After Accidentally Entering the Forbidden Land and Forming a Bond with the Grandmaster - Chapter 28

Eat first, then soak.

In the blink of an eye, they arrived at their destination.

They beheld a pool of spiritual water, as clear as a mirror, cradled by emerald peaks. The verdant mountain scenery was perfectly reflected on the surface. Spiritual energy lingered over the water like a dense mist, rising steadily from the pool. The two elements complemented each other, weaving together into a living, flowing scroll.

Taking in this celestial atmosphere, Wan Biaoli could not help but praise the view. “Master, this place is truly wonderful.”

Xie Zhuo replied lazily, “Is it?”

Wan Biaoli’s face lit up with joy. “Yes! To think there was such a beautiful place near Qianshan.” This was an exaggeration, of course, as such paradises could be found on almost every peak of Qianshan.

This time, Xie Zhuo did not respond.

Continuing to show his devotion, Wan Biaoli said, “Master, please take a seat. This disciple will go and pluck some delicacies for you.” Given how abundant the spiritual energy was there, he assumed there would be many spiritual fruits.

Chu Lanci followed suit, saying, “Then I will go as well.”

Xie Zhuo interjected, “You stay here with me.”

Hearing this, Wan Biaoli felt a pang of jealousy in his heart, but he maintained his smile. “That is right, Junior Brother. I can handle this kind of labor alone.” With that, he turned and departed.

He left so quickly that Chu Lanci could not call him back. He sat down obediently beside Xie Zhuo. “Master, both he and I are your disciples,” he said. He wondered why he did not have to go. How was he supposed to act as the “Junior Brother” if he was treated differently?

Xie Zhuo replied, “It is you who wants to be their Junior Brother, not me.” From the very beginning, he had maintained that Chu Lanci was his Daoist companion. His disciples should not treat Chu Lanci as a true junior, but rather as a “Master’s Spouse.” Seeing Chu Lanci pouting and looking unhappy, likely because he cherished the bond with his senior brothers, Xie Zhuo added, “I will let you go with him later, alright?”

Chu Lanci’s face broke into a smile. “Okay! Then, Master, let us continue our studies. Explain that incantation to me again.”

Xie Zhuo said, “There is no rush. When we are out, we should enjoy ourselves. I will teach you tonight.”

Tonight. Chu Lanci was simple-minded. Recalling that Master had mentioned reducing the frequency of their intimate activities, he assumed that was what he meant. “Okay!”

Saying this, he looked up at Xie Zhuo standing under the tree, dappled by fragmented light. He could not help but exclaim, “Master, I must say, you are a truly handsome man.”

Xie Zhuo asked, “Where did that come from?”

Chu Lanci looked at him. Today, his Master wore frost-white robes with a jade-inlaid belt, the jade shimmering with a green light like mountain mist. That usually cold and stern face was now gilded with a thin layer of gold by the morning sun. Yet, his lips remained so pale they were almost transparent. When he smiled, there was even a hint of lethal sharpness. He was as handsome as a god.

“Right now,” Chu Lanci said, offering praise with complete sincerity.

Xie Zhuo found himself at a loss for words. It was the first time someone constantly praised his looks instead of his strength. “Are there any other merits?”

Chu Lanci asked, “What kind of praise do you want?”

“Anything.”

“I cannot think of anything else for now.”

Xie Zhuo replied, “Then let me praise you. Or rather, tell me what you think your own merits are.”

Although Chu Lanci’s strength was ordinary, or even poor, he was by no means insecure. In fact, he was quite confident. “I have quite a few merits. For instance, I am very positive and optimistic. Also, I am kind and helpful. I helped with many things back in the village.”

Xie Zhuo smiled teasingly. “Then I could say the same. I am positive and optimistic, I am kind and helpful, and I have helped with many things in the Sect.”

Chu Lanci shook his head. “No, Master, I am stating facts.”

“I am also stating facts. The truth is that the people of this world are occasionally positive but relatively despondent; occasionally kind, but relatively wicked. The hearts of mortals are forever fluctuating between hot and cold.” As for being “helpful,” Xie Zhuo viewed it as either a performance like Wan Biaoli’s or a passing whim like Wei Daoping’s.

“Master, you do not seem very optimistic.”

“How am I not optimistic?”

Chu Lanci could not put it into words. He just felt that Xie Zhuo held a skeptical and critical attitude toward everything, but he could not specify why.

Oh, there was one thing. “For example, on our wedding day, I saw that you were not fighting seriously.”

Xie Zhuo looked up at Chu Lanci, his smile fading slightly. “I was not serious? How is that possible? Would a Master intentionally seek death?”

“It is a possibility.”

Xie Zhuo fell silent.

“Master, was I wrong?”

“Lanci, you are truly clever.”

Chu Lanci laughed. “I know, Master!”

The two chatted and laughed. Xie Zhuo stood tall like a pine tree, his plain white robes fluttering in the wind. His features were filled with a gentle, refined air that brought peace to the heart. Chu Lanci was like a newly bloomed white plum blossom in his green robes. His pure, lively eyes were full of starlight, and the corners of his lips were naturally upturned with an innocent charm.

When they stood side by side, Xie Zhuo would always lean in slightly, his wide sleeves inadvertently brushing against the back of Chu Lanci’s hand. The act felt both protective and affectionate. Chu Lanci habitually looked up at him, the tips of his hair glowing with a pale gold hue in the sunlight. The tall and short figures standing by the riverbank looked like a moving ink painting. Even the passing wind seemed to slow its pace.

This scene was seen clearly by Wan Biaoli, who was not far away. His heart was shocked once again. He wondered if this low, sultry voice really belonged to his Master. He was so gentle toward the Junior Brother.

One must know that no matter the occasion, Xie Zhuo had never been like this toward them. Their Master’s teaching style was rather unconstrained; he advocated that all things transform themselves, only offering occasional guidance. Sometimes he would not teach them at all, letting them figure things out on their own. As disciples, they understood because Xie Zhuo was the youngest and most talented person since the Great Ascension stage.

What genius did not have a bit of a personality? But toward the Junior Brother, it was as if Master had no “personality” left. The two were whispering tenderly; they were clearly in love. Holding a basket of fruit, Wan Biaoli suddenly regretted coming there.

Eventually, he steeled himself and approached, bowing. “Master.” He then turned to Chu Lanci, forcing a smile. “Junior Brother, it is time for fruit.”

Chu Lanci quickly took the basket. “Thank you, Senior Sister Wan. Sorry for the trouble. Let me help you wash them.”

Wan Biaoli said, “It is fine, I washed them with spiritual water.” He then respectfully offered a fruit to Xie Zhuo. “Master, these are spiritual fruits. Please have one.”

Xie Zhuo said, “Set them there.”

Wan Biaoli replied, “Yes.”

Watching from the side, Chu Lanci felt that Xie Zhuo put on quite an act in front of the senior brothers to maintain his dignity as a Master. He wondered why Xie Zhuo did not act like that in front of him. On their wedding night, he had even said such naughty things.

Do the senior brothers know that their Master actually says very cute things? If they knew, would they stop worshiping him so much? Chu Lanci bit into a fruit while lost in thought. The moment he tasted it, his mind went blank. It was sweet and sour, with thin skin and crunchy flesh. With every bite, his mouth filled with sparkling juice.

“Senior Sister, this fruit is so good!”

Wan Biaoli smiled awkwardly. He had climbed over a mountain to pluck them; he could not let Master eat fruit with low spiritual energy. He just did not expect Master would not take a single bite, leaving them all for Chu Lanci.

“If you like them, eat more, Junior Brother,” Wan Biaoli said.

Chu Lanci’s mouth was stuffed full like a little apple, and he nodded vigorously.

Xie Zhuo looked at Chu Lanci and said softly, “If you like them, eat as much as you want.”

Seeing Xie Zhuo say this, Wan Biaoli hurriedly added, “That is right, Junior Brother, you can have them all.”

Chu Lanci was the type of person who became happy just by having fruit to eat. His eyes squinted with joy. “Thank you, Master and Senior Sister!”

After eating the fruit, Xie Zhuo instructed Wan Biaoli to collect some spiritual honey.

Wan Biaoli asked, “Master, what is the spiritual honey for?”

Xie Zhuo replied, “To make something to eat.”

Wan Biaoli said excitedly, “Great! I have heard that the things Master makes are exceptionally delicious. Master, I will go right away.” Habitually, he threw a command to Chu Lanci. “Junior Brother, come with me.”

Collecting spiritual honey was not easy; he needed an assistant. The hierarchy in Qianshan was strict; usually, the youngest disciple did the chores. Yet, until now, Chu Lanci had not done much work, spending all his time laughing and talking with Master. Wan Biaoli felt Chu Lanci needed some self-awareness. Did he really take me for a servant? I can be Master’s “dog,” but I am certainly not his!

Besides, Wan Biaoli had already plucked the fruit alone. Would Master really have the heart to make him collect the honey alone too?

Chu Lanci, eager for something to do, said quickly, “Sure, sure!”

Unexpectedly, Xie Zhuo said to Wan Biaoli, “You go alone. Your Junior Brother stays here.” Then he said to Chu Lanci, “You can help later. You have no cultivation, and the spiritual bees are dangerous.”

Wan Biaoli’s heart shattered. He felt he should not have come, as he was only acting as a gopher for the two of them. Just as he was about to leave dejectedly, Chu Lanci spoke gently to Xie Zhuo. “Master, let me go, please?”

To Wan Biaoli’s ears, it sounded like he was acting spoiled.

Xie Zhuo said, “It is quite dangerous.”

Chu Lanci shook his head. “Is Senior Sister Wan not here? Right, Senior Sister?”

Seeing Xie Zhuo looking at him, Wan Biaoli hurriedly said, “Yes, I am here. Master, please rest assured.”

Xie Zhuo conceded, “Fine. Go and return quickly.”

Chu Lanci still had the playful nature of a youth. He agreed repeatedly and followed Wan Biaoli.

On the way to the honey collection spot, Wan Biaoli was surprised that Chu Lanci did not seem to miss Master at all. If it were him, he would want to be stuck to Master all day.

The two arrived at the gathering place of the spiritual bees. They saw a towering ancient tree covered in a swarm of buzzing bees. These were no ordinary bees. Every single one was a deep ghostly blue with stingers gleaming with a cold, murderous light. Even a Golden Core cultivator would have their meridians blocked and suffer unbearable pain if stung.

“Junior Brother, just keep a lookout for me. Do not wander too far. If you go too far, I will not be able to protect you, understood?” Wan Biaoli warned seriously.

Chu Lanci answered obediently, “Okay, Senior Sister Wan.”

Wan Biaoli resigned himself to the task, muttering in his heart about the unfairness of their fates. He and Chu Lanci were both pretty and cute, so why did Master treat them so differently? A “trash” like Chu Lanci not only received Master’s protection but also entered the Inner Sect of Qianshan with ease. Meanwhile, he had to fight for everything and work himself to death just to serve others.

He glanced back at Chu Lanci and saw that he was indeed staying there honestly, keeping a proper lookout. He decided he would not serve this fool. Normally, he could easily lure the bees away and quickly harvest the honey. But now, fueled by resentment, a wicked idea formed. He did not dare truly harm Chu Lanci, but he wanted to give him a small punishment.

He secretly cast an incantation, and the swarm of blue spiritual bees suddenly took flight as if guided, buzzing toward them. To his surprise, Chu Lanci’s luck was quite good. The bees, having no specific aim, did not head for him but flew in another direction.

Wan Biaoli sighed in disappointment. After taking the honey, he climbed down the tree slowly and returned to Chu Lanci. “Let us go.”

Chu Lanci, still oblivious, agreed. However, before they had gone far, the dark swarm of spiritual bees suddenly turned and charged right at them. Wan Biaoli’s face turned pale, and he instinctively cried out for help. Though he was sharp-tongued, he was not truly heartless. He grabbed Chu Lanci, intending to flee on his sword.

As they were leaving, a toxic bee darted straight for Wan Biaoli’s face. Since he was busy holding onto someone, he could not block it. Unexpectedly, Chu Lanci reached out and blocked it for him. With that, the toxic bee stung Chu Lanci on the arm. It immediately swelled into a purple-red lump, and the surrounding skin turned a bluish-gray at a visible speed.

Fortunately, they had escaped by then. Returning to Xie Zhuo, Wan Biaoli knew he could not hide it. He hurried to explain himself first. “Master! Junior Brother Chu is injured. Those toxic bees were too powerful. It was this disciple’s failure for not protecting him properly!”

Xie Zhuo glanced at Chu Lanci and saw the faint, dark trace of toxic gas rising across his face. His gaze sharpened instantly. He reached out, pulled Chu Lanci into his embrace, and pressed his palm against the small of the youth’s back, funneling a steady stream of spiritual energy into him. Within moments, Chu Lanci’s complexion began to recover.

Seeing this, Wan Biaoli opened his mouth to speak.

Xie Zhuo tilted his chin slightly and commanded, “Add the spiritual honey to that lotus seed soup.”

Wan Biaoli did not dare to argue and went to finish the task. He knew the spiritual bees had turned back because he had provoked them earlier. The creatures were vengeful and had returned for retribution. He truly had not expected Chu Lanci to take the hit for him.

What is going on? This Junior Brother is actually quite a good person. He felt a small pang of genuine emotion.

Chu Lanci felt much better, but his arm still throbbed with a dull pain. “Master, it still hurts,” he said piteously.

Xie Zhuo shot him a look. “If you knew it would hurt, why did you try to catch it?” His spiritual sense was incredibly powerful; as long as he wished to see, nothing could escape his eyes.

“Huh? What do you mean?”

Xie Zhuo replied, “Nothing. It seems you are the type to save just anyone.”

Chu Lanci countered, “I was just helping. Does that count as saving someone?” To him, it was a simple matter of reciprocity. Wan Biaoli helped him, so he helped back.

Xie Zhuo considered this and realized it made sense. From Chu Lanci’s perspective, he had no idea he was being played by Wan Biaoli. However, Xie Zhuo paused. Did Chu Lanci truly not know? Or was he just pretending? Sometimes, Xie Zhuo found it hard to tell. He looked into Chu Lanci’s eyes and still found them clear. Yet, this same “clear” person had been clever enough to marry him just to enter Qianshan, understanding the concept of trading interests.

“Does it hurt a lot?” Xie Zhuo asked, his voice dropping an octave.

The way his Master asked was so gentle that Chu Lanci dazed for a moment. He smiled and said, “It is alright. It just feels like there is a thorn stuck inside my arm.”

Xie Zhuo gently grasped his arm. He hovered his hand over the wound, his fingertips glowing with spiritual energy. He began to push the energy outward, bit by bit, until the toxic stinger was forced out.

This time, Chu Lanci truly felt relieved. He smiled brightly and said, “It is fixed! It does not hurt anymore. Thank you, Master.”

Xie Zhuo teased, “Is that a real ‘thank you’ or a fake one?”

“Of course it is real.”

“You said it yourself,” Xie Zhuo said, unable to suppress a smile.

Chu Lanci blinked, feeling as though there was a hidden meaning behind those words. The two of them then walked over to where Wan Biaoli was working.

Xie Zhuo asked, “Did you add it?”

Wan Biaoli answered respectfully, “I did, Master. What else is needed?”

Xie Zhuo said, “That is enough. The lotus seed soup is ready. Just add a few begonia petals.” He took two vibrant, dripping-wet begonia flowers from his spiritual ring.

Chu Lanci exclaimed, “Wow, these begonias are so well-tended!” As a former flower farmer, he was very familiar with such things.

Xie Zhuo noted, “My father planted these.” They were grown on Chaoyu Peak, though Qianshan had many as well.

At the mention of Xie Zhuo’s father, Xie Chen, Wan Biaoli’s eyes lit up again. “These were for your father’s partner, Lin Qingtang, right?”

Xie Zhuo nodded. “Yes.” His father had planted an entire forest of begonias. He could even use a spell to make it rain petals.

Wan Biaoli praised them from the heart. “The bond between those two is truly… beyond what ordinary people can achieve!”

Xie Zhuo nodded in agreement. He had grown up watching his two fathers’ deep devotion to one another. In a world where most people were cold and fought for their own gain, their love was as solid as gold and stone.

Seeing his Master’s approval, Wan Biaoli continued to share anecdotes and rumors about Xie Chen and Lin Qingtang. Xie Zhuo occasionally chimed in, enjoying the praise directed at his parents.

Chu Lanci listened in silence. These were events from hundreds of years ago; he had no way of knowing them. After a while, Xie Zhuo glanced at Chu Lanci, who remained quiet, and picked up the finished lotus seed soup. “Would you like to try some?”

Chu Lanci looked down. The soup was as clear as a mirror, and the lotus seeds were translucent like white jade. It looked delicious. “For me?” he asked, reaching out to take the bowl.

Xie Zhuo pulled the bowl back slightly. “I will feed you. Open your mouth.”

The low, magnetic quality of his voice made Chu Lanci think of their nights together, when Xie Zhuo would tell him to open his mouth before a much more intimate encounter.

“Master, I should eat it myself.” He took the chilled bowl and scooped a spoonful into his mouth.

It was indeed delicious. The lotus seeds were soft, the petals fragrant, and the honey provided a delicate sweetness. The spiritual energy flooded his mouth, feeling as though it would melt right into him. He was amazed that his Master had actually made this; the man truly could do anything.

“It is delicious,” Chu Lanci praised with a smile.

Xie Zhuo asked, “That is all?”

Chu Lanci looked confused. “Mhm? Then, thank you, Master?”

Wan Biaoli, watching from the side, was dying of anxiety. Master was clearly leading him on, yet Chu Lanci was completely oblivious. Out of gratitude for the help earlier, he decided to help his dense Junior Brother.

“Junior Brother, Master means that besides a ‘thank you,’ you should give him something else.”

Suddenly, Chu Lanci understood. He was supposed to take the initiative to kiss his Master. But there was someone else right there!

Xie Zhuo was not angry. He smiled and said, “Eat. There is plenty more.” Only then did he acknowledge Wan Biaoli. “You have some too.”

Wan Biaoli was moved to tears. “Thank you, Master!”

“After you eat, you may return. I am taking your Junior Brother back now. By the way, you should know what you have done. Add ten days to your sentence at the Repentance Cliff.”

Upon hearing this, Wan Biaoli lost even the strength to complain. He left with his head hanging low.

Once Wan Biaoli was gone, Chu Lanci decided to kiss Xie Zhuo. He nuzzled up to Xie Zhuo like a small cat. Just as he was about to stand on his tiptoes, Xie Zhuo wrapped an arm around his waist and lifted him up.

“What are you doing?” Xie Zhuo asked softly.

“I am thanking you, Master.”

“Yesterday you told me you wanted me to reduce the frequency.”

Chu Lanci went still. Master really knew how to hold a grudge. He did want to reduce the frequency, but this was different. “I do not want to dual cultivate right now. I just wanted to thank you for the soup. If Master does not want a kiss, then put me down.”

Xie Zhuo did not let go. Instead, he tightened his grip. “Let me teach you something first, then you can thank me.”

Chu Lanci hesitated. “For the whole night?”

“We can negotiate.”

“Then, just once?” Chu Lanci held up a single, slender finger.

Xie Zhuo felt his heart melting from the cuteness. He found it impossible to refuse. “Fine.”

Holding him, Xie Zhuo used a powerful wave of spiritual energy to transport them to a nearby spiritual spring—the place he had originally intended to bring Chu Lanci. Mist rose from the surface, and the area was protected by a strict restrictive spell. No one else could enter.

“Why are we here?”

Xie Zhuo explained, “To prepare your body for jade-transformation, also known as ‘Body Soaking.’ Since awakening your spiritual root failed, you will follow the path of a pill cultivator. Take off your clothes.”

Chu Lanci was worried. “Will anyone come?”

“Do you want someone to come?” Xie Zhuo countered with a smile.

“Of course not.” Looking at his Master’s deep eyes, Chu Lanci felt that his Master was being a bit wicked.

Xie Zhuo smiled again. “Come, get in. Master will scrub your back.”

“You know how to do that?”

Xie Zhuo replied, “Is there anything your husband cannot do?”

“Does ‘husband’ mean the same as ‘Fujun’?”

“Yes.”

“Oh.”

“Just ‘oh’? What should you be calling me?”

Chu Lanci refused weakly, “I want to call you Master.”

“Oh, so you prefer the feeling of doing something forbidden.”

Chu Lanci was speechless. “I do not!”

Xie Zhuo grabbed Chu Lanci’s arm and pulled him into the pool. The water was quite deep. Upon entering, Chu Lanci thought he was going to drown and immediately clung to the man in fear. Xie Zhuo supported his waist and lowered him gently.

“Do not be afraid,” Xie Zhuo whispered.

Chu Lanci raised his wet face to look at Xie Zhuo. Xie Zhuo looked down at him and said softly, “I am not going to do anything to you yet.”

At least, not here.

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