Jiang Yinghe already knew who Sword Saint Taichu was observing from these passages. He continued to read on as he marveled at what a coincidence it all was.
âNot only is his mental state changing, even the world itself is inexorably heading towards destruction. I can feel the negative emotions that had built up inside himâŠâ
âHe cut the Dao seed out of his body because the seed was infinitely decaying⊠I donât know what went wrong, maybe it is because his mind has gradually begun to drift⊠It happened when he tried to save this living hell on earthâŠâ
The later accounts grew jumbled, but something seemed to revitalize Sword Saint Taichu at one point. His handwritten entries became clear and complete again.
ââŠI adopted a cat.â
The following words were written using a different type of ink. The words were written with more force.
âThis morning, he looked at the cat and once again tried to destroy his cultivation⊠I didnât agree, but I didnât expect him toâŠâ
âYou scum of a man, how could you lock me in a small dark room because of that? Why would you be jealous over a cat? Arenât you the reason Iâm afraid to come into contact with all spiritually active creatures now?â
The author seemed particularly irritated in this paragraph. He had drawn a small angry emoticon after the question mark.
Jiang Yinghe reached out and touched that little emoticon. It really was one of the few he could draw. Despite his best efforts, an image sprang into his mind.
Heâs indeed a scummy man, fighting over affection with a cat. How narrow minded.
Jiang Yinghe already had some suspicions on how the story was going to end based on these entries. The last of his doubts disappeared. Right now, he just wanted to find out what was going on as soon as possible.
The next page seemed to be the last one. The remaining unification progress wasnât enough to unlock the rest.
âItâs my fault for being too trusting.â
âBut I really donât understand why he tried to secretly kiss me after locking me away in a small dark room. Is he some pure, lovesick maiden? I never expected him to be so cuteâŠâ
âCould this man be into me? But Iâm as straight as a power pole. I couldnât possiblyâŠâ
The next few words were blotted out with ink. There was a conspicuous blank in the middle of the page. Only at the bottom were a few guiltily added words.
âIâm sorry to my friends and family on Earth. He managed to bend my orientation.â
Jiang Yinghe read this in silence. A similar pang of shame welled up in his heartâhe too was sorry to his friends and family back on Earth. He was bent again despite starting over.
It was not that his will was too weak. The enemy was just too strong.
Jiang Yinghe read for a long time, somewhat absorbed. He didnât notice how the surrounding ice had been gradually melting and trembling unsteadily ever since he pulled Wuchen out.
The tremors were extremely subtle. By the time he noticed, the stairs leading to the exit had already begun to crack and shatter, the pieces plunging downwards.
The chamber at an unknown depth that he was in was on the verge of collapse. Before the ice cave above could fall completely, his hand holding the book was suddenly grasped by another. Someone wrapped an arm around his waist protectively.
The next instant, the ice and snow that had been accumulated for over 10,000 years plummeted, falling on the blood red barrier of light that covered Jiang Yinghe. Amidst the violent and frantic cacophony of sounds, the quiet and gentle breathing close to his ear somehow seemed even more intense.
A hand brushed back the strands of hair that fell over his shoulder.
For a moment in time, Jiang Yinghe felt this scene was very familiar, as if he had experienced it before.
But he was sure that he hadnât.
Sounds rumbled in his ears as his surroundings brightened and dimmed amidst the falling snow and ice. Then, the ice beneath his feet began to shake as well.
Jiang Yinghe looked into the bright red and calm eyes of the person beside him.
When he entered the underground by himself, he hadnât really thought there would be a crisis that required Li Huanhan to teleport to his side.
Part of his discipleâs demon heart was on the sword pendant, and Wangchen was stored away in his personal dimension. Li Huanhan was indeed the one who could best sense if he was in danger.
Jiang Yinghe was in a trance-like state. He seemed to see the shadow of who this man had been before the split. From locked and dusty memories, he seemed to recall someone with a similar disposition.
But whether it was the journal accounts or his own intuition, they both seemed to suggest that this personâs personality had changed for the better. He wondered if it was because the blackened status bar was cleared.
Li Huanhan watched him in silence, waiting until the avalanche around him ended before he slightly loosened his grip by an inch, leaving a little leeway in his tight clasp around the other manâs waist. He asked quietly, ââŠDid that scare you?â
Jiang Yinghe didnât expect him to ask him a question like that. He rapped on the otherâs head. âWho do you think I am? A weak flower unable to take care of myself?â
Li Huanhanâs gaze remained unchanged as he continued, âNaturally, Shizun is very experienced and can handle situations with ease.â
He lowered his head to Jiang Yingheâs shoulder and exhaled. His tone suddenly slow and pensive, ââŠI was the one who was scared.â
The basketful of retorts Jiang Yinghe had prepared stalled.
He could feel the otherâs sincerity and anxiety in this hug.
He suddenly felt that what the Sword Saint had said in the records was not wrong at all. Even Jiang Yinghe couldnât guess if this guy would get jealous over a cat.
He didnât know if the other would be afraid to approach after locking him away in a small, dark room, only daring to kiss him in secret.
He didnât know if this person would ask for his permission when dissecting his Dao seed on the brink of insanity.
Jiang Yinghe suddenly felt like he could see himself doing what the Sword Saint did.
He hugged Li Huanhan back, saying softly, âIâm fine.â
This sentence alone calmed Li Huanhan down, at least temporarily.
At this moment, the system that was clearly not a chatterbox suddenly spoke, âYou should kiss him now.â
The number of times the system had spoken to him was so small that Jiang Yinghe didnât even react at first. He subconsciously said, âKiss him?â
âYes.â The mechanical voice of the system was somehow very emotional, âIf only back then, you could haveâŠâ
It once again fell silent.
Jiang Yinghe sensed that this system had a clear goal in mind for every action. He also suspected it knew more than it was letting on. When he was about to question it further, hands suddenly cupped his cheek, turning his face to meet those bright red eyes.
âWhat did Shizun just say?â Li Huanhan asked, looking straight at him.
Jiang Yinghe didnât know how to explain to him that he was talking to the system. As he was stared at by those profound and inscrutable blood-red eyes, another piece seemed to fall into place. The systemâs words echoed in his mind.
He didnât know which string had been plucked in his mind again and kept thinking about the words the system had said.
If only back thenâŠ
He raised his head slightly and kissed the other manâs lips.
The hand that rested on his waist tightened violently, and the bloody barrier around him shook for a moment. Then Jiang Yinghe felt a sense of weightlessness as he was lifted.
Li Huanhanâs lips were cold and soft. He was gentle enough at first, but as time passed things started to get out of hand.
The other pried open his teeth and seized the air between his lips. His hand snaked into Jiang Yingheâs hair.
They were in the snowy plains, surrounded by pervasive cold air. Only Jiang Yingheâs body possessed a light and crisp fragrance.
And the deeper Li Huanhan explored, the more Jiang Yinghe could appreciate the gentle softness of the other party. The more he could feel the extreme tolerance hidden beneath the surface.
Li Huanhan separated from him slightly, his eyes fixed on Jiang Yingheâs ruby red lips. He raised a finger to rub them slightly. ââŠHave you forgotten how to breath?â
Jiang Yinghe slowly regained his breath. The corners of his eyes were slightly red as he released his grip on his discipleâs sleeve. âSo what if I donât? Sooner or laterâŠâ
His words came to a screeching halt.
He wasnât looking at the deep pit left after the avalanche, but an unaffected mountain on the snowy plains. Qin Jun and Chang Ye were standing there with expressions that could not be darker.
âŠLi Huanhan carried me out in his arms?
Jiang Yinghe was too busy catching his breath to noticeâŠ
Just as Jiang Yinghe flushed in embarrassment, Qin Jun stepped closer, gritting his teeth and sneering, âShixiong is always ready to save others. Youâre so eager to show off even now to your shidis.â
He looked carefully over Jiang Yingheâs body to make sure that not a single strand of hair was missing, before relaxing a little. âThank goodness youâre okay.â
Jiang Yinghe said, âIâm also glad that nothing happened to me. If I did get injured, all of you would probably be distracted when you return. Despite me being your seniorâŠâ
His dignity as their teacher had long since vanished. Jiang Yinghe sighed as he heard a sweet cat cry. Sure enough, when he glanced down at his feet, there was a little, green tea cat there that couldnât interject into the conversation or physically squeeze in.
It was only when he was in this form that Chang Ye was most liked by his shizun.
Jiang Yinghe knelt down to bring the little, white cat on the snow into his arms, rubbing his fluffy ears as he said, â..Despite me being your senior, you guys always behave like mother hens when it comes to trivial matters.â
âYou canât dissuade us from looking after you,â Qin Jun said, âBut we will definitely listen to what Shizun has to say.â
When Jiang Yinghe heard these words, the dissatisfaction that had been pent up in his mind for days came out at once. He tried to resist, but he couldnât hold back the flood. Glancing around to make sure they were alone, he grumbled, âWhat a load of nonsense. When you guys decide not to listen, I have no way of persuading you otherwise.â
Qin Jun was dealt a blow by those words. He blinked and watched as Jiang Yinghe straightened his cloak and turned to walk away. He stopped Li Huanhan from immediately following and pulled him aside. âWhen have I ever decided not to listen? IâŠâ
Li Huanhan glanced at him calmly. He replied indifferently, âWhen he said you were too deep and to go slower.â
ââŠâ
âAnd when he said heâd put the medicine on himself without you.â
Qin Jun was dumbfounded. Only after a long time did he say, âThen youâre guilty as well. You hardly listen when it comes to that either.â
Li Huanhan gave him a meaningful look, âBut I wasnât the one who said I would definitely listen.â
Qin Jun stalled. ââŠâ
â-
The main hall of Peng LaiâŠ
The lit incense wafted quietly.
Jiang Yinghe sat beside his shixiong, listening to Zhou Zhengping talk about the affairs of the sect.
He had a cat on his lap.
The little, white cat rolled around on his knees, lazily lifting its paws and pressing them onto the back of Jiang Yingheâs hand.
The squishy pads were soft and clean, and the little cat began to lick his hand as well. That tongue with soft barbs was a little rough and very distinctive to the touch.
ââŠAmong the disciples of the younger generation, only the few gathered here are gifted with both talent and good dispositions.â
Zhou Zhengping paused and glanced at that cat, confirming it was the demon king who was shameless when it came to Jiang-shidi. He coughed quietly, âShidi, I heard you visited the snowy plains.â
Although Jiang Yinghe was enamoured with the cat in his arms, he had been paying attention. He nodded. âI retrieved Wuchen, which was sealed there, causing the underground cavern to collapse. Over the next few millennia, the snowy plains will likely melt away.â
Zhou Zhengping nodded slightly and said, âIt takes a thousand years or even ten thousand years of accumulation to add or remove things from this world; the same is true of the snowy plains⊠You were able to successfully obtain this sword, which means you have some affinity with it.â
Jiang Yinghe thought to himself, âAffinity was too light of a word. This sword has probably been with me no less than Wangchen.â
âIn a couple of days, your Yan-shijie will be exiting seclusion.â Zhou Zhengping said, âWith her around, I can also rest a little easier. In all these years, you have been indifferent to internal affairs while little Yun-shidi is too playful. Only Caiwei is suitable to be the next Sect Master.â
Jiang Yinghe had always been single mindedly focused on cultivation. He knew nothing about managing and ruling a sect. But something about those words didnât sit right with him. âThe next Sect Master? Why is Zhangmen-shixiong bringing this up?â
Zhou Zhengping put down the whisk in his hand and stared out the window at the vast sky. âI have spent my life sacrificing many opportunities to manage Peng Lai. RecentlyâŠShixiong feels that he too is approaching the end of his days.â
Jiang Yingheâs heart clenched. His mind tensed like a taut string.
âMy heavenly tribulation is about to occur.â Zhou Zhengping said, âEven after delaying it all these years, it will still be difficult to endure this calamity. But the time I have bought is enough for me.â
âZhangmen-shixiongâŠâ
âThere is no need to think about reincarnation.â Zhou Zhengping spoke in an even tone, as if he was recounting a small and trivial matter, âYou have not yet settled your affairs, and only those with regrets will reincarnate. At this point in my life, I am at peace. I wish for my spirit to return to heaven and earth. Of course, Shixiong will return to Peng Lai if I successfully pass my tribulation. But if I cannot thenâŠâ
He pointed to the geese flying by outside. âThis will be our last meeting.â
Jiang Yinghe choked up for a moment. Only after a long time of silence did he say quietly, âI know the hardships of our path. I know that we have to accept the inevitability of life and death.â
âThere is no need to be sad.â Zhou Zhengping smiled, âIf Shixiong has the good fortune to pass this tribulation, the righteous faction will have one more Xianjun amongst its ranks. Perhaps I could return after a hundred years through some twist of fate.â
Jiang Yinghe nodded, slowly forcing his suspended heart down. âZhou-shixiong is open-minded. Iâm sure everything will go well.â
âExactly.â Zhou Zhengping only touched on this matter briefly before switching the subject. âWhen your Yan-shijie exits seclusion, I will officially announce my long term leave of absence. At that time, apart from looking after little Yun-shidi, you should also watch over the newly accepted children.â
Jiang Yinghe was taken aback. He recalled the small group of children with good talent and disposition they had discussed previously. After a momentâs reflection, he said, âIâm afraid Chang Ye will be my last disciple, soâŠâ
Before he finished his words, he felt the little, white cat in his arms stiffen, like he was already against these ânew disciplesâ that he had never met before.
âThere is no need for Qing Jing Peak to take them in.â Zhou Zhengping gave him a look, âWith your looks and temperament, I am afraid that those youths, with their inexperience and vigour, might be...ahem. Led astray.â
He paused for a beat, glancing at the white cat in Jiang Yingheâs arms. ââŠBesides, itâs not safe for them to be near you.â
Authorâs Corner
Sect Master Zhou (in a serious tone): Being alive is more important than having a beautiful shizun, right?
Rain
Kind of a melancholic chapter, butâŠjust wanted to point out weâre on chapter 69. Hehe.
Sahl
I too noticed itâs chapter 69, ahem⊠teehee! A mix of sadness but also some amusement, courtesy of Zhou Zhenping and his concerns over his shidiâs overpowering effect on young men. Ha!