After Accidentally Entering the Forbidden Land and Forming a Bond with the Grandmaster - Chapter 29

“On call, anytime.”

Chu Lanci shed his clothes, revealing a thin, porcelain-white back. The line of his spine rose and fell like a wintry mountain range, and his shoulder blades were like the partially unfurled wings of a crane, appearing and disappearing amidst the swirling mist.

Xie Zhuo finished laying down another protective formation. When he turned back, his gaze darkened. He realized some things, perhaps, had been said too soon.

A dual-cultivation bath is also a form of body soaking, after all.

Remaining composed, he instructed Chu Lanci to recite the “Cleansing Incantation” three times to help dispel the turbid qi from his skin.

Then, the formal body-soaking began.

The first immersion was to adapt to the spring’s temperature; one had to submerge up to the dantian. The second reached the collarbones to attempt circulating energy through the “Small Heavenly Circuit.” For the third immersion, the crown of the head had to be fully submerged while holding one’s breath for the duration of an incense stick.

As Chu Lanci submerged himself, Xie Zhuo pressed a fingertip to his Baihui point, guiding the spiritual energy through his meridian system.

When they emerged, Chu Lanci did indeed feel different. At the very least, his five senses felt much sharper.

“Master, I feel very comfortable.”

Xie Zhuo explained, “That is because the spiritual energy has permeated your pores, forcing out the impurities and softening your blocked meridians.”

“Oh,” Chu Lanci replied. Now that the soaking was finished, it was time for him to show his gratitude. He glanced at Xie Zhuo and then squatted down.

Xie Zhuo was busy burying Five-Element Spirit Stones by the edge of the spring, meant to further temper Chu Lanci’s physique, only to turn around and find Chu Lanci already down on one knee.

He pulled the young man up. “What are you doing?”

Chu Lanci said, “Thanking you, Master. Master, do you remember what you did for me at my house?”

His mind was filled with the thought that since his Master had given to him once, he should do the same for his Master. He could not let his Master be the one losing out. His Master had already sacrificed so much.

Xie Zhuo was so taken aback by the initiative that he did not know what to say.

Chu Lanci asked, “Or does Master not have that intention?”

“You tell me if I have it or not.”

“I do not know if you do.”

Xie Zhuo’s gaze deepened as he looked at Chu Lanci’s reddened lips. He had not wanted to start this now, but he reconsidered.

“I will go first. You can try a few times after. Do not feel pressured at the start.”

Chu Lanci thought to himself that he would not feel any pressure.

Before Xie Zhuo lowered himself, Chu Lanci added, “Right, Master, do we still need that afterwards?”

Xie Zhuo could not help but laugh. “You are not even going to let me have that?”

Chu Lanci felt a bit wicked himself, but Xie Zhuo was exceptionally seductive. That mouth of his was truly something else; it made Chu Lanci’s heart flutter wildly and turned his brain to mush. He simply could not stop.

“Master!” he called out again.

Xie Zhuo smiled. “Stop being so provocative.” He lifted Chu Lanci horizontally, cradling him against his chest. “Starting now,” he said as he crouched down.

Chu Lanci panicked again, his skin flushing red. He really could not handle this Master of his, but he had to bite his lip and stare at the distant trees. The greenery was so lush it almost looked red, and the red bled into blue. Eventually, Chu Lanci could not tell if he was seeing red, blue, purple, or green.

His mind was a total haze.

After a while, Xie Zhuo stood up, his eyes filled with a deep intensity. Chu Lanci grew even more flustered, not knowing where to put his hands. How could a man’s gaze become so deep and so predatory? Just being looked at made his entire body feel hot.

Chu Lanci took a deep breath. His own could not be compared to the other’s. Fine, his was like a small loofah, but what was his Master’s? A winter melon?

Well, you might not be used to eating winter melon at first, but you get used to it later. As he “ate,” he stole a glance at Xie Zhuo’s expression and immediately felt a prickle in his heart. He wondered how he was supposed to face Master after this.

In the future, whenever Xie Zhuo taught him in his capacity as a Master, he would always remember this version of him, lost in pleasure.

He still looked elegant and otherworldly, just with an added touch of a dashing rogue.

Surprisingly, Chu Lanci began to understand the appeal.

Noticing his gaze, Xie Zhuo looked down and softened his expression slightly. “What is it?”

Chu Lanci chuckled inwardly. “Nothing.”

He felt a sense of triumph, like the “Number One Under Heaven” was, after all, just a captive at his feet.

Xie Zhuo shared the unspoken understanding but did not call him out. He pulled him up, though he hesitated to go further for fear of overdoing it. He helped Chu Lanci clean up, dressed him, and transferred some spiritual energy to help him recover his spirit and strength.

Finally, he escorted him back to his quarters. “Master is leaving now.”

Chu Lanci was exhausted by then and gave a muddled reply.

Looking at that sleeping face, Xie Zhuo felt a surge of tenderness. He leaned down and kissed his forehead before quietly closing the door and departing.

Chu Lanci slept until the next day. Having rested for a few days, his spirits were quite high.

As he was getting ready for the Academy, there was a knock at the door. It was Wei Daoping again.

Wei Daoping was all smiles. “Little Junior Brother! I have come to take you to the Academy. Master specifically instructed me to bring you, fearing you might be too shy to go. He also told me to let you know he has gone to the Immortal Alliance and likely will not be back for half a month. Just tell me if you need anything.”

Chu Lanci’s heart sank slightly. Master went to the Immortal Alliance?

He had not mentioned it, or perhaps he had, and Chu Lanci had been asleep.

Thinking back to what they did last night, Chu Lanci dazed out for a moment, then brushed it off. If he is gone, he is gone. It is not like I will die without Xie Zhuo.

He smiled and said, “Thank you, Senior Brother Wei, and thank Master. Oh, by the way, Senior Brother, I see many Begonia trees on Qianshan. Could you get me some seeds? I want to plant some outside my house.”

“Sure thing. As soon as I finish my punishment, I will get right on it.” At the mention of the Repentance Cliff, Wei Daoping looked a bit dejected.

Chu Lanci said, “I have to go to the Repentance Cliff too. When are we going?”

Wei Daoping was shocked. “Wan Biaoli actually agreed with you?”

Chu Lanci nodded. For those one thousand spirit stones, he was willing to go all out.

Wei Daoping hurriedly said, “Little Junior Brother, the Repentance Cliff is no place for ordinary people. You should not go.”

“Is it not ineffective against those without cultivation? If so, I will just go and treat it like a sightseeing trip.”

Wei Daoping asked, “Does Master know about this?”

“It has nothing to do with Master. He is busy anyway.”

Seeing Chu Lanci’s persistence, Wei Daoping had no choice. He first took Chu Lanci to register at the Academy. After classes, he took him to the Repentance Cliff.

Knowing it was cold there, Chu Lanci put on an extra outer robe, wrapping himself up like a little “zongzi.” He also brought a food box filled with snacks. Seeing this, Wei Daoping thought his Little Junior Brother was incredibly cute; the “mundane” energy he brought was just too strong.

Is he going for punishment or a picnic?

They reached the Repentance Cliff.

Among the peaks of Qianshan, the Repentance Cliff stood alone. It had three sheer drops and was connected to the main peak only by a single iron chain bridge. The cliff face was a pale grey, devoid of vegetation, and perpetually shrouded in a leaden mist.

For an average cultivator, just approaching would cause their heart to race and their breathing to tighten as their spiritual energy was suppressed. A single day here felt like a year to a cultivator.

But to Chu Lanci, it was a tour. Everything looked fresh. Wei Daoping sat down by the edge, attempting to meditate and regulate his breathing to protect himself from the cliff’s climate and illusions.

Chu Lanci looked around and spotted an old man sitting far across the chain bridge. He wore a bamboo hat and a coir raincoat, and he was fishing off the edge of the cliff.

Fishing off a cliff!

There were no fish at the bottom. Since every punished person had to present their jade plaque to the cliff guardian, and Wei Daoping could not move, Chu Lanci took the initiative to approach the old man.

The old man did not turn around, appearing as if he could not see anyone.

Chu Lanci tapped Wan Biaoli’s and Wei Daoping’s jade plaques against the stone wall by the bridge. With two “dings,” the check-in was successful.

Curious about the strange old man, Chu Lanci peeked over the edge. He saw only a bottomless abyss filled with white mist. There were definitely no fish.

This guardian is so weird.

As he turned to leave, the guardian spoke, “Are there fish in the abyss? Are there? Are there not? Is it wrong? Is it right? To fish? To not fish? I fish.”

Being a former teacher, Chu Lanci understood a bit of the poetic sentiment. He replied, “But there are no fish in the abyss. When Jiang Ziya fished, he was not looking for fish, but for a wise ruler. Old gentleman, what are you fishing for?”

The guardian did not answer, merely repeating his previous words.

Confused, Chu Lanci crossed the bridge back to the other side.

Suddenly, heavy snow began to fall, with massive flakes like spinning wheels. Chu Lanci was not cold because he was bundled up like a little bear. But Senior Brother Wei was suffering.

Since arriving at Qianshan, Wei Daoping had looked after him. Granted, he was following orders, but care was care. Chu Lanci immediately stripped off his thick outer robe and draped it over Wei Daoping.

“Senior Brother Wei, are you feeling any better?”

Wei Daoping was shivering violently. His coldness stemmed from his insufficient cultivation. The snow was not normal snow, but an illusion of the Repentance Cliff. Those with weak cultivation would suffer, while it had no effect on someone like Chu Lanci. Wei Daoping was deeply moved by the gesture. How can someone be so pure and kind?

“Little Junior Brother, I am so cold.”

“So cold? Should I take off another layer?” Chu Lanci started to reach for his clothes.

Wei Daoping’s voice trembled. “It is no use. Thank you.”

“Oh,” Chu Lanci muttered. Seeing how cold it was, he thought of the guardian. He was also dressed quite lightly. He looked over and was stunned. The guardian was still sitting there, as steady as a mountain, even as the snow piled up on him like a snowman.

And yet, he was still fishing.

Just as the thought crossed his mind, the old man collapsed, shivering just like Wei Daoping.

Seeing this, Chu Lanci hurried back across the iron bridge and wrapped his own robe around the old man.

The old man opened his bleary eyes and gazed at Chu Lanci with a look of disbelief. Finally, he spoke, asking, “Are you alright?”

Chu Lanci shrugged. “I am fine. Are you alright, Grandpa?”

The old man wanted to speak more, but the extreme cold choked his words.

With both of them in this state, Chu Lanci did not know what else to do. What kind of punishment is this? It is going to kill them. He did not know how long the snow would last. He ran back to Wei Daoping, only to find that in those few moments, his Senior Brother had frozen stiff like a block of ice, unresponsive to calls.

Is he dead?

In a panic, Chu Lanci had no choice but to use the jade plaque to message Xie Zhuo.

The response was immediate. “What is the matter?”

Xie Zhuo was currently at the Immortal Alliance, discussing how to deal with the rising tide of evil spirits with various powerful masters. Recently, the three realms had been unsettled, with demons appearing everywhere. The Alliance decided to dispatch disciples from various sects to eradicate them, and Qianshan, as the leading sect, was naturally at the forefront.

That said, they still had to defer to Xie Zhuo; after all, he was the strongest person in the world.

Regarding Xie Zhuo, people could never quite read him. He was a complex, unpredictable figure who had once committed a heinous crime yet possessed unrivaled cultivation. Since returning, he had supposedly killed his Senior Brother, Xuan Tianjun, and seized the position of Alliance Leader of Qianshan.

Of course, some said Xuan Tianjun was not dead but imprisoned; others said he was seriously injured and in seclusion. No one knew the truth.

However, so far, aside from striking back at small sects like the Yuheng Sect during his wedding, Xie Zhuo had not done anything excessive. In fact, he usually appeared humble and polite, the very image of a righteous leader.

Because Xie Zhuo was so proactive in the demon-hunting plans, the Alliance’s attitude toward him was split. Aside from a few who either hated or fanatically worshipped him, most viewed this genius with a mix of love and hate, aware of his flaws, yet unable to resist his magnetism.

During this meeting, while others shuddered at the descriptions of terrifying spirits, Sect Leader Xie had not even blinked. He remained calm and composed throughout, and even had the leisure to step out and take a transmission.

No one knew who had messaged him, but they saw a smile on Sect Leader Xie’s face, faint and fleeting, but definitely a smile. Truth be told, his overall mood lately seemed sweet.

Back to the transmission: Xie Zhuo listened to Chu Lanci and understood the situation immediately.

Of course the Repentance Cliff involved suffering from suppressed laws; what would be the point otherwise? And as for the “Grandpa” who had fainted, that was not just any old man, but Immortal Wujiu of Qianshan, a cultivator at the mid-Mahayana stage and one of the top twenty on the Immortal Rankings.

To Chu Lanci, no matter how powerful someone was, they were just Grandpas, Uncles, or Big Brothers.

“They are about to die, Master. Can you come and take a look? Truly, I am not lying,” Chu Lanci continued.

Xie Zhuo replied, “They will not die. They just have to endure it. That is how the Repentance Cliff works.”

After he said that, there was silence on the other end for a long time before a quiet “Oh” came through.

At that moment, Xie Zhuo realized that Wan Biaoli was supposed to be at the cliff, not Chu Lanci. He decided he should go check it out.

Since they were just going in circles about fighting demons anyway, he would head back to the cliff first and resume the discussion later.

Chu Lanci had assumed Xie Zhuo would not come. He did not reply and was crouching down to check on Senior Brother Wei’s injuries when that familiar figure appeared.

A smile broke out on his face, and he skipped toward him. “Master!”

Xie Zhuo had been feeling indifferent, but seeing such a radiant face made him feel he had made the right choice.

“How are they?”

Xie Zhuo asked casually, but Chu Lanci took it seriously and recounted the whole story, even though, to Xie Zhuo, the situation was perfectly normal and had been the standard for thousands of years.

Finishing his explanation, Chu Lanci added, “Master, it is so good that you are here!”

Xie Zhuo smiled. “Is it?”

Chu Lanci nodded earnestly. “When you asked what was wrong, I was afraid of disturbing you. Senior Brother Wei said you went out early, and I was worried you were busy. But I was really scared something would happen to Senior Brother Wei and that Grandpa.”

Xie Zhuo deliberately said, “I was on my way back from the Immortal Alliance when I received your message, so I took a detour.”

Chu Lanci felt much more at ease. “That is good then.”

They approached Wei Daoping. The man thought his eyes were playing tricks on him. When he recognized the visitor, he suddenly did not feel cold anymore. He immediately knelt on one knee and answered formally, “Master! Why are you here?”

Chu Lanci watched from the side, thinking it was a bit dramatic. Just a moment ago, he looked half-dead, but now he was not even panting or shivering. He was perfectly fine.

He could not help but ask, “Senior Brother Wei, are you not cold anymore?”

Wei Daoping was stunned. How would he dare to be cold? Besides, this was an opportunity to show his Master that he could remain composed even in such a place. Perhaps his Master would be more lenient during the next assessment? Xie Zhuo was incredibly powerful and held his disciples to high standards; he was impartial and strictly followed the rules.

“I am not cold. Thank you for your concern, Little Junior Brother.” He then asked Xie Zhuo respectfully, “Master, what brings you here?”

Xie Zhuo said plainly, “I came to see you.”

Wei Daoping was overwhelmed with favor. Usually, getting a few words out of his Master was a treat, but now he had actually come to see him! He shouted, “Thank you, Master!”

Chu Lanci sighed at Wei Daoping’s rigid, overly-respectful behavior. His Senior Brother really knew how to put on a show. Well, since he was fine, the “Grandpa” must still be in trouble. But as he went to lead Xie Zhuo over, the old man was also fine, sitting upright and fishing by the cliff.

Chu Lanci felt confused. Why was he in such a rush to call Xie Zhuo over?

Xie Zhuo turned his head and, mimicking Chu Lanci’s tone, teased, “About to die?”

Chu Lanci defended himself pitifully, “Truly, Master!”

Xie Zhuo smiled and took Chu Lanci’s hand. “Let us go take a look.”

The action was very natural, and Chu Lanci did not think much of it. It was always the onlookers, like Wei Daoping, who did the thinking. The way they held hands was so seamless; the affection between them was practically overflowing.

Wei Daoping could not help but think their bond really was as solid as gold and stone.

Xie Zhuo led Chu Lanci to the guardian and exchanged pleasantries, “Uncle Wujiu, it has been a long time.”

The guardian did not move at first, then slowly turned his head. “Boy, you are out of the Forbidden Land?”

Xie Zhuo replied, “Thanks to your blessing.”

Immortal Wujiu turned back to the abyss. “Your little Dao companion is quite good. You must cherish him.”

Suddenly being praised, Chu Lanci blushed, feeling embarrassed. He greeted him politely, “Greetings, Senior Uncle.”

Xie Zhuo suppressed a laugh and squeezed Chu Lanci’s palm. “Uncle, we shall take our leave.” He then led Chu Lanci away.

Now that the truth was out, Chu Lanci was taken away by Xie Zhuo. As for Wan Biaoli, he naturally had to continue his punishment, with an extra seven days added for tricking his innocent Junior Brother into the cliff. At least the two brothers would have each other’s company.

Once outside, Xie Zhuo said, “I will take you back. Furthermore, you are not allowed to take someone else’s punishment again. If you do it again, I will punish you according to the sect rules.”

Startled, Chu Lanci’s eyes widened, and his voice shook. “I am sorry, Master.”

“You know you are sorry? What did Wan Biaoli give you?”

Chu Lanci hesitated before admitting to the one thousand spirit stones.

“A mere thousand spirit stones for your life?” Xie Zhuo was exasperated.

Chu Lanci looked pathetic. “I know, I will not do it again, Master. Truly.”

Seeing Chu Lanci’s cowardly act, Xie Zhuo’s heart softened. He pulled out a protective jade pendant. “Take this. It is not worth much.”

Chu Lanci took it. It was neither gold nor jade, with a very plain design. Knowing nothing about high-level magical tools, he believed him. “Thank you, Master.” He even reached out as if to fan Xie Zhuo as a gesture of thanks.

Xie Zhuo smiled. “I will put it on for you.” He knelt down to tie it to Chu Lanci’s waist.

Chu Lanci did not have time to stop him. Every time his Master knelt, his mind started wandering. Afraid to think too much, he looked away.

Xie Zhuo stood up. Seeing Chu Lanci’s red face, he asked, “What is it?”

Chu Lanci stammered guiltily, “Nothing!”

Xie Zhuo did not press him but gave Chu Lanci’s waist a light squeeze. “Nothing?”

Chu Lanci had to turn the conversation. “That Immortal Wujiu, what did he do wrong to be locked there for so long?”

Xie Zhuo explained, “It was not a major mistake. Later it was proven that he was wronged, but he could not get over the anger, so he stayed. It is a form of self-exile.”

Chu Lanci understood immediately. Connecting it to the guardian’s words, he understood: if the world thinks I am wrong, then I am wrong; even if they realize I am not, I am not leaving.

He fell into thought.

Xie Zhuo pinched Chu Lanci’s cheek. “What are you thinking now?”

“I thought Immortal Wujiu was waiting for a wise ruler, but it turns out it is self-exile. That is a pity.”

Xie Zhuo laughed. “Is it? You think it is a pity?”

“Yes. He is so capable; it would be better if he came out to do something. So many people need help.”

Xie Zhuo noted, “The way you speak is exactly like my Senior Brother.”

Senior Brother! This was the first time Chu Lanci heard Xie Zhuo mention him. His Senior Brother was Xuan Tianjun, right? But everyone said Xie Zhuo had killed him. Sometimes, thinking about this, Chu Lanci realized he did not really know his Master at all; yet he himself was completely transparent before him, with no mystery whatsoever.

So where exactly did Xuan Tianjun go? Chu Lanci was curious. “How is it exactly the same?” he asked.

Xie Zhuo answered, “The meaning is the same. Otherwise, you two are nothing alike.”

“How so?”

“He can say it, but he cannot do it.” He looked at Chu Lanci and said, “You, on the other hand, are different.”

Usually, anyone hearing such a sweet remark would be blushing furiously, but this was Chu Lanci.

Chu Lanci laughed. “Is it? People in my village say the same thing.”

Xie Zhuo smiled. “The strength you told me about before?”

“Hmm? Is it not a strength?” Chu Lanci looked back with his clear eyes.

Being stared at like that, Xie Zhuo actually agreed. “It is.”

Chu Lanci smiled broadly. “Master, one more thing. I want to plant some Night Orchid flowers behind my house, is that okay?” Running back to the village was too much trouble; he wanted to plant them here.

“But did you not say your Night Orchids can only grow in your village?”

“Not necessarily. Master, you forgot about the Rootless Water! I have plenty. As long as I have that, I can grow them. If anyone in Qianshan needs them, I will…” He sheepishly revealed his plan. Now that he was here, he might as well make some money.

Xie Zhuo asked, “Do you even know the basic Qianshan heart-method yet?”

Speaking of that, Chu Lanci became bashful again. “Um, I was just about to say, Master, could you teach me again? After what happened last time, I have not looked at it for a few days and I have forgotten it.”

Xie Zhuo was shocked. “You forgot? It has only been a few days. Did you not review it?”

Chu Lanci said, “How is that possible? I did review very seriously.” He was telling the truth. Knowing his aptitude was average, he was quite hardworking. He recited it morning and night, but the basic cultivation heart-method was just too hard; he really could not learn it. “If it were not for that time in the bath, I would have had it by now.”

Xie Zhuo almost laughed. “Are you saying it is my fault?”

“No, Master, it is my own fault.” Chu Lanci thought he would not dare offend him.

“Fine. I will teach you once more, and then I will help you plant your Night Orchids.”

Chu Lanci did not rush to thank him as before but instead asked mischievously, “And then you will go off to be busy?”

Xie Zhuo replied, “What about it?”

“Nothing, haha!”

Xie Zhuo noted, “If I said once a month, I meant once a month.”

Chu Lanci’s eyes crinkled into crescents. “Thank you, Master!”

Xie Zhuo wondered why he would need his thanks. But looking at Chu Lanci’s smile, he decided that a “thank you” was not so bad after all.