Chapter 76: Nian Yuzhuo
Back at the gates of the Xuanyin Sect, the gate guard C, frankly, seemed like an idiot.
Wang Muxin asked him, “Which way did Sect Leader Nian go?”
The guard lazily pointed. “That way.”
“Thank you, young brother,” Wang Muxin said. “We’ll take our leave.”
The direction he pointed was a government road. “Go,” Wang Muxin swung into the saddle. “They shouldn’t be far. Let’s hurry and catch up.”
“Yes, Master.”
All six disciples, Zhang Junluo included, vaulted onto their horses. Hooves pounded the dusty road as they raced forward through blowing sand.
In a blink the sky darkened, leaving only a thin streak of color at the horizon.
“Master!” Zhang Junluo drew even with Wang Muxin. “There’s a small town ahead. Let’s stop there for the night and ask around!”
“Good!” Wang Muxin nodded. “Perhaps your third junior brother is there!”
Within dozens of li, there was only one town. Reaching the next city would take half a day.
If the demon sect’s leader set out today, he likely wouldn’t go far.
“Let’s hope so,” Zhang Junluo said, lips pressed tight as he fell a horse-length behind his master, eyes heavy with worry.
He had no idea what would happen when they found Third Junior Brother nor whether the latter knew about his… borrowing a blade to kill.
Seven horses clattered into town and drew up outside an inn.
“Honored guests,” the server bustled out, surprised at the sight of travelers with bamboo hats and swords. “Staying the night or just a meal?”
“Lodging,” Zhang Junluo handled the arrangements. “Four upstairs rooms and a table of hot dishes.”
“Right away.”
“Master, come in and rest your feet,” Fourth Junior Brother Liu Tong said. “After dinner, the few of us will go ask around.”
If the demon sect’s master passed through here, townsfolk would’ve seen him.
“Ai,” Wang Muxin sat and laid his sword on the table. “I told you from the beginning, Ling-er’s face draws too much attention.”
Half a year ago at a sword exhibition, Su Lingya held a Celestial Maiden sword and performed the Purple Heaven sword style before eight thousand martial artists. He’d been dubbed “the number one beauty under heaven.”
Back then Master had already predicted trouble. Trouble was inevitable.
His third disciple with extraordinary beauty and an exquisite mind, who knew which female demon head might fancy him.
However, unexpected events occur. Who’d have thought the one to ultimately fancy Su Lingya would be a male demon head.
Thinking of their third brother’s disaster-bringing face, the brothers instinctively touched their own cheeks, heat creeping up.
“Master…” Liu Tong shoved tea toward him. “Please, have some tea.”
The first time they’d laid eyes on Third Senior Brother, “stunning beyond compare” hadn’t even covered it. After that, everyone else be it men or women, looked bland.
Because no matter how good-looking others were, they didn’t compare to their third brother’s pinky nail.
“If Nian Yuzhuo, that big demon, likes Third Brother’s looks, that’s actually good,” Sixth Junior Brother Zong Yu sighed. “At least his life won’t be in danger.”
“True,” Liu Tong drank. “Our third brother looks like that… I doubt that demon master could bring himself to harm him.”
Zhang Junluo’s step faltered, he came over and sat. “Master. Junior Brothers.”
“Senior Brother, sit, sit, tea.”
“Thank you, Fourth Junior Brother,” Zhang Junluo, outwardly steady and righteous, accepted it.
“No need to be so polite. After we eat, Little Junior Brother can stay here to look after Master, and the rest of us will ask around other inns. How’s that sound?”
“Fine.” Zhang Junluo nodded.
By the time they finished dinner, the night was pitch black.
Five brothers buckled on swords and set out to canvass the other inns.
At that moment, Li Dong and Nian Yuzhuo were lodged at the furthest end of town.
For this trip, the Xuanyin Sect had dispatched two Hall Masters and one Protector.
The hall masters were Mu Tangzhu, famed for martial skill, and Meng Tangzhu, sharp-headed and well-traveled, both handpicked by the sect master. Protector Hua Sanniang had volunteered, because her feelings for Nian Yuzhuo ran deep.
When she’d heard the wedding between the sect master and “Rong Qing” was canceled, Hua Sanniang had been so happy she ate two extra bowls of rice.
But the good mood didn’t last. On this trip, she was stuck alternating between wanting to cough blood and about to cough blood.
Li Dong: “Yuyu.”
What kind of ridiculous nickname was that!
Their cold-blooded, ruthless sect leader would never accept such a cutesy name.
“Hurry up and eat.” Nian Yuzhuo kept a straight face as he spooned rice into Li Dong’s mouth. “Tell me yourself. How many candied fruits did you eat today and how much rice?”
…Both hall masters and the protector died a silent death on the spot.
“Rongqing,” Hua Sanniang tried, “why can’t you just eat properly? You’re keeping the sect leader from eating properly too.” She’d been enduring this little fool all day and had hit her limit.
“Who are you?” Li Dong blinked at her, all innocence.
She had introduced herself that morning, but as everyone knew, people with diminished faculties could be willful.
“I…” Hua Sanniang flushed with embarrassment, face turning iron-blue. She assumed Li Dong was deliberately humiliating her.
“Don’t gawk everywhere,” Nian Yuzhuo cupped Li Dong’s jaw and brought his head back. “Eat.”
“Mm, but I still have food in my mouth.” Li Dong chewed painfully slow. If he couldn’t eat well, Nian Yuzhuo couldn’t eat well, and if Nian Yuzhuo couldn’t eat well, nobody was leaving the table.
“Sect Leader,” Hua Sanniang offered, “Why not let this subordinate while you eat? The dishes are going cold.”
“No need,” Nian Yuzhuo said. “You eat on your own.” He dabbed Li Dong’s mouth with a handkerchief as he spoke.
“Ah.” Li Dong finally swallowed and opened obediently for the next bite.
“Good.”
The two hall masters could see their sect master was enjoying himself. They could also see Hua Sanniang was in agony. Love affairs had always been about mutual consent, though. For example, even with “Rongqing” being this silly, the sect master still wanted to wait on him.
“Sect Leader,” Mu Tangzhu and Meng Tangzhu exchanged a look, rose, and bowed. “We’ll take our leave.”
Seeing that, Hua Sanniang stood reluctantly. “Please enjoy your meal, Sect Leader. I’ll withdraw.”
Nian Yuzhuo continued feeding Li Dong without so much as turning his head.
“You don’t like Sanniang?” he asked.
“I don’t.” Li Dong said, “She likes Yuyu.”
“Oh?” Nian Yuzhuo’s heart skipped. “You little fool, do you even know what ‘like’ is?” He couldn’t even remember people’s names, couldn’t do this or that. The foolishness was excessive.
“I know,” Li Dong leaned his head against Nian Yuzhuo’s arm. “I like Yuyu. I think about Yuyu.”
Foolish talk or not, his heartbeat surged. “Fine. Then I’ll answer you.” He tugged open Li Dong’s collar and bit down hard.
“Uu…” Li Dong’s eyes filled instantly.
Other people sealed love with a kiss. Why did the sect master like to bite!
Taste of blood in his mouth, Nian Yuzhuo immediately released him. “Server. Hot water.” He scooped Li Dong up and strode upstairs.
Nestled in his arms, Li Dong touched his own neck. When he looked at his fingertips, there was blood.
Bang. Nian Yuzhuo kicked the room door open.
“Sir, your hot water is here.” The inn boy arrived shortly after.
“Bath,” Nian Yuzhuo said, and with quick, deft fingers, flicked open Li Dong’s sash.
Being pressed to bathe by the sect master wasn’t new. Li Dong cooperated: tilt head when needed, lift arms when needed, lift legs when needed.
This body was graceful and sensual, skin like congealed fat. Even a veteran like Li Dong had to admit: “his” skin was top-tier.
The original text said that because of his childhood trauma, Nian Yuzhuo had little interest in carnal matters. Even later, with the scummy gong, he only slept with him to meet the latter’s needs.
This statement was very reliable. Looking at these days with Nian Yuzuo, the other’s usual performance was indeed an abstinent style.
And facing a “fool,” it was questionable whether anything would… work.
Li Dong’s thoughts were quickly slapped in the face by reality.
After placing the naked Li Dong into the tub, Nian Yuzhuo, as usual, washed him carefully from head to toe.
“Don’t be afraid.” He held Li Dong by the shoulder, and with his other hand did something that made Li Dong’s scalp tingle.
“Yuyu…” panic roared through Li Dong. “It hurts.”
Sensing his fear, Nian Yuzhuo frowned and withdrew. “If you’re this afraid of pain… how will you manage later when I…”
Li Dong swore in his head.
So Nian Yuzhuo truly meant to top him. Where did that confidence come from?
Strong martial arts? Yes, Nian Yuzhuo was stronger.
Tall, well-built? Yes, he was both tall and solid.
Counting up all that, Li Dong felt doomed.
“D*mn it, so much for abstinence…” As he muttered inwardly, Nian Yuzhuo lifted him from the tub.
The impatient man didn’t even bother dressing him, simply leaned in.
“Su Lingya,” Nian Yuzhuo’s voice dropped low, “you said you like me. I’ll accept you… but if you ever dare regret it, I’ll tear you to pieces.”
…Terrifying.
Li Dong had to fight not to tremble.
“You’re righteous,” Nian Yuzhuo said. “I’m the demon sect’s master. We’re sworn enemies…” If he claimed Su Lingya, the Purple Heaven Sect would rally the orthodox clans and hound the demon sect. “You wouldn’t want me slaughtering your fellow disciples.”
“Yuyu, what are you saying?” Li Dong was frantic. He hadn’t thought of a clean escape.
“There’s only one way.” Nian Yuzhuo clamped Li Dong’s chin. “Since you like me, defect from the Purple Heaven Sect and join my sect.”
He sealed the words with a kiss.
No man could stay unshaken before the number one beauty under heaven, unless he was physically incapable.
At 26, Nian Yuzhuo was in his prime. In recent years he’d been swamped by sect affairs, transitioning leadership. He’d lived on clear soup and plain water, not touching men or women.
Meeting the little fool Su Lingya, one “let’s eat kisses” from him, and Nian Yuzhuo had first tasted the pleasure of lips tangling.
Now his brow was beaded with sweat, heart pounding like a drum.
“Lingya,” he coaxed, “don’t be scared. I’ll be gentle…”
“Scared,” Li Dong said, fumbling behind for a porcelain pillow. If Nian Yuzhuo dared continue, he’d crown him with it.
Lost in desire, Nian Yuzhuo didn’t notice the impending ambush.
…Getting more and more out of line!
He was not getting topped. Not in this lifetime.
“Bad Guy!” Li Dong swung the porcelain pillow and smashed it down. With a crack, it shattered.
Nian Yuzhuo lifted his head, blood streaking his brow as his eyes went cold and dark.
Li Dong panicked too. He hadn’t realized his swing would actually split the man’s scalp.
In a flurry, he shoved Nian Yuzhuo away. “You’re a bad guy, a big bad guy…” He cried, grabbed an outer robe, and bolted.
“Su Lingya!” Nian Yuzhuo pushed up and the world spun.
By the time his dizziness subsided, there was no sign of Li Dong.
Disheveled, he dashed out and skimmed the dark streets with light-footwork. “Little fool!” He searched the area, calling again and again, finding nothing.
“Little fool—” A streak of deep red flashed past a nearby alley, a gust of wind in its wake.
In the darkness, the anxious cry of the sect leader echoed.
Li Dong watched him rush past. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to answer, it was that someone had him pinned from behind and a hand clamped over his mouth.
Those “someones” were Zhang Junluo and four junior brothers.
“Fourth,” Zhang Junluo whispered, “peek and see if the demon’s gone.”
“Okay.” Liu Tong crept along the wall, poked his head out. “Senior Brother, it looks like—” He yanked back and slapped a hand over his own mouth.
“Little fool?” Nian Yuzhuo returned to the spot. He’d heard something. Now there was nothing.
In the shadows, the five held their breath, terrified he’d come their way.
Thankfully, the demon master darted off in the opposite direction.
“Whew…” Liu Tong patted his chest. “Senior Brother, that person’s lightness skill is amazingly powerful.” No wonder people feared his name.
“Let’s go,” Zhang Junluo said, then glanced at Li Dong. “Third Junior Brother, I’ll uncover your mouth, but don’t shout.”
Li Dong nodded. “Mmph.” Even if they gave him the chance, he probably wouldn’t shout. Going back to Nian Yuzhuo right now would mean getting… taken.
“I’m letting go.” Zhang Junluo removed his hand.
“Haa…” Li Dong sucked in a breath. “I can’t breathe with that on. Let me go!” Some oaf still had him in a chokehold.
“Oh, right.” Honest Sixth Junior Brother Tang Xiaoshu hurriedly released him, face reddening because Third Senior Brother only had an outer robe on, everything inside was bare.
“We’ll talk at the inn,” Zhang Junluo said after one glance at the state of him and looked away.
Li Dong straightened his clothes and didn’t move. “Who are you?”
Zhang Junluo stared. “You don’t recognize us?”
“Uh, Third Brother,” Liu Tong rushed up, “I’m Fourth, Liu Tong. Don’t you remember me?”
“No.” Li Dong gave him a cool, unfamiliar look.
“Ah?” Liu Tong gaped, then turned to Zhang Junluo. “Senior Brother, what do we do? He’s silly now.”
Fifth Junior Brother Zong Yu rubbed his chin. “No wonder the demon called him ‘little fool’…”
“You’re the fool,” Li Dong glared. “I just forgot some things. I’m not demented.”
“Mmm…” Zong Yu shivered. Somehow, after being missing, Third Brother was even more devastating. Even his glare was gorgeous.
“We’re your fellow disciples,” Zhang Junluo said, pulling back the suspicion in his eyes. “You’re Su Lingya. I’m your Senior Brother Zhang Junluo. The rest we’ll explain at the inn.” He paused. “Let’s move. Master’s waiting.”
“Yeah, come on,” the others closed ranks around Li Dong, practically ready to carry him.
“Anyone have shoes?” Li Dong had left in a rush. He was barefoot.
“I’ve got them.” Liu Tong whipped off his own shoes and crouched to put them on Third Brother, first cradling the foot and wiping it with his sleeve to brush off grit.
Zhang Junluo looked away, helpless.
Honestly, these last days without Su Lingya had been pleasant. He didn’t have to watch a gang of juniors orbit Third Brother like moons.
Now that Su Lingya was back, there’d be no end to the eye-stabbing scenes.
“Thanks,” Li Dong said.
“Heh.” Liu Tong stood in socks, pleased. “No need to thank me.”
“Let’s go,” Zhang Junluo led them at a brisk pace.
They were lucky. No run-ins with the demon master, and they reached the inn safely.
Wang Muxin was still up, pacing with worry.
A knock sounded. “Who is it, Junluo?”
“Master, it’s me.”
“Come in.” Wang Muxin stood. “Did you—” He froze in the doorway. In the same heartbeat he saw that stunning face. “Lingya!”
Li Dong’s expression barely changed.
“Master,” Zhang Junluo said, “Third Brother took Nian the demon’s Six Yin Palm. He doesn’t remember the past.”
“What?” Wang Muxin blanched. “Lingya, you took a palm? Let me see.” He reached to lift Li Dong’s robe.
“Hey?” Li Dong guarded his chest. “What do you think you’re doing?”
“You…” Pained by that strange gaze, Wang Muxin frowned. “I’m your master. There’s no need to fear me.”
This was his most cherished disciple, and now he’d “lost his memory.”
Which meant his loved disciple would never smile sweetly and call him Master again?
No. A dull ache pulsed in his heart…
“They all say you’re my master,” Li Dong said. “But I don’t remember. I only recall things after I was struck.”
“No matter,” Wang Muxin took his wrist gently. “Even if you don’t remember, you’re still my disciple, still the Zixiao Sect’s Third Brother.”
“Yeah,” the disciples chorused, “Third Brother, it’s fine if you forgot. We’ll tell you everything slowly.”
“Right, right,” Liu Tong shot his hand up. “I don’t mind sleeping foot-to-foot and chatting till dawn.”
“Scram,” Zong Yu shoved him. “I’ve got the silver tongue. I should be the one to explain.”
“…Enough,” Zhang Junluo said flatly. “Let Master speak.”
Indeed, even with amnesia, Third Brother was still Master’s heart.
No matter how capable anyone else was, it was useless. No one compared to a single one of Third Brother’s fingertips.
“Do I have family?” Li Dong asked.
“No.” Wang Muxin shook his head. “Fifteen years ago, a lady who wouldn’t give her name brought you up the mountain, and you became our disciple.”
Back then, at seven, Su Lingya had been fair and adorable. Wang Muxin had just married Ji Jianqiu, and they had both fallen in love with the boy on sight.
“I see,” Li Dong said. “I believe you’re not lying. But I don’t remember anything, so I don’t feel anything for you.” He didn’t want to return to the Zixiao Sect. What if Zhang Junluo set him up again?
And the sect was a big target. Nian Yuzhuo would find it sooner or later.
“I understand,” Wang Muxin said. “Feelings can be rebuilt with time. For now, no one will force you.”
“Right, right,” the five junior brothers nodded furiously. “We’re easy to get along with.” Once back at the sect, wouldn’t Third Brother be king? Who would dare cross him?
“Senior Brother, you agree, right?” Liu Tong tugged Zhang Junluo’s sleeve when the latter didn’t chime in.
“Mm. They’re right,” Zhang Junluo said. “We’re just happy you’re safe, Third Brother. How could we blame you for forgetting?”
If the amnesia was real, that would be best. In hindsight, the “borrowed blade” had been a rash moment. Calm now, Zhang Junluo deeply regretted it.
Walls had ears. He should never have consorted with the demon sect’s master. Never should have tried to harm his own junior brother.
“All right,” Li Dong thought, Your face says otherwise, Drama King. “The demon sect’s master is searching for me outside. For safety, I can’t stay with you. I’d bring you harm.”
Everyone: Our beloved disciple/senior brother is so kind!
Truly, even with amnesia and no feelings for them, he still put others first.
Was there anyone better than their disciple/senior brother?
“Lingya,” Wang Muxin said, “don’t worry. Once we’re back at the Zixiao Sect you’ll be safe. I doubt that demon would dare snatch you off our mountain.”
“Exactly,” Zong Yu agreed. “We’d worry even more if you were alone.”
All those staring eyes said it would be impossible to slip away under their noses.
“Fine,” Li Dong said. “Then let’s leave this place first.”
“Good,” Wang Muxin said. “But let me examine the injury.”
Every junior brother’s gaze fixed on Third Brother, they also wanted a look.
“Okay.” Li Dong lifted the left side of his robe. “The palm strike was about a month ago. I’ve been taking medicine at the demon sect. It doesn’t hurt now.”
The brothers swallowed in unison. That white, elegant neck… those smooth shoulders…
They felt after seeing Third Senior Brother, in this lifetime they could forget about marrying wives!
“Is that bite from the demon?” Wang Muxin’s jaw tightened. “Outrageous. It’s intolerable!”
“Mm.” Li Dong straightened his clothes. “He did it within the last hour.”
“Third Brother, he—” The juniors clenched their fists, ready to kill. “Outrageous. Master’s right. Intolerable!”
Turns out orthodox disciples could curse too. Maybe they weren’t all hypocrites.
“It’s late,” Zhang Junluo said. “Let Third Brother rest. No need to rehash unpleasant things.”
“Junluo’s right,” Wang Muxin sighed. “Rest now. We’ll discuss everything back at the sect.”
“Mm,” Zhang Junluo added, “I’ll take Third Brother to my room with Fourth for now, then get another one.”
“Senior Brother, take him. I’ll ask the innkeep for a room,” Liu Tong said.
“Good.” Zhang Junluo nodded. “Third Brother, please.”
“Thanks,” Li Dong said. “Aren’t you my senior brother? No need to be so polite.”
“Heh…” Zhang Junluo replied, “To you right now, I’m still a stranger.”
Li Dong said nothing.
Inside the room, he poured himself tea. “It’s been a long night. I’m exhausted. Senior Brother, feel free.”
“All right,” Zhang Junluo said, gaze complicated. “Rest well.”
Whatever had happened between this person and Nian Yuzhuo in the demon sect, Zhang Junluo realized he cared more than he’d thought. Otherwise he wouldn’t have exposed Su Lingya’s identity so impulsively.
What rattled him most was Nian Yuzhuo’s frantic crying in the street as if he’d lost something precious.
Which meant that even after learning Su Lingya wasn’t “Rongqing,” Nian Yuzhuo still liked him.
Zhang Junluo’s fist tightened. …Why? Why did everyone like Su Lingya?
They were fooled by his looks and couldn’t see who he truly was.
“Sect Leader…” Mu Tangzhu caught up with him outside their own inn. He and Meng Tangzhu had gone to search when they heard the sect leader calling; they’d looked till dawn and found nothing.
Nian Yuzhuo turned. His eyes were bloodshot.
“Your subordinate is incompetent,” Mu Tangzhu dropped to one knee. “We didn’t find Rongqing.”
At first light the streets would fill with townsfolk. Meng Tangzhu hurried back ahead of time. Seeing Mu Tangzhu kneeling, his heart sank. “Sect Leader, we failed as well…”
With only a few men, finding one person wasn’t easy.
“He’s beautiful,” Nian Yuzhuo murmured. “And simple-minded. If someone with ill intent…”
“They won’t!” Mu Tangzhu said. “We’ll keep searching. We’ll find him!”
At daybreak, Li Dong rode out of town from the other end.
Nian Yuzhuo, however, fixated on combing the streets, refusing to leave without news.
“Sect Leader,” Hua Sanniang knelt and begged, “I know you’re worried about Rongqing, but you can’t ignore the wound on your head.”
That bloody mess had made her heart clench.
What kind of strength did that silly boy have to crack their sect master’s scalp?
Hua Sanniang’s heart was a knot of resentment, but she knew the sect master was bewitched and had eyes for only one person.
“Save your breath,” Nian Yuzhuo said coldly without looking at her. “Keep searching. Don’t come back if you don’t find him.”
How could Hua Sanniang not hate this?
“Yes, Sect Leader.” She sprang away to hunt for that infuriating fool.
By the time Mu Tangzhu tracked down the inn that had hosted Zixiao Sect disciples, two days had passed.
He rushed back to report. “Sect Master, we have news!”
“Speak,” Nian Yuzhuo said, head still bandaged and blood-stained.
“He likely returned to the Zixiao Sect.”
“The Zixiao Sect…” Nian Yuzhuo closed his eyes and swayed, exhausted after two sleepless nights. “Fine. We go at first light.”
“Sect Leader!” Hua Sanniang cried. “We’ve worked hard these last years to stabilize relations with the orthodox sects. Storming Zixiao to seize someone is unwise.”
Even putting aside her private feelings, she would’ve said the same. “Hall Masters, please persuade the sect master.”
It concerned the fate of the Xuanyin Sect.
“Please reconsider, Sect Master,” Mu Tangzhu and Meng Tangzhu dropped to a knee.
“Good,” Nian Yuzhuo said. “Very good.”
“Please, calm your anger,” they slid from one knee to both, unable to bear that blade-edged gaze.
“If Sect Master prefers beautiful young gentlemen,” Meng Tangzhu braced himself, “we’ll seek some out at once. They may not match Rongqing exactly, but surely comparable.”
Smack. Nian Yuzhuo slapped him across the face. “Shut up.”
“Sect Leader, how can you—” Hua Sanniang stared, stunned. “Meng Tangzhu is a pillar of our sect, loyal to you!”
“You also shut up,” Nian Yuzhuo snapped. “Zixiao, I’m going. If you’re afraid I’ll drag the entire sect down with me, you needn’t worry.”
“Sect Leader!” The two hall masters looked up, suddenly sensing something.
“From this moment, I’m no longer the sect master of the Xuanyin Sect,” Nian Yuzhuo said, hands clasped behind his back as he turned. “Mu Tangzhu, choose a new master among yourselves.”
Author’s Note:
【Haha, you’ve reached the end again. Keep loving me like always today too!】
1 Comments
!!! Just like that!
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