论如何错误地套路一个魔教教主 by 一只大雁
51
Ji Han met his gaze calmly: “What are you going on about now.”
Zhao Jian Gue continued as if he hadn’t heard: “I know that in your heart, I’m-”
Ji Han remained stoic as he stated: “This Venerable One would definitely never risk their life for a sword.”
Zhao Jian Gue was stunned for a long time, without waiting for him to recover Ji Han seemed intent on changing conversation topics, quickly intoning: “Sometimes I also wonder if my parents would approve of me practicing martial arts if they were still alive.”
Zhao Jian Gue couldn’t help asking him: “Who were your parents?”
Ji Han answered: “I only know that they were sect people and were best friends with my adoptive father. As for the rest……adoptive father never mentioned more than that.”
Zhao Jian Gue understood.
He theorized that Ji Han’s parents should be dead by now. A best friend taking in and rearing their best friend’s child was a very common occurrence in the martial world.
Ji Han intoned: “I have never heard rumors in the martial world regarding your parents.”
When a person becomes number one swordsman in the world, their parents would naturally gain some fame alongside them.
Zhao Jian Gue intoned; “I don’t know who mine are either. Someone threw me on the steps of a mountain where my master found me and took me in.”
In this regard, the two of them could quite sympathize with each other.
Ji Han asked him: “Your master must have treated you really well.”
Zhao Jian Gue nodded slowly: “He treated me just like a real father.”
Ji Han didn’t reply.
Zhao Jian Gue didn’t know where he’d spoken wrong, he could only stare nervously at Ji Han. The boy could only furrow his brows, asking him: “Do you have any shixiong* or shidi*?”
Zhao Jian Gue intoned: “I have three disciple siblings.”
Ji Han: “Are you the eldest disciple?”
Zhao Jian Gue nodded his head: “I tend to travel around the world most of the time while Second Shidi is a bailiff at Liu San Min. Third Shimei** married into the Medicinal Heaven Valley. At the present, there is only the youngest disciple still with the master.”
Ji Han seemed to find be very interested in this matter: “Sounds like you guys have a good relationship.”
“We all came into the sect around the same time. With all of us around the same age we always played together from a young age.” Zhao Jian Gue continued, “Only the youngest disciple brother came in a bit later; his age is a little bit younger than you. Still to this day, master still has to coax him into… …taking his medication.”
Before he finished that statement, the corner of Zhao Jian Gue’s lips couldn’t help curling up.
It couldn’t be considered a full on laugh but compared to the previous “smile” it was much more delightful looking.
Ji Han wasn’t sure if he was happy after suddenly recalling past pleasant memories in the sect, or if he was laughing at the fact that Ji Han was just like his youngest disciple sibling in loathing bitter tasting medication.
For an unknown reason, he experienced a bit of speechlessness.
Zhao Jian Gue: “You seem to be quite interested in my sect.”
Ji Han stated: “I don’t have any disciple siblings, I was just curious is all.”
Zhao Jian Gue was a bit dazed: “That child… …wasn’t he around the same age as you?”
Children around the same age could easily become friends, moreover, because of the two’s relationship, they should be even more likely to develop a sibling-like bond.
Ji Han’s expression became slightly unsettled: “As soon as I was able to pick up the sword, I was spending all my time in the training room. Since he never practiced martial arts, I really had no time to meet with him.”
Zhao Jian Gue frowned: “When you weren’t practicing swords, there would bound to be times to hang around.”
Ji Han spoke quietly: “Adopted father didn’t like me meeting with him.”
Zhao Jian Gue didn’t know what to say here.
He felt like his heart had been tied into several knots. In his subconscious he felt that the former leader didn’t seem to treat Ji Han as well as everyone thought.
Ji Han continued: “I just remember that when I was younger and refused to practice martial arts, my adoptive father would send someone down the mountain to buy candy as an incentive.”
Zhao Jian Gue intuitively asked: “Pine nut candy?”
Ji Han replied: “At that time I was only 6-7 years old, my favorite was candied haws, delicious and nice looking, but by the time I grew older and could practice without incentives, I pretty much stopped eating sugar when this tactic was no longer needed.”
Zhao Jian Gue quietly took note of this fact.
Mmm, so Ji Han liked candied haws.
*Shixiong = Disciple older brother; Shidi = Disciple younger brother
**Shimei = Disciple sister
52
The Head Maid lightly knocked on their door.
Doctor Yan came to change the Sect Leader’s bandages. Since he didn’t like any witnessing while he worked, Zhao Jian Gue had no choice but to step out.
Xiao Lin and the Head Maid waited for him in the corridor, Zhao Jian Gue was deep in rumination when he saw them. He couldn’t resist asking them: “Can I step out down the mountain these next few days?”
The Head Maid hesitated before answering: “This matter… …Gongzi Zhao should be inquiring with the Sect Leader.”
Zhao Jian Gue nodded his head. He theorized that since he was not a part of the Demon Sect, the Head Maid was afraid he intended to escape with some kind of stolen intelligence to pass onto the Hao Ran League.
Xiao Lin in curiosity asked: “Hero Zhao, what does your respected self want to do down the mountain?”
Zhao Jian Gue had slight hesitation while answering: “I… …want to purchase a few things.”
The Head Maid added: “Gongzi Zhao, I can send someone to retrieve whatever you are in need of.”
Zhao Jian Gue furrowed his brows: “… …it’s okay.”
After changing the dressing for Ji Han, Doctor Yan seemed to have little communication with the boy before stepping out the door with an unpleasant expression, shooting the Head Maid a cold glance before instructing her and Xiao Lin to go clean up the soiled bandages.
The two entered the room with Zhao Jian Gue intending to do the same.
Yet, when he stepped past Doctor Yan, he suddenly heard the man say lightly: “I think you don’t actually like him as much as you claim.”
Zhao Jian Gue stopped in his steps.
“Your attitude towards him… …is just out of guilt.” Doctor Yan stated, “And the feelings he has for you is also just guilt mixed in with a bit of responsibility.”
Zhao Jian Gue locked eyes with him coldly: “Just what are you saying?”
Doctor Yan smiled slightly: “Both of you are just quite interesting.”
Zhao Jian Gue already really disliked this person, now that dislike grew even more intense.
Xiao Lin ran out just then and beckoned Zhao Jian Gue over, “Hero Zhao, the leader is asking for your respected self.”
Zhao Jian Gue gave one more glance at Doctor Yan, deciding not to pay him any mind, before stepping into the room.
Ji Han instructed the Head Maid and Xiao Lin to leave, before telling him suddenly: “I heard everything.”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”
People who practiced martial arts would naturally have more adept ears and eyes compared to the average person.
Ji Han stated: “He’s an odd person, but his medical skills are indeed remarkable.”
Zhao Jian Gue asked: “He’s also a member of your sect?”
Ji Han shook his head: “He’s not part of the Demon Sect. When adoptive father was ill, sect members sent for him from Medicinal Heaven Valley, but he said he healed only the sick not the mortally ill… … no matter what he was unable to save adoptive father’s life.”
Zhao Jian Gue hastily added: “I shouldn’t have asked.”
Ji Han sighed.
“I heard from Xiao Lin that you want to go down the mountain for some shopping,” Ji Han’s tone was light as he spoke, “I won’t stop you but the Elders of the sect will naturally be unsettled, I may have to send a couple people to go with you.”
Zhao Jian Gue nodded.
Ji Han said: “Really with your prowess, even if I were to send people to restrict you they wouldn’t be able to do much should you choose to leave.”
Zhao Jian Gue didn’t reply.
He really only wanted to do some light shopping, why did it suddenly seem like he was intending to leave.
Fortunately, he had long since mentally assimilated the contents of both script books.
Ji Han parted his lips as if wanting to say some more.
Zhao Jian Gue suddenly took ahold of his hand.
Zhao Jian Gue: “Don’t worry, I definitely will return on time.”
Ji Han: “… …”
Zhao Jian Gue: “I promised you before, to come every day to help you take medicine.”
Ji Han: “No need… …”
Zhao Jian Gue: “I definitely will not abandon you on your own.”
Ji Han stiffly moved, drawing back his hands. “You’re so fulsome… …”
Zhao Jian Gue replied; “These are heartfelt words.”
He once again clenched onto Ji Han’s hands.
Ji Han tried still to break free, intoning: “I don’t want to hear your heartfelt words.”
Zhao Jian Gue: “Perhaps you like to listen to some flippant flattery?”
Ji Han: “No. This Venerable One doesn’t want to hear that either.”
Zhao Jian Gue thought for a bit, before saying: “The people at the base of the mountain are not as beautiful as you.”
Ji Han: “… …”
Zhao Jian Gue: “Even if they gave me ten boxes of gold, I will still not run away.”
Ji Han: “… …”
Zhao Jian Gue added affectionately: “[Wishing to obtain one person’s heart never to be apart]*.”
Ji Han: “… …shut up.”
He said this while already giving up that he couldn’t pull his hands free from Zhao Jian Gue.
Zhao Jian Gue stated: “I’ve already obtained it.”
*愿得一人心，白首不相离 = This is from a famous poem that I’ll maybe translate at a later date but these two phrases are my most favorite romantic lines ever. Every time I listen to any danmei say it I end up getting so emotional. ><
53
Zhao Jian Gue finally was able to leave the Demon Sect and go down the mountain.
The ones assigned to accompany him were several guards with Enforcer Flower leading, Ji Han explained to him that these were all people he trusted and so no one would trouble him so he needn’t worry.
At the bottom of the Demon Sect Mountain base was a small flourishing town. Most of the people who lived in the town were the families of the Demon Sect members. They just happened to be visiting during a temple festival; all the streets were bustling with various hawkers and excited crowds.
Many people seemed to know Enforcer Flower. Greeting her inevitably led their gazes to fall on Zhao Jian Gue, their eyes lingering for a bit longer than normal, in all likelihood thinking what a beautiful couple the two made. Someone brave enough walked up with a smile to ask: “Enforcer Flower has finally landed a good husband?”
Enforcer Flower spared that man a fleeting glance: “Wei Qi! Wei San Er! Don’t talk nonsense, be careful the Sect Leader doesn’t cut your tongues out.”
Wei Qi didn’t understand: “What does this have to do with Sect Leader?”
Enforcer Flower pointed at Zhao Jian Gue, a profound expression on her face: “He’s the Sect Leader’s property.”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”
Wei Qi suddenly realize his mistake.
People around them heard the dialogue and turned their heads to stare at them.
Zhao Jian Gue maintained a neutral expression though he felt disturbed by their numerous gazes, so he lowered his gaze to pretend he was interested in the goods offered by a fruit stand.
That stall owner asked him, “Does this gongzi have his eye on something?”
Zhao Jian Gue didn’t answer.
Behind him, Enforcer Flower stepped over, addressing the stall owner: “Just looking around.”
Seeing her the stall owner suddenly grabbed a basket of fruit and quickly stuffed it into Zhao Jian Gue’s arms.
Zhao Jian Gue was stunned, asking: “What are you… …”
Stall owner: “This gongzi need not be modest! This is a gift from this humble person to your respected self!”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …huh?”
Stall owner: “Whatever else this gongzi is interested in please feel free to take!”
Zhao Jian Gue: “This… …rewards should not be given without equal payment.”
Behind him someone else suddenly shouted: “Gongzi!”
He turned around to see someone carrying a tightly locked basket that contained a live reed flower chicken that then got thrown through the air straight into Zhao Jian Gue’s arms as well.
Zhao Jian Gue: “…and what is this?”
That man said: “I heard that the Sect Leader was recently injured, will this gongzi take this back to give him nutrients!”
Zhao Jian Gue: “No… …”
The man replied: “This gongzi need not show gratitude! So long as this gongzi is happy then everything is good!”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”
Zhao Jian Gue was completely surrounded by a group of people, no longer willing to say anything anymore.
Enforcer Flower could no longer contain her laughter.
Wei Qi looked over Zhao Jian Gue from head to toe for a long time, before finally saying to Enforcer Flower: “Acceptable. This physique. The Sect Leader’s taste is not bad.”
Enforcer Flower nodded their head: “Indeed not bad, even able to catch the number one swordsman.”
Wei Qi: “… …what did you just say?”
Enforcer Flower pointed at Zhao Jian Gue before saying with a smile: “Don’t you think he looks a bit familiar?”
“He’s Zhao-” Wei Qi choked, paused for a bit and then finally sighed, saying: “As a plebeian I am indeed unable to understand the Sect Leader’s taste.”
54
On the way back up the mountain to the Demon Sect, Zhao Jian Gue thought it was a good thing that Ji Han had sent escorts to accompany him. Otherwise, he really wouldn’t know how to take the huge pile of gifts back with him to the sect.
Enforcer Flower stood at his side saying: “This trip has reaped a lot of rewards.”
Zhao Jian Gue didn’t say anything.
In his hand he cradled a bunch of candied haws, along with a rattle drum that a stall owner had insisted on giving him.
The relatives of the Demon Sect were simply too… … too enthusiastic.
He didn’t know where he could send these items to, those escorts sent the vegetables and poultry into the kitchen while the rest was brought back to Ji Han’s residence.
… …
Zhao Jian Gue didn’t expect that Ji Han was already able to get off the bed and actually walk by then. Xiao Lin held onto his arm while he strolled through the courtyard.
Ji Han watched the guards bring in various sized packages, was a bit dazed before asking in amazement: “You bought all this?”
Zhao Jian Gue: “No… …”
Enforcer Flower explained: “This was all gifted by the townspeople.”
Ji Han didn’t understand: “Why would they gift these things?”
Enforcer Flower: “Oh, they heard that Gongzi Zhao was Sect Leader’s property and unavoidably were all a bit excited so they—“
Ji Han: “WHOSE PROPERTY?!”
Enforcer Flower slowly answered: “Naturally, he is the respected Sect Leader’s—”
Ji Han: “BULLSHIT!”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”
Enforcer Flower: “But that morning in bed—”
Ji Han glared at her viciously: “You say anymore nonsense, this Venerable One will pull out your tongue!”
Enforcer Flower covered her own mouth, as if to stop herself from laughing.
Ji Han glanced at everything on the ground, then shouted: “OUT! THROW EVERY ONE OF THESE THINGS OUT!”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”
The escorts had no choice but to once more start moving everything, this time out of the residence.
Ji Han pointed at Zhao Jian Gue, barking: “YOU ARE NO LONGER ALLOWED TO GO DOWN THE MOUNTAIN!”
Zhao Jian Gue really didn’t understand what he was mad about.
Enforcer Flower finally couldn’t help emitting a light chuckle.
Ji Han shot an icy glare at her: “WHAT ARE YOU LAUGHING AT! YOU AS WELL, GET OUT OF HERE!”
Enforcer Flower glanced at Zhao Jian Gue for a bit before dragging Xiao Lin out with her, a smile gracing her lips.
Zhao Jian Gue looked at the candied haws and rattle drum in his palms, silently hiding his hands behind himself.
Ji Han temperament was a bit too overexerted, unavoidably causing himself to cough a few times. He saw that Zhao Jian Gue’s hands seemed to still be carrying something and immediately became angry again.
“What else are you carrying in your hand?!” Ji Han shouted, “This Venerable One said to throw everything out!”
Zhao Jian Gue stated in an aggrieved tone: “But I paid money for them!”
Although that one hawker refused to collect money, he still managed to stuff him a couple of copper coins in the end.
Ji Han furrowed his brows at him: “You bought it? What did you buy?”
Zhao Jian Gue didn’t answer.
Ji Han ordered in a slow voice: “Bring it here.”
Zhao Jian Gue reluctantly brought out his right hand.
His palm held a bunch of candied haws.
Ji Han was slightly startled: “You went down the mountain just to buy this?”
Zhao Jian Gue didn’t answer.
Ji Han sighed, grudgingly said: “I did like these as a kid but I’ve long moved pass that age.”
Zhao Jian Gue heard what he said and started to retract his hand.
“Wait,” Ji Han stated, “This was a thoughtful gesture on your part. You went to buy this for me so I’m very happy.”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”
Ji Han continued: “Give me the candied haws… …what else are you holding?”
Zhao Jian Gue had no choice but to also bring forth his other hand.
When he was buying the candied haws, the nearby hawker insisted on giving him this rattle drum.
Ji Han intoned: “A rattle drum.”
Zhao Jian Gue nodded his head.
Ji Han: “Just what do you mean by this?”
Zhao Jian Gue: “What?”
Ji Han suddenly became angry again.
“GET OUT.” Ji Han ordered darkly, “This Venerable One is not three years old!”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”
This guy sure was mercurial.
He headed out with his head downcast.
Ji Han shouted suddenly: “COME BACK!”
Zhao Jian Gue felt wronged and grievingly turned around once more.
Ji Han looked at him blankly, before raising his palm towards him.
Ji han: “Leave the candied haws, you get out.”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”
55
Zhao Jian Gue didn’t understand just what it was he’d done wrong. He’d never said Ji Han was three years old, why would he think that way?
He really wasn’t able to conceive the answer.
Zhao Jian Gue walked to the outside of the exterior courtyard, taking in the sight of Enforcer Flower standing underneath a tree, smiling at him.
Zhao Jian Gue asked her: “Where did Xiao Lin go?”
He had a chest full of questions, all of which he needed Xiao Lin to answer.
Instead of answering, Enforcer Flower asked him back: “How is the Sect Leader?”
Zhao Jian Gue sighed heavily: “I don’t understand.”
Enforcer Flower: “You don’t understand what?”
Zhao Jian Gue answered: “Your Sect Leader is a bit too moody.”
Enforcer Flower laughed heartily.
Zhao Jian Gue wrinkled his brows at her, intoning: “What are you laughing at?”
Enforcer Flower: “I’m laughing at two little fools.”
Zhao Jian Gue: “Little fools?”
Enforcer Flower: “Not only is the Sect Leader not angry but he’s actually very happy, Ecstatic even.”
Zhao Jian Gue couldn’t help being startled by what she said.
What is that supposed to mean?
Enforcer Flower: “Gongzi Zhao, there is a matter that I’m sorry I have to burden you with informing the Sect Leader.”
Zhao Jian Gue asked: “What matter?”
Enforcer Flower: “Lord Wei of the Flying Eagle Court has arrived at the base of the mountain waiting to be summoned by Sect Leader.”
Zhao Jian Gue: “That guy from before……Wei San Er?”
Enforcer Flower smiled slightly: “Didn’t expect Gongzi Zhao to remember the guy. His name is Wei Qi. Amidst the 74 lords in the Sect, he is ranked number three.”
Zhao Jian Gue: “So you guys call him Wei San* Er.”
Enforcer Flower nodded her head.
Zhao Jian Gue asked: “Ji Han is just inside, why don’t you tell him yourself?”
Enforcer Flower: “Sect Leader was just on the pinnacle of fury, I’m not brave enough.”
Zhao Jian Gue was even more confused now: “Didn’t you just say… …”
“That is in regards to you, not to us,” Enforcer Flower blinked her lashes at him a few times. “I don’t want to go in there for a scolding.”
*San = Three
56
Zhao Jian Gue could only once more walk back into Ji Han’s residential court.
Ji Han had already returned to his bedroom, sitting at his table while staring pensively at the stick of candied haws in his hand.
Zhao Jian Gue alerted his presence by asking loudly: “Are you not intending to eat it?”
He didn’t expect Ji Han to get startled by him.
“When did you come back in?” Ji Han intoned, “How come I didn’t hear anything?”
Zhao Jian Gue’s forehead wrinkled slightly: “What were you thinking about so intensely? How come you couldn’t even hear my footsteps?”
For a martial artist, this was really quite abnormal.
Ji Han: “I… …”
He lowered his head, presumably not willing to finish that statement.
Zhao Jian Gue feared he would once more become inexplicably angry so he stayed at the door, a fair distance away, as he said: “Enforcer Flower asked me to pass a message to you, she said Lord Wei of the Flying Eagle Court has arrived at the base of the mountain, awaiting to be summoned.”
Ji Han: “How come she didn’t come in herself to tell me?”
Zhao Jian Gue: “She was afraid you’d get angry.”
Ji Han: “… …”
Zhao Jian Gue carefully asked: “You… …you are really angry still?”
Ji Han remained silent for a while before suddenly, furiously declaring: “You’ve made this Venerable One lose all of his dignity!”
Zhao Jian Gue: “Huh?”
Ji Han: “Those people all have big mouths, if what they heard today gets passed into the martial world… …”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”
He suddenly thought of the story he’d fabricated about the Two Heroes of Mobei and Bashan Hero.
Ji Han: “Perhaps after a few more days, everyone in the martial world will know that you and I… …”
He couldn’t finish that statement.
Zhao Jian Gue thought about this carefully. He theorized that all those people didn’t actually know of his identity; he hadn’t heard a single one of them call out his full name.
Zhao Jian Gue hurriedly tried to comfort Ji Han: “You can relax, none of them know who I am.”
Ji Han’s complexion seemingly got even worst.
Ji Han: “That’s even worse, I’m afraid that in a few more days a new rumor will spread across the martial world.”
Zhao Jian Gue didn’t understand: “What rumor?”
“The newly appointed Demon Sect Leader while young and inexperienced—” Ji Han seethed through gritting teeth, “has already reared his own male pet.”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”
Zhao Jian Gue still didn’t understand.
The two scenarios didn’t seem that different in his head, why was Ji Han so incensed by the second one.
He couldn’t resist asking exactly that.
Ji Han answered him: “Of course it’s different!”
Zhao Jian Gue: “How so?”
“… …it just is different,” Ji Han replied evasively, suddenly increasing his volume to intone: “You… …you just said who was at the base of the mountain?”
Zhao Jian Gue answered: “I heard Lord Wei of the Flying Eagle Court.”
Ji Han summoned the guards from outside of the door, asking them to bring forth Wei Qi.
Afterwards, the two people sat dumbfounded together, feeling rather awkward.
Thankfully Wei Qi came quickly.
He’d been waiting at the foot of the mountain for a while now so when he was summoned he eagerly ran up.
Wei Qi’s gaze fell on Ji Han, stepping forward to carefully examine him for a bit before finally speaking.
Wei Qi intoned vehemently: “So you’re this kind of Sect Leader!”
Ji Han was surprised: “… …what?”
“Who would have thought that you would like men,” Wei Qi looked rather depressed, “How come you didn’t consider this subordinate first?!”
Ji Han: “… …”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”
Wei Qi continued: “You and I have known each other for years and yet I can’t compare to someone you’ve barely known for just a few days-”
Before he even finished, Ji Han had interrupted him.
“Lord Wei,” Ji Han stated, “Don’t forget your official business.”
Wei Qi was deeply aggrieved, murmuring: “So Sect Leader likes this type of stuffy boring gourd…”
Ji Han angrily exclaimed: “Wei Qi!”
Wei Qi hurriedly laughed, indicating he was joking, before stating: “Sect Leader can relax, upon my return I too have also brought a lover back.”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”
Ji Han glared at him.
Wei Qi turned to address him personally: “Sect Leader, come, I will speak with you about official sect matters.”
Ji Han inhaled sharply, the two chatted some superficial sect business, Zhao Jian Gue listened and was finding it rather boring when Ji Han suddenly said to him: “I should take my medication now.”
Zhao Jian Gue was a bit taken aback but quickly recovered.
Ji Han wanted to usher him away.
He wasn’t after all a member of the Demon Sect –if they wanted to discuss some confidential sect matters then naturally Zhao Jian Gue shouldn’t be around to listen.
Zhao Jian Gue nodded, replying: “I’ll go retrieve the medicine for you.”
Though he walked out the door he still had a stratagem.
The Demon Sect confidential matters would undoubtedly have something to do with the Righteous Sects.
He worried that something had happened to the Hao Ran League, or that the Demon Sect was planning something against the league, so after walking out of the residence, he secretively snuck back in, hiding under the canopy of a large courtyard tree.
Ji Han’s martial arts were still slightly inferior to his after all; if he were to carefully conceal his inner qi, Ji Han would be unable to detect him.
And indeed he ended up hearing the two discuss about the Hao Ran League.
The one speaking currently was Wei Qi.
“The martial arts conference will be held in two months,” Wei Qi explained, “In Bai Cang City.”
Ji Han didn’t reply.
Wei Qi continued: “At that time, all the important figures of the Righteous Sects will be present. The master of Bai Cang’s division has already set everything up, they plan on gathering at Bai Cang Cliffs. Beneath the mountain is a hidden passageway that leads straight to the apex.”
Ji Han faintly stated: “This Venerable One understands.”
Wei Qi: “When they hold martial conference, we’ll plant several traps on the summit… …”
Suddenly, outside the door, came the sound of footsteps.
Someone was coming.
Zhao Jian Gue could only rush out of the courtyard, landing at the perimeter before turning back around. The new arrival turned out to be the Head Maid bringing tea.
Zhao Jian Gue thought it over, Ji Han had just asked him to bring medication over, if he took too long in returning, then that might arouse Ji Han’s suspicions.
He hurriedly went out, his mind in a frantic mess.
The Demon Sect was indeed planning on accosting the Hao Ran League.
No matter how close he got to Ji Han, the boy in the end was still the sect leader of an evil sect.
Although he knew this all along, now that it was finally time to confront the matter, Zhao Jian Gue felt, for some reason, forlorn.
57
Doctor Yan was in the midst of brewing the medication.
He didn’t like people watching him with patients or when he was brewing medicine. Doctor Yan had gotten up early in the morning to start cooking with a fan over a stove until now. When he heard Zhao Jian Gue coming in, the young man didn’t even greet him and just raised his eyes slightly to acknowledge his presence.
Zhao Jian Gue spoke: “I’m here to retrieve the medicine.”
Doctor Yan: “Not ready yet.”
Zhao Jian Gue asked: “How much time is left?”
Doctor Yan: “Soon.”
Zhao Jian Gue had no choice but to wait.
He knew that he had to get in touch with Xiao Lin as soon as possible so that the boy could pass on a message to the Han Ran League. They could not let the Demon Sect’s plan come to fruition.
The medication still wasn’t ready.
Zhao Jian Gue felt deeply restless, really wanting to talk to someone. He suddenly recalled that Doctor Yan had come from the Medicinal Heaven Valley, meaning he could very well be disciple brothers with his Third Shimei’s husband. Zhao Jian Gue parted his lips to ask: “Doctor Yan, I heard that you hail from the Medicinal Heaven Valley?”
Doctor Yan spared him a glance, not saying anything.
Zhao Jian Gue asked: “Who was your teacher?”
Doctor Yan finally brought forth the medication.
Zhao Jian Gue: “Are you related to your sect’s famous medic Mo Qing Feng?”
Doctor Yan raised his head to glare at him with a fierce gaze, seething: “Stay out of my affairs.”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”
Doctor Yan suddenly retreated one step back, lowering his gaze while saying softly: “The medication has finished brewing.”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”
Zhao Jian Gue could only leave with the medicine.
He followed the path back, soon seeing that Wei Qi had already left.
Xiao Lin and the Head Maid stood outside the door together. Zhao Jian Gue was naturally unable to openly discuss what he wanted with Xiao Lin and so he walked past the boy to step into the room. Ji Han sat at the table, brows wrinkling at him as he asked what took him so long to come back.
Zhao Jian Gue answered: “The medicine needed a bit longer to brew.”
His heart had settled quite a bit since when he’d first heard what he heard. Currently, he didn’t know what to say to Ji Han. He could only silently pass over that bowl of dark medicine, sitting down next to him to watch him drink it.
Ji Han took a sip and immediately his temple wrinkled into a mess. He pursed his lips, waited a long while before pitifully murmuring: “So bitter.”
Zhao Jian Gue sighed.
“Even if the medicine’s bitter you still have to drink it,” Zhao Jian Gue kept a straight face, saying, “Not allowed to toss it.”
Ji Han ‘hmphed’ softly, before taking another sip, and then whispering: “I’m not afraid of bitter and I didn’t intend to throw it out.”
Zhao Jian Gue sighed again, saying: “Finish the medicine and I’ll go buy candied haws for you.”
Ji Han choked on a mouthful of medicine. With tears in his eyes, he coughed for a long time before angrily declaring: “You are not allowed to go down the mountain anymore!”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”
Ji Han seemed realize that the air had become awkward and hurriedly said: “This Venerable One is not afraid of bitter things!”
Zhao Jian Gue responded: “You should finish that medicine first.”
Ji Han fell silent, then stared at that bowl of medicine. Gritting his teeth, he down the contents in one gulp.
JZG couldn’t help smiling a bit, praising him in a low voice: “Indeed you’re a really brave little he-… …devil.”
Ji Han: “… …”
Suddenly, Xiao Lin and the Head Maid’s suppressed laughter came sounding from outside.
“What are you laughing at!” Ji Han angrily shouted, “Laugh anymore and go on your own to the Torture Hall to have your own tongue pulled out!”
Outside immediately quieted.
Ji Han turned his head and saw that Zhao Jian Gue seemed to be lightly laughing too.
The man’s laugh was suppressed and was harder to detect. Ji Han was shocked for a moment before ended up glaring at him again.
Ji Han asked: “Do you want to go to the Torture Hall too!?”
Zhao Jian Gue stopped laughing too, though he still seemed rather chipper.
Here it was! FINALLY!
How many days have passed since he was able to match a scenario up to the script book?
Xiao Lin was unable to give him a new booklet from the Hao Ran Elders and he’d been fearing that he’d run out of things to say soon!
“I don’t want to go to the Torture Hall,” Zhao Jian Gue slowly explained: “I only want to go to your ‘Torture Hall’.”
58
Ji Han didn’t understand what Zhao Jian Gue meant at all, only frowning at him intuitively in reply. After a bit when he recovered, Ji Han angrily shouted: “You’re messing with me again!”
Zhao Jian Gue mentally wondered how exactly he was messing with him. It clearly was that nonsense script. Who knew what those martial Elders experienced in life to be able to come up with this shit, but he was afraid of revealing too much in his expression, so he could only acclimate to fit the speech, showing an affectionate enamored look as he maintained gazes with Ji Han.
He had long since understood Ji Han’s temperament, knowing that like all young people, the boy had very thin skin. After hearing such a shameless statement, the boy would not be able to respond.
Ji Han met his eyes, and indeed seemed unable to reply.
He sat blankly for a moment, getting more unnerved the more he thought, unable to stop the blush that was on the verge of his cheeks. He hurriedly said to Zhao Jian Gue in a stern tone: “You can get out, I want to rest.”
Zhao Jian Gue really wanted to tease him some but he ultimately feared provoking the boy’s anger again and so he just stood up quietly before walking out.
Ji Han suddenly called out to him: “Doctor Yan said I should walk around for these next few days.”
Zhao Jian Gue stopped in his steps and looked back at the boy, not understanding either medicine or the boy’s meaning he only waited for the boy to continue talking.
But Ji Han didn’t say anything else and the two just stared at each other for a long awkward pause. Ji Han suddenly got angry, admonishing: “You’re so dense!”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …huh?”
Ji Han had already looked away, gesturing him out.
Zhao Jian Gue was at a complete loss as he walked out -at the same time, Ji Han summoned the Head Maid, when she crossed paths with Zhao Jian Gue, she shot him a frustrated/exasperated look.
Zhao Jian Gue became even more confused!
He watched the Head Maid enter the room and exchanged glances with Xiao Lin. The boy said aloud: “Hero Zhao, this humble servant will escort you back.”
Inside the room, Ji Han naturally heard those words and didn’t do anything to stop it.
After both of them returned to Zhao Jian Gue’s room, and they both made sure that no one had followed them, Zhao Jian Gue finally told Xiao Lin what he had heard before.
Xiao Lin paled in fright: “Zhao Jian Gue, this matter I’ll immediately report this back to the Hao Ran League.”
Zhao Jian Gue felt deep consternation in his heart, unable to think of what to say.
Xiao Lin continued speaking: “Hero Zhao, you can rest assured, I will pay special attention to the Demon Sect’s paperwork in regards to this matter.”
Zhao Jian Gue nodded.
Xiao Lin contemplated for a bit, then flashed an uncomfortable expression, speaking: “It’s just this matter is rather confidential, and I imagine that the Sect Leader will keep the map to the secret passage very hidden. If the Hao Ran League were to suffer this assault… …”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …I will be vigilant on my side too.”
Xiao Lin tightly held onto Zhao Jian Gue’s hand: “Hero Zhao! The Hao Ran League is completely dependent on you!”
Zhao Jian Gue didn’t answer.
In his mind he rallied himself by thinking about how important the map was; if he could find the documentation to the hidden passage then he could save hundreds of lives in the Hao Ran League.
Never mind chivalry, he inherently had to do this.
But once the Hao Ran League found out about the Demon Sect strategy, would they arrange a counterstrike?
If that were to happen, who would save all the innocent lives of the Demon Sect?
He had no idea which side to choose.
… …
With their conversation over, Xiao Lin got ready to leave.
He walked to the door, before suddenly rushing back to him.
“Hero Zhao! There’s another matter,” Xiao Lin spoke evasively, “There’s another matter I have to discuss with you!”
Zhao Jian Gue asked: “What’s the matter?”
Xiao Lin hesitated before speaking: “Hero Zhao, the statement the Sect Leader said just now…was most likely inviting you to walk with him every day.”
Zhao Jian Gue suddenly understood.
Xiao Lin said again: “Hero Zhao, you have to carefully seize every opportunity!”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …okay, I’ll be more diligent.”
Xiao Lin continued: “This sect has some secrets that even I’m unable to get into. The Demon Sect’s territory is vast and complicated. If Hero Zhao can get Ji Han to take you on a tour and you can draw out a topographical map then it’ll be very beneficial on the day that the Hao Ran League invades.”
Zhao Jian Gue did not answer.
Xiao Lin seemed to have noticed something was wrong, so he shyly, carefully asked: “Hero Zhao, you cannot forget your true identity.”
Zhao Jian Gue expression cooled significantly, intoning: “You don’t have to say anymore. What I have to remember I naturally will remember.”
Xiao Lin nodded in acknowledgment.
He hurriedly left, leaving only Zhao Jian Gue alone in the room.
The Hao Ran League and Xiao Lin really wasted no energy to support his efforts in deceiving Ji Han.
Zhao Jian Gue’s heart was just a chaotic mess.
How could he possibly forget that he was a hero in the martial arts world? This entire scheme was concocted by them beforehand.
He suddenly heard someone coming from outside the door.
“Gongzi Zhao, Sect Leader has something to say to your respected self.”
This voice belonged to the Head Maid. Zhao Jian Gue walked to the door, opened it and came face to face with the gleefully smiling Head Maid.
“The Sect Leader wants you to go to him every morning,” the Head Maid said excitedly, “To walk with him through the sect.”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”
Why were all young people so thin-skinned? Just now why didn’t he say anything when he had the chance? Now he had to have someone else pass the word for him.
The Head Maid maintained her smile while blinking eagerly at him: “Hero Zhao, the Sect Leader really likes your respected self.”
Zhao Jian Gue furrowed his brows slightly.
“I understand,” he whispered softly, “You can tell him that I’ll be there.”
59
Next morning, Zhao Jian Gue indeed went to find Ji Han. He happened to be in the study dealing with official sect business with the Head Maid waiting outside when Zhao Jian Gue arrived. She smiled at him and said: “Gongzi Zhao, Sect Leader is inside.”
Zhao Jian Gue nodded, opening the door to step through.
Ji Han was just stuffing something underneath the desk. The official paperwork were piled to mountain lengths in front of him, undoubtedly accumulated during his days out sick.
Ji Han looked up at him with a very peaceful normal expression. “You’re here.”
Zhao Jian Gue pretended as if he hadn’t seen anything, and asked with a smile, “Do your bandages still have to be changed for today?”
Ji Han nodded: “Yes, I’ve already instructed Xiao Lin to bring forth Doctor Yan, you can sit here for now.”
Zhao Jian Gue sat down then in front of Ji Han. Not long after, Xiao Lin brought Doctor Yan over.
The study was naturally not a suitable place to change bandages. The Head Maid went with Doctor Yan and Ji Han over to the Sect Leader’s nearby bedroom. Xiao Lin also followed, remembering to shoot Zhao Jian Gue a gaze before he left.
Zhao Jian Gue naturally understood his expression.
He stayed in the study, not making any move to leave and yet no one acted to force him out; they all regarded him as an intimate person to the Sect Leader. When there was no one left in the study, he hurriedly stepped over to Ji Han’s work desk.
He’d clearly just seen Ji Han hiding something under the table.
Zhao Jian Gue had become famous at a young age, had been traversing across the martial world for more than ten years now and naturally was pretty familiar with hidden compartments, so after scrutinizing around the desk for a bit, he found there was a hidden slot in the table’s legs, with a small roll of paper stuffed inside. It looked like it’d just been retrieved off of a carrier pigeon’s legs.
This note stated exactly where the hidden passage in the mountain pass was.
Zhao Jian Gue hurriedly reviewed the note’s contents several times over, memorizing it silently.
He worried about Ji Han or anyone else returning early so he quickly replaced everything to its original position, rushed back to his seat; his heart deeply unsettled.
It felt like there were two people vehemently fighting each other inside his heart; one person felt what he was doing was incredibly wrong, the other felt his actions were justified in heroism.
He was still deeply disturbed when Ji Han returned.
“Sit for a while longer,” Ji Han instructed, “After I finish processing this paperwork I ask you to accompany me on a stroll.”
Ji Han’s mood seemed very good today; even the tone he used embodied a slight sense of high spiritedness.
Zhao Jian Gue nodded, just feeling even more guilt in his heart.
By the time Ji Han finished his work and had taken his medicine, it was already the afternoon.
They ate lunch together and then went for a stroll around the courtyard because Ji Han’s injuries didn’t foster walking long distances.
Before arriving her, Zhao Jian Gue had always thought the Demon Sect was a frightening abhorrent place, but now he could see that their gardens were even more beautiful than the ones at the Hao Ran League.
The two silently strolled for a bit before Ji Han finally asked him a question.
Ji Han: “What’s up with you these past two days?”
Zhao Jian Gue: “I… …”
Ji Han furrowed his brows, intoning: “If someone in the sect has spoken badly of you, let me know.”
Zhao Jian Gue: “… …”
He knew that Ji Han had the wrong idea but he didn’t know how to go about correcting him.
No matter what he couldn’t speak the truth and so he had no choice but to change topics.
“What happened to those assassins?” Zhao Jian Gue asked, “Have you figured out who sent them over?”
Ji Han’s expression became heavy: “Elder Wen insisted on personally interrogating them and with his connections I was unable to overrule him.”
Zhao Jian Gue already had much suspicion for Elder Wen but no hearing Ji Han say this, his suspicion spawned into anxiety: “Letting him interrogate? This… …he’s not really someone you trust, right? ”
Ji Han returned: “You can relax, I’ve let Enforcer Flower follow this matter as well, and now that Wei Qi has also returned, the two will definitely be able to come out with the truth.” Thinking on his next words, Ji Han finally added: “Enforcer Flower and Wei Qi both people I deeply trust.”
Zhao Jian Gue replied: “The important thing is to find out the truth as soon as possible.”
Ji Han continued: “I already instructed the man yesterday. In a bit, we’ll go together to ask Wei Qi about his progress.”
Zhao Jian Gue could only nod his head.
Ji Han thought for a bit again, before speaking once more: “Come, I’m taking you to a place.”
60
Zhao Jian Gue didn’t expect Ji Han to bring him to this place.
Before his vision were shelves and shelves filled with the memorial plaques of past deceased Sect Leaders for the Demon Sect. In the middle of the altar was an incense burner. The light in the room was dim, the air filled with a fog of lingering smoke.
Zhao Jian Gue wasn’t sure what to say so he could only with a shut mouth for Ji Han to speak.
Ji Han looked over the shelves, suddenly intoning; “My adoptive father is also up there.”
Zhao Jian Gue asked: “Why did you bring me here?”
“No reason,” Ji Han answered, “Just suddenly wanted to. It’d been awhile since I came here to burn incense for them anyway.”
He indeed lit a stick, walked to the altar, and kowtowed three times.
Zhao Jian Gue felt deeply awkward in this current scenario: though the saying was to not speak ill of the dead, all of these people were still in the end Demon Sect leaders. He would never bow his head to any of them. None of the past leaders were as kind or soft hearted as Ji Han; compared to them, the boy was practically a kitten with an ill temper.
Fortunately, Ji Han didn’t intend for him to bow.
He stood there silently for a bit, before suddenly speaking:
“Half of these sect leaders died at the hands of the Righteous Sects,” then after saying that, he seemed to fear Zhao Jian Gue getting the wrong idea, so he quickly added: “I’m not the unreasonable type of person. I know that several Righteous Sect members have also died at the hands of the Demon Sect.”
Zhao Jian Gue intoned: “I understand.”
Ever since ancient times, the fight between these two forces has never changed.
Ji Han continued: “Ever since I was little, my adoptive father has instilled a philosophy in me.”
Zhao Jian Gue asked: “What philosophy?”
Ji Han: “[In the martial world, anything for survival is justified.]”
Zhao Jian Gue had naturally heard of this idiom before.
As a matter of fact, he couldn’t even count how many people he’d heard speak of this phrase before.
The martial world was not a carefree place.
Zhao Jian Gue contemplated the reason Ji Han brought this phrase up. He probably wanted Zhao Jian Gue to understand after the attack on the Hao Ran League occurred; wanted Zhao Jian Gue to understand that the attack was not something he wanted to do but had to do as Sect Leader.
Zhao Jian Gue felt his words applied to himself as well. Didn’t it rationalize everything he did as well? He didn’t know how to reply for a while, ruminated for a long while before finally squeezing out a sentence: “Your life’s direction is decided by yourself.”
Ji Han asked him in return: “In your entire life, you’ve never been forced to do a single thing that you weren’t willing to do?”
Zhao Jian Gue couldn’t say anything to that.
“If that is indeed the case, then I am deeply envious,” Ji Han answered, “I’ve never lived my life for myself.”
Zhao Jian Gue asked: “Why do you say that?”
Ji Han turned his head around to say: “Come on, let’s go and see Wei Qi.”
Definitely-Not-Embarrassed's Chinese Translations 