Chapter 65: Lin Mianmian?

Lin Shijin’s ears grew slightly warm, an inexplicable unease prickling beneath his skin. After he finished speaking, Sheng Rufei remained silent for quite some time.

Sheng Rufei did not answer him. He simply took him by the hand and led him into the hall, no longer pursuing the question from moments before.

“Has Shixiong tended to your wounds?” Lin Shijin felt his words had been rather perfunctory. His thoughts were in disarray, and he didn’t wish to examine them too closely.

Sheng Rufei gave a quiet hum of acknowledgement, gestured for him to sit, and asked, “You came straight here after leaving? You haven’t treated your wound?”

Lin Shijin’s back had been throbbing faintly all this while. He gave a small nod and murmured, “Your injury looked much worse. I was worried about you.”

Saying such things made him feel oddly self-conscious. He hadn’t thought much of it before, but it was because of that one question Sheng Rufei had asked.

It would have been nothing if someone else had mentioned it. The Changming Lock reacting should have been nothing as well. But hearing it from Sheng Rufei made it feel different.

He realised Sheng Rufei meant to apply medicine for him. He half-undressed, and it stung a little when he loosened his under-robe; the fabric had stuck to the wound, and Sheng Rufei cut it free for him.

The young man stood behind him. Lin Shijin thought of what Feng Rugao had said, hesitated, and in the end decided not to tell Sheng Rufei.

If he kept his distance, Sheng Rufei wouldn’t need to descend the mountain again. He wanted Sheng Rufei to stay safely in Fuguang.

“Does it hurt?” Sheng Rufei asked from behind.

The ointment was cool as it touched his back. Lin Shijin was still in pain. He nodded, then shook his head.

“It’s been hurting all along. It doesn’t hurt when Shixiong applies the medicine.”

“If it does, you should say so.”

Lin Shijin hadn’t thought much of it earlier, but upon hearing those words, something lodged itself in his chest. A faint, belated rush of emotion surged up. Sheng Rufei had taken such a harsh punishment today because of him, yet instead of resenting him, he was concerned that Lin Shijin was in pain.

“I’m not hurting. It’s you… Shixiong should be the one who’s in pain.”

Sheng Rufei noticed the slight redness gathering at the corners of the youth’s eyes. He remembered how Lin Shijin had thrown himself at him in the hall, pleading on his behalf, taking the lashes meant for him.

Normally terrified of pain, yet today he had taken a beating for him.

Sheng Rufei’s cool gaze softened somewhat. He reached out and ruffled the youth’s hair.

“I used to be punished often. This degree of disciplinary whipping hardly counts as anything.”

Lin Shijin blinked. This degree didn’t count as anything? He couldn’t help asking,

“Why was Shixiong punished before?”

The youth didn’t yet know how severe Fuguang’s rules were. With Feng Rugao shielding him, the harshest punishment he had ever faced was copying texts or a ruler across the knuckles.

“You’re punished when you make a mistake,” Sheng Rufei said. “Shizun used to be very strict.”

His fingertips brushed the smooth skin of Lin Shijin’s back. Seeing not a single scar, he found himself briefly lost in thought.

“That still shouldn’t…” Lin Shijin muttered, displeased. Sheng Rufei had always done so well. He couldn’t imagine why he would be punished.

“Shixiong already does more than enough.”

The youth behind him said nothing in return. After the medicine was applied, Lin Shijin’s back no longer hurt quite so much.

Being with Sheng Rufei always lifted his spirits a little. But very soon he remembered that he wouldn’t be able to see Sheng Rufei as often. Sheng Rufei already worked hard. Descending the mountain would only delay his cultivation further.

He didn’t truly know why the Changming Lock reacted, but the simplest truth was this: it wouldn’t react unless he was close to Sheng Rufei.

“Shixiong, are we going to Wuxiang Mountain next month?”

Sheng Rufei gave a quiet “Mm.” Lin Shijin lowered his voice. “You don’t need to call me to the Sword Pavilion every day anymore. I’ll go on my own from now on.”

Sheng Rufei regarded him for a moment, then answered, “All right.”

It was always like this. Sheng Rufei agreed to everything he said, never asking why.

Always accommodating him.

Lin Shijin resolved to avoid Sheng Rufei for the next few days. During their time on the peak, they might not be able to be around each other much.

He was still consuming the Snow Lotus Sacred Heart; not being able to stay where he wished most would likely make him irritable.

“Shixiong, for the next few days, let’s keep our distance. You don’t need to fetch me for lessons, and you don’t need to accompany me in the Sword Pavilion.”

He spoke with a hint of nervousness. They had no way to resist Feng Rugao now. He could attempt it himself, but Sheng Rufei could not be dragged in.

He didn’t want Sheng Rufei implicated.

“Is this Shizun’s order?”

“Not exactly,” Lin Shijin said vaguely. “I have a lock on my neck. Shizun can sense it. If the Changming Lock reacts again, Shixiong might be punished again.”

He would be sent into the mortal world, and it would be three to five years without returning.

Sheng Rufei’s fingers stilled for a moment. After a long silence, he said, “I understand.”

“It won’t be long. Once we reach Wuxiang Mountain…” Lin Shijin didn’t finish. Once they reached Wuxiang Mountain, he intended to stick to Sheng Rufei every day. He would like to see if Feng Rugao could leave Changming Hall just to drag him back.

With that thought, Sheng Rufei helped him dress again. Lin Shijin turned round and tugged lightly at the corner of Sheng Rufei’s robe.

“Shixiong, I’ll have to head back soon.”

“Could you… hug me?”

Lin Shijin told himself he would only hug Sheng Rufei once. After that, he wouldn’t dwell on it. He would stay in his own courtyard obediently for the next few days and wouldn’t come looking for Sheng Rufei.

After he spoke, Sheng Rufei didn’t respond for a while; then he gave a faint sound of assent. Lin Shijin at once wrapped his arms around him.

“Shixiong, make sure you recover properly. You don’t need to rush your sword practice these next few days.” As he spoke, he remembered the question Sheng Rufei had asked and leaned close, his breath brushing past Sheng Rufei’s ear.

His voice was soft and gentle, yet with a certain quiet resolve.

“Shixiong, the question you asked me regarding human emotions and desires… they can’t be tested by a lock. I don’t know the answer myself. If I ever do, I’ll tell you.”

Sheng Rufei instinctively held the youth who had melted into his arms. Lin Shijin, once nestled against him, seemed boneless, as though he wished to disappear into him entirely.

He rose slightly on tiptoe, speaking at Sheng Rufei’s ear, his eyes bright, his expression soft, his face showing a smile of relief. It was as if all his earlier gloom had lifted.

A faint fragrance drifted past Sheng Rufei’s nose, something like orchid frost, yet also reminiscent of sweet pastries. His fingers moved instinctively to catch the fleeting sensation, but grasped only empty air.

He said he wanted one hug… and meant exactly one.

“Shixiong, I’m going now. Thank you for applying the medicine.”

It felt odd. He told Sheng Rufei everything now, as though it had become second nature.

Sheng Rufei’s fingertips paused again. After a long moment, he withdrew his hand. “I’ll see you back.”

“All right.”

They left together. Their courtyards were not far apart. After a few steps Lin Shijin stopped. Sheng Rufei was still injured.

“Shixiong, you can go back now. This is far enough.”

Sheng Rufei stopped at once.

Lin Shijin walked the rest alone, faintly aware of Sheng Rufei’s gaze on his back. He had some strength at first, but his pace gradually slowed.

So tired.

He wanted to turn back, to be with his shixiong.

He walked slowly. Before he even reached his courtyard gate, he saw a familiar figure.

He froze a little. Feng Qing was standing there, his gaze resting on him. It was unclear how long he had been waiting.

“Lord Feng?”

Lin Shijin saw Feng Qing and immediately sensed trouble. Feng Rugao must be looking for him again.

“Young Master, Sword Master has instructed me to fetch you. For the next few days, you will stay in Changming Hall. Sword Master will look for a way to ease the side effects of the Snow Lotus Sacred Heart.”

Sheng Rufei had already found a solution. He only needed to soak in the medicinal spring. Lin Shijin replied, “I’ve already been to Medicine Master Peak for the herbs. I’ll soak in the medicinal spring every day. Shizun needn’t trouble himself.”

He didn’t want to live in Changming Hall. He simply wanted to stay in his own courtyard.

“Young Master should still come.” Feng Qing had clearly seen where he had come from; the youth had obviously been to see his shixiong. If he reported this, Sheng Rufei would surely be punished again. His master had brought Sheng Rufei into the sect, and was famously strict and uncompromising with his disciples.

“Besides… didn’t the Young Master wish to go out next month?” Feng Qing added tactfully. “Sword Master hasn’t made a decision yet. It would be best not to anger him these next few days.”

Lin Shijin paused. He understood at once what Feng Qing meant. His expression shifted slightly, and he remained standing for a while.

Which mattered more? What he wanted, or the chance to go to Wuxiang Mountain?

His fingertips stiffened slightly as he returned to his courtyard. Feng Qing waited at the door while he packed. He dawdled, but inside he had already made up his mind.

He had to leave Changgao Peak.

There wasn’t much to pack. Lin Shijin brought his small pillow, his sword, some snacks and medicinal herbs, and a few of his illustrated books.

He followed Feng Qing back to Changming Hall.

Changming Hall had many side chambers; the one he had stayed in previously was where Feng Rugao usually rested.

Feng Qing led him into that very room. “Young Master, rest here for the next few days. Call me if you need anything. Sword Master does not stay here.”

Hearing this, Lin Shijin swallowed the words he had meant to say. He no longer cared. Wherever he stayed made little difference now.

Under Feng Rugao’s very nose, Lin Shijin surveyed the darkened hall, which had not been lit.

“It’s too dark in here. May I light a lamp?”

Changming Hall had never been illuminated. Feng Qing’s instinctive refusal was halted mid-word when a telepathic message from his master reached him, and he paused slightly.

“Light one if you wish, Young Master.”

Lin Shijin preferred brightness. He was already here; there was no need to deny himself. After all, the only one who would suffer from defying Feng Rugao now was himself.

“Lord Feng, please light it for me. I can hardly see where I’m going.”

Lin Shijin barked his request, and Feng Qing, without a word, lit the candles. The hall brightened quickly.

The candlelight was warm, its glow driving away the chill in the hall, bringing life to the once lifeless space.

Feng Qing held the candlestick, mesmerised by the flame. Its warmth stirred memories long forgotten; he could not recall how many years it had been since he had seen candles burn.

Changming Hall, silent for a thousand years, finally saw light again.

…

In Ruhui City.

This city had once been famed as a city of marriage. It was said that the elders of the Chongtan Pavilion never erred in fortune-telling. Many had come seeking their other half, their destined partner.

Now the pavilion was quieter than usual. At this hour, most people had gone to watch the newly arrived scourge-slayers exorcise evil spirits. The crowd’s absence left the pavilion unusually still.

Elder Chongtan, intending to join the spectacle himself, was about to take down his sign when a servant spoke up.

“Elder…a guest has arrived.”

Soon after, a figure appeared. Judging by his build, he was a young man. A black hooded robe obscured most of his face, revealing only a hint of a delicate chin. If one were to lift the robe, they would see a long sword beneath, its blade etched with crescent-moon patterns.

The youth held the sword lightly in one hand, and a short divination stick in the other. Upon entering, he placed the stick on the table.

Tapping it lightly with a fingertip, he indicated that Elder Chongtan should perform a divination.

With years of experience in reading people, Elder Chongtan immediately recognised the youth’s exceptional bearing. He quickly picked up the stick, examined the birth date and time on it, and began a divination using his traditional methods.

“Young Master, is this divination regarding your marriage?”

The man remained silent for a moment, then nodded slightly.

“The reading points north, to the Fuguang region. Afterwards… you will travel south, towards Wuxiang Mountain.”

Elder Chongtan handed over the slip with the calculated name and birth information.

Cui Haoxue looked down at the slip. He was not very literate, barely able to recognise a few of the characters:

Baiyang Village, birth year, month, and day.

The writing was dense.

The name…

Cui Haoxue read the few characters aloud in a low voice.

“…Lin Mianmian?”