Chapter 17

Every time Jiang Chu Ting went down the mountain before, Pei Jing would send people to follow him, but Jiang Chu Ting always managed to shake them off.

Whenever he stayed out for a few extra days, Pei Jing would be full of complaints and wouldn’t give him a good face. But after venting his anger, he’d start calling him “Master, Master” affectionately again.

However, today was different from usual. Pei Jing kept a cold face until the evening before resting, when he finally sat by Jiang Chu Ting’s bed and initiated a conversation.

Pei Jing stared straight at him and said, “Master, I’m about to leave soon. Aren’t you going to miss me?”

Jiang Chu Ting was taken aback. Indeed, he had been so preoccupied with investigating his matters that he forgot that in just over half a month, Pei Jing’s poison would be mostly cured, and he would definitely be heading back to the Imperial Palace.

Initially, he did hope that Pei Jing would quickly detoxify and leave. But after spending these days together, hearing him talk about leaving did stir a bit of reluctance in him.

In name, he was Pei Jing’s master, but in fact, if you set aside Pei Jing’s identity, he just saw him as an ordinary junior. Apart from teaching him swordsmanship a few times and helping him adjust his breathing, he hadn’t done much. Yet, Pei Jing seemed to have an inexplicable attachment to him, which made Jiang Chu Ting feel a bit guilty.

Jiang Chu Ting looked back at him, raised his hand to pat his shoulder, and said softly, “In the future, if there’s a chance, I’ll come to see you.” Although such opportunities would be rare, given that the Imperial Palace is not just any ordinary mansion.

“I don’t want to wait for the future.” Pei Jing grabbed his hand, his eyes flashing with urgency. “Master, come back to Jin City with me. If you come with me, I promise I won’t treat you poorly, and I’ll definitely keep you safe.” Pei Jing’s original plan was to make Jiang Chu Ting care for him, reluctant to let him go, and willingly return to the palace with him. Jiang Chu Ting was indeed kind to him, gentle and tolerant of his temper, but that was it. No matter how hard he tried, Jiang Chu Ting’s heart was clearly elsewhere. Whether it was the son of his old friend or the matters he was involved in, they all seemed more important than his disciple. He couldn’t deny it even if he wanted to.

For this person, neither hard tactics nor soft ones worked. Jiang Chu Ting had his own thoughts, and Pei Jing couldn’t influence them at all.

Jiang Chu Ting had several senior brothers, all with decent skills. Pei Jing could have recruited one of them to help him, but he didn’t want to. He only wanted this person. He had been selfish from the start.

Faced with Pei Jing’s invitation again, Jiang Chu Ting opened his mouth but still gently refused, “Xiao Jiu, just like you, a noble of royal blood, aren’t suited to stay in Nine Heavens forever. Your master isn’t suited to go back with you either.”

No matter how much he said, it was all just excuses. Pei Jing’s eyes dimmed, and he said dejectedly, “So direct, you won’t even try to comfort me.”

Jiang Chu Ting sighed softly and said to him, “It’s best for both of us to stay in our respective places. Don’t be sad; we can still meet in the future.”

Pei Jing was sullen, playing with his fingers, and his eyes fixed on the bite marks on Jiang Chu Ting’s hand, clearly fresh.

Pei Jing remained calm, having guessed most of it, feeling as if boiling water was poured over his heart, his breath heavy. He leaned into Jiang Chu Ting’s embrace, his cheek against the soft fabric of his clothes, inhaling the pleasant scent from him.

Pei Jing had never been so patient and tolerant with anyone in his life, but what he got in return was not equal. He was angry and aggrieved, and couldn’t help but say, “Master, can’t you like me a little more?”

“Hmm? Master already likes you a lot.”

“Not enough, a little more.” He wanted it all.

“Alright, alright, a little more.” Jiang Chu Ting patted his head like coaxing a child, speaking softly, “It’s late, let’s rest.”

Pei Jing was a bit sullen. Jiang Chu Ting watched over him as he practiced for a while, and when he lay down, Jiang Chu Ting also lay down to sleep.

Pei Jing tossed and turned for a while, then got up to fiddle with the incense burner, letting a faint, pleasant aroma fill the room.

Jiang Chu Ting asked, “Xiao Jiu, what are you doing?”

“I’m feeling restless and can’t sleep, so I’m lighting some calming incense.” Pei Jing turned to look at him and said softly, “Don’t you like this scent? Should I…”

“No problem, I quite like it.” Jiang Chu Ting said, “Once you’re done, go to sleep.”

Perhaps it was the effect of the calming incense, but the next day, Jiang Chu Ting felt especially refreshed when he woke up.

Pei Jing’s mood was much better than the day before. He clung to Jiang Chu Ting, acting spoiled, and dragged him outside to practice swordsmanship. Jiang Chu Ting demonstrated once, and Pei Jing followed along. Jiang Chu Ting taught him diligently, and before they knew it, half the day had passed.

Pei Jing felt that every time he was with Jiang Chu Ting, time flew by.

“Master, did you create this sword technique yourself?” Pei Jing’s eyes were fixed on him, filled with an indescribable brightness.

This person usually gave off the impression of a refined and elegant gentleman, but in reality, that was just one side of him. When he held a sword, his sharpness was like cold ice, making people not dare to underestimate him. After all, he was the one who became famous for his swordsmanship at the martial arts conference at the age of sixteen. Pei Jing felt a bit regretful that he couldn’t witness his brilliance in person back then.

Jiang Chu Ting casually hummed in response, handing him a handkerchief to wipe his sweat. Pei Jing didn’t take it, instead leaning his face closer, “Master, can you wipe it for me? I’m about to leave, can’t you pamper me a bit more?”

Hearing his sweet and sticky tone expressing his grievances, Jiang Chu Ting smiled, “Xiao Jiu, are you this spoiled at home too?”

“No, I’m only like this with you, Master.”

It made sense. In the palace, he couldn’t act like this. Only here could he be himself. Jiang Chu Ting used the handkerchief to wipe the sweat from his forehead and cheeks.

“When I’m thirty, forty, fifty… I still want to cling to you and have you pamper me.” They stood face to face, very close. Pei Jing’s gaze gradually deepened, staring at the face he had longed for day and night. Suddenly, a rush of blood surged to his head, and he grabbed Jiang Chu Ting’s wrist as he was about to pull back, his eyes burning, “Because I like you, Master, very much. What about you? Do you have a place for me in your heart?”

Jiang Chu Ting’s eyes widened slightly, feeling a bit strange, but he smiled at him, “Of course, you and Wei Jia are both my disciples.”

Pei Jing’s lips twitched, and he pressed on, “Am I the same as Wei Jia to you, with no difference?”

“There is.” Jiang Chu Ting said, “You’re more mischievous than him.”

Pei Jing was silent for a moment, unable to hold back, he took a small step forward. But before his face could get closer, Jiang Chu Ting quickly broke free from his grip, calmly stepping back, his clothes fluttering slightly, looking at him with a hint of surprise.

The advance and retreat happened in an instant. They were still standing opposite each other, but the distance between them was slightly farther than before.

They looked at each other for a moment, and Pei Jing laughed a few times, “You said I was mischievous, and now you’re scared.”

Jiang Chu Ting smiled faintly and said to him, “Yes, it’s getting late, let’s go back.” His tone was gentle, and after speaking, he turned and walked ahead. Pei Jing watched his tall and graceful back for a while before catching up with big strides, calling out, “Master, wait for me!”

For several nights in a row, Pei Jing lit the calming incense, and Jiang Chu Ting got used to the scent, not questioning it. Every day after practicing with Pei Jing, he would lie down to sleep, sleeping soundly until dawn, and then being followed closely by Pei Jing until nightfall.

In the blink of an eye, it was the day before meeting Lin Zhi. That night, while practicing, Pei Jing seemed to be lost in thought and made a mistake again. Fortunately, Jiang Chu Ting was watching him closely and quickly helped him. As a result, they both ended up staying up until the middle of the night.

With the lingering fragrance, Jiang Chu Ting slept deeply that night. When he finally opened his eyes, he noticed the sky outside was dim, and it seemed to be raining lightly.

Seeing him slowly wake up, Pei Jing, who had been expressionless by the bed, immediately showed a bright smile, “Master, you’re finally awake! You worked hard for me last night, and I couldn’t bear to wake you, so I just watched you sleep.”

Jiang Chu Ting sat up, his hair falling over his shoulders, rubbing his aching temples, his voice slightly hoarse, “Xiao Jiu, what time is it now?”

“It’s already the hour of the rooster (5-7 PM).” Pei Jing replied, then asked, “Are you hungry? Wait a moment, I’ll go get you something to eat.”

Hearing the time, Jiang Chu Ting closed his eyes. He had felt something was off earlier, and now he realized a whole day had passed, and it was already evening.

He never expected to sleep until now. Remembering Lin Zhi’s words before parting, Jiang Chu Ting couldn’t help but feel anxious. Not being able to keep the appointment on time, that child must be angry. How should he coax him when he goes?

“Xiao Jiu, no need.” Jiang Chu Ting pulled Pei Jing, who was about to turn and leave, and said, “I won’t eat. I have something to do and need to go down the mountain.”

Jiang Chu Ting got up from the bed, quickly dressed and tied his hair, grabbed his sword and disguise pill, and was about to head out. Pei Jing, who had been watching coldly from the side, suddenly stepped forward, blocking the doorway. His chin slightly raised, his eyes filled with shadows, but his lips held a smile as he affectionately asked, “My dear master, in the dark and slippery night, you’re in such a hurry to go down the mountain. Who are you going to see? Someone important? How about letting your disciple escort you?”