31
Ji Han was dazed for a moment but then suddenly woke back to reality.
Elder Wen and others didn’t know what Zhao Jian Gue looked like; he was the Demon Sect’s Leader; if the Demon Sect’s Leader slept with a man, what of it?
Thinking about it this way, he felt a sense of confidence in the situation.
“Who allowed you guys to come in.” Ji Han coldly stated, “Go to the Council Hall. This Venerable One will arrive later.”
… …
Xiao Lin looked at the clothes on the ground and confusingly said: “Sect…Sect Leader, aren’t these Hero Zhao’s clothes?”
Ji Han: “… …”
Elder Wen inquired: “Hero Zhao?”
Enforcer Flower was a little shocked: “Is that the Number One swordsman, Zhao Jian Gue?”
Xiao Lin seemed to understand that he had made a big mistake and with a ‘putong’ sound fell to his knees, exclaiming: “This subordinate still doesn’t want to die yet! Please Sect Leader spare my life!”
Ji Han: “Ah… …”
The look on Elder Wen’s expression kept changing, until finally he snorted, turned his head away and headed out for the Council Hall.
Enforcer Flower covered her face while she lightly laughed, parting her lips to say: “Sect Leader, this subordinate will head to the Council Hall, your excellency… …should get dressed before coming.”
Ji Han: “… …”
She walked out for two steps, before turning back around, smiling gleefully as she said: “Your excellency has a pretty nice figure.”
Ji Han: “… …”
32
Ji Han had a frigid expression, not speaking even another half word with Zhao Jian Gue as he quickly got dressed before leaving –not looking back once.
Zhao Jian Gue was still deeply confused.
Just what exactly happened last night?
He recalled Yu Xian Er had told him before that if he were to really succeed in the seduction then the object below would be sore for most of the day, that both legs would be weak –just no matter what, he would be in some discomfort.
But aside from being a bit dizzy and wanting to vomit, he felt nothing else wrong.
Unless Ji Han was the one to…
No, judging by Ji Han’s expression, he didn’t seem to be in any pain either.
Did they just both get blind drunk, stripped each other naked, slipped under the covers to sleep peacefully for the night?
Xiao Lin stuck out half of his head through the doorway.
Face bright with color, he looked to be in a very good mood.
Zhao Jian Gue suddenly remembered that Xiao Lin was Ji Han’s close personal attendant –he should be well aware of what happened last night.
Xiao Lin helped him pick up his clothes from the ground, grinning brightly at him while he said: “Hero Zhao, thank goodness you were able to get the Sect Leader drunk last night, only because of that was I able to drag both of you onto the bed. Right now, Sect Leader must definitely think he did something to you last night. The entire sect will unavoidably soon find out about this matter too.”
Zhao Jian Gue asked in confusion: “Absolutely nothing happened last night?”
Xiao Lin flashed a sad look. depressingly exclaimed: “Last night you both in total drank 7-8 jugs of wine, drunk to the point of unconsciousness… …in those circumstances, it’s really hard for anything to happen.”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”
Why was he so sad about that?!
Xiao Lin exhaled a long sigh: “Sect Leader’s alcohol toleration is usually really good, yet last night he got so drunk so fast. It was probably because of his empty stomach.”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”
Xiao Lin said: “I will report this development back to the Hao Ran League! Hero Zhao, keep up your effort! You must make Sect Leader fully trust you! Only this way can we simultaneously attack from the inside and outside, taking down the Demon Sect all at once!”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”
Okay.
It could be begrudgingly considered that he had succeeded in the seduction plan.
But how come the feeling he had right now was a bit…weird?
33
Xiao Lin asked Zhao Jian Gue: “Though our Sect Leader is very alcohol tolerant he’s not actually the type that carelessly drinks. Just how exactly did Hero Zhao manage to get the Sect Leader intoxicated? This humble one is indeed curious.”
Zhao Jian Gue could only honestly divulge last’s night’s events to him.
Xiao Lin’s expression became strange.
“Hero Zhao,” Xiao Lin found the next words hard to say, “The elders wanted you to find not the vulnerabilities in his sword skills.”
Zhao Jian Gue flashed a bemused look.
Xiao Lin continued saying: “But rather the vulnerabilities of his psyche.”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”
So that’s what they meant!
By grasping onto the vulnerable side of Ji Han’s personality could he get the man to show him his affectionate side!
Zhao Jian Gue suddenly came to that epiphany.
Xiao Lin: “With the original script book no longer fitting these current circumstances, the elders asked me to give this new booklet to you, Hero Zhao.”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”
… …
With Ji Han not present, Zhao Jian Gue carefully reviewed the new script book several times over and over again.
Zhao Jian Gue felt deep hesitation for the new script book’s contents. “Would any of this really work?”
Xiao Lin: “It will, it will! Definitely will!”
Zhao Jian Gue asked: “But…will Ji Han really fall for it?”
Xiao Lin: “The Sect Leader is just like your own respected self: a sword fanatic that knows little else, especially when it comes to sexual matters. He should believe everything you say.”
Zhao Jian Gue hesitated for a long time, before finally relenting: “Okay, I’ll give it a try.”
34
By the time Ji Han came back from the Council Hall it was already twilight.
He had an absolutely gloomy expression; his mood very dark.
Zhao Jian Gue could guess why.
Though throughout history the Demon Sect was one to follow their Sect Leader’s orders without falter, they were still not as strict or austere as the Righteous Sects in traditional matters. Though Ji Han was the leader, the boy was still quite young and naturally the older more experienced sect members would unavoidably still discipline him if they felt it was needed.
With such a scandal having occurred, Ji Han mostly likely endured quite a bit of admonishing from everyone.
As soon as Ji Han entered the room, maids brought in dinner before helping him gargle, wash up, and finally serving him the food they brought in.
A bit earlier, Zhao Jian Gue had already finished his dinner when Xiao Lin had still been here but currently he still shamelessly steppe forward, intending to take dinner again with Ji Han.
The boy was deeply surprised by the fact that Zhao Jian Gue had still yet to leave his room.
He really didn’t want to speak with the man and so he only just sent the Head Maid, standing next to him, a telling look.
Head Maid was a smart intuitive woman, so she naturally understood the Sect Leader’s silent gaze.
She walked over to Zhao Jian Gue, intoning: “Childe Zhao, your respected self should retire now.”
Zhao Jian Gue hesitated before finally setting his resolve to follow the new script’s instructions.
The Head Maid reiterated: “Childe Zhao, your respected self should retire now.”
Zhao Jian Gue asked: “Retire where?”
Head Maid: “Naturally to your own bedroom.”
Zhao Jian Gue: “I’m not going back.”
Head Maid: “It is already quite late, it is better that Childe Zhao retire.”
“No.” Zhao Jian Gue’s tone paused slightly, trying to exhibit a deeply aggrieved expression. “I feel weak at the knees, I don’t want to go back.”
Head Maid: “… …”
Ji Han: “… …”
35
The Head Maid really wished she could vanish in that instant.
Ji Han’s face had gained a very unpleasant expression.
She knew the Sect Leader’s temper was on the verge of exploding at that moment. If this Hero Zhao were to say one more wrong thing then he could very well get fed to wild dogs.
The Head Maid started to sympathize with this Hero Zhao.
Ji Han finally couldn’t resist opening his mouth: “What do your knees being numb have to do with me? Why do you want to stay in this Venerable One’s bedroom?”
Zhao Jian Gue hesitated a long while before saying: “If not for you, why else would my legs be numb?”
Indeed just like Ji Han, he was a sword fanatic that didn’t care or understand much about sex; to this present day Zhao Jian Gue was still without a wife or kids. But he was already 28 years old now, even without experience he was well aware of the implicit meaning behind his words.
Zhao Jian Gue’s typically all-year-round austere expression, finally gained a flush of embarrassment.
Ji Han became dazed, then shouted angrily: “How can you say such nonsense?!”
Zhao Jian Gue: “How am I speaking nonsense?”
Ji Han wanted to argue with him more but when he recalled that they had indeed woken up naked in bed together this morning, he just ended up swallowing the next words he had planned. The extreme effort Ji Han used to hold back his words caused his face to turn red and so he could only look away, refusing to answer him.
Only then did he notice the way the maids were all looking at him.
It seemed like all those pairs of wide eyed, teary orbs all said to him in capital letters: heartbreaker, stinky bastard, and shameless vagabond! Even the gaze of his most loyal, Head Maid, was rather odd.
Ji Han fell silent.
Zhao Jian Gue just felt like he was taking advantage of a naive young man that didn’t understand worldly matters.
He felt incomparable shame in his heart, but he could only grit his teeth and proceed forth with the script’s text.
“I’m hungry,” Zhao Jian Gue said, “I have yet to eat dinner.”
The maids all trained their gaze back onto Ji Han’s expression.
Ji Han remained silent for a while before finally saying, “Go add another pair of chopsticks.”
Zhao Jian Gue exhaled.
Xiao Lin was right, Ji Han really didn’t understand this stuff.
The maids added bowls and chopsticks, invited Zhao Jian Gue to sit next to Ji Han before retreating, leaving only the Head Maid behind to serve.
Ji Han shut his mouth and focused on eating.
Zhao Jian Gue had already eaten before and didn’t feel hungry so after taking two bites he put down his chopsticks.
After a long while, Ji Han awkwardly asked, “How come you’re not eating anymore?”
Zhao Jian Gue recalled the script’s words: “Feeling physically uncomfortable. I have no appetite.”
Ji Han: “… …”
Zhao Jian Gue only felt extreme awkwardness.
What kind of messed up script was this anyway?!
Could it get any worse?!
How come every sentence seemed to imply that something ‘unspeakable’ happened last night?!
… …
Ji Han suddenly quickly grabbed a piece of meat and placed it into his bowl, speaking as if there was a fish bone lodged in his throat:
“Even if you’re unwell you still can’t let yourself go hungry,” Ji Han continued, “Anything you want to eat, just go and request it from the kitchen.”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”
This was not the Demon Sect Leader he was accustomed with!
36
Zhao Jian Gue stayed stunned for a moment, unable to think of what to say back.
The two people proceeded to eat silently for a bit before Ji Han suddenly parted his lips to say: “If you’re feeling unwell then should I ask a doctor to come and examine you?”
Zhao Jian Gue nearly choked to death on a mouthful of rice.
This current Ji Han was a bit….too considerate!
He didn’t have any illness so how could he see a doctor?! If he was examined then everything would be exposed!
Zhao Jian Gue coughed several times, just managing to swallow that gulp of rice before hurriedly iterating: “No need!”
Ji Han saw that he was choking and raised his palm, as if preparing to give his back a few pats, but that hand stopped in the air for a while before finally lowering again.
He hesitated before finally saying: “You don’t have to panic, the sect’s Doctor Yan is very discrete.”
Zhao Jian Gue: “It’s really not needed…”
Ji Han replied: “Don’t hide an illness from fear medics.”*
Zhao Jian Gue rambled: “I’m quite fine…”
If a doctor really came then I would really not be fine!
Ji Han furrowed his brow, seeming very puzzled: “Didn’t you say just now that your legs were numb and you felt uncomfortable?”
Zhao Jian Gue: “Just now that was….that was…”
Even he didn’t know how to get around this current lie.
Ji Han fell quiet; Zhao Jian Gue too didn’t dare to speak another syllable.
The Head Maid felt how incredibly awkward the atmosphere had gotten, identifying Zhao Jian Gue’s odd behavior. She shuffled over to Ji Han’s ear and quietly whispered a few words.
Ji Han spoke in surprise: “There’s no need to see a doctor?”
Head Maid maintained her dignified countenance while nodding.
Ji Han felt he finally understood the situation. Parting his lips, he spoke: “Then a doctor won’t be called.”
Zhao Jian Gue exhaled a sigh of relief.
Ji Han spoke to the Head Maid: “Go and get the medicine.”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”
Medicine?
What medicine?
Just what exactly did they say to each other just now?!
No. He couldn’t just arbitrarily start taking medicine!
Zhao Jian Gue’s mind suddenly flashed forward something: he recalled that the script book had a paragraph about medicine.
He suddenly extended both arms to grasp onto Ji Han’s hands.
Ji Han couldn’t help jumping in surprise, turning pale with fright: “What are you doing?!”
Zhao Jian Gue: “There’s no need for medicine.”
Ji Han didn’t understand: “If you have an illness then seek treatment. After taking the medicine you will get better.”
Zhao Jian Gue forcefully intoned with heavy affection: “You’re my medicine.”
Ji Han: “… …”
Even the Head Maid, who had half departed, stopped at the doorway: “… …”
*Idiom: has multiple meanings but in this case it’s phobia of medics
37
Even Zhao Jian Gue felt what he said was too gross and sappy after saying it; unable to do anything else, he could only lower his gaze to take in the palms that were still linked with his.
Ji Han’s hands were fair and thin, the phalanges long and slender, thin calluses covered the palm center, the nails trimmed just right.
These pair of hands were used to hold swords.
But in comparison to the rest of the martial world, these pair of hands were way too beautiful.
Ji Han was most likely shaken by Zhao Jian Gue’s words and so remained stock still for a bit, forgetting to even withdraw his hand.
Head Maid hesitantly asked: “Sect Leader, does this humble servant still need to go retrieve medicine?”
No one answered her.
Ji Han slowly recovered.
One finger at a time, he slowly did his best to retract from Zhao Jian Gue’s grip.
The man’s hold was simply too tight. Ji Han found his last words too gross and sappy so he couldn’t help blushing in both cheeks being so close to him.
Just then Xiao Lin stepped in with a thick stack of books.
“Sect Leader, here are this year’s Mobei ledgers and balances for their seven subsidiaries,” Xiao Lin explained, “Please review these.”
Ji Han nodded, telling Xiao Lin to put everything in the study.
Head Maid took the chance to escape with Xiao Lin.
Ji Han kept a steeled expression as he finally addressed Zhao Jian Gue: “Fine, if you don’t want to take medicine than this Venerable One will not force you.”
Zhao Jian Gue exhaled a breath of relief.
That’s good.
In that case, can we call back the Head Maid that just left right now?
Ji Han furrowed his brows, remained silent for a bit before stiffly intoning: “You shouldn’t…don’t stay up too late.”
Zhao Jian Gue didn’t find his statement inappropriate and simply nodded his head.
So long as I don’t have to take medication then anything is fine!
38
After Ji Han left the maid moved to the outside of the room to await instructions as well so in the end only Zhao Jian Gue was left inside the room.
Putting down his tableware, the man didn’t know whether to go back to his own room or continue waiting here.
He’d already walked several circumferences around Ji Han’s bedroom; the bedside portrait of himself seemed to have been removed entirely because he couldn’t see it anywhere.
After a bit, Xiao Lin came sneaking back in.
“Hero Zhao,” Xiao Lin cautiously exclaimed, “Sect Leader is currently busy with official duties; he shouldn’t be back anytime soon.”
Zhao Jian Gue nodded in acknowledgment.
Xiao Lin: “I’m afraid Hero Zhao will have to continue waiting for a bit.”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”
Zhao Jian Gue: “I can’t go back to my room?”
Xiao Lin: “Of course not!”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”
Xiao Lin: “This is a golden opportunity! We have to thoroughly utilize it to entrap the Sect Leader! How can you give up so easily!”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”
Xiao Lin swallowed in excitement, ruminated for a bit, speaking slowly: “Zhao Jian Gue, there is one matter… …that I have to still address with you.”
Zhao Jian Gue asked: “What?”
Xiao Lin intoned: “I just received word from the leader of the martial arts world. The Hao Ran League intercepted a message from Jackdaw –they’re planning on assassinating Sect Leader Ji tonight at midnight.”
Zhao Jian Gue was startled.
Jackdaw was an infamous assassin guild in the martial arts world –neither the Righteous nor Wrong Sects wanted to have any affiliations with the guild. The culmination of three big martial arts mavericks in the guild forced even Zhao Jian Gue to have to admit their capabilities were intimidating. If Jackdaw wanted to take his life, he calculated that there was maybe around 70 percent chance of getting killed by them.
Having said that, Zhao Jian Gue wasn’t really worried.
Though Ji Han’s skills were slightly inferior to his, the Demon Sect’s defenses were still quite formidable after all. How could their Sect Leader be so easily killed?
Xiao Lin continued explaining: “We don’t know who in the sect has gotten bribed by Jackdaw, the attack could even be from the Sect Leader’s personal bodyguard.”
Zhao Jian Gue’s tone was slightly hesitant: “Do you know who ordered the hit?”
Xiao Lin answered: “Sect Leader’s age is too young, too inexperienced with few connections, and also continually puts off attacking the Han Ran League –all these culminates to him having numerous dissatisfied sect subordinates.”
Zhao Jian Gue’s head flashed forth the faces of Enforcer Flower and Elder Wen he’d seen this morning.
Xiao Lin: “Hero Zhao, if you are able to succeed in the seduction, then you can advise him through pillow talk about how to deal with the volatile sect elders but if the Sect Leader were to die then the Demon Sect will surely pick the next leader from the current sect’s Elders. At that point, a seduction plan would not be possible. Additionally, all the sect Elders have obstinate volatile personalities which would be completely detrimental to the Hao Ran League.”
Zhao Jian Gue couldn’t help asking: “What does the leader of the martial arts world want me to do?”
Xiao Lin answered: “Naturally the leader wants Hero Zhao to succeed in the original plan as soon as possible, it’s just for these next few days…for these next few days, please carefully protect Sect Leader Ji, Hero Zhao!”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”
Xiao Lin anxiously awaited his reply.
Zhao Jian Gue in the end only exhaled heavily: “You can rest assured, I will do everything I can to ensure Sect Leader Ji’s safety.”
Xiao Lin rejoiced in exclamation: “Hero Zhao, if you really do your best then Sect Leader will surely be moved and love you even more!”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”
Xiao Lin: “Hero Zhao, we’re all counting on you!”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”
39
Close to midnight, Ji Han returned from the study.
Zhao Jian Gue had almost suffocated in bated breath waiting for him.
His sword was not at his side; the Sect Leader’s bedroom was naturally not a place where just anyone could casually bring their weapon into. When Xiao Lin dragged both of them into the room last night, the boy had taken his sword and stashed it somewhere.
Just now, he had sent Xiao Lin to go and retrieve his blade but for some reason, even after a while had passed the boy had yet to return.
Ji Han got quite a shock when his eye took in Zhao Jian Gue’s still present person.
Ji Han asked: “How come you haven’t left yet?”
He immediately regretted the words after asking.
Zhao Jian Gue was surely going to reply with something ludicrous and fulsome.
Just why did he have to get drunk last night!
Zhao Jian Gue asked him back: “Why shouldn’t I be here?”
Ji Han didn’t want to answer him.
Opening the door, he called for the Head Maid that stood outside to come in.
“Send him back,” Ji Han instructed, “This Venerable One wants to rest now.”
Zhao Jian Gue stated: “I’m not going.”
He was a little nervous; Xiao Lin had just instructed him that if Ji Han was adamant in him leaving then he was to vehemently grab onto the man’s waist and not let go.
This way Ji Han would not be able to force him away.
Ji Han furrowed his brows, glaring at him.
Zhao Jian Gue readied himself to throw away all shame and grab onto Ji Han’s waist.
Suddenly, a scream emitted from outside.
In that moment, Zhao Jian Gue’s entire person stiffened.
Midnight had arrived. The Jackdaw cries.
40
With no sword at his side, Zhao Jian Gue couldn’t help feeling rather unnerved.
The Head Maid had a pale expression but still maintained her calm.
Ji Han may not know what was going on but even so, he knew that this was not a good sign.
He could smell the scent of blood.
Outside the door, three people appeared from the shadows. A young man with a short beard dressed like a white clothed scholar, a young lady dressed in spring green looking about 17-18 years old, and finally an old man with a lame leg holding crutches.
This group was quite an odd amalgamation but Zhao Jian Gue didn’t find them in the least bit intriguing.
For this big hit on the Demon Sect’s leader, Jackdaw had specially sent out their three most famous and powerful pugilists.
These three did not need to do a sneak attack with this assassination because with their skills combined, they were able to kill nearly anyone in the martial arts world.
The first one to speak was that white clothed scholar.
His name was Si Gai.
His gaze locked on Ji Han’s face for a long time before speaking excitedly:
“Who would have thought the Demon Sect Leader was born so handsomely,” he sighed, “What a shame.”
Ji Han: “… …”
The green clothed female flashed an expression of disgust: “Can you not speak in such a disgusting manner?”
Her name was called Xu Jingying. She used to be a leading disciple to inherit Emei Sect’s leadership. Though she looked like a young girl she was actually already 28 years old.
She also [like Zhao Jian Gue and Ji Han] used a sword, and was particularly gifted with it.
The remaining old man had the surname of Sun but no one knew of his full name. The martial world referred to him as “Crutches Sun” because his choice of weapon just so happened to be the iron crutches he used to move.
Ji Han probably had already approximated who they all were.
He couldn’t help feeling a sliver of unease.
Crutches Sun asked: “Is that man…Zhao Jian Gue, Hero Zhao?”
Zhao Jian Gue: “Yes.”
Si Gai clicked his tongue a few times.
“Who’d have thought the Number One Swordsman was also born so handsomely,” he murmured, “Such a shame he’s a bottom.”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”
What’s ‘bottom’ supposed to mean? How come he couldn’t understand?
Crutches Sun cleared his throat lightly, intoning: “Hero Zhao, our target isn’t you, could we please beg Hero Zhao to give us a little leeway.”
Zhao Jian Gue answered: “Not happening.”
Si Gai sighed in disappointment, as if filled with deep lament.
“I heard from the servants here that Hero Zhao is currently physically unwell. Presumably he won’t be able to move too much,” he continued, “Since you can’t match up to us, why not just abandon this villain and flee to safety?”
It took a while for Zhao Jian Gue and Ji Han to understand the scholar’s words about his illness.
Both of their faces reddened simultaneously in the aftermath, leading Si Gai to gain a surprised expression. “So what the servants gossiped was actually real-”
Xu Jingying screamed suddenly: “SHUT UP! DON’T SAY ANOTHER WORD!”
Ji Han, as well, didn’t want to hear another word from them.
He shot a gaze to the Head Maid who then proceeded to grab and pull Zhao Jian Gue protectively to the side.
Zhao Jian Gue didn’t understand: “What are you…”
The Head Maid pulled out from her belt a long soft sword*, clearly knowing some martial arts herself and intending to protect him.
She whispered in a soft tone to Zhao Jian Gue: “Childe Zhao is currently unwell, please don’t force yourself to fight.”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”
He actually wasn’t feeling unwell at all!
Head Maid sincerely intoned: “Please put faith in the Sect Leader, Childe Zhao!”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”
*a soft sword is exactly what it sounds like, looking just like a regular blade but very thin, light and more flexible than a regular blade
Definitely-Not-Embarrassed's Chinese Translations 
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