Breaking Army - Chapter 9

Chengfeng, the second prince of the Heavenly Realm, was a straightforward character. This was something Xiangzhi had come to realize deeply. The prince had selected several officials to assist in solving the case, and Xiangzhi was among them.

On the day of the recruitment, Xiangzhi’s answers were not only detailed and comprehensive, but he also wrote with exceptionally beautiful calligraphy. He was the only one to pass the recruitment. Chengfeng summoned him, intending to discuss matters further out of appreciation for his talent, but once they started talking, he discovered that the two of them were completely incompatible.

Xiangzhi was currently on duty in the study, organizing scrolls. He had just finished categorizing a section when someone snatched the top book away. Xiangzhi looked up, took a deep breath, and then performed a proper salute, “Second Highness.”

Chengfeng gave a grunt of acknowledgement, then looked at the book in his hand, “The Record of Cloud Mountain is a book of local geography and customs. Why is it grouped with the demon beasts?”

Xiangzhi replied, “Though it is titled a ‘Record of Objects,’ it does not encompass all things. Aside from demon beasts, there are only two paltry pages on other subjects. It is not sufficient to be classified as a gazetteer of geography and customs.”

Chengfeng said stiffly, “It has always been in the geography section before.”

Xiangzhi countered, “If the previous classification was imprecise, it can be corrected.”

Chengfeng glared at him, thinking: This stubborn brat!

Xiangzhi met his gaze calmly, thinking: This dog-tempered prince!

When they first met, Xiangzhi had intended to act submissive, but as soon as they began discussing knowledge and lore, he refused to yield an inch on points where he felt he was right. Chengfeng was equally stubborn, and their conversation had turned into a clash of opinions that practically smelled of gunpowder. Xiangzhi originally thought he had offended the prince and was prepared to pack his bags and find another way, but what did it mean for the prince to appear before him again?

If you want someone to get lost, does a prince really need to come in person? Couldn’t he just send a messenger?

Chengfeng set the book down, pretending to put his hands behind his back. Facing Xiangzhi’s “speak up if you have something to say” expression, the prince hadn’t even finished striking his pose yet, “You truly aren’t afraid of offending me.”

“I am afraid,” Xiangzhi said, “but there are some things where one cannot compromise. It is a matter of principle.”

Xiangzhi said he was afraid because if he offended the prince, one path for his investigation would be cut off, and he would have to find another way, creating more trouble. Chengfeng, being unaware of this, naturally didn’t interpret it that way. Regardless, those words somehow made him feel a bit better, and his expression wasn’t quite as sour, “Tomorrow, the Star Lords of the Star Realm will come to the Heavenly Realm to investigate again. They will visit the grotto where Prince Po Jun was temporarily staying. You will accompany me.”

Although their first meeting was unpleasant, Chengfeng had to admit that Xiangzhi was very knowledgeable. During their previous debate, even the heavenly officials who had tried to back the prince were left speechless by Xiangzhi’s rebukes. He was a bit stubborn, but at least he had genuine talent. Furthermore, he didn’t have many messy connections and his background was clean. With the current need for capable people, Chengfeng couldn’t let him go.

Xiangzhi was also delighted. It seemed that while the second prince had a bit of a temper, he could still speak like a reasonable human being when it came to official business. Thus, he offered a sincere and respectful bow, “Yes, this subordinate accepts the command.”

The atmosphere between the two softened considerably. Chengfeng teased, “So you still know you are my subordinate.”

Xiangzhi straightened his back, “As a subordinate, I offer loyal advice. If that loyal advice sounds a bit unpleasant to the ear, I hope Your Highness will be magnanimous.”

Chengfeng choked. What did that mean? Did it mean he intended to do it again in the future?! Chengfeng took a deep breath, making up his mind that once the case was closed, he would definitely kick this little immortal official out the door!

***

While the Heavenly Realm had its own affairs, the Underworld managed reincarnation, and there were daily matters to attend to there as well. You Chang clutched a stack of papers, muttering to himself, “In the past seven days, no vengeful ghosts have appeared in the mortal realm. Not bad. The Demon Realm—hm? Master, what is it?”

You Chang’s arm was flicked lightly by Rong Yuan’s power from across the room. Rong Yuan could not speak, and his subordinates couldn’t always keep their eyes on him while working diligently. Therefore, if he needed something, Rong Yuan would use this method to draw their attention. Oh, sometimes he would simply float text outlined in spiritual power right in front of their eyes, but since that could be quite abrupt, Rong Yuan preferred to give a greeting first.

Rong Yuan set down his brush, and spiritual calligraphy drifted into view: [I want to drink wine.]

“Drink wine?” You Chang said in surprise, “Don’t you usually dislike drinking? Why so suddenly… I’ll have someone prepare it.”

Zuo Yi looked up from his desk, “Drinking is good. Count me in for a cup too.”

You Chang called an attendant to make the preparations. Rong Yuan specifically added: [I want strong liquor.]

You Chang asked, “Then you’ll have to tell us just how strong ‘strong’ is.”

Zuo Yi’s eyes lit up, and he quickly interjected, “Master, the strongest is surely ‘A Pot of Spring.’ How about opening a jar? I haven’t tasted it in ages!”

The name of the wine made Rong Yuan pause, [A Pot of Spring?]

You Chang also wore a nostalgic expression, “You don’t drink, so you wouldn’t know. It’s a fine vintage personally brewed and stored by the former Master. They are all thousand-year-old vintages. His late Excellency used to bring some out to share a few cups with us.” You Chang looked at Zuo Yi and, for once, didn’t scold him, saying softly, “Back then, the ones who accompanied the former Master in drinking were me and Wu Nian. Zuo Yi only managed to sneak a taste once or twice.”

Wu Nian was the former Left Emissary of the Underworld and You Chang’s original partner. She was also Zuo Yi’s elder sister. Since her disappearance, Zuo Yi had taken over the role of Left Emissary. Wu Nian’s whereabouts remained unknown to this day.

“A thousand years condensed into one spring, a hundred rivers gathered in a single cup,” Zuo Yi recited, swaying his head. “Sister was the one who named the wine,” he smiled with rare tenderness, “What a wonderful name.”

The former Master was Rong Yuan’s teacher and the man who raised him, acting as both mentor and father. By the time Rong Yuan had been picked up, Wu Nian had long since vanished. A Pot of Spring. Could it be that when Master traveled the mortal world… A Realm Lord couldn’t visit the mortal world in their true form, but there was no problem with creating an avatar to wander the world.

The former Master’s soul had returned to heaven and earth. Now, the place where the wine was stored required Rong Yuan’s permission to enter. Rong Yuan agreed: [Open ‘A Pot of Spring.’ If you like it, you may take two jars with you.]

Zuo Yi immediately stood up, “Thank you, Master!”

You Chang shot a look at the greedy man but also gave his thanks.

The attendant brought the wine and poured a cup for Rong Yuan. You Chang was truly curious as to why the Master suddenly wanted to drink, so he kept watching. He saw the Master pick up the cup, take a small sip, then tilt his head back to drain it. He set the cup down and sat upright, as if waiting for something.

Waiting for what? You Chang was baffled. He also waited for a moment, but only saw Rong Yuan let out a breath. Aside from the cup of wine going down, nothing else happened.

So the drinking really was just a whim?

Rong Yuan only had one cup before letting the attendant distribute the wine to Zuo Yi and Zuo Yi. He then picked up his brush to continue reviewing documents. With fine wine before them, Zuo Yi ignored everything else. You Chang picked up his wine, using his confusion as a side dish for the drink, treating it purely as a brief rest.

Xiao Chen supported the person who had been knocked out by “A Pot of Spring” as they arrived at the Meet-Again Inn. He asked the proprietor for two rooms, which happened to be next to each other. Xiao Chen took the person upstairs and settled Mu Qing into the room.

They say a drunk person is exceptionally heavy, yet Xiao Chen carried him with ease. Mu Qing was half a head shorter than him. Come to think of it, Rong Yuan was half a head taller than Xiao Chen.

While Mu Qing was unconscious, Xiao Chen took the opportunity to probe him with spiritual power, but he found nothing. Had he overthought it? Was Mu Qing truly just an ordinary mortal?

No, he couldn’t rule out the possibility that his own cultivation was currently too low to detect anything.

Xiao Chen took a deep look at the soundly sleeping Mu Qing on the bed, then turned and left the room.

A single cup of strong liquor had rendered him unconscious. Logically, he shouldn’t have woken up for several hours. However, as soon as Xiao Chen left, a speck of purple light flickered between Mu Qing’s brows. He soon opened his eyes and sat up as if nothing had happened. His complexion returned to normal, the flush vanished, and there was no trace of drunkenness whatsoever.

He stood up but didn’t rush to move. He simply sat there, remaining motionless like a wooden statue. It wasn’t until the sun tilted in the sky and the night began to creep in that he finally moved again, changing from a puppet back into a living person.

After sitting motionless for the entire afternoon, Mu Qing’s movements showed no sign of stiffness when he stood up to act.

His bundle had been untied by Xiao Chen and placed on the table. Mu Qing opened it, took out fresh clothes, and changed out of the garments that smelled of wine. This time he chose a water-colored long robe, even lighter than his previous blue. Upon closer inspection, the clothes in his bundle were all light colors. Most people who liked light colors also liked white, yet his bundle notably lacked a white outer robe.

It wasn’t that Mu Qing disliked white clothes. He simply… preferred seeing white clothes worn by a certain person.

The inn had guests staying over as well as those just stopping for a meal. When Mu Qing went downstairs, he easily spotted Xiao Chen. Not just because Xiao Chen was striking in appearance, but because he occupied a large table all by himself. The table was piled with food as before, and upon closer look, there were also snacks wrapped in oil-paper from the street. He had likely gone out in the afternoon and bought them.

Mu Qing came before Xiao Chen. Xiao Chen had a wine cup in his hand again. He looked up and smiled, “You’re awake. How do you feel?”

Mu Qing looked embarrassed, “To be honest, my head is spinning.”

Xiao Chen poured a cup of tea and handed it over, “If you can’t drink, then don’t. Wine isn’t a necessity.”

Mu Qing gestured: But you seem to like it very much.

Xiao Chen swirled the cup in his hand and thought seriously for a moment, “Not really. It’s just a taste. Even if I didn’t drink for years, I wouldn’t crave it. If there was something I truly liked, I surely wouldn’t be able to part with it.”

I accidentally got drunk and troubled you again. I will pay for the room. I already settled the bill for this meal with the proprietor just now.

He still remembered the offer to treat from lunch. Although Xiao Chen felt there was no need to be so polite, a personality that insisted on repaying kindness was quite good. Xiao Chen said, “There’s no need to pay for the room. We arrived at a good time. I went out for a stroll today and heard that tomorrow is the Lantern Festival of Mingxiao City. It will be very lively. We are both strangers here, so if you accompany me to see the festival, we’ll call it even for the room.”

This wasn’t a way to settle a debt; it was clearly a rare favor. If Mu Qing insisted on calculating every copper with Xiao Chen, it would only create distance. So, he agreed: I would be honored.

Mu Qing had a small appetite, which was a world away from Xiao Chen’s. The two of them chatted intermittently, one speaking and the other gesturing. Compared to some tables that were boisterous and loud, their table was exceptionally peaceful. Xiao Chen didn’t dislike this feeling. It felt natural and comfortable, much like how strong liquor had its thrill, while a light brew had its own unique flavor.

Xiao Chen spoke about what he had seen in Mingxiao City today. He suddenly remarked, “Are you lucky?”

Though the question was sudden, Mu Qing thought about it seriously: There is good and bad, I cannot generalize.

“My luck used to be quite poor,” Xiao Chen said, “but lately, my fate has been linked to someone else. Today I went to a gambling house to try my luck. Guess what? I just played for fun, and I actually won everything.” Xiao Chen sighed with emotion, “It seems his luck is quite good, and I’ve benefited from his fortune.”

Mu Qing gave Xiao Chen a feeling different from anyone else, but at this moment, his focus was as expected: Is it possible for fates to be linked like that?

He showed great curiosity. Xiao Chen said leisurely in the tone of a charlatan, “The world is vast, and there are no wonders too great to exist.”

Mu Qing actually didn’t think he was bragging, but believed him sincerely: If Brother Xiao says it is possible, then it must be.

He thought of something, and his gaze suddenly softened, “Speaking of luck, I once met a person. I must have used up the good luck gathered from several lifetimes just to meet him. Perhaps because my luck ran out, afterwards… I didn’t know how to keep him.”

Such an exaggerated statement allowed Xiao Chen to glean a bit of the truth, “A sweetheart?” Though he himself knew nothing of romance, he had seen enough of it in others.

He saw Mu Qing’s cheeks and the tips of his ears turn red, looking even prettier than when he was drunk. Then, he gave a shy, gentle nod, admitting it.

Xiao Chen was amused by the young man’s bashfulness, “Although I don’t understand love, I am older than you and have seen more. I can still offer a bit of life advice.”

Mu Qing sat up straight: Brother Xiao is only a few years older than me. Don’t treat me like a child.

He was actually more than a few years older. To a Star Lord who had lived for ten thousand years, a mortal in his teens was indeed just a child.

“Haha, in any case, calling me ‘brother’ won’t do you any harm.” The jug on the table was osmanthus wine, different from the strong liquor at lunch. It was sweet and refreshing, perfect for moistening the throat. He took a sip, his mouth filled with the fragrance of osmanthus, “To keep someone, whether they are a friend or a lover, sincerity is indispensable. If you care about them, you must make them care about you too.” Xiao Chen peered at him, “You aren’t suffering from unrequited love, are you?”

Mu Qing looked terribly embarrassed, his head almost burying itself in the table. But his hands still rose to gesture: I am afraid he will think I am not good enough.

Though Xiao Chen had lived for ten thousand years, he had never felt a spark of admiration. In this regard, even the young man before him could be his teacher. He inevitably thought of Rong Yuan, the only person with whom he had shared physical intimacy, and murmured, “What does it feel like to truly like someone?”

To be constantly worried? Or to be fearful and anxious like Mu Qing? How much courage does it take to place a person who was once a stranger into one’s heart? It must certainly be braver than charging into battle to kill enemies.

Xiao Chen’s words were meant as a monologue, but upon hearing them, Mu Qing looked up. He answered Xiao Chen solemnly: Thinking of him every moment, wanting to give him the very best, and being willing to give up everything for him. He pointed to himself, his gestures slow and deliberate: Including my life.

“You…” Xiao Chen was shaken by the strange brilliance in Mu Qing’s eyes. He wasn’t usually one to pry into others’ private affairs, but he couldn’t help but blurt out, “How did you fall in love with him?” At such a young age, to love so deeply.

The sky was now completely shrouded in night, and every household had lit their lanterns. The lights of the human world in the inn illuminated Mu Qing’s face, lending it an indescribable tenderness. He had the mortal world in his heart and brilliance in his eyes. Though he could only use hand gestures, they surpassed a thousand words, expressing endless tenderness and devotion.

“I once knew only the endless night of the abyss. It was he who gave me boundless light.”

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