Translator: transcendentwings
TN Note: warning that this was a monster of a chapter, was originally going to split it, but since it’s way overdue I have decided not to, thank you all for your patience
As soon as the protagonist left, the Nascent Soul Ceremony lost its original purpose and the guests from the various immortal sects who came to present gifts scattered, only gossiping in private about how much affection the head disciple of Fengling Mountain had for the fledgling of the demonic sect who had irrevocably transformed into a demonic cultivator as they departed. Presumably after today, this amorous anecdote between Xu Xingzhi and Jiu Zhideng would spread throughout every nook and cranny of the immortal sects.
Guangfu-jun‘s complexion was no better than one that had been slapped a few times unceremoniously while Qingjing-jun‘s was serene as usual: “Xiyun, there’s no need to be so concerned.”
Guangfu-jun‘s vernacular name was Yue Xiyun. He possessed no blood ties with Qingjing-jun but was fortunate to share the same surname.
This was such a grave matter that Guangfu-jun addressed Qingjing-jun by his true name in a rare occurrence: “Wuchen-shixiong, no matter what, we mustn’t let Xu Xingzhi off lightly today! How will his deeds reflect on my Fengling Mountain? What will become of the high expectations you’ve impressed upon him?! Just now, do you know what the Yingtianchuan Officer of Rites asked of me? He inquired if Jiu Zhideng and Xu Xingzhi secretly engaged in dual cultivation! Otherwise why would he be so protective?”
“Xingzhi didn’t. I’m certain in my heart.”
“But how would those idle gossipers view these matters? You are the Master of Fengling Mountain, so you should punish Xu Xingzhi and stop the four sects from making outrageous remarks!”
“I am indeed the leader of Fengling, but Xingzhi is also my disciple.” Qingjing-jun remarked softly, “If I can’t even protect my apprentice, what’s the point of being the lord of Fengling.”
Guangfu-jun‘s expression hardened, “Do you remember what you promised me in the beginning? Xu Xingzhi would never do it! He would never get close to those not of the righteous path! I have been supervising him every second of every minute for all these years for fear that he would misstep, but if his relationship with Jiu Zhideng really isn’t as simple as it seems. . . If Xu Xingzhi knew that he was. . .”
At this time Guangfu-jun was already completely flustered and didn’t even realize that Wen Xuechen had come up behind him in the middle of his tirade.
Wen Xuechen had indeed heard something he probably shouldn’t have.
However, he was neither Qu Chi nor Zhou Beinan. The former seemed gentle but was extremely obstinate and placed heavy emphasis on affections; the latter was straightforward and quite loyal to the code of brotherhood. Since he was Wen Xuechen, even if his thoughts and emotions were in riotous turmoil internally, he wouldn’t show it externally.
Wen Xuechen bowed and greeted calmly: “The two lords. This junior had no intention of eavesdropping and isn’t interested in the secrets of Fengling Mountain. However, this junior has a word of thought in regards to today’s incident, Jiu Zhideng must no longer be allowed to remain at Fengling.”
“This is just my suggestion in consideration of Xingzhi’s reputation.” Wen Xuechen twirled the yin and yang rings around his fingertips and continued eloquently, “In this Nascent Soul Grand Ceremony, all sects sent a rites officer to attend. The news of Xingzhi taking Jiu Zhideng away at the cost of abandoning the ceremony will definitely spread, the impact could not be said to be insignificant. If you wish for Xingzhi to be criticized less when he inherits the position of Master of Fengling Mountain in the future, it is best to send Jiu Zhideng, whose bloodline has awakened, back to the demonic sects.”
Guangfu-jun deeply believed that this was reasonable: “That’s right. Shixiong, in order to protect Fengling’s reputation and Xu Xingzhi’s safety, Jiu Zhideng can no longer remain.”
The usually steady and soft-hearted Qingjing-jun revealed an expression of being caught in a quandary: “. . . The Zhizi hasn’t done anything wrong. He has merely awakened his demonic blood rite, why must he be sent back to suffer ne.”
“Man is without sin, it's the treasures he possesses that incites it.” Wen Xuechen stated indifferently, “What’s more, what Jiu Zhideng harbors is not the ceremonial jade piece, rather he is nothing but a burden of misfortune to Xingzhi. Qingjing-jun, you’ve always loved and favored Xingzhi, you wouldn’t not take things into account for his sake ba?”
Qingjing-jun stubbornly refused: “No, there must be another way. I also watched that child grow up. . .”
Guangfu-jun sternly exclaimed: “Shixiong!”
Wen Xuechen’s gaze was hooded as he interjected crisply: “Qingjing-jun, you should have heard some news recently. The lord of the demonic path, Nian Zai, failed the tribulation yesterday and has already turned into a pile of bones under the heavenly thunder. Two of Jiu Zhideng’s elder brothers have already shred all pretenses with each other for the leading position and the demonic sect is now locked in turmoil, falling into chaos internally. If Jiu Zhideng was still an ordinary cultivator then he wouldn’t be involved, yet his demonic bloodline has awakened at this moment so would some of the cultivators within the demonic sect not attempt to take advantage of this young son who is wandering outside? It is pointless for him to remain in the righteous sect, thus it is better to send him back. If we were to assist him in taking over. . .”
“. . . Support him into power?”
Even Guangfu-jun never considered things in that direction. He fixed his gaze on Wen Xuechen, this well-known, cold-hearted, and indifferent person amongst the younger generation, and couldn’t help feeling layers of frost build up in his heart.
Wen Xuechen naturally wouldn’t mind other people’s evaluating eyes and continued his train of thought regardless: “. . . Exactly so, put him at the top. He grew up in the righteous path since childhood, if he is sent back then the demonic path and the path we belong to can build a long-lasting positive relationship. This action, whether it be for Xingzhi or for Fengling Mountain or the sects itself, even for the future of the demonic sects, would be of great benefit.”
The three words “for Xingzhi” seemed to touch the chords in Qingjing-jun’s heart, making him fall silent and speak no further.
Although Guangfu-jun thought that the young man in front of him had such a meticulous and unfathomable mind that he felt fearful, he still had to admit that this was the best strategy available at this time: “Shixiong, make your decision ba. Xu Xingzhi, he—”
“We’ll go along with Xingzhi’s decision.” Qingjing-jun closed his eyes, “We’ll listen to him.”
Guangfu-jun’s breath almost caught: “Shixiong!”
Qingjing-jun pressed on as if there was no one else around: “Xuechen, if you can persuade Xingzhi, then I won’t interfere with where that child will go any longer.”
Wen Xuechen nodded and complied with a “yes”. After respectfully taking his leave, just when he was about to maneuver his wheelchair to depart, he heard Qingjing-jun’s faint voice heavy with concern ring out from the rear: “Xuechen, your thoughts are too heavy. If you regularly assess things like this, it will be harmful to your heart ailment.”
Wen Xuechen looked back, a smile spread across his cold face: “Qingjing-jun, thank you for your reminder, but I’m used to thinking too much and can’t change that habit anymore.”
Wen Xuechen departed decisively, his white hair was stirred by the wind while bound by a cyan hair crown.
Meng Chongguang stood beneath the stage. The rest of the disciples had already dispersed, only he didn’t move a step.
When Wen Xuechen brushed by him, Meng Chongguang suddenly piped up: “. . . He was ostracized in the demonic sects since he was young and grew up within the righteous sect, but was still shunned; Now you want to send him back to the demonic sects. . . . Why not just kill him directly ne.”
The fingers Wen Xuechen used to wheel himself forward tightened as he angled his head to look at Meng Chongguang. He sized him up for a moment and then answered with a shallow smile: “You actually know what we discussed?”
Meng Chongguang’s gaze didn’t waver: “Even a guess would be pretty accurate.”
Wen Xuechen was indeed taken aback. After all, in his mind, Meng Chongguang was like a blank sheet of paper, a kid who only cared about his Shixiong and only knew how to laugh and play around. Now it seems that he underestimated the other: “I had assumed that since you generally always butt heads with Jiu Zhideng, you couldn’t wait for him to leave ne.”
“I do want him to go, but I don’t want him to die. What’s more, if he dies, Shixiong will be sad.” Meng Chongguang’s eyes flickered slightly, meeting Wen Xuechen’s gaze, his voice was extremely cold, “ I don’t wish to compete for affection with a dead man. . . I would never be able to win.”
Wen Xuechen was stunned.
After tossing out this sentence, Meng Chongguang surprisingly still had the mood to smile innocently and naively at Wen Xuechen which instantly made a shiver go down his spine, before the other finally set off.
Wen Xuechen’s eyes slightly narrowed.
Xu Xingzhi, your shidi, one after another, are all not as simple as they seem.
Others may not know where Xu Xingzhi had gone at this time, but Wen Xuechen knew very clearly.
There was a plot of sacred ground on the rear side of Fengling Mountain, named Yusui Lake, which was a good place to cultivate, recuperate, and train the mind and bones. It is said that Qingjing-jun specially allocated this location for Xu Xingzhi to practice and the rest of the disciples had no right to even set foot in this place.
Wen Xuechen had once been brought here by Xu Xingzhi to play and entered the cave by the clear Yusui Lake without sparing much effort.
Xu Xingzhi sat on the bank of Yusui lake in the wide-sleeved robes, his clothing, along with his body, were submerged within the water, the finely embroidered ribbon attached to it floated on the surface, while Jiu Zhideng rested against his lap, unconscious. The mist drifting on the surface of the deep pool was like a bountiful dream. The two of them, one sitting and one laying down, formed an exquisite scene, just like a painting drawn by some renowned bigshot.
A demonic mark like a line of brilliant scarlet was ultimately engraved between Jiu Zhideng’s brows.
Wen Xuechen’s rolled over the damp ground with a squelching sound: “How is it?”
Xu Xingzhi chuckled lightly: “He will hate me to death. Xiao-Deng has always hated pleading with others for help. It was so rare for him to ask for something this time around, but I, this Shixiong of his, couldn’t even aid him at all.”
“You tried your best.”
“Tried what?” Xu Xingzhi sneered, “Did my best to push him into the demonic path which he didn’t wish to enter?”
The two sides fell silent.
Xu Xingzhi stretched out his hand to cover the indelible imprint on Jiu Zhideng’s forehead: “Xuechen, what if it were you? If he only had the heart to die, how would you choose?”
As soon as the words came out of his mouth, Xu Xingzhi regretted it: “Forget it, pretend that I didn’t. . .”
Wen Xuechen didn’t even blink: “I would let him die, or would even send him to death’s embrace myself.”
Xu Xingzhi took a deep breath, but still had difficulty in completely expelling the turbid air from his body: “Yes, you are Wen Xuechen. Of course that would be what you’d do.”
Wen Xuechen replied calmly: “Yet you are Xu Xingzhi. You aren’t willing to let him die.”
Xu Xingzhi was noncommittal: “Since you know it, you should be aware that you would not be able to persuade me.”
Wen Xuechen was somewhat surprised and raised his eyebrow.
“What? Did you think I wouldn’t understand what’s on your mind?” Xu Xingzhi asserted, “You especially came here to find me, it couldn’t be because you were concerned about Xiao-Deng’s health ba.”
Wen Xuechen couldn’t help but laugh: “You bunch from Fengling Mountain, all of you normally don’t seem to act properly, but when push comes to shove, each and every one of you thinks more clearly than the next.”
Having said that, Xu Xingzhi simply stated his decision bluntly: “I will not send him back to the demonic sects. Don’t even think about it.”
“Didn’t you not take the differences between the two paths to heart?” Wen Xuechen questioned, “According to your platitudes, as long as he cultivates and maintains his heart, what’s the difference between whether he is physically at the demonic sects or on Fengling Mountain?”
“There is.” Xu Xingzhi refuted, “The timing isn’t right. . . . Nothing is right.”
“How so?”
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.
Xu Xingzhi stroked the center of Jiu Zhideng’s forehead very lightly. Even in the other’s sleep, he was still suffering, his brows tightly knit: “I don’t mind the demonic bloodline, but Xiao-Deng does. Now that Xiao-Deng has just inherited his demonic blood rite, I immediately propose to send him back to the demonic sect? How would he deal with everything himself? I can’t do such a thing. Besides, the demonic path is now embroiled in a period of conflict, if I send him back, it’ll be like I’m shoving him straight into a whirlpool.”
Wen Xuechen supported his chin with one hand and countered: “If he stays, how do you know he wouldn’t be in chaos? You left early before so I’m afraid you aren’t aware that people are already talking about it, whispering that you and Xiao-Deng have long since engaged in a cut-sleeve relationship. With such a reputation, if you don’t express your attitude in time and send him back to the demonic sects, would you still be able to take up the position of Master of Fengling in the future?”
Xu Xingzhi’s expression didn’t waver: “If I can’t even protect Xiao-Deng, what’s the use of becoming the leader of Fengling?”
Qfc Wefmtfc: “. . .”
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He and Qingjing-jun were truly master and disciple, both possessing a strong disposition.
Cr obg Qfc Wefmtfc tlwrfio, la tjv yffc j ibcu alwf rlcmf tf tjv atf lwqeirlnlas jcv sbeatoei rqlgla ab vjgf ab vb atf kbgiv’r kbgra.
At this time, Jiu Zhideng frowned slightly as if he were about to rouse.
Xu Xingzhi murmured unbelievably softly as if he were muttering to himself: “. . . Wouldn’t it be better to sleep a while longer?”
He tore off his robe embroidered with clouds and gold thread, then using one hand to wrap it around Jiu Zhideng’s head, he slipped the other palm underneath to support the back of the his skull so that the other may rest more comfortably.
After a while, Jiu Zhideng’s gravely voice like it was full of sand sounded from under his palm: “. . . Shixiong.”
“I’m here.”
“Shixiong.” Jiu Zhideng lay there stiffly, he didn’t even move a finger, just like a dying person waiting for the vultures, even his questioning voice was as light as a mayfly, “. . . Why did you save me ah.”
Xu Xingzhi’s heart ached so much that he wasn’t sure what the best course of action was: “. . . I’m sorry.”
These three words disturbed Jiu Zhideng’s lifeless and stagnant heartstrings. He slowly curled his body up and hugged his head tightly.
He was still alive.
The flow of the meridians in his body was completely different from what they used to be.
He. . .
Jiu Zhideng shrank into himself smaller and smaller, hating that he couldn’t just disappear from this world.
Xu Xingzhi had never heard such a bone-piercing sorrowful voice before, each word seemed to be blood that was squeezed directly out from the heart: “Shixiong, I’m a demonic cultivator. . . I’m part of the demonic path now. . .”
For so many years, the shadow that he was so afraid of and couldn’t escape far enough to avoid, ultimately fell on him unexpectedly on the day Xu Xingzhi was dressed up in finery.
Xu Xingzhi pulled the other’s head into his embrace, his voice trembling: “No, you are my shidi.”
. . . No matter if the other was demon, a ghost, a sprite, or human, he will always be Xu Xingzhi’s shidi.
Jiu Zhideng leaned against Xu Xingzhi’s arms vacantly like this. After huddling there for an unknown period of time, he seemed to have been reminded of something and grasped Xu Xingzhi’s lapel with the strength of a drowning man snatching up a piece of driftwood: “. . . Shixiong, Shixiong. . . I don’t want to go anywhere else. . . Don’t send me away. I’m begging you, don’t make me leave.”
He repeated the same sentence, his lashes and eyes were wet with tears. Strands of black hair dangled over, covering one eye, while the other had already obviously transformed into the fiery red pupil unique to direct descendents of the pure demonic bloodline.
At this time, Jiu Zhideng couldn’t contemplate what Xu Xingzhi’s current situation was nor could he consider anything even farther into the future. He could only repeatedly beg under a thick haze, to not send him away, to not make him leave.
Xu Xingzhi promised gently: “It won’t happen, I won’t.”
Jiu Zhideng quickly fainted from exhaustion soon after, but Xu Xingzhi kept patting his shoulder, again and again, like he was coaxing a child.
Wen Xuechen stared at the two of them from behind for a long time before sighing in a low voice: “. . . People treading on separate paths, why insist on the same end.”
Xu Xingzhi replied to him willfully: “I insist on requesting this mutal destination.”
After the flow of Jiu Zhideng’s meridians stabilized, Xu Xingzhi paid a visit to Fuming hall where Qingjing-jun resided and deliberated with him for two hours. No one knew exactly what they discussed during that time.
Soon after, Xu Xingzhi brought Jiu Zhideng out from Yusui Lake and settled him down into his own hall.
Meng Chongguang had already returned from the venue. Seeing him enter the hall with Jiu Zhideng in his arms, the corners of his lips twitched slightly as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he only revealed the usual obedient smile: “Shixiong is back la.”
Xu Xingzhi hummed in acknowledgement and placed Jiu Zhideng on the bed where he and Meng Chongguang slept together, tucking the quilt in for him tightly.
Meng Chongguang’s eyes darkened from the moment he saw Jiu Zhideng being placed on their shared bunk.
Xu Xingzhi sat down on the side and scanned Jiu Zhideng’s face carefully.
It was amazing how the child he used to be able to pick up with one arm and carry on his shoulders had grown so big now.
“Shixiong.” Meng Chongguang called out from behind.
“What is it?”
“When Jiu Zhideng-shixiong collapsed, I was next to him.”
Xu Xingzhi turned around after hearing those words. Perhaps it was because Xu Xingzhi stayed at Yusui Lake for too long that the water vapor seemed to have soaked into his eyes, washing his pair of dark eyes into a swath of hazy mist.
He asked: “And?”
“Jiu Zhideng-shixiong had an abrupt attack.” Meng Chongguang’s expression was very complicated. He paid special attention to Xu Xingzhi’s reactions and pursed his lips before haltingly reported, “Shixiong, as far as I know, the awakening of demonic heritage is always affected by consonant thought and would never be accidental. I believe, that Jiu Zhideng-shixiong must’ve had some sort of notion he shouldn’t have conceptualized and as a result. . .”
Xu Xingzhi interrupted him: “I see.”
In response to Xu Xingzhi’s bland reaction, Meng Chongguang was slightly surprised and dissatisfied: “Shixiong, don’t you want to know?”
“A saint should be evaluated by their actions and not by their ruminations.” Xu Xingzhi answered, “. . . If assessed by their thoughts, no one is a saint, Chongguang, let me ask you, have you ever contemplated something you shouldn’t have in your life before?”
Meng Chongguang stopped talking.
Even without Meng Chongguang’s reminder, Xu Xingzhi was naturally aware of this.
But he would never ask about what sort of musings Jiu Zhideng had when he stepped onto the platform. As for what these ponderings would come to, it’ll just be part of growing karma.
In other words, no matter what came across Jiu Zhideng’s mind, he shouldn’t have had to pay such a tragic price.
Half a day later, Jiu Zhideng woke up and reclined against the bed without saying a word.
Xu Xingzhi had only gone out for a quick errand, but when he came back the bronze mirror in the room was shattered.
Xu Xingzhi didn’t address it and just crouched down to pick up the shards one by one.
Jiu Zhideng’s cool voice was laced with a tremble as it came from the direction of the bed: “. . . Shixiong, forgive me.”
Xu Xingzhi commented breezily: “Hai, horses can stumble, people can be clumsy, there’s nothing to it.”
Jiu Zhideng inquired: “Has the Nascent Soul Ceremony ended?”
“En, it’s over.” Xu Xingzhi turned around, the sunlight outside the hall poured in from the window and sprinkled all across his face, dazzling Jiu Zhideng to the extent that he couldn’t really open his eyes, “. . . How was it, do you think the ceremonial dress Shixiong wore looked good?”
At this time, Xu Xingzhi had already changed back to his usual attire, but the rim of Jiu Zhideng’s eyes grew somewhat hot after looking at him. A rush of warm air stimulated his eyes, nearly making his tears fall.
The image of Shixiong at the Nascent Soul Ceremony with his robes fluttering in the wind seemed to have been burned into his eyes by a branding iron.
He still clearly remembered that while he was enraptured by the dazzling Xu Xingzhi, a rotten slough of mud overflowed from the bottom of his heart for the first time, twisting and turning, making a racket as it wished to drag Xu Xingzhi into his body and never let him go.
He was a descendent of demonic cultivators, this matter couldn’t be changed. However, if he returned to the demonic sects, seized the throne and became the leader of the demonic sects, then merge the demonic and righteous sects as one in the future, would he be able to sit on an equal footing with Shixiong then?
If he was at the same level as Shixiong, would he be able to implore Shixiong to become his cultivating partner?
Perhaps because he knew that it was too ostentatious and unobtainable, Jiu Zhideng envisioned all the possibilities available after being together with Shixiong without restraint.
He only fantasized about it for a bit, how was that a crime?
. . . However, who let him be born as a demonic cultivator. Even if he just fancied it, it was already a great sin.
Jiu Zhideng slouched over on the pillow, musing to himself, what a big joke he was.
Suddenly, a ruckus stirred outside and there were occasional chaotic calls of “Zhou-gongzi”, “Zhou-gongzi slow down”. In a flash, the sounds of footsteps already echoed outside of the room.
Zhou Beinan kicked the door open: “Xu Xingzhi!”
Xu Xingzhi clicked his tongue: “In a rush to reincarnate ah, are you. If you break the door, you have to repair it before you can leave.”
When Zhou Beinan saw Jiu Zhideng resting on the bed, his pale complexion faded slightly and he swallowed the question he was about to blurt out forcibly, making him choke so much that his eyes became strained: “. . . Come out!”
Xu Xingzhi swept the remaining debris into a dustpan: “I’m coming, I’m coming. What are you making such a racket for?”
Jiu Zhideng silently followed Xu Xingzhi with his eyes, even after the door shut, he was still staring longingly at the place where the other’s figure disappeared.
After yanking Xu Xingzhi out of his palace, Zhou Beinan opened his mouth and chastised him: “Xu Xingzhi, what’s the matter with you? You ditched the Nascent Soul Ceremony?”
“If I ditched it, I ditched ah! This trivial matter isn’t worth Young Master Zhou’s effort to travel all the way here ah.” Xu Xingzhi didn’t care at all.
“A small issue, your uncle ah!” Zhou Beinan was so angry that his head hurt, “The rites officer who went to Fengling from Yingtianchuan told me that Jiu Zhideng awakened his demonic heritage halfway through and you actually carted him off in front of all the attendees? What is your relationship with him?”
Xu Xingzhi was quite innocent: “Shixiong-di relationship ah. Otherwise ne.”
Zhou Beinan took a deep breath: “I believe it, but would others? That wasn’t purely a Nascent Soul Ceremony! It was the succession ceremony to elect you as the next Master of Fengling! And you said you f*cking bolted because you could, and you even ran away with a demonic practitioner? Do you know what kind of nasty rumors are spreading outside?”
Xu Xingzhi grinned: “That’s their own wicked thinking, it has nothing to do with me.”
Zhou Beinan was so enraged that he nearly fainted: “You just keep causing trouble day after day ba! Sooner or later you’ll know how hard it bites back when you mess with something big!”
Speaking of this, another set of footsteps made their way over outside, but this time the voice was much more refined.
The sound of a disciple guiding the person rang out: “Qu-shixiong, this way.”
Zhou Beinan swiftly regained his energy and bounced back: “Qu Chi, make haste!”
Qu Chi, dressed in plain crimson robes, stepped through a gate of moonlight. There was a thin layer of sweat on his forehead, seeming like he rushed here non-stop after receiving the news.
Qu Chi looked at Xu Xingzhi and asked vaguely: “. . . Are you alright?”
He was not only inquiring if Xu Xingzhi was okay, but also asking if Jiu Zhideng was fine.
Xu Xingzhi summed it up in a single phrase: “Good.”
Qu Chi exhaled: “Great, that’s excellent.”
“What. . . that’s it?” Zhou Beinan a mouthful of stagnant blood was stuck in his throat, “Qu Chi, you are the eldest, you should scold him a bit ah.”
Qu Chi came closer and replied gently: “What’s the use of chastising him ne. That matter has already been done, it’s better to discuss what to do next.”
The three of them sat down on the ground in front of the steps with a huffy Zhou Beinan sandwiched between Qu Chi and Xu Xingzhi.
Zhou Beinan grumpily complained: “Go ahead, let’s talk ba, what are you planning on doing now? Let Jiu Zhideng stay on Fengling Mountain?”
Xu Xingzhi broke off a plum branch and scribbled and sketched on the ground in boredom: “Or else?”
“That’s true.” Zhou Beinan muttered, “Nian Zai died unexpectedly, his two sons are fighting each other in a dog-eat-dog manner, it’s quite lively there ne. This kid surnamed Jiu has no connections in the demonic sects, so sending him back at this time would be the same as wanting to take his life ne.”
Qu Chi was somewhat skeptical: “But will the demonic sects give up on him? Today’s incident caused too big a ruckus and the awakening of his blood can’t be concealed. If his two elder brothers think that Jiu Zhideng is a threat. . .”
Zhou Beinan furrowed his brow: “And so? Would they dare to pursue him all the way to Fengling Mountain to kill him?”
“They wouldn’t.” Xu Xingzhi rested his chin in his palm and murmured, “The four sects and the demonic sects have been engaged in a truce for a long time. If Xiao-Deng isn’t willing to go back, they won’t be so foolish as to come before our doors to provoke us and seek their own demise. . . What Qu Chi and I are worried about is an entirely other affair.”
After expressing his opinion, the two looked at each other and affirmed in unison: “. . . Jiu Zhideng’s mother.”
Zhou Beinan instantly felt that this was a thorny situation: “That’s right. What should be done then?”
“Many years ago, Qu Chi and I went to the main hall of the demonic sect to help Xiao-Deng deliver a letter home.” Xu Xingzhi didn’t even lift his head as he used the plum blossom branch to draw something in the dirt, “I plan to pay them another visit later.”
Zhou Beinan shot to his feet abruptly: “You want to orchestrate a kidnapping? Xu Xingzhi, you—”
“Why are you phrasing it so nefariously? I’m just bringing Xiao-Deng’s mother back to reunite with him.” Xu Xingzhi added, “. . . At the same time, I’ll help Xiao-Deng express his unwillingness to participate in the struggle. Then we’ll build a thatched cottage at the foot of Fengling Mountain and let Xiao-Deng’s mother reside there so the two, mother and son, can see each other from time to time.”
Zhou Beinan: “. . . And if they refuse to hand her over ne.”
Xu Xingzhi had an indifferent expression on his face: “Oh, then we’ll just snatch her away bei.”
Zhou Beinan: “. . .”
Xu Xingzhi paused his scribbling for a while, mulled it over for a long time, then just as he was about to ask Qu Chi about something, Qu Chi looped around Zhou Beinan, took the plum branch from Xu Xingzhi’s hand and completed Xu Xingzhi’s unfinished sketch on the sand: “. . . After passing through Ming Temple, turn left here.”
Xu Xingzhi was unable to hide his surprise: “You still remember ah.”
Qu Chi lowered his head and stated: “I accompanied you to deliver a letter ten odd years ago and went to Shi-furen’s Yunlu Hall. I have a good memory. If you can’t recall the way very well, I can just tag along with you again.”
Xu Xingzhi wrapped his arms around Qu Chi’s neck and laughed: “Qu-shixiong, I really want to give you a kiss.”
Qu Chi quipped gently: “Don’t make a fuss.”
Zhou Beinan stared at them intently, aghast: “Qu Chi, are you not afraid of being punished? Last time you went to the main palace of the demonic sect with him, you were sentenced to three months of solitary confinement, you know. . .”
Qu Chi didn’t seem to think much of the possibility of being disciplined and responded tolerantly: “It’s fine, not of great concern. If anything, I’ll just be imprisoned for a year and a half this time at worst and take it as a precious opportunity to concentrate on reaching enlightenment. By the time I’m released again, perhaps my cultivation base will catch up to Xingzhi’s.”
Qu Chi’s temperament has always been like this, offering support and aid silently and treating others warmly and sincerely. It was precisely because of this that among the four chief disciples, the one with the highest prestige was neither the cold and arrogant Wen Xuechen, nor the impermanent Xu Xingzhi, but Qu Chi who seemed to always be gentle and calm, nearly without any temper at all.
Zhou Beinan watched the two of them scheming side by side and felt awkward, so he unconsciously leaned over to listen to their discussion and occasionally interjected with a sentence or two.
As soon as the lot of them hashed out a general plan, a voice suddenly broke in: “Xu-shixiong.”
Xu Xingzhi raised his head and discovered that the person who came was actually Xu Pingsheng.
Xu Pingsheng gazed at him calmly, bowed politely with measure and uttered in a neutral tone: “Xu-shixiong, Shifu sent me to ask if Jiu Zhideng was with you.”
Xu Xingzhi nodded.
“Then invite him to the Tongtian Pillar by the sect gate.” Xu Pingsheng continued, “There is a lady by the name of Shi Pingfeng waiting for him by the Tongtian Pillar.”
Before Xu Xingzhi could regurgitate who “Shi Pingfeng” was, the palace doors behind them swung open with a violent bang.
Jiu Zhideng crossed over the threshold in one step: “She’s here?”
Xu Pingsheng was startled by his crimson pupils and took a step back in surprise before frowning and replying: “That’s right. It’s Shi-furen.”
Jiu Zhideng, who usually dealt with things indifferently, couldn’t conceal his agitation at this time. He approached in a few hasty steps, but still didn’t forget proper etiquette and bowed deeply to Qu Chi and Zhou Beinan before he turned to Xu Xingzhi with quivering lips: “. . . Shixiong, I want to get a change of clothes.”
Xu Xingzhi came back to his senses and waved his hand: “Go ahead ba.”
After Jiu Zhideng and Xu Pingsheng respectfully took their leave, Zhou Beinan exclaimed in amazement: “. . . ‘Shi-furen’? We haven’t made our move yet and his mother came to us first?”
Qu Chi murmured to himself: “Why do I feel like something is strange?”
Xu Xingzhi didn’t say a word, but his face was gloomy as he made a beeline for the sect gates.
Zhou Beinan swiftly scrambled to his feet and caught up with Xu Xingzhi. While chasing, he looked back at the palace doors that weren’t closed in time.
—How long had Jiu Zhideng been listening there?
This thought only stayed in Zhou Beinan’s mind for a moment before he swiftly brushed it off.
. . . It’s good to eavesdrop a bit, let this demonic sect brat know how much care Xu Xingzhi treats him with so that he may just concentrate on staying by Xu Xingzhi’s side in the future, quietly and not make trouble. That would be for the best.
More than ten years ago, Xu Xingzhi, who set forth to the main palace of the demonic sects to deliver a letter, was unable to catch a glimpse of Shi Pingfeng’s true appearance, and only saw a shadowy silhouette through a screen embroidered with the image of mandarin ducks.
Now ten years later, Xu Xingzhi finally met Shi Pingfeng, Shi-furen, the mother of Jiu Zhideng, face to face at a mere distance of about 33 meters.
Under a century-old pine tree, stood an exquisite face like that of a palace maiden at court. Shi-furen’s figure impressed a sense of slender frailty, so weak that it seemed that a gust of wind would be able to take her away. She had slightly angled brows and a round nose. Separately, these features were beautiful, but together they seemed very tightly packed together making the well-shaped facial features unevenly combined to form a bitter countenance.
She rested a hand against the tree trunk, and opened her thin lips, her teeth couldn’t help chattering nervously.
Jiu Zhideng changed into the latest version of Fengling Mountain’s uniform and used the latest and best accessories from top to bottom, almost arriving at the sect gate at the same time as Xu Xingzhi.
When he met the woman’s eyes, the woman seemed to have been barreled over by a heavy object and her body bent forward a little at the waist as tears welled up in her eyes.
“Xiao-Deng.” She called out softly.
It was rare for Jiu Zhideng to flaunt his beauty like a peacock, and without further hesitation he descended a few steps.
However, when he raised his head again, his expression dulled and his steps halted in mid-air.
Liu Yunhe, the one who sent him to the gates of Fengling Mountain back then before withdrawing and leaving just like that ten years ago, was now standing behind his mother in a crow feather-colored robe which fluttered in the wind as it was pulled back and forth, swooshing with the sound of an icy strike of a blade through air.
The smile on Jiu Zhideng’s face gradually receded, eaten away inch by inch by a paleness that overtook it.
Liu Yunhe was an extremely dear and trustworthy subordinate of Nian Zai.
After Nian Zai’s death, his two sons were fighting for supremacy, thus the demonic sect was embroiled in turbulence and intrigue. At this time, Liu Yunhe came to Fengling Mountain with Jiu Zhideng’s mother, his intent was clearly revealed.
—It seems that he was dissatisfied with the two ambitious pair of sons.
If Jiu Zhideng, who was sent to fend for himself outside could be supported onto the throne, then Liu Yunhe, who possessed deep roots in the demonic sect, would have an excellent puppet for him to control.
Now that he has come forth to pick up his puppet, he is using the puppet’s mother as a bargaining chip.
If Jiu Zhideng didn’t comply with returning with him, it wasn’t hard to imagine what would happen to that feeble woman who could be severed by a mere gust of wind.
The three people at his rear were also enlightened.
Xu Xingzhi’s back and shoulders were tense like a piece of iron, and he lost his temper in a rare occurrence that the even the corner of his lips trembled in anger.
Zhou Beinan glanced sideways at Xu Xingzhi and after his expression changed several times, he awkwardly hung his arm around his shoulders, slapped him vigorously a few times as he whispered in the other’s ear: “If you want to go on the offensive, let me know, with the three of us attacking together, I don’t believe that we wouldn’t be able to kill him.”
“We cannot.” Qu Chi, who possessed excellent eyesight, asserted decisively: “. . . Shi-furen has a red line on her wrist, that person must have tampered with something. . . . Perhaps, it is the imprint of the Tongming Talisman.”
Xu Xingzhi’s back suddenly caved in hopelessly like the onslaught of a flash flood.
. . . The demonic sect’s Tongming Talisman was the most nefarious and yin heavy, life or death, this fate is shared. Only the caster of the talisman could untie the bond and the one who was afflicted by the talisman was ignorant. Once the talisman is planted, both the caster and the victim share the same life. If the caster dies, so does the recipient.
This also indicated that if Xu Xingzhi and the others were to ambush Liu Yunhe, it was equivalent to sending Jiu Zhideng’s mother to die.
If Jiu Zhideng didn’t follow, the consequence of that was also plain as day.
However, the gentle and ignorant woman wasn’t aware of what was tied to her body. She was very surprised at Jiu Zhideng’s deterrence and even burst into tears of grievance and agitation.
“Xiao-Deng, you don’t remember me anymore? It’s me ya. It’s your mum ya.”
Jiu Zhideng looked at her from afar, his lips trembling.
In the past, without her, Jiu Zhideng might not have survived to enter Fengling Mountain alive.
Now, with her, Jiu Zhideng would definitely have to give up Fengling Mountain.
Jiu Zhideng’s ankles were as heavy as iron stones and it seemed that if he took another step down, he would fall into a bottomless pit and never be able to glimpse the sun again.
However, he had to make a choice.
. . . He must make this choice.
Jiu Zhideng stood on the bluestone steps that he had tread on countless times, taking one step down and then another.
It looked like an extremely difficult stride, but in fact it was so easy to walk over it, as if after tossing a stone into the abyss, one originally thought it would be smashed into pieces and cause damage that would tear the heart and pierce the lungs, but who would’ve have known that when it truly landed, it was as simple as pain that would be dispersed with two hops, that’s all.
Each step he took toward Liu Yunhe was a step he moved away from Xu Xingzhi.
After reaching the fifth step down, he abruptly whirled around and knelt on the ground, his robes billowing up like flowing clouds.
He pressed his head hard on the stone steps, each word nipping the tip of his tongue, as if the only way he would be able to make these words leave his mouth was if he used such decisive strength like the hammering of a nail: “Jiu Zhideng of the demonic sect, thanks Xu-shixiong for his many years of care and grace. This time. . . With the return to the main palace, it will be a journey of no return. I also implore Shixiong, henceforth, to please eat well, take care of your body, do not. . .”
Speaking up to here, Jiu Zhideng exerted all his strength to ground his forehead against the floor, wishing he could just be laid to rest in the very same spot.
Fortunately, he was finally able to utter the words he wanted to express out loud: “. . . Don’t catch a chill.”
The time period of more than ten years was nothing more than a stone among sparks, a colt flashing past a chink, one’s presence in a dream.
Like snapping out of a long dream, it was time to depart.
Xu Xingzhi blinked exaggeratedly.
“Leave ba.” Xu Xingzhi smiled with a resigned sigh, “It’s okay, go ba.”
He crouched down, pulled Jiu Zhideng to his feet, patted the dust off his knees, then reached out to tap the other’s chest on the left side once, twice: “Guard your heart, all paths are the same.”
Jiu Zhideng didn’t dare to look into Xu Xingzhi’s eyes anymore and didn’t even respond. He only hastily left the other a view of his back and stalked straight over to the base of the pine tree.
Xu Xingzhi also turned around decisively and headed back towards the interior of the sect.
The two had their backs facing each other as they advanced forward in different directions.
Jiu Zhideng, who had walked more than a dozen steps, was struck with a sudden notion and whipped around suddenly, yet was only able to catch Xu Xingzhi’s ethereal hair band fluttering lightly.
He wanted to call out “Shixiong” once more, but the two words weighed more than a thousand catties, and was stuck in his throat, making him unable to speak.
He begged Shixiong to let him stay and Shixiong agreed without thinking.
He needed to leave now and Shixiong just simply smiled and urged, go ba.
Shixiong gave in and tolerated everything concerning him, however what did he leave behind for Shixiong ne.
Jiu Zhideng felt cold all over his body just thinking about it, but Shi Pingfeng couldn’t wait any longer, she swiftly approached, pulled Jiu Zhideng into her arms and reproached gently: “You child, you, Yunhe only brought me here to take a look at you and didn’t instruct to have me take you away ya.”
Moving his gaze past Shi Pingfeng’s narrow and slender shoulders, Jiu Zhideng looked at Liu Yunhe.
The corners of Liu Yunhe’s lips curled up slightly and the arrogance in his eyes made Jiu Zhideng’s expression cool down bit by bit.
After not meeting for several years, Shi Pingfeng had endless things to say to her son. She clasped Jiu Zhideng’s calloused palm due to sword practice and rambled: “Yunhe told me that your demonic blood has awakened. I really couldn’t sit still so I pleaded with him to take me to see you. All these years here, you’ve been doing quite well ba, it’s your mum, I, who was weak back then and couldn’t protect you. . .”
“Very good.” Jiu Zhideng interrupted Shi Pingfeng’s words for the first time in his life, “At Fengling, all was fine.”
Twilight approached, the balustrade was thoroughly bathed in a jade hue.
As Jiu Zhideng followed Shi Pingfeng down the mountain, he reasoned that maybe he would never have the chance to see the starry sky above Fengling Mountain ever again.
In order to try and keep this measly longing, he kept staring up at the sky, however, it wasn’t until he completely left the borders of Fengling did he realize that the sky was currently overcast and rain was about to fall.
. . . In the end, he failed to see the Fengling stars that night.
The eventide was dark and the rain fell with a pitter-patter.
Qingjing-jun loved watching the rain while partaking of wine the most, thus after finishing his late night conversation with Guangfu-jun, he returned to Fuming Palace with an umbrella, only to catch sight of a silhouette leaning against a pillar from afar.
He sighed slightly and made his way over slowly.
When that person heard the sound of footsteps, that person opened his eyes that were dense with fatigue, shook the empty jug of wine in his own hand and asked with a light smile: “. . . Shifu, do you have any more wine here?”
Author’s Chapter Summary:
Demonic transformation, sect departure, Shi Pingfeng.
The translator has something to say: And the wheel of fate turns. . .
So I hope everything is okay with our dear editor, teaff, but errrr, I’ve been pretty much ghosted for over a month now? I guess I’ll just be releasing chapters without edits and I may just skip out on recruiting a new one altogether at this point. . . So please forgive me for any awkward phrasing and/or spelling and grammar mistakes, I’ll try my best to maintain good quality, thanks for the understanding everyone! And on that note, with this I hope I can maintain more regular updates in the coming months, especially since my boss was finally able to hire someone new!
mandarin ducks are considered to be a symbol of conjugal affection and fidelity as the pair (yuan is male and yang is female) are believed to mate for life
a painting of women generally of upper class women from the Jin Dynasty and became popular in the Tang Dynasty
lit. “little hill eyebrows” (row 3, column 3)
Thanks for the chapter!
Thank You for the new chapter ( ˘ ³˘)♥ Wow, it was a real monster D: Hope everything is alright at our editor side (;ŏ﹏ŏ)
Thank you for the chapter 💛