Sending the Divine - Chapter 164: Sect Leader

On the second day of their stay at the inn, Shi Jingzhi, as usual, slept until late morning. He instinctively reached out beside him, but only felt the coldness of the empty bed.

While Sect Master Shi was still lost in a gentle dream, he suddenly landed on the floor. From the room’s decorations to the snow outside the window, everything looked eerily familiar. An unnerving thought crossed his mind—

Could all of his memories have been just a dream? Maybe he had fainted in the snow, and everything he remembered was a mere illusion.

The Child of Desire, the Hanging Tree, the Immortal founding general, and his dearly beloved all seemed absurdly distant to him, who had just stepped into this world.

As soon as this thought arose, Shi Jingzhi woke up completely. Wearing only his robe and barefooted, he rushed to the corner to check his flag. Confirming that the writing on the flag was indeed by Yin Ci and that his sect leader’s jade pendant was still intact, he finally caught his breath. He shivered belatedly as cold sweat formed on his forehead.

The inn run by Auntie Li was simple, and the room wasn’t very warm. Feeling the chill, Shi Jingzhi was about to rush back to his blanket when he saw Yin Ci at the door holding a tray with chicken soup.

Yin Ci, neatly dressed and with the fragrant soup in hand, looked at Shi Jingzhi’s indecision between the tray and the blanket.

Yin Ci: “……”

Yin Ci put the soup on the table and said, “Go back to bed. Why are you running around in such a state? You’ll catch a cold.”

Of course, Shi Jingzhi didn’t listen. He quickly put on his shoes and hugged Yin Ci tightly, trying to steal his warmth.

“I thought it was all a dream,” Shi Jingzhi mumbled, burying his nose in Yin Ci’s neck.

Yin Ci paused for a moment, the corner of his mouth twitching into a slight smile. “The old lady probably wakes up early and perhaps doesn’t want to prepare her own food so I got up early, fearing she might be waiting hungrily… How about next time, I leave half a sleeve for you*?”

*This is referring to the term cut sleeve regarding the homosexual relationship between Emperor Ai of Han and his lover Dong Xian. The story goes that after falling asleep on the same bed, Emperor Ai cut his sleeve rather than disturb the sleeping Dong Xian when he had to get out of bed. Thus, the term cut sleeve is used to regard someone as a homosexual.

Shi Jingzhi stopped and remained silent, seemingly considering the suggestion.

Seeing Shi Jingzhi’s silly reaction, Yin Ci laughed. “Alright, alright. You prepare your medicine today, and I’ll sew you a sachet to calm your mind. Hang it by your bed, and it’ll be the first thing you see in the morning.”

Shi Jingzhi finally let go. “I’ll freshen up so the noodles don’t become soggy.”

Auntie Li originally wanted to save some soup for herself, but Shi Jingzhi ate it all. Although he had paid for it, Auntie Li still felt a bit upset. However, she hoped that the two would stay longer.

Later, with a belly full of food, Shi Jingzhi brought two stools outside the inn to enjoy the snow. Using his inner force to warm the wine, the master and disciple had a casual drink. The snow-covered landscape, paired with warm wine and a cold wind, seemed to slow time itself.

Feeling content, Yin Ci wanted to make some snacks to accompany their drink. Auntie Li took the opportunity to pull him aside.

“Little brat, how long are you and your fox… master staying?”

“Not sure, but at least half a month.”

“That’s great.” The old lady breathed a sigh of relief, realizing that she now had a source of food secured for the next half month.

Feeling pleased for a moment, she then thought about it and said, “Wait, this doesn’t make sense. My place is deep in the mountains and forests, with no villages in front and no shops behind. What are you two doing here?”

Could it be that the legendary fox spirit’s residence is on Kushan?

After preparing two small dishes, Yin Ci smiled and said, “We plan to establish a martial sect here. It will become lively in the future.”

“You’re teasing me. Even bandits don’t want to come to this place. Who would want to set up a martial sect here?”

Moreover, aside from her inn on the mountain, there were only a few scattered huts built by hunters. With no one to care for the surroundings, wildflowers and plants grew everywhere. There wasn’t much of a view. Beyond this mountain, on the side of Kushan, there was Juyi Valley, rumored to be filled with evil spirits. Auntie Li pondered for a while but couldn’t think of any benefits of living on Kushan.

Were they so idle that they wanted to cultivate this wasteland?

“I’m not fooling you. In the future, this will be the birthplace of the sect from which leaders of the martial world emerge.”

Auntie Li stood still, almost dropping the bun in her hand. Leaders of the martial world? She had never even seen a genuine disciple of a major sect, let alone someone of that stature. But looking at Yin Ci’s demeanor, it didn’t seem like he was joking.

After being stunned for a while, not caring if she was being intrusive, she hurriedly approached Yin Ci.

Shi Jingzhi was happily eating bamboo shoots. Startled by the old lady’s sudden approach, he almost choked. This time, Auntie Li didn’t care about the fox spirit or any other stories. She grabbed Yin Ci somewhat helplessly. “You’ve been outside. You know a lot. If this martial sect is established, what should I do?”

“My son married into a wealthy family and doesn’t want his old mother to bother them. My daughter married far away, and their situation is just average. I don’t want to be a burden on her… This inn is my last memory of my late husband. I can’t let it go!”

Shi Jingzhi finally swallowed his bamboo shoots and coughed for a while. “Establishing a martial sect means more customers. Why are you making it sound so bad?”

“With more people coming, the shop owners in the town will also come. I’m old and can’t prepare many dishes, and I can’t hire many helpers. How can I compete with them?”

Shi Jingzhi and Yin Ci: “……”

Is it really just an issue of limited dishes?

“If you’re not busy, can you help or find someone willing to come? Demons are fine too; anything is fine. I provide room and board. I can at least afford to hire one person.”

The master and disciple looked at each other, both remaining silent.

Seeing no one respond, Auntie Li became even more anxious. “If I can find someone, I will offer a fat chicken to Ancestral Fox Spirit every month!”

After saying that, she tried to kneel down.

Shi Jingzhi quickly stepped forward and held her up. “No need, no need. We do feel a connection to this place. How about you name a price, and we buy the whole place from you? What do you think?”

At this, Auntie Li’s legs went weak, and it took her a long time to stand straight again. After catching her breath, she shook her head determinedly. “I won’t sell.”

Shi Jingzhi looked expectantly at her.

“I told you, this place belongs to me and my late husband. Even if I had money, I wouldn’t want to leave.”

As she spoke, Auntie Li glanced at the falling snow outside the window, her face revealing a hint of melancholy.

Yin Ci instantly understood. During his time on Kushan, he knew that Auntie Li missed her children, but he had never seen them come to visit. Even if she had money and lived elsewhere, it might not necessarily make her happier.

Shi Jingzhi thought for a moment. “Then you manage the shop, and we’ll fund the hiring. You can help manage the finances, and I’ll pay you two taels of silver every month. You’ve taken care of my disciple… A’Ci, for so long. I, as his master, should show some gratitude.”

After saying this, Sect Master Shi affectionately put his arm around Yin Ci’s shoulder. Yin Ci didn’t pull away but instead seemed more relaxed. The two looked picturesque against the snowy backdrop, making the inn appear more rustic. But the way they looked at each other, their bond seemed to grow stronger.

Auntie Li: “…..” I’m too old to watch this.

She glared. “Then I’ll name my price. I want two hundred taels of silver. Can you afford it?”

“Of course.”

“Deal!”

A month later.

Auntie Li was thoroughly convinced and deeply believed that the Ancestral Fox Spirit was a genuine fox spirit. Not to mention she got her two hundred taels of silver, but others wouldn’t have the leisure—the master-disciple duo hired craftsmen from the town to renovate the inn. They even personally chose a spacious and quiet room for themselves.

The room was decorated as if it were a residence fitting for immortals.

Auntie Li had plenty to eat and drink, and with nothing to do, she sat at the door watching the woodwork. The materials that the Ancestral Fox Spirit found weren’t luxurious, but they were top-notch wood, resistant to both insects and moisture. The mere cost of labor and materials was staggering. Not to mention the bottles and jars, which at first glance were of premium quality.

It was unclear where all the money came from.

The old woman might be righteous to some extent, but she didn’t have the heart to investigate thoroughly. She had changed into a new outfit, and, unusually, her clothes were scented. Auntie Li just watched the workers, sipping her tea and munching on sunflower seeds. It had been decades since she had enjoyed such a lively scene.

As for Shi Jingzhi and Yin Ci, the two of them had gone out early in the morning to hunt and play in the snow. They left a message saying a familiar face would visit later. The old lady specially saved a bowl of steamed meat, thinking of serving it to the guest at lunch.

By noon, the workers were enjoying their food and drink when a raggedly dressed man entered.

Auntie Li quickly rubbed her hands. “Looking for someone?”

The man had nothing in his hands, was dirty all over, and had a short knife tied to his waist. Just from his appearance, he didn’t seem like the usual merchant. The old woman noticed the man’s broad shoulders and round face, as well as the smell of wild animals on him. She pondered for a moment and then asked in a lower voice, “Are you the Ancestral Bear Spirit?”

The man: “…”

He looked suspiciously at the old woman. The inn seemed to be owned by someone wealthy, but why did the owner seem a bit… off?

The person who actually came was the sand bandit, Ma Shili.

Years ago, when the martial world was in chaos, Ma Shili was captured by Shi Zhongyu and was made a trophy at a martial arts conference. Afterward, when the Imperial Preceptor linage was exposed, with a traitor emerging from Taiheng, the faction fell into turmoil. Ma Shili, being just a small fry among the bandits, managed to escape during the chaos.

Unfortunately, the chaotic world he hoped for didn’t come.

The Emperor, who had been seriously ill, gradually recovered. Two immortals descended and beat back Luojiu. The area near Shafu returned to the control of the Chigou Sect. The new Patriarch was ruthless, so the bandits didn’t dare harass the citizens, leaving them scattered.

Upon returning to Shafu, Ma Shili found himself without a gang. With the sand bandits almost extinct, Ma Shili considered becoming a mountain bandit.

He ventured to Kushan, which was known to be desolate and remote, without a single mountain bandit in sight. Ma Shili wanted to become the first mountain bandit here!

However, the name of the place reminded him of the notorious Kushan Sect from the martial world. After the martial arts conference, many had investigated the Kushan Sect, but their exact location remained unknown.

He figured it was just a name coincidence. Now, just as he had taken to the mountains, he had found such a golden opportunity.

Auntie Li, seeing him silent, assumed he was being cautious. She chuckled and said mysteriously, “Ancestral Bear Spirit, it’s fine. I’ve met the fox spirit.”

Ma Shili internally shook his head, thinking the old woman was crazy.

“I’m here to find someone,” he mumbled, glancing at the resting workers and occasionally at the precious items in the inn. “Old lady, take me to him, please.”

He knew he couldn’t fight the strong workers with his mediocre skills, so he planned to isolate the “crazy old woman” first.

The “crazy old woman” wasn’t fooled. “The two are out and won’t be back for a while. Have some food first. I’ve saved a bowl of steamed meat for you. If you know them, you should be familiar with the cooking skills of my son-in-law… It’s so delicious.”

Realizing the inn was managed by the woman’s daughter and son-in-law, who probably made some money and returned to help their old mother, Ma Shili’s mind raced. Once the strong workers left, wouldn’t it be easy to take control?

Ma Shili was overjoyed and immediately sat down. “Bring the wine and meat!”

“Okay!”

Auntie Li happily served warm fruit wine, steamed meat with bamboo shoots, stewed radish, and a big bowl of white rice. Ma Shili ate heartily, discarding any polite pretenses. He hadn’t expected such delicious food in this remote mountain area. The food was so good that he almost teared up.

He truly hugged the bowl like a bear, eating the rice so ferociously that it seemed like projectiles were flying everywhere. The two dishes were scraped so clean that they looked even cleaner than after being washed.

As he enjoyed his meal, he felt elated.

This “crazy old woman” must have a good daughter. Maybe the young couple made their fortune by running an inn? Later, he’d take a look at the young lady. If she was pretty, he could kidnap her and enjoy delicious meals daily.

The masters were also full from food and drink. Only one was left to guard the tools, while the rest went down the mountain to fetch materials as dawn broke. As soon as Ma Shili saw them leave, his expression changed instantly, and he flipped the table. The intact dishes and bowls crashed to the ground, shattering into pieces.

The kind smile on Auntie Li’s face slowly vanished.

“Hand over your silver taels and money strings,” Ma Shili demanded.

Stepping on a fallen stool, Ma Shili let out a burp. The master left behind was a carver, a man of small stature who was now silent as a cicada in winter.

“Today, I’m in a good mood, so I won’t hurt you,” Ma Shili threatened. “When your daughter returns, you better behave. If things go well, we might even become family.”

Auntie Li: “…?” Did I think too much? What is this man talking about?

“I’m actually looking for a young wife to warm my bed. Burp! And she’ll be the main wife, the future lady of this Kushan stronghold.”

Auntie Li silently concluded, “A bandit? He must have been hinting at that.”

For some reason, Ma Shili sensed a hint of disappointment in her tone. Before he could process further, a sharp pain hit his head. The old woman was surprisingly swift, directly grabbing a stool and smashing it onto his head.

The stool wasn’t heavy, so the damage was limited. Auntie Li continued to attack with the stool, cursing him in a local dialect so vulgar that even Ma Shili, a countryside bandit, couldn’t stand to hear it.

The old woman, fierce like an enraged badger, swung the stool relentlessly, seemingly unfazed by the dagger in Ma Shili’s possession.

Ma Shili was taken aback. He had always been reckless, but this old woman seemed even more fearless. Intending to rob and perhaps commit more heinous acts, he relied on his tough skin and bones to stay conscious. The good mood from the delicious meal was completely gone, and Ma Shili’s bandit instincts surfaced.

He rashly raised his dagger, aiming straight for Auntie Li’s heart—

Snap.

Before he could thrust forward, a snow-covered stone struck his wrist. The pain numbed Ma Shili’s hand, and the dagger fell to the ground.

Auntie Li didn’t hesitate. She didn’t care where the stone came from and quickly picked up the dagger, preparing to stab him. Suddenly, a figure descended from above and effortlessly pinched the blade between two fingers, redirecting it.

“Alright, auntie. It’s really not worth it to dirty your hands for such trash,” the man said with a playful smile. “How about I kill him and make some human meat buns for you to vent your anger?”

This young man was very handsome, with captivating eyes and a dark mole, exuding an irresistible charm that couldn’t be hidden.

Auntie Li realized. By his looks, this must be the friend of the fox spirit.

“A’Si, stop messing around,” another voice chimed in with a hint of resignation. “…Auntie, we’ll deal with this man. Please rest for now. I’ll check your injuries later.”

Seeing the person enter, Auntie Li had another realization. With his red eyes, this had to be a demon! The fox spirit seemed loyal, bringing friends from the mountain when he became successful. But wasn’t it said that only one would come?

“A’Si” clicked his tongue and nonchalantly immobilized Ma Shili’s acupoints. “Just kill him. We’re in a deep forest. We can easily find a pit to bury him. We know him; he’s a criminal with many lives on his hands.”

“The fact is he escaped is Taiheng’s negligence, so according to the rules of the martial world—”

“We need to look at the bigger picture, identify and fix the gaps, and act according to the rules of the righteous martial world,” Su Si said with a practiced tone. “Will a little flexibility kill you?”

He spoke sarcastically but still diligently tied up Ma Shili and tossed him into the corner.

Upon recognizing Patriarch Su, Ma Shili was completely stunned. After all, he was once a bandit who operated in Shafu, and this face could be said to be etched into his nightmares. Unfortunately, his acupoints were sealed so completely that he couldn’t utter a single word. Those red eyes were even more recognizable—they belonged to Yan Qing, the Martial Alliance Leader who originated from the Kushan Sect.

What is this righteous and evil duo doing here? Patriarch Su, why did you travel such a long distance to Kushan? Aren’t you concerned about your sect’s affairs? And what’s with the familiar ambiance between the two of them?

This was collusion between righteous and evil forces! Ma Shili’s eyes were filled with rage.

It seemed like Yan Qing could hear Ma Shili’s inner thoughts, and he sighed with a hint of resignation. “I heard that a large tomb has appeared in the desert, and Chigou is keen to explore it. Why did you come here on your own? Don’t your Protectors care?”

“They can’t control me.”

“I came here to discuss founding a new sect, not for fun. You’ve built your reputation with great difficulty; don’t let it go to waste.”

“Well said, I am here for serious matters!” Su Si lifted the table that had fallen to the ground and slapped it dramatically. “You know, that bastard Shen Zhu stole my goose. Without it, how will my Divine Chigou predict good and bad fortune? Hence, I came seeking Leader Yan’s renowned divination skills.”

Yan Qing frowned, his tone serious and solemn. “This is the 236th time you’ve sought my divination. If it’s that bothersome, I can send someone to contact Miss Shen and ask her to return the goose.”

Su Si: “…”

Su Si: “Wait, no! She took it to deal with the Luojiu Hanging Tree, a righteous cause for the country and its people. You, as a righteous figure, demanding the return of a goose, how does that look? I seek your divination as a form of compensation from the righteous martial world to my sect. It’s only fair.”

Yan Qing seemed to have an epiphany and quickly nodded in agreement.

Ma Shili rolled his eyes—everyone in the martial world would say that Leader Yan is powerful, efficient, and just, with little ambition. Now it seemed he wasn’t just without ambition, but also gullible! And that usually ruthless Patriarch Su now seemed devoid of any malicious aura, looking… looking just like an ordinary person.

But their martial arts skills were genuine and solid. Ma Shili felt a wave of fatigue and wished he could just pass out.

What could be the significance of the “young couple” that these two came specially to see? The “young lady” he coveted might be the top disciple of the Kushan Sect, whose martial arts were said to be terrifying.

Though beautiful, she could crush him with a single finger.

Ma Shili regretted his previous decisions. He hadn’t heard that Yin Ci had a mother. How did the work at the Yueshui Pavilion turn out like this?

Although Auntie Li didn’t understand the whole story, she got the gist of it. She turned to Yan Qing with a grin. “Bringing guests without notice, I understand. Haa, I fed the meat I had prepared to the pigs and dogs.”

After saying this, she shot a glance at Ma Shili.

Yan Qing laughed heartily. “No worries, Auntie. Just prepare a couple of home-cooked dishes.”

……

When Yin Ci and Shi Jingzhi returned to the inn, Su Si was listlessly slumped over the table, playing with some overcooked noodles with a slightly unfocused gaze. Yan Qing was busy by the stove, sweating profusely. Poor Yan Qing, having been the Martial Alliance Leader for so many years, hadn’t cooked in decades, let alone with such a big pot. Judging by the smell, his culinary results weren’t promising.

Seeing Yin Ci, Su Si straightened up, looking torn between rushing over and staying put. He finally managed to stand straight and gave a respectful bow.

“Senior, saving a life is more meritorious than building a seven-storied pagoda,” Patriarch Su sincerely said. “The taste in my mouth is unbearable. Kindly offer something fresh.”

He spoke quietly, yet Auntie Li’s sharp gaze shot over. “What did you say, huh?”

Su Si instantly shrunk back.

Yin Ci glanced at Ma Shili in the corner—the masters who were transporting materials had all returned by now. Ma Shili was tied up in a bundle, surrounded by a group of people busily moving around, making him particularly conspicuous. Ma Shili seemed to have lost consciousness with some noodles stuffed in his mouth. The remnants of the noodles looked quite similar to those in Su Si’s bowl, giving off a certain aura of intentional retaliation.

Even the usually mild-mannered Yan Qing looked up, his eyes filled with a plea for help. Yin Ci couldn’t refuse and took over from Leader Yan. Shi Jingzhi moved to the stove’s side, using flames to get rid of the smell of pork skin.

As the sun set, the stewed meat was ready. The tender, glistening pork belly, cooked with fresh radish, tasted rich yet not greasy, with a hint of chili aroma.

Su Si remained silent, eating with both elegance and speed, a tear seemingly glistening in the corner of his eye.

Yan Qing refrained from eating. “Sect Master, since you called me back, is there something you need assistance with?”

The Kushan Sect planned to establish their sect on Kushan, which was now known to all. After the stabilization of Great Yun, the master and disciple of the Kushan Sect spent their days wandering the mountains and waters, and every year they went to the Yueshui Pavilion to pay some silver, just to maintain the name of the sect. After so many years, the only official disciple of the Kushan Sect was still Yin Ci.

Yin Ci: “You’ve been the alliance leader for all these years, and they respect you for it. But still using the title of a servant from the Kushan Sect is a bit much.”

The matter of the Hanging Tree spread widely, and Yan Budu’s identity as a Child of Desire also became known. The martial world would never forgive the madman, but when the aim of the Imperial Preceptor’s lineage to “chase and kill the Yan Clan’s descendants to prevent the Child of Desire from being lost and uncontrollable” was exposed, the righteous martial world couldn’t make things difficult for Yan Qing.

Yan Qing had a gentle temperament and was very thorough in his work, so no one could find fault with him. Over time, no one challenged this temporary alliance leader, and he continued in his role, rather unexpectedly, for many years.

Regarding his own status as a “servant of the Kushan Sect”, Yan Qing didn’t mind at all. With blood-red ghost eyes and the Yan Clan’s bloodline, which isn’t a topic of discussion?

Thinking that this was supposed to be a private meeting, Yan Qing suddenly realized. “The Kushan Sect has been kind to me. Sect Master, even if I’m just a servant, I want to retain my identity with the Kushan Sect.”

“Yes.” Su Si finally pulled his head out of the rice bowl. “Taiheng has been chasing the Yan Clan’s descendants the most. They intended to accept him as an elder to atone for their sins, but he refused. You two shouldn’t think of driving him away. Giving him an official title is more appropriate.”

Shi Jingzhi put down his chopsticks, and his expression became serious. “A man’s word is as good as gold. I really plan to only accept one disciple. This time I called him over here for something else—Yan Qing, going to the Yueshui Pavilion every year for procedures is really troublesome. I don’t want to be the sect leader anymore. You can do it.”

Su Si’s chopsticks “clacked” onto the table, while Yan Qing seemed to freeze in place.

“Who ever heard of passing the position of sect leader to a servant?!” Su Si’s voice changed in shock.

“Now you have,” Shi Jingzhi said solemnly. “Yan Qing’s reputation is sufficient now, and he has accumulated enough experience. He can handle this responsibility. As for me, being a Grandmaster is quite comfortable… Don’t worry, you can freely accept disciples, and Zizhu and I will come back from time to time to guide them.”

“…I think you two want the sect to continue but are too lazy to handle the chores, truly diverting the trouble,” Patriarch Su mumbled. After a glance from Yin Ci, Su Si quickly picked up his bowl and started eating rice grain by grain.

“We don’t plan to force him to inherit.”

Yin Ci poured a glass of wine, swishing it around.

“Managing a small sect doesn’t take much of my attention. But having the status of a sect leader, being able to truly influence the martial world… I think Yan Qing needs this path more than I do.”

This time, Su Si stayed silent.

He knew Yan Qing had no ambition. But just because a person had no ambition didn’t mean they didn’t have things they wanted to do. Every year on the death anniversary of Monk Juefei, Yan Qing would always climb back to Huilian Mountain, rain or shine, to pray for Monk Juefei. Su Si would always accompany him under the pretext of “an exchange between righteousness and evil”.

Facing the pagoda forest, Yan Qing would always meticulously narrate and organize what he had done, then introspect for three days.

The title of Martial Alliance Leader was significant, but as the martial world became more peaceful, he found it hard to interfere in other sects’ affairs. The last time, after Yan Qing reported his year’s activities, there was a hint of concern in his expression.

The things he could change were becoming fewer and fewer.

Did Yin Ci see through this? Su Si couldn’t quite guess.

Sure enough, Yan Qing didn’t have any complaints. After coming to his senses, he immediately agreed. “Thank you both. It’s a great honor.”

Shi Jingzhi: “Very good. Su Si, keep an eye on him when he’s selecting disciples. It’s fine to follow the righteous path, but let’s not turn our great Kushan Sect into another Taiheng… I can’t stand that kind of rigidity.”

He took off the jade pendant representing the sect leader from the flag and pushed it towards Yan Qing. “Take it, take it. Go to the Yueshui Pavilion another day for the procedures. My husband* and I are going to visit the Snow Mountain; we really don’t have the time.”

*[Shizang] (师丈) Refers to the husband of one’s master.

The jade pendant rolled along the wooden table, and if it wasn’t for Yan Qing’s quick reflexes, it would have fallen to the ground.

Yan Qing: “…”

Just like that?

The handover of the Kushan Sect’s leadership was rather too casual! When it was his turn, he would have to revise the process.

However, Yin Ci had always let Shi Jingzhi do as he pleased, and now his attention was elsewhere. “Where’s your Sword of Compassion?”

Yan Qing used to carry his sword all the time. Even if he didn’t have it on him, he would check on it regularly. From the beginning to the end of this meeting, Yan Qing didn’t seem distracted, and there was no sign of the Sword of Compassion in the room.

“Don’t mention it; he gave it to the Jianchen Temple a few days ago.” Su Si drank a whole glass of wine. “Such a treasure, in and out, and it’s gone!”

“The ‘Jade Chime Sword Technique’ isn’t picky about the sword. If one relies too much on the Sword of Compassion, it becomes an attachment,” Yan Qing said, lowering his eyes. “Also, to commemorate Venerable Kongshi, a personal belonging should be placed in the pagoda forest of the Jianchen Temple.”

Shi Jingzhi had always been sensitive to parting with treasures and immediately frowned. “Didn’t they find Kongshi’s remains? Is there something even more personal than bones?”

“According to Abbot Juehui’s words, Venerable Kongshi has been buried by someone and is connected to that rock in the mountains. Since there’s a connection, it’s not good to forcefully move the remains,” Yan Qing said.

“What a pity.” Shi Jingzhi sighed heavily, the tip of his chopsticks trembling slightly as he picked up the meat. “That’s a valuable thing.”

Yan Qing smiled awkwardly and finally started eating. The leader’s jade pendant was put into his pocket, pressing hard against his chest, making it a little uncomfortable.

The master and disciple didn’t ask further, and he didn’t continue to explain.

The monks indeed found the grave, but they only instructed that it be well maintained. After a grand ceremony, they left quietly.

They didn’t take Kongshi with them.

Yan Qing had also seen the refurbished tomb; it looked more formal than before. But the surroundings were still full of thriving apricot flowers and lush green grass. Wild apricots grew unharvested, and many new apricot trees sprung up nearby. When the flowering season arrived, the branches looked as if they were covered in thick snow, extremely elegant.

Indeed, a perfect place for burial.

After paying respects to this extraordinary monk, Yan Qing opened a bottle of light wine and poured it under the most flourishing apricot tree. The wine slowly seeped into the soil. Yan Qing hesitated for a moment but eventually said nothing.

The faint fragrance of apricot blossoms mixed with the scent of wine seemed to linger.

“…I will take on many disciples and teach them to be good with all my might,” Yan Qing suddenly said out of the blue.

Su Si paused, seemingly understanding. He remained silent for a while and didn’t tease Yan Qing.

“I will also be a good Patriarch of the demonic sect, and after I die, I will be more famous than Yan Budu,” he casually remarked, picking up a piece of radish with his chopsticks.

Perhaps, in a hundred years, red eyes will just be red eyes, and a person just a person.

The two looked at each other and smiled, understanding each other without words, and continued eating. But when they looked up, they saw the master and disciple back at the stove, cooking again. Looking at the stewed meat on the table—there was almost none left, just a little soup with radish. While the two of them were deep in thought, those two ‘beasts’ ate all the meat without a trace.

Su Si and Yan Qing: “…”

No wonder they were monsters; absolutely ruthless.

At this moment, Auntie Li finally finished her chores. She expertly served some rice and headed straight to the stove to serve dishes. In the end, she came to Su Si and Yan Qing’s table, smiling brightly.

“What kind of monsters are you two? Tell me?” The old lady teased. “I know that one’s a fox. I watched that kid Yin grow up. What about you two? How many years of cultivation?”

Su Si looked at her mysteriously and said, “Snake demon, cultivated for about twenty years. Just transformed and got tricked by that fox.”

“A’Si, you…”

“Let me introduce you; this one here is a tree spirit. Handsome right? He will stay on the mountain in the future and might visit from time to time.”

Yan Qing: “…”

Auntie Li gasped. “Really, anything can become a spirit. This is eye-opening. I heard that ghost eyes are ominous. Can you change its color?”

Su Si put some radish into Yan Qing’s bowl. “Who said so? He’s a kapok tree. His blossoms are very festive.”

Auntie Li looked at the close master and disciple by the stove, then at the lively young men beside her.

“True,” she murmured. “It is festive.”