PID Extra 2

When the Du’e Sect opened its doors to accept disciples and people gradually realized that Chu Xianzun wasn’t as bloodthirsty and fearsome as rumored, people’s curiosity could no longer be contained.

 

A large number of storybooks based on Chu Xianzun and his partner sprang up like bamboo shoots after a spring rain, competing to emerge.

 

In the initial exploratory stage, writers were quite secretive, absolutely not daring to use the actual names of the characters—not a single word dared to come close. The experiences described were only slightly altered from reality. Later, as authors grew bolder, the main characters’ names in the storybooks would use homophones or incorporate one or two original characters, allowing those in the know to recognize who was being depicted.

 

Later still, upon discovering it was completely safe, even the books began to let loose and completely dropped all pretense.

 

“‘The Immortal’s Substitute and His True Love,'” Yue Ming slammed the book on the table, gnashing his teeth. “Some people have gotten too bold, daring to make up anything now.”

 

Recently, the most popular storybooks related to Chu Xianzun on the market were those that fabricated his love story, bringing out his “long-dead” partner from his youth, portraying him as an unparalleled true love, and writing Chu Jinglan and Xiao Mo’s meeting as Chu Jinglan treating Xiao Mo as a substitute.

 

For a dramatic, heart-wrenching story to be satisfying, the protagonist’s portrayal couldn’t be lacking. Therefore, Xiao Mo was written very favorably, allowing for a vivid depiction of Chu Jinglan’s emotional struggle between his true love and the substitute, as well as Xiao Mo’s attachment and pain after learning the truth, making many readers unable to put the books down.

 

In short, the storybooks sold too well. The interests of people throughout the world couldn’t be controlled or blocked.

 

Yue Ming: “Order a ban on printing, and confiscate all these books!”

 

Wang Yichen sat across from him, leisurely taking a sip of tea: “A storybook describing romance shouldn’t receive such attention from people of the celestial realm. If we make such a big fuss about it, people will think it really hit Chu Xianzun’s sore spot, further confirming the rumors that he’s treating someone as a substitute. Those people will write even more enthusiastically in various ways, don’t you think?”

 

Yue Ming fumed: “So we just ignore it? These kinds of storybooks have truly become too rampant lately. When I catch those youngsters for sword practice, eight out of ten are reading such storybooks.”

 

From Yue Ming and Wang Yichen’s perspective, regardless of how Chu Jinglan and Xiao Mo actually met, the current Chu Jinglan had undoubtedly given his whole heart to Xiao Mo. They had seen with their own eyes how good Chu Jinglan’s current state was. Regardless of whatever past regrets Chu Jinglan might have had, the two of them were absolutely a perfect match made in heaven.

 

People making up such stories not only defamed Chu Jinglan’s reputation but were also unfair to Xiao Mo.

 

Though this minor reputation issue was something Chu Jinglan could completely ignore—after all, his reputation had been much worse at its lowest point.

 

Wang Yichen wasn’t anxious. He took out a storybook from his storage device and pushed it to Yue Ming: “A book that will soon be sold at the Jinxiu Pavilion, take a look.”

 

Yue Ming said he had no interest in looking at any storybook, but his eyes swept over and immediately saw the book’s title: “Reincarnation Continues the Predestined Love.”

 

Yue Ming was stunned. He opened the storybook and flipped through it, then his eyes lit up: “Brilliant! Indeed, better to guide than to block. We should write our own. This book portrays Xiao Mo as Mo Lan’s reincarnation—covering up previous storybooks with this one is a good idea.”

 

Wang Yichen spoke calmly: “This idea has Chu Jinglan’s contribution. I suggested that the Jinxiu Pavilion write storybooks to counter the others, and he agreed. So, we’re writing some facts, such as Xiao Mo and Mo Lan being the same person—he confirmed Mo Lan’s identity.”

 

Yue Ming, who had just been delighted, froze instantly. His hand holding the storybook trembled slightly: “Wait, who did you say is the same person as whom?”

 

Beneath Wang Yichen’s calm words was a worldview that had been shattered and then pieced back together. By now, he was as calm as still water, as if the person who had dropped two cups in front of Chu Jinglan wasn’t him.

 

“Xiao Mo and Mo Lan,” Wang Yichen said. “Chu Xianzun wasn’t joking.”

 

“…He doesn’t joke.”

 

Yue Ming mumbled, then suddenly stood up, losing his voice, “No way, it’s really reincarnation!?”

 

Wang Yichen lowered his gaze, staring at his teacup. He had been constantly trying to convince himself to remain calm, which involved a bit of self-deception. But now, seeing Yue Ming’s surprised expression, and embracing the philosophy that joy shared is joy multiplied, he truly felt relieved. Yes, why should he be the only one shocked by this matter?

 

“That’s what Chu Jinglan said.”

 

Wang Yichen: “Although currently no one in the cultivation world can confirm the existence of reincarnation, look—Chu Xianzun’s talent was already an incredible miracle. Oh, now we need to add Xiao Mo to the list of those with extraordinary talent. So, Xiao Mo being reincarnated and found by Chu Jinglan in some way… happening to the two of them, isn’t it very reasonable and logical?”

 

Wang Yichen had been convinced by Chu Jinglan, and now Yue Ming was nearly convinced by Wang Yichen. But the idea that people could truly reincarnate was a world-view-shattering discovery. Yue Ming kept telling himself that anything could happen when it came to Chu Jinglan, but he still couldn’t help harboring numerous doubts.

 

He stood up and circled the table several times. Before making Wang Yichen dizzy, after a long while, he could only squeeze out one sentence: “Why didn’t he tell us earlier then?”

 

Wang Yichen: “At that time, Chu Jinglan himself was still adjusting his spiritual consciousness. Besides, we didn’t ask.”

 

Yue Ming: “…………”

 

It was actually reasonable and logical.

 

After pacing around the table several times, Yue Ming finally sat back down. His expression changed from shock to confusion to thoughtfulness. Finally, he said intuitively: “I still feel something isn’t quite right.”

 

Now that the Du’e Sect had increased contact with the outside world, Yue Ming’s visits had become more frequent. He believed that Chu Jinglan and Xiao Mo’s relationship was genuine, but different people, even so-called reincarnations, couldn’t be exactly the same as their previous selves. The dynamic of their relationship would inevitably be different.

 

But the problem was, in Yue Ming’s view, there seemed to be no difference. On several occasions, he had vaguely seen shadows of Chu Jinglan and Mo Lan’s past interactions in the current couple.

 

Thinking carefully, Mo Lan had once been mysterious, of unknown origin, appearing suddenly—exactly like the current Xiao Mo.

 

Combined with Wang Yichen’s explanation today…

 

Yue Ming swallowed hard. Since reincarnation was already on the table, why not be even bolder in his speculation? He said haltingly: “Do you think it’s possible that, from the beginning, Mo Lan and Xiao Mo were—”

 

“Shh.”

 

Wang Yichen held his folding fan vertically to his lips, blocking Yue Ming’s next words: “Some things perhaps aren’t meant for us to know.”

 

Yue Ming met Wang Yichen’s gaze, and his shoulders gradually relaxed. Many thoughts ran through his mind, finally transforming into a relieved laugh: “You’re right.”

 

Wang Yichen smiled too. Indeed, they weren’t lacking in intelligent people, but some matters didn’t need to be investigated thoroughly. That Chu Jinglan was willing to explain to them, and they were willing to believe, was a kind of tacit understanding between friends.

 

Everything was understood without being said.

 

Wang Yichen tapped the storybook with his folding fan: “Chu Xianzun doesn’t care what his reputation becomes, but he felt that Xiao Mo shouldn’t be wronged. Xiao Mo was never anyone’s substitute.”

 

“So the content of this storybook was provided by him, and you had someone write it?” Yue Ming asked, “Then I must read it.”

 

“No,” Wang Yichen denied, opening the storybook, “Chu Jinglan only provided the reincarnation idea. The rest of the content was created by writers. I reviewed it and think it’s well-written, but we should let Chu Jinglan review it again before putting it up for sale.”

 

Yue Ming: “Save one copy for me.”

 

Before long, the reincarnation-themed storybooks, with their delicate prose and moving love stories, quickly swept through all major bookstores, soon suppressing the substitute literary genre. And it didn’t stop there—continuously innovating, memory loss themes and other variations of their story appeared.

 

In short, Xiao Mo’s portrayal in the storybooks was upgraded from substitute to reincarnation, and then to the rightful partner who had to temporarily leave Chu Jinglan due to some extraordinary encounter, returning forcefully when their separation period ended.

 

While there were still debates about reincarnation, the subsequent storybooks successfully established Xiao Mo and Mo Lan as the same person in most people’s eyes, leaving no more disputes.

 

Readers unanimously exclaimed that Chu Jinglan and Xiao Mo were definitely true love. They were tired of substitute fiction and wanted to see pure love between the two!

 

Xiao Mo leaned against a tree trunk, savoring the latest storybook. This one had placed him and Chu Jinglan in a strange fantasy world, where Chu Jinglan was an immortal and he was a fox spirit.

 

Chu Jinglan’s battle prowess had been adjusted downward; otherwise, encountering ghosts and monsters wouldn’t create any horror atmosphere—Immortal Master Chu could slice through to the grand finale with a single sword.

 

The romance still had room for improvement, but the suspense was very well written, creating an excellent atmosphere. The story hooks were good, and Xiao Mo himself wanted to see how the immortal and the fox would work together to solve the next mystery.

 

But the next page read: End of this volume. To know what happens next, please wait for the next installment!

 

Xiao Mo felt regret, reluctantly putting away the storybook, still savoring it, when someone ran up beneath the tree: “Peak Master!”

 

It was Xuan Xiaoyang.

 

After the Du’e Sect opened its doors to accept disciples, the mountain gate was packed with people, creating a lively atmosphere. For the first recruitment, various assessments lasted a total of ten days, bringing in some promising seedlings as well as people who had already achieved certain cultivational accomplishments.

 

After all, the Du’e Sect had too few people before. Besides promising seedlings, they needed some pillars of strength.

 

Xuan Xiaoyang was among the first batch to enter. As soon as he entered, he threw himself at the feet of his lifesaver, Xiao Mo, requesting to become his disciple.

 

The mystery of Xiao Mo’s age was solved at the grand ceremony. Everyone learned that he was a teenager in his teens at the Divided Spirit stage.

 

A teenager at Divided Spirit—the last one was Chu Jinglan.

 

Everyone was stunned.

 

One unprecedented talent like Chu Jinglan was enough; now there was another, and he was Chu Jinglan’s partner!?

 

They had to be joking!?

 

But some consoled themselves: not necessarily, not necessarily. Although Xiao Mo was at Divided Spirit in his teens, he wouldn’t necessarily break through to Great Perfection in a hundred years… right?

 

That’s what they thought, but countless sects were trembling slightly.

 

What kind of feng shui treasure spot was the Du’e Sect, with so many geniuses? Why couldn’t they share one with others!

 

Given Xiao Mo’s special status, despite being only a teenager, many people still wanted to take him as their master. If they succeeded, it would be an immense blessing.

 

But Xiao Mo indicated that he didn’t want to accept disciples so early, sending everyone away. He felt that accepting disciples required fate, and currently, he didn’t have the mindset to guide disciples.

 

When he said this, Yan Chun breathed a sigh of relief: “That makes sense, it indeed requires fate.”

 

Xiao Mo: “? Why do I feel like you just breathed a huge sigh of relief?”

 

Yan Chun obediently said: “I admire Senior Brother’s talent and insight, but when it comes to teaching, you and the Sect Master…” Having deeply experienced the teaching methods of both, Yan Chun chose a tactful way to put it, “need extremely insightful people who resonate with you to benefit from your guidance, so indeed there’s no rush.”

 

For example, it would have to be someone like Mo Zhi, who could understand what Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan were saying—essentially, a genius whose thought processes differed from normal people.

 

Since Xiao Mo had refused like this, Xuan Xiaoyang no longer insisted on becoming his disciple, but worked hard to stay in the few mountain peaks under Xiao Mo’s supervision.

 

After the sect had more people, things needed rules and regulations. Chu Jinglan divided the mountains, with Xiao Mo as the person in charge of Du’e Peak and several surrounding peaks. Besides being the sect leader’s spouse, Xiao Mo was also one of the peak masters of the Du’e Sect.

 

Xiao Mo came down from the tree, meeting Xuan Xiaoyang’s bright eyes: “Xiaoyang, what’s the matter?”

 

“For the music cultivation class in the inner sect school, everyone hopes you could teach it. Peak Master Yan asked me to inquire about your thoughts.”

 

Xiao Mo readily agreed: “Sure, I have some understanding of music theory.”

 

Saying he had “some understanding” was far too modest. Xiao Mo had broken out of the conventional framework of music cultivation, integrating musical tones and spiritual power in an amazingly skillful way, making many who originally had no interest in music cultivation marvel in admiration.

 

But being good at something yourself is one thing; teaching others is truly another matter.

 

Upon hearing that Xiao Mo would be teaching, whether people were coming for his cultivation level, his status, or that face that brings joy just by looking at it—in any case, not only was the classroom fully seated, but even outside was crowded with people who came to observe and learn.

 

The tree shadows in the courtyard swayed gently, incense curled up inside the hall, and amid everyone’s expectations, Xiao Mo finally arrived.

 

Today he wore a sky-blue garment with pines and bamboo patterns, like blue and white porcelain, elegant and exquisite. Just looking at his jade-like stance made people feel refreshed, involuntarily uplifted, waiting for the upcoming class with full respect and anticipation.

 

Xiao Mo truly deserved to be the top of the current beauty rankings. His every movement was so pleasing to the eye, his voice was pleasant when he spoke, and he started with mysterious and unpredictable metaphors, elegant words that soothed one’s mind, except—people couldn’t understand.

 

Everyone: Huh?

 

Xiao Mo felt he had explained vividly and summarized: “So first do this…, then do that…, understand?”

 

Everyone went from being entranced by his stunning appearance to gradually sweating profusely, feeling anxious: What to do, they couldn’t understand!

 

But they didn’t dare to say it directly. Peak Master Xiao seemed to be teaching very well; was it their problem that they couldn’t understand?

 

People used their books as cover, hurriedly looking around trying to find answers, then discovered they weren’t the only ones doing so. Everyone was looking around in confusion, with the same emotion written in their eyes.

 

Uh, does no one understand?

 

Xiao Mo raised his flute: “Let me play a few tunes to explain more specifically.”

 

Xiao Mo played several tunes on his horizontal flute. Though not complete melodies, each tune was like heavenly music. Once the flute sound came out, everyone was entranced. Just as they were about to gain some understanding from the beautiful flute sounds, Xiao Mo’s playing stopped, replaced by further explanation.

 

So everyone’s thoughts that had just touched the edge of the door were forced to pause, pulled back by Xiao Mo’s voice.

 

“So it’s like this…like that…Alright, does anyone have any questions?”

 

The disciples were abruptly pulled out from the beautiful flute sound, inwardly crying out: It’s over, they still couldn’t understand!

 

Some inner sect disciples vaguely saw in this the way Chu Jinglan had guided them.

 

Although Chu Jinglan didn’t accept disciples, inner sect disciples with excellent understanding and talent in the way of the sword were fortunate enough to receive Chu Xianzun’s sword manual. Just based on this point, everyone fought hard to strive and excel.

 

Although Chu Xianzun was generous, his sword manual was indeed difficult. Luckily it was illustrated with both pictures and text. Those selected all had good talent, and everyone slowly pondered over the postures according to the manual.

 

One day, Chu Jinglan casually gave some pointers along the way, and then… left everyone completely confused.

 

They understood every word Chu Xianzun said, but when put together, why couldn’t they understand??

 

But strangely, Peak Master Mo Zhi, who was accompanying the Immortal Lord, nodded seriously: “What the Sect Master said is right on point, very reasonable!”

 

The rest of the disciples were full of questions, with only one person seemingly thoughtful: “I think I can understand…”

 

The remaining people immediately grabbed him after the Immortal Lord left, asking: “Really? Tell me about it!”

 

The manner in which Chu Xianzun spoke when guiding them was just like Peak Master Xiao today—profound and mysterious.

 

Xiao Mo: “If there are no problems, my class ends here.”

 

Compared to Chu Jinglan, Xiao Mo appeared much more approachable. He had good relationships with others in the sect. Someone pursed their lips and boldly asked: “Peak Master, please wait. I actually have something I don’t understand.”

 

Xiao Mo responded pleasantly: “What don’t you understand?”

 

The courage that had just built up instantly shrank, like a flag being furled. The disciple’s cheeks flushed red, stammering and unable to speak: that previous sentence had already used up all their courage. In fact, they didn’t understand anything, and it would be too embarrassing to say so!

 

Fortunately, Xiao Mo was very considerate of their nervousness and said: “Sort out the parts you don’t understand, write them down, and ask me during my next class.”

 

The disciple instantly felt greatly relieved, hurriedly cupping their hands: “Thank you, Peak Master!”

 

Xiao Mo was very satisfied with this class and walked out of the school twirling his flute. But after walking just a few steps, he found that the disciples who had come to audit the class in the courtyard were all standing properly, not whispering like before, only because a very eye-catching person was now standing under a tree in the academy.

 

Chu Jinglan was dressed in silver, like a well-carved gentleman, like snow on high mountains, unreachable. In response to everyone’s greeting, he merely nodded slightly, until another figure entered his sight.

 

The seemingly frozen and solidified snow melted so easily.

 

Xiao Mo was startled briefly, then his lips curved into a light smile. He gripped the flute he had been twirling, and with a flutter of his sky-blue robes, he came to Chu Jinglan’s side.

 

“Did you come specially to wait for me?”

 

Chu Jinglan reached out, tucking a strand of Xiao Mo’s falling hair behind his ear, and nodded: “Yes, I came to pick you up.”

 

Xiao Mo, using his sleeve as cover, secretly hooked his finger: “Let’s go.”

 

After they left, the disciples finally raised their heads quietly, boldly looking in the direction of Chu Jinglan’s retreating figure. Although they knew the Immortal Lord wasn’t as fearsome as in the legends, in person, his presence was still overwhelming. In front of him, everyone still didn’t dare to be unrestrained.

 

“The Sect Master and Peak Master Xiao really have a good relationship…”

 

“Watching them makes me want to find a cultivation partner too, ah.”

 

“What are you looking for? With no cultivation partner beside you, drawing your sword will naturally make you divine. Come on, let’s practice swordsmanship.”

 

The crowd of disciples jostled and left with laughter. The once quiet Du’e Sect was now lively and bustling, filled with the flavor of worldly life. Sunlight slanted through the edge of the forest, and among this group of vibrant young people, each had their own story.

 

The myriad things in the world should be this way—each walking their own path, like Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan, writing their own melody drop by drop with ink.

 

“Today I read a storybook that was very interesting,” Xiao Mo said. “It portrayed you as an immortal and me as a fox spirit, working together to explore strange and mysterious realms, overcoming various obstacles. The concept was quite clever.”

 

“What kind of strange and mysterious realms?”

 

“Mostly some gloomy and dark places.”

 

Chu Jinglan: “Not what you like.”

 

Although having lights would make it fine, Xiao Mo indeed didn’t like gloomy and dark places: “True, but it’s fictional creation, of course it can’t match our real selves in every aspect.”

 

On Du’e Peak, apart from Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan, everyone else needed to be announced before entering. The peak didn’t keep disciples or attendants; only quiet sword puppets did the work. Walking from elsewhere to this mountain was like moving from the noisy mortal world into a serene immortal realm—peaceful and far-reaching, with everything settling into tranquility.

 

The courtyard on Du’e Peak was their home, belonging only to them.

 

Chu Jinglan: “What kind of fox was it?”

 

“According to the story, it had fire-red fur.” Of course, the fox spirits in storybooks were usually also exceptionally beautiful and bewitchingly attractive, but Xiao Mo didn’t need to mention these words.

 

Xiao Mo thought for a moment, and suddenly had an inspiration. He created a small illusion with Phantom Moon—giving himself fox ears and a tail.

 

Fire-red ears, a beautiful and smooth large tail. Fox Spirit Xiao, wearing elegant clothes, blinked his beautiful eyes: “Perhaps like this?”

 

Just as Immortal Master Chu’s expression started to change, the fox spirit seized the opportunity, boldly pressing him against a tree trunk: “What does the Immortal Master think?”

 

The immortal had to surrender his emotions and desires before him. Chu Jinglan, pressed in the tree shade, his eyes becoming deep and profound, wrapped his arm around Xiao Mo’s waist, caressing the fox spirit’s crimson lips: “I like it.”

 

The fox ears and tail moved nimbly and skillfully as he actively delivered himself into the immortal’s embrace.

 

A fox needs a den, and being carried home by an immortal is most fitting, isn’t it?

 

The tree shadows swayed, mountain flowers bloomed brilliantly—the perfect time to return home.

 

---

T/N: Officially time to say goodbye to Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan .·°՞(¯□¯)՞°·.

Thank you for the readers who has been reading along from the very beginning. I really really love reading your comments so please make sure to comment lots!

Also special thanks to our Benefactors, without them the story wouldn’t have been completed this soon!

⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂)⸝♡

 

Dont forget to rate and review on NU as well!

 

Now as i do everytime, do comment the next novel you guys want me to pick up, there’s no first come first serve. If its a new novel you can tag me on knoxt discord with the novel link or you can just say in comment section. Or if its an old novel which has been dropped, just drop the name but it shouldn’t have been updated since last 5 months.

(Genre : Danmei only)

 

Also check out my other translations here!