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“Old man! You can't do this to me again. I'm your heir! This is cruelty!” was the first thing Zhou Mingrui heard when he emerged outside the gates of Cloud Recesses for lectures.
Instinctively tightening his grip on the hilt of his sword, Zhou Mingrui turned this way and that, trying to see if he had teleported to the right place.
Through a layer of mist that made this place look otherworldly, he saw a long flight of stairs, a serene blue sky and some other mountains that weren't as tall as the one he was on—the whole area radiated tranquility and calmness, as he was told Cloud Recesses would…
…Except for the loud wailing and yelling coming from inside the gates themselves, the volume of which was high enough to inform Zhou Mingrui it was happening very close to the gates even without his keen sense of hearing.
That doesn't sound right. Shifu had repeatedly reminded him that Cloud Recesses was the only place in the Jianghu where one had to watch the volume of their voice as well as the number of words they spoke, the kind of emotions they were allowed to show and other things that left a sane person feeling baffled.
“Old Man! Have I really displeased you so much you're willing to abandon me in this place even malicious spirits don't dare step into?” The voice that sounded like it'd be quite pleasant to hear if there was no crying involved pitched even higher as the owner pleaded with someone referred to as ‘Old Man’ by appealing to half a dozen different emotions.
Huh? Am I at the right place? Any other person who had heard so much about Cloud Recesses would think the same as Zhou Mingrui. Should I try to divine this?
He almost reached into his qiankun bag for his divination coins when the sound of an elder yelling entered his ears next. Nevermind. Shifu wouldn't send me to the wrong place.
With another doubtful glance towards the large rock with small, carved seal script text stating ‘Do not be picky with food’ and thousands of other rules, Zhou Mingrui decided to enter first and establish a preliminary judgement later.
After all, the Wall of Discipline was infamous and no one had enough dedication to make a replica to fool a nobody like Zhou Mingrui.
Sect Leader Lan had already been notified of his arrival by his teacher so he was let in quite easily. Quickening his steps, Zhou Mingrui passed by the large rock with an averted gaze and soon found himself in the courtyard where the commotion was.
Disciples in various sect colours—blacks, purples, golds and reds being the most eye-catching ones—stood there, their eyes fixed on the black and green robed young master kneeling on the grassy ground and clinging to the legs of an elder from his sect.
The elder was tall and broad-shouldered with a head full of white hair tied in a low tail. Despite his embroidered robes being clutched at, he retained a dignified bearing. A large sabre was sheathed to his back as he scowled at the young master grabbing his feet and pleading.
“I've been here two times already. There's nothing more I can learn now that I didn't learn in those two,” the young man pleaded.
He looked to be about Zhou Mingrui's age and his facial features were unbelievably pleasing to the eye—jade-like unblemished skin, high cheekbones, a long noble nose with pink, soft looking lips scrunched up in a childish expression.
What truly stunned Zhou Mingrui was how uniquely beautiful his eyes were: a bright green reminiscent of a forest in spring, which looked even greener due to the tears brimming in them.
The tears fell, leaving salty tracks down his otherwise flawless skin as he looked at the elder whom he disrespectfully referred to as ‘Old Man’.
While keeping his eyes on the scene, Zhou Mingrui tried to catch any gossip to figure out who the two making the ruckus were. Thankfully, he heard a nearby disciple whisper to someone, answering some of his questions.
“Isn't that Lun Nade from the Li sect of Qinghe? I've heard he's seventeen but still hasn't cultivated a golden core.”
“How did a sect full of angry sabre-wielders raise someone this incompetent?” another one of them murmured behind him.
QingheLi? That shameless young master is from QingheLi? Zhou Mingrui's gaze flitted from Lun Nade's lean physique and delicate features to the handful of scowling brawny disciples in similar coloured robes shaking their heads at the sight. They seem to be used to this…
“He's the sect heir and he dares to be so frivolous in public! What of his sect's reputation?” Someone directly beside Zhou Mingrui mentioned as he memorised the names and faces of the duo.
No one mentioned anything about the leader and heir looking nothing alike or having different family names, as if that topic had been broached many times and there was nothing worthwhile in bringing it up again.
I wonder who set that record straight. Was it Li-zongzhu himself or did Lun-gongzi do it instead?
Zhou Mingrui didn't know which one would have more impact, a sect leader's words or the serious words coming from someone as shameless as Lun Nade was appearing to be. I guess it doesn't matter. It's not like I'll ever understand sect politics.
Not when Baoshan Sanren herself had long given up on understanding those herself.
“Let go or I'll kick you in a tree,” Li-zongzhu threatened, lifting a foot to seemingly emphasise how unafraid he was of making good on his threat.
Surprisingly enough, Lun Nade responded gleefully. “Kill me then.”
He even let go of the legs he held and spread his arms wide as if he was ready to embrace Guanyin's blessings. His green eyes closed and a serene smile took over his lips as he waited for his fate. “Death is better than being taught by Old Lan again.” Lun Nade proclaimed confidently, pulling shocked gasps out of everyone due to sheer audacity.
If Zhou Mingrui hadn't heard similar exaggerations from Cangse Sanren as a child, he too wouldn't have been able to contain his outward surprise.
He… certainly leaves a lasting impression, Zhou Mingrui thought helplessly as the sect leader leaned down.
He grabbed and twisted an ear, pulling a pained whine from the young master while his other hand unsheathed his sabre. With enough agility to leave young cultivators envious, he threw it in the air in the same move as he let go of the ear he was pinching, jumped on the floating blade and flew away.
As if he had sensed it, Lun-gongzi quickly opened his eyes and looked up at the sect leader whose figure grew smaller and smaller as he flew past the horizon, becoming no more than a mere speck in the sky.
“Old Man!” Lun Nade wailed, snapping out of his waiting pose as he got to his feet and ran after the fleeing elder.
“Qiren, I'm entrusting my idiot grandson to you!” The elder yelled, vanishing from sight within a moment, leaving a very disappointed Lun Nade behind.
The surrounding students sniggered and even a few Lan cultivators raised their hands to hide their twitching expressions behind their long sleeves as Lun Nade returned with his head bowed and shoulders hunched in disappointment.
He looks like a drowned rabbit! Zhou Mingrui couldn't help but think as he saw the man's long dark ponytail hanging lifelessly, like a rabbit's long ears drooping in despair.
Since his shijie left the Celestial Mountain, he had never encountered such an exciting scene. Under Baoshan Sanren's watch, everyone was calm, composed and dedicated to cultivation. Even gossip was scarce and Zhou Mingrui had rarely heard so much noise before.
This is just the beginning! He thought of all the delicious food he would eat and all the sight-seeing he would do now that he was out of his Shifu's care as he stared at the dejected heir joining his fellow disciples.
This year might become the most eventful year of my life, Zhou Mingrui mumbled inwardly with a shake of his head as he gathered around the Main Hall with the other disciples, waiting for the Lan Disciples to show them around.
Zhou Mingrui had no idea just how true that sentiment would turn out to be.
But he was beginning to understand just how prophetic his thoughts could be within half a shichen when he was settling into his temporary residence.
A knock on the front door alerted Zhou Mingrui who had been busy organising his things.
Who is it? A teacher? Some sect elder who wishes to ask about my Shifu?
Putting down the brushes he was holding, Zhou Mingrui moved to open the door but he shouldn't have even bothered.
He had only taken two steps forward when it flew open and a dark-robed figure stood there, gaping at the door like he wasn't the one who had almost succeeded in tearing the thing off its hinges.
“I just pushed it a little… What a dramatic door,” the uninvited guest muttered under his breath before swaggering inside without permission. As if he is to live here instead of me.
Zhou Mingrui didn't have to look too closely to know the intruder was the infamous Lun Nade. Just a quick glance at the face showed those green eyes reminiscent of emerald leaves touched by dawn's first light—there had never been a person he'd seen with such eyes before nor had he heard of anyone else having a similar pair—and the alarming absence of a spiritual weapon.
Zhou Mingrui crossed his arms, staring at the man who walked closer until he stopped a few feet away from him.
“Please come in.” His tone was polite, completely at odds with his ironic words but Lun Nade probably didn't pick up on that if his responding beaming smile was any indication. “Is there something I can help you with?”
“Zhou-sanren?” Lun Nade asked, sounding a little too certain of his identity. How can that be? The Lan elders only called me Zhou-gongzi… “Ah, the Old Man sent me over this time because he found out Baoshan Sanren's disciple would join us this year. He thought you might be able to teach me something.” Lun Nade laughed uncertainly, one of his hands coming to scratch at his nose as his green eyes darted to the side.
He's… embarrassed?
How could someone who was thick skinned enough to cause such a spectacle in the courtyard be embarrassed now?
Don't tell me there's false rumours about my expertise or something going around… Zhou Mingrui wouldn't be able to attend the lectures in peace if people assumed he was some sort of cultivation master and kept seeking him out for private lessons! Or is he here to recruit me for his sect?
“Not that I expect anything from an esteemed cultivator like you. Your time here is precious so I don't dare assume things,” Lun Nade finished with a small laugh and Zhou Mingrui snapped out of his complaining to look at him again. He truly is ethereal, he thought with envy. “But I just wanted to introduce myself!”
“Ah,” he answered eloquently before cupping his hands and bowing. His long hair brushed against his collarbones as he tipped forward, the flowing sleeves of his robes barely kissing the floor in that one sweeping motion as he murmured. “Please just call me Zhou Mingrui. We are to be classmates after all.” Is this satisfying enough for you? Can I go back to settling in?
He stood up straight again, watching Lun Nade smile and introduce himself. “Lun Nade, I'm the QingheLi Sect heir.” As if remembering suddenly, he lowered himself into a clumsy bow, his cheeks turning a pale pink behind his sleeves at the mistake and Zhou Mingrui couldn't resist the urge to mutter to himself.
You're supposed to have been raised with more etiquette than this as a sect heir right? How come you're more allergic to formality than a hermit's student like me?
“And I'm going to be sharing your dormitory!” He straightened up with an excited grin, as if being roommates with Zhou Mingrui was the most delightful thing to experience. He's so enthusiastic… like a spoiled kitten being offered milk! “I wonder if Old Lan thinks sharing a dormitory with the esteemed Zhou Mingrui would hammer some manners into me,” the heir grumbled, immediately doing away with formality.
Shoving a hand in his Qiankun bag, Lun Nade pulled out a small red book and shuffled over. Without caring for the mess on the bed that clearly indicated Zhou Mingrui had taken it, he sat down and flipped through the book as his long legs moved up. Faster than Zhou Mingrui could blink, he was sprawled indecently on the cluttered mattress as he brought the book closer to his smiling face, exclaiming.
“I'd like to see their disappointed faces when they realise it's futile. Maybe this time Old Lan will finally stop allowing me in here!” He sounded quite excited and started humming some melody, kicking the air like a child as he turned to grin at Zhou Mingrui like they were the closest of friends. “What did they do to these? How is the bed harder than last year? Did they fill it with rocks so students can't sleep well?” He scowled, putting the book on his chest and patting the bed with the most indignant expression Zhou Mingrui had ever seen on anyone. On a face that looked to be sculpted by Guanyin herself, the expression looked utterly breathtaking.
Zhou Mingrui was starting to understand why, despite being raised by ‘angry sabre-wielders’, Lun Nade managed to do whatever he wanted to. And maybe that face coupled with its adorable expressions was also why he hadn't been permanently forbidden from entering Cloud Recesses after all his shenanigans.
Suddenly I have a headache my golden core can't deal with, he rubbed his temples, trying to not feel too indignant as Lun Nade lounged on his bed that had his unorganised things scattered about despite his complaints about the hardness of his chosen bed.
Will I become this compliant about everything he does just as many others have too? The idea seemed probable and suddenly Zhou Mingrui couldn't wait for the year to be over. He had to get away from that—from that shameless man as soon as possible!
I don't want Lun Nade to rub off on me!
“Ah, Zhou-ge, I remember why I wanted to introduce myself to you,” he closed the book and sat up straighter, folding his legs on the mattress as he stared at Zhou Mingrui with wide, twinkling eyes.
Zhou-ge? Shameless. Presumptuous. This man is going to be the most complex test I have to endure here!
And yet he couldn't bring himself to scold the Li heir for acting so… Well, it's not like a little disrespect would harm anyone, the weight of his sword felt heavier against his side—almost like a provocation—as Zhou Mingrui rubbed his temples, deciding to not pick a fight with someone so soon after leaving his shifu.
Guanyin have mercy on Zhou Mingrui’s sanity.
Shuffling over to pick his things and deposit them on the other bed, he did as Lun Nade seemed to want him to and asked with barely-disguised exasperation. “What is it?” Zhou Mingrui had only been off the mountain for a shichen and already he could feel a bone-deep weariness settle into every inch of his body.
“You learn talismans and array design on the Celestial Mountain right?” He hummed wordlessly in affirmation, waiting for the heir to get to the heart of the matter. “Do you have any talisman designs that can help you disguise a paper ball or paper note?” I'm sorry, what? Zhou Mingrui stopped organising his talisman paper, staring at the slouching man as he happily elaborated. “You see, Old Lan has a bad habit where he likes testing our knowledge without any prior notice. I'm not good at studies and other such boring things so I always fail but I need to pass this year so my Old Man never sends me to this boring place again!” He blinked slowly, like a content animal that had just finished eating its fill. “The food here's so bad I'd cultivate to immortality just to never eat it again!”
“You…” Mingrui could barely say those words due to sheer incredulity. “...Want me to help you cheat and not get caught,” he finally managed to croak and Lun Nade nodded easily, as if he saw nothing wrong with shamelessly asking a stranger to put their reputation on line and help him on his tests. Making me share a dormitory with him was clearly a mistake! “But I've never been off the mountain before and my Shifu sent me here with a teleportation talisman so I barely know anything that happens in the Jianghu.” The half-truth was out of his mouth before he even had to think and Zhou Mingrui congratulated himself on his quick thinking. “I'm sure I can't help you,” he shook his head and slouched a little, trying to appear utterly defeated. Yes! Try to beat that! “I’m sorry, Lun Nade.” Zhou Mingrui added, frowning as if he truly had been stumped by fate and wasn't crowing with joy on the inside.
He had always been complimented on how well he could control his expression and tone of voice to disguise his true feelings by his Shifu and his martial siblings both.
It always worked on everyone and Lun Nade would be no different, Zhou Mingrui just knew it!
Victory is so close I can almost taste it…
Lun Nade blinked slowly, tilting his head as he scrutinised Zhou Mingrui's face for a moment before reassuring him sweetly. “That's alright.” The Li Sect heir didn't look the least bit disappointed.
Maybe he has other people who'd do him such a ‘favour’?
Regardless, Zhou Mingrui seemed to have made him believe his helplessness. With a small skip in his step, he walked over to his desk and set his brushes, inkstone and other things before returning to the bed to pick his bundle of talisman paper.
Out of the corner of his eye, Zhou Mingrui watched as Lun Nade rummaged around in his Qiankun bag before pulling out the thickest book Zhou Mingrui had ever seen in his life. “I can lend you my class notes.”
Zhou Mingrui felt his heart jump into his throat as Lun Nade flipped through the book before closing it with a sharp thump. The victory he was sure he had grasped seemed to have run far enough he couldn't even see it anymore, let alone touch.
Suddenly I miss the monotonous life on the mountain… he thought pitifully as he bit back the tears that threatened to fill his eyes at the sight of the resplendent yet pure smile Lun Nade directed at him.
“This is what friends are for, right?” The seventeen-year-old asked happily. He looked so innocent Zhou Mingrui doubted he could do anything wrong ever as he threw the weapon—the thick notebook at him, not caring if it hit him or not as he went back to reading his book.
Friends? Zhou Mingrui thought, dropping his talisman paper to catch it as he swallowed the lump in his throat.
He opened the notebook and saw a beautifully calligraphed Lun Nade written on the first page surrounded by doodles of things Zhou Mingrui would never be able to decipher.
The bane of his sanity then began humming something joyful under his breath, his beautiful, melodic voice filling the air with a hint of cheerfulness and hope which did nothing to alleviate Mingrui's worsening headache. Instead of helping, it made his mind wander and distracted Zhou Mingrui as he tried to read through the book but failed to retain anything he read due to the singing...
Lun Nade was going to be the death of him, Zhou Mingrui was sure of it already.
With an unvoiced cry of despair, Zhou Mingrui listlessly made his way to the other bed and sat down. The tranquil blue cover of the notebook seemed to taunt him from where it sat in his lap as he stared at it warily.
At least I made a friend, Zhou Mingrui tried to cheer himself up but the weight of the bound class notes shooed away the optimism like a gale carrying away a dried leaf.
“Zhou Mingrui, wake up!”
“Ruirui.”
“Zhou-sanren.”
“Lao-Zhouuuu.”
Even though he didn't sense any danger, Zhou Mingrui subconsciously gripped the black and gold scabbard, pulling his sword closer as his cheek was pinched again.
“Heavens, did you drink yourself to sleep? Wake up! Do you wish to be late to class on your first day here?”
All the grumbling and poking and shoving rudely pulled him out of sleep's comforting embrace. Zhou Mingrui opened his eyes and gave the culprit a reproachful look and the green-eyed man blinked innocently at him.
Ah… That's right.
I'm in Cloud Recesses for lectures!
“What time is it?” He grumbled hoarsely, turning to the other side to avoid being assaulted by the first rays of sunlight that would peak through the windows. Instead he was met by the sight of a glowing light talisman plastered on the wall above his bed.
“Yin Shi,” Lun Nade answered honestly, sounding a little too excited and awake for—Wait…
“Yin Shi?” He repeated incredulously, turning around to face his roommate again. “Aren't we supposed to be up at Mao Shi instead?”
The audacious young master finally stopped poking his forehead. A shy smile graced his face as his lithe fingers moved to fiddle with his long hair, the pale yellow light from the talisman making him look ethereal as he explained.
“Well, you see, as cultivators we don't need much sleep. Golden Cores can effectively make up for extra sleep so we can be more productive for longer…” he looked like he was graciously imparting wisdom to a junior and Zhou Mingrui barely stopped himself from smacking that pretty face with a hard pillow, manners be damned. “I call us cultivators ‘The Sleepless’ because we can surely function on three to four hours of sleep!”
You have quite the imagination! He relaxed his grip on The Fool and closed his eyes, trying to doze off again in the midst of his tearful monologue. Just because I can do something, doesn't mean I want to do it all the time! Another rude shove forced him to open his eyes and glare at the bane of his existence.
“Look at me? I've never felt more refreshed in my life!”
I take it all back! Being without friends is surely better than this! And I want my life to be monotonous again!
Zhou Mingrui almost wished he was a child again, just so he could seek help from his shifu or his shijie because he clearly wasn't capable of dealing with the chaos Lun Nade seemed to embody so effortlessly.
All he had done was trust Lun Nade with the task of waking him up on time and ensuring Zhou Mingrui didn't miss his classes! As someone who had consistently attended the lectures for two years, he'd been reassured Lun Nade got up at the right time daily.
If I had known Lun-gongzi was this enthusiastic about rising early, I wouldn't have asked him…
He blearily stared at the immature man sitting on the rock-hard mattress beside him in just his loosely-tied inner robes with a dizzying amount of skin below his collarbones visible and dark messy hair spread all over the bed.
He seemed to have no care for propriety or personal space—
Wait… Why's he so refreshed so early when he doesn't even have a golden core?
“‘Us cultivators’?” He repeated uncertainly and Lun Nade's face fell.
The self-proclaimed Sleepless ruffled his hair with a hand, mumbling curses that were surely not suitable to be used in polite company as he pouted.
It's too early for this! Mingrui screamed inwardly as Lun Nade wiggled on his bed.
“I can't believe this!” his companion wailed, looking like he'd start crying and Zhou Mingrui blinked, feeling the sleep leave him as the green-eyed cultivator kicked at the mattress mournfully. “What is it about you that made me even say this? I've kept my secret from everyone and I just told you?” one of the kicks landed on his calf, pulling a bitten back hiss of pain from him which the QingheLi heir graciously ignored.
Secret? I'm so sleepy my brain can't make a lick of sense of those words! Zhou Mingrui was only half-awake so he could only answer with an eloquent “Huh?” as Lun Nade muttered about ‘being special’ and ‘having a unique air’.
The haze of sleep fully retreated, abandoning Zhou Mingrui like a spoiled mistress and he sighed, sitting up in bed now that there was no way he could sleep again even if he tried to.
It's all Lun Nade's fault!
He had a creeping premonition he'd be thinking those words very often henceforth.
Suddenly, Lun Nade reached over and grabbed his hand, pulling it to rest low on his belly.
Warm… so soft… were his first thoughts before his mind caught up to him.
“What are you doing?!” Zhou Mingrui shrieked, trying to pull away, feeling his face burn as the warmth from Lun Nade’s skin seeped through the thin layer of the robe into Zhou Mingrui’s hand.
“Can you feel it?” He excitedly asked, as if he hadn't been very upset less than a heartbeat ago.
Heavens he doesn't look embarrassed at all!
Did Lun Nade like men? Was he a cutsleeve?
The idea of that made Zhou Mingrui's cheeks burn even hotter as a warm hand held his wrist, pressing his palm against—
Wait…
The warmth he felt was definitely higher than human skin should feel and yet it was very familiar—as if Zhou Mingrui had felt it many times before.
Finally feeling curious, he probed with a thin trickle of qi only to be met with a golden core that burned almost as brightly as his own.
Cultivator! Not only is he a Cultivator but his strength is almost on par with mine and I've been trained by Baoshan Sanren since I was six…
“Amazing right? Before I met you, there was no one who knew I was a cultivator.” The excited voice snapped him out of his thoughts and he quickly pulled back and scrambled backwards, falling off the bed in his haste to put distance between himself and his cutsleeve roommate. “It must be because you're special and my qi resonated with yours, making me instinctively let my guard down around you and reveal my secret.” His smile was blindingly bright in the dark room and Zhou Mingrui almost forgot the pain in his back from falling down as he did when he looked at those soft-looking lips spouting nonsense.
It's so unfair for someone this ridiculous to be this beautiful!
“Or maybe despite not training with a sabre, I still managed to inherit that quick-temper and this thoughtless manner of speaking from my sect!” His smile collapsed, giving rise to a pitiful expression again as he added in an uncertain tone: “Or maybe I learned it from my jiejie…”
Zhou Mingrui sighed, getting to his feet and dusting his sleep robes. “You're such a talented cultivator so why do you pretend to be incompetent?”
It didn't make sense to him. His shifu had told him there was strict competition between young masters of sects to be better than each other—with what he saw and knew, Lun Nade would definitely be one of the strongest if he didn't spend his time acting out. “And how exactly did you manage to hide your progress from your elders and teachers?”
If his cultivation could be hidden from cultivators then who was to say Lun Nade couldn't hide it from other monsters during nighthunts? Such a thought effectively blew away his anger at being woken up so abruptly, replacing it with the curiosity that was praised by Baoshan Sanren herself.
The green-eyed cultivator jumped off the bed and moved towards his designated desk, his hands pushing away random papers and trinkets before picking up a container of cinnabar paste. “I don't wish to become the sect leader. Jiejie has already said she doesn't want to either so it can only be me when the time comes…” Lun Nade trailed off before his voice adopted the whine Zhou Mingrui had heard when he stepped into the Cloud Recesses. “But Old Man's still quite young and powerful and he's clearly not dying yet so why should I have to worry about such things?” With one hand, he undid the sash of his robe and Zhou Mingrui saw a flash of pale white skin before he quickly averted his gaze. "Don't mention this to anyone but I think there's something wrong with those sabres.” Something wrong with the sabres? “Everyone in the QingheLi sect dies before they reach fifty and they all die due to qi deviation. If I assume the leadership role, I'd have to cultivate with those sabres so as not to let our ancestors down.” A hint of determination coloured Lun Nade's words as he proclaimed. “I don't want to die young and angry, I wish to live long and enjoy every moment of life.” He picked up a brush, dipped it in the cinnabar and started drawing something on his lower belly with an experienced hand.
It looks like something he's been doing for a long time with how fluid his movements are, Zhou Mingrui observed, quickly making his bed and folding the white blanket. “Besides, I prefer using swords and scythes. And despite all that nagging, Old Man's always wanted me to be happy but I don't wish to disappoint him and my elders so I pretend to be a civilian instead of outright saying I won't cultivate with their sabres…”
An unknown, life-depriving problem with the sabres that kills its users through qi deviation?
Lun Nade noticed it and wished to avoid that fate but he also didn't want to hurt their feelings…
Zhou Mingrui felt himself soften. Unconventional methods yes but Lun Nade really loved his sect and respected his elders. He didn't mind being the subject of gossip and ridicule if it meant he could spare their feelings for longer.
Zhou Mingrui could understand him. He too didn't wish to disappoint his shifu and his martial siblings.
He's not that bad… he thought to himself as he watched his companion turn to face him out of the corner of his eye.
“How is it, Zhou-ge? Amazing right? I came up with this array myself years ago!”
He instinctively turned to see what was being shown and felt his breath hitch in his throat.
Skin. So much skin. All that white skin and those lean muscles and—snap out of it, Zhou Mingrui! You aren't a cutsleeve!
“Lun Nade!” He screamed, feeling his heart thump against his ribs in an attempt to break free and bell-like melodic laughter sifted into his ears.
Never mind, he's just that bad! No… he's even worse!
“Zhou Mingrui, what are you blushing for? We're both men here. What you have, I have too.” he'd have believed Lun Nade was still cajoling him if his words weren't punctuated by puffs of breathy laughter as he tried to reassure. “Don't worry, I'm wearing trousers.”
We’re both men here? That's clearly the problem! And when has an article of clothing stopped a cutsleeve?
Wasn't that exactly where the term came from?
“Don't you want to learn how to conceal your core and cultivation, sanren? Who said you only learn things from the Lan elders, hm?” he sang, as if he wasn't circling around Zhou Mingrui like a hawk eyeing its prey. The words targeted his weakness with pinpoint accuracy and Zhou Mingrui grabbed his long hair and tugged at them in frustration.
Is this a taste of what sect politics are like? No wonder my Shifu hates them!
But he was oh so curious. Irresistibly so! He'd never heard of such a talisman or array before. Maybe…
Exhaling slowly, he snuck a peek at the pale expanse of skin before his eyes caught sight of the red drying cinnabar.
In the soft light, Zhou Mingrui saw the characters for ‘conceal’ and ‘dao’. There were some radicals he didn't recognise and all of those formed a neat, small circle on Lun Nade’s lower dantian. He expanded his senses, probing his surroundings with qi but couldn't find a trace of a golden core or spiritual energy fluctuations except for those that came from him.
“You created this yourself?” He couldn't keep the awe from seeping into his words as Lun Nade nodded, picking up a wind talisman and slapping it near the tiny array on his toned belly, instantly drying the ink. This can go very well with The Fool's invisibility spell! He couldn't help but daydream about being undetected alongside his sword as he chased after a—
“Yes. It was a year after Old Man picked me from the streets. I already had a nascent golden core forming, probably because my parents were cultivators. But all the nagging made me feel defiant and try not to cultivate even though I quite liked cultivators and the idea of flying swords. Later I got fascinated by talisman design and came up with this.” The words were uttered casually. He truly wasn't bragging, just stating facts as he concluded. “It started off as a spite thing but it later became a necessity.”
Zhou Mingrui tore his dazed eyes away as Lun Nade brought the lapels of his inner robes together. He walked over to the small cabinet in their room, picking up the heavy robes provided by the Lans for classes as he simply asked: “How old were you?”
“Nine,” Lun Nade mumbled around a thin dark blue ribbon, his hands deftly tying the sash around his waist, once again exposing half of his chest without a care for his roommate's comfort. He picked up a comb from somewhere and began working through his long, tangled hair. “Old man adopted me when I was eight.”
Nine… Nine!
The irreverent and dramatic man he shared a room with was a talisman prodigy…
“Then why do you need my help with the tests?” He grumbled testily, feeling a little less proud of being trained by Baoshan Sanren now that he knew what Lun-gongzi was capable of if he truly wanted to achieve something. He moved behind the changing screen, hanging his clothes over it as he voiced his thoughts. “You're so talented but you can't pass these classes?” Zhou Mingrui didn't believe it. “Not to mention, you made such detailed notes and I understand all the basics just because I read through them.”
He'd had no expectations about what those notes would entail except for neat calligraphy and doodles but to his surprise, everything was meticulously organised and explained with various simple and complex examples.
A treasure trove of information and he gave it to me like it's worth nothing…
“Eh, I made those in my first year here but despite how hard I worked, the questions on the tests seemed to be asking things I'd never heard of,” he complained, undoubtedly trying to earn Zhou Mingrui's pity.
“Next year, Little Lan-er-gongzi, the true embodiment of the rock of rules, will join the classes as the head of discipline. I must pass them before that or he'll make me regret being born with those rigid rules and punishments of his!” Lun Nade whined, sounding a little too desperate before suddenly perking up. “Ah, that reminded me… A talisman for each slip of paper we pass would be too much… We can make something like a Jin communication butterfly that's not as gaudy, can only be seen by and communicate between two designated people… hm… I think we'll need a radical for secrecy in there…” he started muttering about the communication talisman to himself and Zhou Mingrui cleaned his face with a wet washcloth, a sigh leaving his lips at the unending chatter assaulting his ears.
Imagine being a Talisman genius and using that mind to create something to cheat on tests with! With quick, perfunctory movements, Zhou Mingrui put his heavy Guest Disciple robes on. The weight of the long sleeves settled against the back of his hands as he tightened his sash. If this continues, I'll crack his skull open just to see what goes on in that brain!
Putting his assigned jade token in his qiankun sleeve, Zhou Mingrui emerged from behind the screen to come face to face with the most baffling sight ever.
In the soft light of the talisman, it was obvious the robes are worn with a faultless neatness. The layers of the disciple robes fell cleanly over one another and the long sleeves trailed downwards gracefully, grazing Lun Nade's white-clad legs. At his waist, the sash was fastened neatly from which two exquisitely crafted ornaments hung—the Lan's jade token and a beast head motif carved from pure silver.
Lun Nade had managed to tame his hair into a high ponytail that looked messy in an effortlessly elegant way. There was even a cheerful bow on top of the blue ribbon used to hold his hair up.
The deep blue from the ribbon, the charcoal black in his hair and the snow white robes made his eyes look even greener—looking into them felt like stepping under the shade of trees on a hot day.
Everything about his appearance spoke of elegance and restrained beauty, completely at odds with Lun Nade's otherwise chaotic and loud personality.
Everything came together to make him look utterly innocent, as if he could do no wrong.
No matter how innocent he looks, I know better now, he shook his head, tucking The Fool into his sash as Lun Nade smiled sweetly, his beautiful forest green eyes shining with an emotion Zhou Mingrui didn't want to name because it gave him a premonition of unavoidable danger. Ah, why is this guy so troublesome? The sun isn't even up yet! “Zhou-ge, for every test you help me pass, I'll take you to try different foods in Gusu!” The minute he opened his mouth, the veneer of grace and tranquility he had been shrouded in shattered. Of course, Zhou Mingrui couldn't help but shake his head as the bane of his existence spoke. “And I'll also pay for it all myself!” Zhou Mingrui froze in his steps.
All thoughts fled his mind as it was filled with possibilities brought upon by those words.
If there was something Zhou Mingrui liked more than sleeping, it was definitely food. And Lan sect's food hadn't left a good impression on him at all.
Moreover, I don't know where anything is and I don't know what foods are good so Lun Nade's expertise and knowledge would be useful… Not to mention, I won't have to pay… Running his fingers through his long hair, Zhou Mingrui picked up a comb, his mind churning with his principles and his desires.
“Not to mention, I'll draw a detailed map of the jianghu for you and mark every place with good food and we'll sample food from all of them.” What kind of heavenly tribulation is this man? He knows exactly what to say and when to say it! Zhou Mingrui perfunctorily braided his hair, tying them with a rough black ribbon as he heard footsteps shuffling over.
His self-proclaimed friend closed the distance between them, whispering in his ear like a seductive malicious spirit promising him power and status. “I'll even let you have as many servings as you want.” His voice was as soft as the lips brushing against Zhou Mingrui's ear, accompanied by the faint clink of his jade token brushing against the Li motif hanging on his belt. “I'm not short on money at all.”
Each word resonated with his deepest desires, making his heart skip a beat and fingers twitch with a feeling he couldn't understand. Yes, he's definitely a heavenly tribulation! Not just that, he's the most terrifying kind of heavenly tribulation!
But was the food worth it?
Am I really considering doing something so immoral? Can I really disappoint teacher Lan before I can make a better name for myself?
Would it count as letting his teachers down if he didn't get caught? Hm…
Pushing the clingy man away, he looked deep into his eyes and set his own conditions. If I have to live with a guilty conscience, at least I'll do it on my own terms! “For each test you pass because of me, you'll take me to a different place to eat. The teleportation talismans for leaving and returning will be powered by you as well. If we get in trouble—” Lun Nade cheered loudly, crushing their bodies together in a tight hug and Zhou Mingrui suddenly lost his ability to speak.
Warm. Soft. A little firm… The scent of cinnabar mixed with something floral and sweet…
Soft hair brushed against his hand as his fingers trembled and he quickly pulled the limb far away from the other's body before he thoughtlessly did something stupid.
Like touching his hair or wrapping an arm around his waist…
Zhou Mingrui's face was so hot he wondered if he'd explode before he could ever taste any of the promised delicacies. This is all Lun Nade's fault! He mentally shifted the blame to the unsuspecting sleeve cutter as he gently pushed him away. The room feels so hot all of a sudden and my heart's beating too fast… It'd be embarrassing if I fell sick on my first day here!
Deep down, he knew this was Lun Nade's fault again. What a troublemaker.
Zhou Mingrui got the vague feeling that if he didn't say something, he'd definitely end up doing something he regretted so he blurted out the first thing that had popped in his mind after he saw Lun Nade in the disciple robes.
“Where's your sword? Er… sabre? Fan?” He amended quickly, grip tightening on the engraved hilt of his own sword. Deep brown eyes scanned Lun Nade from head to toe again and found nothing that constituted as a weapon. Unless we count his shamelessness that is.
“Heh?” The young master blinked as he answered eloquently and Zhou Mingrui didn't know whether to laugh at how similar they both were in that moment or wonder how exactly a cultivation sect let their unarmed heir out so easily. “Oh! I only recently came in contact with an unaffiliated weaponsmith so my scythe will take a while to be ready for use. I can only rely on talismans and martial arts but if I encounter an armed cultivator, I don't know if I'll stand a chance.” He rambled effortlessly, his eyes glittering like the reflection of a lake under the starry night sky as he looked at Zhou Mingrui. “Until then, I suppose I have to rely on Zhou-sanren so…” bending down and executing a perfect bow, Lun Nade looked up at him from under his messy hair with a grin. “Please take care of me, Zhou-qianbei!”
Take care of you… if his face was burning before then it was ready to explode now. Lun Nade straightened up with a victorious expression as Zhou Mingrui gaped at him. Wait a minute! Zhou-qianbei?
So it all came back to helping him cheat. Zhou Mingrui should've known he couldn't beat a sect heir at word games. So he simply nodded, not wanting to do or say something embarrassing again.
“We're going to get along like a house on fire, I can feel it!” Lun Nade proclaimed excitedly as he shuffled closer, making Zhou Mingrui take two steps back. His smile was wide and pleased as he looked at Zhou Mingrui's resigned face. If he were a rabbit he'd be bouncing around happily, his long ears twitching atop his head... “I'm going to be the best guide and give the best food recommendations ever. You won't regret it!”
I don't know… I'm kind of regretting agreeing to this… And why do you not understand what keeping polite distance means? Is this a trait of cutsleeves?
Forget beautiful, touchy teens, it hadn't even been a full day since Zhou Mingrui arrived and he'd already promised to help someone cheat on tests! And not just on one of them!
His parents would be rolling in their graves if they knew what their son had become!
This year is going to be more eventful than any of my eighteen years of life have been, he thought with a wry smile as Lun Nade devolved into excited chatter about Caiyi Town's specialties.
Little did he know that by the end of the guest lectures he'd be engaged to a certain green-eyed heir and going back to Qinghe to meet his family-to-be.