Chapter 13: The Great Dao Knows No Bounds
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The lingering glow of the setting sun spilled into the classroom, while the evening bell reverberated through the forest.
The elder dusted off his robe: “Class dismissed.”
The disciples leaned against the windows, watching the elder walk away, and the classroom erupted with suppressed yet excited cheers.
Meng Xueli packed up his things expressionlessly. Was everyone so happy just because a new junior disciple was coming tomorrow?
“Going into town tonight?” Yu Qishu leaned over, speaking mysteriously. “To the Han Men City, to the Hongyun Pavilion.”
Originally, there were only scattered villages at the foot of the Han Shan, but due to the influence of the Han Shan Sword Sect, mortals and cultivators gradually gathered, eventually forming a city known as Han Men City.
Meng Xueli was taken aback. “What for?”
“Tomorrow is a rest day at the Hall of Legal Principles, no classes. Look at everyone’s expression, do they look like they want to go back and meditate? Tonight, the junior disciples from the neighboring schoolhouse are treating, playing cards, chatting, drinking fruit wine, and snacking on melon seeds at the Hongyun Pavilion. Are you coming?”
At this age, the younger disciples couldn’t sit still. No matter how dull cultivation might be, no matter how strict the teachers were, they always found time to frolic.
The two followed the crowd out of the classroom, stepping along the fine white stone path through the pine forest.
The setting sun filtered through the branches, casting a reddish-golden glow on the evergreens.
Meng Xueli shook his head. “I’m not going. I’m going to the library tonight to borrow two volumes of Daoist scriptures to read and calm my mind.”
“Really? With such composure?” Yu Qishu marveled, “You’re quite strange. People out there curse you so harshly, yet you brush it off, claiming you’ve gained benefits, as if a few insults won’t affect you. But you can’t stand it when others mention Ji Xiao Zhenren…”
He paused for a moment, then came to a conclusion, “You guys have a really good relationship.”
Meng Xueli shivered involuntarily, images of Ji Xiao’s cold expression and their rare encounters flashing through his mind.
But somehow, after a nervous laugh, he blurted out, “Of course, as Dao companions, it’s normal to be affectionate and inseparable. If he doesn’t see me for a day, he can’t sleep! And he always obliges my requests, very obediently, so naturally, I reciprocate…”
Yu Qishu was slightly puzzled. “Wait, so even someone at Zhenren’s level of cultivation needs to sleep?”
Meng Xueli realized his mistake inwardly. “Well, not really, but he, uh, he has to sleep with me. Dao companions always sleep together, that’s when we sleep comfortably. Ahem, you’ll understand when you grow up.”
Yu Qishu’s face flushed instantly, glaring at him. “I understand!”
With that, he stormed off in embarrassment.
Meng Xueli found amusement in teasing the naive youngster, humming a tune as he confidently strolled towards the library, feeling quite pleased with himself.
Long after, a few jests turned into bitter fruit. Whenever he recalled this scene, he wished time could reverse, wishing he could strangle himself.
“What’s wrong, Junior Disciple Xiao?”
On another winding path, a group of fourth house disciples approached.
In the center of the crowd stood a pale and thin young man. When he stopped, the others became tense and stopped walking too.
One person followed the young man’s gaze and asked, “What’s happening over there?”
The crowd exchanged glances.
During this period of time spent together, they had come to understand Junior Disciple Xiao’s temperament quite well. He seemed distant and reserved on the surface, but he was willing to patiently answer questions when asked. Tomorrow, this fellow student would have to go to the first house building for class. How could they ask him questions after that?
So tonight, they sacrificed their rest and invited him to the library together to help them with their questions and puzzles.
If Junior Disciple Xiao changed his mind and suddenly wanted to go down the mountain to drink and have fun, would they go or not?
Ji Xiao shook his head. “It’s nothing.”
He hadn’t expected that his nominal Dao companion would turn out to be a habitual liar.
Yesterday it was the “last words of Ji Xiao,” today it’s “can’t sleep at night,” what would it be tomorrow?
Such idle talk could only deceive the young disciples. If it were someone else, they would surely be exposed.
How do normal Dao companions get along?
For example, Qinghe Daozun from Songfeng Valley and Fairy Jingwei from Xiashan Sect are famous Dao companions in the cultivation world. They have been together for hundreds of years. They face difficulties together, but on ordinary days, they each cultivate in their own sects.
Life is long, and the Dao is boundless.
The highest and brightest are like the sun and moon, while closeness or distance defines mere spouses.
Yet, when Ji Xiao caught Meng Xueli lying, he didn’t feel angry, just amused.
“This little trickster.”
Author’s note:
Meng Xueli: Being caught lying by my Dao companion the first time we meet? Can you translate this absurd plot for me??
Roll of paper: Sweet love, I swear!!
Huge shoutout to @_nyanmaru_ on Discord for commissioning this! The chapter will be posted regularly, show your support for Ciacia at Kofi.
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