PID Chapter 39

Here we go ~ Kofi thanks to Choco!!
(3/5)

 

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After Chu Jinglan finished his bowl of longevity noodles, the table finally warmed up, and the others began eating as well.

 

Chu Jinglan silently drank the noodle broth to the last drop, leaving nothing behind.

 

Xiao Mo’s cooking skills came from his childhood days helping out at the welfare center and later assisting teachers in culinary interest classes. Learning to cook wasn’t easy for a minor trying to earn money through part-time work. Most jobs required proper documentation and coordination between schools and relevant departments to find suitable opportunities.

 

Fortunately, Xiao Mo didn’t have many personal expenses and picked up a lot of skills along the way.

 

The pastries and candied fruits weren’t just for the children—Xiao Mo had divided portions for everyone at the table. In front of Chu Jinglan was a plate of osmanthus cake.

 

The osmanthus cake made by Wan Yu had been the sweetest and most fragrant, a taste that could never be experienced again. Yet… this osmanthus cake was still very good.

 

Everything Xiao Mo handed over was quietly eaten by Chu Jinglan.

 

Since Xiao Mo could only eat spiritual food, he focused more on tasting flavors. Yesterday, when he said he was going to talk with the three children, it was likely when he had planned the birthday celebration.

 

It was unclear what else Xiao Mo had said to them, but Yan Chun, Chu Xia, and Mo Zhi had clearly adjusted their emotions today, their gazes now showing a newfound determination.

 

This was something Chu Jinglan couldn’t do himself.

 

So Chu Jinglan felt that the things Xiao Mo excelled at—compared to what he struggled with—went far beyond just cooking. There were too many areas where Xiao Mo outshone him.

 

After celebrating his birthday with lively warmth, Xiao Mo repeatedly emphasized his warning: if anyone dared throw him a full-year banquet next year, he would make sure Chu Jinglan couldn’t find peace—haunting him even in his dreams with whispers: No full-year banquet… no full-year banquet…

 

Never judge a book by its cover. Xiao Mo couldn’t help but complain internally: This guy is secretly so sly when he wants to be.

 

The Night Blooming Cereus pinned to Chu Jinglan’s belt was carefully preserved as a specimen and stored away. Two days later, the craftsman finished the protective talismans ahead of schedule. Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan went to collect them, and it was finally time to send the three children off to Lin’an Academy.

 

The lotus patterns on the talismans were exquisitely lifelike, and the children carefully stored them away. In addition to the talismans, each child’s storage device contained five mid-grade spirit stones, three hundred low-grade spirit stones, three bottles of spiritual medicine, and communication jade tokens—all meticulously prepared.

 

This made them far wealthier than Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan had been when they first arrived in the Middle Realm.

 

The journey from Lin’an City to Lin’an Academy wasn’t far—just a few miles for cultivators. Arriving early allowed them time to familiarize themselves with their surroundings. Despite their reluctance to part ways, the three children obediently followed the arrangements.

 

At Lin’an Academy’s gates, Xiao Mo patted each child’s head and said: “If anything happens, contact us via communication jade. The academy has rest days on the fifteenth of each month—if you have no plans, you can return to stay at the courtyard.”

 

Hearing this, the children’s eyes lit up with hope—only for Chu Jinglan’s cold voice to douse their excitement: “We won’t necessarily be back.”

 

A bucket of cold water instantly dimmed their bright expressions.

 

But there was no helping it—it was true. Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan couldn’t guarantee they’d have time to return every month. So Xiao Mo offered some reassurance: “If we’re free, we’ll come back—and we’ll let you know beforehand.”

 

Children were easy to cheer up—their spirits revived again as they nodded enthusiastically like little chicks pecking at rice.

 

Xiao Mo said, “Go on.”

 

The three children followed the Lin’an Academy disciple leading the way toward the gates, turning back every few steps to look at Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan. Initially planning to see them off at the gate, Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan noticed that the children looked like they were about to cry. Changing their minds, they nodded at the kids and turned away, walking off without lingering.

 

The wide stone steps felt empty and quiet. Occasionally, a bird or beast called out from the forest, and shadows of swaying trees danced in the sunlight. Without the three lively little ones around, Xiao Mo asked Chu Jinglan, “Now that it’s suddenly so quiet, do you think it’ll feel strange?”

 

Chu Jinglan replied in his usual tone: “No.”

 

Xiao Mo snorted. “It’ll be a rare day when you stop being so stubborn.”

 

Chu Jinglan didn’t argue back, but this time he wasn’t being stubborn.

 

Back in the Chu family, he had long grown accustomed to being alone. Solitude was second nature to him—whether working alone or dealing with people like Su Baimo, who would only come to him for help before leaving immediately after. Everything was strictly business.

 

The loneliness of being by himself was nothing new to him.

 

Besides… Chu Jinglan’s gaze swept over Xiao Mo, who was strolling leisurely ahead.

 

With someone who could play the flute and bicker with him by his side, it was far from lonely compared to his earlier days.

 

A gentle breeze swept through the ancient trees lining Lin’an Academy’s mountain path. Leaves swayed as Xiao Mo walked down the steps. Turning back, he noticed Chu Jinglan standing two or three steps higher, gazing at him from above.

 

Chu Jinglan’s eyes were calm and distant—not condescending but carrying a quiet solemnity that felt timeless.

 

The towering mountains and vast forests seemed reflected in his gaze, yet it felt as though they held only one figure.

 

From Xiao Mo’s perspective below, under the blue sky and white clouds, Chu Jinglan stood tall like a noble gentleman—graceful as jade. He seemed like an immortal gazing down serenely from another realm, untouched by mortal dust.

 

The scene was breathtakingly beautiful—a solitary figure amidst floating clouds—but for some reason, it made Xiao Mo’s heart skip a beat. Loosening his hands from their lazy position behind his back, he quickly climbed three steps in just a few strides until he stood beside Chu Jinglan. His robe fluttered lightly as he moved.

 

Chu Jinglan: ?

 

He looked at Xiao Mo with a questioning gaze, wondering why he had suddenly turned back.

 

Clearing his throat awkwardly, Xiao Mo said: “Nothing. Let’s go—back home.”

 

What he didn’t say was that while Chu Jinglan standing there alone looked ethereal and stunningly beautiful, it also felt unbearably empty.

 

You looked too lonely standing there—I came to keep you company.

 

I’m such a good demon, Xiao Mo thought smugly to himself.

 

—

 

Five days later, Xiao Mo’s new jade flute was finally ready. The pristine white flute featured a beautifully carved Night Blooming Cereus, blooming vividly on its surface as though alive.

 

Holding the smooth and warm flute in his hand, Xiao Mo couldn’t put it down. He admired it for a while before deciding what to do with his old bamboo flute. Since it had been exchanged from the system store, he could store it directly in the small room within his sea of consciousness. He hung the bamboo flute on the wall as decoration and placed the jade flute in its new spot of honor.

 

On the day they were set to depart again, something stirred within their possessions—the golden-orange egg shell of the Flowing Fire Phoenix they had taken from the gray-robed demonic cultivator began to move.

 

Chu Jinglan retrieved it from his storage device. Under their watchful eyes, cracks slowly spread across the egg shell with crisp snapping sounds. Then with a sharp “pop,” a tiny head pushed its way out of the shell.

 

“Cheep?”

 

The little creature’s first sight was of two figures. It looked at Xiao Mo and then at Chu Jinglan, seemingly confused. Their auras felt similar, but instinct told it that there could only be one true contract master.

 

Its head was still topped with part of the eggshell, wobbling as it moved. Xiao Mo raised his hand and gently removed the shell from its head, unable to suppress his laughter. “Do you think it can’t tell the difference between the two of us?”

 

It was understandable—after all, Xiao Mo was still Chu Jinglan’s Inner Demon. His existence was fundamentally tied to Chu Jinglan’s essence, which likely left the little creature feeling muddled.

 

As Xiao Mo pulled away the eggshell, the tiny bird instinctively nuzzled against his finger.

 

When ordinary birds hatch, their bodies are mostly flesh-colored, but the Flowing Fire Phoenix is different. Upon breaking out of its shell, it is already covered in soft down feathers—not golden yet but a dull gray, making it look rather unremarkable.

 

As it grows and advances in cultivation, its feathers will change colors several times before eventually becoming golden.

 

Xiao Mo rubbed its tiny head with one finger, enjoying the fluffy texture. “Ah, ‘Golden Ball’ doesn’t quite suit you for now. Let’s call you by a nickname—‘Qiuqiu.’”

 

“Cheep!” chirped Qiuqiu.

 

Xiao Mo paused in surprise. “It said ‘golden yellow’… I can understand what it’s saying?”

 

Typically, after forming a contract with a beast, only the master can understand its speech—meaning Chu Jinglan should be able to comprehend it. But for some reason, Xiao Mo could understand it too.

 

Chu Jinglan glanced at him indifferently and said: “Probably because you’re my Inner Demon.”

 

As an unusual cultivator who had developed an Inner Demon as early as Golden Core stage—and with this unique Inner Demon beside him—many things were bound to be unpredictable. Nothing seemed surprising anymore.

 

Xiao Mo rubbed the bird’s head again, marveling at how soft and fluffy it felt. “Alright then.”

 

Qiuqiu’s gray appearance made it easy to pass off as another species of beast. No one would immediately suspect it was a Flowing Fire Phoenix. Chu Jinglan retrieved a prepared spirit pet pouch from his storage device—it contained bedding and food for the little creature.

 

When he opened the pouch, Qiuqiu tentatively stretched out its tiny claws toward the dark opening. Only after catching a whiff of spiritual grass did it flap its small wings excitedly and hop inside.

 

The pouch’s interior was spacious enough for Qiuqiu to frolic around happily.

 

Welcoming a new member on their departure day felt like a good omen. Xiao Mo shifted back into Chu Jinglan’s body and said: “Let’s go.”

 

Chu Jinglan replied simply: “Mm.”

 

He fastened his golden mask onto his face as Xiao Mo took control of his body and flew directly toward Yushan Sect. To avoid encountering anyone along the way, wearing a mask was necessary since Chu Jinglan’s current identity was that of a crippled cultivator stuck at Qi Refining stage—it wouldn’t do for anyone to associate him with a Nascent Soul-level expert.

 

Flying with Nascent Soul wind-riding speed was far faster than walking on foot. Before long, they arrived near Yushan Sect and landed in an isolated spot where they separated back into two individuals before continuing their journey toward the sect.

 

Yushan Sect wasn’t wealthy enough to occupy any grand mountains or valleys—the sect was situated on a small corner hill that wasn’t very tall. There was even a village at the foot of the hill, giving the place an earthy and grounded feel. The entire sect consisted of roughly one hundred members.

 

In the Middle Realm, such numbers indeed made Yushan Sect a small sect.

 

Smaller sects weren’t as strict about recruitment criteria. At the entrance, a gatekeeping disciple sat dozing at a table. When Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan stepped forward to stand in front of him, the disciple immediately woke up from his nap in alarm.

 

The gatekeeping disciple’s eyes lit up as he looked at Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan, glancing back and forth with a sense of admiration. His gaze wasn’t overly intrusive, making it impossible to feel annoyed by his reaction. Clearing his throat, he greeted them warmly: “What brings you two here?”

 

Xiao Mo replied with a smile: “We’ve long admired Yushan Sect’s reputation. We’d like to join the sect—would that be possible?”

 

“Joining the sect, huh?” The disciple paused for a moment before pulling out a testing stone and a registration book from under the table. “Alright, let’s test your cultivation first.”

 

Yushan Sect didn’t bother testing applicants’ ages. Xiao Mo placed his hand on the testing stone first—three spiritual roots, Foundation Establishment early stage. The disciple nodded in acknowledgment.

 

Next was Chu Jinglan.

 

The testing stone emitted pure white light, and the disciple’s eyes widened in surprise: “Single spiritual root at Qi Refining early stage?”

 

A single spiritual root—moreover, a mutated ice spiritual root—was an excellent foundation for cultivation. Even if the spiritual root’s Qi Sea wasn’t particularly wide, it was still considered an exceptional talent. Yet how could someone of his age have such low cultivation?

 

The disciple couldn’t help but glance at Chu Jinglan again and tentatively asked: “Are you just starting your cultivation journey?”

 

Chu Jinglan withdrew his hand and replied directly under the disciple’s cautious gaze: “I’ve been cultivating for over ten years. My dantian was recently destroyed.”

 

“Ah…” The disciple understood now and sighed softly. “I see—you’re here to seek out Uncle Jing Lei, aren’t you?”

 

Xiao Mo took the opportunity to bow respectfully and asked: “Would that be possible?”

 

“Ever since he started staying within the sect and refusing to leave, many people have come under the guise of joining the sect just to meet him. You’re not the first.”

 

The disciple shook his finger and added: “But I advise you not to bother—it’s not easy to get an audience with him.”

 

Xiao Mo picked up on the subtle shift in the disciple’s emotions and sensed an opportunity. Understanding people’s minds really did make things easier. He pulled out a mid-grade spirit stone and slid it forward: “Please guide us, Senior Brother.”

 

The disciple grinned widely as he accepted the spirit stone and tossed it lightly in his hand. “Alright, you’re pretty sharp.”

 

“But calling me ‘Senior Brother’ is a bit premature. Let me tell you this—Uncle Jing Lei favors those who can endure hardship and show strong perseverance. But what counts as hardship, and how much you need to endure—that’s entirely up to him. With your current cultivation levels, you’ll probably be assigned as outer disciples responsible for chores if you join. Life won’t be easy—you might get lucky and meet him in a month or two, but it’s far more likely you won’t see him for ten years or more.”

 

Spreading his hands in resignation, the gatekeeping disciple asked: “So? Do you still want to stay?”

 

Chu Jinglan didn’t hesitate: “Since I’ve come this far, I must try no matter what. Please grant us permission.”

 

“I’ve warned you about everything I needed to say—if you insist on trying, then go ahead.” The disciple picked up his pen. “Your names?”

 

“Chu Jinglan.”

 

“Xiao Mo.”

 

The disciple raised an eyebrow in amusement: “Sounds like real names.”

 

Xiao Mo smiled brightly: “Senior Brother is joking—we came with sincerity; why would we use fake names?”

 

After jotting down their names, the disciple stood up to lead them inside. “Might as well do a good deed all the way—follow me.”

 

At that moment, another Yushan Sect disciple hurried over: “Thank you for watching the gate for me, Song Xuan Senior Brother… Huh? Who are these two?”

 

Song Xuan grinned slyly like a fox and said openly in front of Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan: “New laborers—they want to meet Uncle Jing Lei.”

 

Apparently, people coming to seek out Jing Lei wasn’t uncommon—they were used to it by now. The other disciple nodded knowingly: “Ah, I see.”

 

Xiao Mo’s gaze swept lightly across them as he thought to himself: A gatekeeping disciple at Golden Core stage? Isn’t Yushan Sect’s threshold surprisingly high?

 

It turned out Song Xuan was merely filling in temporarily—likely bored and taking this chance to lead them inside as well.

 

Song Xuan seemed to know a lot of people. Along the way, every disciple they passed greeted him warmly. The accommodations for outer disciples were, of course, not expected to be luxurious, but when Song Xuan finally led them to their assigned quarters, Xiao Mo couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow slightly.

 

It was a dilapidated little wooden hut. Half of the roof tiles were missing, and instead of being properly repaired, the gaps had been casually covered with straw. There were no other houses nearby—just this one, sitting alone in the farthest and most desolate corner. It looked utterly pitiful.

 

Xiao Mo couldn’t help but wonder if a strong gust of wind might blow the entire structure away.

 

The door hung crookedly on its hinges. Song Xuan picked up a stick from the ground and carefully propped the door open, as if afraid that too much force might cause it to collapse entirely. As soon as the door creaked open, a cloud of dust came tumbling down.

 

Song Xuan said cheerfully: “This will be your residence. It’s a bit dirty, but at least it’s a place to sleep. Wait here—I’ll go fetch your disciple plaques. Someone will come by later to explain your duties.”

 

Having said that, he lingered for a moment, clearly waiting to see their reactions.

 

Chu Jinglan’s expression didn’t change as he replied calmly: “Thank you, Senior Brother.”

 

Xiao Mo also responded politely: “Thank you, Senior Brother.”

 

It was as if Xiao Mo hadn’t been the one raising his eyebrows just moments ago.

 

Song Xuan gave them both another curious glance before laughing lightly and saying: “No need to thank me.”

 

With that, he waved his hand and walked off. Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan entered the hut, and the rickety door swayed before closing on its own. Xiao Mo cast a cleaning spell over the room and extended his divine sense to confirm that Song Xuan had indeed gone far away. Then the two exchanged glances and nodded simultaneously.

 

Xiao Mo transformed into his spiritual form and swiftly flew out of the hut, catching up with Song Xuan in an instant.

 

He followed as Song Xuan weaved through several turns before entering a courtyard filled with the hum of swords clashing. Without bothering to knock, Song Xuan pushed open the door casually and called out loudly: “Uncle Jing Lei! Practicing swordplay again?”

 

A middle-aged man turned around and spat at him: “Can’t you knock first?!”

 

Song Xuan grinned cheekily: “You wouldn’t open it even if I knocked, so I might as well let myself in.”

 

The man clicked his tongue in irritation. “Tch!”

 

“Don’t be like that,” Song Xuan said with a playful tone. “I just came to let you know—someone’s here to see you again. They didn’t test their bone age, but from what I can tell, they’re two kids around seventeen or eighteen years old. One of them is crippled.”

 

Hearing this, Xiao Mo—who was quietly observing from behind—raised his gaze slightly: So this is Jing Lei?

 

Jing Lei was dressed in simple gray training clothes. His skin was bronze-toned, his build sturdy and muscular. He had an unrestrained air about him, with a bit of stubble on his chin and a wine flask hanging from his waist. He looked less like a cultivator and more like a wandering swordsman from the mortal world.

 

He snorted dismissively: “Kids?”

 

Song Xuan nodded enthusiastically: “Yep! They’re good-looking too—pale and clean-cut. If they hadn’t mentioned being crippled before, you wouldn’t even guess they’ve been through hardship.”

 

Jing Lei sat down on a stone stool opposite Song Xuan and chuckled dryly: “Which sect’s young master decided to change his name and sneak in this time?”

 

“He doesn’t seem like it,” Song Xuan continued thoughtfully. “The person with him appears to be related to him by blood—he’s only at Foundation Establishment, not someone who looks like a bodyguard. Surely, they wouldn’t send two young masters here to suffer together, would they?”

 

Standing nearby, Xiao Mo couldn’t help but look at Song Xuan with newfound respect. This seemingly money-hungry senior brother turned out to be far more observant and insightful than expected.

 

Song Xuan added: “I’ve placed them in that rundown hut. Next, should we follow your usual method and gather some people to give them a little ‘welcome’?”

 

Jing Lei uncorked the wine flask hanging from his waist, releasing the strong aroma of liquor into the air. He took a hearty swig and wiped his mouth casually. “You already know the answer—why ask me?”

 

“Just wanted to check,” Song Xuan replied, sitting up straight with a rare air of seriousness. “To be honest, I think we should try a different approach. Every time we start by sending people to bully newcomers, it doesn’t really count as hardship—it just makes outsiders misunderstand Yushan Sect’s reputation.”

 

“Even if we explain things once they leave, they’ve already swallowed their grievances—who’s going to listen at that point? Don’t you agree?”

 

Jing Lei slapped the stone table and roared like an ox: “A cripple in the cultivation world is mocked and oppressed no matter where they go! If they can’t endure this, how do they expect to repair their dantian?”

 

Song Xuan wasn’t intimidated by his shouting and shrugged. “But when you came back, no one mocked you.”

 

“Would they dare?” Jing Lei shot him a glare. “I came back ready to cultivate again!”

 

He kicked Song Xuan lightly. “Get lost—just follow my usual rules. Whether they can handle it is for me to decide.”

 

Song Xuan sighed: “It’s just a suggestion. After all, only you know how tough the process is and what kind of resilience it demands. Of course, it’s still up to you.”

 

Internally, Song Xuan thought: Sigh… Uncle Jing Lei has such an eccentric temper—it’s going to be tough for them.

 

Standing up and dusting off his clothes, Song Xuan said: “Alright then—I’ll go find people to ‘bully’ them.”

 

But as he turned away, his eyes gleamed with mischief. “That crippled one—Chu Jinglan—he seems quite different from the usual lot. He didn’t show desperation or helplessness when he arrived at the sect gates. I think this kid might have some backbone.”

 

“And as for his companion, Xiao Mo—he wasn’t worried or impatient either. If they hadn’t said they were here for you, I wouldn’t have guessed there was a cripple among them.”

 

Jing Lei stroked his chin thoughtfully: “Hmm… got it.”

 

Xiao Mo found this rather amusing and sent a voice transmission to Chu Jinglan in an exaggeratedly playful tone:

 

[Chu Jinglan, Yushan Sect is planning to send people to bully us!]

 

Chu Jinglan: “…”

 

Chu Jinglan: ….Noted. Why do you sound so eager about this?

 

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1 Kofi = 1 Extra Chapter