Chapter 4: Senior Brother Makes a Trip: Going Down the Mountain to Retrieve Someone

The boy’s unusual behavior caught everyone’s attention. It seemed they all guessed something, and for a moment, silence fell over them.

Since he was a child who survived a village massacre by Demons, everyone close to him must have perished in that tragedy.

Xu Zhian and Changsun Zexi frowned simultaneously. Despite their sympathy, they didn’t abandon their line of inquiry. Almost at the same time, they both thought of one thing: This child is no ordinary child—he knows Spells.

And not just ordinary Spells at that. He had actually absorbed the attacks launched by a group of disciples. Though those Spells were simple and most hadn’t been used with full force, they would have been more than enough to pin an ordinary person to the ground, leaving them half-dead. How could a child like this exist in a normal village?

I don’t know either! No matter what I ask him, he won’t say a thing. All he wants is to leave, to seek revenge. I’ve been trying to persuade him for days, but he won’t listen, Yu Xuhuai exclaimed, hopping anxiously in place and even spinning around twice without thinking. He exchanged glances with his disciples, his eyes pleading sincerity. I had no choice but to tie him up and bring him back to the courtyard. But the moment I left him alone, he escaped.

So that’s what happened, Xu Zhian said, finally understanding, and let out a cold laugh.

You understand me? Yu Xuhuai looked at his second disciple, moved to tears.

That’s why, when we asked you earlier today if anything had happened, you were acting so shifty—you were lying! Xu Zhian once again grabbed Yu Xuhuai’s cheek, his stern tone making him sound more like the elder.

Tears streaming down his face, Yu Xuhuai had no choice but to confess: If I’d told the truth, I would’ve been scolded for sure.

At least you have some self-awareness! Xu Zhian continued to shout into Yu Xuhuai’s ear. A master who caused this much trouble wouldn’t learn his lesson without a good scolding.

After reprimanding his reckless master, Xu Zhian turned to his senior brother and commanded, Put down what you’re holding in your arms!

Just how long was he planning to hold him?

Pei Chengyin quietly asked the person in his embrace, Can you stand on your own?

Yes, the boy replied coldly. Untie the rope on me first.

Pei Chengyin shifted the hand supporting the boy’s thigh, and with his index and middle fingers, he drew a black spell paper from his sleeve. He touched the rope with it, and in an instant, both the spell paper and the rope vanished. Feeling the restraints gone, the boy immediately leaped out of Pei Chengyin’s arms.

He stood only chest-high to Pei Chengyin, dressed in ill-fitting clothes—likely something Yu Xuhuai had dug up from some corner. His frame was thin, but he held himself upright, with long hair cascading down, only his eyes visible through the gaps.

The more Xu Zhian noticed the extraordinary traits in this child, the more his head ached.

After a moment’s thought, the boy stepped forward and walked up to Yu Xuhuai.

You little brat! You little brat! Yu Xuhuai finally had the chance to press his fist against the boy’s head.

The boy allowed him to do so without a word, neither resisting nor dodging, only occasionally furrowing his brow.

Are you trying to sneak off again! Yu Xuhuai genuinely wanted to smash a hammer over his head, but seeing the boy’s emaciated frame, he worried that if he actually used force, the young man’s skeleton would simply fall apart.

Pei Chengyin stood opposite the boy, watching as he repeatedly attempted to raise his hand to stop Yu Xuhuai, only to force himself to lower it again. Immediately betraying his conscience, Pei spoke up in his defense: He’s probably just hungry, that’s why he came to the kitchen.

Hungry my ass! Yu Xuhuai’s words were crude but not unreasonable. He just wants to steal food for his journey.

The boy offered no rebuttal to this, because that was indeed exactly what he had been thinking.

Ignoring Pei Chengyin’s attempts to intervene, Yu Xuhuai grabbed the boy’s head and shook it back and forth—clearly, he’d endured quite some frustration along the way.

Xu Zhian and Jiang Yining exchanged a glance.

These two most perceptive disciples needed only that one look to complete their silent communication. The trouble their master had brought back was major; if not dealt with promptly, it would only lead to endless future complications.

Stealing food? Master, speaking harshly to a child like this—such behavior is hard to agree with. Having confirmed each other’s thoughts, Xu Zhian and Jiang Yining did a complete 180 in attitude. Xu Zhian reached out, gave Yu Xuhuai’s head a strong shove, knocking him aside, and stood in front of the boy.

The boy wasn’t mute, but he might as well have been. Aside from his brief earlier exchange with Pei Chengyin, he hadn’t made a sound until now.

Yining, go pack up all the food from the kitchen and give it to this young gentleman. Xu Zhian’s gaze never left the boy before him, but his words were directed at Jiang Yining.

Jiang Yining, perfectly in sync, immediately headed to the kitchen and wrapped everything from the pot in oiled paper.

Xu Zhian reached out, placed a hand on the boy’s shoulder, and leaned down to meet his eyes.

The boy’s expression showed no trace of fear; he simply looked back at him calmly.

I really dislike people who don’t respect others’ opinions. Since you’re in such a hurry to leave, you must have your reasons. Normally, I’d advise a helpless child like you to stay here and handle things gradually. Xu Zhian first displayed some concern for him, but after just a couple of sentences, he abruptly shifted tone. However, you’re no ordinary child—there’s absolutely no need to worry about your safety. So, here’s what we’ll do: my useless master here has no say in this matter. I’ll make the decision to respect your plans and let you leave.

As he finished speaking, Jiang Yining came rushing over with an oil-paper bundle.

Xu Zhian took it and shoved it into the boy’s hands.

This is a small token of our regard. Take it for the road. I wish you success in your revenge, but remember—once you’re out, don’t mention to anyone that you’ve been to the Lingxu Immortal Sect. Xu Zhian flashed a hypocritical smile, patted his shoulder once more, and efficiently saw him off.

But… Yu Xuhuai, off to the side, had something to say.

Jiang Yining, without needing further communication with Xu Zhian, rushed over, lifted his master up, and tossed him toward a corner.

Ah! Yu Xuhuai’s voice vanished.

It seems Master has no objections either. Xu Zhian straightened up again, looking down at him with a sharp gaze as he coldly asked, Shall I see you out?

The boy slowly shook his head, offering no objection to this either.

Please. Xu Zhian extended his hand, pointing toward a path. Go straight ahead and you’ll see the main gate.

Thank you. The youth nodded to him, then shifted direction and bowed respectfully to Yu Xuhuai, saying sincerely, Senior, such great kindness needs no words of thanks.

Kid! Yu Xuhuai trembled as he reached out, still wanting to stop him.

But the youth had made up his mind without regret, striding forward directly and leaving the place.

Watching him depart, Xu Zhian immediately sighed in relief, then turned with considerable helplessness to point at Yu Xuhuai, scolding: I often tell you not to cause trouble when you go out, but you never listen! Look at what kind of person your sect has taken in – someone being hunted by demons, and after such a major incident, a child who didn’t reveal even a whisper of information. Could he possibly be an ordinary child? If his pursuers come to Lingxu Immortal Sect, this place would be reduced to ruins in no time. You infuriate me!

Second Senior Brother, calm down. He Xiu and Changsun Zexi immediately stepped forward to soothe Xu Zhian.

Fortunately he was willing to leave. Xu Zhian roared at Yu Xuhuai, At your age, still causing trouble for others! I sentence you to stand here for two hours to learn your lesson. Everyone, let’s go! No one pay him any attention.

Being scolded, Yu Xuhuai slowly stood up from the floor and faced the wall, not daring to utter a single word in rebuttal.

Pei Chengyin watched from the side, showing an awkward smile.

Speaking of this Lingxu Immortal Sect, the Sect Leader was Yu Xuhuai, but Yu Xuhuai often shirked his responsibilities and did nothing, with affairs usually handled by Xu Zhian. Because this wasn’t a sect that strictly followed rules and Yu Xuhuai wasn’t a stern sect leader who put on airs, over time the person with the most authority had instead become Xu Zhian.

Ah? You ask about him?

The senior disciple and sect leader of our sect – neither of them does any work.

After Xu Zhian, Jiang Yining, Changsun Zexi and He Xiu left, Pei Chengyin adjusted his cloak and touched his empty, hungry stomach. Before leaving, he first bid farewell to his master who was being punished: Master, I’ll return to my room now.

Xiao Yin. Yu Xuhuai suddenly spoke in a steady voice, turning his steps to face Pei Chengyin’s direction, his back straight, assuming the dignified appearance of an immortal sage and pretending to be profound.

Master. Pei Chengyin obediently responded to his call. He was one of the few people in this sect willing to listen to Yu Xuhuai’s nonsense.

Master has always believed that those who cultivate the Dao need great love and virtue. When capable, they should aid the world and save common people in times of crisis. Yu Xuhuai imparted some universal principles to his senior disciple.

Is that so. Pei Chengyin listened to Yu Xuhuai’s nonsense in the cold wind not because he agreed with him, but purely because of the rules and etiquette he had learned since childhood.

Although Lingxu Immortal Sect is a place of cultivation, during Yin Tide Moon the demons become uncontrollable, running wild everywhere, even active right at the foot of the mountain. In the harsh winter, a thin young boy among demons and monsters – don’t you think that’s cruel? Yu Xuhuai put on airs, speaking in a refined manner.

Maybe… a little? Pei Chengyin answered uncertainly, hesitantly.

Yu Xuhuai looked at Pei Chengyin expectantly.

Pei Chengyin was like a block of wood – he would only move when pushed, and wouldn’t move if not pushed.

Yu Xuhuai finally collapsed with a mournful wail, clutching his eldest disciple’s feet as he pleaded, Please escort him! At least see him safely off Huaiheng Mountain!

Pei Chengyin frowned.

I’m begging you! Your master is kneeling to beg you! Yu Xuhuai sobbed uncontrollably.

Pei Chengyin sneezed in the cold wind and asked curiously, Why don’t you go yourself?

I’m being punished to stand here! Yu Xuhuai nearly went mad.

Truth be told, even if he left now, Xu Zhian wouldn’t know.

Yu Xuhuai clung to Pei Chengyin’s feet, crying and making a scene.

Pei Chengyin sighed helplessly. Partly wanting to quickly free himself from Yu Xuhuai, and partly unwilling to waste more time in the chilly wind, he finally said, Fine.

Upon hearing this, Yu Xuhuai was moved to tears, weeping profusely.

Pei Chengyin always felt his master was far too emotionally expressive.

Having given his promise, Pei Chengyin tightened the strings of his cloak and strolled under the cold moonlight to the main gate of the Lingxu Immortal Sect. The structures of the Lingxu Immortal Sect were always larger than those elsewhere, and the gate was no exception. This bronze door, carved with star charts, emanated a chilling cold in the winter night. Approaching it gave one the illusion of being watched by a giant.

Pei Chengyin was long accustomed to such deliberately intimidating, grand environments. He stepped out of the gate and looked at the only path down the mountain. Initially intending to ride the wind downward, he found the wind too strong halfway, chilling him to the bone. Instead, he pulled a black spell from his sleeve, lit it to illuminate the path, and proceeded slowly.

He hadn’t caught sight of the youth who had left not long before.

There was only one set of stairs leading down the mountain, which made for an easier descent. However, at the foot of the Lingxu Immortal Sect lay a forest. Standing on the final step, Pei Chengyin looked around blankly, unsure which path to take.

Staying put wasn’t in Pei Chengyin’s nature. Just as he was about to rely on luck and choose the right path, the system that had been silent in his mind for a long time suddenly spoke up.

[Left]

Huh?

[Go left]

I think it’s right, Pei Chengyin pointed in the opposite direction.

[There are traces of mud on the left stone slab, likely splashed by someone stepping on it not long ago. So it’s left]

I see, Pei Chengyin smiled and accepted the system’s suggestion, turning to the left.

[Sigh]

The system couldn’t help but sigh, feeling as though it were babysitting.

Moonlight fell on Pei Chengyin’s face, which still held a touch of youthful innocence.

Indeed, Pei Chengyin was still quite young.

As Pei Chengyin moved forward, suddenly, the clouds parted, and the moonlight intensified, showering down like drifting snow. The wind rustled through the forest, carrying a bone-chilling cold. The mist twisted eerily with the breeze, and a wave of demonic energy surged toward him.

Just as Yu Xuhuai had said, the days of the Yin Tide Moon were unusual. Demons had actually invaded the foot of Huaiheng Mountain.

Pei Chengyin’s mind hadn’t yet registered the danger. Using the light from the spell paper in his hand to see the path ahead, he walked unhurriedly until he stumbled over the body of a barely alive demon. The wound on the demon bore traces of residual Spell energy.

Not good. No longer dawdling, Pei Chengyin quickened his pace and ran forward.

————————

Mini Theater

Xu Zhian: Stop holding onto suspicious things all the time! [Angry]

Pei Chengyin: ??? [Pitiful]

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