Chapter 10
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The exhausted Pei Yunshu could no longer comprehend Zhuyou’s explanations. He struggled to keep his eyes open, gazing at the figure in front of him.
Zhuyou: “Sleep.”
Pei Yunshu, as if finally granted a gift of nectar, closed his eyes willingly.
Zhuyou picked him up and carried him to the bed inside. However, something felt amiss to Zhuyou, and he remembered that when people slept, they usually took off their clothes.
But when he looked at Pei Yunshu, who was still wearing his own snake-skin veil, Zhuyou hesitated to undress him.
Pei Yunshu’s eyes were red from crying earlier, and even though they were closed, the puffiness was evident.
Zhuyou stood by and watched for a while. He gently placed his cold fingertips on Pei Yunshu’s eyes, soothing away the discomfort.
***
When Pei Yunshu woke up, his eyelids were heavy, and he didn’t want to open them.
He had slept soundly last night, feeling relaxed and dreamless. It was as if his crying had released all his grievances and fears, leaving him feeling light and carefree.
After a while, he finally got up from the bed. He felt a bit uncomfortable, and when he looked down, he realized he hadn’t even taken off his outer clothes.
He hurriedly grabbed some fresh clothes and entered the bathroom.
Pei Yunshu draped the veil and inner robe on a folding screen. He poured water over his head a few times but then paused unconsciously.
He had cried so intensely in front of that snake demon, releasing all his frustration and fear in a single bout and he had even said, “Don’t want the snake tongue.”
Thinking about it, Pei Yunshu unconsciously gripped his hair tightly, feeling incredibly embarrassed and ashamed.
It was the first time he had cried so intensely since his rebirth, and to top it off, he had done so while leaning in the arms of a beast. All the frustration he had built up earlier had burst out in a single outpouring toward Zhuyou.
Strangely, even though he had cried so much, his eyes didn’t feel uncomfortable. Pei Yunshu touched his eye corners and suddenly remembered the hairband from last night.
He quickly looked down at his leg, expecting to see the vivid snake pattern, but to his surprise, there was nothing there.
Pei Yunshu was momentarily puzzled. He carefully examined his leg again but found no trace of the palm-sized black snake.
Where had the snake gone? What had happened to the burning sensation from last night?
Feeling refreshed after his quick shower, Pei Yunshu left his room still pondering these questions. It was at this moment that a voice transmission talisman flew in front of him. The cold voice of Ling Qing Daoist Spiritual Master sounded, “Yunshu, come to me within fifteen minutes.”
***
The towns around were under the protection of Shanshui Sect. These days, some demonic cultivators had gathered in a few nearby towns, and Ling Qing Daoist Spiritual Master had them investigate the situation.
As Yunwang’s cultivation was lacking, Ling Qing Daoist Spiritual Master had him stay on Wuzhi Peak.
The disciples respectfully acknowledged, “Yes.”
Pei Yunshu lowered his head, his hair cascading down his waist. Ling Qing Daoist Spiritual Master’s gaze swept over him, and he suddenly realized that his fourth disciple, who used to be so attached to him, hadn’t come to him voluntarily in a long time.
It seemed that since Yunwang had been brought to the mountain, Yunshu had distanced himself from him.
Ling Qing Daoist Spiritual Master furrowed his brows. If that was the case, was his fourth disciple using this method to express his dissatisfaction?
His tone turned stern, “Yunshu, stay.”
The other disciples exited one by one, including Yunwang. The door was closed, and the pale sunlight slanted onto the floor through a small window.
Pei Yunshu remained motionless, still performing a respectful salute to his master.
Ling Qing Daoist Spiritual Master’s face was obscured by shadows as his voice grew deeper, “How is your relationship with your little junior brother?”
Pei Yunshu hesitated briefly before answering in a low voice, “Master, it’s acceptable.”
The slight hesitation caused Ling Qing Daoist Spiritual Master to emit a cold hum.
“Cultivators must not be jealous,” Ling Qing Daoist Spiritual Master continued, his voice icy. “Although you are my disciple, you’re not the only one. Yunwang is young, and it’s natural for me to show him more care. Even if it weren’t Yunwang, I would treat any disciple I favor the same way. You have no say in the matter.”
Pei Yunshu took a step forward unconsciously, his face lifted in haste. “Master, I…”
But when he saw his master’s expression, his words trailed off.
Ling Qing Daoist Spiritual Master looked at his silence, his expression finally revealed in Pei Yunshu’s eyes. It was as if he displayed indifference devoid of all emotions, “Yunshu, your Dao heart is unstable.”
This sentence felt like a verdict, preventing Pei Yunshu from taking another step forward. After a long pause, he slowly retreated and lowered his head, deeply bowing. “Master is correct.”
Ling Qing Daoist Spiritual Master finally seemed somewhat satisfied. He also felt that his previous words had been too harsh, but the words were spoken and couldn’t be taken back. He could only say indifferently, “This time when you go down the mountain, learn more from your senior brother.”
Pei Yunshu: “Yes.”
Master and disciple fell into silence for a while.
“If Master has nothing else to say,” Pei Yunshu began, “I’ll take my leave.”
Ling Qing Daoist Spiritual Master remained silent. Pei Yunshu waited for a moment before withdrawing on his own.
His master’s residence was at the top of Wuzhi Peak, the tallest among the several peaks. Third Senior Brother had once jestingly suggested that it should have its own name – “Cold Winter Place.”
At this moment, it truly felt like cold winter.
Outside, Eldest Senior Brother was waiting under the peach blossom tree. Pei Yunshu walked over slowly, and Eldest Senior Brother asked, “Junior Brother, what did Master want with you?”
Pei Yunshu appeared nonchalant as he replied to his senior brother, “Nothing.”
“Master certainly adores Senior Brother very much,” Yunwang smiled playfully. “Whenever Senior Brother comes here, Master keeps him for a chat.”
Pei Yunshu pursed his pale lips and sighed softly, “It’s really cold here.”
Third Senior Brother added, “Indeed.”
A folding fan opened with a clap, and then a smooth voice teased, “Junior Brother, look, your face has turned pale from the cold. Do you need your senior brother to help you take off your clothes?”
Yuncheng chuckled with a hint of mischief. He glanced at him and spoke tenderly, “Please don’t say such things in front of Junior Brother.”
The cold wind blew Pei Yunshu’s hair to the side, and he turned his head slightly, facing the wind as he looked into the distance.
The sun hung in the sky, and peach blossoms floated gently in the air.
He felt truly cold.
Yet, after getting used to this coldness, it didn’t seem so unbearable.
***
Several towns around the sect were infiltrated by demonic cultivators. The matter could be significant or trivial, but as long as they didn’t plan to cause trouble within Shanshui Sect’s territory, the sect wouldn’t interfere.
Eldest Senior Brother asked, “Junior Brother Yunshu, who do you want to team up with?”
They needed to split up for this task. Since Pei Yunshu hadn’t left the mountain before, his senior brothers were looking out for him.
Upon hearing the question, Second and Third Senior Brother turned their gaze towards Pei Yunshu as well.
Pei Yunshu wouldn’t choose to team up with Second Senior Brother. Among his remaining options, Eldest Senior Brother was reliable and trustworthy, while Third Senior Brother was more carefree. But for some reason, Pei Yunshu didn’t want to choose the dependable Eldest Senior Brother.
“I’ll go with Third Senior Brother,” he finally stated.
Third Senior Brother immediately broke into a smile. “Junior Brother made a good choice. Traveling together, it’s natural to choose someone you’re close to.”
This time, not just Second Senior Brother but even Eldest Senior Brother frowned.
Third Senior Brother always spoke without restraint, but lately, he had become even more excessive.
Pei Yunshu clearly didn’t like it, so why did he choose to team up with Third Senior Brother?
Since the decision had been made, Eldest Senior Brother could only advise Yunman, “Take care of Junior Brother Yunshu and don’t let your loose tongue get the best of you.”
The smile on Third Senior Brother’s face faded slightly. “Senior Brother, no need to say more.”
The senior brothers parted ways. Pei Yunshu and his Senior Brother departed from the sect, riding their swords. As they crossed over Wuzhi Peak, Pei Yunshu looked downward.
Peaks stood tall amidst drifting clouds.
Third Senior Brother called from behind, “Junior Brother, did you bring the clothes Senior Brother made for you?”
Pei Yunshu nodded slightly, thinking of Zhuyou.
Yesterday, he had lost his composure in front of Zhuyou. Today, leaving Wuzhi Peak, he felt relieved that he wouldn’t see him for a while.
As long as they didn’t meet, he wouldn’t recall that extremely embarrassing scene.
Third Senior Brother instructed, “After reaching the town, Junior Brother should change into that thin veil. I also have a veil hat here, which you should wear as well.”
Pei Yunshu was puzzled. “Senior Brother, why should I wear a veil hat?”
Yunman laughed mysteriously. “Junior Brother, if you catch the eye of some mortal girl and she demands you take responsibility, how will you handle it?”
Pei Yunshu found Yunman’s words somewhat enigmatic, but he understood that Yunman meant well. He nodded, “Alright, Senior Brother.”
Half an hour later, they were already outside the town. Yunman took out a veil hat from his storage pouch. It was ankle-length, made of layered white gauze. The person inside could see the road clearly, while those outside couldn’t make out the person’s appearance.
Yunman had also changed out of his Daoist robe. Dressed in blue clothes, he resembled an elegant nobleman. Opening his folding fan, he strolled into the city with Pei Yunshu.
Qinghe City was even more bustling and prosperous than the villages at the foot of the mountain. Pei Yunshu noticed several men wearing veil hats in groups of three or four on the street. Feeling reassured, he started observing the unfamiliar surroundings.
Yunman introduced things to him, sometimes even with well-informed explanations. His lively and interesting descriptions made everything he talked about come to life.
Passing through the streets, they found an inn. During their journey, Pei Yunshu had collected quite a few local snacks. The innkeeper warmly ushered them inside and guided them to an empty table in the corner.
“Sir, what would you like to eat?”
Yunman skillfully ordered some wine and delicacies. His attitude was leisurely, as if this trip down the mountain wasn’t about dealing with demonic cultivators, but merely a relaxing venture. Both he and Pei Yunshu felt unusually at ease. After all, they knew that these few minor demonic cultivators wouldn’t pose a significant threat.
After the innkeeper left, Third Senior Brother turned and smiled at Pei Yunshu. “Junior Brother Yunshu, how do you feel about coming down the mountain today?”
Pei Yunshu smiled gently, his expression somewhat obscured by the white veil. “Senior Brother, it’s very nice.”
“Years ago, when I came here, I buried several casks of wine by the lake,” Third Senior Brother chuckled. “After we finish our delicious meal, how about you and I try some fine wine?”
Pei Yunshu naturally nodded in agreement. “Sure.”
A table full of delicious dishes was brought to them. Pei Yunshu and Yunman hadn’t started eating yet when a group of people dressed in black entered the inn.
Each of them had a peony embroidered on their clothes with golden thread, a symbol that perfectly matched the attire of Flower Brocade Sect, a group of demonic cultivators.
Even Yunman was somewhat surprised by this sight.
Among the various sects of demonic cultivators, Flower Brocade Sect was one of the most unique.
Though categorized as demonic cultivators, Flower Brocade Sect resembled a combination of demonic cultivation and Hehuan Sect. Members of the sect detested constraints, indulged in passions, and dual cultivation was common. Regardless of gender, they were deeply entangled in desires, treating beauty as their foremost pursuit. However, compared to Hehuan Sect, Flower Brocade Sect was more forceful, often abducting the objects of their desires. They had a distinct demonic style.
No matter which demonic sect visited, they would appear much more formal than Flower Brocade Sect.
Third Senior Brother found this quite unusual, and Pei Yunshu felt the same. They were in a corner, protected by a concealed barrier, so they had no fear of being discovered as they openly observed this group of demonic cultivators.
Author’s Note: Third Senior Brother provides a veil hat: “Junior Brother, to prevent women from clinging to you.” [Under the peony flowers, one dies; even as a ghost, one is still frivolous] Fourth Senior Brother wears the veil hat, half concealing his face, which suits him well.
Pei Yunshu: Oh.
Flower Brocade Sect, a group of rogue cultivators.
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