin and Erlang. Both young women hadn’t even bothered to pull on a jacket and remained in their sleepwear.
Erlang politely turned his head away as he followed Gui Yin up the rest of the way.
“What’s wrong?” Gui Yin softly asked as he pulled off the outer layer of his robes and draped it around the two girls. “Why’d you suddenly wake up? I was planning on giving you a big surprise in the morning. Is your hearing that keen n—”
Gui Yin’s words were cut off. One threw herself into him, nearly knocking the wind out of him while the other jumped into his arms. Gui Yin stumbled backwards and nearly fell down the stairs, but a steady arm reached out and carefully stabilized them. Gui Yin glanced over at Erlang helplessly and managed to mouth out a thank you.
Erlang nodded politely before stepping off to the side to give them some space.
Gui Yin let out a soft sigh as he listened to the two girls cry. They hadn’t said anything from beginning to end and only huddled against Gui Yin’s chest as if they were children again. But there were no words of comfort that fell from Gui Yin’s lips. He held them silently and firmly as his brows tightly furrowed.
Erlang lifted a hand to his chest. His gaze shifted over to Gui Yin and he tore his gaze away again.
What a burden to have these emotions.
“I’m sorry,” Gui Yin finally whispered.
The two words made both Qin Siyi and Shan Yu tremble. Qin Siyi released him first and firmly shook her head. “It should never be Shizun who apologizes.”
“That’s right,” Shan Yu said as she slowly released him. She sniffled and hurriedly wiped her tears. She pulled on a teary smile, which reversely made her look more pitiful. “You’re finally back. That’s all that matters.”
Gui Yin looked between the two girls and sighed. He brushed the backs of their heads. “What is this?”
Gui Yin’s soft voice seemed to penetrate their hearts and unlock a dam of emotions that had long been blocked off. Qin Siyi felt her nose sting again and tears continued to roll down Shan Yu’s cheeks.
“Who taught you two to bottle up everything?” Gui Yin softly coaxed. “If you’re upset at me, then be upset. If you’re sad that I was gone for so long, then tell me. In front of your shizun, when have you ever needed to act tough?”
Qin Siyi’s expression finally crumbled. Shan Yu hiccupped as she threw herself into Gui Yin’s arms again.
“Shizun!”
The cries of the two girls would have been enough to startle away any birds. Gui Yin sighed helplessly and gently coaxed the two of them.
Despite his expression, Erlang knew that he was actually very happy. He was relieved—glad that this home he had unknowingly abandoned still welcomed him.
Erlang pressed a hand against his chest again and frowned.
The feeling here was warm. Too warm.
A/N: welcome home, boys! Now…what do we think is happening now? LOL
…and his heart grew three sizes that day… pfft! Thanks for the update 🤣❤️🤣❤️
LMAO thanks for reading!!
YAYYY LET’S HUG GUI YIN (ﾉ◕ヮ◕)ﾉ*:･ﾟ✧
Erlang is… well. he sure is Feeling things akcbsjxh is he feeling what Gui Yin is feeling? seems that way to me… hm…
mr. grinch finally has a heart ;v; thanks for reading!!
omg welcome back you guys 🤧
thanks for the update 💕
thanks for reading!!