The Immortal Venerable Used Me and Then Abandoned Me - Chapter 14

The silver hair ribbon fluttered gently in the mountain breeze, the character for “Cang” (meaning “Vast” or “Grey”) carved into the red jade glinting under the sunlight.

For a rare moment, Huai Wang was at a loss. His fingers curled slightly as he held the ribbon out to return it.

Jian Zhu didn’t reach for it. Instead, he turned and stepped right up to Huai Wang, watching him with an air of unhurried amusement. They were standing so close that Huai Wang felt the urge to back away, but since he was still holding the ribbon, he found himself momentarily paralyzed, unable to move forward or retreat.

After a long pause, Jian Zhu judged that he had teased the man enough. He reached up, hooked the ribbon from between Huai Wang’s fingers, and reached behind his own head to tie it back on.

As he lowered his head, his hair slid to either side following his movements, revealing a sliver of his porcelain-white nape amidst the ink-black tresses. The beautiful lines of his neck vanished into his collar, displayed directly right beneath Huai Wang’s eyes.

Huai Wang didn’t move. As Jian Zhu tied his hair ribbon, a few stray strands brushed against his lapel. A fresh rain had fallen that morning, and the faint, crisp scent of it lingered at the tip of his nose.

Jian Zhu seemed to pick up scents easily. When he returned from drinking and listening to music at the tavern, he carried the aroma of rouge and aged wine; after tinkering in the vegetable patch, he rose with the scent of green leaves and damp earth. Now, coming from the depths of Cang Mountain, he likely carried the biting, chilly aura of its fine snow in the eyes of others.

The ribbon was re-tied in just a few quick motions.

Huai Wang took a step back. Jian Zhu looked up and said, half-joking, “Immortal Venerable, try not to go around snatching people’s things in the future.”

“…It was not intentional,” Huai Wang said, pursing his lips.

“Oh.” Jian Zhu’s response was incredibly dismissive. Before Huai Wang could turn his embarrassment into anger, Jian Zhu changed the subject. “The Immortal Venerable wants to get information from me, yet you are unwilling to share what you know with me.”

He gave a light laugh. “Are you trying to trap a white wolf with empty hands?” (Note: To get something for nothing).

Huai Wang remained silent for a few seconds. “If you want an exchange, it depends on how valuable the news you bring back is.”

Jian Zhu chuckled. “The Immortal Venerable certainly calculates things clearly.”

“How else should it be?”

There were no “sentiment cards” to be played with a man who had amnesia. Jian Zhu figured that continuing the conversation was just looking for trouble, so he nodded in agreement. “Then we shall do as the Immortal Venerable says.”

________________________________________

The next day, the appointed hour arrived.

Jian Zhu joined the other disciples, following Sect Leader Wei Yi from Wenxin Pavilion to the mountain gate to welcome the distinguished guests.

Senior Brother He walked beside him, whispering, “I heard the one coming today is the Young Sect Master of the Tianque Sect, Xue Jianxiao.”

Jian Zhu fished for info. “What’s he here for?”

Senior Brother He laughed. “How would I know something like that?”

Jian Zhu nodded, thinking that was fair. He silently pondered what the visitors from Yingzhou intended and how he might squeeze some useful information out of them.

The group marched grandly through the front hall toward the mountain gate. As they passed Wensheng Hall, the Foundation Establishment disciples were inside listening to a lecture.

Jiang Yin was looking out the window with envy when he suddenly spotted Jian Zhu among the ranks. He nearly fell off his seat! Suppressing the jealousy in his heart, he muttered to those around him as if casually, “Why are they bringing someone of unknown identity along.”

Jian Zhu was unaware of the minor drama in Wensheng Hall. He followed the procession out of the middle gate and arrived outside the mountain gate moments later.

The people from the Tianque Sect hadn’t arrived yet. The Sect Leader stood at the very front, his expression serious as if facing a great enemy. The most elite disciples of the sect were all present, their grey robes snapping in the wind, looking majestic and solemn.

Jian Zhu leaned over to ask Senior Brother He, “Is this Young Sect Master here to tear our front door down?”

Senior Brother He’s lips barely moved as he replied, “No, but the number one sect in the world must maintain its aura.”

“…”

In a short while, the sea of clouds in the sky began to churn. The wind swept across the fields, making the treetops rustle loudly.

An incredibly luxurious Gold-and-Jade Boat approached from afar, surrounded by colorful birds and peacocks displaying their feathers. Accompanied by the clear ringing of bells, the boat came to a halt before the mountain gate.

The entourage numbered forty or fifty people. Two Nascent Soul cultivators bowed and pulled back the curtains as a green jade ladder descended from the side. “Young Master, please—”

Jian Zhu suddenly understood the Sect Leader’s obsession with appearances. This scene was so exaggerated that an outsider might think the Lin Yuan Sect was welcoming a bride.

The curtains parted, and a figure stepped down the ladder.

Clad in Celestial Silk and Kunyuan jade pendants, the man was draped in stones of astronomical value that clinked and clattered with every step. Shimmering in gold and emerald from head to toe, he didn’t look like a creature of the mortal realm.

The newcomer raised his face, radiating “prestige.”

Jian Zhu’s body gave a jolt! That familiar prestige, that familiar face. It was the youth from the city.

A long string of ellipses drifted through his mind… ………. He watched expressionless as Xue Jianxiao and the Sect Leader exchanged greetings, both sides still trying hard to maintain their high-status personas. Behind them, two peacocks began to dance, their massive tails fanning out like decorative stage props.

Senior Brother He sent a secret transmission: Junior Brother, the Tianque Young Master is so dazzling. I feel like he’s way out of our league.

Jian Zhu: With that outfit, he’s basically a golden pangolin. Most people wouldn’t dare try to climb that.

Senior Brother He: …

After the formalities, the Sect Leader led Xue Jianxiao into the sect.

The disciples parted to create a path. The two walked forward with heads held high, gradually approaching Jian Zhu’s position. As Xue Jianxiao walked, his proud gaze swept across the disciples and he suddenly locked eyes with Jian Zhu’s “unforgettable” expression.

He: ……….

Xue Jianxiao’s heart jumped. He accidentally stepped on his own elaborate hem and, with a loud “Thump!”, face-planted onto the ground! The stone steps had been cleaned until they were spotless and smooth; after hitting the ground, he basically slid across the floor right up to Jian Zhu’s feet.

The entire scene froze instantly.

Sect Leader Wei Yi was left in a daze. The disciples held their breath in silence. Dozens of gazes landed on the two of them; the secondhand embarrassment was so strong they were practically curling their toes into the ground.

Jian Zhu felt a bit suffocated as the “Golden Pangolin” slid-knelt toward him with a cacophony of clinking jade. Now, they were staring at each other—one standing, one kneeling. Their eyes filled with a thousand words.

After a moment, Jian Zhu leaned down to help him up. “There is no need for such a grand ceremony.”

Xue Jianxiao: “…”

Everyone else: “……….”

Beside the Sect Leader, Senior Brother Luo felt a breath catch in his chest: We agreed on “watching your words” and “not being impolite”!!!

Though it was a bit awkward, Xue Jianxiao managed to stand back up. He improvised on the spot, gripping Jian Zhu’s hand tightly. “It seems you haven’t forgotten the secret signal we agreed upon.”

Jian Zhu: “…” No, there was never such a weird agreement.

The crowd’s shock came in wave after wave: So, these two have a close personal friendship and even secret signals?

The Sect Leader was the first to snap out of it. He walked over. “Disciple Jian Zhu, do you know Young Master Xue?”

Before Jian Zhu could speak, Xue Jianxiao waved his hand. “We know each other, we know each other!”

Sect Leader Wei Yi glanced at Jian Zhu and beckoned him to his side. “Come over here then, and catch up with Young Master Xue.”

The group set off again. Having met an “old friend,” Xue Jianxiao dropped the act. He pulled Jian Zhu along, chattering away and completely letting himself go.

The Sect Leader, finally relieved of the burden of maintaining a stiff posture, walked ahead with a spring in his step.

As they returned via the same path and passed Wensheng Hall, Jiang Yin looked up once more. He saw the distinguished guest standing beside the Sect Leader and Jian Zhu standing right beside the guest, the two of them chatting and laughing like old pals.

His hand trembled as he held the brush, causing a few drops of ink to splatter. Damn it, this person must be practicing some kind of seductive sorcery!

________________________________________

Jian Zhu had originally assumed the visitors from Yingzhou meant something major was happening, only to find out it was just Xue Jianxiao wandering around after running away from home.

The group sat together and chatted about meaningless topics for a while before Xue Jianxiao requested to speak with Jian Zhu privately. The Sect Leader still had official business to attend to, so he urged Jian Zhu to be a good host and departed with Luo Chenyang.

As soon as they left, Xue Jianxiao’s dignified posture collapsed as he slumped back. “I’m so tired.”

Jian Zhu couldn’t understand him. “Why put yourself through it?”

Xue Jianxiao shook his head; his obsession with maintaining his “prestigious aura” was non-negotiable. He shifted the topic back to Jian Zhu. “Didn’t you say you were here to find someone?”

“The person is right here in the Lin Yuan Sect.”

Xue Jianxiao wore an expression of someone who had just stumbled upon juicy gossip. “Found them yet?”

Jian Zhu shook his head. He hadn’t exactly “found” him, considering Huai Wang still didn’t recognize him.

Xue Jianxiao didn’t push further. “Then where are you staying? Quickly, take this Young Master to see your place.”

“I can’t get in.”

“Why?”

The image of Huai Wang’s frost-cold face flashed through Jian Zhu’s mind. “There is a fierce beast guarding the mountain.”

Xue Jianxiao shuddered. “Never mind then.”

As the two strolled in circles around the sect, Jian Zhu fished for information. “Has anything happened in Yingzhou lately?”

Xue Jianxiao brushed against the hanging flower branches along the path, petals falling all over him. “Not sure. This Young Master has been away from home for a long time. However, my family hasn’t really tried to control me these past few months. I don’t know if they’re too busy with something or if they’ve just given up on my ‘treatment’.”

Jian Zhu grew thoughtful. “Share any news with me if you get it.”

“No problem, we’re ‘brothers in misfortune’ after all,” Xue Jianxiao agreed generously. He then produced a wine flask. “The scenery here is decent. Come, accompany this Young Master for a drink!”

“…”

As the sunlight began to fade, Xue Jianxiao finally left the Lin Yuan Sect.

Jian Zhu reported to the Sect Leader before returning to Cang Mountain, where Huai Wang was sitting in the courtyard. The large white crane shook its feathers and gave a loud cry through its long beak when it saw him approaching.

Huai Wang looked up.

Jian Zhu sauntered over with his hands tucked in his sleeves. “The Young Sect Master of Tianque has headed back…”

“Is he the one who invited you for a drink?” Huai Wang spoke suddenly.

Jian Zhu blinked, confused as to why he would suddenly bring this up.

A faint scent of wine drifted between them, just like those previous times. Realizing the connection, Jian Zhu arched an eyebrow. “And what if he is?”

Slender fingers tapped rhythmically on the stone table. Huai Wang watched him. “Did he come specifically for you this time? What exactly is the relationship between the two of you?”

“That is my private business. Is the Immortal Venerable very concerned?”

“Your private business has nothing to do with me.” Huai Wang’s expression remained unchanged. “I only care about the affairs of Yingzhou.”

“…” Jian Zhu felt backstabbed once again. He let out a dry laugh. “A ‘fate brought us together from a thousand miles away’ kind of relationship.”

Huai Wang fell silent upon hearing this, his belief in the statement unclear.

Since he was being so impersonal, Jian Zhu treated it as official business as well. He summarized the situation in a few sentences and then demanded information in return. “Your turn, Immortal Venerable.”

Jian Zhu asked, “Why do you not wish for the spiritual energy to recover?”

“The order and balance of the three realms would be shattered,” Huai Wang said. “Currently, the upper levels manage the lower, and the strong restrain one another. But if one day the strength of every cultivator in the Nine Provinces suddenly surged, what do you think would happen?”

He looked up. “Universal peace and prosperity?”

The coldness in Huai Wang’s eyes sent a chill down Jian Zhu’s spine. A word suddenly jumped into his mind: Insurgency.

Jian Zhu’s expression darkened slightly. “Is it man-made or natural?”

“The recovery of spiritual energy is beyond human reach, but the talismans and arrays within the sects are man-made.”

A natural disaster and a man-made calamity. Two things that seemed unrelated were faintly connected by an invisible thread between Yingzhou and Lin Yuan, thousands of miles apart.

Tucking his hands into his sleeves, Jian Zhu turned to look at the horizon glowing with the light of the setting sun. “I hope nothing major happens.”

Huai Wang opened his lips. “The probability of something happening is extremely high.”

Jian Zhu: “…”

He felt a surge of nervous energy whenever he thought of Huai Wang’s mouth which seemed to have been “consecrated” with bad omens. He looked at the man with a measure of wariness. “Can’t you say something positive for once?”

Huai Wang disagreed. “In all things, one must prepare for the worst.”

Jian Zhu felt numb. “Like being struck by lightning?”

Huai Wang frowned, clearly failing to understand the deeper meaning behind his words.

________________________________________

The leads regarding Yingzhou hadn’t been sorted out yet when, two days later, Jian Zhu received a transmission from Xue Jianxiao.

Xue Jianxiao wore the “pouty face” of a disgraced young master. “Someone from home showed up out of nowhere and caught me. Friend, goodbye—no time to even wave!”

Jian Zhu waved at him through the transmission. “Consider your wish fulfilled.”

Xue Jianxiao choked. “This Young Master! Thank you.”

He barely got another word out before someone seemed to call him on the other end. With a quick “catch you later,” he cut off the transmission.

Jian Zhu let out a soft sigh. Xue Jianxiao had been dragged home, and Huai Wang had also been nowhere to be found these past two days; his shadow was rarely seen on Cang Mountain.

With half the spice of life gone, Jian Zhu felt quite empty.

Only the freshly finished “little novel” by Jiang Chaoyun could bring him a sliver of refreshing joy.

After evening class, as the sun set in the twilight, the two walked back together.

Jian Zhu flipped through Jiang Chaoyun’s account of his and Huai Wang’s “earth-shattering encounter” while listening to the man prattle on about the latest sect gossip.

“When the Young Sect Master of Tianque visited last time, many people saw you strolling with him under the spring flowers and the bright sun. They say your beauty is world-shaking and that you’ve caught his eye.”

Jian Zhu turned a page of the manuscript. “Did no one say we were old acquaintances?”

Jiang Chaoyun was already very experienced in this. “Everyone just wants to hear the most scandalous story.”

“…”

Jian Zhu reflected on how good he was at “teaching a man to fish.”

Since the two were on different main peaks, they stopped at a fork in the road, preparing to part ways.

The evening sun stretched their shadows long across the ground. Jian Zhu handed the manuscript back to Jiang Chaoyun. As the latter reached for it, a sudden gust of wind blew, making the paper pages rustle loudly.

Slap! Jiang Chaoyun hurriedly snapped the manuscript shut and shoved it back into his pocket. As the wind continued to howl, he turned toward its source. “This wind is incredibly strong.”

Jian Zhu followed his gaze, looking past the layers of rolling mountains. At the blurred edge of the horizon, clouds were churning and gathering as if a tempest were about to surge forth.

A faint sense of dread settled in his heart.

“Go back first,” Jian Zhu said, patting Jiang Chaoyun’s shoulder. “Shut your windows and doors tight, and mind the candles.”

“What? Why? What’s going on?” Jiang Chaoyun asked, bewildered.

“It’s nothing.”

After giving his warning, Jian Zhu took flight. In the span of a few sentences, the gale had grown increasingly fierce. He flew against the wind, his grey disciple robes snapping wildly as his hair billowed unrestrained behind him.

The silver hair ribbon with its red jade pendant gleamed as deep as a drop of blood under the slanting rays of the setting sun.

It better be nothing, Jian Zhu thought expressionlessly. Based on Huai Wang’s usual track record, whenever he finished a “poisonous prophecy” and then vanished, it usually meant nothing good was about to happen.

Heh.