Published at 2nd of April 2019 3:29 am

Chapter 3

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

There is only one word to describe the feeling when someone is trying to repay you – Great! with exclamation mark!

Had she known this earlier, she would have tried to save more people and asked each of them for a repayment token before letting them go.

Luckily she was someone who likes to overthink and has retrieved the jade pendant after she has buried it. To prevent trouble if it was ever found on her, say by his enemies if he has any, she has asked He Zai to shatter the pendant with his internal strength as a precaution.

Ah, life is really Great! This journey is comfortable if not outright luxurious, even if she was technically in the midst of being chased out of the Central Plains. Cloud Manor had many disciples and was held in high esteem by many pugilists in the Central Plains. Gentleman Xian Yun especially, was very well regarded and his name is literally like a shiny piece of gold. Thanks to him, she had no worries on lodging, food or clothing. She congratulated herself again for being the one who saved this gold nugget. The more she thought about it, the more she felt that saving him was probably the best thing she has ever done.

To prevent clashes, Gong Sun Yun has gotten them to travel on less frequently used routes. Before they arrived at a resting spots, other Cloud Manor disciples would have made prior arrangements to ensure a comfortable stay. If not for her strong willpower, she would have happily sponged off Gentleman Xian Yun for the rest of her life.

“Do you like Xian Yun?”

The question came out of the blue and she nearly tripped. She looked in front where Gong Sun Yun was standing. He was dressed in his customary white but he no longer gave off vibes that got her confused with the beautiful Water Fairy, Luo Shen.

Thinking that she did not hear the question, Che Yan Yan repeated. ““Do you like Xian Yun?”

“Definitely not.” That was the standard, life-preserving answer.

Che Yan Yan was suspicious. “You would deny it when everyone – man, woman, old, and young - in the Central Plains like him? How could you not like him?”

Every man, woman, old and young? Maybe that was in response to his parental love! Still, she could only answer: “It must be because my eyesight is poor.”

“It is such a pity you do not like him.” snarked Che Yan Yan. “If I snatch your man, I think the feeling would be very gratifying."

“Protector Che may not take a fancy to the things I like. But if you are able to snatch the man belonging to the No. 1 Beauty of the pugilist world, I bet the feeling would be truly gratifying.”

“Who is Deng Hai Tang to warrant a nickname like Hai Tang Fairy!?”

Wang Yun was quick to nod her agreement. “No matter if it is carriage or looks, Protector Che is the only one who truly deserves the title of ‘Fairy’!”

Che Yan Yan was looking longingly at Gong Sun Yun, but her suspicions were roused by her honeyed words. She returned her focus to Wang Yun. “Huang Fu Yun, you really confuse me sometimes. We are both from the same sect but our characters are miles apart.”

“That is so. As the saying goes, different feathers do not flock together. Our characters are different so we are not suitable to be friends, although I have always kept abreast of the things you do. You are bold… no, I mean your gutsy approach to things, tells me that you are an intelligent heroine. You should have seen through it long ago that I am not suited for life in the Sect. If given a chance, I would rather live peacefully in some remote village and I hope Protector Che would consider this and leave me a lifeline in future.”

Che Yan Yan looked at her with disgust. “Our characters are indeed different. You seem so mousy and careful, but your mouth will never let up in saying nice things to please Master. The worse part is, you can always guess what Master is thinking. Huang Fu Yun, your contradiction is the one thing I despise most about you! If you are interested to become the next Sect Leader, you should be upfront about it. I would accept it if I ever lost. But you keep doing things in the sly while denying that you want to snatch the master’s seat - for that I look down on you!”

Wang Yun lowered her gaze and fingered her jade flute. She did not want to snatch anything, really…

Che Yan Yan gave a cold snort and decided to chase after Gong Sun Yun. She just passed Wang Yun when she turned to her again. “I have something to do tonight. You and that Sky Slave of yours better stay far away from me. If you try to foil my plans, I will not let you off!”

Che Yan Yan left, leaving a confused Wang Yun behind. She must be joking – just who was the one doing things in the sly now? It was obvious Che Yan Yan was trying to seduce… umm, on second thoughts, should she send Che Yan Yan some aphrodisiac to maintain friendly relations? But maybe Che Yan Yan would prefer to use beauty instead of drugs to overcome Gong Sun Yun…

She looked at deity-from-nine-heavens. For someone who grew up in civilized society, he probably has never come across a woman who wanted to seduce him. Would he be able to survive the attack? She coughed to cover up her wicked smile. In truth, she would love to be a fly in the room when it happens. Unfortunately she has to abide by her principle to see no evil, hear no evil….

Someone came to her side and she smiled in greeting “Is Fifth Gentleman looking for me?” Thanks to him, this journey has not been boring. He Zai was a man of few words but deity-from-nine-heavens and Fifth Gentleman were always gracious and friendly despite their “escort”.

“It is nothing, just time to take your pulse.”

Again? She raised her brows but she rolled up her sleeves nonetheless.

She thought his kungfu must be quite impressive to be able to walk and take her pulse at the same time. Over the last few days, she has managed to learn more about Cloud Manor and found that they have many outstanding disciples. As for Fifth Gentleman and Gentleman Xian Yun, their relationship was like real brothers but she was skeptical and felt that no matter how close, someone would betray the other one day.

To pass the time, she asked casually: “Fifth Gentleman, may I ask you a question?”

Gong Sun Zhi has taken a liking her and he replied her warmly: “Miss Huang Fu may speak her mind.”

“Well… I heard some rumors that Gentleman Xian Yun once smiled at Protector Che?”

He froze and she continued with a smile. “I am not blind. Over the past few days, I have noticed that while Fifth Gentleman smiles a lot, Gentleman Xian Yun never smiles. If his smile is so precious and yet he chose to smile at her, it could only mean…”

Gong Sun Zhi released her hand and strolled leisurely with her along the mountain path. “Actually, the rumors are only half correct. Xian Yun happened to be around when Protector Che came to the Central Plains that day. When he heard the new arrival announced herself as ‘Che Yan Yan’, he smiled.”

“That is it?” She had thought the story would at least be something along the lines like I-pledge-my-love-to-thee-with-three-smiles. And wasn’t Che Yan Yan a tad too useless to fall for just a smile?

He continued. “That happened two years ago. They were standing quite far apart but who would guess Che Yan Yan would see his smile … Actually, Xian Yun already has someone in his heart…” he broke off and waited for her to ask further.

Endure, she will endure. Usually, she would not delve too deeply into casual talk for fear that curiosity will kill the cat. Although she would love to hear more, she has decided not to probe further.

Seeing no response from her, Gong Sun Zhi continued speaking after a while. “Miss is already recovered but should still rest more. Ay, traveling under the hot sun is actually pretty damaging to your body. Although its effect is not apparent in the short run, you would feel the difference when you are older. According to ….”

To Wang Yun’s amazement, he continued his lecture from not paying attention in the twenties, to organ failure at the seventies. Is the weather too hot that this Gentleman is using her to while away the time?

For the sake of harmony, she continued to smile and listen. Endure, yes, endure. A true master in endurance is someone who could smile even when she is covered with shit. She would simply let the words enter from the left ear and exit from right ear. There is nothing to it…

Half an hour passed…. another half an hour passed…. her face started to twitch.

“… Let us do this, I will write a prescription for you tonight. If Miss Huang Fu is able to take what I prescribed on a long term basis, I guarantee that you will look thirty even when you are fifty or sixty.”

The only reason she managed to hold on to her composure was because of her long practice in the Art of Endurance. He merely neutralized her poison once, surely there was no need for him to take care of her for the rest of her life?

“Fifth Gentleman is indeed… well-versed in medicine!”

He accepted the praise at face value. “Everyone in Cloud Manor wants to live to a hundred, so it is only right that I spend more effort to understand the properties of different medicines.”

She smiled. “Sometimes, it may not be a good thing to live so long.”

“How could you say so? A person can only hope to fulfill his dreams if he lives long enough. Even if one has no aspirations, he can go look for one - the sky is vast and one will surely find something. For me, my goal in life is to let my brothers stay healthy even when they are seventy or eighty. Just think, if you are able to live a ripe old age with someone that you like, how wonderful would that be…”

She was wrong. She was really wrong.

Another half an hour passed …. endure… she must endure even if her soul is starting to leave her body…

“… of course, nutrition is also effective. If medication is coupled with good nutrition, I can guarantee you that no illness will trouble you. Why not Miss come stay at Cloud Manor? I can let Miss….”

Another half an hour passed as he tried to persuade her to stay. Finally, the thread of her endurance snapped. She took a deep breath and exclaimed loudly: “Gentleman Xian Yun! I am sorry I did not catch you… please excuse me Fifth Gentleman, I think your Gentleman is looking for me.” She marched unsteadily to Gong Sun Yun and ignored the hateful looks thrown her way by Che Yan Yan.

“Miss Yun?”

She gave him a big smile as she reached his side: “Gentleman Xian Yun, may I trouble you with something?”

“Miss Yun could speak her mind.”

“As I was walking, I thought I felt the presence of people shadowing us….” She knew that Che Yan Yan’s Sky Slaves were following behind their group and would not appear unless summoned. “What I mean is, there could be tigers or wolves on our trail. Could I trouble to you take a look?”

His lips started to curve upwards but he managed to resist the urge to smile. “I think Miss worries too much.”

“Really?.... is Fifth Gentleman behind us?”

“He is talking with Master He.”

She breathed a sigh of relief. One can never judge a book by its cover. Gong Sun Zhi is in his twenties and looks gentle, refined. But the moment he starts to talk, she does not think she has enough endurance in the world for him.”

She pretended to take a great interest in deity-from-nine-heavens and he helpfully kept the conversation going. Both of them talked about anything and nothing until she noticed Che Yan Yan has lagged behind. However at this stage, she was beyond caring and would rather offend Protector Che than face a long-winded, old coot masquerading as an upright, young man.

“We will be parting in another two days. Is Miss Yun really going back to Bai Ming Sect?”

“That is a given since I am a Protector… although the last ten years have been relatively peaceful and mine is almost an empty title since Sect Leader is holding on the actual power. Nonetheless I should return.”

“I remembered Miss sounded envious when you said I am like a free-floating cloud high up in the skies. If there is another place for you, would Miss be interested to leave Bai Ming Sect?”

This was easier said than done, besides who on earth would have this ability? Even if there was a safe haven, there was no such thing as a free lunch. Is Gong Sun Yun trying to lure her away from Bai Ming Sect, or did he have another motive? What was his intention? Cloud Manor was a neutral entity, was he pointing an out for her simply because she has saved his life before?

She fingered the two broken jade pieces in her sleeve. When she has presented him with four broken pieces that day, he has taken back two pieces while insisting that she keep the remaining two. Nature is indeed cyclical. Before, she has lead him out of the Sky Forrest; now it was his turn to lead her out of the Central Plains.

But what will be, will be.

“Since you are a historian yourself, Gentleman Xian Yun should somewhat understand how Bai Ming Sect operates. Traditionally, both Left and Right Protectors seldom see eye to eye and when one becomes the Sect Leader, the other one will usually end up dead. What do think will be the ending for me and Protector Che?”

At her words, he stopped and looked at her. She returned his look “Gentleman Xian Yun?”

He leaned forward and whispered in her ear. “The Master’s successor has been decided a long time ago, isn’t it so?”

The Master’s successor has indeed been decided a long time ago.

It was her.

Since she was fifteen, she has understood this. No matter where she flees, how she tries to act dumb, that seat has always been waiting for her.

She lowered her eyes and let the night wind play with her robes while the night consumed bright red of her robes.

***

“Miss?”

“Hmm?” She did not turn back.

“The people of Cloud Manor has prepared a change of clothing. Do you wish to change?”“No.” She is used to her own clothing. It feels more natural and safer.

“Do you wish me to comb your hair?”

“That will be good.” And she sat on a big rock. She stroked the jade flute that she always had with her. Her eyes landed on a small creek and she started to contemplate at the reflection of the crescent moon on the waters.

He Zai deftly removed her hair ring and gently combed her long hair.

“What is Miss thinking of?”

She said rather listlessly: “I am thinking if someone would fall for a beauty’s temptation and done the deed in a moment of folly.”

“Is Miss referring to Protector Che and Gong Sun Yun?”Who else could there be? Once night has fallen, she has hastily grabbed some food and led He Zai away from base camp. She would not peep, would not eavesdrop. Even if the images were guaranteed to be stimulating, she would remain calm as water and would not let her imagination run wild.

Although she was still curious what expression would cross the face of Gentleman Xian Yun? Would his iceberg façade finally slip? If it did, what could one find underneath?

She mumbled more to herself. “I did not notice in the past but have she ever missed when she goes hunting?”

“Miss was young and would not have noticed. What Protector Che wants, she would definitely find a way to get it.” He has completed tying her hair. “Would Miss like to touch up your make-up?”

She thought about it and nodded. “What will be good.” Seemed like Gong Sun Yun would not be able to escape tonight.

He Zai turned to face her and applied her make-up with expert strokes under the dim light. She looked at him and asked suddenly: “He Zai, you are from the Central Plains too so you should understand Gong Sun Yun better in some aspects. People from the Central Plains are usually more restrained so most would not be able to withstand the onslaught of a hot-blooded young woman, is that right?”

“For someone who came to a high post when young, the person must have a strong will. Oherwise there is no way he could have held on to the position for long.” He could only reply as such.

She did not quite buy his words. “It would depend on what is at stake. No one is perfect, and Gong Sun Yun is bound to have some weakness. Furthermore, the beauty trap is one trap which most heroes would find difficult to resist… "

“He Zai, there is still time if you turn back now. Even if you have the Sky Slave mark, He Rong Hua would not abandon you.”

He Zai was silent. After a while he answered: “I will follow Miss.”

She did not ask for his reason. In any case, she believed he would regret it in the end. Whatever moving or touching words that she is hearing now cannot be trusted.

“Do you think Sect Leader would let me off if I return with a head of white hair?”

“Unless Miss is dead, Sect Leader would never let you off.”

“There is no need for you to sound so sure.” She is already disheartened as it is; he do not need to punch her to the ground.

“Miss would have guessed that Sect Leader would bring us back if you let me return for my father’s funeral, but you still permitted my trip. Why?”

Her face remained expressionless as she stroked her precious jade flute. She closed her eyes to enjoy the night breeze. “Because… I respect the elderly.”

He Zai gazed at her face. “That is not how this phrase is used.”

She laughed. “That is the only way I know how to talk. If He Zai wants to follow me, you must learn to be accustomed to the way I speak.”

He Zai nodded. “Miss is correct. Since I have decided to be with Miss, it is only right I get used to the way you speak.”

Her face was still expressionless but the hand that was touching the flute trembled.

“Go take a look at Che Yan Yan and see if she has succeeded. If both of them are still lovey-dovey, go figure where Gong Sun Zhi and the rest of the Sky Slaves are, and we will stick with them tonight to prevent any mishaps.”

He Zai left silently.

The breezy summer night contained a hint of humidity. Looks like there will be a thunderstorm tomorrow. She started to pace to and fro but when she realized that her fingers were still trembling, she gave a wan laugh. So He Rong Hua was not diseased-stricken, he was merely overwhelmed by his brother’s return.

There was little semblance between today’s He Zai and his younger self. The fact that He Rong Hua could recognize him instantly, especially in his heavy make-up, indicated that he has been planning this reunion for quite some time. She looked at her own shaking fingers and realized that she has quite a number of weaknesses to overcome since she was behaving like He Zai’s brother when excited.

Follow her?

Although He Zai did not say so explicitly, she knew that the word “follow” encompasses one lifetime.

She also knew this was easier said than done. Although He Rong Hua has hoped that his brother could stay in Tian He Manor, she knew He Zai has chosen to follow her because it was not just his looks that has changed. Whoever he is inside has also changed. He is no longer suited to live in the Central Plains so his only choice was to be with her.

And she is very happy to have him.

The warm breeze blew her thoughts back to the present. They will be out of the Central Plains in another two days. Sect Leader will definitely do something. She will stake her life that Che Yan Yan’s appearance cannot be simply to bring her back. What will happen? He will pass his master’s seat to his successor within the year, what will he do to force her hand?

She was pondering on this when she felt a chill at her back. There was little light in the woods, but she could see the slender outline of a man about ten paces away. If not for the gentle movement of his clothing in the wind, she could almost believe there was no one.

“Miss Yun.”

The voice was clear as a stream flowing down the mountains.

“Gentleman Xian Yun. It is late….” So one of the lovebirds have flown. She wondered how he managed to escape.

“Precisely because it is late, Miss should return to the camp and rest.” His voice contained his customary aloofness but when he stepped out from the shadows into the moonlight, she saw that he was smiling.

She eyes rounded in surprise while he brushed past her to sit on a rock. “If you are wondering how I managed to find you, it is because of the bell you are wearing.” When she did not reply, he continued smiling: “Or are you mesmerized by my smile?”

“…surely you jest, Gentleman Xian Yun.” She has to shake herself out of her reverie with god-almighty effort but her voice still sounded a trifle hoarse. She took a step a forward and studied him. What did she just see? When he smiled…. she dazed off again.

“… slim throat and curving neck, the pale flesh lies open to view …red lips that shed their light abroad, pearl-like teeth gleaming within…. Bright eyes skilled at glances, ….”[Sidenote: this is a verse from the poetic essay on Luo Shen, the Water Fairy. The next verse is “a dimple to round off the base of the cheek”]

“Miss Yun?”

“Please ignore me. Recently I seem to have an affinity with Luo Shen… Do you have dimples, Gentleman Xian Yun?”

He gave a start and appeared to be smiling again. “Miss Yun must be paying close attention to have found out.”

She recovered from her daze and coughed. So Gentleman Xian Yun has dimples. Would it benefit her in any way if she spread the news?

He turned serious. “There are some things that is inconvenient for me to say during the day. Now that there are only two of us, I shall be frank. If you wish to leave Bai Ming Sect, Cloud Manor could offer you assistance.”

They stared at each other for a long time before she broke the silence. “Cloud Manor is a neutral entity and I have heard pugilists recounting the adventures of its Gentlemen over their cup of afternoon tea. However, I do not recall hearing any stories that the Manor or its disciples are life-saving bodhisattvas.

“That is because I am not on close terms with them.”

“If you are making an exception for me because I saved you before, your sums do not seem to add up. To be frank, you are not the only prominent pugilist I rescued in the last few years…”

His gaze sharpened and he sounded strange. “Did all of them came from Tian Bi cliff?”

“Of course not. You are the only one who came from Tian Bi Cliff. What I am trying to say that is that my help is simple and is no different from lifting a hand. But what you are offering is as good as pitting yourself against Bai Ming Sect. If I accepted your offer, would I not end up owing you big time?”

“Is it important who owes who? Why don’t you give it some thought? If you say the word, I would be very glad to help.”

No, it is not really important who owes who. Besides, defaulting on payment is not unusual. The question is - what is Gong Sun Yun really after?

Ding dang, ding dang… someone was approaching. He got up from the rock and folded his sleeves. “Different sects from Central Plains have been sending people to follow us ever since we left Tian He Manor. I have already told them to back off, as well as gotten other Gentleman to persuade them to drop the trail. Although Miss is innocent, your identity makes you an easy target.” He looked at a point behind her shoulder. “I will do my utmost to protect Miss and not let anyone have a chance to strike.”

“Thank you Gentleman. With your promise, I feel more at ease now.”

“Then let us return to camp.”

She smiled and followed his footsteps. If Che Yan Yan was unsuccessful tonight, she should not blame it on her. If anything, she could only blame deity-from-nine-heavens for his will power. Or maybe he was simply not the kind who would fall for beauty traps?

He Zai has followed behind her and she asked him in low tones. “Are there people trailing us?”

“Yes. They are some young men who started trailing us since Tian He Manor.”

She sighed and replied in the same low tone. “Our Sky Slaves have always been a sore point with pugilists from Central Plains. I think they will wait until Gong Sun Yun leaves before they strike. But if Gong Sun Yun is persuading them to leave, I think they would respect his request. My only worry now is Sect Leader…” It was such a headache. It was not difficult to second-guess a normal person. But to predict the actions of a mad man was sheer torture. How could she guess what he thinks when she is not a whacko? The only thing she could be sure is that something will definitely happen because Sect Leader would never have passed up such an opportunity!

When they returned, she saw Gong Sun Yun resting together with Gong Sun Zhi, while Che Yan Yan was resting in another corner with her Sky Slaves. She was sitting very straight and her eyes were blazing with anger while her face was flushed.

“What happened to her?”

He Zai: “Someone has immobilized her.”

She couldn’t help looking at Gong Sun Yun. Is this man straight? Che Yan Yan is like a fresh bloom and instead of plucking it, he actually planted her back to the soil? He felt her gaze on him and returned her look, his eyes calm as water.

Her heart skipped a beat and she looked away. She sat down and He Zai put a blanket over her knees. “You can sleep behind me.”

“Yes.”

He Zai proceeded to sit crossed legged behind her, his back to her back. From afar, they looked like they were garnering warmth from each other, but it was also a position for watching each other’s back. She was very accustomed to this arrangement but someone was apparently not used to their habit.

Gong Sun Yun looked at her, his normally expressionless eyes rippling like water. She closed her eyes to shut him out. Recently, verses from the Luo Shen poem has wandered unbiddeninto her mind when she least expects them to, and she has no intention to continue her recollection of the poetic essay on the Water Fairy.

She felt very happy tonight. For one, she received a promise from He Zai - an easier-said-then-done promise is still a promise. At the same time, another man has smiled at her.

A parent to everyone… the people of Cloud Manor must have seen him like this frequently. If his martial arts were as good as reported, she was likely his only savior which was why he would treat her like family and care for her like one.

His smile was not mesmerizing because it lit up his features, but because of its warmth. She took it as much as the woods would welcome a spring breeze and the feeling was like having received a precious gift. No wonder he was always expressionless; he probably reserved his expressions only for his family. It was a pity she did not have a family, so she will not dwell on it or harbor any regrets.

She closed her eyes. She felt very safe leaning on He Zai, and she quickly fell asleep thinking of smiles like warm spring breezes. She knew such smiles are like drugs and cannot be indulged. Even in sleep, she resisted their pull while her sub-consciousness continued to ponder on her future path with He Zai.

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