Breaking Army - Chapter 24

They say a single drink can dissolve a thousand sorrows, yet Xiao Chen had never tried to drown his woes in wine. The prerequisite for forgetting worry is getting drunk, and if one cannot get drunk, the sorrow remains. The Prince was a veteran of many battles, a man of a thousand cups who never faltered, and no one had ever seen him intoxicated.

Privileged as he was, Rong Yuan became the first person to witness him drunk.

The two went cup after cup, jar after jar. It was Rong Yuan’s first time drinking so much, yet he showed no sign of inebriation. Seeing that Rong Yuan held his liquor well, Xiao Chen’s interest was piqued. Perhaps he truly wanted to see just how much the original form of Mu Qingyuan, who usually collapsed after one cup, could actually handle. Amidst the crisp clinking of cups, more wine went down. If he hadn’t been counting the jars, he wouldn’t have remembered how much he had consumed.

In the mortal realm, a jar of “One Pot of Spring” is aged for only a decade or so, but in the Underworld, it is a thousand-year vintage. Xiao Chen was used to drinking wine like water, and in the past, no liquor could best him. By the time he realized that his alcohol tolerance might be linked to his cultivation level, his head had already begun to spin.

Had he stopped then, he might not have become muddled. Curiously, while his mind remained clear, the hand holding the cup would not stop. Xiao Chen immersed himself in this hazy, pleasant state, continuing to drink until his consciousness was submerged in the fragrance of wine, sensing nothing more.

When Xiao Chen first felt the tipsiness, aside from a slightly flushed face, nothing seemed amiss. His tone and posture remained as usual. By the time Rong Yuan noticed something was wrong, Xiao Chen had already set his cup down, resting his chin on his arm, and slumped onto the table.

Xiao Chen had bragged about testing Rong Yuan’s limit, but in the end, before Rong Yuan could get drunk, he was the one to fall.

Rong Yuan’s eyes widened slightly, “Your Highness?”

Xiao Chen’s vision was blurring and swaying. He couldn’t make out Rong Yuan’s written words at all, only sensing movement nearby. He shifted his gaze toward him. Prince Po Jun possessed a pair of peach-blossom eyes that could be terrifyingly sharp when filled with battle intent, or as gentle as a spring breeze when curled in a smile, capable of blowing straight into one’s heart. Yet, no one had ever seen him like this: eyes misty and wandering, glistening with a watery sheen, like peach-blossom wine reflecting ripples. Was there anything more intoxicating than this?

Xiao Chen’s eyes were half-closed, dazed. He seemed to want to read the writing, struggling to prop up his eyelids to focus, while Rong Yuan… Rong Yuan was already staring blankly, mesmerized.

He couldn’t help but recall their wedding night. After the clouds and rain had subsided, he had removed the blindfold from Xiao Chen’s eyes. Xiao Chen had kept his eyes closed then, the corners of his eyes and his dark lashes damp. If he hadn’t covered the Star Lord’s eyes that night, would he have looked as soul-stirring as he did now?

Even the ordinary Xiao Chen was already someone he couldn’t look away from.

Rong Yuan’s ears turned a deep crimson instantly. It seemed that even now, one could still find traces of the old “Ghost Mask” within the Sovereign of the Underworld.

Xiao Chen still couldn’t see clearly. He tilted his head, reaching out with his other hand toward the glowing script, murmuring, “What did you write?”

With that grab, he saw even less. The spiritual script slipped right through his fingertips. Rong Yuan was certain he was drunk, though he wasn’t sure to what extent. He tentatively reached out and waved a hand in front of Xiao Chen’s eyes, only to have it snatched by the drunkard.

Rong Yuan: “!”

The warmth from the palm traveled over unexpectedly. Rong Yuan’s cold hand, meeting warmth after so long, instinctively tried to pull away from the heat. But perhaps due to that secret, tiny yearning deep in his heart, he failed to withdraw immediately. In that moment of hesitation, Xiao Chen’s other hand covered it too, sandwiching Rong Yuan’s hand between his own to warm it.

“Why is it so cold?” Xiao Chen cradled it with both hands, “Don’t be afraid, I’ll warm it for you.”

Rong Yuan’s hand trembled violently, and he no longer had the strength to pull away. Looking at Xiao Chen’s drunken state, he tentatively gave a gentle squeeze back. Seeing no reaction from Xiao Chen, he slowly increased the pressure, gripping Xiao Chen’s hand tightly.

Ah, it was indeed very warm, so warm he couldn’t bear to let go.

Rong Yuan made the script larger, bringing it before Xiao Chen’s eyes, “Your Highness, you are drunk.”

Xiao Chen stared with hazy eyes, and it was unclear if he actually saw it. “Why aren’t you speaking?” Before Rong Yuan could react, Xiao Chen freed one hand to steady his swaying head, “Right, you can’t speak…”

Their hands remained joined. In his drunken state, Xiao Chen’s palms and face were burning hot, making Rong Yuan’s icy touch feel just right. Rong Yuan thought to himself: It’s not that I can’t speak, it’s just that I cannot speak for now. On the day Your Highness can return home, I will surely use my own voice to congratulate you.

However, having not used his throat for centuries, he wondered if his voice would sound terrible by then. Even back when he was Ghost Mask, he didn’t like to talk much, which led to misunderstandings with some soldiers. Xiao Chen would always tease him to say a few more words, or at least express his true thoughts so others wouldn’t misjudge him, saying, “Your voice is so pleasant, give us a chance to hear it more often.”

When Xiao Chen sobered up, he would have to remind him that he could no longer drink the way he used to, lest his drunken state be seen by others. Rong Yuan didn’t feel at all that he was being taken advantage of when Xiao Chen grabbed his hand, he only thought that he must never let anyone else have the chance to be so hands-on with Xiao Chen.

Xiao Chen didn’t continue drinking, his cup having been pushed aside by his arm. Rong Yuan stood up, intending to help him up. They were in a pavilion where they had met the messengers of the Demon Tribe and subsequently started drinking. From here, one could see the floating lanterns drifting in the sky of the Ghost Capital. Exotic flowers and rare grasses grew around the pavilion. Although there was only night here, they had successfully woven their own beautiful scenery.

Rong Yuan gave a gentle pull. Sensing the force, Xiao Chen stood up, but before Rong Yuan could support him, Xiao Chen acted first, propping Rong Yuan up instead. “Why… are you swaying so much? Can’t stand steady? I’ll hold you…”

Rong Yuan didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. Who was the one unable to stand steady? Xiao Chen pulled at him, stumbling along, making it very difficult for Rong Yuan to walk. After struggling for a while and only moving a few steps, Rong Yuan silently mouthed the words “Forgive me,” then reached out, sliding his arm under Xiao Chen’s knees and sweeping him up in a horizontal carry.

Xiao Chen instinctively hooked his arms around Rong Yuan’s neck to steady himself. His voice held a hint of satisfaction, “This way is much less shaky.”

Rong Yuan couldn’t help but chuckle.

To be able to hold the person he cherished most in his arms was likely the greatest happiness. Holding Xiao Chen was different from the wedding day when he was rushing to save a life, now, his heart was filled with joy and peace. He wasn’t in a hurry to go anywhere, and since it was rare for Xiao Chen to lean on him like this, he wanted to savor the feeling a bit longer.

However, Rong Yuan knew that Xiao Chen hated showing weakness in front of others. Carrying him like this required avoiding people. Unfortunately, despite his consideration, someone took the initiative to approach. Just as Rong Yuan got a firm hold on Xiao Chen, Zuo Yi and You Chang walked into his line of sight.

At the sight of this scene, You Chang sucked in a cold breath. Zuo Yi, showing great foresight, quickly increased the distance between himself and You Chang, lest the latter pinch him again.

“Hmm?”

Rong Yuan raised his hand, tucking Xiao Chen’s face closer into his chest, unwilling to let others see his state. Xiao Chen looked up dazed from his embrace, his eyes filled with confusion, as if questioning something. Rong Yuan didn’t dare meet his gaze. Relying on his mask, he tried his best to maintain a calm exterior, asking Zuo Yi and You Chang, “What is it?”

“I have… No, it’s, it’s nothing!”

You Chang stuttered, changing his words on the spot. Zuo Yi was beside him, stifling a laugh. After they remained silent for a while, Rong Yuan walked away with Xiao Chen. After their master left, You Chang glared fiercely at Zuo Yi, who finally burst out laughing, and stepped up to give Zuo Yi’s arm another pinch.

“Ow!” Zuo Yi rubbed his arm and dodged, “Why are you pinching me again!”

You Chang spoke through gritted teeth, “What are you laughing at?”

“Laughing at you making a mountain out of a molehill.” Zuo Yi patted the sleeve You Chang had wrinkled, “If you ask me, if the Sovereign is willing to be close to His Highness, we should get used to it. Between Dao companions, let alone hugging, even more intimate contact is quite normal, right?”

“That only counts if they are truly a loving couple,” You Chang said irritably, “Even if our Sovereign is the master of a realm, in the eyes of Prince Po Jun, he is probably just a wet-behind-the-ears kid. If he falls too deep, who will be the one to suffer in the end?”

Seeing You Chang’s deep frown and genuine worry, Zuo Yi sighed, dropping his playful attitude and speaking seriously. “If the Sovereign truly likes him, why shouldn’t he fight for it? Whether he is a Star Lord or a God of War, if you want it, go after it. I only know that if you don’t fight or ask, you’ll end up with nothing.”

This… indeed made sense. You Chang deflated, “When should we have a heart-to-heart with the Sovereign and ask what he really intends?”

Rong Yuan was a child picked up by the previous Sovereign. Having no parents, Zuo Yi and You Chang were like brothers and friends to him. After the previous Sovereign passed away, they were the only ones who could be called Rong Yuan’s family. The phrase “depending on each other for life” might sound too miserable to apply to them, but there was indeed a strong bond between the three.

“That works, at least we’ll know what attitude to take toward Prince Po Jun.” Zuo Yi stretched and patted You Chang’s shoulder, “Let’s go. Since there’s nothing to do today, don’t go disturbing him.”

Rong Yuan took Xiao Chen along a secluded path, avoiding others, and arrived at the bank of the Yellow Springs.

Xiao Chen was a “good” drunk; he didn’t act out. Being held by Rong Yuan, he looked quite content. This made Rong Yuan even more determined to monitor Xiao Chen’s alcohol intake until his cultivation was fully restored.

The waters of the Yellow Springs were extremely murky. It wasn’t because they were filled with silt or filth, they were clean yet not clear, born that way.

Rong Yuan gently set Xiao Chen down. The two sat together among the clusters of Equinox Flowers. Rong Yuan held Xiao Chen in front of him in a protective posture. As the vast field of vibrant red Equinox Flowers entered his vision, Xiao Chen’s hazy eyes flickered, seemingly finding focus. It was unclear what he was thinking, but he just stared quietly at the flowers.

Unlike the one crushed underfoot in the mortal realm, the flowers here were blooming vigorously, exuding a sense of vivid life.

“I am a child Master picked up from the Yellow Springs,” Rong Yuan made the script float before Xiao Chen’s eyes, not caring if Xiao Chen was watching, he just wanted to talk. “I was drifting in the water. Master said I was lucky not to have been beaten to death by the waves.”

As if on cue, the Yellow Springs water tossed up a wave, rolling forward.

“I used to think that the greatest burden of my life was hatred and resentment. Master was kind to me, and that was a debt I had to repay. Other than that, I couldn’t think of any other meaning for living.”

Xiao Chen had been quietly admiring the flowers in Rong Yuan’s arms. He suddenly leaned his head back, resting it on Rong Yuan’s shoulder, his back completely flush against Rong Yuan. It was a very relaxed, deeply trusting posture, as if the embrace made him feel safe enough to surrender himself.

Rong Yuan was overwhelmed by the favor. He pursed his lips, hesitated for a moment, and then boldly rested his chin on Xiao Chen’s shoulder. Xiao Chen didn’t refuse. Rong Yuan’s lips curled up slightly as he tightened his grip on Xiao Chen’s waist.

Xiao Chen’s breath carried the scent of wine. His speech was a bit clearer than before. “During the war, I saw many orphans. Some of those little ones couldn’t even take human form yet.”

War is ruthless, regardless of race, age, or gender, treating everyone cruelly. Xiao Chen recalled how, after a rebel city fell, someone had begged him to spare their child, offering their own life as atonement, before committing suicide before anyone could stop them.

“I hadn’t intended to kill him,” Xiao Chen murmured, “but his death was related to me. I carry their lives, I remember all of them.”

“But that madman Zhi Luo, he actually gathered a group of young children, cut out their hearts, and turned them into half-dead puppets to use as weapons.” Xiao Chen’s fingers instinctively clenched into fists. These past events were better left unthought of, for even a slight memory felt like a knife to the heart.

On ordinary days, Xiao Chen would never pour out these bitter feelings. Rong Yuan lifted one of his hands, patiently prying open the clenched fingers one by one, then interlacing their fingers, supporting him silently.

He knew what Xiao Chen was talking about, because he had been by Xiao Chen’s side when the Pacification Army first encountered the child puppets. Before that, they had only heard rumors of Zhi Luo making such puppets. Only by seeing them in person did they realize how truly insane it was.

Most young children lacked cultivation, and after being refined by Zhi Luo like that, they became weapons for the battlefield.

The first time they encountered them, they captured the puppets and locked them up. Everyone tried to find a way to save them, but Rong Yuan, coming from the Underworld, knew at a glance that there was no hope. Great powers could live without a heart, but children with low cultivation could not. The souls of these children, which should have gone to the Underworld, were forcibly trapped in bodies that had lost life, neither human nor ghost, neither living nor dead. Only by destroying the body and the shackles could they be liberated.

The others eventually realized this too. For a while, the central command tent was deathly silent. After a long time, someone said, “Zhi Luo truly deserves to never be reincarnated!”

That night, Ghost Mask sneaked into the place where the puppets were held and knocked out the guards. Before he could act further, he sensed someone approaching and immediately went on alert, “Who is it!”

“Shh—” Hu Qu stepped out from the shadows and whispered, “Do you want to draw the others here?”

Ghost Mask gave a cold snort, “What are you doing here?”

Hu Qu was used to Ghost Mask’s foul temper and didn’t mind. “Here to do the same thing as you. My, I didn’t realize you had a heart, kid. His Highness hasn’t doted on you in vain.”

Ghost Mask remained silent. Hu Qu raised his arm and sent out fox-fire. The flames flew through the gaps in the iron cages, catching the puppets and bursting into flames. The fire spread quickly, soon engulfing all the puppets. Curiously, the fire only burned the puppets and nothing else. Hu Qu fanned himself and said softly, “It is clearly a problem of the three realms, yet he carries so much of it. Why must he be the one to do everything personally?”

Ghost Mask met his gaze and said nothing. After watching the puppets burn to ashes, the two left quickly. By the time others discovered it, only a pile of ash remained.

Rong Yuan had been standing behind Xiao Chen at the time, unable to see his expression, and didn’t know what Xiao Chen was thinking as he looked at that pile of ash. Only, after that time, whenever they encountered such living-dead puppets on the battlefield, Xiao Chen killed them all and never brought them back again.

Xiao Chen had walked through the wars of the three realms, carrying not just the karma of killing, but a weight that ordinary people could neither imagine nor bear.

Xiao Chen’s head slowly drooped, murmuring in a slurred voice, “If things get chaotic again… can I really turn a blind eye?”

His voice was so soft that Rong Yuan almost didn’t catch it. He didn’t know that Xiao Chen’s dream divination had predicted chaos, thinking Xiao Chen was merely venting the suppressed frustration in his heart. He floated another line of script: “Your Highness, how about I carry it with you?”

Xiao Chen fell silent again. After a long time without movement, Rong Yuan looked down: Xiao Chen had actually fallen asleep against him.

The clusters of flowers surrounded the two figures. The vibrant petals and the two graceful people formed a stunningly beautiful picture. Rong Yuan couldn’t help but gently press his forehead against Xiao Chen’s hair. He thought to himself: Since you didn’t answer, I’ll take it as your silent agreement.