Chapter 11

Restoring his appearance, Jiang Chu Ting returned to the Nine Heavens by noon. As soon as he stepped onto the wooden cabin’s stairs, Pei Jing appeared at the door. Dressed in a crimson round-collared brocade robe and wearing a hair crown, he exuded an air of nobility. However, at this moment, his refined eyebrows were filled with anger. He didn’t even call him “Master” but instead glared at him and called out his name directly, “Jiang Chu Ting! You still know how to come back? Do you remember you have a disciple?!”

Jiang Chu Ting returned a bit later than he had said, and Pei Jing’s anger was expected, but not to this extent. Jiang Chu Ting’s expression remained unchanged as he continued upstairs, asking, “What’s wrong? Didn’t my third senior brother come over?”

Ji Chun’s voice came from inside the house, “How could I not come? Would I not handle the task you assigned?”

Jiang Chu Ting looked at Pei Jing, who appeared healthy and not like someone who had been in trouble.

Seeing Jiang Chu Ting’s seemingly indifferent attitude, Pei Jing was so angry he wanted to bite him. Blocking his path, he said furiously, “Are you my master, or is he my master? Just handing me over to someone else and ignoring me?? Didn’t you say you’d be back in two days?”

Jiang Chu Ting calmly replied, “Something came up.”

Pei Jing stared hard at his face, hidden by a mask, still unconvinced, “No matter what came up, knowing I was waiting for you, you still took your time. You just don’t care about me!”

Jiang Chu Ting didn’t want to argue with him and gently said, “It was my fault.”

Pei Jing’s eyes widened slightly. He actually apologized? The anger he had been holding onto suddenly had nowhere to go.

Jiang Chu Ting said, “Let’s go inside first.” Pei Jing, with a sullen face, snorted coldly and went inside, heading straight to his room.

Inside, Ji Chun was leisurely drinking tea. Jiang Chu Ting removed his mask, knelt opposite him, and smiled, “Senior brother, thank you for your hard work these past two days.”

Ji Chun glanced at him and said meaningfully, “Chu Ting, the ones you take in aren’t disciples; they’re ancestors, aren’t they?”

Jiang Chu Ting returned a helpless smile. He indeed had no good fortune when it came to taking in disciples.

“Sorry for troubling you, senior brother.”

Ji Chun didn’t really want to talk about the disciples. He put down his teacup, rubbed his hands, and leisurely said, “By the way, have you thought about that matter?”

Jiang Chu Ting was momentarily stunned before realizing what he was referring to, and his heart tightened, “I… I’ve been…”

Ji Chun’s eyes were sharp, “What’s been going on? Do you have time to meet?”

Jiang Chu Ting told him about what happened at the foot of the mountain, “I’ve been busy investigating this matter, so I probably don’t have time to think about these things.”

Ji Chun could tell it was an excuse and frowned, looking at him like a child who couldn’t be trusted, “You can investigate, but can’t you care about yourself a bit more? You’re not young anymore, and you don’t have a reliable disciple. Are you planning to spend your life alone?”

Under his intense gaze, Jiang Chu Ting honestly said, “Being alone isn’t impossible.”

Ji Chun slapped the table, his eyebrows raised, “Then what were you considering before? How to fool me??!”

He was angry, and Jiang Chu Ting was momentarily speechless, lowering his eyes. This was indeed the result of his consideration, but it was wise not to speak at this moment.

Seeing his expression, Ji Chun felt both soft-hearted and annoyed. Finally, his tone softened, but his words were firm, “In two days, at the Jingfeng Teahouse at the foot of the mountain, you have to go, whether you want to or not. Whether it’s suitable or not, whether you like it or not, you have to meet first to know.”

With that, he got up, and Jiang Chu Ting quickly called out, “Senior brother, wait.”

Ji Chun left with a flick of his sleeve.

Because of this matter, Zhong Hua came to the back mountain to talk with Jiang Chu Ting for half a day. As the eldest brother, he was like a father, and Jiang Chu Ting couldn’t refuse anymore, so he agreed.

Jiang Chu Ting didn’t even have dinner, lying on the bed, feeling a headache.

Just as he was closing his eyes, pressing his throbbing temples with his fingers, someone approached him. Jiang Chu Ting opened his eyes to see Pei Jing sitting by the bed, now looking like a well-behaved disciple, concerned, “Master, do you have a headache? Let me massage it for you.”

Jiang Chu Ting was used to his unpredictable nature and didn’t find it strange, but he declined his offer, “No need, you should rest.”

Pei Jing leaned closer, his eyes fixed on him, half-smiling, “I’m your disciple. It’s my duty to take care of you. Let me do it.”

With that, he really reached out, using his middle and index fingers to massage him.

“I appreciate your kindness, but really, there’s no need.” Jiang Chu Ting felt he couldn’t accept it and tried to turn his head away, but Pei Jing forcibly turned it back, “Why not!?”

His grip was a bit strong, and Jiang Chu Ting’s lips were slightly pursed from the pressure, his eyes widening slightly, momentarily at a loss for words.

Pei Jing had always been suspicious of Jiang Chu Ting’s age, feeling that his appearance didn’t match someone in their thirties. He had observed that one reason was his excellent bone structure, which probably wouldn’t change much in the coming years.

Another significant reason was his eyes. His black pupils were large and round, as clear as a child’s eyes, yet without the ignorance of a child. They were beautiful and full of a gentle, peaceful strength, making him appear very young.

Plus, his posture was always upright and proper, full of energy, making people overlook his age.

At this moment, being stared at by Jiang Chu Ting’s wide eyes, Pei Jing was momentarily stunned, as if his hand had been burned, and he quickly let go, pursing his lips with a look of near tears, “Master, are you mad at me? I was wrong. I shouldn’t have spoken to you like that. I just… I just missed you too much. You didn’t come back, and I felt so down. Let me do something for you, or I won’t feel at ease.”

His eyes were full of sincerity, making Jiang Chu Ting feel he might have been too harsh, rejecting his intentions.

Jiang Chu Ting said, “I…”

Before he could finish, Pei Jing’s hand was back, and Jiang Chu Ting thought for a moment and didn’t avoid it. His pressure was just right, and it felt very comfortable, relieving his headache significantly. He lowered his eyelids, his eyes half-open.

Pei Jing’s gaze boldly traced his eyebrows and features, asking softly, “Master, what did Zhong Hua say to you? You seem troubled.”

Zhong Hua had spoken to Jiang Chu Ting outside, so Pei Jing hadn’t heard their conversation and didn’t know what was bothering Jiang Chu Ting.

Hearing this, Jiang Chu Ting opened his eyes. This wasn’t something he could easily explain, so he simply said, “It’s nothing.” Thinking about how this child was always concerned about him leaving, he decided to tell him in advance to avoid him getting upset later, “By the way, Xiao Jiu.”

Pei Jing’s hands didn’t stop, his eyes blinking innocently, “Master, go ahead.”

Facing his sweet gaze, Jiang Chu Ting paused before saying, “I need to investigate something, so I’ll be going down the mountain from time to time…”

Pei Jing’s expression changed dramatically, letting go and staring at him in disbelief, “What?! You just got back, and you’re thinking of leaving again?? What do you take me for?!” Pei Jing suddenly felt like his tone was that of a resentful palace woman, his anger burning even more, but he quickly controlled it, his eyes red, and said sadly, “Although I initially became your disciple out of impulse, I’ve been sincere since calling you Master. You treat me well, but I always feel you’re not sincere. Master, do you actually dislike me and don’t want to see me, but are constrained by my status, so you keep finding excuses to leave?”

Jiang Chu Ting hadn’t expected such a straightforward confession, feeling quite surprised. He slowly sat up. When Mo Lin was around, he would also go down the mountain to wander and relax. Mo Lin would practice swordsmanship as instructed, never asking when he’d return, just coming back whenever he did. Wei Jia was even less concerned, as long as there was food and drink, he was happy whether his master was home or not. Only this child repeatedly expressed his desire for him to stay home.

Jiang Chu Ting explained, “I don’t dislike you. I used to go down the mountain often, and I really have things to do.”

As he spoke, his lips moved, and Pei Jing quietly watched him. He wore a light blue robe, his long, fair neck exposed from the collar, a strand of hair falling over his shoulder, resting on his clear, beautiful collarbone. Blue clothes, black hair, red lips, white teeth, the flickering candlelight, this scene had an inexplicable strong impact, making one’s mind heat up. Pei Jing’s throat tightened, his heart burning, completely missing what he was saying, suddenly diving into his arms, hugging him, breathing heavily.

Jiang Chu Ting’s hands lifted but froze, softly calling, “Xiao Jiu?”

“What could be so important? I know you, always meddling out of kindness, just getting involved in others’ business. You care about everything and everyone else, but why not care about me?”

Jiang Chu Ting sighed, “Lives are at stake, it’s not just meddling.”

“I don’t care, I don’t care.” Pei Jing’s head burrowed into his embrace, “I don’t want you to leave, you can’t leave, stay home with me, don’t go anywhere!”

Jiang Chu Ting was momentarily at a loss, but his earnest plea made him feel guilty, patting his shoulder, “Alright, I’ll come back as soon as I finish my business. Don’t fuss, go to sleep.” The recent kids he encountered were getting better at being clingy.

Pei Jing knew his nature, seemingly gentle but with a stubborn streak. Though dissatisfied, he could only suppress it for now. After lingering a bit, he finally returned to his own bed.

For the next two days, except for sleeping separately, Pei Jing was almost inseparable, following him like a little tail.

When Jiang Chu Ting practiced swordsmanship, Pei Jing watched and learned the moves. Seeing his seriousness, Jiang Chu Ting was inclined to guide him.

In fact, he had a strong comprehension ability. If not for being forced to practice that evil skill, his martial arts would have been outstanding.

With Mo Lin not back, Pei Jing soaked in the medicinal spring with Jiang Chu Ting accompanying him. After soaking and adjusting his breath, they returned to the cabin, where Pei Jing brought him a very exquisite small porcelain jar.

“What’s this?”

“Jade Dew Ointment for scar removal. Didn’t you get a sword wound before? Applying this daily will quickly make the scar disappear.” Pei Jing opened the lid, dipped his finger into the cool, clear ointment, and brought it to his nose, “Don’t worry, it won’t leave any strange smell on you. Here, Master, let me apply it for you.”

Jiang Chu Ting felt he didn’t need it and was thinking of how to refuse when he saw Pei Jing eagerly reaching out, seemingly about to help him undress. Startled, he laughed and stepped back, “Thank you, but I can do it myself.”

Pei Jing smiled, his eyes curving, “Master, you’re being too polite with me.” He closed the lid and handed it to him, “Don’t waste your disciple’s good intentions, apply it every day.”

Jiang Chu Ting took the cool porcelain jar, nodding, “Alright, I’ll use it.”

The day to meet that man arrived. It was said the other party came from a scholarly family and was aware of the bad rumors about him in the martial world but still agreed to meet. Jiang Chu Ting promised Zhong Hua to have a good chat, and if it didn’t feel right, just make a new friend.

Jiang Chu Ting dressed simply, took his sword, and was about to go down the mountain when several senior brothers intercepted him at the main hall. When they finally let him go, he was completely transformed.

Wide-sleeved robes, jade belt, brocade boots, jade hairpin, and a jade pendant at his waist, he stood tall and elegant, like a noble young master, and his mask was confiscated.

At least they left him his sword.

Jiang Chu Ting looked back repeatedly. Going out with this face, wearing a mask had become a habit, and he really wanted his mask back.

Ji Chun waved him off, urging, “Hurry up! Don’t waste time.”

Jiang Chu Ting, utterly helpless, had no choice but to go to the meeting dressed like this.

Once Jiang Chu Ting’s figure was far enough, Pei Jing emerged from the corner, frowning, full of suspicion and displeasure, his voice low and cold, “Why is he suddenly dressed like this? What’s he planning to do? I feel something’s off. He said it was a matter of life and death, but was he lying to me again?!”

The more he spoke, the angrier he got, and the four subordinates behind him didn’t dare make a sound. Pei Jing intended to follow, but one subordinate quickly said, “Your Highness, it might not be wise to go now.”

Pei Jing turned back, glaring, “Shut up, all of you follow me!” He wanted to see what big things this person was busy with every time he left him to go down the mountain.