Ch65 - Sister, Beat Me

Xu Nanxian had already left for training, and Chu Fenghan wasn’t at the Disciplinary Hall either.

Su Hansheng felt somewhat guilty. He nodded and bowed to Chongjue, then asked the Chief Enforcer dryly: “Has… has my elder arrived?”

The Chief Enforcer was lowering his head to wipe his single glass lens, replying: “Isn’t he already here?”

He gestured toward where Chongjue was sitting.

Chongjue looked at him coldly, setting down his teacup and methodically letting his prayer beads slide through his fingers, completely composed.

“No, no, no.” Su Hansheng quickly ran forward, leaning over the Chief Enforcer’s desk and whispering: “Chief Enforcer, please put your glass lens back on before speaking.”

Even though he lowered his voice, Chongjue in the same room could still hear clearly.

He frowned slightly.

What did three “no’s” mean?

The Chief Enforcer reluctantly pulled himself together, wiped the water-stained glass lens clean and put it back on. Squinting to look, he quickly got up and bowed respectfully: “So it’s the World-Honored One. My apologies for the poor welcome.”

Chongjue’s frown deepened.

“So it’s”—what did that mean?

Su Hansheng quickly asked: “He hasn’t arrived yet?”

The Chief Enforcer shook his head: “Today Wendao Academy students are going out for training. There are probably too many spirit boats causing traffic jams.”

Su Hansheng didn’t know whether to feel relieved or continue worrying.

Ying Jianhua hadn’t arrived yet, and there was no sign of Second Senior Sister either. Su Hansheng stood by the Chief Enforcer’s desk, stealing glances at Chongjue.

Yesterday the two had parted on bad terms. Why wasn’t he chanting his broken sutras in the Buddhist hall today, instead gracing the Disciplinary Hall with his presence?

From the Chief Enforcer’s tone, he seemed unaware that Chongjue would come either.

Su Hansheng thoughtfully glanced at Chongjue and was suddenly struck by a bold idea.

Could Chongjue think he was the elder being summoned today?

Thinking this, Su Hansheng nearly couldn’t suppress a laugh.

How was that possible? Yesterday that celibate old man had wanted to beat him just for hearing a few dirty words. Not getting angry with him would be good enough—how could he possibly rush to attend an elder meeting for him?

…But what if it were true?

Though Su Hansheng claimed he wanted no entanglements with this person, his past-life Chongjue had occupied most of his lifetime. How could it be so easy to completely sever ties?

Undeniably, the proud Young Master Su sometimes couldn’t help fantasizing: “If he apologizes first, I might not be unable to forgive him for hitting me.”

Sometimes he’d think resentfully: “Even if he apologizes, I’ll never forgive him. May Heaven make him recover his past-life memories soon to regret and agonize. Even if he cries and begs me to come back, I won’t pay him any attention!”

Facts proved Su Hansheng wasn’t actually that high-minded or proud. Seeing Chongjue’s “uninvited arrival,” his heart began stirring with wild thoughts.

Su Hansheng cleared his throat and strolled to Chongjue’s side. Seeing his tea was empty, he rarely took the initiative to refill his cup.

Chongjue looked at him indifferently.

Was this taking the initiative to make peace?

Quite able to bend and stretch—just like his father.

“World-Honored One, good day.” Su Hansheng smiled with curved eyes. “Isn’t today a Buddhist worship day? Why aren’t you chanting sutras in the Buddhist hall? What brings you to the Disciplinary Hall?”

These words carried a sarcastic tone, but Chongjue only took it as him putting on a brave front. Maintaining an elder’s dignity, he said calmly: “With Buddha in one’s heart, infinite compassion arises naturally. You understand the principle that one should chant sutras on worship days, so why don’t you attend classes during lesson time?”

Su Hansheng: “…”

Su Hansheng was completely stumped by this retort, staring at him in disbelief.

But thinking carefully, these words weren’t wrong and weren’t particularly sharp sarcasm either.

Su Hansheng, rare to be so thoroughly outmaneuvered in verbal sparring, opened and closed his mouth for a long while. Anger rising from his heart and evil growing toward his gall, he spoke directly: “When my elder arrives, I’ll naturally explain clearly to him why I missed classes. I won’t trouble the World-Honored One to worry about it.”

zw taJbE: cJ iGvB GwH vaGwE NJkb ibJBIw tkEbGt!

VIfJNMUT’A qiLpTi gTLB SQJNTiQJN qLUATB AYQNIdYp.

“vp TYBTi”?

oIp BQB dIT PTLJQJN QJ dITAT mfiBA ATTP QJGiTLAQJNYp AdiLJNT?

xIYJbI Zk sGwtaIwV vJkSH vJwEQwkI rQvBQwV YQVaEt, aI vGkVaE tQVaE JY G twJL-LaQEI taGHJL tkHHIwSN HGbEQwV EabJkVa EaI mQtvQrSQwGbN sGSS IwEbGwvI SQBI YSJLQwV SQVaE, SGwHQwV Jw G wIGbiN vaGQb.

uJJBQwV vSJtISN, EaI LaQEI taGHJL LGt GvEkGSSN G twJL YIbbIE.

TaI twJL YIbbIE LGt GHJbGiSN jGHI-LaQEI, vJhrSIEISN twJL-LaQEI LQEaJkE G tQwVSI hQgIH aGQb. zEt HGbB SQEESI INIt bJSSIH GbJkwH G YIL EQhIt iIYJbI QE JiIHQIwESN vbJkvaIH Jw EaI vaGQb GwH iIVGw AQVJbJktSN tLQtaQwV QEt YIGEaIb-HktEIb-SQBI EGQS iGvB GwH YJbEa.

…Like it was dusting?

Su Hansheng was still wondering whose spirit beast this was when he suddenly seemed to remember something. Not having time to continue bickering with Chongjue, he rushed forward and quickly rolled up his sleeves to wipe the chair up and down just like the snow ferret.

Everyone in the Disciplinary Hall looked at each other, not knowing what was happening.

After the snow ferret finished sweeping non-existent dust with its tail, it squeaked a few times at Su Hansheng, then crouched on the desk and reached its paws into its snow-white fur to pull out several teacups, a teapot, and a small stove.

A complete tea set—who knew how it had all been stuffed into its tiny body.

After Su Hansheng recognized this snow ferret that never left Ying Jianhua’s side, his hands began trembling slightly. He crouched there wiping the chair back for Big Senior Brother, wishing he could transform into a vase—the kind that doesn’t breathe.

An inexplicable sense of foreboding arose in Chongjue’s heart.

No matter how Su Hansheng deceived himself, time ticked by drop by drop. Only after the snow ferret had inserted a vivid purple orchid into a porcelain vase, arranging the stark, cold table and chairs of the Disciplinary Hall with great elegance so they were barely fit for sitting, did it squeak toward the entrance.

A faint purple orchid fragrance silently permeated the vast Disciplinary Hall. Su Hansheng hung his head in fear and trepidation, carefully stealing a glance upward.

The bluestone floor of the Disciplinary Hall slowly formed a layer of frost, spreading inch by inch like a paved road to the chair the snow ferret had prepared.

The snow ferret held a thumb ring and bounced over to someone’s feet, climbing up the purple robes until it finally settled on that person’s shoulder.

Su Hansheng’s breathing instinctively stopped.

Dao Lord Ying Jianhua of Old Talisman Ridge wore purple robes, his features so cold they seemed forged from ice and frost. His lashes appeared to be condensed with frost, faintly revealing some snowy color, and even his black hair had several strands of purple and white mixed in—whether natural or dyed with something.

As if disgusted by non-existent filth on the ground, wherever his toes stepped, ice would form to block dust. His purple robes were embroidered with purple orchid patterns—cold yet carrying an incongruous air of noble elegance.

He didn’t look much like a Dao Lord who had achieved enlightenment through ascetic cultivation.

Ying Jianhua approached expressionlessly. Su Hansheng stared at the ice beneath his feet, thinking: “Being so ostentatious and affected all the time, he’s bound to take a big fall someday!”

But his expression showed delighted surprise as he trotted forward, wanting to dive into Big Senior Brother’s embrace.

“Big Senior Brother finally came! I missed you so much!”

Chongjue was stunned, finally understanding everything completely. His expression suddenly darkened.

The elder Su Hansheng had summoned this time…

Was not him.

Just as Su Hansheng ran to Ying Jianhua’s side, he saw Big Senior Brother raise two fingers together, lightly poking Su Hansheng’s forehead to forcibly stop his movement of pouncing, parting his lips with disdain: “Don’t come near me—did you sleep without bathing yesterday?”

Su Hansheng: “…”

What kind of dog nose was that?!

“Knowing Big Senior Brother would come today, I was both joyful and nervous, unable to sleep all night.” Su Hansheng smoothly spun lies: “Big Senior Brother traveled thousands of miles to come—it must have been exhausting. Let me brew tea for you.”

Ying Jianhua looked down at the thumb ring on his finger with a half-smile: “Tea you brew, even dogs wouldn’t drink.”

Su Hansheng: “…”

The Old Talisman Ridge Dao Lord, the Immortal Lord’s first disciple, usually only existed as a figure in books. His sudden appearance at the Disciplinary Hall immediately stunned the students waiting in corners to watch the excitement, who then opened the message wall with trembling fingers.

“Disciplinary Hall—come quickly!!!”

Within half an incense stick’s time, the vast Disciplinary Hall was surrounded by layer upon layer of people, densely packed with spectators.

Ying Jianhua didn’t mind others watching. His entrance was flamboyant and magnificent, but after entering the Disciplinary Hall and seeing Chongjue, he lost that sharp, mean attitude and respectfully bowed.

“It’s been many years. World-Honored One, I hope you are well.”

The World-Honored One looked at him indifferently, casually nodding as his prayer beads rustled in his hands.

This was perhaps the first time in Chongjue’s life he felt the urge to storm off, accompanied by some indescribable melancholy.

Chongjue’s face was expressionless.

Old Talisman Ridge’s Ying Jianhua had broken the Heartless Way and had a strange temperament. Su Hansheng following someone with such a personality could learn nothing good.

Su Hansheng appeared to be afraid, but to spite him, had deliberately invited Ying Jianhua.

Truly childish behavior, not understanding propriety or consequences.

Ying Jianhua had cultivated the Heartless Way. Whether due to breaking the Way or his natural disposition, he appeared cold and stern, with a frigid temperament, but spoke with barbed words, seemingly finding everyone disagreeable.

After paying his respects, Ying Jianhua sat in the spotless chair, saying coldly to Su Hansheng: “Having me come today, you’d better have achieved something that brings me honor.”

Su Hansheng: “…”

Su Hansheng crouched dejectedly on the ground, carefully hugging Ying Jianhua’s dangling arm without saying a word.

The Chief Enforcer, wearing his glass lens, handed Ying Jianhua the plaque with Su Hansheng’s deducted points, indicating there would be no honor—they could start the beating directly.

Ying Jianhua stared at the points deducted for Su Hansheng’s truancy on the plaque, his beautiful eyes narrowing slightly as if brewing a dangerous storm.

Seeing Big Senior Brother’s expression growing darker, Su Hansheng wished he could become a weed and burrow into the ground cracks forever. Vaguely sensing Chongjue watching him, he felt an inexplicable sense of shame.

Just moments ago he’d been showing off to Chongjue about changing to a new elder, but now he was about to be beaten in front of him.

Wouldn’t this make Chongjue feel even more justified about hitting him back then?!

Su Hansheng ground his teeth in frustration, nearly crying from shame and anger.

He just wanted an apology.

Might as well die.

Ying Jianhua read through Su Hansheng’s truancy point deductions and previous records of summoning elders at a glance. His hand hanging to the side tightened slightly, and the snow ferret on his shoulder, sensing its master’s mood, suddenly bared its teeth at Su Hansheng.

Ying Jianhua remained expressionless, casually crushing the jade plaque. The powder drifted lightly through his fingers like snow falling in June.

“Su. Han. Sheng.”

Su Hansheng looked utterly miserable, gritting his teeth hard as he steeled himself mentally.

Whether he died early or late, he had to die eventually. In eighteen years he might be living more comfortably than now!

Chongjue, being Su Xuanlin’s friend of many years, naturally knew Ying Jianhua’s temperament. Seeing he seemed about to pin Su Hansheng down and beat him—though still displeased with the child’s offense yesterday—he couldn’t help sighing and was about to speak to intervene.

Since Su Hansheng had called him “Uncle,” he naturally had to take up the responsibilities of an elder.

Just as Chongjue was about to speak and Su Hansheng closed his eyes to face death heroically, a slightly familiar female voice suddenly sounded in their ears.

“Tsk, Dao Lord Ying has such great authority.”

All around fell silent.

Ying Jianhua’s hand stroking the snow ferret instantly froze. His thin lips pressed together lightly as he silently exhaled a breath, then pretended indifference and looked expressionlessly toward the entrance.

“Ying Zhijin…”

The Disciplinary Hall was a place of punishment, decorated grimly with nothing but black and white, creating a cold and oppressive atmosphere.

But at the entrance, a beautiful figure in red robes stepped gracefully over the morning sunlight, breaking through the dark coldness. Her layered skirts bloomed like clusters of peony flowers, with purple orchid patterns embroidered in purple thread gathered at the hem—beautiful and gorgeous.

Ying Zhijin was stunning in red, her slender fingers holding a jade smoking pipe. The scent of rouge and the faint fragrance of spirit stones surrounded her. Her red lips parted slightly to exhale a puff of smoke, and her face bore facial markings drawn in cinnabar—looking closely, they seemed to be fortune-attracting talisman patterns.

Her features were beautiful, and combined with those eerie markings, they created a breathtaking beauty. When she looked down at people, that arrogant air was even more pronounced.

Su Hansheng stared blankly, an uncontrollable thought floating through his mind.

Sister, beat me.

Su Hansheng: “…”

…Senior Brother truly didn’t deceive me.

This person was definitely Second Senior Sister.

Ying Zhijin wore brilliant sunlight like a cloak as she approached gracefully. She lightly shook her smoking pipe, and the smoke dispersed like auspicious clouds.

“Xiaoxiao, come to Senior Sister’s side.”

Su Hansheng was stunned for a moment, then hurriedly got up to go over.

Ying Jianhua suddenly gripped the desk with his fingers, saying coldly: “Su Hansheng, you dare.”

Su Hansheng: “…”

“Before Master left, he also instructed me to take good care of Xiaoxiao.” Ying Zhijin looked at Ying Jianhua with a half-smile. “You’ve already cared for him for ten years. For the next ten years, Xiaoxiao will be managed by me. Only after he turns twenty-eight will Dao Lord Ying have the right to continue using your ‘spare the rod and spoil the child’ educational methods to beat the child.”

Ying Jianhua said coldly: “Nanxian was also beaten quite severely by you.”

Ying Zhijin shrugged: “Who told him to defy me as a child over a single sugar cake you bribed him with? If you provoke me again, I’ll still beat him.”

Su Hansheng: “…”

Far away on a spirit boat heading for training, Xu Nanxian suddenly sneezed.

Perhaps having finished her pipe, Ying Zhijin casually tossed it aside with lazy movements. A handsome young man appeared from nowhere, diligently crushing tobacco and filling it into the pipe.

He didn’t know what clan he belonged to, and didn’t use a fire stick or fire spirit stone to light it. Instead, he leaned forward with slightly parted lips, his eyes flowing with emotion, and a wisp of ghost fire drifted from between his lips, suddenly lighting the pipe.

Ying Zhijin was quite pleased with this fox spirit’s seduction, smiling as she held the pipe and gently patted his cheek as a reward.

The young man smiled shyly, not knowing where to put his hands and feet.

Ying Jianhua’s expression grew even darker: “Ying Zhijin! Must you oppose me?”

Ying Zhijin looked at him in surprise: “Whatever do you mean, Dao Lord Ying? I came today just to attend Xiaoxiao’s elder meeting. Is truancy such a small matter worth such great anger? Even if Xiaoxiao doesn’t cultivate your broken Way in the future, inheriting Separate Years would still allow him to live prosperously.”

Su Hansheng timidly watched the two who were almost about to fight, inconspicuously moving aside to avoid being caught in the crossfire.

Senior Brother was right—Second Senior Sister coming really was useful. Big Senior Brother indeed had no leisure to focus on beating him.

Su Hansheng found a safe corner to crouch in, watching the show with both fear and excitement.

So lively!

Chongjue didn’t care about others’ entanglements, looking at Su Hansheng expressionlessly.

He’d not only summoned Ying Jianhua but also called Ying Zhijin?

His coming here this time was truly self-indulgent sentimentality.

The disciples surrounding the Disciplinary Hall in layers were also watching the excitement. They’d thought seeing Dao Lord Ying was already fortunate, but unexpectedly they were hearing such good drama!

Before everyone could digest the conflict between Ying Jianhua and Ying Zhijin, they saw the Chief Enforcer, who had remained silent throughout, suddenly say: “Zhijin, who is he?”

The Chief Enforcer was pointing to the ghost-cultivating young man beside Ying Zhijin.

Ying Zhijin said “Oh” and skillfully coaxed him, saying with flowing emotion: “Darling, he’s just my new little lover. In my heart, you still rank third.”

Chief Enforcer: “…”

Su Hansheng: “…”

Everyone: “…”

Ying Jianhua rubbed his forehead, and the snow ferret in his arms was already rolling its eyes in anger.

***