Ch39 - Do you think…… you’re the only one who knows how to bully people?

After hiding the little black snake back inside his sleeve, Feng Ci was too lazy to pay attention to the serpent still smacking his wrist in opposition. Lifting his foot, he stepped into the treasure storage house.

Broken Sword Manor’s treasure storage house was a three stories high loft that was divided into three floors. The center of the loft was hollow with a wooden staircase that climbed upwards in a spiral. Standing on the first floor and looking upwards, the big and tall exhibition shelves were completely occupied, full of magic weapons and items. It was a dazzling lineup. 

Even LangFeng City’s treasure house probably wouldn’t be much better than this.

“Most of the first floor are some defensive weapons and mystic cultivation manuals. The second floor are magic herbs, pills, medicine, and precious materials. The third floor are some rarely seen magic items. Lu-gongzi, what do you—”

Xiao ChengXuan was still introducing things to Feng Ci, but Feng Ci had already stopped paying attention. Instead, he walked straight forward.

There was a small platform placed at the front and center of the treasure storage house. The Phantom Spirit Cauldron was displayed there. 

Perhaps worried that it might get stolen again, several barriers were set up around the Phantom Spirit Cauldron. The barriers combined to create a faint red glow, which enveloped the bronze cauldron.

Feng Ci examined the Phantom Spirit Cauldron with interest. Xiao ChengXuan said: “Lu-gongzi, this Phantom Spirit Cauldron—”

“This Phantom Spirit Cauldron seems very important to your esteemed sect?” Feng Ci asked him.

Originally Feng Ci thought Broken Sword Manor was just a small sect that had accidentally acquired this magic weapon, which was used thousands of years ago. Naturally, they would regard it as a precious treasure. However, from what he can see now, Broken Sword Manor had countless treasures, amongst which, several were priced at even higher values than the Phantom Spirit Cauldron.

Yet Xiao ChengXuan would rather use these in exchange for the Phantom Spirit Cauldron. It can be seen just how important this item was to him.

“Yes,” Xiao ChengXuan didn’t hide it: “The first generation Manor Master had incidentally acquired this Phantom Spirit Cauldron. It has been passed down for generations and has always been viewed as the treasured symbol of our sect.”

As the treasured symbol, its significance far exceeded its practical value.

Naturally, it couldn’t be given to others. 

Feng Ci understood: “So that’s why Young Master Xiao stole the magic cauldron to sell it. He thought that after losing this inheritance, there’d be no need for your esteemed sect to strive bitterly for survival, right?”

Hearing these words, Xiao ChengXuan finally revealed a somewhat displeased expression.

However, he only shifted his gaze and said coolly: “ChengHuan wants me to forsake Broken Sword Manor, dismiss the disciples, and keep quiet for the sake of self-preservation.”

Feng Ci: “But you don’t want to?” 

“Of course I don’t want to.” Xiao ChengXuan placed both hands behind his back and said righteously: “Broken Sword Manor has centuries of legacy, how can I let it collapse in my hands?”

“But you should know that even the Great Master Hui Kong has fallen to those dastardly hands.” Feng Ci looked up at him and said calmly: “You may not want Broken Sword Manor to collapse in your hands, but if the mysterious murderer arrives at your doorsteps and slaughters the entire sect, wouldn’t Broken Sword Manor’s centuries of legacy face destruction all the same?”

“You—”

Feng Ci’s words weren’t very polite. Even Xiao ChengXuan couldn’t help but lose his composure somewhat. He took a deep breath to recollect himself briefly before saying coldly: “Lu-gongzi, I had only invited you to compensate you. If you want something, then pick them and leave as soon as possible. If you don’t want anything, I still have things to do and won’t be seeing you off.” 

These words can be pretty much considered a request for Feng Ci to leave the premises.

Feng Ci wasn’t annoyed however and only waved his hand: “No, don’t. This one did not intend to offend you, Manor Master Xiao.”

“Didn’t I say I had heard this morning that Broken Sword Manor was going to gather various sects to investigate the murderer together? This one really admires Manor Master Xiao for your courage and bravery. I also don’t wish to see that murderer continuing to go unpunished. Therefore, I came specifically, wanting to lend a hand to your esteemed sect.”

He spoke very sincerely, but Xiao ChengXuan’s expression still seemed somewhat hesitant. 

Feng Ci questioned immediately: “Manor Master Xiao, you’re recruiting the heroes of this world. So why are you unwilling to accept me, even though I have arrived at your gates and offered my assistance? Is it because you question my identity or……”

He narrowed his eyes and asked slowly: “You doubt my ability?”

Xiao ChengXuan shook his head: “I am not—”

Before he finished speaking, Feng Ci suddenly grabbed a dagger from the display shelf. 

The dagger was drawn within a blink of an eye and a piercing cold light flashed aggressively before Xiao ChengXuan’s eyes.

Xiao ChengXuan evaded subconsciously, but Feng Ci did not intend to stop. He pressed in closely, following Xiao ChengXuan’s moves at every step. The two people swiftly exchanged several blows.

Ceng—

Xiao ChengXuan’s heavy sword left its sheath, barely catching the dagger that almost sliced his throat. 

“Lu-gongzi, you…..”

Feng Ci only gave a faint smile and slightly lifted the hand holding the dagger. Xiao ChengXuan instantly felt a sharp and imposing sword aura rushing straight at him. He was forced to take several hastily steps backwards from the force. With a crash, he almost knocked over a display shelf behind him before he finally managed to steady himself.

On the other side, Feng Ci placed the dagger back into its sheath and then turned to give Xiao ChengXuan a smile: “Manor Master Xiao, apologies.”

Xiao ChengXuan didn’t answer. 

The heavy blade in his hand pointed downward, still trembling slightly. The arc between his thumb and forefinger, as well as half of his arm, were numb from the shock.

Heavy swords were based on strength and power. Yet just by using a mere, light-weight dagger, his opponent had suppressed him to such an extent.

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.

Just who was this person?

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Feng Ci: “Didn’t I tell you already? I admire Manor Master Xiao’s bravery and courage and I don’t wish to see that murderer continuing to go unpunished.”

Xiao ChengXuan stopped talking again.

“Manor Master Xiao, you can’t be still suspecting me, right?” Feng Ci shrugged his hands helplessly: “Let me speak bluntly. If I were that mysterious murderer, why would I waste so much time chatting with Manor Master Xiao here? Wouldn’t it be better if I attacked directly?” 

These words weren’t complete nonsense.

This entire path, he had visibly observed all of Broken Sword Manor’s precautionary measures. This level of defense was practically useless when placed in front of him.

Even just now— had he truly wanted to do something to Xiao ChengXuan, the other would have already died in his hands.

Xiao ChengXuan also understood this logic very quickly. 

He put away the heavy sword in his hand and bowed solemnly towards Feng Ci: “This one was unable to recognize your profound skills, Immortal Master. Please forgive me.”

Xiao ChengXuan, this person, looked unapproachable outwardly, but even his bones were filled with righteousness and integrity. When he spoke and acted, he didn’t take a lot of twists and turns. Now that Feng Ci has demonstrated his strength, Xiao ChengXuan has also changed his address directly.

“Manor Master Xiao, there’s no need for this.” Feng Ci didn’t take offense and said: “I arrived very abruptly. I can understand Manor Master Xiao’s concerns. However, it’s best that we discuss countermeasures as soon as possible.”

Xiao ChengXuan said: “Do you have any insights on this, Immortal Master?” 

Feng Ci raised his hand and pointed at the bronze cauldron placed in front of him.

A little while later, Feng Ci successfully obtained room and board in the Broken Sword Manor.

It’s only been a little more than half a day since Broken Sword Manor made their announcement to the cultivation world. That mysterious murderer wouldn’t turn their sight here in such a short period of time. They still have time to set up defensive strategies slowly.

That night, Xiao ChengXuan hosted a banquet in the manor to welcome Feng Ci. 

It can be seen from the state of Broken Sword Manor’s treasure storage house that they were actually quite strong. However, regardless of Feng Ci’s tour visit during the day or the banquet at night, the interior of the manor in both instances seemed somewhat deserted.

Feng Ci also didn’t like to beat around the bush and asked his question directly.

When he spoke up, Xiao ChengXuan just happened to be pouring wine for Feng Ci. Hearing these words, he stopped briefly before saying calmly: “After the Immortal Alliance publicized that list, I released all the disciples who didn’t want to stay anymore.”

This did indeed fit the style of this young Manor Master. 

He was unyielding and proud, willing to stay and fight against the enemy, but he wouldn’t force all the disciples of his sect to face calamity together with him. Letting them go voluntarily was the right thing to do.

However, this decision had undoubtedly weakened the manor’s defensive abilities.

Nevertheless, they still obstinately refused to seek assistance from the Immortal Alliance.

Feng Ci raised his wine cup and clinked it against Xiao ChengXuan’s cup, saying half jokingly: “Manor Master Xiao, although solo courage isn’t a bad thing, sometimes you should try not to be too obstinate.” 

“Obstinate?” Xiao ChengXuan threw his head back, drained the wine in his cup, and chuckled quietly: “ChengHuan also calls me obstinate.”

“Speaking of Young Master Xiao……” Feng Ci looked at the darkened skies outside and said in a quiet tone: “I wonder how he is right now.”

This entire afternoon, Xiao ChengXuan had been together with Feng Ci. Meanwhile, that Young Master Xiao should still be kneeling in front of Xiao ChengXuan’s room during this time.

Counting from last night, he had already knelt for an entire day and night. Who knows if he could tolerate this. 

A hint of concern also flashed across Xiao ChengXuan’s eyes. However, he put it away very quickly: “Drink. No need to mind him.”

There was amusement in Feng Ci’s eyes: “You really don’t care?”

“He stole the treasured symbol of the sect and violated the sect’s rules. I have already expelled him from Broken Sword Manor. He’s the one unwilling to leave and insisting on kneeling in front of my room.” Xiao ChengXuan scoffed coldly: “Let him kneel. When he can’t handle it, he’ll naturally leave.”

Feng Ci sighed idly: “But from what I can see, his obstinance is not any less  than yours, Manor Master Xiao.” 

Xiao ChengXuan continued to drink, not answering.

Feng Ci noted his reaction.

This young Manor Master was clearly very worried, yet he was still feigning nonchalance. If Feng Ci guessed correctly, he had expelled the other from the manor, most likely because he was worried that his younger brother would encounter danger staying here.

Yet he had decided to use such a brutal and unyielding method. 

Only firm in speech, but soft at heart.

Feng Ci smiled and didn’t get involved in other people’s family business.

The two people drank and chatted idly at the same time, until after three rounds of drinking, someone walked inside swiftly.

“Manor Master!” It was a Broken Sword Manor disciple. 

Xiao ChengXuan frowned in displeasure: “Didn’t I instruct not to be bothered for unimportant business. Can’t you see that I’m entertaining a guest?”

“Yes, but……” That disciple fell to his knees and hesitated for a moment: “But young master he……”

Xiao ChengXuan’s expression changed instantly: “What’s wrong with ChengHuan?”

“He, he fainted!” 

Xiao ChengXuan stood up abruptly.

Noticing that he had lost his composure, Xiao ChengXuan coughed softly and looked somewhat hesitant.

It was Feng Ci who said: “Manor Master Xiao, you should hurry and take a look.”

So panicked already and still pretending? 

Xiao ChengXuan finally bid farewell to Feng Ci and walked out the door with that disciple following behind him. As soon as he passed the door, his footsteps immediately increased in pace. It didn’t take long for his figure to disappear.

Feng Ci laughed quietly and tilted his head back to finish drinking the wine in his cup. The sharp, biting taste of the wine stung enough to make him furrow his brow slightly.

With Feng Ci’s cultivation level, he normally didn’t need to eat. Naturally, it’s been a very long time since he drank wine. He was very self-conscious that he didn’t have any addiction towards this thing, but suddenly trying it after not tasting any for such a long time, he actually found it not a terrible experience.

Not to mention, this Broken Sword Manor’s wine had a rich aroma and memorable aftertaste. It can be considered a hard-to-come-by and remarkably good wine. 

Therefore, he had unknowingly drunk a few more cups than planned.

Feng Ci still wanted to reach for the wine jug when a little black snake climbed out of his sleeve and wrapped around his finger.

“Yo~ Finally willing to come out?” Feng Ci asked him.

The little black snake stopped on the tip of Feng Ci’s finger and raised its head: “Master, you drank too much.” 

“No way.” Feng Ci narrowed his eyes: “Don’t underestimate me.”

However, since the host had already left, Feng Ci no longer has any need to stay here. He picked up the unfinished wine jug on the table and got up to return to his room.

As soon as he got up, his body began swaying.

Feng Ci: “……” 

His drinking ability wasn’t this bad before, right?

Feng Ci lowered his head. The little black snake was still wrapped around his finger, its cute round little head perked up high, currently staring fixed at him.

He cleared his throat, put down the wine jug with feigned nonchalance, and turned to walk outside.

Exiting the door, a Broken Sword Manor disciple immediately greeted him: “Immortal Master, be careful. This disciple will lead you back to your room.” 

Of course Feng Ci refused: “No need. I’m not drunk. I can find it.”

After saying this, he slowly staggered out of the courtyard.

Pei QianYue reminded him, saying: “……To the right.”

Feng Ci retracted his foot, which was about to step to the left, and emphasized earnestly: “I just have a poor sense of direction. It’s not because I drank too much.” 

Pei QianYue’s voice was neutral: “En, I know.”

A moment later, under Pei QianYue’s guidance, Feng Ci finally returned to the room that Xiao ChengXuan arranged for him, safe and unharmed.

He didn’t even bother lighting the candle. Walking directly in the dark, he fell onto the bed.

“Dizzy……” Sinking into his soft bed, Feng Ci furrowed his brow tightly. 

He didn’t feel anything just now when drinking it, but he finally noticed at this moment— the repercussion of Broken Sword Manor’s wine was very intense. Now that the liquor has taken effect, Feng Ci felt like the entire world was spinning, very uncomfortable.

The little black snake slowly crawled out of his sleeve and climbed next to him: “Who told you to drink so much.”

“My drinking ability wasn’t bad before.” Feng Ci closed his eyes, voice slightly muffled and unclear: “It’s definitely this body’s problem.”

Pei QianYue didn’t comment. 

He nuzzled against Feng Ci’s cheek and said quietly: “Master, change me back. I’ll help you pour some tea to sober up.”

He was cursed into his original form by Feng Ci and couldn’t transform back himself.

“Oh……” Feng Ci acknowledged it quietly and slowly crawled up into a sitting position. He raised a hand and placed it on the little black snake’s body.

But then paused. 

During the day, didn’t he decide to teach this person a good lesson?

Why was it again?

Feng Ci looked at the little snake under his palm with narrowed eyes and tilted his head. He couldn’t remember.

But it did happen, probably. 

Can’t let him off.

Thinking this, Feng Ci curled his fingers and made another seal.

Pei QianYue naturally realized the use of this seal. The little black snake’s body abruptly tensed up and moved back to evade.

But Feng Ci moved even faster: “Seal.” 

A half-transparent confinement array landed on the little black snake. Unable to avoid it in time, the little black snake was enveloped completely, looking like it had been imprisoned within a spherical vessel.

Pei QianYue: “……”

The little black snake was clearly pissed off immensely. It smacked its tail inside the vessel forcefully, appearing to be still saying something. However, that confinement array not only restricted all of its movements, it also blocked off all sound.

With a flick from Feng Ci’s fingers, that vessel rolled off the bed. 

The little black snake rolled around on the floor in that vessel, which ultimately rolled in the corner and stopped moving.

Feng Ci gave a satisfied smile: “You can just stay there.”

Immediately afterwards, he yawned. Finally unable to resist the sudden feeling of drowsiness, he fell asleep on the bed in his clothes.

The room fell into silence once again. 

Only the little black snake, who was confined to the corner inside the confinement array, still struggled to smack and hit that half-transparent barrier.

Maybe due to being too inebriated, Feng Ci didn’t use a very high level confinement array. Not long afterwards, under the snake’s relentless attack, the glowing barrier finally cracked slightly.

The little black snake raised its head. A green wisp emerged from the top of its head and floated through the crack.

The next second, the body of the snake collapsed lightly inside the vessel. Meanwhile, the crack that was created swiftly returned to normal. 

Inside the dark room, only the green wisp floated around in the air and at last, arrived next to the bed and transformed into human form.

In a half-transparent state, Pei QianYue bent down slightly next to the bed.

Feng Ci was completely unaware of all this, sleeping soundly.

“You only know how to bully me all day long……” Pei QianYue grinded his teeth, voice filled with anger. 

Although the confinement array that Feng Ci used wasn’t high level, his cultivation was still deep and profound after all. Even someone like Pei QianYue found it very difficult to break through within a short period of time. Since his physical body had also been transformed into a snake by Feng Ci and unable to change back any time soon, Pei QianYue simply decided to leave his body with his Divine Consciousness and escape from the crack that had formed in the confinement array.

The Divine Conscious state wasn’t without benefits either.

He reached out a hand, lightly tracing the contours of Feng Ci’s peacefully sleeping face with his fingertips. As if slightly ticklish from the touch, Feng Ci raised his hand and gave it a wave, but it directly slipped through Pei QianYue’s wrist.

Not touching anything at all. 

In his Divine Conscious state, as long as Pei QianYue wanted it, Feng Ci wouldn’t be able to touch him.

Pei QianYue’s fingers continued to move downward, brushing across his smooth cheek, touching his soft, shiny lips, and then finally landing on his delicate and slender neck.

His fingers were somewhat cold. Feng Ci shivered briefly from the chill.

Thinking of some unknown thing, a smile suddenly appeared on Pei QianYue’s face: “Do you think…… you’re the only one who knows how to bully people?” 

He lowered his head and pressed his forehead against Feng Ci’s forehead, his body transforming into a green wisp once again.

And floated into the center of Feng Ci’s brow.

Quietly entering his Sea of Awareness.

The author has something to say: 

There’s a snake about to bully people (get beaten up) again.