The Zhu Xie sect members, trembling with fear, dared not disobey: "It was our incompetence; we are to be punished by the Holy Lord."
Shen Gurong's eyes were as cold as frost on his eyelashes, his imposing aura undiminished.
The crowd fell silent, not daring to utter a single word.
Fortunately, Shen Gurong did not stoop to the level of these juniors. After a moment, he coldly said, "This is not to be repeated. Quickly burn the talismans; there must be no mistakes."
The Zhu Xie sect members hurriedly replied, "Yes!"
Seeing Shen Gurong close his eyes in weariness, the Zhu Xie sect members dared not linger any longer. After respectfully taking his leave, they dispersed to post the talismans that could suppress the plague demons.
After the outsiders left, Shen Gurong silently breathed a sigh of relief.
He thought to himself, "That scared me to death!"
Shen Feng Xue's memories were a jumbled mess. Shen Gurong searched through those fragmented memories for a long time, barely managing to find the correct hand seal for the distracted spirit and appear in time.
A moment later, and the situation would have been incredibly awkward.
Furthermore, feigning indifference was far more difficult than pretending innocence when his mother caught him painting a portrait of a lady. Fortunately, Shen Feng Xue's name could keep them in check.
Just then, his robe was gently tugged.
Shen Gurong lowered his eyes slightly and saw Yu Xinghe cautiously tugging at his hem, looking up at him with eyes that seemed to hold a galaxy of stars.
"Master."
Shen Gurong remained silent, thinking that although the villains in the book were utterly despicable for betraying their masters, this little villain was surprisingly well-behaved. No one would imagine that he would one day wreak havoc on the Three Realms, causing bloodshed and chaos.
Yu Xinghe deeply revered his master, who seemed like a savior. His little face was full of joy, but fear prevented him from overstepping his bounds. He only dared to tug at the hem of his robe with his small hand.
That cautious expression was somewhat reminiscent of Shen Gurong's younger sister. Shen Gurong couldn't resist raising his hand to stroke his head. Just as he raised his hand, Mu Zhe, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly grabbed Yu Xinghe's hand and pulled him back, preventing him from Shen Gurong's "claws."
Yu Xinghe was somewhat bewildered.
Mu Zhe, like a little adult, pulled Yu Xinghe to his knees, kowtowed, and said in a childish but somewhat cold voice, "Thank you for saving me, Master."
The young protagonist exuded aloofness.
Shen Gurong withdrew his hand, wondering what his master had done to deserve such fear from such a young child.
The surrounding disciples were also extremely afraid of him; even after the outsider left, they remained kneeling on the ground, not daring to raise their heads.
To avoid arousing suspicion, Shen Gurong maintained his superior demeanor and disappeared into thin air without a word.
The white mist dissipated, leaving only a lotus flower lying quietly on the sand.
With Shen Gurong gone, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
Li Suo coughed a few times, picked up his fan, and walked over. He patted Yu Xinghe's head and said softly, "Little brat, I only asked you to find the Sect Leader or anyone else on our mountain who could fight. Why did you bring the Holy Lord?"
Yu Xinghe said, "But the best fighter on our mountain is Master, and Fanjiang Residence is the closest."
Li Suo: "..."
That made sense, but he still deserved a beating.
Li Suo tapped Yu Xinghe's head with his fan, warning, "You can't be so presumptuous next time. The Holy Lord is busy; he shouldn't have come down the mountain personally for such a trivial matter."
Yu Xinghe held his head, feeling a little aggrieved, but still obediently agreed.
Li Suo: "Didn't you find the Sect Leader?"
"I heard the Sect Leader went to Xianyun City to seek medicine and hasn't returned for three days."
Li Suo nodded vaguely, casually ruffled Yu Xinghe's bun, and leisurely walked away.
Yu Xinghe's head throbbed from the tap, and he pouted, looking down at Mu Zhe with a wronged expression as he let him rub it.
Mu Zhe reluctantly touched his head, noticing a red mark on his forehead. He frowned. "What happened?"
Yu Xinghe touched it, hissed, and said tearfully, "It's that white chicken beside Master..."
"That's a white crane." Mu Zhe paused, frowning. "Did it peck you?"
Yu Xinghe nodded, feeling wronged by the peck.
Mu Zhe's hand paused, his still-childish voice turning icy, suddenly taking on a mature air: "Don't go looking for him next time."
Yu Xinghe looked at him blankly. "Look for whom? Master?"
"Yes."
Yu Xinghe: "But he's our Master."
Mu Zhe looked down at the lotus flower in Yu Xinghe's arms, then, as if remembering something, suddenly snatched it away and threw it into the mud.
Yu Xinghe was startled and quickly squatted down to pick up the lotus flower.
Mu Zhe watched coldly.
In his opinion, Shen Gurong, who had been there from the beginning, only intervened when the situation was already out of control, making him utterly hypocritical.
Even that flower in the mud was a hundred times better than him.
Yu Xinghe picked up the flower and patted it off. Seeing that Mu Zhe still seemed a little angry, he muttered softly, "Mu Zhe, no matter what, you escaped danger this time entirely because Master arrived in time..."
Mu Zhe glanced at him and said, "What did you call me?"
Yu Xinghe reluctantly said, "Senior...Senior Brother."
Yu Xinghe was a few months older than Mu Zhe, but because he entered the sect later, he could only call Mu Zhe Senior Brother. Every time he thought of this, he felt extremely resentful.
Mu Zhe raised his hand and slapped him on the back of the head. Yu Xinghe was knocked forward, mumbled a couple of times, and then fell silent.
The cinnabar hadn't been collected yet, so Li Suo dared not take Mu Zhe and Yu Xinghe to the city. He sent a junior brother with the two children back to the mountain first.
In the nearby town, bright yellow flames slowly ignited in all directions, only to vanish in an instant.
Li Suo closed his fan, watching the fleeting flames fill the sky. He said softly, "The talisman to exorcise the plague demon has burned out; the plague demon isn't in the city—let's go buy cinnabar first."
Everyone agreed.
Shortly after Li Suo and his men left, a black mist mixed with red threads rose from the ground, slowly circling several times before slowly climbing the steps of Liren Peak.
It disappeared in an instant, unnoticed by anyone.
***
On Liren Peak.
A dizzying sensation spun around him. Shen Gurong opened his eyelashes; he was back under the Bodhi tree.
A white crane was pecking its feathers in Lotus Lake when footsteps approached. Shen Gurong looked up and saw a figure in a black robe striding towards him, the hem of his robe fluttering, exuding a cold and imposing aura.
Shen Gurong blinked, frantically searching his memory, and finally recalled this person.
Xi Guxing, the leader of Liren Peak, was Shen Feng Xue's fellow disciple. Their fight over the succession to the leader was well-known throughout the sect.
Shen Gurong only had time to gather this information before Xi Guxing arrived.
Since both of them wanted to vie for the position of leader of Liren Peak, their relationship must be extremely hostile; caution was advised.
Thinking this, Shen Gurong saw Xi Guxing approach in a few breaths.
Xi Guxing's expression was icy, and he unceremoniously pulled up his robe and sat down.
Shen Gurong instinctively moved away, but then noticed that Xi Guxing's seat had a lock of hair covering his head.
Xi Guxing seemed blind, not noticing the strand of hair, and coldly said, "Don't you know the meaning of death? You dared to descend the mountain while heavily injured?"
Shen Gurong was slightly taken aback. Heavily injured?
The original owner was still injured?
Then his previous inability to get up due to body aches wasn't because his legs were numb from meditating for too long, but because of his injuries?
Shen Gurong didn't want to show his confusion, so he pursed his lips and slightly turned his head, seemingly unwilling to speak to Xi Guxing.
Xi Guxing's brows furrowed: "You're only half a step away from becoming a saint. If you had just stayed put and secluded yourself for a few years, you would definitely have ascended to sainthood and escaped reincarnation. You're clearly only one step away, why didn't you listen to my advice?"
Shen Gurong thought, wait a minute, I need to go through my memories again before I can have a normal conversation with you.
Seeing that Shen Gurong remained silent after all he had said, Xi Guxing suppressed his anger and threw a sandalwood box onto his trailing robes. “This is a elixir sent by someone from Xianyun City. If you don’t want your century of cultivation to be ruined, take it as soon as possible.”
Shen Gurong, with his long, slender fingers, gently picked up the sandalwood box and opened it. With a flick of his fingers, the hidden clasp opened, revealing a misty, ethereal elixir inside.
It was clearly no ordinary item.
Shen Gurong instinctively blurted out, “It must be very expensive.”
He regretted it as soon as he said it. He was used to being witty and charming, and even with this new identity, he couldn’t shake off that habit immediately.
Fortunately, Xi Guxing merely glanced at him and sneered, “Liren Peak owes Xianyun City so much debt; a little bit won’t make a difference.”
Shen Gurong: “…”
Such a large sect actually owes debts?
Shen Gurong was worried that this enemy of the original owner might poison him, but the body’s instincts vaguely told him that although Xi Guxing didn’t get along with him, he wouldn’t resort to such despicable means as poisoning.
His meridians ached slightly, and accustomed to a life of luxury, he never deprived himself of anything, so he directly swallowed the elixir in one gulp.
The elixir transformed into a cool white mist upon entering his mouth, flowing down his throat and into his entire body.
In an instant, the throbbing pain in his meridians, which felt as if they might burst at any moment, was soothed by a gentle breeze, and the pain vanished instantly.
Seeing that his complexion had improved considerably, Xi Guxing said, "Your backlash injury won't fully heal in a short time. During this period, you should quietly recuperate and not recklessly use your spiritual power."
Shen Gurong nodded.
Seeing him unusually docile, Xi Guxing's cold expression softened slightly, and he snorted again, "While you're recuperating, Yu Xinghe and Mu Zhe should move to Changying Mountain to avoid causing you any trouble."
Hearing the names of the protagonist and the villain, Shen Gurong became interested and wanted to subtly inquire about the reason why the two little ones were so afraid of him. Shen Gurong deliberately spoke vaguely: "They agreed?"
Xi Guxing looked at him strangely: "Of course they would agree."
Shen Gurong frowned.
Xi Guxing, as expected, fell for it: "This isn't anyone else's fault; you can only blame yourself for doing something inhuman."
Shen Gurong: "..."
Xi Guxing's expression was full of annoyance and coldness. He seemed to have been born with a world-weary face, disliking everyone, and his words were always barbed.
"Yu Xinghe has good spiritual root talent; with a little guidance, reaching the Core Formation stage upon reaching adulthood is no problem. But that Mu Zhe is just a mortal. Since ancient times, very few mortals have entered the Dao. Even if you give him countless spiritual medicines, he will find it difficult to enter the Dao."
Shen Gurong frowned again.
Xi Guxing looked at Shen Gurong with disdain: "You favor Mu Zhe and ignore Yu Xinghe, I can understand that as you being blind, but Mu Zhe is still a six-year-old child. You let him take random pills and forced him to go into seclusion on the summit of Winter Mountain. Do you think a human being would do that?"
Shen Gurong: "..."
Wow, giving him random pills and making such a young child go into seclusion...
No wonder those two brats are so afraid of him.
Perhaps Mu Zhe's fear isn't fear, it's probably resentment.
Was Yu Xinghe also favored by Shen Fengxue, which led to his rebellious and treacherous nature?
Shen Gurong seemed thoughtful.
Seeing him deep in thought, Xi Guxing raised an eyebrow: "Do you know what the disciples of Liren Peak are saying about you now?"
Shen Gurong recalled the fear the disciples at the foot of the mountain had shown him and suddenly didn't want to know anymore.
Xi Guxing didn't give him a chance to escape, and seeing him being scolded, he seemed quite pleased, a smirk playing on his lips, as if watching a good show: "They all say that Lord Shen is hypocritical, ruthless, and cruel, abusing children without restraint. They also say that all your disciples left Liren Peak after their coming-of-age ceremonies because of your cruel treatment."
Shen Gurong: "..."
This false accusation landed squarely on Shen Gurong's back.
Shen Gurong tried to defend himself: "I...I didn't."
"Of course I know you didn't." Xi Guxing looked at him as if he were a fool. "When you took Mu Zhe as your disciple, you forcibly called all your fellow disciples back to Liren Peak to hold your acceptance ceremony, and even robbed him of a bunch of rare and precious herbs. You seemed to care about him quite a bit."
Upon hearing this, Shen Gurong silently breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that Shen Fengxue wasn't as beastly as the rumors suggested.
Thank goodness, there was still hope.
Xi Guxing said, "But..."
Shen Gurong's heart skipped a beat.
Everything before "But" was just empty talk.
Sure enough, Xi Guxing said, "Feeding him pills and forcing him into seclusion—anyone with eyes can see you're doing this for Mu Zhe's own good. But last month, Mu Zhe came out of Fanjiang Residence covered in blood, practically half-dead, and barely survived three days of high fever..."
Shen Gurong: "..."
Shen Gurong's vision his black. He pinched his thigh desperately to regain her senses.
Hopeless. Might as well wait to die.
"Since then, rumors about you have spread like wildfire, and I haven't been able to defend you," Xi Guxing said with a half-smile. "I've advised you many times that forcing growth is harmful and useless. You were lazy and unruly in your youth, and even when you entered the Dao, your master had to gather all sorts of elixirs to help you level up. But you're different from Mu Zhe. He's just a mortal; if he cultivates according to your methods, he'll be killed by you sooner or later."
Shen Gurong took a few weak breaths, thinking that it was fortunate he had taken the elixir earlier, otherwise, these words would have made him faint.
Knowing all this, Mu Zhe's cold attitude towards him earlier was understandable.
If Mu Zhe hated him so much, was the reason he didn't save Shen Feng Xue in the book because he wanted him dead and did it intentionally?
Shen Gurong remained silent, his brows furrowed tightly.
Xi Guxing probably knew he didn't like discussing this, so he didn't say anything more and changed the subject.
"I've come to see you today for another important matter—there was an unusual phenomenon at the Boundary Spirit Tablet today; perhaps a ghost cultivator has entered Liren Peak."
Shen Gurong was still thinking about Mu Zhe, his brows furrowed, and he casually replied, "A ghost cultivator?"
Xi Guxing said, "Ghost cultivators are adept at possession. If a ghost cultivator truly entered Liren Peak silently, then the Spirit Boundary Tablet is probably already ruined."
Shen Gurong finally calmed down. He was already afraid of ghosts, and hearing about ghosts made his legs tremble again; he didn't even want to think about Mu Zhe anymore.
"A ghost...? The Spirit Boundary Tablet?"
"Yes." Xi Guxing. "The Spirit Boundary Tablet was set up by Second Senior Sister. She's traveling and won't be back for about three years."
He tapped his fingers on the table. "On Liren Peak, besides Li Suo who's at the Golden Core stage, the others aren't much of a threat. I'll be taking Li Suo to find that ghost cultivator in the coming days. You stay in Fanjiang Residence and don't go out and cause me trouble. If your injuries flare up again, use the Jade Marrow to find me."
In Shen Gurong's understanding, ghosts and gods were all nonsense. But knowing this didn't stop Shen Gurong from being terrified every time he heard a ghost story. He'd listen to one and not dare leave his room all night.
But ghost cultivators in this world were real. Even if Xi Guxing hadn't said anything, Shen Gurong wouldn't have gone out on his own—he wouldn't even have the strength to run away from a ghost cultivator.
Shen Gurong said, "Yes, Sect Leader."
Xi Guxing's face turned green: "Who are you insulting?"
Shen Gurong: "..."
A fleeting memory flashed through Shen Gurong's mind.
At the Liren Peak martial arts arena, surrounded by ruins, Shen Feng Xue, still a young boy, stood with a cold expression. His wide sleeves hung down, his sword pointed at Xi Guxing's heart, and he said indifferently, "You've lost again."
Xi Guxing, with a trace of blood on his lips, said coldly, "Best of five, let's go again!"
Shen Feng Xue said, "Master said it would be a one-round victory. My three-round match with you is already an exception. Senior Brother, don't push your luck."
Xi Guxing glared at him.
Shen Fengxue sheathed his sword, stood tall and elegant, gripped the hilt with both hands, the sword tip lowered, and bowed respectfully: "Sect Leader."
Xi Guxing roared, "Shen Feng Xue!"
Shen Gurong fell silent again.
So these two had fought over who should step down as sect leader, and Xi Guxing lost, thus becoming the sect leader of Liren Peak.
No wonder he was so averse to Shen Gurong calling him "Sect Leader."
Xi Guxing didn't talk to him much, tossing him a sachet before leaving.
Gently opening the sachet, he found it didn't contain spices, but a handful of crimson goji berries.
Shen Gurong looked at him, puzzled.
Xi Guxing sneered, "These are spirit goji berries, good for the liver and eyes."
"..."
Having said that, he turned and left.
Shen Gurong: "..."
Was this a roundabout way of insulting him for being weak and blind?
Shen Gurong casually put away the sachet, looked around, and realized the white crane that could transform into a human wasn't at Lotus Lake.
He stood up, his white hair flowing down his green robe, sweeping across the crimson lotus blossoms on the ground.
Shen Gurong looked at his reflection in the water.
Shen Feng Xue, praised by everyone in the Three Realms and Nine Provinces as "a jade tree in the cold," truly possessed a beautiful appearance: green robe, white hair, aloof and otherworldly, like a handful of snowflakes falling into a clear lake.
This face was very similar to Shen Gurong's. Shen Gurong was a narcissistic person who loved to admire himself in the mirror, and he was extremely satisfied with this face.
The only thing he wasn't quite used to was the icy expression covering his eyes. A thin veil.
The icy veil, like a white gauze, didn't obstruct his vision when covering his eyes, but something felt off.
Shen Gurong frowned slightly and reached out to remove the veil.
But as soon as the veil was removed, a thick fog seemed to shroud Shen Gurong's vision, making it impossible to see his surroundings.
Shen Gurong was startled. He placed the veil back over his eyes, and through the thin veil, everything became clear again.
Shen Gurong: "..."
So Shen Feng Xue really was half-blind. This veil wasn't just for show; it was a magical artifact that helped him see.
Shen Gurong had no choice but to place the veil over his eyes again. He then opened the sachet Xi Guxing had given him, picked out a few spirit berries, and casually chewed them.
Xi Guxing was right; he really should regain his sight.
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