PID Chapter 26

Thank you Havreflarn for the Kofi~ ◝(ᵔᗜᵔ)◜
(2/5)

 

---

Xiao Mo was so flustered by Chu Jinglan’s two “brother” calls that he felt like one Buddha had emerged from the world and another had ascended to heaven[mfn]一佛出世二佛升天” (yī fó chū shì èr fó shēng tiān) a Chinese pun. Literally, it means “one Buddha emerges in the world, another Buddha ascends to heaven,” but it’s used humorously to describe extreme embarrassment or awkwardness, as if the situation is so unbearable that even Buddhas are affected[/mfn]. He wished he could transform into black mist and burrow back into his sea of consciousness, or even find a crack in the ground to hide in.

 

Xiao Mo quickly sent a mental message, asking him to hold his tongue and restrain his powers.

 

[“With our looks, pretending to be brothers is most fitting and easier for others to believe. Who’s the older or younger brother is just a casual remark.”]

 

[“Mm, I understand.”]

 

Just as Xiao Mo was about to breathe a sigh of relief, he heard Chu Jinglan say in the mental message, [“You handled that very cleverly, big brother.”]

 

Xiao Mo: “…”

 

No end to this, is there?

 

[“…You’re the eldest, I wouldn’t dare.”]

 

The firelight danced on their faces. Chu Jinglan’s tightly wound nerves seemed to loosen a bit. Since Wan Yu’s departure, he had been like a bow about to snap – if the string remained taut, he would only destroy himself.

 

The night air was cold. Even with the bonfire, it wasn’t suitable for Chu Jinglan to stay outside for long. Xiao Mo led him into their tent, right next to the attendants’ tent. Thus, they communicated entirely through mental messages inside, preventing others from overhearing.

 

Xiao Mo explained how he encountered the merchant caravan and their assumed identities. Chu Jinglan listened and nodded, “With the caravan, we can reach Wei City quickly.”

 

Sitting in the tent, Xiao Mo twirled his flute with his fingers. “It’s best if the Chu family doesn’t send more people. I’ll keep my divine sense alert. If they do, we’ll make an excuse to leave the group briefly and kill them.”

 

If Chu Jinglan’s body wasn’t in such poor condition, Xiao Mo could have possessed him or directly flown them to Wei City.

 

Chu Jinglan looked down at his palm. This body was too weak now, even slowing them down on the journey.

 

But he couldn’t stop moving forward, nor could he easily die.

 

He still had to avenge his mother.

 

Some people are crushed by revenge and heavy burdens, but others can struggle forward despite carrying immense weight.

 

“You should sleep now,” Xiao Mo poked him with the flute. “Rest more, recover sooner.”

 

Chu Jinglan lay down. Though exhausted, he couldn’t fall asleep immediately, perhaps due to being unconscious for too long during the day. He watched as Xiao Mo’s hand wiped through the air, then his gaze settled before him, as if staring at something nonexistent.

 

Chu Jinglan: “What are you looking at?”

 

“My cultivation technique,” Xiao Mo waved his finger in the air, as if pointing at something invisible.

 

“Inner demon innate ability?”

 

Unable to explain system-related matters due to restrictions, Xiao Mo could only translate it into terms this world would understand: “More or less, it’s something I was born with.”

 

Chu Jinglan’s voice gradually became weary: “If we encounter demonic cultivation techniques in the future, we should pay attention.”

 

Xiao Mo seemed to hear something interesting. He lay down beside him, propping his chin with his hand, looking at him with a smile: “Listen to yourself. Is this what a righteous cultivator should say? Also, aren’t you afraid I’ll snatch your body?”

 

“I owe you a favor,” Chu Jinglan gazed into the Inner demon’s eyes, “It must be repaid eventually.”

 

Xiao Mo chuckled softly. The faint glow from the bonfire outside illuminated his beautiful face, with light and shadow dancing together. He appeared half like a graceful immortal and half like a bewitching demon, purity and mystery enhancing each other on the same person.

 

Xiao Mo pulled up the fur blanket borrowed from the caravan for him: “Alright, I’ll remember that.”

 

The next morning, when Chu Jinglan opened his eyes, Xiao Mo wasn’t beside him. This was normal, but for some reason, his heart tightened, and he immediately sat up.

 

Xiao Mo had just lifted the curtain to enter the tent, and Chu Jinglan’s heart finally relaxed.

 

This emotion was abnormal, Chu Jinglan knew.

 

But perhaps due to experiencing too many upheavals in a short time, as if he had endured a lifetime of suffering, Chu Jinglan decided to temporarily let his emotions flow freely, without trying to control them.

 

Xiao Mo had cultivated all night without sleeping. In the morning, he felt Chu Jinglan’s forehead again, confirming the fever had completely subsided. After hearing the guards and attendants stirring, he went out to help, gathering some firewood and bringing back two bowls of food.

 

The merchant caravan’s travelers, except for the boss, all did physical labor and ate a lot. There was no concept of light breakfast and less food at night. Xiao Mo initially wanted only one and a half bowls, intending to take less for himself, but couldn’t resist their enthusiasm. They believed young men should eat more and filled two large bowls of meat soup with bread for him.

 

The appearance was ordinary but rustic and fragrant, with plenty of spices. Xiao Mo looked worried: “Can you eat two bowls?”

 

Chu Jinglan had little appetite recently, swallowing food felt like swallowing stones, stuck in his throat. But for his health, he had to eat. He looked up: “You can’t eat?”

 

As a spirit form without precedent or reference, Xiao Mo appeared to be an ordinary human, and Chu Jinglan didn’t know his situation yet.

 

Xiao Mo held the bowl and sniffed the food’s aroma, sighing: “I tried yesterday. If I eat mortal food, I’ll vomit. It’s uncomfortable unless it’s ingredients that can be fully converted into spiritual energy.”

 

He stared at the large pieces of beef, muttering: “What a pity, it smells so good.”

 

Yes, Chu Jinglan knew how much the Inner demon loved the smell of food, appearing punctually at mealtimes just to smell it. Now, even with a human form, he could only look but not eat. How torturous.

 

So he needs spiritual food to eat…

 

Chu Jinglan made a mental note.

 

“Leave it, I’ll try.”

 

Chu Jinglan first picked up his own portion, swallowing with difficulty, but he didn’t let Xiao Mo notice. The meat was tender, leaving a lingering fragrance on the tongue. It was indeed good, but unfortunately, his stomach completely rejected it after it slid down his throat.

 

After barely finishing one bowl, he poured half of Xiao Mo’s bowl into his own. Towards the end, he really couldn’t eat anymore.

 

They were outside, not at home, and it wouldn’t be right to leave food given kindly by others. Moreover, if they were two normal young men, this portion should have been no problem. They couldn’t arouse suspicion.

 

Chu Jinglan paused for a moment, then reached for Xiao Mo’s bowl again, intending to take the last half.

 

But Xiao Mo turned his hand, bringing the bowl in front of himself.

 

“You should look at your complexion,” Xiao Mo said. “If you really can’t eat more, just tell me. Don’t force yourself.”

 

Chu Jinglan’s fingers paused.

 

His fever had just subsided, and his face was already pale. Now, the corners of his eyes and brows betrayed his endurance. Chu Jinglan curled his fingers, watching Xiao Mo start to eat: “…Won’t you feel uncomfortable?”

 

Xiao Mo gave him a look: “And you’re comfortable?”

 

“Let’s each take half,” Xiao Mo said casually. “It’s fair.”

 

Giving most of the sweetness to others was something Chu Jinglan was used to, but sharing half the bitterness with someone was truly a novel experience.

 

But somehow, with just those words, it felt as if the bitterness in his heart had truly lessened a bit. It was an indescribable feeling.

 

Inexplicable, but definitely not bad.

 

After Xiao Mo finished the food in his bowl, Chu Jinglan also got up to leave the tent. Xiao Mo handed him the bowl to return, while he went to a corner to vomit again.

 

Chu Jinglan returned the bowl, expressed his thanks, and walked in the direction Xiao Mo had left. After a while, Xiao Mo had already finished vomiting and was returning when they ran into each other. He was surprised: “Why did you come over?”

 

The Inner demon had no blood, so his lip color was fake. Besides that, his cheeks wouldn’t turn red, and even when sick from vomiting, his eyes wouldn’t become bloodshot like a normal person’s. Yet, his eyes still showed signs of distress, watery and glistening like autumn waters, as if real tears might fall.

 

Chu Jinglan averted his gaze from those autumn waves: “The caravan is about to set off. I came to find you.”

 

Xiao Mo didn’t suspect anything: “Oh, let’s go then.”

 

The two still sat in the last carriage with the young attendants. The attendants were lively, like little birds, always chattering. Xiao Mo seemed very skilled at communicating with children. He didn’t actually say much, but he always managed to make them happy.

 

When Chu Jinglan was in the Chu family, even when silent, his aura was like frost and snow, so cold that people dared not approach. Now, his presence began to become more subdued. It was unclear whether the high fever had melted it away or if his mindset was beginning to reorganize.

 

Seventeen or eighteen-year-old youths can change day by day, and both he and Xiao Mo, since leaving the Chu family, were slowly beginning to grow.

 

The carriage finally arrived at Wei City. During these three days, they surprisingly didn’t encounter any more people sent by the Chu family to pursue them. It was unclear whether people like Chu Si were worried that Chu Jinglan still had some mysterious tricks up his sleeve, or if the Chu family had exhausted their essence blood and completely lost track of Chu Jinglan. In any case, all was calm.

 

This was certainly good news for Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan.

 

Entering the city, the two bid farewell to the caravan. Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan secretly stuffed the silver and banknotes they had taken from the assassins into their goods. When they discovered it later, they might not guess it was from the two of them, and might even think it was a pleasant surprise forgotten in a corner.

 

However, Xiao Mo kept two or three taels of silver fragments, mainly in case there were any mishaps in Chu Jinglan’s arrangements, so they would at least have money for a few meals.

 

Xiao Mo could go without food, but Chu Jinglan would starve to death if he didn’t eat.

 

Chu Jinglan seemed very familiar with Wei City. After entering the city, he didn’t need to ask for directions and led Xiao Mo directly. Xiao Mo looked at the signboards along the way and found that Chu Jinglan had indeed brought him to East Hua Lane.

 

The two stopped in front of a residence.

 

There couldn’t possibly be a cousin, so what was this house?

 

Chu Jinglan raised his hand to knock on the door. Soon, the door opened, and a middle-aged man appeared. As soon as he saw Chu Jinglan, he immediately welcomed him: “The master has returned!”

 

Chu Jinglan nodded.

 

Xiao Mo: Master?

 

Chu Jinglan: “Thank you for looking after the house for me.”

 

The middle-aged man waved his hand: “It’s nothing. The silver you gave was enough. The entire residence was thoroughly cleaned just two days ago. Are you moving in now?”

 

He looked at Xiao Mo and smiled with familiarity: “Is this your brother?”

 

Indeed, everyone thought they must be twins.

 

Surprisingly, Chu Jinglan answered: “Mm, my younger brother.”

 

Xiao Mo: “…”

 

Fine, being the younger brother once evens the score.

 

He initially wanted to call out “big brother” to tease back, but as the two words reached his lips, he suddenly remembered Chu Jinglan’s earlier gaze. Xiao Mo’s tongue paused, and he swallowed the words back.

 

…Forget it. If he actually called out, Chu Jinglan might remain indifferent, while he himself would feel awkward and clingy. Better not to shoot himself in the foot.

 

“Then I’ll be off now. If you have any instructions, find me at the usual place. If you need help with moving in, I can assist. You can count on me for anything!”

 

The middle-aged man was efficient. After he left, only Chu Jinglan and Xiao Mo remained in the spacious residence. Xiao Mo understood now – this was a house Chu Jinglan had secretly acquired, and the man earlier was hired to look after it.

 

As the young master, Chu Jinglan hadn’t left everything with the Chu family; he had been quietly making his own plans.

 

Actually, the Chu family had initially considered treating Chu Jinglan well, but by the time he showed his cultivation talent, Wan Yu had already been pushed to her limits. The precocious and perceptive Chu Jinglan had observed and remembered Chu Tianshi’s actions and the Chu family’s indulgence.

 

Seeing this genius so averse to the Chu family was unacceptable. The Chu family had finally produced an unparalleled talent, and if benefits couldn’t sway him, they could only use both carrot and stick to keep him firmly in their grasp.

 

However, after using Wan Yu to bind Chu Jinglan, the Chu family didn’t skimp on cultivation resources for him. Chu Jinglan secretly accumulated some things and, avoiding the Chu family’s eyes and ears, placed them in Wei City.

 

Xiao Mo followed Chu Jinglan into the courtyard. It was a three-section compound, far from small. The back garden was planted with peach blossoms, and the corridors and small bridges were designed exquisitely. As evening approached, Chu Jinglan led Xiao Mo to the room with the most peach blossoms.

 

Pushing open the door revealed a dressing table with flowers twined around the mirror, lacquered wood with gold-painted cosmetic boxes, and a gilt filigree incense burner. Any single item was worth more than the silver fragments Xiao Mo had kept.

 

Xiao Mo suddenly felt he had worried unnecessarily.

 

However, besides the meticulous arrangement, many details showed this room was prepared for a woman. Such a good orientation and courtyard could only have been reserved for Wan Yu.

 

Xiao Mo pinched his palm, feeling bitterness on his tongue, and stopped at the doorway.

 

Chu Jinglan hung up the curtains: “It’s late today, rest first. You can stay in this room.”

 

But Xiao Mo didn’t enter: “I can return to the sea of consciousness to rest. This room… you should stay here.”

 

Chu Jinglan’s hand touched the soft, gauzy curtains, as gentle as water. He touched the silk flowers on them, and after lowering his eyes for a while, said: “Alright.”

 

The caretaker was thoughtful and returned with some food, perfect for Chu Jinglan’s dinner. After eating, before it was completely dark, Chu Jinglan sat at the dressing table inside the room, lost in thought.

 

Xiao Mo watched him for a while, suddenly understanding something. He turned and walked away, sitting down on the steps outside.

 

Xiao Mo stared at the night slowly creeping up the sky, silently counting time in his heart. After a while, muffled sobs came from the room behind him.

 

The person crying might have clenched his teeth or covered his mouth with his fist, suppressing and controlling his emotions. The sound was trembling and faint, barely recognizable as crying, but from the intermittent breaths, one could feel the tearing pain in his chest and lungs.

 

Like a small beast in the forest, unable to find its way home.

 

After forcefully suppressing his pain for days, Chu Jinglan’s anguish finally broke through in the house where Wan Yu would never arrive, raging out uncontrollably.

 

The sound of breathing from behind gradually grew louder. Xiao Mo lowered his eyes, took out his flute, and brought it to his lips, gently playing.

 

Twinkle, twinkle, little star—

 

How I wonder what you are—

 

Darkness enveloped everything, with the Milky Way stretching across the sky. Xiao Mo’s imperfect flute melody drowned out the sounds from the room. It was unclear whether the flute’s sound rose with the breathing or if the breathing changed unrestrained under the flute’s cover. When the sound inside the room stopped, Xiao Mo’s tune also ended.

 

The door wasn’t closed, but Xiao Mo didn’t enter. He went to the window and knocked on the closed shutters with his bamboo flute: “Has my flute playing improved?”

 

After a while, a low, muffled “Mm” came from inside the window.

 

Xiao Mo’s lips curved slightly: “I’ll return to the sea of consciousness to cultivate. You should rest early.”

 

From inside, Chu Jinglan’s voice was incredibly hoarse: “…Don’t you dislike places without light?”

 

“I do dislike it, but practicing heart methods is more effective in the sea of consciousness,” Xiao Mo said. “Besides, when deeply immersed in meditation, it’s all the same whether there’s light or not.”

 

After a moment, the window opened from the inside.

 

Chu Jinglan’s eyes were red and swollen. Some people cry pitifully, but he was like a wild beast. Beneath the bloodshot eyes was no need for pity or sympathy, only the blood of enemies could nurture and forge his frost-cold bones and icy soul.

 

Across the open window, Chu Jinglan and Xiao Mo gazed at each other.

 

He said: “Alright, come back.”

 

Having seen Chu Jinglan’s state, certain words needn’t be said. As Xiao Mo transformed into black mist to return to the sea of consciousness, a wisp of black mist circled Chu Jinglan’s eye corner, as if gently wiping it.

 

Chu Jinglan blinked his dry eyes, quietly gazed at the bright stars in the night sky for a while, then closed the door and windows.

 

Xiao Mo returned to his small courtyard in the sea of consciousness. As he opened the panel to look at the heart method, the system interjected: “Host, are you sympathizing with him?”

 

Xiao Mo didn’t even look up: “No.”

 

He turned to where he last read, his tone casual: “He doesn’t need sympathy, and I wouldn’t decide to accompany him out of sympathy.”

 

When he first opened the original novel, if he hadn’t been initially attracted to Chu Jinglan, he wouldn’t have felt so disappointed after being drenched in melodrama, typing out a thousand-word long review.

 

“I want to see how far he can go.”

 

Xiao Mo blinked: “Of course, since I’ve decided to intervene, I certainly don’t want to see him take the path of getting entangled with Su Baimo.”

 

If he wasn’t going to interfere, then so be it. But since he was going to, who would want to be choked to death by a scum bottom when they could read a satisfying story? Anyway, the system said the plot after important growth points didn’t matter. He wanted to accompany Chu Jinglan until the Inner demon tribulation. With such a long journey ahead, always by his side, he’d have plenty of opportunities to nip any budding feelings between Chu Jinglan and Su Baimo in the bud.

 

When Su Baimo is surrounded by a group of later pursuers, Xiao Mo didn’t believe Chu Jinglan, without an emotional foundation, would still go to him wholeheartedly.

 

What romance? Get up and focus on your career!

 

Author’s note:

 

Mini-scene:

 

Xiao Mo: You’re too young for romance. You should be a proud heavenly king with an overflowing ambition, not moved by anyone!

 

Chu Jinglan: …

 

---

 

1 Kofi = 1 Extra Chapter