Chapter 24

The two of them just wanted to grab a bite to eat. Who would’ve thought that as soon as they sat down, before their wontons even arrived, trouble would find them.

Across the street, two martial arts sects got into a fight over seating. Young and hot-blooded, about thirty people ended up brawling, taking the fight from inside to outside, and even smashing the table in front of Jiang Chu Ting and Lin Zhi.

Jiang Chu Ting and Lin Zhi calmly stood up and stepped aside, while the other customers fled in a panic. The old man running the wonton stall cried out, trying to stop them, “Please, sirs, don’t wreck my stall!”

Two of the fighters, blinded by rage, ignored him and knocked over a pot of boiling water in the scuffle. Most of the water splashed onto the old man, who screamed and collapsed to the ground.

Jiang Chu Ting leaped forward, not even drawing his sword, and in no time at all, he deftly separated the two fighters.

Lin Zhi checked on the old man and said to him, “Chu Ran, he’s fainted from the pain.”

Standing between the two fighters, Jiang Chu Ting, tall and imposing, with a cold gaze, said clearly, “There’s nothing wrong with a competition between sects, but please don’t involve innocent people. Now the old man is hurt because of you. Please leave money for his treatment before you go.”

The two disciples, having felt Jiang Chu Ting’s powerful internal strength earlier, knew he was no ordinary person. But they were too consumed by anger to care. One of them pointed at him and shouted, “Who are you to speak to me like that? Do you know which sect we belong to? How dare you ask us for money! You’re asking for trouble!”

The other one chimed in maliciously, “Didn’t you see that old fool blocking my way? Why should I pay him? It’s a wonder I’m not asking him for money!”

Jiang Chu Ting asked, “So you won’t pay or admit your mistake?”

Both of them snorted disdainfully.

Jiang Chu Ting said calmly, “Then today, you won’t be leaving.” Lin Zhi tossed some money to two passersby, asking them to take the old man to a clinic, then quickly ran to Jiang Chu Ting’s side, smirking, “They don’t deserve your attention, Chu Ran. Just rest, I’ll handle this.”

Jiang Chu Ting glanced at him, smiling, “I can handle it, it’ll be quick.”

Knowing they were no match for Jiang Chu Ting, the two fighters called for reinforcements. The others, who had been fighting, stopped and gathered around, forming two groups and surrounding Jiang Chu Ting and Lin Zhi.

The situation quickly escalated from two-on-two to over thirty-on-two.

Jiang Chu Ting’s expression didn’t change much, while Lin Zhi smirked at the clueless crowd.

By now, the street vendors and passersby had backed away to watch the spectacle from a distance. Many people peered through door cracks or from upstairs windows, not wanting to miss such an exciting scene.

Someone in the group on the left whispered, “Senior Brother, we did hurt someone. Let’s just pay and be done with it.” But no one listened. At this point, whoever paid first would lose face. Besides, they had the advantage in numbers.

Jiang Chu Ting sighed, placing his hand on his sword hilt and drawing his long sword.

The newcomers, unaware of his prowess, saw him wielding a common sword that even the most modest sect disciples would disdain, and they laughed derisively.

But soon, they couldn’t laugh anymore.

This man, with a sword everyone looked down on, swept through them like a storm. These disciples, wearing their sect uniforms, were knocked around by two unknown individuals, their faces burning with shame.

Fortunately, Jiang Chu Ting was careful not to injure anyone seriously. After being overwhelmed, the crowd realized they had no chance of winning and retreated to the sides. Jiang Chu Ting and Lin Zhi sheathed their swords.

“Who… who are you with?” someone asked Jiang Chu Ting. He used a sword technique he had developed in recent years, unafraid of being recognized. Just as he was about to say he belonged to no sect, Lin Zhi crossed his arms and declared, “Remember this, we’re the Chu-Lin Duo. Next time you dare to cross us, we won’t be so merciful. Now pay up and get lost!”

Jiang Chu Ting glanced at Lin Zhi’s arrogant demeanor and couldn’t help but smile.

“Chu-Lin Duo?” They looked at each other, confused. They hadn’t heard of such people.

But one thing was clear: today, they had kicked an iron plate. Unable to win and unable to leave without paying, they reluctantly handed over their money bags, grumbling as they followed their groups away.

Jiang Chu Ting and Lin Zhi went to the nearby clinic to check on the old man. He had woken up, and the doctor had already applied ointment to his burns. Jiang Chu Ting handed over the compensation money. Just one money bag contained enough to cover several injuries. However, the old man, being elderly, would likely suffer for a while.

Businesspeople feared unreasonable martial artists the most. Without Jiang Chu Ting and Lin Zhi’s help, the old man would have had to accept his losses today. He took the money, tears of gratitude streaming down his face, bowing repeatedly.

Jiang Chu Ting didn’t leave immediately. He got some ointment from the doctor and asked Lin Zhi to sit down.

When the boiling water was knocked over earlier, Lin Zhi had instinctively shielded him, resulting in a burn on his neck. Although it wasn’t serious, the ointment was cooling and would provide some relief.

Jiang Chu Ting applied the ointment with his fingertips, saying, “Thank you for earlier.” Although the water wouldn’t have harmed him much, he appreciated Lin Zhi’s protective gesture.

“As long as you’re okay,” Lin Zhi grinned, showing his sharp canine teeth. “Besides, if a little injury makes you care for me, it’s totally worth it.”

Jiang Chu Ting frowned, “Don’t say that. Even if you’re not hurt, I care about you.”

Lin Zhi’s eyes lit up, gazing at him sweetly, leaning closer, “Really, really? Hmm? Hmm?”

These days, the two of them were practically inseparable. Unknowingly, Jiang Chu Ting had grown accustomed to Lin Zhi’s presence, and the slight discomfort he used to feel had faded.

Lin Zhi tilted his head left, then right, still murmuring “Hmm? Hmm?” Jiang Chu Ting couldn’t help but chuckle, gently pushing his face away, “You’re being naughty, stop it.”

Lin Zhi stopped teasing, laughed a couple of times, and gazed deeply at him, speaking softly, “Chu Ran, you’re so good to me. Will you always spoil me like this?”

Jiang Chu Ting’s breath hitched. After putting away the ointment, he smiled back at him, “Sure, as long as you want.”

After bidding farewell to the old man, they stepped out of the clinic together, only to be stopped by a well-dressed, portly middle-aged man, “Please, sirs, wait!”

He was clearly wealthy, but his complexion was poor, and he was accompanied by six servants, likely a wealthy family’s master. Jiang Chu Ting didn’t know why he was being stopped, but Lin Zhi spoke up, “What is it?”

The man quickly bowed, “My surname is Huang, and I live in the Huang Mansion in the west of Jian’an City. I happened to witness your incredible skills earlier and was deeply impressed. I admire you greatly. I, Mr. Huang, have always appreciated…”

Lin Zhi interrupted impatiently, “Get to the point.”

Mr. Huang chuckled awkwardly, bowing again, “I wonder if I have the honor of inviting you two to my humble abode? I have an important matter…”

Lin Zhi pulled Jiang Chu Ting away, but Mr. Huang hurriedly followed, calling out, “Please, sirs! Hear me out!”

They hadn’t gone far when Mr. Huang suddenly knelt down with a thud.

He pleaded tearfully, “Please, don’t leave! Save me! Lives are at stake!”

Jiang Chu Ting stopped in his tracks and turned back.

Half an hour later, Jiang Chu Ting and Lin Zhi were brought to the Huang Mansion by Mr. Huang. The mansion was grand, with white mourning cloths still hanging from a recent funeral.

Mr. Huang, wiping sweat from his brow, personally led them inside.

Earlier, he had explained the situation. The Huang family had received two “Flying Flower Orders” in the past two months. The Flying Flower Order had appeared in a massacre years ago, with each flower representing a life to be taken, a symbol of impending doom.

Sure enough, after the Flying Flower Order, Mr. Huang’s eldest and second sons were killed.

Just the day before, Mr. Huang had been startled awake, only to find a fresh, vibrant camellia pinned to his bedpost with a dagger. He was terrified, knowing someone was coming for his family again.

When the first Flying Flower Order arrived, he thought it was a prank and didn’t take it seriously. But his eldest son was killed within days. After the second order, he had just finished his eldest son’s funeral and was still grieving. He reported it to the authorities and hired bodyguards, hiding his second son elsewhere, but it was no use. His second son was still killed.

Mr. Huang had three sons and a daughter. With two sons dead, the next order was clearly targeting his remaining children. If it continued, it would be his turn.

Though he was a businessman, he believed he hadn’t done anything to warrant such a vendetta. He didn’t know the root of the problem, so he didn’t know how to solve it. He couldn’t escape or hide. In his desperation, he happened to see Jiang Chu Ting and Lin Zhi fighting off many people on the street. Knowing their martial prowess and kind hearts, he decided to invite them to his home as protectors.

Fortunately, his kneeling plea had worked.

Now, Mr. Huang was endlessly grateful, treating them like deities, “Please, this way, Master Chu, Master Lin.”

As they reached the main hall, they saw a young man embracing a disheveled, beautiful youth, kissing passionately, their lips pulling apart with glistening strands. The scene was too much to bear, and Jiang Chu Ting turned his head away, just in time to see Lin Zhi’s tense face, a vein seemingly throbbing on his forehead.

Lin Zhi quickly averted his gaze, and their eyes met.

There was an inexplicable tension in the air, neither of them speaking.

Lin Zhi’s gaze flicked briefly to Jiang Chu Ting’s lips, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he discreetly looked away.

Mr. Huang hadn’t expected to offend his guests like this and stormed in, angrily scolding, “Huang Yu, do you want to die? Get out of here! You’re embarrassing us!” He then apologized to Jiang Chu Ting and Lin Zhi, while Huang Yu dismissed the youth, adjusted his clothes, and lazily asked, “Dad, who are these people you’ve invited?”

Mr. Huang scolded, “Speak respectfully. These two are esteemed guests I’ve invited.”

“Esteemed guests?” Huang Yu sat up straighter, squinting at Jiang Chu Ting, smirking, “Hey, are you a cut-sleeve?”

Jiang Chu Ting remained composed, while Mr. Huang turned to find a family law implement. Huang Yu then looked at Lin Zhi, laughing, “You must be a cut-sleeve too! Dad, you hate cut-sleeves, so why invite them?”

Lin Zhi raised an eyebrow, sneaking a glance at Jiang Chu Ting. Mr. Huang found the family law implement and chased Huang Yu, who dodged and taunted, “Can’t catch me, can’t catch me!” Then he dashed out the door, leaving Mr. Huang fuming but still shouting after him, “Don’t go far!”

According to the situation, Huang Yu was the target of the latest Flying Flower Order.

“My youngest is always causing trouble. I hope you two won’t hold it against him,” Mr. Huang apologized repeatedly.

After settling them in, a servant reported that the young lady had woken up. Mr. Huang was pleased but couldn’t leave, so he instructed, “With esteemed guests here, I can’t go. Take good care of the young lady.”

On the way, Mr. Huang had mentioned that Miss Huang had fallen ill from fright due to recent events. Jiang Chu Ting said, “It’s fine, you can go.”

“Then I’ll excuse myself for a moment.” Mr. Huang hurried off, and Lin Zhi commented, “It seems he really cares for his daughter.”

Caring for a daughter is common, but in a place like Jian’an City, it’s quite precious.

Jiang Chu Ting sipped his tea. Though appearances can be deceiving, Mr. Huang seemed kind-hearted, not like a villain. That’s why he agreed to come and see, at least to help him understand why this disaster had befallen him.

Based on past patterns, the Flying Flower Order would be executed about five days after being issued. Today was the second day.

Mr. Huang didn’t dare ask them to guard Huang Yu day and night from now on, only tentatively suggesting they stay in Huang Yu’s courtyard on the fourth day. Jiang Chu Ting agreed.

His easygoing nature relieved Mr. Huang, who hosted a banquet to show his sincerity, even offering a generous reward upfront. Lin Zhi wasn’t short on money, but he accepted it on Jiang Chu Ting’s behalf. He felt that after all these years of Jiang Chu Ting doing good deeds without regard for size or urgency, someone should give him some compensation.

Since Lin Zhi insisted, Jiang Chu Ting let him.

At the evening banquet, Mr. Huang brought out his treasured peach blossom wine to entertain them. Lin Zhi took one sip and loved it, drinking so much that Jiang Chu Ting couldn’t stop him, and he ended up passing out.

Jiang Chu Ting skipped dinner, helping the drunken Lin Zhi back to his room and laying him on the bed.

A servant brought hot water, and Jiang Chu Ting wrung out a hot towel to wipe Lin Zhi’s face. Then he sat silently by the bed, watching Lin Zhi’s flushed face for a long time, only realizing his lips had curled into a slight smile.

Lin Zhi turned over, mumbling, “Water, water…”

Jiang Chu Ting heard him, got up to pour a cup of water, and helped him drink.

After drinking, Lin Zhi lay back down, groaning softly, and mumbled something else.

Jiang Chu Ting didn’t catch it, so he leaned down to listen, but still couldn’t make it out. He asked gently, “Lin Zhi, what are you thinking? Do you want more water?”

“I want…”

“Hmm?”

“I… want…”

His voice grew fainter, and Jiang Chu Ting leaned closer to hear. Suddenly, Lin Zhi wrapped his arms around Jiang Chu Ting’s upper body, pulling him down. Jiang Chu Ting, already leaning in, was caught off guard and fell forward.

His lips landed unexpectedly on Lin Zhi’s.

Warm, soft, with a hint of the sweet peach blossom wine.

Jiang Chu Ting blinked in surprise, finally realizing what had happened, as if a thunderclap had gone off in his mind, even his breath halted.