Chapter 35

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Think he’s handsome

The teacher and disciple hugged for a while. After six years apart, Shifu’s towering figure had gotten older while the little disciple had grown into an adult. Rong Luoyun was emotional and couldn’t even make a peep, latching onto Duan Chenbi like a child clinging onto their father.

Duan Chenbi patted his head: “My disciple is so impressive, leading this many people.”

Rong Luoyun said: “Don’t humor me, Shifu.” He pulled the other party along and chattered nonstop about what had happened in the past six years. Thereupon, he said some sappy things: “Shifu, I’ve always thought about you. Did you miss me when you were in seclusion?”

This was not an answer to announce to the world, so Duan Chenbi lowered his voice: “Of course I missed you. Don’t act like a spoiled child.”

Rong Luoyun asked: “Then did you miss me or Big Brother more?”

Duan Chenbi snorted: “Let’s count to five. If he doesn’t come to greet me by then, I’ll expel him as my disciple.” He lifted his unusually large hand to count. His joints were well defined, and his fingers were callused to the point where his fingerprints could no longer be seen.

When he counted to three, the belated Duan Huaike finally arrived. His usual calm expression couldn’t contain his emotions. “Father.” He approached with his robes swaying and knelt, calling out a less formal, “Dad.”

“You can get up.” Duan Chenbi reached out his hand to help Duan Huaike up. With his beloved disciples standing on his two sides, Duan Chenbi felt pleased. He swept his eyes over to survey the crowd.

He couldn’t help but fix his gaze on one person. He could sense the strong foundation that tall stature had and the presence of a distinguished family on that person’s body. His appearance was quite handsome, as if he was personally molded by Nüwa [1]. He stood out amongst the crowd and even had the air of nobility that few in Jianghu possessed.

Duan Chenbi questioned: “Who’s that disciple?”

Rong Luoyun replied: “He’s Du Zhong, a Great Disciple. He’s rather capable.”

Huo Linfeng saluted: “This subordinate is Du Zhong. It’s my honor to meet Great Hero Duan.” He raised his eyes, meeting Duan Chenbi’s inscrutable look.

In the older generation, his father was powerful, Chen Ruoyin was sly, Shen Wendao was scholarly, and that Qin Xun from before was frivolous and evil. At present, this Duan Chenbi was like a human with lingering whiffs of immortality. The foundations of Dao were carved in his flesh, and his each and every move carried majesty.

After their eyes met, Duan Chenbi didn’t say anymore.

The teacher and his disciples left for the Profound Jade Hall [2]. These grand palace halls and courtyards finally had someone to watch over.

The rest of the disciples trudged back to the Distant Gray Platform to resume their practice and reorganized their formations. Huo Linfeng stood beneath the platform, surveying the disciples. He would pull out anyone who made a mistake and punish them harshly.

“Ninth form, maintain stability!” He ordered, “Twenty-third form, circulate your qi!”

Duan Chenbi was just about to step into the hall but swiveled back when he heard this. His eyes were like ripples in calm waters, with their rings bounding towards Huo Linfeng. Ninth form, twenty-third form. The calls continued. Fourth form, then fifteenth form……

Seeing him not moving, Rong Luoyun asked: “Shifu, what’s the matter?”

Duan Chenbi retracted his gaze and shook his head, striding into the hall. The hall’s door closed, blocking out the sounds from the drills and leaving them in the hall filled with the smell of food and incense. As soon as Duan Chenbi sat down, he discovered a white fan in front of him. He picked it up and examined the odd, double-sided fan.

Duan Chenbi asked: “Whose is this?”

Rong Luoyun cursed his own bad luck and answered in a small voice: “Mine.” He seized it back and fanned away the sweat from his embarrassment. He even offered an explanation free of charge: “There’s white ginkgo embroidered on it. I like it……”

No one cared if he liked it or not. Duan Huaike went to serve tea as Duan Chenbi asked him questions. The father and son duo had long since started talking about something else. Rong Luoyun felt awkward and stashed the fan away behind his waist before scooting over in hopes of joining the conversation.

After many years of separation, the teacher and his disciples were finally reunited. Even the smallest things the size of a fly could be chatted for half a day.

At noon, Rong Luoyun attended to Duan Chenbi until the other party went to rest. Only then did he leave the Profound Jade Hall. After practicing for several hours, the disciples swarmed away to have lunch, leaving Huo Linfeng alone on the platform.

When empty, the wind picked up on the platform, causing the person’s robe to sway.

Something silver flashed out from Huo Linfeng’s narrow sleeves. It was that silver-lined ribbon, now wrapped around his wrist. Rong Luoyun glanced at him and asked earnestly: “Why hasn’t this Great Disciple left yet?”

Huo Linfeng complied: “This subordinate has something to report.” He drew closer. Taking advantage that no one was here, he rubbed the other party’s back, “The kitchen prepared mutton soup and fish noodles. Is Palace Lord satisfied with that?”

Rong Luoyun answered: “No, I feel overheated just thinking about it.”

Sentence by sentence, they arrived at the Thousand Opportunities Hall. They had too many words to say but too little road to walk. Huo Linfeng continued to accompany the other party forward. When they passed by the lotus pond, Huo Linfeng wanted to cool down from the summer heat, so he boarded the small boat. Rong Luoyun stood on the shore hesitantly. He felt afraid of being in a boat surrounded by water.

Huo Linfeng reached out his hand: “I’m here, so what are you afraid of?”

Last time I fell into the water, wasn’t it all because of you? Rong Luoyun thought like this, but he still involuntarily took the other party’s hand. He was held onto firmly and lifted into the rocking boat. Like a quail, he crouched down into a ball and scrunched his face miserably.

His expression was comical, but in Huo Linfeng’s eyes, it was pitiful and cute. He spread his legs, allowing Rong Luoyun to sit safely in front of him, using him as a backrest, snug and protected.

Rong Luoyun was no longer scared. Holding the other party’s thigh, he leaned over to look at the fish and flowers. He even reached out to grab some lotus seeds to eat. Huo Linfeng wasn’t the type of person who could stand suffering losses, so he paddled randomly, sending the boat rocking left and right. He even deliberately splashed the other party’s face with cold water.

“What are you doing?”

“You only care about feeding yourself.”

Rong Luoyun let out an “oh” before peeling and storing lotus seeds in his palm. He picked one up and sent them towards Huo Linfeng’s lips. “It’s really soft and tender. Sweet and fragrant.” He advertised.

Huo Linfeng smacked his lips and said shamelessly: “Not as sweet as Palace Lord.”

The summer heat that had just been eased returned again. Rong Luoyun drew back, feeling ashamed and embarrassed, letting his thoughts go astray…… his hands clenching the lotus head tightened, squeezing out drops of juice.

Gradually, they rowed into the depths of the pond where the lotus flowers and leaves flourished as far as eyes could see. It was beautiful and peaceful here. Huo Linfeng placed the oar aside and picked a few lotuses, all of which he stuffed into Rong Luoyun’s arms. Rong Luoyun cupped the flowers and took a sniff. He said pickily: “These haven’t bloomed yet. They’re all buds.”

Huo Linfeng said: “This way, they’ll last longer.” He picked another stem as he spoke. He turned back and drew Rong Luoyun into his arms, leaning his chin against the other party’s shoulder, “Once it blooms, as Palace Lord said, it’ll be ‘soft and tender’.”

That lotus bud was clasped together. He felt it from the top and wiggled his finger through the tip into its folds. Rong Luoyun lowered his head to watch and questioned: “What are you doing……?”

Huo Linfeng replied: “Helping it deflower [3].” He withdrew his hand and let the flower petals close together again. He used his chest to nudge the other person’s back, “Palace Lord, do you understand?”

Scarlet bloomed on Rong Luoyun’s face and ears as he nodded. He couldn’t help thinking, what’s there to be afraid of about the water, the person is scarier……

They filled up the boat with lotuses. When they glided past the little hut in the middle of the pond, they could hear Diao Yuliang’s snores from his pavilion. Huo Linfeng used this to bring up his desired topic: “Fourth Palace Lord’s place is so simple, unlike the extravagant Hidden Gold Pavillion.” Once the Hidden Gold Pavillion was mentioned, Lu Zhun would naturally be brought up. He took the opportunity to say: “The affection between the Third Palace Lord and Palace Lord must be deep. The first thing he did after returning from Chang’an was to find you.”

Rong Luoyun thought this guy was drinking vinegar, but when he gave it a second thought, he found something odd: “I didn’t seem to have spoken of where Third Bro went.”

Having a palace lord personally running an errand signified that not only was the ledger important, but the recipient of the ledger was too. Huo Linfeng smartly analyzed: “The ledger is like a blade hanging above the Grand Counselor’s head. This is related to politics, so it’s clear that the receiver is someone from the imperial court. Therefore, the Third Palace Lord had gone to Chang’an.”

Sinking into silence, Rong Luoyun seemed to be deep in thought. Huo Linfeng continued: “Everyone gets curious sometimes, me included, let alone it was something related to you.” He pulled Rong Luoyun over, “I wanted to know if Palace Lord was being controlled by someone, if you were on the shorter end of the stick when running this errand. I was wondering, were you forced into a dangerous situation?”

Rong Luoyun looked up at him: “Yes, if I made a wrong step that day, I would have lost my life.”

Huo Linfeng was bewildered and felt a pang of anger. He immediately became solemn: “I won’t allow it.” He gnashed his teeth and said fervently, “Even if it’s that damned emperor, I will not allow it.”

Rong Luoyun was taken aback. He was just lying to the other party. How did it draw out such a heartfelt reaction? He rubbed against Huo Linfeng’s shoulder and explained: “Don’t worry, the Extraordinary Palace isn’t a pawn. It’s more like taking what each side needs.”

Huo Linfeng immediately relaxed. He lowered his head and kissed Rong Luoyun on the forehead. What does “taking what each side needs” mean? The other party needed the Extraordinary Palace to run errands for them, but what did the Extraordinary Palace want in return? If they need help, then was he, General Huo, enough?

He rowed as he pondered. The shore soon came into view.

Once he sent Rong Luoyun back to the Nameless Abode, Huo Linfeng hesitated for a moment before taking advantage of the lack of people this afternoon to travel to the rear mountains. He made his way out of Mount Lengsang and paid the city a visit. When he returned, there was an additional parcel in his hands.

It was quiet in the bamboo courtyard. Du Zheng was dozing off on the table piled with food he had made for nothing. That damned flight of bamboo stairs kept creaking and woke him up. He stared blankly at the doorway.

Huo Linfeng entered the room and directly sat down at the table, placing down the parcel. “Young Master, why did you take so long to return?” Du Zheng quickly scooped a bowl of rice, “What’s in this little bundle?”

Huo Linfeng answered: “Official seal, official papers.”

Du Zheng was taken aback. He covered his mouth and said in a low voice: “What did Young Master get them for!” He’s really scaring people to death! What if someone discovers them! After a moment of thinking, he got a sudden flash of intelligence: “Young Master, are you planning to reveal your identity?”

Huo Linfeng ate his food and didn’t answer. Revealing his identity needed to be done sooner or later. If he had to stand against the Extraordinary Palace, he would simply need to break off his relations with them. But now…… he’s afraid that person wouldn’t understand him and be angry. The longer he hid his identity from that person, the guiltier he felt.

The more he thought, the more bothered he felt. When he looked up, he saw Du Zheng staring at him and found an outlet for his frustrations. He reached out his chopsticks and rapped them harshly on the other party’s head, then swept his leg out to kick. The room was filled with yelps of pain. Huo Linfeng wiped his mouth: “I’m warning you, don’t ever speak recklessly in front of Rong Luoyun again.”

Du Zheng defended himself: “But I didn’t!”

Huo Linfeng’s face darkened: “Did you not speak about marriage? Did you not speak about Bao Yue?” He picked up a goose leg and hurled it, “You say these useless things as if they were great opportunities that were missed. You better shut that mouth of yours.”

Du Zheng started gnawing that goose leg. Rong Luoyun was the one who asked, so how was it his fault now…… Moreover, what’s the harm in saying it? How can this be counted as speaking recklessly?

At this time, Huo Linfeng said: “Because Rong Luoyun and I are doing well together.”

Du Zheng chewed on the goose meat, not understanding his meaning. If you two are doing well, then that’s that. Once you expose your identity, you two won’t be well anymore. This expression of a dead pig angered Huo Linfeng to death. He said again: “Rong Luoyun and I are together.”

Du Zheng’s chewing slowed down: “…… What does ‘together’ mean?”

Huo Linfeng smiled: “It means we’re intimate towards one another, whispering sweet nothings to each other, sleeping on the same bed together. Our love is budding.”

The goose leg fell to the floor. Du Zheng sat paralyzed as if he received a blow. Together! A soldier and a bandit are together, a man and a man are together, Young Master and Rong Luoyun are together!

He opened his mouth wanting to scream but was only able to get out a whimper before he fainted.

Huo Linfeng quickly moved Du Zheng onto the couch. He thought inside, what’s this strong reaction for…… He checked the other party’s pulse and breathing. Afterward, he stashed away his official seal and papers in a safe place and went off to take an afternoon nap.

When he woke up from his dreams, it was already dusk. There will be a banquet tonight to welcome Duan Chenbu. The Great Disciples were required to attend, so he freshened up a little before following the crowd of people towards the Profound Jade Hall.

Along the way, he met Diao Yuliang. The other party threw himself over and cursed: “Du Zhong! You’re about to pluck my lotus pond bald!”

Huo Linfeng ran and dodged, teasing the child along the way. He only curbed his expression when he arrived at the hall. Everyone settled down at the table, with him and Rong Luoyun separated by three seats. Occasionally he would peek out of the corner of his eye at the other party.

The banquet began. Everyone toasted to Duan Chenbi, much like a family of juniors showing their respect for an elder.

In the eating, drinking, and chattering, Huo Linfeng was a little spellbound, feeling a slight yearning for home. Was his family having a meal right now? Was his elder brother accompanying their parents for a cup of wine? If he was, their mother would definitely nag at the heavy smell of wine.

“Du Zhong, Du Zhong?”

He recollected his thoughts and turned to Rong Luoyun, who was calling to him. Rong Luoyun said: “Shifu asked you something.”

Duan Chenbi asked this person what type of martial arts he practiced and that person how many people he’s killed. He turned his gaze to Huo Linfeng and asked: “I heard you commanding the disciples when you were training them in the day. Why do you make them practice the forms out of order?”

Huo Linfeng answered: “It trains the memory, so in dire times, they would be able to change their tactics when needed, therefore giving them an advantage.” When in a real fight, the enemy will not be attacking according to steps. To counter an attack, one must react right away. Moreover, by practicing different forms together, one could discover new combinations that could be used.

Duan Chenbi nodded, staring intently at him for a while.

“Where does this little brother come from?”

“This subordinate comes from Cleansing Sand Isle.”

“Where is Cleansing Sand Isle located?”

“To the north of the Long River. It’s not far.”

“Is it to the east or west side? Are there any neighboring cities? What items does it specialize in producing? And who’s the influential family there?”

“To the east. The Zhujia Village neighbors it. We produce various grains, and as a small island, we do not have a prominent family.”

“What’s your shifu’s name, and who else is in your family?”

“Shifu was a wandering hero but went into seclusion. His name was Xie Zhang. As for my family, I only have my elder brother.”

“How old are you this year?”

“This subordinate is twenty-three.”

The table was silent. Everyone was startled by the chain of questions and answers, or more accurately, they were startled by Duan Chenbi’s imposing manner. Huo Linfeng answered every question steadily without a stutter. After answering everything, he calmly looked at the other party.

It was as if they were confronting, like a taut bowstring.

After a long time, Duan Chenbi suddenly laughed: “Drink a cup with me.”

Huo Linfeng held up his cup in a toast and knocked back the cup of fiery liquid. This cup of wine flowed from his throat to his stomach. Under his robes, a drop of cold sweat rolled from his back along his spine.

Once the night deepened, the banquet ended and everyone scattered.

Duan Chenbi went to the inner hall to rest. Rong Luoyun followed to wait upon him and went to light the lanterns and make the bed. He gave the other party a wet towel and went to light incense as the other party washed their face. Rong Luoyun asked: “Shifu, why did you ask Du Zhong so many questions?”

Duan Chenbi responded: “He’s quite impressive. Shifu felt a little curious.”

Rong Luoyun said: “Even about his way of training?” He closed the bronze lid of the incense burner properly, “When he just arrived, he was extremely harsh. The disciples were not happy with this and were trained to obedience by him.”

Duan Chenbi silently listened. By the time he laid down, covered himself with a blanket, and lowered the bed’s curtains, that disciple of his was still not done praising. If he knew earlier that his disciple was this eager to talk, he wouldn’t have wasted the energy to ask the person himself.

After shutting the windows and preparing a bowl of water, Rong Luoyun got ready to return to the Nameless Abode. Before he stepped out the door, Duan Chenbi said from the bed: “Tell Huaike to handle the affairs tomorrow. You come with me to go out for a stroll.”

He answered: “Yes, Shifu.”

Duan Chenbi continued: “Bring Du Zhong as well.”

He asked: “Why?”

Duan Chenbi snorted: “What, can the reason be that I think he’s handsome?”

Rong Luoyun agreed. He closed the door behind him and stepped into the moonlight. He walked past the Distant Gray Platform and thought out loud as he climbed up the steps: “I also think he looks handsome……”

In his moment of inattention, this person with the world’s number one qinggong tripped and sprained his foot.

Rong Luoyun sighed. Love can truly cause pain.

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