CH 12

Quick T/N: Thank you to Queli for the Ko-Fi donation! Okay back to the novel.

The elder of the Qingling Sect has always resided in the Sub-Peak for the convenience of managing the disciples of the main peak.

Su Baiche resides in the Huannan Peak, and the disciples within the peak greatly cherish him. They are hesitant to disturb the elder’s tranquility, so they rarely bother him.

But at this moment, his residence is surrounded by people.

“Don’t push, let me see. Immortal Shen is here.”

“Oh no, he must be intending to bully Master Su. Last time he came, he smashed everything in the room. He’s extremely hateful.”

“Quick, report to the Sect Master. The Immortal Shen is going to oppress the weak again.”

“Wait, look at what Immortal Shen is holding in his hand. It smells strange, with a hint of burnt odor.”

“Could it be venom? This isn’t the first time. Last time, he attempted to feed the Breaking Appearance Pill to Master Su, an outrageous act. This time, we must protect Master Su!”

“Yes, protect Master Su!”

“You go first.”

“No, you go first.”

Su Baiche stood at the door, with his black hair flowing down his shoulders. Moonlight illuminated his cheeks, and glistening water droplets lingered on his delicate and flawless skin. He had just finished washing up and was preparing to rest when he was forcibly summoned by an unexpected guest.

Suppressing his anger, he put on a gentle and captivating smile, asking, “What brings Immortal Shen for a late-night visit?”

“I have come to bring the lotus seed soup,” Shen Liuxiang offered the jade bowl.

Su Baiche gritted his teeth inwardly.

He had clearly said he wouldn’t drink it during the day. Was this person doing it on purpose?

He suppressed the urge to drive him away and spoke gently, “Immortal Shen, perhaps you have forgotten, but I said I won’t drink it.”

Shen Liuxiang looked around at the disciples, each of them glaring at him as if he were committing some outrageous act.

“…”

He had indeed come to bring lotus seed soup, but it was just a pretext to test Su Baiche.

“But I have brought it,” Shen Liuxiang took a step forward, presenting the bowl to Su Baiche with a smirk on his lips, a mischievous smile that harbored ill intentions. “Elder Su, you should drink it.”

“Elder must not drink it!”

“It must be poisonous.”

“Shen Liuxiang is so audacious in front of everyone’s eyes.”

The disciples around them were in an uproar, but despite their clamor, no one dared to take a step forward.

Su Baiche lowered his gaze, concealing the coldness in his eyes. “Is it poisonous?”

Tong Xi replied, “I don’t know.”

Su Baiche said, “Then let me smash it.”

He held the bowl in his icy-cold fingers, then pretended to shake it before abruptly letting go.

The jade bowl fell, and a slight smile appeared on Su Baiche’s lips.

Unexpectedly, in the next instant, a voice exclaimed, “Be careful!”

Quick as lightning, Shen Liuxiang swiftly caught it, his face showing a lingering fright.

He had endured half an hour for this.

Did he think he could smash it? Dream on.

“It was this lord’s negligence,” Shen Liuxiang’s face was filled with self-blame, then he scooped up a spoonful of lotus seed soup. “Since Senior is weak, let me personally feed you.”

A dark, sticky liquid with a burnt smell was brought to Su Baiche’s lips.

“Elder, you hesitate to open your mouth. Is it because you despise the food I made?”

Su Baiche clenched his hand, his fingertips embedding into his palm. He opened his mouth and swallowed the nauseating substance.

“Is it delicious?” Shen Liuxiang’s eyes narrowed slightly.

The corners of Su Baiche’s mouth stiffened for a moment, then he revealed a radiant smile. “Your culinary skills, no one can match.”

He said it as if it were true.

Shen Liuxiang returned to Chaoyun Peak, took a taste, then turned around and spat it out on the ground.

It was the first time he made it, and it was so unappetizing that words couldn’t describe it.

But Su Baiche finished eating it, displaying an impeccable performance throughout, as if he genuinely thought it was delicious. Either he had lost his sense of taste, or his acting skills were exceptional. If it was the latter…

Shen Liuxiang became even more vigilant.

In the novel, Su Baiche was the embodiment of kindness and gentleness. No matter who harmed him, he never sought revenge. Instead, he tearfully persuaded the Flower Envoys (1) not to harm others for his sake. One could say he was the epitome of innocence.

“White Lotus Flower” was the name given to him by the readers.

Shen Liuxiang used the lotus seed soup as a test to see if Su Baiche’s true nature was as depicted or if he was acting the entire time.

Unexpectedly, he had encountered a master.

Every move and action, it was impossible to tell if it was real or fake.

Shen Liuxiang picked up two lotus seeds and tossed them into his mouth. It didn’t matter; there would be other opportunities in the future to expose any flaws.

“Mm.”

Su Baiche supported himself against the door and leaned forward, spitting out what he had eaten before. He hung his head low, bloodshot eyes filled with an alarming red.

“Try this Autumn Dew White. I discovered a cask while cleaning the wine cellar. After all these years, it’s definitely a soul-stirring delicacy.”

Ling Hua poured a cup of wine and placed it in front of Shen Liu Xiang.

Shen Liuxiang was bored staying at Chaoyun Peak and heard that the peach blossoms at Hua Tian Peak were in full bloom, so he went there to enjoy the flowers. Unexpectedly, upon seeing him, Ling Hua wasted no time in inviting him to taste the wine.

“I’m not good at drinking,” Shen Liuxiang said.

Sniffing the rich aroma, Shen Liuxiang’s face showed a struggle. He wanted to drink, but he easily got drunk, and when he was drunk, his memories would fragment. It was said that he became particularly crazy, the kind of person with extremely poor alcohol tolerance.

Ling Hua was puzzled and lifted the wine jug to take a sip. “For cultivators, why bother about being good or bad at drinking? Just use spiritual power to dispel the intoxication.”

Shen Liu Xiang widened his eyes slightly and immediately hesitated no more. He picked up the wine cup and drank it all in one gulp. The clear and mellow aroma rushed to his heart. “Great wine!”

“Heh, it tastes good, right?” Ling Hua lifted the wine jar and poured him another cup. As he poured, he said, “Why did you go and provoke Su Zhenren(2) again? Weren’t you infatuated with Ye Bingran? Why target him? Could it be that your feelings are unresolved, causing you to be resentful?”

News had spread within the sect that Shen Liuxiang had forced Su Baiche to drink poison, causing Zhenren to feel nauseous and vomit in the middle of the night.

Even the Sect Master was alarmed and went to visit Su Baiche personally.

Many disciples were dissatisfied, and there were quite a few who secretly cursed Shen Liuxiang.

“You call what I brewed a poison?” Shen Liu Xiang’s eyes turned slightly red. “It was just a bit overcooked, but the taste isn’t bad.”

Ling Hua laughed and said, “You have a misconception about your cooking skills. Others may not know, but I know very well that even dogs wouldn’t eat the porridge you cooked when you were a child.”

“I see. But Su Baiche finished it,” Shen Liuxiang tilted his head and supported his chin with his hand.

Ling Hua replied, “It’s because of his character. He didn’t want to hurt your feelings and make you feel disappointed.”

Shen Liuxiang chuckled, “Then I must be a wicked person.”

“In a sense, yes,” Ling Hua chuckled lightly. After finishing the wine jug, he casually placed it on the ground. “Although I don’t think so, most of the disciples in the sect and a few elders who have a good relationship with Su Baiche are very dissatisfied with you.”

Shen Liuxiang smirked and sneered, “I don’t care about the opinions of ants.”

Ling Hua paused as he lifted the wine jar and quickly glanced around. “Fortunately, no one’s here. If it got out, everyone would say you’re arrogant and disrespectful.”

“Then I’ll lower my voice, shh~”

Shen Liuxiang covered his face with both hands and leaned on the stone table, laughing softly.

Ling Hua realized something was wrong. He walked around the round table and placed his hand on Shen Liuxiang’s shoulder, saying, “You’re not drunk, are you?”

Shen Liuxiang turned his head.

In his phoenix-like eyes shimmered a gentle watery light, and a faint blush appeared on his fair cheeks.

Helplessly, Ling Hua shook his head. “Use your spiritual power to dispel the alcohol’s effects.”

Shen Liuxiang pouted and blew air into the air. “But this is all I can do… blow the alcohol away.”

Ling Hua’s heart skipped a beat. He looked at Shen Liuxiang sitting on the stone stool, swaying back and forth, and hurriedly supported him. “Focus and calm your breath, circulate your spiritual power three times.”

“Why should I listen to you?” Shen Liuxiang asked with a slanted gaze.

“…,” Ling Hua sighed and massaged his forehead. He intended to send Shen Liuxiang back to Chaoyun Peak when suddenly the sound transmission device made a noise.

The Sect Master said, “Come to Lingxiao Hall.”

Ling Hua glanced at Shen Liuxiang and was about to ask if the matter was urgent when the person beside him suddenly spoke, “Who are you… mmm.”

Ling Hua quickly covered his mouth. If the Sect Master found out that he had gotten Shen Liuxiang drunk, he would surely be punished.

“Sect Master, I’ll be there right away.”

After the sound transmission ended, Ling Hua pondered for a moment and took the angelica jade pendant from Shen Liuxiang’s waist.

“Take your master back and don’t let him wander around.” He handed the hot potato (T/N: Shen Liuxiang) to Zhou Xuanlan and left with a flick of his sleeve.

Shen Liuxiang lowered his head, resting it on his disciple’s shoulder, exuding a refreshing fragrance of alcohol.

Zhou Xuanlan supported his master’s unsteady steps and felt the warm breath on his neck. His face slightly changed, and he stood motionless for a while.

Hua Tian Peak was filled with peach blossoms. After a light rain in the afternoon, the ground became slippery. Shen Liuxiang stumbled several times and almost fell.

Zhou Xuanlan stopped walking and waited for him to steady himself before releasing his hand that had been supporting Shen Liuxiang’s waist. “Master, let me carry you.”

“I have legs,” Shen Liuxiang firmly shook his head and bent down, about to lift his robe. “If you don’t believe me, you can take a look.”

Zhou Xuanlan firmly grasped his thin wrist and stopped his movement. He stared at the person in front of him, unsure of what to do, and could only helplessly call out, “Master.”

Shen Liuxiang raised an eyebrow, tilting his head to look at the handsome youth before him, and chuckled lightly. “Are you a little wolfdog (3)?” he asked.

Confusion appeared on Zhou Xuanlan’s face. He paused and said, “Is Master referring to the offspring of wolves and dogs? I am not.”

Shen Liuxiang clicked his tongue. “Then why do you look so handsome? What a pity.”

Zhou Xuanlan was confused but relieved that his Master’s remark made him more obedient, allowing Zhou Xuanlan to support him as they left.

A gentle breeze passed by, and beautiful peach blossoms fluttered down, filling the air with a refreshing floral fragrance.

In the tranquility, Shen Liuxiang suddenly asked in a low voice, “Why do they not want me? Is it because I’m not good-looking?”

Zhou Xuanlan was taken aback, his gaze falling upon Shen Liuxiang.

Rain-drenched peach blossoms fell, brushing against his Master’s dark hair and quietly landing on his shoulders.

Zhou Xuanlan reached out and brushed away the petals, saying, “Among the countless people in this world, not one can compare to my Master even by half.”

Shen Liuxiang responded with a casual “Oh,” but his face showed no sign of joy.

After a moment of silence, he spoke in a soft voice, as if afraid of disturbing someone, anxiously and cautiously asking, “Then… why was I abandoned at the orphanage? Why didn’t they want me?”

Zhou Xuanlan didn’t know the name of the place, and at this moment, he didn’t want to inquire further.

His gaze fell upon Shen Liuxiang’s face, and he saw tears welling up in his bright red phoenix-like eyes, streaming down his delicate and fair cheeks.

“Master…”

Zhou Xuanlan’s heart trembled.

“Clang, clang, clang!” Suddenly, Shen Liuxiang’s expression changed, revealing a mischievous smile. “You fell for it.”

Zhou Xuanlan: “…”

Shen Liuxiang leaned closer, blowing warm alcoholic breath toward him. “You’re so easy to deceive.”

Zhou Xuanlan’s expression darkened, thinking that Shen Liuxiang had regained his sobriety. He released his grip, but unexpectedly, Shen Liuxiang’s body turned limp, and without support, he fell straight to the ground.

“Master!” Zhou Xuanlan’s expression changed, reaching out to pull him up.

But instead of pulling him up, Zhou Xuanlan was dragged down by Shen Liuxiang, and in an instant, they both tumbled to the ground, rolling into a heap.

Several disciples in the distance froze, their hands covering their gaping mouths.

This is beyond unbelievable.

They witnessed something extraordinary.

When Shen Liuxiang woke up from his sleep, his head was throbbing. He sat up, still feeling somewhat groggy, and sensed that many disciples were chattering.

He concentrated and listened for a while.

“It can’t be fake! One of the disciples saw with their own eyes that Shen Xianjun pinned his disciple to the ground and… kissed him passionately like a starving wolf!”

“I’ve always said that Shen Xianjun can’t change his nature. Not being able to taste the Sword Sovereign’s essence, he targets his direct disciple instead.”

“Are you saying the Sword Sovereign is the essence or that it’s Zhou Xuanlan?”

“Shen Xianjun can do such things, and I’m not surprised, but… Zhou Xuanlan actually allows him to do that?”

“Zhou Xuanlan must have struggled hard, but Shen Xianjun took advantage of his powerful cultivation and acted wantonly towards him.”

Shen Liuxiang: “?”

He sat dumbfounded on the bed, his mind blank.

He believed he would never do such things, but occasional fragments of memories flashed through his mind. Indeed, Zhou Xuanlan supported him as they passed through the peach blossom forest… and asked about… a little wolf dog?

Shen Liuxiang’s eyes widened suddenly, he took a deep breath, and couldn’t help but wonder if he had really stooped so low as to be driven by hunger…

At that moment, the door creaked open, and Zhou Xuanlan entered the room.

“Master, are you awake?”

Shen Liuxiang instantly felt as if he had seen a ghost. He hurriedly pulled the blanket over himself, tightly wrapping his body, and curled up on the bed.

He had no way out.

He chose to play dead.

T/N: I cackled at the part where Zhou Xunlan got fooled… He’s gonna end up with trust issues by the end of the novel LMAO.

(1) – The Chinese term “花使者” (huā shǐzhě) literally translates to Flower Envoys or Messengers of Flowers, used to describe someone who literally protects flowers, or in the metaphorical sense women. In this case, as further down described in the text, since Su Baiche is a White Lotus (flower) his suitors are his Flower Envoys.

(2) – The Chinese term “Zhenren” (真人) refers to an enlightened or realized person, often translated as “True Immortal” or “True Person.” It is a term commonly used in Taoism to denote individuals who have attained a high level of spiritual cultivation and understanding. Zhenren are considered to have transcended the mortal realm and achieved a state of immortality or spiritual perfection. They are believed to possess profound wisdom, supernatural abilities, and are revered as spiritual guides or masters.

(3) – The Chinese term “小狼狗’ (xiǎolánggǒu) is often used to describe men who are handsome, cool and domineering. Although they are young, they give girls a great sense of security and have a strong boyfriend . They are very popular among girls.