Chapter 32

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Do you like me?

“Shen Zhou?!”

Rong Luoyun was dumbfounded. Why did Shen Zhou travel three hundred li to Xiqian Ridge? And why did he come to Dusk-till-Dawn seeking his jiejie? Rap, rap. The knocking on the door did not cease, yet there was no response on the other side.

His shock turned into doubt. Rong Luoyun pushed open his door and came out, meeting face to face with Shen Zhou, who stood a few steps away. “What is this Young Lord doing?” Rong Luoyun approached him. When he reached Rong Duanyu’s room, he forced a wisp of his internal energy through the door. Suddenly, he shoved Shen Zhou away, “Get away!”

Bang! The two sliding doors shattered. Zha Xiaotang directly struck out his palm.

Rong Luoyun quickly blocked. The collision of their internal energies shook the surroundings. After blocking, he locked onto the other party and fought hand to hand. Rong Luoyun was quick like a jiao, while Zha Xiaotang was agile like a snake. The two pursued one another, exchanging over a hundred moves.

Suddenly, Zha Xiaotang lightly tapped on the railing with one foot and appeared on the other side in the blink of an eye.

That mirage-like figure, that form of movement. Dread struck upon Rong Luoyun. That flower picker just used Roaming the Eight Directions! Rong Luoyun shuttled over, pursuing relentlessly, and seized the other person. He clutched Zha Xiaotang’s throat and hissed: “Where did you learn Roaming the Eight Directions?!”

Zha Xiaotang answered with difficulty: “What? Do you…… think this qinggong belongs to your sect only?”

Rong Luoyun tightened his grip and lifted the other party off the ground. Zha Xiaotang let out a choked gasp. His tongue was already purple, yet his eyes were rapidly swiveling. He’s searching for someone!

Rong Luoyun ruthlessly threw Zha Xiaotang to the ground and tramped on his stomach. He demanded: “Who’s the other person?”

Zha Xiaotang sneered: “Since he has yet to arrive, take this time to consider your last words!”

Rong Luoyun laughed in disdain and shifted his foot to the other party’s vital spot: “You can’t control this thing at such a young age. How about I take care of it for you?” He wasn’t trying to scare and had no mood to dawdle, immediately crushing down heavily.

This was not enough. Rong Luoyun borrowed a silver hairpin from one of the young ladies and stabbed it through a weak point on the other party’s hand. A blood-curdling scream tore through the building. Zha Xiaotang curled up like a shrimp with blue veins pulsing and sweat dripping.

Rong Luoyun gnashed his teeth: “This is just one stab. What are we to do about the fifteen girls of Xiaoyang City and the two girls of Xiqian Ridge?” The hand holding the hairpin fell again, filling the establishment with endless screams. Zhao Xiaotang directly fainted from the pain.

The guests and girls were frightened by this scene and ran away to hide. The first floor was completely emptied.

At this moment, a man walked conspicuously into Dusk-till-Dawn.

This person was approximately fifty years old and wore a jarring mask upon his high cheekbones and straight nose bridge. He picked a seat to sit on with complete disregard for the current circumstances and poured himself a cup of wine. He tilted his head to drink, glancing at the fourth floor as he did so.

Rong Luoyun met his gaze. He flew down with Zha Xiaotang in hand and landed gracefully on the singing stage. Huo Linfeng, who had been calmly watching the whole time, moved behind that person upon seeing this and gave Rong Luoyun a nod in the distance.

“Who are you?” Rong Luoyun asked, “Are you his Laozi *?”

* Laozi – father/daddy; can also be used as an arrogant way to refer to oneself

That person answered these vulgar words: “A teacher for a day is a father for a lifetime. It can be considered so.”

Rong Luoyun stared at that person with an indescribable suspicion. That profile, that look, that bearing…… they were all growing increasingly familiar. Another cup of wine was poured. That person looked up at him, his face carrying a smile that did not seem like a smile. It was that sinister hook of those blade-like lips, that burning light in his pupils, and that thick aurora of certainty veiling his body.

Rong Luoyun’s mind was in disorder, recalling old memories……

That person’s gaze moved slightly: “My dear nephew Huaike, I had thought you wouldn’t dare show yourself.”

On the side, Duan Huaike landed on the stage, unfazed, and strode to Rong Luoyun: “Duanyu is fine, don’t worry.” Only then did he turn to that person. His expression was nonchalant, but he moved to block Rong Luoyun behind him: “I haven’t seen Uncle Qin in ten years. Your arrival in Xiqian Ridge is truly a surprise.”

Rong Luoyun was secretly startled. This person was Qin Xun!

With a dissatisfied sigh, Qin Xun shook his head, displeased: “How estranged. You two martial brothers should greet me as shishu *.” He looked at the person next to Duan Huaike and spoke like he was teasing a child, “Xiao-Luoyun has grown so big and has gotten more beautiful than the girls in this place.”

* shishu – martial uncle; the martial brother of one’s teacher

Huo Linfeng folded his arms with a frown. His words were too flirtatious for an elder to say to a junior, even addressing him with the intimate and affectionate “Xiao-Luoyun”. After that, Huo Linfeng zoned in on the key points. Rong Luoyun and Duan Huaike were actually martial brothers from the same sect. No wonder they had so much trust in one another, where that person would noisily call out for “Big Brother” whenever something happened.

But, if this old bastard called Qin Xun was the shishu, who is the shifu *?

* shifu – teacher/master

“Uncle Qin is so forgetful.” Duan Huaike reminded him, “My father had already cut ties with you long ago. Can we still regard you as our sect’s shishu?”

Qin Xun burst into laughter: “We cut ties in name, yes, but not emotionally. Besides, many years have passed. Who knows if his anger has faded by now?” He poured himself another cup of wine. He abruptly turned his eyes to the unconscious Zha Xiaotang and said, “My dear nephews, aren’t you going to ask how your shishu has been after he left the sect?”

Rong Luoyun snorted coldly. Probably enjoyed his days committing evil. He lowered to look at the immobilized Zha Xiaotang. Blood seeped from his thigh, forming a puddle that sunk into the stage’s red carpet lining.

When Rong Luoyun was about to kick him to the side, he heard Qin Xun continue: “I wandered the world for many years and later established a sect in Kunshan.”

Duan Huaike laughed in spite of himself: “No wonder. Kunshan’s disciples are truly worthy of Uncle’s teachings.”

Although the Kunshan Sect was founded by Qin Xun, he did not interact with its disciples much. Six years ago, after he heard his shixiong Duan Chenbi was in closed-door seclusion, he had the heart for nothing but to wait for the other party to come back out for a fight.

Since the Extraordinary Palace was founded, Kunshan Sect refused to leave it alone. Three years ago, their disciples killed into the Extraordinary Palace, resulting in a total wipeout of the Kunshan Sect. People throughout Jianghu believed that the Kunshan Sect was thoroughly eliminated, but no one knew that its leader had never shown up.

Rong Luoyun said: Has Uncle finally come to avenge what happened three years ago?”

Qin Xun let out a wronged “aiyo”: “Avenge what? In my eyes, they were a mere bunch of obedient dogs.” He glanced at Zha Xiaotang again, “This child has served me for many years, making me a little reluctant.”

As if he heard these words, Zha Xiaotang slightly moved, his eyes cracking open. Rong Luoyun looked at Qin Xun: “Since Uncle is reluctant……” He raised his hand and chopped down, shattering the skull, “Then this little nephew will help you get over it.”

His cruelty was overwhelming. Huo Linfeng watched from afar. The corners of his lips couldn’t help but rise. A smile decorated his face, but his hand tightly grasped his Jueming Sword. This old bastard was Xiao-Luoyun’s shishu. He must not let his guard down.

He was taken aback. Xiao-Luoyun. He barely managed to contain his delight.

Like arrows on a bowstring, Rong Luoyun and Duan Huaike also prepared to fight. Despite being in a dangerous predicament, Qin Xun leisurely drank wine and snacked on appetizers. He finished a pot of wine and stood up, dusting his hands off.

He smiled wickedly: “Hmph, how boring it will be to kill you all.”

“I’ve already waited six years. I can wait another half a year.” Qin Xun turned to leave, “Once Duan Chenbi ends his seclusion, I will definitely settle it with him in a fight.”

His shadow merged into the darkness of the night. It was a long time before the guests calmed down and left one after the other. The liveliness died away, but Rong Luoyun couldn’t care less and hastily went upstairs to check on Rong Duanyu.

When he arrived on the fourth floor, he saw Shen Zhou, who surprisingly had not yet left, leaning against the railing outside Rong Duanyu’s room. Rong Luoyun passed him without sparing him a glance, directly entering the room.

He took over the proprietress’ spot next to the bed and pulled over the bowl to feed his sister medical soup. He inquired: “Jiejie, how are you feeling?”

Rong Duanyu had no other hindrances besides her slightly aching neck. She was absent-minded, shocked that youth was actually the flower picker. When she recalled them staying in a room together, she felt a chill down her spine.

Rong Luoyun said softly: “Jiejie, if someone hadn’t knocked on the door wanting to see you, I’m afraid Zha Xiaotang would have succeeded.”

Rong Duanyu asked: “Who was it?”

Rong Luoyun leaned over and whispered in her ear: “—— Shen Zhou. He’s right outside.”

Rong Duanyu received a shock, causing her to choke on her medicine. Rong Luoyun rubbed her back as she coughed, not knowing what to do. He could send the other person away, but what will he do if that person decides to return in the future? He brushed this thought aside. That person looked like he wanted to guard the night more than anything.

Once her coughing resided, Rong Duanyu and Rong Luoyun chatted for a while.

Half an incense later, Rong Luoyun exited the room after Rong Duanyu had drunk all her medicine. He spoke to Shen Zhou, “You want to see the oiran?” He stepped aside and beckoned at the door, “Go on.”

Shen Zhou had not expected this. He stared blankly for a moment and entered the room. Rong Duanyu laid quietly behind the hazy satin bed curtains, making Shen Zhou unconsciously lighten his footsteps. He sat down on the stool beside the bed and folded his hands on his knees, feeling tense.

After a while, he asked: “You aren’t hurt, are you, young miss?”

Rong Duanyu answered: “Not hurt.” Her pink lips were slightly parted, wishing to ask why he wanted to see her but was afraid she would reveal something if she spoke too much. Shen Zhou explained in her silence: “I was near the lake when I saw young miss tossing the embroidered ball and felt young miss was a little familiar.”

Rong Duanyu laughed darkly and asked: “Has this Young Lord come here before?”

Shen Zhou answered: “Never.”

Rong Duanyu said: “How did you find me familiar if it’s the first time you’ve seen me?”

Shen Zhou said softly: “I* had a childhood sweetheart whom I was engaged to since young. The world remained the same, but the people have changed.” He found it a little difficult to speak, “It’s been too many years, but I can still vaguely remember her eyes…… they’re similar to young miss’.”

* Shen Zhou addresses himself as “this humble one” to be modest.

Rong Duanyu shook her head: “This Young Lord is greatly mistaken.” She stared at the patterns of her brocade blanket, “You aren’t a guest here and don’t visit brothels. That woman you can’t forget, you must not mix her up with a prostitute.”

Guest. Prostitute. Hearing these words, Shen Zhou seemed to receive a blow. “It was me who was being ridiculous.” After a long time, he murmured: “It was me who was being ridiculous…… A lapse of judgment belittled my wisdom.”

He stood and turned to go, as if staying longer would lead to a big mistake.

Rong Duanyu watched him through the curtains and said to that person’s back: “Young Lord, don’t come back again in the future.” She clenched her handkerchief tightly, nearly gritting her white teeth to dust, and continued, “Since things have changed……It is better to forget about them.”

“……Thank you, young miss, for your comfort.” Shen Zhou urgently headed for the door and left.

He shook his head. He had studied the classics since childhood, yet his mind was so muddled right now he couldn’t even think straight. He was in such a hurry that he stumbled. A hand reached out from the side to support him, belonging to a tall, handsome young man.

Huo Linfeng retracted his hand: “Be careful, Young Lord.” He and Shen Zhou would have to chat sooner or later, but at present, they simply brushed past one another. Once Shen Zhou left, Huo Linfeng searched for Rong Luoyun to report on the situation. The moment he emerged from the stairs, he saw the other party sitting on the railing, lost in thought.

Rong Luoyun saw him from the corner of his eye. He waved his hand and lowered his head with an attitude of wanting to be coaxed. Huo Linfeng drew closer to report that Zha Xiaotong’s body had already been dragged to the city gates to be publicly displayed. An announcement has been posted, and the refuge locations have been taken down.

“Why isn’t Palace Lord happy?” He asked.

Rong Luoyun replied: “I thought of something from my childhood. Feels like a nightmare.” The top of his head suddenly felt warm. A large hand perched upon his head, gently rubbing his hair. Huo Linfeng said: “My elder brother once said that nightmares can be chased away with a few head rubs.” He was lying. Clearly, all the way from childhood to adulthood, Huo Jinghai had always used his fists to beat him awake.

Rong Luoyun gradually recovered and only left after Rong Duanyu fell asleep.

By the time they returned to the Extraordinary Palace, it was already dawn. The foot of Mount Lengsang was filled with lush green. Huo Linfeng carried his sword blithely, as he always would after winning a battle. He even used the sheath to poke Rong Luyoun’s robe hems.

He was back with his boldness, acting like he was teasing a cat or amusing a dog. It was what he loved to do most: provoking people.

Rong Luoyun gave it his all to ignore Huo Linfeng. When he couldn’t bear it any longer, he purposely slowed his footsteps and tripped over something. He yelped, holding his leg with knitted eyebrows. His expression looked like he had broken something.

Huo Linfeng had a look of understanding etched on his face, but he didn’t expose the other party. He leaned on his sword and lowered his back: “Palace Lord, come up.”

Facing those broad shoulders, Rong Luoyun was reminded of when the other party carried him up the stone steps. After some thought, he leaned towards the other party and latched onto him. He wrapped his arms around the neck and tightened his legs on the waist. He took hold of the sword for the other party. The other party’s footsteps were still relaxed as they continued forward as if he weighed nothing more than a feather.

He asked: “Are you happy?”

Huo Linfeng answered: “Yes, very happy.”

Rong Luoyun inquired: “But why?”

Huo Linfeng happily did a twirl, shifting the person on his back. The flower picker was killed, and the city was peaceful at last. That was enough to make him happy, but as for what made him this happy …… he said: “Because the rumors are false. Palace Lord isn’t that kind of person.”

His shoulder felt something ticklish. It was Rong Luoyun rubbing his chin on it. He rubbed a little more before glancing at the unending chain of green mountains in the far distance and said in a low voice: “What do you think of me?”

At Spirit Jade Stream [1], he had asked, “Do you think I’m a bad person?”

Now that things have been clarified, he should at least be considered “not bad”.

But in Huo Linfeng’s ears, he only heard uncertainty in that voice. There was also a trace of hidden aloofness. It was the other party trying to preserve some of his dignity. Huo Linfeng answered honestly: “From all our times together, Palace Lord can easily make people like him.”

Rong Luoyun felt exceedingly embarrassed. He wanted to ask, make who like him? And how much did they like him? His mouth flapped open and closed like he had contracted some sort of disease and ended up shyly letting his words die in his throat. He had a guess early on. After their embrace in the Profound Jade Hall, were these the things Huo Linfeng wanted to tell him?

That rainy night, was Huo Linfeng waiting for him to return to say them?

After the incident, Huo Linfeng said he “cleanly forgot” what he wanted to say. Now that the incident was resolved, was he going to tell him? ……Rong Luoyun anxiously wiggled. His flushed face could not be hidden by the lush green trees. He grasped the Jueming Sword like he was going to use it to commit suicide.

He was the esteemed Second Palace Lord, who could kill without blinking, so how could he be fazed by these things? Fine! He closed his eyes with his heart beating madly and moved next to the other person’s ear: “Du Zhong, do you like……”

“…… my sister?”

He rolled his retreating drum, beating it earth-shatteringly, so loud it could shatter mountains.

Huo Linfeng bore a blow and answered: “There isn’t anyone who doesn’t like Lady Duanyu.”

Rong Luoyun hastily tried to cover it up: “My shifu is Big Brother’s father. Big Brother and I are martial brothers from the same sect and under the same teacher. We grew up together.” A donkey’s lips cannot compare to a horse’s mouth [2], he continued energetically, “Big Brother is really good to me. I also rely on him the most. Once Shifu comes out of seclusion, we will have a reunion.”

He was blabbered on and on. His intention to make the other party jealous was as clear as day. Huo Linfeng did not fall for his trick but lost himself in fantasizing about Rong Luoyun’s childhood……. Xiao-Luoyun, reading and practicing beside his teacher, what did that look like?

Huo Linfeng had, once upon a time, rode on Huo Jinghai’s shoulders to pick dates off a tress. Hence, he asked: “When Palace Lord was young, did you ever sit on First Palace Lord’s shoulders to pick fruits?”

Rong Luoyun answered truthfully: “I simply hit the tree trunk with a Soul Seizing Palm.”

Huo Linfeng has always been punished by Huo Jinghai according to martial law since childhood, so he asked: “When Palace Lord was young, have you been spanked by First Palace Lord after making a mistake?”

Rong Luoyun was honest: “I know Roaming the Eight Directions, so Big Brother couldn’t catch me.”

Once they arrived outside the Palace, Rong Luoyun hopped down and ran a short distance. The three sub-gates were opened, revealing the long, winding path behind it. The warm morning sun bathed upon Rong Luoyun, making him appear thinner than usual.

“Du Zhong,” He said on the surface, “Tomorrow, there will be a fair at the temple to pray for blessings. Do you want to come with me?”

Du Zhong, he said silently in his heart, jiejie was just an excuse…… Do you like me?

Huo Linfeng replied: “Wherever Palace Lord wishes to go, I will always agree.”

Rong Luoyun wondered, this was tantamount…… to liking me, right? If this was Huo Linfeng lying to him to flatter, he’ll take it anyway since it was nice to hear……

Rong Luoyun took a few steps back before running like a wisp of smoke into the depths of the street. The sun glistened behind him, and the summer breeze greeted him in front. Huo Linfeng watched that person’s back. His heart was not just skipping, it was throbbing wildly.

He forgot to ask: when Xiao-Luoyun goes out to play, does your Big Brother prepare you a horse?

No matter, he’ll just go feed that donkey who will be toiling away tomorrow. In any case, Rong Luoyun has him from this day onwards.

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