Ch29 - Follow Me Into the Night, My Love

Editor: Sahloknir

Jiang Yinghe poured himself a new cup of tea.

The tea was warm. It was Lan Ruo Temple’s ‘Morushui’, a variety that had a very faint flavour.

“The situation is like this.” Chou Yongzhou said from his seat across from him. “We at Yao Wang Valley know our own level of strength, which is why I was sent to meet with Xianjun. According to the legends, in Sword Saint Taichu’s old residence, there is a medicine able to extract miasma and regrow the meridians.”

He paused. “This junior heard that Xianjun has been worried about his beloved disciple for a long time, so why not join us on our expedition? Jiang Xianjun will have the first pick of all the treasure that we find.”

Jiang Yinghe was silent for a moment. “Sword Saint Taichu? He was a Half-step Golden Immortal.”

“Yes.” Chou Yongzhou said, “Tens of thousands of years ago when the Devil Race reigned supreme, Sword Saint Taichu was the leader of the righteous faction. He was truly a force to be reckoned with in that dark part of our history. However, it has been a long time since his last appearance. It’s a miracle we were able to discover his old residence.”

“Old residence…” Jiang Yinghe considered it. “Will only people from your Yao Wang Valley be going?”

Chou Yongzhou nodded. “If Xianjun has any concerns, you can go together with any of the Zhenrens of Peng Lai.”

This was a very dangerous task, so there was no way that Jiang Yinghe would easily risk his martial siblings. He thought about it for a long time before saying, “Qing Yan Zhenren Yun Buxiu and this master’s second disciple will depart with your group.”

It wasn’t necessary for Xiao Yun-shidi and Jun-er to go in once they arrived at the old residence. At that time, if even he couldn’t counter the formations that the Half-step Golden Immortal set, then those two would be risking their lives for nothing.

Chou Yongzhou was obviously overjoyed to hear this. He rose and bowed. “Many thanks to Xianjun.”

He seemed to remember something. “Before, this junior was not very optimistic. After all, Yao Wang Valley could never compare to the other sects when it comes to matters like this. But due to the demonic faction’s movements lately… We have no choice but to prepare in whatever ways we can.”

Jiang Yinghe was startled. “The demonic faction?”

“The demonic faction is…” He reconsidered his choice of words. “The Tian Muo School has been reunited by an unknown demonic cultivator who is rumored to be as strong as the Xuehe Demon Lord from a thousand years ago.”

“Yao Wang Valley’s west division was able to find out that…Qiu Chou who rose to the Hollowed Cave stage three hundred years ago has led his forces to join under this new Demon Lord’s banner.”

Jiang Yinghe did not expect the situation to be so severe. He lightly frowned, “There’s no further news of this new Demon Lord?”

Chou Yongzhou shook his head and said in a worried voice, “There’s only one other piece of news. This Demon Lord seems to struggle with internal demons since he sought out many heart-cleansing and soul-calming artifacts. For cultivators, no matter which road they follow, qi deviations…only lead to madness.”

Qi deviations were different from falling to demonic temptation. Although the two were often used interchangeably, the latter was just a righteous cultivator becoming a demonic one. Qi deviations…actually involved having intrusive thoughts in your heart. It would greatly affect one’s personality and rationality, and might lead to insanity.

“How was he able to unify the Tian Muo School so quickly while battling his internal demons?” Jiang Yinghe exclaimed, “Aren’t they afraid that their Demon Lord will turn his blade inward if he loses control?”

Chou Yongzhou sighed, “I don’t know the answer to that. Maybe this Demon Lord is just too strong.”

Jiang Yinghe nodded. His mind automatically imagined a hulking brute with three heads and six arms who stank of blood…Just a very unflattering image overall. He shuddered and couldn’t help but think that those demonic cultivators might be like pigs sent out to slaughter by their own new Demon Lord.

He was more certain the longer he thought about it—those who experienced qi deviation often became very frightening caricatures of themselves, regardless of their alignment to righteous or demonic cultivation.

Thank goodness Huanhan went into seclusion. Or else his heavenly demon physique would be an excellent supplement for this type of demonic cultivator.

Jiang Yinghe quietly celebrated his disciple’s good fortune before saying, “Thank you for telling me. This master will bring the news back to Peng Lai so that our fellow comrades can have time to prepare.”

Chong Yongzhou said, “It was my duty, think nothing of it. Although…”

The young man in light green shifted on his feet, a slightly nervous expression on his warm and kind face. He opened his mouth and said quietly after much hesitation, “This junior has a selfish request.”

Jiang Yinghe, “Tell me.”

“I…” Chou Yongzhou lowered his eyes and took a deep breath. He retrieved a peach-coloured jade sword pendant with a sleek tassel from his sleeve and presented it to Jiang Yinghe. He mustered up his courage to say, “Xianjun, please pass this on to Hun Yuan Xianjun.”

…Tong Guiyu?

Jiang Yinghe was taken aback. He glanced at the white-knuckled grip of his hands and softly asked, “Why?”

Chou Yongzhou said, “This junior is…too timid.”

Jiang Yinghe couldn’t wrap his mind around it for quite some time. It was only when he saw the other person’s slowly reddening ears that he realised his intentions. He didn’t know what to say as he thought of Tong Guiyu’s flippant nature and the Hongyan sword he wielded.

Hongyan was partial to beauties. The more beautiful the better. Tong Guiyu already possessed androgynous and comely features, not to mention that he was a disciple of He Huan. He dual cultivated from the very day he began his journey to immortality. He went through lovers like they were clothes and was overall not a not a very faithful cultivation partner.

And the Yao Wang Valley medicine cultivator before him had a pure and kind appearance with his heart on his sleeve. If the two of them were to really have a relationship, it would most likely end…tragically.

Jiang Yinghe lifted his hand to accept the sword pendant. “This master will pass this on for you, but whether he realises your intentions or not is a matter between the two of you.”

Chou Yongzhou’s entire body relaxed. He felt like he was dreaming as he nodded gratefully. “Many thanks to Jiang Xianjun. I have already prepared for the worst in my heart. But it is better to try and fail than to never try at all. If…”

He didn’t go on and bowed deeply to Jiang Yinghe. The emerald ribbon in his hair shifted as if it was a willow branch swaying in the wind.

—-

Chang Ye whined and wheedled for many days to no avail. All he got for his efforts was an escort in the form of Xiao Yun-shidi.

In Jiang Yinghe’s mind, Chang Ye’s cultivation was just too low. Instead of something dangerous like this, it was better for little Chang Ye to study hard back at Peng Lai. No matter how long his youngest disciple acted spoiled, he stood firm on this decision. He even ditched Yun Buxiu as well so that he could accompany his little disciple back to the sect.

But he forgot one thing.

There were still some remnants of the Seven Days of Joy left. Since he would lose access to his cultivation during the night, he could only rest in the flying carriage with Jun-er watching over him.

This journey was not short. In order to not tire out his second disciple, Jiang Yinghe had already resolved to change his sleeping habits. At least while he was awake he could chat with Jun-er.

…But he still lost to his biological weakness in the end.

Jiang Yinghe’s soft, black hair gently draped onto the edge of his light coloured robe. He held his head in one hand, and his loose collar shifted to reveal his white neck and slender collarbone.

He was just too tired. That pair of black eyes gradually closed, and the half-awake conversation with Qin Jun drifted to an end.

Qin Jun was sitting right beside him.

The crane-led carriage was very spacious. In order to match the speed of the people from Yao Wang Valley, this top-grade artifact was intentionally slowed.

A hand made of white bone slowly brushed back the loose strands of hair by Jiang Yinghe’s ear. At the same time, Qin Jun’s voice was very low and soft, like something precious and hard was being rubbed together. There was a barely repressed note of gentleness.

“Shizun?” He called out, “Are you tired?”

Jiang Yinghe didn’t reply immediately, and it was indeed quite a while before he made a noise of agreement.

Qin Jun kept helping him deal with the side effects while also slowly untying his robe. “Then…do you want to rest now?”

Jiang Yinghe was silent. Qin Jun tightened his fingers and couldn’t help but swallow. He pulled off his Shizun’s outer layer.

This robe wasn’t the one he had altered with words, but it was still filled with Shizun’s cold fragrance. He tried to be quiet, but the components of his bone hand couldn’t help but rub against each other and squeak from excitement.

Qin Jun’s scent entered the fabric.

His body had a hard to describe sense of piercing cold that mingled with Jiang Yinghe’s mellow scent. Qin Jun only realized how hot his breathing had become when he had half undressed the other person.

Hot air landed on his white skin, bringing a frown to Shizun’s face.

Qin Jun had to take some time to press down his rapidly rising possessiveness and desire. He half-held his Shizun in his arms to finally take off that robe. He whispered into his ear, “Shizun, let’s get on the bed.”

Jiang Yinghe nodded drowsily. He managed to wake enough to touch the hot tips of his ears before shuffling over to the bed. He said with some guilt, “If you’re tired then come lie down for a while.”

He was the senior that should be protecting them. Who would’ve thought that because of this damn aphrodisiac his disciple needed to watch over him. Plus Qin Jun was straight. There was nothing wrong with two straight men sleeping together. He couldn’t have his precious disciple get too tired, right?

That’s what Jiang Yinghe was thinking about as he patted the bed and snuggled under the covers. He hugged the blanket and curled into a ball.

His consciousness grew thin. A good Shizun like him was hard to find, so Jun-er must be very moved.

But Qin Jun…

Qin Jun didn’t dare to move.

He glanced at Jiang Yinghe’s exposed fingers. They were white and long, as if they were carved out of jade. They lightly grasped the bedding and unintentionally touched his heart.

Qin Jun sucked in a breath before looking at himself. He really couldn’t control his feelings for him. They were filled with vigour and utterly shameless, his body even betrayed his eagerness with its jutting fullness.

He stared at Jiang Yinghe some more before actually climbing onto the bed. He clasped Shizun’s wrist and intertwined their fingers.

After half an incense of time had passed, Qin Jun’s voice was already overly hoarse. “Shizun?”

Jiang Yinghe was dead to the world. He didn’t realize how dangerous his situation was and even shifted to reveal his previously hidden face.

Like a snowy plum blossom that just fell from its branch.

The flower landed on the innermost part of Qin Jun’s heart.

Qin Jun’s hands stopped by his Shizun’s cheek. It retreated in the end, gliding over his sleek black hair. His gaze was focused on his body.

Qin Jun wrapped his arms around Jiang Yinghe’s shoulders to slowly bring the other person to his chest. “Shizun…”

He can’t call out that word anymore. If he kept saying it, he might just start rutting against him, rubbing that hard length against sleek, white skin. All he could do was use Jiang Yinghe’s cold fragrance to cool down his burning body—

That was the wrong move. This scent made his already thin self-control begin to fray.

Qin Jun truly experienced what the phrase ‘sweet torture’ truly meant right now. He felt like he really couldn’t hold on much longer. He wanted to lick the candy-like soul in his arms, but he planted a chaste kiss between Shizun’s eyebrows instead.

He really didn’t know what was wrong with him.

Qin Jun was born a wraith and the master of all ghost cultivators in the world. He had never been controlled or felt like he was less than dirt before. Three thousand years ago, those that offended him, regardless of their identity, would soon have met their demise at his hands.

Including the ‘Dao’ that hated him so.

Qin Jun emanated willfulness from the very depths of his bones. He was cruel, arrogant and selfish. All that he desired must belong to him.

He had never touched anything fragile or appreciated jade that would break apart under the slightest pressure. He’s never felt his heart being roasted on an open fire before.

He only felt this way with the person in his arms.

Qin Jun stared at him for a long time until he truly calmed down and could suppress those deviant thoughts. Only then did he kiss him again.

…I don’t know how to express my love without hurting you.

—-

The wavering light of the lamp was the only motion in the quiet night.

Jiang Yinghe was always drowsy after just waking up.

He slowly opened his eyes and was startled to discover the chest in front of him. His eyes shifted upward to meet Qin Jun’s smiling gaze.

“…You,” Jiang Yinghe paused, slightly confused, “did you sleepwalk?”

“No.” Qin Jun lowered his head. “This disciple didn’t sleep at all.”

Jiang Yinghe was shocked into silence. He wouldn’t dare to believe that he had rolled into his embrace himself. He then noticed something and frowned. “Then let go of me.”

He gave him a look and saw Jun-er’s claws slowly retract from his waist. He couldn’t help but admonish him. “Were you using your teacher as a body pillow? Do you really need me to teach you how to respect the teacher and the Dao, Qin Jun?”

Jiang Yinghe was indulgent in every way towards his precious disciples and he could go for centuries without losing his temper with them. It was rare for him to use this kind of grumbling tone with them and even rarer to call out their full name.

He didn’t notice that when he spoke that way that the other’s grey eyes darkened several shades for a second, obscuring nearly all his emotions.

Jiang Yinghe didn’t care whether Jun-er knew what a ‘body pillow’ was either. He went about his morning routine as usual before noticing the sudden jump in the progress bar. Whatever happened last night allowed the progress to increase to 80%.

He stared at the progress bar for a long time without coming up with an explanation for what could’ve happened. Just as he was about to realize that maybe it was too self-centered to think of it as a measure of how well he was raising his students, he heard Jun-er’s casual question.

“Shizun?” He looked up, “…Are you planning to change your sword pendant?”

Jiang Yinghe was befuddled. Maybe Jun-er saw the peach-coloured one from Chou Yongzhou sometime last night? “That one is meant for Tong Guiyu from an admirer of his. What about it?”

Qin Jun stood up and naturally took the peach wood comb from his hands. His smile was strange. “I thought that Shizun didn’t like Li-shixiong’s present… Or that a female cultivator had confessed to you.”

Jiang Yinghe didn’t get how he came to that conclusion. He sighed, “Would your Shizun be like this if there was a female cultivator blind enough to want me?”

Qin Jun paused while brushing his hair. He looked at him from the side. “If there was, I’d gouge her eyes out.”

Jiang Yinghe: “…”

…Something’s not right here. Are we even having the same conversation?

Author’s Corner:

HeHe: Not even one female cultivator likes me, I’m so sad!

Female Cultivator (while shivering): Living…living is more important…

Sahl: The author’s note… 😂  Also, I kinda really wish (for the eleventy millionth time) that this was a harem novel and I am not normally a fan of them. Qin Jun, Chang Ye, how dare you act so appealing! *mumbles * making it hard for us on the sidelines here.

Rain: Another novel fallen victim to censorship… (ノ_<、)