Ch79 - Drunkard's Intentions

Translator: transcendentwings

In the spring of the fourth year of Tianding, the chilly spring weather still lingered when it was already the day ofLongtaitouon thesecond day of the second month, still turning breath into ice. It took great willpower to rise early in the mornings.

It was already the morning at thehour of yi, and Xu Xingzhi was still lying on the soft couch in the inn. He was so bored that he simply raised his frozen left hand that had been laying outside the quilt and placed it on the back of the neck of the puppy who had just woken up and was rubbing his head against him with ahenghengjiji, before squeezing it affectionately.

Meng Chongguang cried out and rolled into Xu Xingzhi’s embrace with a laugh, wrapping his arms around the other’s arm to warm it against his chest, then he clambered onto Xu Xingzhi like a fish in water, stirring up trouble.

The scent of orchid musk that was stirred up in the room last night had not yet dissipated, and Xu Xingzhi was bent at the waist again: “Meng Chongguang, you’re not f*cking wearing any pants again. . .wu. . .”

The two of them played around for a long time before cuddling again to rest, intending to experience the feeling ofsleeping until the meal was readylike those from the mundane world, however, they had only just closed their eyes for a while when they snapped them open again. After exchanging a look and without wasting any extra words between them, they rolled over and got dressed.

In the next instant, the wooden door of the guest room was blown away by a sword’s aura.

When Guangfu-junbarged into the room, he saw that the bedding was still messy, containing some residual heat, but the two people who were originally in the room had already disappeared. The window was wide open as the cold winds shook the copper bells tied to the head of the window so that they rang out with adingdang.

Not resigned, he hooked the quilt to the ground with his blade and roared in the midst of the floating goose feather catkins: “Xu Xingzhi!!”

Yet, once the few Fengling disciples who came with him, saw that they missed the mark, they simultaneously breathed a sigh of relief.

Yuan Ruzhu grabbed the innkeeper who came running after hearing the ruckus, pressed some silver on him to compensate for the damaged door and other items, then apologized to him in a gentle voice for a long time.

When the proprietor saw Yuan Ruzhou’s appearance, his heart already softened by eight points, and when he laid eyes on the silver, he had no more complaints and left happily.

A disciple asked: “Shishu, should we give chase?”

Guangfu-jungnashed his teeth and bit out: “Keep up the pursuit! The bedding is still warm, they must not have gotten far!”

The disciples glanced at Yuan Ruzhou one after another, appealing to her for aid.

Yuan Ruzhou read their silent plea and took a few steps forward, placating softly: “Shifu, we have to chase and captureShixiong. . .”

Guangfu-jun’s gaze flashed.

Yuan Ruzhou immediately revised her words: “If we want to catch Xu Xingzhi, we must take him by surprise and attack him when he is unprepared. Otherwise, we have no chance of winning against him and Meng-shi. . . Meng Chongguang.”

Guangfu-junhad no intention of listening to her: “After them!”

Yuan Ruzhou met the other disciples’ eyes helplessly and the disciples had no choice but to turn around and head downstairs, dispersing in all directions, each picking a different path of pursuit.

Yuan Ruzhou was the last one to depart.

She surveyed the room and discovered a white handkerchief on the ground, its style indicating that it belonged to a man. She was hit with a sudden realization that pushed her into bending down and picking it up which was precisely when she vaguely heard the whistling of the wind in her ears. She reacted quickly and dodged swiftly, catching the object flying towards her with the brocade handkerchief.

She examined it closely and found that it was a golden butterfly jade hairpin, simple and tasteful, obviously dated.

Along with the hairpin came a neatly folded handwritten letter, the handwriting leaning to the left, still a little irregular, but already containing a sense of wildness and lack of restraint: “Xiao–Shimei, I was strolling on the street a few days ago and this caught my eye. I thought it would really suit you, so I bought it. Do you like it?”

The rims of Yuan Ruzhou’s eyes became slightly red as she rushed to the window in a few steps and looked out. But all she saw was a copse of cypress trees that remained green all year round, whose leaves were rustling in the breeze with ahualalawhile no trace of that person could be glimpsed at all.

Yuan Ruzhou cupped the jade hairpin in her hand, infinite tenderness in her heart as she murmured: “Many thanksShixiong. No matter whatShixionggives me, I’ll like it very much.”

After she left, Xu Xingzhi, who was sitting on the edge of the inn’s eaves, stepped lightly on the verdant tip of a cypress branch that touched the soles of his feet, smiling as he answered from afar: “. . . As long as you like it.”

Meng Chongguang, who was sitting beside him, complained shadily: “Shixiongis very generous.”

“Aren’t I very munificent?” Xu Xingzhi held the other’s hand and pecked the delicate fingertips, coaxing him softly, “So magnanimous that I even gave myself to you.”

Meng Chongguang was placated and kissed until he was satisfied, rubbing against Xu Xingzhi lazily. Xu Xingzhi used his fingers to carefully scratch the chin of the little thing in his arms. The soft, warm, and tender flesh there was very soothing to touch. Meng Chongguang was kneaded by him left and right, so comfortable that he really felt as if he were truly a white and furry cat.

Look at the two of them basking in the sun, no one would think they were currently being huntedne.

It was unknown if Guangfu-jungleaned some information about their whereabouts when they went to Yingtianchuan last time. Not long after they departed Yingtianchuan, he actually followed their tracks and chased them all the way to the little town they settled in.

In the past six months, the two of them have been fleeing the entire time while Guangfu-junhad been in hot pursuit along the way with the penultimate goal of not letting up until Xu Xingzhi was dead.

The grape trellis was gone and the dog that they originally vowed to raise was also just a pipe dream. However Meng Chongguang and Xu Xingzhi were unconcerned about any of this.

Compared with being hunted, Meng Chongguang had infinite regrets regarding the grape trellis.

He grumbled: “I was originally looking forward to the summer when the grapes are ripe and withShixiong, on top of the grape trellis. . .”

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Meng Chongguang was shameless and stuck to him in a naughty way: “I likeShixiong, of course I have to please you more so thatShixiongwon’t get tired of Chongguangya.”

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“How wouldShixiongbe considered normal.” Meng Chonggunag lay comfortably on Xu Xingzhi’s thighs, latched onto the other’s thin waist and pecked his lips again and again, softly purring, “How can a typical person pamper Chongguang like thisne.”

Xu Xingzhi was amused as well as helpless against him, simply leaning close to his ear, nipping at his ear lobe with his lips, murmuring in a hoarse tone: “Who told you to be my little ancestorne.”

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He looked down and found that it was the storage ring that had been worn onShifu’s hand.

The decorativeblue jadewas replaced withDushan jade, but Xu Xingzhi knew the story behind every scratch that adorned the copper ring.

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He questioned: “How did you come to have this?”

Meng Chongguang didn’t know how this ring came to be in Qingjing-jun’s room. Observing Xu Xingzhi’s expression, he vaguely registered that something was wrong and had no choice but to choose his words carefully: “When I recovered ‘Xianbi’, I brought the ring out along with it. At first, I was apprehensive thatShixiongwould think of his hand when you lay your eyes on it and feel discomfited in your heart so I hid it away secretly. A few days ago, I found a suitable Dushan jade, so I thought of repairing it in a new style and return it toShixiongonce more; And ifShixiongwants to retrieve anything, this would make it more convenient. . .”

Speaking of this, then observing Xu Xingzhi’s countenance, Meng Chongguang’s heart sank.

This ring. . . seems to be a gift that shouldn’t be given.

The huge wound left in Xu Xingzhi’s heart as a result of Qingjing-jun’s death was still there. Nearly a year has passed and there still were no signs of healing.

Meng Chongguang still underestimated Xu Xingzhi’s feelings for Qingjing-jun.

While he still remained at a bit of a loss, Xu Xingzhi soon smiled, slid the ring off and grasped Meng Chongguang’s hand: “Come.”

Meng Chongguang was very upset. He failed to please hisShixiong, and made him sad instead. Seeing that hisShixiongwas still willing to give him the time of day, of course he would swiftly spread his palm obediently as if he had received a great boon.

Xu Xingzhi put the ring on for him.

Meng Chongguang was happy and nervous at the same time: “Shixiong, you don’t like it?”

Xu Xingzhi smiled weakly: “I like it a lot. It’s just that it’s inconvenient for me now that I only have one hand so I’ll leave the matter of taking things out to you.”

After that, he partook of Meng Chongguang’s lips tenderly: “Besides, even the person is yours already, what’s the point of distinguishing between the two of us?”

Meng Chongguang knew thatShixiongonly acted like such because he was downhearted and didn’t want to draw others into this depressive atmosphere as well.

He was also aware that hisShixionghad been so indulgent with him for the past year, not only because he liked him, but also to eliminate the pain in his heart.

Thus he had to give hisShixiongeven more sweetness in order to make it up to him.

Xu Xingzhi was quickly stripped of his outer robe which was then tossed onto a nearby cypress branch.

This cypress was a century-old tree, strong and flexible. Xu Xingzhi’s body was draped over it and it only shook twice in response.

Xu Xingzhi thought it would be on the rooftops, but who would’ve expected for him to be thrown over here. His muscles tensed instantly as he cursed with a pale face: “Meng Chongguang! There are antsah, d*mn it!”

Meng Chongguang landed lightly on the branch and when his toes landed on the branch, he didn’t even make the branch sway.

He embraced Xu Xingzhi, circulated his spiritual power, placating him all the while softly: “It’s okay,Shixiong, I’m hereah.”

Xu Xingzhi knew that Meng Chongguang had a special physique and there were few creatures in the mortal world who weren’t intimidated by the breath of his aura. Snakes, insects, mice, ants, and other such critters were even more fearful of him. As long as he was by his side, he didn’t have to be afraid of these little creepy crawlies.

After being coaxed by him twice, although he felt somewhat embarrassed, fortunately he wasn’t so nervous anymore.

Xu Xingzhi gripped his collar and warned him: “Meng Chongguang, it’s broad daylight,Shishuand the rest haven’t gone far yet, you better keep your voice downah.”

After a year of adjustments, the two of them have achieved perfect harmony and both burned with passion after a few entanglements.

The pine and cypress branches rustled like the sound of a zither, and the dewdrops on them due to the cold spring dampened the window frames of the inn not too far away.

The morning in Qingliang valley was exactly the same as the one Xu Xingzhi and Meng Chongguang were experiencing, except Wen Xuechen had risen early in order to deal with various miscellaneous affairs in the study.

Shortly, a disciple scurried over, knocked on the door, bowed, greeted him, then after completing all the etiquette expected of him in a formal manner, he reported: “Wen-shixiong, a delegation from the Demonic path has arrived.”

“Demonic sects?” Wen Xuechen frowned, “Why are they here?”

“To answer Wen-Shixiong, they announced that it was to bring gifts.” The disciple responded, “For Wen-shixiong’s natal day.”

Wen Xuechen raised his eyebrow causing the disciple’s heart to tremble in response as he lowered his head, not daring to say anything.

Wen Xuechen wasn’t angered by the Demonic sect’s rash visit, he just didn’t expect them to come so early.

His natal day was indeed approaching.

In the year after the incident involving Xu Xingzhi, Jiu Zhideng still sent people to send gifts every holiday, just like he did when Xu Xingzhi was there, attentive to the extreme. On Qu Chi and Zhou Beinan’s natal days, he also gifted some items that weren’t particularly expensive, but were enough to express his regard. Not only did they not attract unwanted attention, nor would they be able to find reasons to refuse to accept them.

. . . In short, he did it extremely properly as befits his station.

Wen Xuechen once told Zhou Beinan and the others to investigate their gifts carefully to avoid any hidden secrets, but the results of each check were normal.

Zhou Beinan also laughed at him for worrying too much, joking that if he continued like this, he would not only possess white hair, but also lose his hair.

. . . Utterly ridiculous.

Recalling this, Wen Xuechen put down his brush and inquired: “Where is the gift giver now?”

The disciple answered: “Southwest Flower Hall.”

Wen Xuechen furrowed his brows again.

If that person came to give gifts privately, he would have asked a disciple to deal with it. However, this demonic disciple who came to drop off the gifts had already passed through theceremonial hall. If he didn’t go, it would be impolite and damage the dignity of Qingliang valley as a whole.

After a while, he instructed: “Tell him to wait a moment, I will go meet with him after changing clothes.”

After the Qingliang valley disciple respectfully withdrew, Wen Xuechen rolled the wheelchair past his desk and was about to return to his room when he heard the clear ring of a wrist bell jingle just outside the study.

Shortly, the owner of the bell sound appeared: “Chen-ge.”

Seeing Zhou Xian, the frost upon Wen Xuechen’s brows melted away. He wheeled two cautious steps forward and supported her round belly: “You’re already more than seven months along, why are you still running around?”

Zhou Xian found it quite funny: “The fact that I walk around every day, is good for childbirth, isn’t that what Chen-getold me?”

Wen Xuechen seriously intoned: “I will take you for a walk every afternoon.”

“But I have maids. . .”

Wen Xuechen calmly excused: “I am more meticulous than them.”

The fetus in Zhou Xian’s belly was so far along that she couldn’t bend down and could only squat slightly in order to lean down and kiss Wen Xuechen’s hair with a flushed face: “Yes. I’ll listen to Chen-ge.”

Wen Xuechen has always been dignified and elegant. Although no one saw this kiss, a blush still dusted his cheeks: “Nonsense.”

Zhou Xian stared at him with bright eyes: “. . . Chen-ge.”

Wen Xuechen was helpless and had no choice but to support her arm and help her straighten: “Be careful.”

After reminding her, he raised his other hand and pressed it against his soft and pale lips before touching it to her face as if unintentionally: “Okay, return to your room quickly, I’ll come find you after seeing the guests off.”

Being delayed like this, Wen Xuechen cleaned up later than expected. When he arrived, the disciple who came to offer gifts had already drunk half a pot of tea.

This time, the disciple who came to give gifts was a little unusual. Just looking at his demeanor and one could tell that he was different from the others.

He introduced himself: “I am Wu Xiang, the son of the lord ofHeishui castle.”

Heishui castle?

Wen Xuechen remembered that about a year ago, Heishui castle, one of the branches of the demonic path, started a rebellion and was suppressed by Jiu Zhideng within a month.

Just looking at the fact that the son of the castle lord had become a messenger and gift-giver, one could take a guess that although Jiu Zhideng wasn’t cruel to these rebels, he was also not easily lenient.

Since the other party was polite and restrained, Wen Xuechen also couldn’t lose his sense of propriety.

After a simple greeting, he asked: “It’s still half a month until my natal day, why did you come to send the gifts in advance?”

Wu Xiang recited as if memorizing a book: “The Demon Lord specifically instructed me before I make my way here that you don’t like people from this path. If we were to arrive the day of, even ifyouaccept it, it would inevitably still be unwelcomed, thus it’s better to send it in advance which will be both sincere and allowyouto feel relieved.”

These words were frankly disclosed, but not to the point of being insulting. Nails were nails and bolts were bolts, which was indeed the way Jiu Zhideng handled things.

Wen Xuechen didn’t ask any more questions, accepted the gift, and politely asked him to leave.

After departing Qingliang valley, Wu Xiang cursed angrily: “Pei, this guy surnamed Wen dared to neglect me like this!”

The two disciples who accompanied him and had been waiting outside the valley came forward to meet him.

One of them noticed that he was in a bad mood and comforted him in a gentle voice: “Wu-gongzi, don’t be irate. Since the gifts had already been dropped off, this matter can be considered as being settled, what’s the point of mulling over it so muchne.”

After saying so, he passed the wine bag and other miscellaneous items that Wu Xiang had removed when he entered the valley back to the other.

Wu Xiang accepted them without hesitation.

Just now, for the sake of etiquette, he was humble in front of Wen Xuechen and pretended to be a good-for-nothing. Now that he had finally left, naturally he had to get his fill of scolding in order to vent his anger.

He unscrewed the wine bag, took a big sip, swiped the corner of his lip as he launched into a tirade to himself: “What does that Jiu Zhideng count as?! He grew up in Fengling mountain and his thoughts and heart all lean towards the so-called famous and upright sects! During the New Year and every festival, these gifts are delivered to the four sects like water flows, just like a d*mnable great-grandson honoring his great-grandfather! Does he even still remember that he is a member of the demonic sects?Ah?”

He ranted until his mouth was dry and took another mouthful of wine: “. . . Father is also a coward! Jiu Zhideng only killed two vanguard generals and he instantly became eager to surrender! I don’t believe that Jiu Zhideng is brave enough to really dare slaughter the lord of Heishui castle?!”

He criticized while mounting his sword to set forth, still rambling on nonstop, yet after a while, he suddenly coughed.

Wu Xiang didn’t take the cough seriously enough, but more and more white foam bubbled out of his throat. He felt a sharp pain in his chest and kept coughing. He wiped his mouth with his hand and came away with bloody spittle like that of a fish in death’s throes, pieces of lung could even be seen mixed in.

His body swayed twice then fell headfirst from his blade, plunging into the deep valley.

The other accompanying disciple, who was originally from Heishui castle was shocked by the scene and screamed “Young Master” as he dived down. How would he still have the time to care about the other obedient disciple of the Demonic sect who was traveling with them.

The disciple of the Demonic sect watched the two disappear in between the mountains and grinned without a word.

In an instant, his face changed completely.

Jiu Zhideng lowered his eyes, hovering on the clouds with his hands behind his back as he answered his question softly: “. . . I won’t kill your father.”

“I need to keep his life so that Qingliang valley will need to offer an explanation for the death of his only son.”

The author has something to say:

—Please use an animal to describe the person closest to you.

Beinan: A rabbitba, with long ears, easy to carry.

Xiao-Lu: . . . Tibetan fox.

Beinan: What is a Tibetan fox?

Xiao-Lu coaxed: A very ferocious animal, very much like you.

Beinan: Oh, that’s good.

Qu Chi with a serious face:En. . . little lamb.

Xiao-Tao blushed: . . . Big sheep.

Jiu-mei:ShixiongisShixiong, not an animal.

Guang-mei:Shixiongis similar to everything. When he pampers me, he is like a very gentle dog, when he charges into battle, he is like a wolf; when he occasionally clings to me, he is like. . .

Shixiong:Oh, a teddy.

Guang-mei: . . .

Author’s Chapter Summary: pursuit, gift giving, Qingliang valley

The translator has something to say: the fact that despite the author’s foreshadowing, nothing actually really happened in this chapter makes it all the more ominous. But on a side note, XXZ freaking out about ants gave me a good laugh because I was suddenly assaulted by the image of him being badass and then shrieking and jumping up because he saw a bug, hahahaha

Whoops, 1 day became like 3, sorry, I apologize for the irregular updates while I get my life back in order