High-Risk Master - Chapter 39: Young Man in Blue

Shen Gurong's exit from seclusion was very quiet; he didn't disturb anyone except Xi Guxing.

The two descended Yuxu Mountain and took a detour from the east side of Baishang Mountain to Jiuchun Mountain.

A sprig of evening mist flower, a gift from Yu Xinghe, was tucked into Shen Gurong's hair. He lazily followed Xi Guxing forward.

These past ten years felt like a slightly longer dream to him. He vaguely remembered that Xi Guxing hadn't led him to Yuxu Mountain via this route.

However, he never trusted his sense of direction. If he felt the path was wrong, he would immediately doubt his memory and silently continue walking.

It wasn't until Xi Guxing led him down hundreds of stone steps that Shen Gurong realized something was amiss and tentatively asked, "This... doesn't seem to be the way back to Fanjiang Residence?"

Xi Guxing casually replied, "Changying Mountain is packed with people now. Do you want to be stared at like a monkey if you go that way?"

"Packed with people?" Shen Gurong asked, puzzled.

Speaking of this, Xi Guxing was somewhat irritated: "It's all because of the despicable deeds of the demon race."

Ten years ago, Shen Gurong inadvertently descended the mountain. This act seemed to be a beacon signaling the possibility of vying for the divine artifact, spreading rapidly and becoming known throughout the Three Realms within days.

Fortunately, Su Xiyan returned to the mountain in time, resetting the Boundary Spirit Tablets and keeping all those who came to compete for the artifact out. Those who dared to trespass using unorthodox methods were all killed by Wen Liubing with a single sword strike.

Over time, no sect dared to rashly come to Liren Peak to seek death.

Liren Peak finally had a few years of peace, but soon, the demon race, Fenglu City, and sects large and small from the Three Realms came to Liren Peak to discuss with Xi Guxing where to hold the once-every-twenty-years Chanwei Conference of cultivation.

The Chanwei Conference was named for its profound study of the subtle principles of cultivation.

Initially, it was a gathering of powerful figures from the Three Realms to cultivate themselves and understand the Dao, exchanging their cultivation perspectives. Over time, it evolved into a tournament where young disciples from various sects of the Three Realms sparred and competed to determine the victor.

When Xi Guxing saw them arrive at Liren Peak together, he knew what they were up to.

He coldly observed as a group of old foxes colluded, their voices echoing each other, hinting that the Chanwei Conference should be held at Liren Peak.

Xi Guxing, who had never feared anyone except his master, was about to unleash a torrent of curses when Su Xiyan arrived and managed to calm him down.

However, while Su Xiyan had just pacified Xi Guxing, she couldn't control Chao Jiuxiao.

Chao Jiuxiao leaped out of Lotus Lake, transforming into a gigantic demonic form, his body coiling around the council hall of Changying Mountain, roaring ferociously at the group.

"You scum, don't think others can't see through your ill intentions! What kind of conference are you holding! Get out—"

Su Xiyan: "..."

The people in the council hall were utterly disgusted by the insults.

The Demon Lord said indifferently to Xi Guxing, "We were merely discussing the Chanwei Conference with Sect Leader Xi. Why is your sect so tense? Are you trying to cover something up?"

Xi Guxing nearly beat this incompetent and troublesome fellow into a snake, then dismissed him with a forced smile, before pinning Chao Jiuxiao down in Lotus Lake and giving him a good beating.

Chao Jiuxiao, churning the Lotus Lake, cursed, "Xi Guxing, what's wrong with you?! They're already up to no good. If the Chanwei Grand Assembly is held at Liren Peak, I'll devour them all!"

Xi Guxing slapped his dragon head hard, angrily saying, "Originally, this wasn't going to happen; I could have just refused. Who knew you'd suddenly show up..."

Su Xiyan, standing to the side, looked strange. If she hadn't stopped him, Xi Guxing would have already launched into a tirade, and his words would certainly have been far harsher than Chao Jiuxiao's.

Now that things had come to this, Xi Guxing had no choice. Shen Gurong's status in the Three Realms was already questionable; if he were to refuse again in such a hasty manner, it would seem like he was guilty and directly admitting the existence of the divine artifact.

Besides, the Chanwei Assembly was almost time for Liren Peak to take its turn, so this matter had to be settled.

After the beginning of spring this year, preparations for the Chanwei Assembly began gradually.

After Shen Gurong emerged from seclusion, he arrived just as the disciples of the Three Realms were settling into Changying Mountain.

Xi Guxing said, “The barrier of the Boundary Spirit Tablet has been removed. Recently, savage beasts have been intruding from the Ice Plains. The Chanwei Assembly hasn't even started yet, but those disciples are too competitive and have already begun hunting savage beasts. It's said they've even prepared many prizes.”

Shen Gurong nodded, thinking, 'I want to join in too.'

Shen Gurong loved excitement, and after hearing Xi Guxing's words, he was somewhat tempted. However, given his status, it was no longer appropriate for him to mingle with these disciples, so he only dared to think about it.

Xi Guxing told him about the changes at Liren Peak over the past ten years, leading him around the edge of Changying Mountain. A moment later, they passed through a dense forest and arrived at the foot of Jiuchun Mountain.

Xi Guxing was just saying, “Wen Liubing is the organizer of this Chanwei Assembly, responsible for judging order, and your two little disciples…” when a savage beast's roar came from not far away, followed by a series of footsteps.

"Don't let it get away!"

"The twenty-seventh one today! We'll definitely defeat those arrogant bastards from Fenglu City!"

"Get out of the way! Don't be careless! This beast seems different from the previous ones..."

"Where's Brother Xie?! Ah—Brother Xie, help!"

A chaotic commotion ensued.

Shen Gurong looked at Xi Guxing.

Xi Guxing frowned and said, "The beast hasn't developed intelligence yet, and its spiritual power isn't high. It'll be fine."

The two walked over and stood on the stone steps, looking down.

In a dense camphor forest, with lush shade covering the ground, amidst the layered mountains, a group of disciples from Liren Peak dressed in yellow robes, wielding longswords, surrounded a massive beast.

This beast was much larger than ordinary beasts. With a powerful flick of its tail, it sent two disciples flying, landing with a thud a short distance away. It took them a while to get up, covered in dust, but thankfully unharmed.

Shen Gurong looked at Xi Guxing, suspiciously asking, "Is this what low spiritual power looks like?"

Xi Guxing frowned. "This should be the leader of a beast tide. I..."

He drew his short sword, about to strike, when a flying sword suddenly appeared from a distance, its sharp sound piercing the air. A savage beast let out a miserable howl, and a shimmering sword was plunged into its brow, blood spurting out.

Soon, the beast struggled for a moment, then died.

Shen Gurong asked doubtfully, "Golden Core cultivation?"

Ten years ago, only Li Suo was at the Golden Core stage among the disciples of Liren Peak. Ten years later, there shouldn't be many breakthroughs.

Liren Peak was some kind of auspicious place; Shen Gurong, Xi Guxing, and others had taken in many disciples, but they often left Liren Peak after forming their Golden Cores to establish their own sects in other cities.

Because of this, Liren Peak was jokingly referred to by the people of the Three Realms as "a place that constantly trains powerful cultivators for various cities in the Three Realms."

Just as Xi Guxing was about to speak, a figure ascended the stone steps, his blue robes fluttering. With a flick of his wrist, he drew the longsword embedded in the beast's brow, pulling it back into his palm.

He gripped the hilt tightly, gave it a slight shake, and the crimson beast blood on the sword dripped from its tip as if washed away by rain.

Shen Gurong, watching the blue-robed figure with his back to him, let out a soft "Ah."

The young man in blue robes deftly sheathed his sword, turned slightly, and said gently to the disciple beside him, "This savage beast has formed its core. Please let me trouble you, senior brother, to retrieve it."

The disciple addressed as "senior brother," even though he had been saved by his junior brother, felt no shame. His eyes lit up: "A savage beast that has formed its core? Hahaha, then our Liren Peak will definitely win this beast hunt! All the prizes are ours!"

The others also crowded around, chattering, "Beast core! Beast core! I've never seen a beast core before!"

"Quickly, cut it open!"

The crowd sharpened their knives, eager to cut open the beast core, while Xi Guxing sheathed his short sword.

The young man who had slain the savage beast with a single strike turned his head slightly upon hearing the voice, his gaze calm and unwavering as he looked towards Xi Guxing.

Shen Gurong was taken aback.

The man's long hair was slightly disheveled, loosely tied back with a pale white ribbon, hanging down to his shoulder. Looking at him sideways, a small red birthmark resembling withered twigs could be vaguely seen on his face.

It was Mu Zhe, now grown up.

Ten years had passed, and Shen Gurong couldn't recognize him for a moment.

Mu Zhe's gaze inadvertently fell on Shen Gurong, and his usually gentle expression suddenly froze. His eyes widened slightly, staring at Shen Gurong in disbelief.

Shen Gurong was somewhat confused, and tentatively spoke, "Mu Zhe?"

This familiar voice jolted the nearly stunned Mu Zhe back to his senses. He even abandoned his sword and rushed towards Shen Gurong on the stone steps.

Perhaps it was a sense of trepidation at the prospect of returning home, but Mu Zhe felt as if those short dozen or so stone steps were an eternity. He had struggled for a long time before finally reaching the top, and then stood there, somewhat stunned, five steps away from Shen Gurong, unable to proceed.

Xi Guxing was still praising, "That sword strike was quite good, much sharper than last time."

Mu Zhe suddenly snapped out of his reverie and remembered to bow.

"Greetings, Sect Leader... Master."

Shen Gurong, seeing the little protagonist who was once a tiny dumpling grow so rapidly, felt a pang of nostalgia for the fleeting nature of time.

Xi Guxing said, "Since you're here, take your master back to Fanjiang Residence."

Mu Zhe's fingers trembled slightly, and he stammered, "Yes."

Xi Guxing turned and left. Shen Gurong then descended the steps, smiling at Mu Zhe, "Why are you still looking down now that you're so grown up?"

Hearing the familiar voice beside him, Mu Zhe stiffened, taking a long time to finally lift his head, staring blankly at Shen Gurong.

Ten years had passed, yet Shen Gurong seemed unchanged, still wearing the same bright red robes from ten years ago. Mu Zhe wondered if his memory was playing tricks on him, but he felt his master's features seemed even gentler, and his familiar appearance even more captivating.

Seeing him staring at him without speaking, Shen Gurong said, "Hmm?"

Mu Zhe then reacted, turning slightly to the side, somewhat absentmindedly saying, "Welcome back, Master. This disciple... this disciple will take you back."

Shen Gurong felt a pang of disappointment at his somewhat cold attitude.

But then again, it was understandable; they hadn't seen each other for ten years, and it was impossible for this child to suddenly become warm towards him.

Shen Gurong convinced himself and returned to Jiuchun Mountain with Mu Zhe.

Fanjiang Residence was as before, seemingly unchanged. Shen Gurong felt as if he had just taken a nap, without any sense of disorientation. He skillfully removed his cloak from his shoulders and casually tossed it onto a nearby rack.

Unable to change clothes during his seclusion, Shen Gurong's red robes had faded slightly, and a tear in his slender waist revealed a glimpse of his fair side.

Shen Gurong looked around, turning to speak, when Mu Zhe, who had been quiet and seemingly distant since their reunion, suddenly rushed forward and threw himself into his arms, wrapping his arms around his waist and holding him tightly, his breathing becoming rapid.

Shen Gurong froze, vaguely recalling the scene of the small, curled-up Mu Zhe tiptoeing into his arms earlier.

Thinking this, his heart softened, and he gently patted Mu Zhe's back.

Shen Gurong emanated an icy aura that chilled Mu Zhe to the bone.

When he was young, the first and only time he hugged Shen Gurong, he had to stand on tiptoe to encircle Shen Gurong's waist because he wasn't tall enough.

Ten years had passed in the blink of an eye. After their reunion, Mu Zhe could easily wrap his arm around Shen Gurong's slender waist with one hand. If he dared to be so rebellious as to wrap his other arm around his master's back, he could probably hold him completely in his arms.

As a child, Mu Zhe only thought his master was tall and broad-shouldered, with enough back to carry him comfortably; but as he grew older, he realized that his master wasn't as imposing as he had imagined.

Shen Gurong was slender and tall, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist. Mu Zhe didn't dare to hug him too tightly, afraid of hurting him.

Mu Zhe's thoughts raced, while Shen Gurong was secretly delighted.

He had initially thought the young protagonist was aloof and distant, and that winning his favor would likely be a long and arduous process. He hadn't expected the previously cold and distant boy to be so enthusiastic, practically burying his face in his chest while hugging him.

Shen Gurong felt a surge of pride.

'As a Master, I am indeed as beautiful as a flower, and very likable.'

Mu Zhe: "..."

'That's fine, Master hasn't changed at all.'

Shen Gurong felt Mu Zhe shiver imperceptibly in his arms, thinking it was because he was still feeling the chill from his own body, so he pushed him away.

Mu Zhe's pupils contracted, and his hand clenched tightly after being pushed away, his fingertips almost digging into his palm.

His gaze was heavy, but after a moment, as if a sudden clarity had broken free of confusion, the gloom on his face vanished, and he looked at Shen Gurong with an almost uneasy expression.

His expression was like that of a child who knew he had done something wrong but dared not admit it, only able to timidly seek forgiveness—extremely pitiful. Even though Shen Gurong hadn't done anything wrong, he had a strange feeling that he shouldn't have pushed him away.

Mu Zhe lowered his head again.

Strangely enough, Mu Zhe was considered a prodigy on Liren Peak, able to treat everyone with composure and dignity, but for some reason, he always habitually lowered his head in front of Shen Gurong.

The boy's voice was soft yet slightly deep. He stammered, "Mu Zhe has offended Master..."

Shen Gurong: "..."

Shen Gurong, who had just felt a tiny bit of remorse, suddenly felt utterly guilty. How could he push him away? He could hold the child whenever he wanted, for as long as he pleased.

Shen Gurong coughed lightly, finding an excuse, and said, "Don't get too close to me. I haven't bathed in years. Don't you find me dirty?"

Mu Zhe: "..."

Mu Zhe was slightly taken aback, seemingly not expecting Shen Gurong to say that.

He looked up, his eyes clear and bright as if veiled in mist. His brows relaxed, and he said softly, "There's a hot spring in the backyard of Fanjiang Residence. Master, you may bathe there first."

Shen Gurong was somewhat surprised.

As a child, Mu Zhe was aloof and indifferent. Shen Gurong had initially thought Mu Zhe would grow up to be a gloomy and indifferent person. However, ten years later, the little dumpling had grown into a tall and slender young man. His smile was much more frequent, and his entire demeanor was gentle and refined, making him impossible to dislike.

Moreover, he was so good at being affectionate.

Shen Gurong loved him.

Thinking this, Shen Gurong stepped forward and gently patted Mu Zhe's head, then felt a little embarrassed.

This Mu Zhe was so tall, it was hard to tell. He was only sixteen, yet he was almost as tall as Shen Feng Xue. Shen Gurong had to raise his arm to pat his head.

Shen Gurong secretly compared them, thinking: When I was sixteen, I was probably... about the same height as him. Hmm! On tiptoe, we'd definitely be the same height!

Mu Zhe: "..."

Mu Zhe lowered his head slightly, making it more comfortable for Shen Gurong to pat his head.

That's so thoughtful.

Shen Gurong was overjoyed. He rubbed his head for a while longer before turning to go to the hot spring in the backyard, but he turned back after a short while.

Mu Zhe was looking for clothes for him when he heard footsteps and turned around. His expression softened: "Master, what's wrong?"

Shen Gurong said dryly, "I... can't find my way."

Mu Zhe: "..."

For the past ten years, whenever Mu Zhe thought of Shen Gurong, he often saw a restless heart hidden beneath his icy exterior. Now that he had finally seen him again, he felt a pang of nostalgia.

Mu Zhe got up and led Shen Gurong to the hot spring in the backyard.

It's common for cultivators to go into seclusion for ten or even a hundred years. When they are in seclusion and their spiritual consciousness is sealed, their bodies won't become unclean. But Shen Gurong couldn't get over that psychological hurdle; he always felt that he must stink after ten years without bathing.

He didn't care that Mu Zhe was watching, casually unbuttoned his clothes, and entered the hot spring naked. Amidst the billowing steam, he leaned against a rock and let out a contented sigh.

Mu Zhe folded his clothes and placed them aside. Just as he was about to take them back, he noticed a piece of silk gauze being tossed out of the white steam.

Shen Gurong muttered softly, "Not comfortable."

Mu Zhe looked at the soaking wet silk gauze, sighed helplessly, and picked it up, noticing several holes in it.

He returned to the front courtyard of Fanjiang Residence and continued searching for a change of clothes for Shen Gurong in the chest.

While rummaging, he inadvertently found a piece of white silk gauze at the bottom of the chest, looking brand new.

Mu Zhe picked up the ice silk, casually flipped through it, and saw that it was no different from the previous ice silk. He thought it was fine for his master to use as a replacement, so he placed it on his clothes and carried it to the backyard.

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