Ch31 - Cravenly Clinging to Life

Translator: transcendentwings

Editor: teaff 

After giving the order, Rongchang-jun crossed his arms and coldly informed Xu Xingzhi: “Just wait ba. Qingjing-jun is addicted to alcohol and is probably drinking merrily with some fellow practitioners at their residence. You can just continue to kneel here and wait for Qingjing-jun to arrive, then we’ll disc. . .”

Before his last syllable fell, Xu Xingzhi could smell the aroma of wine drifting past the window and with the sound of flapping sleeves, a high-level cultivator adorned in leisurely azure clothes walked in hastily from outside.

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The first thing Qingjing-jun saw when he entered the discipline hall was Xu Xingzhi, who was kneeling in the center of it. Only after noting that his clothes were still intact and tidy with no sign of being beaten or punished did his pace slow down.

Although Qingjing-jun has been the sect leader of Fengling Mountain for many years and his age has long become shrouded in mystery, his appearance was still that of a young man, profound like a god and handsome like jade. Although he was bathed in the midday sunlight, there was a tranquil aura of the moonlight shining before one’s bed. 

Yet, this face had a pair of drooping eyes, the outer corner of his eyes angled downwards lazily which instantly yanked his clear and cold temperament off its heavenly pedestal and incorporated a little more of the warmth from the mortal realm.

Rongchang-jun rose from his seat and greeted him, slightly flustered: “I didn’t expect Qingjing-jun to arrive so quickly. Please have a seat. May I ask where Guangfu-jun is?”

When Qingjing-jun passed Xu Xingzhi’s side, he glanced at his knees deliberately. Distracted, he answered a little muddled: “. . . What did you just say?”

Rongchang-jun: “. . .”

Xu Xingzhi couldn’t hold back and buried his head lower to snicker which successfully provoked Rongchang-jun’s fury as he flung an ivory brush holder that was sitting on his desk at Xu Xingzhi.

Xu Xingzhi didn’t plan to dodge, but the brush holder still failed to strike him on the head.

No one could clearly make out when the brush holder ended up in Qingjing-jun’s hands. In the blink of an eye, Qingjing-jun was already wiping the brush holder with his cuff: “Careful, careful, it’s a pity to break it ah.”

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No matter how enraged Rongchang-jun was, he couldn’t direct it at the gentle and amicable Qingjing-jun, so he could only suppress his wrath and ask: “When will Guangfu-jun arrive?” 

Qingjing-jun: “Don’t be anxious, my shidi’s pace is merely a little slower than mine.”

Xu Xingzhi shuffled a little closer to Qingjing-jun and reminded in a low voice: “. . . Shifu, your shoes are worn backwards.”

It was only then that Qingjing-jun realized that there was something wrong. He looked down and immediately apologized in embarrassment: “My apologies, excuse me for my impropriety. I was in too much of a hurry.”

Rongchang-jun: “. . .” 

While conversing, Guangfu-jun finally arrived.

Guangfu-jun also possessed a young appearance, but his face was much more stern and strict than Qingjing-jun. His facial features were compact which naturally evoked a more austere and critical temperament.

As soon as Guangfu-jun arrived, he cupped his hands and bowed in apology: “Rongchang-jun, please forgive my tardiness.”

After saying as such, he turned his gaze and instantly caught sight of Cheng Ding, who had been shaved cleanly into a bald chicken. He was furious and kicked Xu Xingzhi in the middle of his back: “Rebellious disciple! What despicable thing did you do!” 

Xu Xingzhi’s lower body was steady and didn’t shift even a little when he was kicked.

Qingjing-jun held Guangfu-jun back, nonchalantly trying to placate him: “Shidi, don’t be anxious, let’s sit down and discuss ah.”

The two climbed onto the platform and each located a putuan, which was convenient for sitting on one’s heels.

After Guangfu-jun sat down, he first disclosed to Rongchang-jun: “Shixiong was playing chess with Fuyao-jun. Catching wind of the fact that Xu Xingzhi caused such outrageous trouble, he thought that it was a serious and complicated matter and rushed over to deal with it promptly, daring not to neglect. . .” 

On the side, Qingjing-jun silently placed the black Go stone that he had been palming onto the table. In a scuffle, he withdrew the cushion from underneath his legs and tossed it down right in front of Xu Xingzhi.

Guangfu-jun supported his forehead: “. . .”

Rongchang-jun was bewildered: “Qingjing-jun, what do you mean by this?”

Qingjing-jun elucidated languidly: “My disciple is a little weak against the cold. The ground tends to be a bit chilly and harming one’s own body when kneeling isn’t very good. Don’t you also think that is the case?” 

After he finished speaking, he even grinned slightly at Rongchang-jun.

Rongchang-jun: “. . .”

Off to the side, Zhou Beinan glanced at Xu Xingzhi enviously and didn’t comment.

Xu Xingzhi, who obtained a cushion, knelt on it while listening to Rongchang-jun angrily recount the ins and outs of the incident. 

At the end of it, he complained in dissatisfaction: “The shame of having one’s hair shaved is really intolerable! Once this incident is disseminated, it will definitely be widespread throughout the four sects and even to the entire cultivation world. Where would the reputation of my Yingtianchuan disciples be at that time then?”

Guangfu-jun glared viciously at Xu Xingzhi, then turned to Rongchang-jun: “How do you want to deal with it?”

Rongchang-jun responded politely: “I’ve invited the two of you here for the sake of deliberating upon a suitable punishment.”

Although he said that, Rongchang-jun kept his eyes on Guangfu-jun alone. 

Guangfu-jun suggested frankly: “Have Xu Xingzhi apologize publicly and withdraw from this year’s Heavenly Ranking competition. What are your thoughts?”

Not waiting for Rongchang-jun to agree, Qingjing-jun, who had been reticently fiddling with his sleeves up until now, interjected unceremoniously: “. . . That’s not very good ba.”

Rongchang-jun: “. . . What does Qingjing-jun think?”

“I believe that the responsibility for this matter should be split in half. It can’t just be blamed on one person.” Qingjing-jun’s tone was soft and gentle as usual, “Xingzhi also vented his anger on behalf of his fellow disciples’ grievances. He was somewhat impulsive, but it shouldn’t be to the extent of withdrawing from the competition. Besides, Cheng Ding similarly violated the rules, but he can still participate in the rankings. For Xingzhi to be unable to participate in the competition, how wronged would he be ah.” 

Guangfu-jun couldn’t bear it any longer: “Shixiong, Xu Xingzhi isn’t a twelve-year-old child any longer! If it weren’t for you indulging him all the time, he wouldn’t have committed such wicked acts and humiliated his fellow practitioner!”

Qingjing-jun innocently claimed: “I haven’t been lenient on him ne.”

Guangfu-jun: “. . . Something like this happened and you haven’t even reprimanded him with a single phrase since entering the hall. Is this not connivance?”

Qingjing-jun pondered it for a while and thought that it made sense, so he turned towards Xu Xingzhi and chasticized him warmly like gently flowing water: “Xingzhi, you should contemplate things more before doing them in the future. The healthy state of our bodies are a gift from our parents, and it can’t be harmed or injured like this. If you really can’t get over your resentment, you can just secretly beat him up, why cause such a fuss that will make it so difficult to smooth things over.” 

Rongchang-jun: “. . .”

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.

Guangfu-jun: “. . .”

Itbe Dflcjc: “. . .”

Jtfcu Glcu, ktbrf ojmf aegcfv ugffc: “. . .” 

We Wlcuhtl mbeutfv ilutais: “. . . Fcvfgrabbv.”

“You’ve understood what, you’ve understood?!” Guangfu-jun slapped the table and shot to his feet: “Shixiong, if you continue to be so easygoing, one day he will undoubtedly incite a massive incident!”

Qingjing-jun tsked, pinched the bridge of his nose, and mumbled quietly: “. . . I just don’t want to punish Xingzhi, alright, you are all so annoying ah.”

Rongchang-jun practically couldn’t believe his ears: “. . . Qingjing-jun, what did you say?” 

Guangfu-jun choked and could only suspend his lecture as he turned around to gloss things over: “Rongchang-jun, Shixiong drank before coming here, his mind is not clear, that is not what he meant, please do not misunderstand.”

Qingjing-jun sighed, his tone slightly aggrieved: “Forget it, if Shidi wants to discipline him, then go ahead. I won’t stop you anymore.”

Guangfu-jun was given the responsibility that suddenly was suddenly thrown at him from the left field and countered: “How did it become that I want to penalize him?”

Qingjing-jun immediately grabbed hold of this olive branch and struck while the iron was hot, exclaiming: “Shidi, I just knew that you were also reluctant.” 

Guangfu-jun: “. . .”

Realizing that the mediation failed, Zhou Beinan interjected from the side for both sides to reach a middle ground: “Shibo, Shishu, this junior has a way to properly handle this matter. I don’t know if I may suggest it?”

Rongchang-jun suppressed his ire: “. . . As you please.”

Zhou Beinan proposed: “Xu Xingzhi shaved his hair, the reasons behind it can be forgiven, but after all, it will damage my Yingtianchuan’s reputation. Why not have him shave his hair like Cheng Ding to even out the matter and have both parties still be able to participate in the Heavenly Ranking competition. What do you think?” 

We Wlcuhtl gjlrfv tlr tfjv jcv rmbkifv ja Itbe Dflcjc.

. . . Fatty Zhou, you’re pitting me aren’t you?

Itbe Dflcjc rffwfv ab tjnf ecvfgrabbv ktja wfrrjuf We Wlcuhtl kjr rfcvlcu klat tlr ujhf jcv rwlifv yglutais.

. . . How could that be ne. 

Guangfu-jun and Rongchang-jun exchanged a glance and was satisfied with this compromise: “Agreed.”

Qingjing-jun: “Rejected.”

Guangfu-jun looked like he couldn’t wait to sew up Qingjing-jun’s mouth who kept singing a different tune: “Shixiong! Words under intoxication one following another, don’t say any more! Just go along with this method.”

After that, he turned to Rongchang-jun and asked for a favor: “Please let me do it myself to demonstrate Fengling Mountain’s atonement.” 

Having pleaded thus, Qingjing-jun had no choice but to accept this conclusion reluctantly. While Guangfu-jun was alighting from the platform, he even grabbed the hem of Guangfu-jun’s robes and whispered: “Don’t trim it too unsightly.”

Guangfu-jun: “. . .” Shixiong, please shut up ba.

Rba ibcu joafg, atf vlrmlqifr bo Mfcuilcu Zbecajlc tfjgv atf cfkr jcv gertfv ab atf vlrmlqilcf tjii ab jkjla atf gfreiar bo atf qeclrtwfca.

After a while, the doors to the discipline hall opened. 

Zhou Beinan brought Cheng Ding away from the back door while the three lords departed from the front.

Guangfu-jun was responsible for sending the seething Rongchang-jun back to his residence, while Qingjing-jun remained by the door, waiting for Xu Xingzhi to exit the hall.

After walking a distance, Rongchang-jun protested to Guangfu-jun: “Why did Chihong-jun choose Qingjing-jun to be the leader of Fengling Mountain back in the day?”

Hearing Rongchang-jun talk about his Shifu and Shixiong behind their backs with a dissatisfied tone, Guangfu-jun frowned slightly and advocated for Qingjing-jun without humility nor arrogance: “Shixiong was the leading figure among our peers, with outstanding swordsmanship, he topped the Heavenly Rankings six times in a row. There is no problem for him to be the leader of Fengling Mountain. And Fengling Mountain’s customary affairs will be handled by me so Rongchang-jun need not fret about matters regarding Fengling Mountain.” 

Rongchang-jun ran into a dead end with this topic and could only keep his mouth shut.

After the two traveled a distance, Xu Xingzhi stepped out of the hall with a head full of short hair, his actions were generous and open without a hint of avoidance or secrecy.

His facial features were originally already exceptional, free and easy. Compared to the rest of their peers in the four sects, if you had to choose who had the most outstanding appearance, then ten of ten would point to Xu Xingzhi. Currently, with this long hair chopped off, not only did it not seem unnatural, it made his looks even more refreshing and striking.

Numerous female disciples stared at him in a daze, and only Yuan Ruzhou was tangled in stitches when she snapped out of it. 

Xu Xingzhi laughed heartily and rubbed his short stubble of hair: “It’s nice and cool!”

Qingjing-jun looked at the highly-spirited Xu Xingzhi and smiled involuntarily: “Xingzhi, let’s have a drink?”

Xu Xingzhi: “Let’s go. Shifu is inviting me, so I naturally must go.”

Qingjing-jun stated: “Good.” 

So the master and disciple scattered the crowd and headed off together.

On the way, Qingjing-jun took the initiative to mention a matter: “Xingzhi, have you done something recently that you’ve hidden from your Shifu?”

Xu Xingzhi feigned foolishness: “How can that be? Shifu is like my second parent, how could I hide anything from Shifu ne.”

Qingjing-jun chuckled: “You’ve bet all your spirit stones on Jiu Zhideng, wagering that he’ll obtain fourth on the Heavenly Rankings. The odds are one to three. Isn’t that right?” 

Discerning the fact that Shifu had already seen through his secretive calculations, Xu Xingzhi rubbed the back of his head and admitted: “. . . Hai, isn’t it just for entertainment? . . . You didn’t tell Guangfu-jun, did you?”

Qingjing-jun: “This is a matter between us master and disciple, there’s nothing to tell.”

Xu Xingzhi was amused: “Shifu is so nice.”

Jiu Zhideng, who was concealed in the shadows and had followed them all this way, wanting to say a few words to Xu Xingzhi, stopped when he heard this, his face a mask of surprise. 

Immediately after, he raised his hand to cover his chest where his heart was, his cheeks were flushed, and the corners of his lips trembled with excitement.

He stared at Xu Xingzhi’s back from the dark, his mood soared, while his eyes chased the other’s every step with a burning gaze.

Gradually, that gaze condensed into powerful yearning and a burning desire for possession.

After laughing, Qingjing-jun rubbed his sleeves habitually, questioning: “You value Jiu Zhideng heavily?” 

Xu Xingzhi expounded: “Xiao-Deng does possess a talent for swordsmanship. In recent years, his skills have advanced by leaps and bounds. For me to bet on his success isn’t without reason.”

Qingjing-jun sighed slightly and spoke slowly and gently as always: “Xingzhi, everything about you is good, the only drawback is that you place too much emphasis on those beside you: the top quality treasure I gifted you, you gave to Meng Chongguang to cultivate; the spirit stones I gave you to strengthen ‘Xianbi’, you used to bet that Jiu Zhideng would triumph. Especially Meng Chongguang, what’s the use of you giving him those things? I’ve told you earlier that he is. . .”

Speaking of Meng Chongguang, the corners of Xu Xingzhi’s lips rose unconsciously: “Shifu, I’m well aware of it all. But, Chongguang is truly a good boy, it’s very delightful to be with him. With me by his side, he won’t do anything out of line.”

Qingjing-jun observed his expression carefully: “You and him. . . Is there something between the two of you?” 

Xu Xingzhi didn’t understand: “What?”

Qingjing-jun continued: “When you mention him, your expression is very different from when you bring up Jiu Zhideng.”

“It is?” Xu Xingzhi was completely unaware of this, instead he continued to joyfully disclose his discovery, “. . . By the way, Shifu, our Fengling Mountain doesn’t prohibit dual cultivation, correct?”

Qingjing-jun nodded. 

Xu Xingzhi: “. . . I’ve recently found out that Chongguang and Xiao-Deng seem to have a pretty good relationship. They’ve quarreled and haven’t seen eye to eye since they were young, but today when Xiao-Deng was being picked on by Cheng Ding, Chongguang came forward to defend him. Wouldn’t that make them a pair of harmonious companions?”

Whenever Xu Xingzhi mentioned this pair of shidi, his words would be endless. Qingjing-jun patiently listened to him for a long time before he warmly lectured: “Xingzhi, it’s better to go with the flow with such things. But I have something to say, you must remember: No matter when, you must leave a place for yourself in your heart.”

Xu Xingzhi blasély remarked: “I’m just showing concern for my juniors, but Shifu is right, this disciple will remember.”

Qingjing-jun chortled and stopped bringing this matter up: “I still have some spirit stones. If I get drunk first today, the spirit stones will be yours so as to save you from a deficit in spirit stones after you lose.” 

Xu Xingzhi: “Shifu, this is what you said ah, let’s swear on it.”

Later in the evening, Xu Xingzhi returned.

The disciples of Fengling Mountain rested collectively in the Eastern hall, seeing Xu Xingzhi come back with a wretched expression on his face, they quickly gathered around: “Shixiong, are you alright?”

Xu Xingzhi waved his hand with a look of despair: “It’s nothing. Shifu passed out from drunkenness. I headed back after settling Shifu in, but on the way I bumped into Guangfu-jun and he punished me to copy scriptures again. The morning of the day after tomorrow, I’ll have to deliver quite a few transcribed scriptures to his hall.” 

Yuan Ruzhou snickered and commented: “Shishu only wants you to cultivate more and nurture your character as to not shave people’s hair again like today.”

Xu Xingzhi stated, deadpan: “He wants to kill me.”

Yuan Ruzhou inquired with concern: “What did Shishu have Shixiong copy? If everyone reproduces a paragraph, wouldn’t that be sufficient?”

Xu Xingzhi: “. . . The Miraculous Scripture of the Northern Emperor in Subduing Demons, Gods, and Curses as told by the Respected Founding Heavenly Master. However, there is no need. Shishu is very shrewd. If we aren’t able to deceive him successfully, he’ll definitely penalize me even more. At that time, it’d also implicate all of you.” 

Having said his piece, he looked around and found that neither Jiu Zhideng nor Meng Chongguang were in the room, thus he remarked: “I’ll go out for a walk to sober up. Don’t worry about me and just rest early.”

As soon as Xu Xingzhi left, the multitude of disciples began to discuss something in hushed tones, as if they were planning something.

Xu Xingzhi found Jiu Zhideng copying scriptures on the terrace outside the hall.

He pulled his robes tighter, sat down beside Jiu Zhideng, slung an arm over his shoulders and peeked over: “What are you writing?” 

Jiu Zhideng’s body froze and the arm that was pressed against Xu Xingzhi’s chest instantly became hot and his breathing became unsteady.

He put down his brush and stated: “. . . Shixiong, today I acted recklessly and caused the sect trouble. It is my fault.”

“Why can’t you make a move?” Xu Xingzhi asked curiously.

Jiu Zhideng clarified calmly: “Because my identity doesn’t allow me to do so. It is wrong to do it.” 

As he spoke, he removed his outer robe and draped it over Xu Xingzhi’s shoulders: “Shixiong, it is cold out, wear more.”

Xu Xingzhi accepted it naturally and continued: “Xiao-Deng, before you made a move, did you ask yourself, ‘If I retaliate against the opponent’s provocation, would it be right? If I were to counter and create dishonor for the sect, would that be right?’ Like so?”

Jiu Zhideng nodded.

Xu Xingzhi patted his head: “Next time you have to tell yourself, that is right.” 

Jiu Zhideng: “. . .”

“To allow oneself to be humiliated is to shame the sect.” Xu Xingzhi declared, “You are my, Xu Xingzhi’s, shidi, a disciple of Fengling Mountain. If you suffer ignominy, the entire Fengling Mountain will also be disgraced. So you can’t let yourself be wronged so easily, do you hear?”

Jiu Zhideng stared at Xu Xingzhi intently, nearly wishing to engrave the person before him into his two irises: “Jiu Zhideng will follow Shixiong’s teachings.”

Xu Xingzhi smiled in gratification and asked: “Have you seen Chongguang?” 

Hearing Meng Chongguang’s name, Jiu Zhideng’s expression sank, and just as he was about to say something, he heard a timid voice from behind the corridor not too far away: “Shixiong, I’m over here ne.”

Xu Xingzhi waved his hand: “Come here. I’ve asked Shifu for a bottle of elixir. In a while, I’ll bring you back and apply the medicine on your injury again.”

Meng Chongguang joyfully scampered over holding his toasty robe in his arms. Tearing off Jiu Zhideng’s robe, he tossed it onto the ground very naturally and wrapped his own robe over Xu Xingzhi’s shoulders. Following that, he opened his arms while he was at it and leaned over with incomparable attachment and reliance: “Shixiong is so kind to Chongguang.”

Xu Xingzhi took note of all of Meng Chongguang’s movements with his eyes. Making a conclusion in his heart, he teased: “You don’t want me to have Jiu Zhideng’s clothes draped over me ah.” 

Meng Chongguang: “???”

Jiu Zhideng: “???”

Xu Xingzhi considerately removed the robe that Meng Chongguang painstakingly warmed up and draped it on Jiu Zhideng’s shoulders then rubbed Meng Chongguang’s hair: “You two have a tacit understanding and were both hanging around the terrace because you had something to confess to each other ba. Then I’ll return to the hall first.”

Meng Chongguang dumbfoundedly watched Xu Xingzhi leave. 

While Jiu Zhideng cast Meng Chongguang’s clothes away out of disgust the moment Xu Xingzhi’s figure disappeared from sight.

Meng Chongguang put away his gentle little white flower appearance and gritted his teeth in anger: “What did you say to Shixiong?! Why would Shixiong develop this sort of misunderstanding?!”

Jiu Zhideng ignored him, put his writing tools and tucked his outer robe away and left without saying a word, leaving Meng Chongguang behind to circle around anxiously in place alone.

As Jiu Zhideng walked away, he lifted one of the sleeves on his outer robe and brought it to his face, sniffing cautiously, breathing in the light scent of agarwood that Xu Xingzhi had left on it. 

However, after walking a few steps further, he abruptly paused and pressed his lower abdomen unbearably, murmuring: “. . . Wu. En—”

He lowered his head and saw the change in his body bit by bit as a rare look of panic surfaced on his face.

He blushed, grasped his writing tools tightly, and ran away swiftly as if to hurl some unclean desire far, far away from his body.

The next day, the news that Xu Xingzhi shaved all of Yingtianchuan’s rookie’s hair and was penalized to have his hair shaved off as well, spread throughout Yingtianchuan. 

Coincidentally, according to the schedule of the day for the Heavenly Rankings competition, today happened to be Xu Xingzhi and Cheng Ding’s match.

Wen Xuechen arrived early as usual, but was surprised to find that Qu Chi and Zhou Beinan had long since been waiting.

Wen Xuechen maneuvered his wheelchair over: “Why did you two arrive so early?”

Zhou Beinan crossed his arms and chuckled: “I came so early in order to admire Xu Xingzhi’s new style.” 

Wen Xuechen turned to look at Qu Chi: “Qu Chi, are you also here for this?”

The normally prudent Qu Chi, pursed his lips and was somewhat embarrassed: “I. . . came to see what he looks like with short hair.”

Zhou Beinan retorted to Wen Xuechen: “And you’re not?”

Wen Xuechen asserted indifferently: “Naturally not.” 

Hearing this, Zhou Xian whispered to Zhou Beinan softly: “Ge, don’t believe him. He asked me three times last night to this morning if Xu-shixiong’s match was going to take place in the morning or the afternoon so that he could arrive early.”

Wen Xuechen couldn’t help frowning when he saw the two of them scrutinizing him: “. . . What are you talking about?”

The siblings, Zhou Xian and Zhou Beinan, waved their hands simultaneously and denied: “Nothing, familial affairs, merely matters of the household.”

Wen Xuechen stretched an arm out to Zhou Xian: “Stand beside me.” 

Zhou Xian’s cheeks were slightly stained with crimson, and just when she was about to trot over, she was pulled back by Zhou Beinan.

Zhou Beinan retorted: “My little sister isn’t your Qingliang Valley’s person, so why should she stand by you.”

Wen Xuechen affirmed: “Sooner or later she will be.”

At this moment, a commotion arose from outside the arena. The disciples of Fengling Mountain were entering the field. 

Zhou Beinan couldn’t wait to swivel his head around to look, but a single glance and he was so shocked that his jaw nearly dropped open.

Half a beat later, he only squeezed out one word: “. . . F*ck.”

All those of higher rank were also astonished and Guangfu-jun even nearly flipped the table before him over: “These degenerate disciples! How can each one be so lacking in decorum!”

—All who participated in the Heavenly Rankings competition from Fengling Mountain, aside from the female disciples and a single male disciple, had trimmed their hair to the same short length as Xu Xingzhi!