Chapter 10: Dignified
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Shen Gurong panicked for a moment, but quickly calmed himself. If there were truly a ghost cultivator, Shen Fengxue’s instinctual response wouldn’t be nonexistent.
He walked calmly over, gently picked up Mu Zhe, and placed him on the bed. Mu Zhe’s face was covered in sweat, breathing heavily, and he looked very uncomfortable.
Shen Gurong pretended to investigate, but couldn’t find any reasonable explanation. At that moment, the white crane from the Lotus Lake flew into the courtyard and transformed into a human. Nodding, he said, “Sage, Sect Leader asked me to…”
Before he could finish, Shen Gurong interrupted, “You, come here.” The white crane hesitated for a moment, then cautiously entered the room. At a glance, he saw Mu Zhe lying on the bed in pain.
The white crane immediately lowered his head, not daring to look again. Shen Gurong said, “Examine him and tell me what’s wrong.”
The white crane’s face was full of disbelief as he immediately knelt down and apologized, “White Crane dares not!”
Shen Gurong was utterly baffled. What did he not dare to do now?
The white crane began to tremble. Shen Gurong pondered for a moment and his face turned green. Did the white crane think that the protagonist’s current state was a result of his own torment?
Shen Gurong kicked away Shen Fengxue’s beastly hat[13] with one foot and pointed at Mu Zhe. “Not daring to do what? Look.” The white crane was scared, but dared not resist. He reluctantly tried to stand up and glanced at Mu Zhe.
After a while, he looked somewhat strange, stole a glance at Shen Gurong, who was sipping hot tea, and hesitantly said, “Sage, he… he has heatstroke.”
Shen Gurong nearly spewed out a mouthful of hot tea. Heatstroke? Shen Gurong only now realized that Changying Mountain… Changying was indeed a hot summer region.
Although he felt cold everywhere he went, for everyone else, it was scorching hot.
Even in this heat, he gave the protagonist a crane cloak.
Shen Gurong: “…”
His enthusiasm went too far.
Shen Gurong’s expression was strange. He met the undisguised look from the white crane that seemed to say, “The Sage is tossing Mu Zhe around again,” and his lips twitched slightly.
The white crane hurriedly said, “As long as you give him some warm water to dispel the heat and let him sleep, he’ll be fine.”
Shen Gurong nodded and then asked, “What did Sect Leader want you to tell me?”
Only then did the white crane recall the main matter. “Sect Leader asked me to inform you that he wants you to represent him at the Tranquil Heart Class at dawn tomorrow in Zhibai Hall.”
Shen Gurong was puzzled. Zhibai Hall? Tranquil Heart Class?
Shen Gurong, just past sixteen, used to attend private schools in the vicinity every day to listen to the teachers. Now, with a different identity, he found himself in the unexpected position of teaching others. He recalled his own unkempt behavior and wondered if this wasn’t misleading the younger generation. Moreover, what exactly was the Tranquil Heart Class?
Seeing Shen Gurong lost in thought, the white crane tried to ask, “Sage?”
Shen Gurong mumbled, “Hmm, alright, I got it.”
The white crane nodded respectfully and left.
Shen Gurong, draped in his outer robe, stood up to give some water to Mu Zhe.
Having grown up in luxury, he had never served others before. After just half a cup of water, Mu Zhe only took two sips, and the rest spilled on his clothes and neck.
Shen Gurong felt a bit guilty. He raised his hand and wiped randomly. Seeing Mu Zhe’s pale face, a sense of guilt surged within him, and he quickly turned around and left.
He thought for a while, slowly searched the bookshelf, and finally found a book on Tranquil Heart in the corner. Shen Gurong leaned on the soft couch, planning to read the book and then send Mu Zhe back to the side courtyard.
Squinting, he opened the first page.
Not long after reading a few lines, he fell asleep.
Tranquil Heart Sutra, indeed, conducive to a Tranquil Heart.
Late at night, Mu Zhe finally woke up in a daze. He rubbed his aching head, not yet realizing where he was, when he heard a muffled sound from the window. Mu Zhe was startled and, illuminated by the interior’s everlasting light, looked towards the source of the sound.
In the inner room of Fanjiang Residence, there was a couch, and by the window, there was a small cot only large enough for one person. Shen Gurong originally rested on the couch, but his sleeping posture wasn’t great. He tossed and turned, rolling directly from the cough to the floor.
Mu Zhe: “…”
Even though he fell quite awkwardly, Shen Gurong continued to sleep soundly. He mumbled something, rubbed his forehead, and, embracing his disheveled robe, went back to sleep. His silver hair scattered on the ground, and the moonlight and candlelight gently cast a silver glow that resembled flowing rivers.
Mu Zhe stared at his teacher lying on the ground, a complicated expression on his face.
Not sure if Shen Gurong’s actions were too foolish, Mu Zhe looked for a long time. The fear that had naturally arisen in his heart diminished by more than half. He rubbed his eyebrows, then squatted down in front of Shen Gurong, whispering, “Master?”
Shen Gurong was sound asleep and got disturbed. He let out a vague moan, lifting his fair hand to cover both ears, sounding like he was coquettishly pleading, “Teacher, I’ll copy the books tomorrow; don’t tell Mother, please.”
Mu Zhe: “…”
Mu Zhe suspected he was having a ridiculous dream. Otherwise, why would his usually unapproachable and aloof master speak such coquettish words? While he was still in a daze, Shen Gurong mumbled and reached out, haphazardly grabbing Mu Zhe’s slender wrist. Mu Zhe shuddered all over, staring at him in astonishment.
Shen Gurong, half-asleep, gently shook Mu Zhe’s wrist and softly said, “Please, teacher, thank you so much.” With that, his hand dropped, and he continued to slumber deeply.
Mu Zhe: “…………”
The next day, Shen Gurong struggled to get up after hearing the morning bell. After a while, he realized he was lying on the bed. Shen Gurong was a bit confused; wasn’t he lying on the small couch by the window yesterday? When did he get onto the bed? Where was Mu Zhe?
He resumed his daily routine after getting up – searching for the ice silk.
This time, he reached out and, with a couple of touches on the small table by the bed, he found a neatly folded bundle of ice silk. After tying it on, he looked around and noticed that Mu Zhe was already gone.
Shen Gurong was puzzled. How did he end up on the bed yesterday? Did Mu Zhe move him? Well, he’s worthy of being the protagonist; such strength at such a young age.
However, even after being tormented by Shen Fengxue, it seems that Mu Zhe was still willing to move him to the couch. Could it be that the protagonist’s impression of him as a “clothed beast” has slightly improved? How delightful.
Just as he was contemplating this, a white crane flew over, and respectfully said, “Sage, the morning class at Changying Mountain has begun.” Shen Gurong was taken aback, realizing that he needed to attend the morning class.
He awkwardly responded, changed his clothes, and reluctantly headed to the Zhibai Hall of Changying Mountain.
Next to the Bodhi tree, there was a hanging bridge about a hundred feet high. Shen Gurong, draped in his outer robe, walked slowly towards the roped bridge and saw two figures on the bridge.
Yu Xinghe was running around Mu Zhe, still muttering random things. Mu Zhe glanced at him indifferently, grabbed his collar, and dragged him towards the roped bridge.
Mu Zhe calmly asked, “Why are you looking for Master?”
Yu Xinghe pouted, “You saw Master yesterday, and I also want to see him!”
Yu Xinghe entered the sect three days later than Mu Zhe, and despite being older, he could only address him as Senior Brother. This young boy was very competitive. Since he couldn’t surpass Mu Zhe in seniority within the sect, he tried to outdo him in other aspects.
If Mu Zhe saw their Master, Yu Xinghe wanted to see him too;
If Mu Zhe practiced ten pages of calligraphy, Yu Xinghe was determined to write ten pages.
Very competitive indeed.
The roped bridge was quite long, and the two children, despite their light weight, swayed dangerously when the strong wind blew. However, they seemed accustomed to it, maintaining their composure. They held onto the chains, waiting for the wind to calm down before continuing to walk.
Shen Gurong watched anxiously from the side, fearing that the two children might be blown off by the wind.
The morning bell had already rung four times.
Shen Gurong walked towards the roped bridge at a leisurely pace and quickly caught up with the two kids who were holding onto the sturdy chains in the center of the bridge, waiting for the wind to pass.
Yu Xinghe, using both hands and feet to grasp the chain, continued to chatter about meeting his Master. While he was happily babbling, he suddenly felt footsteps behind him. When he turned his head, he saw his Master strolling towards them.
Mu Zhe noticed him first, his face slightly changing as he bowed with a complicated expression.
Yu Xinghe’s eyes lit up, and he instinctively wanted to bow in respect. However, as he gripped the chain, the wind suddenly blew him to the side.
“Ah!” Yu Xinghe exclaimed, but in the next moment, he felt a gentle hand embracing his waist, pulling him into a protective hold.
Yu Xinghe, still recovering from the shock, looked up and met Shen Gurong’s indifferent eyes.
Shen Gurong: “Be careful.”
Yu Xinghe was momentarily stunned, his little face turning slightly red as he shyly said, “Thank you, Master.”
Shen Gurong didn’t put him down. Instead, he extended his hand towards Mu Zhe, who was obediently holding onto the chain, indicating that he wanted to carry him.
Mu Zhe, unwilling to be so intimate with him, shook his head and refused, “I dare not trouble Master.”
Understanding that Mu Zhe still harbored resentment towards him, Shen Gurong didn’t insist. He carried Yu Xinghe, stepped steadily across the roped bridge, and quickly reached the other side.
Mu Zhe pursed his lips, gripping the chilly chain, feeling an indescribable emotion in his heart.
Yu Xinghe watched Shen Gurong, eyes wide, probably not expecting his usually indifferent Master to condescend to carry him across the bridge.
This bit of honor made Yu Xinghe a bit bolder. After being put down, he gently tugged at Shen Gourong’s sleeve, his eyes shining like stars as he said in a sweet and childish voice, “Xing He, thank you, Master.”
Shen Gourong lowered his head to look at him, recalling his own soft and cute younger sister. He reached out and ruffled the boy’s little head.
Yu Xinghe’s eyes widened, full of adoration.
Meanwhile, Mu Zhe had already crossed the roped bridge. Seeing Shen Gourong ruffling Yu Xinghe’s hair, his eyes flickered slightly.
On the way from the roped bridge to the Zhibai Hall in Changying Mountain, Yu Xinghe had been eagerly staring at Shen Gourong, looking extremely excited.
Shen Gourong glanced at him, and without the future risk of the little antagonist falling into demonic cultivation, the more he looked at Yu Xinghe, the more he felt fond of him. “Are you tired?”
Yu Xinghe hesitated for a moment and nodded shyly.
Shen Gourong’s expression was gentle as he bent down and carried Yu Xinghe in his arms, steadily walking towards the Zhibai Hall.
Yu Xinghe exclaimed in surprise, his face turning red. He timidly clung to Shen Gourong’s shoulder, making faces at Mu Zhe, who followed behind, as if to say, “Master is carrying me again! Ahh!”
Mu Zhe lowered his gaze, showing little reaction, his pale lips slightly pursed.
Soon, they reached the Zhibai Hall.
Li Suo, at the Golden Core stage, had only suffered minor external injuries yesterday, and they had already healed. However, he was inherently weak, with a lingering paleness on his face from his recent recovery. He stood at the entrance of the Zhibai Hall as if mourning, with his junior disciples standing behind him, equally dispirited.
Seeing the figure in white gradually approaching, Li Suo’s legs were trembling. He took a deep breath, forced a smile, and respectfully bowed, “Greetings, Sage.” Other disciples followed suit, offering their salutations.
Shen Gourong gently set down Yu Xinghe, saying, “No need for excessive courtesy.” Emulating the style of a private tutor, he calmly walked into the Zhibai Hall. Other disciples quickly followed, obediently taking their seats.
Mu Zhe entered with Li Suo and, turning slightly, quietly asked, “Senior Brother, are you feeling better today?”
Li Suo, whether not yet fully recovered or still frightened by Shen Gourong, had a pale face. Upon hearing Mu Zhe’s question, he forced a smile, raised his hand to tousle Mu Zhe’s hair, and softly replied, “Senior Brother is fine.”
Mu Zhe still felt somewhat self-blame.
Li Suo rubbed Mu Zhi’s head again and smiled, saying, “This has nothing to do with you. If I hadn’t actively provoked the Epidemic Demon back then, none of this would have happened. It’s my fault for implicating you.”
Mu Zhe hurriedly replied, “It’s not your fault.”
Li Suo winked at him.
At that moment, Shen Gourong suddenly coughed, and Li Suo immediately straightened his posture, staring straight ahead at the Sage.
Shen Gourong, dressed in white with a bamboo flute hanging from his waist, looked picturesque with lowered eyes. He calmly asked, “Why have you all consistently failed the Tranquil Heart Class?”
Li Suo immediately stood up, stiffening his body, and replied dryly, “It’s because we lack tranquility.”
Shen Gourong glanced at him. “Why is your mind not tranquil?”
Li Suo was so intimidated by his gaze that he didn’t dare to utter a word, creating an unprecedented silence in the Zhibai Hall.
Shen Gourong scanned the disciples who were as silent as cicadas in cold weather. He picked up the bamboo flute and held it in his palm, imitating the posture of a private tutor, intermittently tapping his palm.
With each tap, all the disciples trembled simultaneously, their hair almost standing on end, fearing that Sage Fengxue might get angry and swallow them alive.
After all, in Liren Peak, Sage Fengxue was like a fierce beast in the flood.
Shen Gourong watched them shiver and shake, thinking, “Well, this is quite amusing.”
Intentionally tapping many times, he chuckled at their trembling appearance. Mu Zhe, who was about to recite the meditation scripture, heard his stern master laughing in his mind, [Hahaha.]
Mu Zhe: “…”
Mu Zhe had always thought that Shen Fengxue, who seemed gentle and dignified on the surface, was actually ruthless inside. However, he didn’t expect…
He was still too naive.
Mu Zhe lowered his head, finding it difficult to express his feelings, and chose to remain silent.
Shen Gourong, previously tormented by his private tutor, now found joy in tormenting others. He felt an inexplicable sense of satisfaction, like a wife who had endured for many years and finally became the dominant one.
Shen Gourong laughed with a fluctuating tone, [Ha, ha, ha!]
Mu Zhe: “…”
Mu Zhe, expressionless, stopped circulating his spiritual power.
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Glossary:
[13]: beastly hat: bad reputation
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The link to chapter 11 is broken Q^Q
Its not just my phone is it? Also in the table of contents the only chapter with a link is chapter 1
table of contents not updated yet! Ch 11 fixed!