How to Incorrectly Ensnare a Demon Sect’s Leader (Ch 41-50)

论如何错误地套路一个魔教教主 by 一只大雁

41

Zhao Jian Gue had seen Ji Han’s sword before.

Having seen the man practice a few steps here and there, he was quite familiar with the foundation of Ji Han’s swordplay.

He had also heard down the martial arts grapevine the way Ji Han’s sword worked.

If any one of them were fighting one on one with Ji Han, none of them would surely be the boy’s match; even one vs two, Ji Han still very likely would be able to win. However, if all three attacked at once, and added in some underhanded tricks, Ji Han might be able to severely injure one or two but he would unavoidably receive some serious wounds himself.

They came here to take the boy’s life. In the end, if Ji Han were to lose at all, he would most likely lose his life.

Si Gai suddenly said with great regret “Sect Leader Ji, if you don’t struggle, you can die pretty painlessly.”

Ji Han looked at him coldly, not answering.

Si Gai could only sigh. “What a pity.”

Xu Jingying’s brows furrowed into a deep crease, absolutely disgusted. “(Being protective and tender)* to this guy? Before murdering someone can you not be so nauseating?!”

Si Gai had no choice but to shut up.

Zhao Jian Gue was even more worried now.

Lots of young people tended to overestimate their own capabilities/strength. He feared this would apply to Ji Han.

If he doesn’t overestimate himself then Ji Han should know that this forthcoming battle was an inevitable loss for him.

Since this was the case, why would he proceed with it anyway?

Is he planning on just delaying time until the Demon Sect guards came around?

Zhao Jian Gue really could not understand.

Now was an inopportune to really think of these matters.

Though Zhao Jian Gue’s sword was not at his side, he could still use other nearby things to improvise.

Even if he had to use just his bare hands, he would protect Ji Han’s life.

Crutches Sun suddenly laughed creepily, intoning: “Then let’s not waste any more time. Sect Leader Ji, draw your blade!”

Ji Han still would not speak.

His sword somehow already came into his palm without anyone noticing.

Crutches Sun’s weapon was his pair of iron crutches, Xu Jingying’s was a long sword, while Si Gai’s weapon was a long whip.

Ji Han’s sword only just unsheathed before a long whip came lashing down towards Ji Han’s skull. Just now Si Gai had addressed Ji Han in a very tender affectionate manner and yet now that he was making his move, his actions carried only vicious savagery, as if the Sect Leader was his most hated foe.

Xu Jingying and Crutches Sun also attacked at the same time.

Zhao Jian Gue’s heart was lodged at his throat by this point.

The Head Maid had him protected safely behind herself, as if he was a patient on the verge of death –he was just about to push away the Head Maid when Crutches Sun’s iron crutch suddenly pivoted from the side and came whirling at him!

In comparison to everyone else, the Head Maid’s martial prowess was really nothing to brag about. Additionally, in her hands were only a soft sword that would not be able to defend against this strike.

Zhao Jian Gue yanked her arm back to let her successfully evade the iron crutch.

Crutches Sun suddenly howled.

“Zhao Jian Gue!” He screamed at the top of his lungs, “Take this next strike head on!”

Zhao Jian Gue’s heart immediately quickened –knowing what Crutches Sun was trying to do and indeed, the second after the man finished speaking, Ji Han’s composed offense seemed to falter, a second before his blade retracted towards them.

His sword plays were all offense with no defense, no path left for retreat –with this one strike abruptly half executed-half withdrawn- Ji Han suddenly felt the qi inside his chest swell into disarray; his vision darkening.

Si Gai naturally would not let such an opportune moment pass; his whip was longer than Xu Jingying’s sword so as soon as Ji Han turned his attention away, a long violent lash slammed into Ji Han’s back. Crutches Sun’s iron cane suddenly turned around to land heavily onto the boy’s chest too.

Even though he used the last bit of his qi to protect his heart, Ji Han was still seriously injured by this strike, vomiting a plume of blood before falling to his knees on the ground  his sword the only thing propping himself up.

Turns out Crutches Sun’s move was just a feint towards Zhao Jian Gue; they had already studied the intricacies of Ji Han’s swordplay before and wanted exactly just to force him to retreat, taking advantage of the qi disruption to attack him at his weakest.

The corner of Crutches Sun’s lips quirked up.

Their plan really was well executed, even the Demon Sect Leader was no match for them.

Before he finished a full smile however, the man suddenly felt a painful sensation he’d never experienced before.

He lowered his head to see a sword pierced through his abdomen and exiting through his back.

Ji Han’s blade.

Crutches Sun stared in awestruck at Ji Han; his mind was filled with a desire to smash this boy’s face in with the iron cane but his hands would not obey.

Crutches Sun collapsed.

Ji Han had used the last of his energy with that strike.

Xu Jingying’s sword was about to hit.

Zhao Jian Gue didn’t even have time to think, grabbing the soft sword out of the Head Maid’s hand, he swung it towards Xu Jingying’s wrist.

In order to avoid the soft sword, Xu Jingying had no choice but to shift her strike to the side, missing Ji Han.

Zhao Jian Gue actually didn’t really know how to use a soft sword, he just wielded it as a bluff. Xu Jingying didn’t know his inexperience with such a weapon and naturally was apprehensive of any move from him because of his title.

By now, the Head Maid had lost all the blood in her face from fright.

She moved hurriedly to Ji Han’s side, quickly sealed several meridian points on the boy’s body before feeding several emergency healing pills she’d taken out from her waist pack.

Ji Han remained unconscious.

Si Gai and Xu Jingying hadn’t expected Zhao Jian Gue would actually interrupt.

With Crutches Sun dead, even as two against Zhao Jian Gue, they were still facing some trouble.

Xu Jingying suddenly angrily shouted at Si Gai, inquiring: “Didn’t you say Zhao Jian Gue was physically ill?! LIAR!”

Si Gai frowned, feeling aggrieved. “All of the Demon Sect’s servants said as such! I don’t really know why…unless…unless…”

His gaze shifted towards the unconscious Ji Han, as if reaching an epiphany.

This place was the Demon Sect, the gossip passed around the servants here naturally would be focused primarily on their master.

“I get it now,” Si Gai nodded grimly, “The one physically ill was Sect Leader Ji.”

 怜香惜玉 = Idiom meaning being kind/protective/tender to women but can be used for just any one you are interested in

42

Though the two assassins argued incessantly, their gazes never once left Zhao Jian Gue’s person.

Crutches Sun was dead but neither of the two showed any degree of sadness.

Assassins naturally should be so coldhearted.

They eyed Zhao Jian Gue like a hawk, apprehensive for the man’s next move.

Zhao Jian Gue was filled with a myriad of thoughts right now.

He and Xiao Lin were here to deceive Ji Han for the sake of the Hao Ran League but even if the boy was successfully fooled, Zhao Jian Gue never expected him to actually offer up his life in protection of his ‘physically unwell’ self.

Such a responsible and compassionate Demon Sect Leader had to be the only one of his kind.

He put down the Head Maid’s soft sword.

Since he didn’t know how to wield it, the weapon was of no use for him.

Ji Han’s sword was still lodged diagonally through Crutches Sun’s abdomen.

After he’d stabbed the man, Ji Han hadn’t even the energy to pull the weapon out.

Zhao Jian Gue felt something ignite in his chest and heart, causing his mind to race chaotically. Only after grabbing the hilt of the sword did he feel his mind calm down, little by little.

Compared to his own blade, Ji Han’s was narrower, longer, and lighter in weight.

Nevertheless, it felt very comfortable in his hands.

This was a good blade.

His mind had completely calmed down by now.

Si Gai and Xu Jingying realized that something was not right.

Even if Ji Han was still alive, they could always retreat and try again –they didn’t have to risk their lives by putting all of their eggs in one basket…even if they managed to keep their lives, losing a limb or two would not fare well for their futures.

Xu Jingying spoke: “Hero Zhao, if the three of us were to fight, we will all inevitably get hurt, how about if we all took one step back-”

“No need for the excess words,” Zhao Jian Gue held Ji Han’s sword, his heart’s intention clear as water, “I will definitely not let you guys leave.”

Xu Jingying countered: “But-“

Zhao Jian Gue frigidly ordered: “Draw your blade!”

43

Elder Wen of the Demon Sect had finally arrived, bringing with him finally reinforcements.

Xu Jingying had suffered severe injuries while Si Gai was practically at the end of his rope.

The Demon Sect arrested both assassins as Elder Wen walked over to Zhao Jian Gue’s side, flashing a concerned inquiring look.

“Hero Zhao,” he asked, “Is your respected self, okay?”

Zhao Jian Gue’s right shoulder had suffered a blow from Xu Jingying’s sword and though it was a shallow wound, the blood from it speckled his entirely white ensemble, making it look more severe than it actually was.

Elder Wen said, “These two people shall be imprisoned and handled in accordance to the Demon Sect, hopefully Hero Zhao will not voice any objections?”

Zhao Jian Gue observed him closely, slight unease filling his being.

In the end, he nodded his head without saying anything. Elder Wen turned to look at Ji Han, saying: “Rest assured Hero Zhao, I’ll go and have someone send over Doctor Yan right away.”

Zhao Jian Gue originally wanted to inquire about Xiao Lin’s whereabouts -since retrieving his sword should not have taken such a long time- but this Elder Wen… … he really just found too strange to trust.

In the end, he didn’t say anything.

The Demon Sect reinforcements sealed the assassins’ qi points before taking them away. Additionally they cleared away the corpse of Crutches Sun as well as attending to the wounds of the dispatched guards stationed outside of Ji Han’s room.

Everything went a bit too methodically, as if the Demon Sect regularly had assassins coming about to kill and injure before being arrested.

Zhao Jian Gue didn’t want to speak to anyone.

The Head Maid still had an unsettled disposition positioned next to Ji Han. Zhao Jian Gue stepped over to pick up the scabbard from the ground, wiped the blade’s blood away before returning it into the sheath, and finally situating it next to Ji Han’s body.

Ji Han’s face was as pale as paper. Having vomited up blood, the corner of his lips was dotted with red remnants. Zhao Jian Gue crouched down and extended a hand out towards the man’s face, originally intending to wipe away the blood specks, but suddenly Zhao Jian Gue realized that in this courtyard was still several people with their gazes all trained on the two of them. What he originally planned to do might be seen as too affectionate so Zhao Jian Gue stiffly moved his hand up the boy’s nostrils, checking his consistent breaths, before exhaling a sigh of relief. Still alive.

Thankfully, he was still alive.

Zhao Jian Gue exhaled heavily.

He lifted his head to see the Head Maid watching him speechlessly.

Zhao Jian Gue felt that he was expected to say something here but put on the spot, nothing at all came to mind.

There was nothing in the script book about what to do should Ji Han become severely wounded.

Zhao Jian Gue could only awkwardly say, “You can rest assured, he will be fine.”

The Head Maid still remained speechless, watching him.

Now that statement sounded like he’d spoken it to reassure himself.

Zhao Jian Gue felt very awkward and embarrassed.

The Head Maid looked to her left and then her right, before suddenly whispering in a small voice: “Gongzi Zhao, you…I know you’re lying to the Sect Leader.”

Zhao Jian Gue felt his heart leap in shock, thinking the Head Maid had realized he was sent here to seduce the Demon Sect Leader.

The Head Maid continued: “You’re respected self isn’t at all unwell. Nothing happened at all last night.”

Zhao Jian Gue: “Uh… …”

So that’s what she was talking about… …

Zhao Jian Gue knitted his brows, carefully contemplated about how to deal with this new development.

The Head Maid sighed: “Your respected self can rest assured, I won’t say anything to the Sect Leader.”

Zhao Jian Gue flashed a confused look.

“I can tell you really love our Sect Leader,” the Head Maid explained, “Otherwise just now you wouldn’t have risked life and limb to protect the leader.”

Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”

There seemed to be some kind of misunderstanding here.

The Head Maid: “Just your method is all wrong. Loving someone means you need to be completely honest with them. Never mind this one small instance but please in the future do not continue lying to the leader.”

Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”

What does she mean by ‘never mind this one small instance’… … this was not a small lie but instead a really big lie!

The Head Maid continued: “Though Sect Leader won’t admit to it, I can tell after this incident that he really loves your respected self!”

Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”

“Gongzi Zhao.” The Head Maid clutched her handkerchief with a pair of glossy emotional eyes, “I wish both of you happiness!”

Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”

44

Doctor Yan was a young fellow.

While his age was not that much older than Ji Han, he loved to put up a stern, slightly belittling disposition, as if everyone owed him 8 million silver pieces.

But no matter what everyone still treated him with a respectful attitude.

He just squatted down, cursorily looked at Ji Han’s injuries before proclaiming dismissively: “Not gonna die.”

Zhao Jian Gue really didn’t like this guy.

Doctor Yan instructed people to carry Ji Han over to the boy’s bedroom for examination but then instructed that he didn’t like anyone watching him during practice so he kicked everyone else out of the room.

Zhao Jian Gue waited anxiously outside the door as several elders and branch leaders came over, bringing with them their allotted subordinates.

Enforcer Flower was the last one to arrive.

Amongst her subordinates were those that carried with them an unconscious Xiao Lin, requesting for Doctor Yan’s assistance.

“He got knocked out and thrown into a cave,” Enforcer Flower explained, “The patrolling guards found him while making rounds.”

Zhao Jian Gue stepped up to take a glance.

There indeed was a big lump on Xiao Lin’s scalp, but it was only a minor injury at most.

The guards stationed outside of Ji Han’s bedroom were all either mortally injured or killed. Jackdaw gave such cruel attention to the guards, how come towards Xiao Lin they showed such uncharacteristic mercy?

Zhao Jian Gue didn’t know if he was thinking too much, or if there really was something to unravel here.

… …

The room’s door opened.

Doctor Yan had just stepped out before being asked by Enforcer Flower to take a look at Xiao Lin’s injuries.

Zhao Jian Gue hurriedly rushed back into the room.

Ji Han’s breathing seemed to have stabilized quite a bit, though he had yet to awaken, but his composition looked better.

Zhao Jian Gue exhaled a breath of relief.

Though this Doctor Yan was quite annoying, his medical skills were at least top notch.

Ji Han needed peace and quiet so the Elders and Enforcers all left, but the gaze they all shot towards Zhao Jian Gue was really rather intriguing. After seeing all those odd gazes, Zhao Jian Gue felt rather embarrassed and quickly made to leave as well.

The Head Maid hurriedly stopped him.

Head Maid: “Gongzi Zhao, I already had people do some setting up, Gongzi Zhao can live here for the time being.”

Zhao Jian Gue was taken aback: “Setting up?”

The Head Maid kept a straight expression while nodding: “The chaise lounge.”

Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”

The Head Maid hesitated for a moment, then said: “Uh…unless Gongzi Zhao wants to sleep in Sect Leader’s bed?”

Zhao Jian Gue: “No…”

Head Maid continued: “Then Sect Leader is all in your hands now, Gongzi Zhao, if you have orders, speak to me or Xiao Lin and we’ll take care of it.”

He suddenly finally understood, the Head Maid intended for him to take care of Ji Han!

Speaking seriously, personally caring for him was a good opportunity for seduction.

But Zhao Jian Gue still had quite a bit of hesitancy.

The Head Maid continued speaking: “If when our Sect Leader wakes up to find Gongzi Zhao waiting diligently by his bedside, he’ll definitely be very pleased!”

Zhao Jian Gue: “I’ve never taken care of sick patients before… …”

Head Maid: “There’s a first for everything.”

Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”

Head Maid: “With us helping you everything will go by smoothly.”

Zhao Jian Gue: “But… …”

But Ji Han had suffered such severe injuries, if he were to accidentally kill the guy while taking care of him, then what would he do?

The Head Maid saw how hesitant Zhao Jian Gue was and sighed in exasperation: “Gongzi Zhao.”

Zhao Jian Gue asked: “What?”

The Head Maid shot him a stern look: “Being human, you sometimes have to take the initiative to get the people you want.”

Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”

The Head Maid patted Zhao Jian Gue’s shoulder a couple times: “Opportunities don’t wait for people, Heaven rewards due diligence, [bask in difficulties and enjoy progress with the king]*!

Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”

与君共勉 = bask in difficulties and enjoy progress with the king, pretty literal translation, just means to work together through thick and thin,

45

Zhao Jian Gue didn’t know what to do right now.

Fortunately, Xiao Lin woke up after only a short while and he was able to inform the boy everything that had occurred.

The bump on his scalp had barely receded before the boy seemed energetic enough to run 180 laps with Zhao Jian Gue.

“What a good opportunity! Hero Zhao!” Xiao Lin exclaimed in a low volume, “This is a great opportunity!”

Zhao Jian Gue asked him: “This… …what should I do now?”

Without the script’s guidance, he suddenly felt deeply lost.

Xiao Lin: “In order to prevent you from getting injured, Sect Leader got injured himself! You should be very anxious right now!”

Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”

He was anxious to a degree but nowhere to the extent that Xiao Lin expected.

Xiao Lin: “If by the time Sect Leader wakes up he sees Hero Zhao waiting diligently at his side, having lost weight from restless malnourished days and nights guarding at his bedside, and finally collapsing in exhaustion as well…he’ll surely be very moved!”

Zhao Jian Gue: “This plan… …”

Xiao Lin exclaimed: “Hero Zhao! Have faith in me!”

Zhao Jian Gue tentatively put his faith in him.

Moving a chair over, Zhao Jian Gue sat down next to Ji Han’s bedside.

Sitting motionlessly at his side was really quite boring, so when Zhao Jian Gue saw that Ji Han was nowhere near waking, he closed his eyes to mentally recite [internal qi mantra]* in his head.

Right then it’d been early morning.

By the time night came around, and after taking some meals, Zhao Jian Gue still didn’t feel too sleepy so he returned back to Ji Han’s bedside. The Head Maid thought he was too worried and therefore unable to sleep, so she tried persuading him a couple of times but seeing that Zhao Jian Gue was determined not to rest, she secretively lit a tranquilizer incense stick.

Zhao Jian Gue knew nothing about incense and Ji Han’s room always had some sort of burning incense so he was completely unable to discern whatever it was that the Head Maid lit. After a bit, he felt slightly sleepy, by the middle of the night when the fragrance was at its most intense, Zhao Jian Gue casually slid headfirst into Ji Han’s bedside and fell asleep without realizing it.

He guessed that he had only slept for about an hour before he heard someone coughing at his side; Zhao Jian Gue opened his eyes and saw the morning light outside, turning his head, he saw that Ji Han was awake, though coughing nonstop, unable to speak.

The Head Maid and Xiao Lin heard the ruckus and hurriedly asked for Doctor Yan to come over, before the two entered the room, Zhao Jian Gue was at a loss in the moment. Seeing Ji Han cough so severely, he instinctively lifted him up to give his back a few pats.

He forgot that Ji Han still had a whiplash on his back.

The Head Maid wanted to stop him by calling out but it was already too late.

Zhao Jian Gue slapped Ji Han on his back, and though the force wasn’t too big, it still naturally was quite sore.

Ji Han inhaled sharply in pain, lifted his gaze intending to glare at the man but the movement only caused him to cough even more intensely.

Zhao Jian Gue thought: Oh crap, indeed I messed things up!

Just as he came to this realization, Ji Han had already coughed up a slew of blood.

Suddenly, Zhao Jian Gue was in instant panic.

He grasped onto Xiao Lin’s hand, rambled incoherently: “WHERE IS DOCTOR YAN?!”

Xiao Lin intoned: “He should be coming soon, Hero Zhao, don’t panic… …”

Zhao Jian Gue exclaimed in horror: “I slapped your Sect Leader into vomiting blood!”

 The Head Maid didn’t panic or worry; she smoothly brought over a cup of hot water and slowly fed it to Ji Han. His coughing stopped as Doctor Yan arrived.

Yet again, all unnecessary personnel was forced out the door by him.

Zhao Jian Gue was completely unsettled.

In a frustrated tone, he whispered to Xiao Lin: “I messed things up!”

Xiao Lin comforted him: “Hero Zhao, you don’t have to be so self-blaming.”

Zhao Jian Gue: “Never mind being touched, Ji Han surely hates me now.”

Xiao Lin: “… …relax Hero Zhao, our Sect Leader is not so petty.”

Zhao Jian Gue just felt like his heart had been cremated: “What should I do now?”

Xiao Lin took out from his bosom a bag of pine nut candy**.

“Hero Zhao, please relax your respected self, I still have other plans,” his tone was rather relaxed, as if he was very assured, “Our Sect Leader loathes anything bitter, cannot stand to drink medicine. Take this packet of candy, wait for when he is about to take his medication and then offer this to him at the same time.”

Zhao Jian Gue embraced this last shred of hope with a face full of worry before accepting that bag of sugared pine nuts.

*Internal Qi Mantra = So, it’s similar to like a martial arts manual, every sect usually has their own internal qi mantra that teaches/cultivates qi differently than anyone else. Qi is used to power all martial arts, otherwise it would just be people swinging swords aimlessly.

**pine nut candy = 松子糖, look it up, try it if you can, it’s heavenly!!!!

46

Doctor Yan left a prescription, advised the Head Maid on what she needed to be cognizant of, before leaving. Ji Han’s physical foundation was good so it was estimated that he could get out of bed after just a few days, and that he would make a full recovery after just one month.

Zhao Jian Gue was still thoroughly downcast. In his heart, he could only recall the fact that he had slapped Ji Han into vomiting blood and could only feel deep aggravation.

He sat in the farthest corner away from the bed and watched as the Head Maid along with a servant girl fed Ji Han a bowl of white porridge; it wasn’t time for the medication yet so the girls moved to help Ji Han lie back down once more to rest.

Ji Han wasn’t willing however, he whispered something into the Head Maid’s ear, a moment later the woman came striding over with a meaningful look in her eyes as she spoke to Zhao Jian Gue: “Gongzi Zhao, Sect Leader Ji wants a word with your respected self.”

For a moment, Zhao Jian Gue thought he had heard wrong.

The Head Maid coldly intoned: “Gongzi Zhao, you can’t possibly expect the Sect Leader to come to you.”

Zhao Jian Gue finally stepped to him.

Ji Han’s countenance had already regained some of its color, though his lips were still quite white, alongside weakened breathing and speech.

Zhao Jian Gue couldn’t help feeling even more guilty.

If he just didn’t pretend to be sick then Ji Han would have never gotten injured, if he just didn’t slap the guy on the back then Ji Han would have never coughed up blood.

He’d basically messed up everything.

Ji Han met his eyes, slowly exhorted his name: “Zhao Jian Gue.”

Zhao Jian Gue hung his head in guilt.

Ji Han intoned: “I suffered a severe internal injury which would inevitably lead to coagulated blood in the chest.”

Zhao Jian Gue depressingly replied: “I should never have patted you.”

Ji Han: “The blood I spat out were the coagulated traces and not fresh blood that you brought forth.”

Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”

Ji Han continued: “Nonetheless, your slap was still very painful.”

Ji Han said this statement in a calm manner, sans any malice or intention of getting angry.

Zhao Jian Gue: “It was my fault.”

“You don’t have to admit to fault,” Ji Han contemplated his next words, seemingly hesitant before stating, “You…how long has it been since you had a good night’s rest?”

Zhao Jian Gue was stunned.

Before he even had the chance to answer the Head Maid interjected with: “Ever since Sect Leader fell unconscious Gongzi Zhao has not decently rested his eyes.”

Ji Han’s expression became a bit complicated.

Zhao Jian Gue stated: “I rested.”

Ji Han: “He slept on the bed’s edge?”

Zhao Jian Gue said: “To martial arts experts, it’s really nothing.”

Ji Han crossed his brows before ordering for the Head Maid to clean and clear out the adjacent room.

“Since I’ve already awoken, you don’t need to stay here anymore,” Ji Han said to Zhao Jian Gue, “I’ve had them clear out the nearby room, go and have a decent rest.”

Zhao Jian Gue cradled the bag of pine nut candy inside his robes, thinking that the time for Ji Han’s medication hadn’t yet arrived, quickly saying: “No problem, I’ve already rested.”

Zhao Jian Gue did some careful calculations for a bit before saying: “More than one hour is really enough.”

Ji Han: “… …”

He stopped debating, as if feeling too tired.

The Head Maid had already pulled Zhao Jian Gue out the door.

“Gongzi Zhao, your respected self should go and rest first,” she explained, “Otherwise by the time the Sect Leader recovers then your respected self’s body will have collapsed in place.”

Zhao Jian Gue could only nod.

He retreated to the nearby bedroom, casually washed his face, and contemplated all the things that had occurred during these last two days, his mind feeling quite unsettled about Elder Wen’s behavior. Ji Han’s injuries were still fresh, the news could wait until after he recovered.

There was still the matter of the two assassins; he wasn’t sure how much the two could actually be forced to talk, figuring out the identity of who had hired them could prove difficult, and if the first attempt wasn’t successful then there might be a second attempt. If just one of the attempts was successful then what should he do?

Suddenly, someone knocked on his door.

Zhao Jian Gue recognized the little girl as one of Ji Han’s bedroom maids; the girl wore a light green dress, carrying in her hands an engraved box of food. Happily, she passed the box to him.

“Sect Leader heard that Gongzi Zhao has yet to eat anything so this humble servant was instructed to come over,” she blinked her eyes a few times, “The Sect Leader is unable to eat greasy foods lately so all these dishes are on the lighter side, he was unsure if Gongzi Zhao is willing to accept this selection?”

Zhao Jian Gue said: “Thank you.”

The little girl was in no hurry to leave: “Sect Leader also said that if Gongzi Zhao is unwilling with this current assortment then your respected self is able to make any special request to the kitchen. The kitchen maid is aptly skilled.”

 Zhao Jian Gue: “I can eat this current selection.”

The little girl jumped excitedly before departing. Zhao Jian Gue opened the box to see a bowl of white porridge next to a few side dishes of vegetables and tofu. Indeed a light selection.

But this was specifically ordered and sent here by Ji Han.

Using the chopsticks provided, he picked up a bit of green vegetables and placed it in his mouth.

Judging by Ji Han’s attitude towards him today, Zhao Jian Gue knew he was close to successfully completing his mission.

He exhaled a deep sigh, not knowing why he couldn’t taste anything at all, like eating wax. Not in the least bit happy.

47

Zhao Jian Gue woke up early, after hearing that Ji Han had yet to awaken, he went alone to get breakfast. After practicing some martial arts exercises, he felt quite refreshed.

With his head’s swelling mostly receded, Xiao Lin excitedly ran up to him.

Xiao Lin: “Hero Zhao! The Sect Leader is awake! He’s about to take his medicine!”

Zhao Jian Gue felt deeply anxious as he ran to Ji Han’s bedroom.

All the servant maids knew about Zhao Jian Gue’s relationship with Ji Han, so they didn’t react at all to Hero Zhao as he burst into Ji Han’s bedroom –as if they had long since associated the sight of them together.

Ji Han had his hair down with his outer robe draped over his shoulders, saw him coming in, glanced over for a bit before returning his gaze back to the thick bowl of dark brewed medicinal broth in his hand.

He’d just barely made up his mind to take a sip before immediately furrowing his brows with a deep frown.

Seeing that he’d come at just the right time, Zhao Jian Gue quickly took out that bag of candied pine nuts, shouting: “JI HAN!”

Ji Han was startled nearly to the point of spilling all the medicine onto his bed.

“So early in the morning,” Ji Han shot him a frigid look, “What on earth are you shouting for?!”

Zhao Jian Gue coughed lightly. “It was my rude mistake.”

Ji Han took a small sip of medicine, not answering him.

Zhao Jian Gue inquired: “You’re taking your medicine now?”

Ji Han: “Yes.”

Zhao Jian Gue: “That medicine looks very bitter.”

Ji Han ignored him.

Zhao Jian Gue asked carefully: “Are…are you really afraid of bitter tasting things?”

I have an entire bag of pine nut candy!

He was ready to say that statement.

But Ji Han suddenly raised an eyebrow.

“What did you just say?” Ji Han frigidly intoned, “Who’s afraid of bitter taste? This Venerable one is not afraid of bitter things, not afraid at all!”

Zhao Jian Gue was completely dazed. “Huh?”

Ji Han coldly snorted, “Any REAL MAN wouldn’t be afraid of bitter things!”

Zhao Jian Gue: “That’s not what I-”

Ji Han had already turned around and chugged the entire bowl in one gulp.

Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”

Why was this different than what Xiao Lin said… …

Ji Han covered his mouth with his palm with a pained expression, as he wanted to spit out everything that he’d just swallowed.

Zhao Jian Gue regained his composure after a bit, speaking carefully: “You…are you alright?”

Ji Han declared: “Of course this Venerable One is alright!”

After talking, he covered his lips again, face utterly pale.

Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”

… …young people really loved their pride.

Zhao Jian Gue silently put away the bag of pine nut candies.

48

Ji Han finally relaxed after a bit.

He kept murmuring again and again: “This Venerable One is not afraid of bitter, This Venerable One is not afraid of bitter.

Zhao Jian Gue felt this scenario was very familiar to him, just like when his master used to have to coax one of the young disciples into drinking medication. Nodding his head, he intoned casually: “Yes, you are indeed not afraid of bitter. Can be considered a little hero.”

Ji Han: “… …”

Ji Han: “Little hero?”

Zhao Jian Gue contemplated, thinking that perhaps the Demon Sect didn’t use this exact vocabulary to praise little kids so he added: “Little demon?”

Ji Han was dazed for a bit, before speaking: “Zhao Jian Gue you should also take some medication.”

Zhao Jian Gue answered smooth and quickly: “You’re my medicine.”

He said this without any hesitation or even a reddening of the cheeks.

Ji Han answered: “Shut up, who is your medicine. It’s not like this Venerable One can be consumed.”

Zhao Jian Gue suddenly remembered that long forgotten script book.

“Can’t be consumed?” He vehemently recalled the contents of the book, “Of course you can be consumed.”

Ji Han replied: “What are you raving about now?”

Zhao Jian Gue met his eyes, answering softly: “A feast for the eyes*.”

Ji Han: “… …”

Being so severely injured, he just didn’t have the strength to argue.

Suffering a little shameless teasing wouldn’t kill him, so he’ll just let him say whatever for now.

Ji Han came to that decision.

Though the Sect Leader had already moved his gaze away, Zhao Jian Gue still kept his eyes trained on the boy.

After saying what he said, somehow Zhao Jian Gue could only think of those five words in his head.

A feast for the eyes.

Indeed, he was a feast for the eyes.

秀色可餐  = xiu se ke can, usually in reference to gorgeous women

49

The Head Maid walked into the room with a pack of honey preserves.

She looked at the empty medicinal bowl and then became quite angry.

“Sect Leader, your respected self has again not properly taken your medication!” The Head Maid angrily exclaimed, “Where did your respected self dump the medication this time? How many times has this humble servant explained to your respected self that dumping medication into flower pots will cause the plants to wilt!”

Ji Han: “This Venerable One didn’t… …”

The Head Maid became even angrier: “Your respected self is lying! Sect Leader, avoiding medication will prevent recovery!”

Ji Han replied: “This Venerable One really did drink all of it… …”

The Head Maid countered: “Whenever your respected self was injured in the past, a bowl of medicine needed at least half an hour to finish. Today, this humble servant just went to retrieve a bag of honeyed preserves and the medicine bowl is already empty! Your respected self definitely secretly tossed it!”

Ji Han pouted heavily, looking deeply wronged.

Zhao Jian Gue could only help him explain: “He really did finish it all… …”

The Head Maid was still rather suspicious: “Gongzi Zhao, you don’t have to lie for him.”

Zhao Jian Gue didn’t know whether to laugh or to cry: “I want more than anything for him to recover faster, why would I lie for him?”

The Head Maid: “Then… …Sect Leader really did finish all of his medicine?”

Zhao Jian Gue: “Yes.”

The Head Maid seemed to believe his words, blinked several times, before saying: “So rare to see the Sect Leader take his medicine so swiftly, love is indeed powerful!”

Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”

Ji Han: “… …”

The desire to save face is even more powerful.

The Head Maid continued: “Gongzi Zhao, this humble servant has something to request.”

Zhao Jian Gue was shocked: “What?”

The Head Maid showed a sincere expression: “Can your respected self take on all future jobs of serving medication to the Sect Leader?”

Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”

Ji Han: “… …

Ji Han: “I don’t consent!!!”

50

After the Head Maid retreated, both men were left to wordlessly look at each other.

Ji Han seemed to have gotten tired again, leaning back against the headboard.

He wore only a thin white inner shirt, his regular black outer robes draped over the side of the bed, his long hair falling down over his lapels. Overall, he lacked a great of his usual indifferent arrogance.

Zhao Jian Gue originally wanted to discuss with him about Elder Wen but seeing Ji Han about to shut his eyes, his words stopped right in his mouth.

Ji Han looked rather tired right now and leaving these words for a few more days shouldn’t hurt anymore.

Zhao Jian Gue came to this decision before feeling like there was too little to do in the moment; in the end, he went back to staring at Ji Han’s features.

Ji Han seemed finally annoyed by his constant gaze; opening his eyes, he said: “Are there flowers on this Venerable One’s face?”

Zhao Jian Gue reply was swift: “There are no flowers on your face.”

Ji Han: “Then what are you staring at me for?”

Zhao Jian Gue answered: “You’re more beautiful than flowers.”

Though he’d never had the idle time before to admire flowers, Zhao Jian Gue currently found himself unable to look away from the boy.

He thought Ji Han would get angry at his words but the boy just furrowed his brows before sighing heavily.

Zhao Jian Gue didn’t understand why he sighed.

Ji Han stayed quiet for a moment before asking him: “Just now, was there something you wanted to say to this Venerable One?”

Zhao Jian Gue was slightly hesitant.

Ji Han didn’t understand his own thoughts as he asked in him through crossed brows: “If you have something to say, just tell it to me directly, don’t keep it in your heart.”

Zhao Jian Gue intoned: “This is a matter of your sect which I have no business in addressing as an outsider.”

Ji Han nodded his head. “Say what you want, it’s fine.”

Zhao Jian Gue: “That day, after you passed out, Elder Wen arrived, bringing forth reinforcements.”

Ji Han: “I know of this.”

“You were unconscious, possibly comatose even, at the time yet the first thing he asked was whether or not ‘I’ was okay.” Zhao Jian Gue crossed his brows, “I’ve been disturbed by this fact for a while now. Shouldn’t he have worried about your health first? Even afterwards, he only spared you a short casual glance.”

Ji Han just exhaled a deep sigh again, intoning: “Oh this matter.”

Zhao Jian Gue asked him: “Is this a normal occurrence?”

Ji Han: “Very normal.”

Zhao Jian Gue was deeply puzzled.

Ji Han answered: “Elder Wen has always disliked me. Many people in the sect are aware of this fact.”

Zhao Jian Gue’s felt a bit of shock in his heart: “Then could it have been him that… ….”

Ji Han lightly shook his head: “No, though he doesn’t like me the man wouldn’t be stupid enough to try and kill me.”

Both fell into silence for a moment before Zhao Jian Gue suddenly asked: “May I ask… …why he hates you?”

The more thorough he was in his investigation of the inner workings of the Demon Sect, the more beneficial his infiltration will be for the Hao Ran League.

Zhao Jian Gue had some doubts in his heart right now, Xiao Lin had never mentioned this matter before in his reports to the Hao Ran League, meaning the spy had no clue about Ji Han’s poor relationship with his colleagues.

The boy was perhaps too negligent in his job as the undercover agent for the Righteous Sects.

Ji Han stayed silent for a long time, not answering. Zhao Jian Gue started to think he had stepped out of his boundaries in asking this question.

“Not many people in the sect are aware of this matter, as a Righteous Sect member you shouldn’t be informed it either.” Ji Han softly sighed, “But you’re…I think, telling or not telling you the matter won’t really make any difference.”

Zhao Jian Gue felt something move in his heart.

Ji Han intoned: “I’m not actually the previous Demon Sect Leader’s biological son. He was just my adopted father.”

Zhao Jian Gue nodded his head: “I know of this.”

Ji Han continued: “Rumors of this has spread all across the martial arts world, with people saying that it was because of his countless sins that caused karmic justice for him to never be able to beget an offspring, but you guys are probably not aware that he actually has a biological son.”

Zhao Jian Gue: “This matter I indeed was not aware of.”

Ji Han: “Adopted father didn’t wish for him to live a life of bloodied blades and so even to the age of ten the boy was not taught any degree of martial arts.”

Zhao Jian Gue stated: “He was born as the son of the Sect Leader. No matter what he would be unable to avoid the bloodied battles of the martial world.”

Ji Han: “So he was sent out of the sect, delivered to a regular couple’s home… …Adoptive father rather he’d live a simple ordinary life, than to have him step one foot in the martial world.”

For a moment, Zhao Jian Gue didn’t know what to say. He contemplated what state he’d be in right now if his master hadn’t taught him how to wield a blade. In the end, he could not fathom it at all, and so ended up just answering intuitively: “This was probably the love of a father.”

“His age is similar to mine. This year he should be around 20 years old.” Ji Han’s expression was a bit desolate, “He’s either a farmer, a merchant or a scholar by now, just no matter what he wouldn’t be a martial person.”

 Zhao Jian Gue understood his meaning: “There must be many people that think you lucked into a big bargain.”

The Demon Sect focused a lot on pure bloodlines so it would be pretty normal if there were people that resented him for his background.

Ji Han pressed his lips together, not saying anything.

Zhao Jian Gue asked: “Have you always been… …envious of him?”

Ji Han seemed taken aback: “Why would you say that?”

Zhao Jian Gue said: “Just a wild guess.”

The two people once more fell into silence. Without warning he said: “Sometimes.”

Zhao Jian Gue looked at him quietly.

Ji Han whispered: “Actually I don’t really like swords that much.”

The statement came out barely more than a murmur. Zhao Jian Gue almost thought he had heard wrong.

He suddenly felt deep pity.

… …

Zhao Jian Gue blurted randomly: “Then do you like me?”

This question or scenario was not in the script book but he theorized that he’d probably been led astray by it.

Ji Han was dazed for a moment: “How…how can you be compared with a sword.”

Zhao Jian Gue nodded, deeply distressed: “I understand, I am not even worthy of a sword in your heart.”

Ji Han: “… …”