Chapter 5

Xiao Jiu’s identity was already an open secret.

The current Crown Prince was a useless fool, not favored by the old Emperor. The Ninth Prince, with a powerful maternal family, was one of the strongest contenders for the throne among the princes. The martial world was still somewhat wary of the court. Otherwise, with Senior Brother Zhong Hua’s attitude towards Mo Lin, they wouldn’t have been allowed to stay in the Nine Heavens for even a moment longer.

After Mo Lin made his request, Jiang Chu Ting agreed, but only promised to take over during his injury.

Mo Lin wasn’t thrilled about someone else sharing the credit, but in these extraordinary times, he hoped his master would have more support. After a moment of silence, he said, “Xiao Jiu has always been kind to those who have contributed. If you can help him to the end and gain his trust, he won’t mistreat the Nine Heavens and will even give you…”

Jiang Chu Ting interrupted him, “I have something to do down the mountain in a while. Your internal strength isn’t bad now; it’s enough to help him regulate his breath. No need to be modest. Take care of your injury.” After speaking gently, he brushed his sleeve and turned to leave.

Mo Lin opened his mouth but could only watch him walk away.

Jiang Chu Ting wasn’t making excuses to brush off Mo Lin; he indeed planned to go down the mountain once he recovered. The two overly realistic dreams he had recently left him feeling uneasy. He wanted to find Master Yi Chan to help interpret the dreams and figure out if they were just figments of his imagination or if there was some hidden meaning.

That night, Jiang Chu Ting let his hair down, took the wooden hairpin in his hand, and examined it carefully by the candlelight.

Was it a coincidence? It seemed that ever since he took out this wooden hairpin, he started dreaming. Once he held it in his hand, and once he wore it in his hair.

Jiang Chu Ting stared at the wooden hairpin and murmured, “Zi Que, is that you? Is there something you want to tell me?”

Jiang Chu Ting held the wooden hairpin in his hand overnight, but this time he didn’t dream. He didn’t put the hairpin away, planning to continue using it to tie his hair every day.

It was time for Xiao Jiu to soak in the medicinal spring again, and Jiang Chu Ting accompanied him. Jiang Chu Ting didn’t know what poison Xiao Jiu had, but since he needed to soak in the medicinal spring, it must be a poison with no complete antidote in the world. Moreover, the last time the poison acted up, he only appeared weak and uncomfortable, indicating that the poison wasn’t particularly fierce, just torturous.

The old Emperor was often ill and frail, and no one knew when he might pass away. The palace was tense because of this, and even Jiang Xian, who usually wandered outside, returned home out of concern for his father. Yet, at such a turbulent time, Xiao Jiu, who should have been at the center, was poisoned. It wasn’t hard to guess the nature of this poison.

The water in the medicinal spring was warm, and even the ground nearby was shrouded in steam. After Xiao Jiu entered the water, he splashed the surface with his fingers and said to Jiang Chu Ting, who was standing by, “Master, why not come down and soak with me? They say soaking more can strengthen the body.”

Jiang Chu Ting replied, “No, I’ll watch over you from here.” Xiao Jiu glanced at him, smiling brightly, and said nothing more.

Seeing him smile, Jiang Chu Ting also smiled silently.

Logically, Mo Lin must have already told Xiao Jiu that he was a cut-sleeve. Yet, this child didn’t avoid suspicion at all. Whether he was genuinely open-minded or intentionally teasing him was unknown.

In any case, as long as he wasn’t as overly sensitive and suspicious as Mo Lin, it would be much easier to get along with him.

After Xiao Jiu finished soaking, he changed into dry undergarments. Jiang Chu Ting sat cross-legged on the prepared mat with him, just like last time, using internal energy to help him regulate his breath. Jiang Chu Ting could sense that Xiao Jiu had practiced some forbidden technique in pursuit of shortcuts, which could easily lead to deviation if continued, causing more harm than good. But the words of advice were swallowed back. This must be Xiao Jiu’s own choice, and since he wasn’t his real master, it was better not to meddle too much.

After about two quarters of an hour, Jiang Chu Ting finished and withdrew his hand. Xiao Jiu felt much more comfortable throughout his body. He opened his eyes, his gaze flickering, and the thought in his mind became more determined.

He wanted to bring Jiang Chu Ting back to the palace.

Initially, he had taken Jiang Chu Ting as his master on a whim, without sincerity. But Jiang Chu Ting’s internal strength was deeper than Mo Lin’s, and after two consecutive sessions of regulating his breath, he benefited greatly.

The reason he valued Mo Lin over the past two years was, firstly, because of his loyalty and protection, and secondly, because his internal martial arts techniques could effectively assist him, preventing accidents. Mo Lin was once a disciple of the Nine Heavens, and his internal skills were improving, but they couldn’t compare to Jiang Chu Ting’s accomplishments. Naturally, he wanted to choose the better option.

Bringing Jiang Chu Ting back to his side would mean he could be called upon at any time for guidance, ensuring smoother progress in his martial arts practice.

Xiao Jiu stood up and walked back to the wooden cabin with Jiang Chu Ting, the guards following at a distance.

“Master,” Xiao Jiu started a conversation, asking, “Don’t you get bored living alone in the back mountain?”

“Not bored, I’m used to it,” Jiang Chu Ting replied, unable to resist glancing at him. The way he called him ‘Master’ sounded sweet, distinctly different from before. It made him feel a bit uncomfortable, though he didn’t show it.

Xiao Jiu smiled and continued probing, “You’re lying. How can you not be bored after ten years? Why not come home with me? If you sincerely help me, I won’t treat you poorly in terms of wealth, status, and honor.”

Jiang Chu Ting paused, then turned to meet his earnest gaze.

Though smiling, he was clearly serious.

Jiang Chu Ting didn’t want to go to the palace, but he couldn’t refuse too directly, so he smiled lightly and said, “I’m used to a carefree life, not good at following rules. I’m afraid I’ll cause you trouble.”

This was a gentle refusal. Xiao Jiu had expected this, as Jiang Chu Ting had a face that seemed indifferent to fame and fortune.

He could forcefully take him away, but it was better if he came willingly. Otherwise, if he harbored resentment from being confined, he could easily take his life with a slight move.

It was better to change tactics. Mo Lin told him that this master had a heart made of water; as long as it didn’t freeze, he would always be good to you.

So, from now on, he would try to act like a good disciple, making him care, making him reluctant to leave, willing to give. When the time came, a few tears would coax him into willingly following him back.

Thinking of this, Xiao Jiu’s smile deepened, and he said, “I was just saying. Master’s place is actually much better than those deep courtyards, with its own charm.”

Jiang Chu Ting shook his head, his tone teasing yet reproachful, “I think your so-called charm is just teasing Wei Jia.”

Wei Jia used to eat and sleep every day. Now, besides eating and sleeping, he bickered with Xiao Jiu. But his verbal skills were lacking, nowhere near as sharp as Xiao Jiu’s, and he was always bullied, then came crying to Jiang Chu Ting. Because Xiao Jiu scared him, he didn’t dare sleep alone at night and insisted on squeezing into Jiang Chu Ting’s bed.

He was taking the opportunity to stand up for his little disciple. Xiao Jiu’s lips twitched slightly. In the past, he wouldn’t have let such a fool who dared to offend him live another moment. Just teasing him was already merciful. Thinking this, he put on a well-behaved smile and said, “Just playing with him. Who knew he was so timid? Alright, I promise I won’t bully him anymore.”

He agreed so quickly that Jiang Chu Ting was slightly surprised, “Really?”

“Really!” As the sun set, the two continued walking through the mountains. Xiao Jiu suddenly told Jiang Chu Ting his name, blinking sincerely, “Master, my name is Jing. You can call me Xiao Jing.”

The royal family surname was Pei, and he was called Pei Jing. Pei Jing was unusually close to him today, perhaps because he helped him regulate his breath? After all, he was a prince, and Jiang Chu Ting would never directly call him by his name. Pei Jing probably didn’t want to draw attention to his visit to the Nine Heavens, so calling him Ninth Prince was also inappropriate. After some thought, he said, “I’ll continue calling you Xiao Jiu.”

Pei Jing seemed easygoing, smiling, “That’s fine too.”

Pei Jing promised not to bully Wei Jia, and he kept his word. When they returned, he spoke to Wei Jia with a friendly smile, “Senior Brother, don’t be afraid. I was just teasing you before. I won’t secretly put scorpions in your bed to bite you. You can sleep alone at night without worry, okay?” He even patted his cheek.

Wei Jia was skeptical, and Pei Jing added, “I know many good places to eat. I’ll take you to try them all in the future. You can eat whatever you want.”

Wei Jia had no more doubts, swallowed, and said, “Really, you’re not lying?”

“What good would it do to lie to you?”

Wei Jia finally believed him and moved back to his own room at night.

Jiang Chu Ting accompanied Pei Jing to the medicinal spring two more times, and his condition improved slightly. In a few days, Mo Lin would be able to get out of bed, and Pei Jing could switch to him, allowing Jiang Chu Ting to go down the mountain.

Unexpectedly, Pei Jing had a minor issue from practicing martial arts at night, and Mo Lin, knowing Jiang Chu Ting was there, didn’t even get up, just asked a few questions from afar.

Seeing his pale face, Jiang Chu Ting couldn’t help but speak up, frowning at Pei Jing, “You can’t practice this martial art anymore; it’s too dangerous.”

“Is Master worried about me?” Pei Jing sat cross-legged, tilting his head slightly, smiling, “With Master here, I’m not worried.”

His trusting demeanor left Jiang Chu Ting momentarily stunned. Pei Jing pouted and continued, “Master must think I’m willful, right? But I don’t want to be. I was in poor health as a child and started martial arts late, so I had to take shortcuts to protect myself.”

His expression wasn’t sorrowful, but rather ordinary, yet Jiang Chu Ting felt a tug at his heart.

So that’s how it was. As the saying goes, “The tree that stands out in the forest is the first to be blown down by the wind.” Pei Jing stood out among the princes, and with his flamboyant personality, he must have secretly attracted a lot of hatred. Though he seemed to be doing well, his journey must have been difficult, or he wouldn’t have resorted to such dangerous methods.

Unable to stop him, Jiang Chu Ting could only advise, “Be more careful in the future, and remember not to be too impatient, or it will backfire.”

“I’ll heed Master’s advice.” Pei Jing’s dark eyes seemed to shimmer, staring at him brightly.

“Then rest well.” Jiang Chu Ting got up to leave, but suddenly felt a tightness around his waist, surprised to look down, it was Pei Jing hugging him.

Pei Jing buried his face in his side, and Jiang Chu Ting couldn’t see his expression, so he asked, “Xiao Jiu, what’s wrong?”

After a while, Pei Jing choked out, “Nothing, I just suddenly, suddenly miss my mother. She must be very worried about me. With her not here, I can only ask Master for comfort. Master, let me hug you.”

Jiang Chu Ting ultimately didn’t push him away. He felt his shoulder tremble slightly after speaking, as if truly sad. After hesitating for a moment, he patted his back soothingly.

Pei Jing held him for a while before letting go. Perhaps because his face was covered for too long, his cheeks were flushed, and his eyes were slightly red.

He lay back on the bed, turning his back to Jiang Chu Ting, “I’m going to sleep, Master.”

“Mm, rest well.” Thinking he was shy after revealing his thoughts, Jiang Chu Ting got up to leave, extinguishing the candle for him.

After he left, Pei Jing raised his hands in the dark, still feeling a slight tingling in his fingertips. If the light were on, it would surely illuminate the turbulent brightness in his eyes.

He hadn’t been thinking of his mother just now; he had just felt an inexplicable itch seeing Wei Jia clinging to Jiang Chu Ting’s waist, acting spoiled. That waist, wrapped in fabric, looked slender, with a graceful and beautiful waistline, and seemed comfortable to hold.

He had only thought about it before, but in that moment, he suddenly wanted to act on it. And then, he did.

It was indeed slender, but not as delicate as a woman’s, with a supple waist full of resilience and strength. Moreover, with his nose pressed against him, he smelled a very faint and pleasant scent, making him more restless the longer he held on, reluctant to let go, but he had to.

The result was… he found it a bit hard to fall asleep now.

After accompanying Pei Jing to the medicinal spring three more times, Mo Lin was able to move around, and Jiang Chu Ting prepared to go down the mountain. Pei Jing knew he was leaving, frowned, and crossed his arms, looking displeased, saying to Jiang Chu Ting, “You said you’d be gone for two days, so I’ll wait for you for two days. If you’re late, I’ll cook Wei Jia and eat him.”

Wei Jia immediately rushed into Jiang Chu Ting’s arms, wailing as if about to cry, and Jiang Chu Ting had to comfort his little disciple, “He’s just scaring you, don’t be afraid.”

Pei Jing snorted, then grabbed Wei Jia from Jiang Chu Ting’s arms with a fierce look.

Because Pei Jing asked, Jiang Chu Ting gave a rough estimate of the time, not expecting him to be so strict, so he changed his words, “I’ll come back when my business is done. Xiao Jiu, you don’t need to wait for me. Mo Lin is enough; he won’t let anything happen to you. And—” Jiang Chu Ting emphasized, “Don’t scare Wei Jia again.”

Faced with his gaze, Pei Jing’s expression turned aggrieved, softly saying, “I know, Master. I’ll get along well with Senior Brother, don’t worry.” He even took Wei Jia to see him off for a short distance.

Jiang Chu Ting was heading to Cien Temple, where people from other sects often went to exchange martial arts. Although the matter with Zi Que had been over for many years, except when meeting Jiang Xian, he had become accustomed to changing his identity and appearance to avoid trouble. So after going down the mountain, he put on a mask, took a disguise pill specially made for him by the Nine Heavens’ alchemist, and changed his clothes, appearing as his former alias, Chu Ran.

Chu Ran had a slightly darker complexion than his own, a much more ordinary face, and even his voice had a slight difference. Unless someone was very familiar with him and knew his habits, they wouldn’t recognize him. He used to rely on this to wander around, with no one knowing he was actually Jiang Chu Ting, who had brought shame to the Nine Heavens.

Jiang Chu Ting didn’t expect to find Cien Temple empty; Master Yi Chan had gone on a journey and wasn’t in the temple, so he had to return.

Walking through the bustling streets, lost in thought, he was suddenly stopped by a figure, “Wait!”

The voice was familiar, and Jiang Chu Ting looked up, stunned.

The person looking at him with delight was Lin Zhi, whom he hadn’t seen in a long time. But didn’t Lin Zhi hate him the most, never giving him a good face? Why, why was he showing such an expression now?

Ah, he remembered he was in disguise now, his appearance changed, so Lin Zhi couldn’t possibly recognize him.

Mistaken identity? Jiang Chu Ting was puzzled, meeting his gaze without a word, waiting for him to speak first.

“Chu Ran! You’re called Chu Ran, right? I must be right; your appearance hasn’t changed much!” Lin Zhi tightly grasped his arms, smiling with sharp little tiger teeth, his bright eyes full of youthful charm.

Seeing Jiang Chu Ting’s shock, Lin Zhi looked at him with hopeful eyes, “I’m Que’er, Lark. You picked me up when I was a child, my face covered in sores. You found a doctor for me, comforted me, took care of me. Do you remember me?”

Jiang Chu Ting felt a buzzing in his head. He remembered, how could he not? Back then, in his anxious search for someone, he was caught by Lin Xuan and forced to swallow a pill he still didn’t know the nature of.

He never knew Lin Zhi was that child.

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Whenever I write characters with aliases, I easily mix up the names, and it’s hard to spot under the lamp. If there are any mistakes in the future, please remind me, thank you, thank you =3=