PID Chapter 44

¡Gracias por el Ko-fi, Choco~!

(2/5)

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Jing Lei didn’t seem overly suspicious or inquisitive about the so-called magical artifact Xiao Mo mentioned. After all, he had already considered the possibility that these two might be hiding their identities as members of some influential faction who had come to Yushan Sect.

 

With the Middle Realm’s 24 prefectures and the Upper Realm’s nine provinces, the world was teeming with countless people and factions, both on the surface and in the shadows. The intricate web of powers was far too complex for Jing Lei to know everything.

 

This was precisely why he imposed restrictions on what Chu Jinglan could use during their duels. Otherwise, if someone pulled out some family heirloom-grade treasure, there wouldn’t even be a point in fighting.

 

Standing before him, Xiao Mo bowed politely and said, “Please guide me, Senior.”

 

Jing Lei didn’t hold back. Channeling ten percent of his spiritual energy, he swung his heavy sword toward Xiao Mo.

 

The first strike came down hard, but Xiao Mo spun lightly on his feet and sidestepped effortlessly. Jing Lei’s heavy sword slammed into the dirt, kicking up a cloud of dust without so much as grazing Xiao Mo.

 

Fortunately, Jing Lei’s courtyard was spacious—clearly a place he used for training regularly—giving them plenty of room to move.

 

Seeing Xiao Mo dodge so nimbly, Chu Jinglan’s hand, which had been tensely pressing against his knuckles, finally began to relax.

 

He exhaled slowly and focused intently on observing Jing Lei’s techniques—he couldn’t let Xiao Mo’s efforts go to waste.

 

After his first move, Jing Lei didn’t immediately follow up. He seemed intrigued by Xiao Mo’s movements. Glancing at Xiao Mo and then at Chu Jinglan, he said: “I’ll give you fifteen moves.”

 

That was excellent news—when trying to analyze someone’s techniques, the more moves they made, the better. Whether Jing Lei was being confident or considerate didn’t matter; Xiao Mo was more than happy with this development. “Thank you, Senior.”

 

Jing Lei replied with a curt: “Again!”

 

And then he moved.

 

Despite his bold and powerful style—marked by ferocity and brute strength—Jing Lei wasn’t slow. His combination of speed and force resembled a storm of wind and rain designed to overwhelm his opponent completely. His approach relied on offense as defense, leaving little room for protection.

 

No martial art is flawless or without weaknesses—it all depends on whether someone can identify those flaws. And even if they do uncover them, they must also consider whether they have the skill to exploit them effectively.

 

While Xiao Mo only focused on dodging, Jing Lei seemed to gain some insight from their exchange.

 

This guy moves as lightly as a swallow… no, more like a gust of wind.

 

Uncatchable. Untouchable.

 

Jing Lei’s strikes carried immense force—enough to pin someone under a metaphorical Five Finger Mountain—but Xiao Mo always managed to evade just in time.

 

Actually… not just “in time.” It was clear that Xiao Mo dodged with ease.

 

Whatever that so-called magical artifact was, it wasn’t just that—this kid clearly had something special about him too.

 

Far from feeling frustrated at being unable to land a hit, Jing Lei found himself oddly exhilarated by the peculiar rhythm of their exchange.

 

After fifteen moves, Jing Lei stopped abruptly. The winds from his heavy sword settled as he sheathed it with practiced ease. Loosening the flask at his waist, he took two hearty swigs of wine.

 

“Ha…”

 

Refreshing!

 

Jing Lei took a hearty swig of his strong liquor and looked at Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan. “You two brats are quite interesting.”

 

He had a strange feeling—no matter how much more spiritual energy he added, Xiao Mo would still manage to dodge his attacks, always just barely but perfectly.

 

He turned to Chu Jinglan and asked: “Did you figure anything out?”

 

“I’ve gained some insights,” Chu Jinglan replied.

 

Jing Lei raised an eyebrow. “Think you can win today?”

 

Chu Jinglan didn’t show arrogance. “No, I still won’t last even one move today.”

 

Jing Lei was just about to commend him for his self-awareness when he heard Chu Jinglan continue: “But soon, I’ll be able to withstand ten moves.”

 

His tone was calm, and his gaze steady—neither overly proud nor recklessly defiant. Though young, there was a tempered resilience in his bones, forged through trials and hardships, yet still retaining a sharp edge.

 

Jing Lei didn’t dislike people like this.

 

“Alright then,” Jing Lei said. “Next up.”

 

Chu Jinglan stepped forward.

 

And then…

 

As expected, he didn’t last even one move.

 

The two had entered the courtyard side by side, but when they left, it was with one carrying the other—Chu Jinglan was once again being carried on Xiao Mo’s back.

 

On the way back to the small wooden hut, Xiao Mo couldn’t help but chuckle. “See? I told you not to worry about returning favors based on numbers. I’ve carried you three times now. Tomorrow and the day after—I bet I’ll still be the one carrying you back. You’ll never settle this debt, Senior Brother Chu.”

 

Lying on the bed, recovering his strength with the help of medicinal pills, Chu Jinglan thought to himself: If we’re only counting numbers, it’s definitely possible to repay this.

 

But saying that aloud would sound like bickering with Xiao Mo—and it might make him seem… less composed.

 

Chu Jinglan’s gaze swept lightly over Xiao Mo: After all, he’s still an Inner Demon who hasn’t even had his full-year banquet yet. Letting him have the upper hand in verbal sparring is no big deal.

 

Xiao Mo immediately noticed Chu Jinglan’s glance and narrowed his eyes suspiciously. He tapped Chu Jinglan’s arm with his flute—since Chu Jinglan couldn’t move—and asked: “Your look isn’t right. Were you badmouthing me in your head?”

 

Chu Jinglan replied calmly: “No.”

 

He had spoken about Xiao Mo in his mind—but it wasn’t badmouthing, so technically, he wasn’t lying.

 

Xiao Mo was about to say something more when the communication jade lit up.

 

Snapping back to focus, Xiao Mo pulled out the jade—it was a message from Lin’an Academy sent by the three children.

 

Communication jades had two modes of listening: one where only the owner could hear the message privately and another where they could wipe the imprint to let others hear it aloud—essentially like switching between headphone mode and speaker mode in modern terms.

 

The message was from Yan Chun, though the other two children were clearly crowding around and talking as well. Xiao Mo decided to switch to speaker mode so both he and Chu Jinglan could listen together.

 

Mo Zhi’s loud voice came through first: “Master! Senior Brother! We’ve been studying seriously!”

 

Chu Xia chimed in excitedly: “The instructors are amazing!”

 

After their enthusiastic exclamations subsided, Yan Chun spoke with a composed tone: “Master, Senior Brother, I’d like to report our current progress.”

 

He already carried himself with a bit of a mature demeanor.

 

The three children hadn’t forgotten their mission—to gain Liu Shao’s favor so they could help Chu Jinglan. However, Yan Chun explained that Liu Shao currently wasn’t teaching introductory medical techniques; he only gave lessons to disciples who had passed certain medical cultivation assessments.

 

So, all three children chose medical cultivation courses.

 

However, Mo Zhi struggled greatly—it was very challenging for him. Yan Chun performed decently, but it was Chu Xia who truly shone.

 

Xiao Mo thought to himself: Of course—after all, Chu Xia is destined to become a little medical fairy in the future.

 

Yan Chun explained: “Mo Zhi finds the study of medicine difficult, but his cultivation speed is remarkable. Instructor Yi holds him in high regard. Instructor Yi is close friends with Liu Shao, so if Mo Zhi can earn Instructor Yi’s trust, he might be able to connect with Liu Shao as well.”

 

Yan Chun himself was doing well too. He excelled at studying, approached cultivation with determination, and was able to grasp and apply techniques flexibly. His ability to extrapolate and adapt pleased the instructors greatly.

 

“Master, Senior Brother,” Yan Chun continued hesitantly, “I dare to ask—if Mo Zhi and I cannot directly gain Liu Shao’s favor through the path of medicine, is it possible to try other methods?”

 

It was clear that among the three children, Yan Chun was the one most adept at making decisions. Medical cultivation couldn’t be forced—not everyone could succeed in becoming a medical cultivator. Chu Jinglan replied simply: “Yes.”

 

Yan Chun let out a sigh of relief.

 

With the serious matters addressed, Chu Xia’s sweet voice chimed in like a nightingale: “Master, Senior Brother, I miss you so much!”

 

Mo Zhi quickly added: “Me too!”

 

Even Yan Chun’s previously composed tone softened slightly as he asked with cautious hope: “During the academy’s rest days, we plan to return to the courtyard in Lin’an City. Will Master and Senior Brother be coming back?”

 

Before Chu Jinglan could respond with his usual bluntness, Xiao Mo intervened with a gentler reply: “Sorry—we really can’t spare the time right now. Your Master is going through a tough phase.”

 

The three children immediately set aside their disappointment about not being able to return home and began anxiously asking questions all at once: “What tough phase? Did something happen? Is his injury worsening?”

 

Xiao Mo glanced at Chu Jinglan, who had just regained some strength, and smiled reassuringly: “Don’t worry—it’s challenging but part of cultivation. How are you all doing?”

 

The children relaxed and obediently answered Xiao Mo’s questions. They assured him they were taking good care of themselves and working hard on their cultivation. After chatting for a while longer, they ended the communication.

 

By then, Chu Jinglan had fully recovered his strength. He pushed aside Xiao Mo’s flute as it tapped on his shoulder—refusing to let Xiao Mo keep treating him like a wooden fish to be struck. Xiao Mo twirled the flute playfully before moving it away and waved the communication jade in his hand: “They’re doing well, don’t you think?”

 

Indeed—they had been worth the time and effort Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan had spent selecting them. The children were proving to be reliable.

 

Having completed their most important tasks before noon that day, Xiao Mo suggested that Chu Jinglan join him for dinner at the disciples’ dining hall later that evening. “After all,” he said, “eating fasting pills every day is so bland.”

 

Chu Jinglan suspected that Xiao Mo simply wanted to enjoy the aroma of food.

 

However, since Yushan Sect wasn’t a major sect and they could only eat at the outer disciples’ dining hall, there was no guarantee there would be spiritual food available.

 

Xiao Mo shrugged nonchalantly: “Even if there’s no spiritual food—I can still enjoy smelling it.”

 

Chu Jinglan thought: Yep—he’s definitely craving it.

 

So that evening, the two headed to the outer disciples’ dining hall.

 

Among the outer disciples, none practiced fasting, so the dining hall became lively during meal times. Surprisingly, the variety of food was decent, and there were even spiritual dishes available. However, regular food was free, while spiritual food required payment. Unless absolutely necessary, spiritual food was rarely purchased.

 

As soon as Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan entered the dining hall, they drew everyone’s attention. Chu Jinglan’s battle at the mountain gate had made him famous throughout Yushan Sect, and combined with their striking appearances, disciples couldn’t help but glance their way wherever they went.

 

After surveying the situation at the dining hall, Chu Jinglan walked straight to the counter selling spiritual food and ordered a dish.

 

The disciples quietly speculated: As expected—they must be wealthy young masters hiding their identities while seeking treatment at Yushan Sect.

 

But soon after, they noticed that Chu Jinglan also ordered regular food for himself.

 

It turned out that the spiritual dish was for Xiao Mo, while Chu Jinglan ate the ordinary meal.

 

The disciples were momentarily stunned—now they weren’t sure whether these two were rich or not.

 

One thing was clear: the bond between these two brothers was undeniably strong.

 

The news that they were brothers had already spread throughout the sect, reportedly originating from Song Xuan. It seemed reliable enough, though some wondered why they didn’t share the same surname. Still, anyone could see how inseparable they were and how deep their relationship ran.

 

In the cultivation world, shared surnames or bloodlines mattered far less than genuine affection and loyalty.

 

After hesitating for a moment, one disciple approached them and tried sitting at their table to strike up a conversation.

 

Chu Jinglan remained indifferent in his responses—neither warm nor cold—while Xiao Mo nodded politely. He wasn’t overly enthusiastic but managed to exchange a few words with them.

 

The arrival of such mysterious and attractive newcomers quickly drew more disciples to their table. Some eagerly joined in conversation, while others simply listened. Meanwhile, Xiao Mo chatted casually while subtly gathering more information.

 

One disciple remarked: “No one’s come to seek Uncle Jing Lei in over ten years. As for his method of repairing dantians—we outer disciples know absolutely nothing about it.”

 

Another disciple with connections to inner disciples added: “Even most inner disciples don’t know much about it. All I’ve heard is that the method is extremely dangerous—no one dares to try it. Uncle Jing Lei succeeded partly due to luck.”

 

When it came to luck on his cultivation path, Chu Jinglan wasn’t lacking. But if the method turned out to be unbearably painful and grueling—something that required sheer endurance—it would undoubtedly be difficult for anyone to face.

 

Some disciples tried probing Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan for information about themselves during the meal but left empty-handed except for confirmation that they were brothers.

 

—

 

Over the next three days, as expected, Chu Jinglan still ended up being carried back by Xiao Mo after each challenge. However, on the fourth day, there was noticeable progress: thanks to Xiao Mo’s daily pressure training sessions, Chu Jinglan achieved a breakthrough. Although he lost again that day, after taking his recovery pill he could move with assistance—no longer needing to be carried out like before.

 

Jing Lei gave him a few surprised glances: “Your meridian strength is improving this quickly?”

 

For someone whose dantian had been destroyed—unable to store spiritual energy or circulate cultivation—the capacity of their meridians would typically deteriorate over time. It was akin to tree branches drying out without roots to sustain them. Jing Lei’s intention in challenging Chu Jinglan had been to force him to maintain the resilience of his meridians—but he hadn’t expected this kid to actually strengthen them further.

 

This earned Jing Lei’s genuine respect.

 

Supported by Xiao Mo and temporarily too exhausted to speak, it was Xiao Mo who softly remarked: “I know Senior’s intentions are well-meaning—but he has never been one to slack off.”

 

Jing Lei fell silent for a moment before offering them his first sincere smile since their meeting—a smile of true acknowledgment.

 

Jing Lei’s perpetually furrowed brow relaxed slightly as he laughed heartily twice, nodding in approval. “Pushing yourself to climb higher is far more important than relying on others to whip you forward. Kid, if your body’s resilience allows you to withstand ten moves under me, only then will you barely be able to use the method for repairing your dantian.”

 

Finally, Jing Lei offered the two young men some reassurance, letting them know he wasn’t tormenting them for fun: “Continue tomorrow.”

 

Having softened his stance a bit, Jing Lei walked off. Only then did Xiao Mo realize: “Ah, we should’ve taken the chance to ask him directly about his techniques.”

 

Chu Jinglan, too exhausted to speak aloud, replied via voice transmission: “We’ve seen plenty of his moves over these days. I’d guess his sword techniques don’t exceed a hundred moves.”

 

Though Jing Lei’s heavy sword differed from Chu Jinglan’s own weapon, swordsmanship and sword intent always shared commonalities. As a former prodigy, Chu Jinglan had already developed his own understanding of Jing Lei’s techniques over these past days.

 

However, the disparity in cultivation levels was too vast—Chu Jinglan could see the moves but couldn’t evade or counter them effectively.

 

Xiao Mo’s pressure training sessions and Chu Jinglan’s duels with Jing Lei had indeed strengthened Chu Jinglan’s meridians significantly. The lingering injuries were fully healed now, leaving no trace of the previous severed and reconnected meridians.

 

During his battles with Jing Lei, Chu Jinglan used a binding rope as his second artifact. Due to his limited spiritual energy, he hadn’t yet mastered its use and could only adapt through actual combat.

 

Recently, the disciples had grown accustomed to seeing Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan at the dining hall during dinner. Many would gather around to ask about their day’s results and chat about various gossip.

 

Though Yushan Sect was small, its warm and friendly atmosphere made it more comfortable than some larger sects.

 

As usual, Chu Jinglan ordered spiritual food for Xiao Mo while eating regular food himself. While eating, he pondered the day’s exchanges with Jing Lei. Meanwhile, Xiao Mo casually chatted with nearby disciples as usual. At one point, a disciple handed Xiao Mo a letter.

 

Xiao Mo looked puzzled: “For me?”

 

The disciple nodded with an unremarkable expression and smiled. “Don’t worry—it won’t interrupt your meal. You can read it later.”

 

Could this be some secret technique for defeating Jing Lei? Xiao Mo wondered briefly. But judging by the thickness of the paper, it didn’t seem like much.

 

After finishing their meal and returning to the hut, Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan sat on the edge of the bed frame together to open the letter.

 

The handwriting was neat and elegant—precise and orderly. The opening line read:

 

“A simple note to convey my thoughts—dedicated to Xiao Mo, young master.”

 

Upon realizing what was written, both Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan froze simultaneously.

 

It wasn’t any sort of secret technique or classified information—it was… a love letter.

 

Xiao Mo instinctively slammed the letter shut with a sharp motion and looked up at Chu Jinglan in stunned silence. After pausing briefly, Chu Jinglan stood up calmly and moved to sit on his own bed frame across from Xiao Mo.

 

This was clearly an act of retreat—giving Xiao Mo space to process things privately.

 

Xiao Mo felt awkward. He and Chu Jinglan had grown accustomed to reading things together, but who would’ve thought it would turn out to be a love letter? And from a man, no less.

 

In his previous life, Xiao Mo had been the top student in school, with an aura of academic excellence so strong that everyone knew his greatest love was studying. When someone tried to test his feelings by mentioning confessions posted on the campus walls, Xiao Mo had simply replied: Busy studying—no time or interest for romance.

 

What romance? Focus on learning and strive for progress every day.

 

As a result, he had never received a love letter before.

 

If Chu Jinglan hadn’t seen the contents earlier, Xiao Mo might not have felt this awkward. But now, holding the letter in his hands, he felt stuck in an uncomfortable position.

 

Though Xiao Mo didn’t have a heart in the literal sense, it didn’t stop him from experiencing rich emotions.

 

Silence filled the room like an invisible current. Chu Jinglan quietly took out a sword manual and began studying it, his calm demeanor naturally diffusing the tension in the air. As expected, once Chu Jinglan acted as though nothing had happened, Xiao Mo’s awkward expression gradually faded.

 

Finally, Xiao Mo reopened the letter and finished reading it.

 

Afterward, he picked up the pen from the cabinet, dipped it in ink, and wrote something on the letter. Then he folded it neatly and placed it back where it belonged.

 

Chu Jinglan’s gaze remained fixed on the sword manual as he casually asked: “You wrote a reply?”

 

“Mm. Naturally, I declined his feelings,” Xiao Mo replied as he set down the letter. He added: “I don’t know him nor am I familiar with him. I suppose I’m someone who’s incompatible with love at first sight. I find it hard to understand how one can decide they like someone without mutual understanding or shared experiences.”

 

Xiao Mo wasn’t dismissing the idea of love at first sight—he simply believed he wouldn’t experience it himself. If fate ever brought him to such a moment, he imagined it would only happen after long-term companionship and deep mutual understanding.

 

Chu Jinglan turned a page in his sword manual and nodded lightly: “Choosing someone as a companion requires careful thought.”

 

Xiao Mo might not believe in love at first sight, but Chu Jinglan felt that he was destined to remain untouched by love altogether.

 

With Wan Yu and Chu Tian Shi’s tragic fates looming in his memory, Chu Jinglan didn’t extend their misfortune to all people—but he also didn’t believe that unwavering devotion or grand vows of eternal love could ever fall upon him.

 

Staring at the text of the sword manual, Chu Jinglan found himself reading slowly instead of his usual pace of skimming ten lines at a glance. Though his eyes moved across the words, he wasn’t truly absorbing them.

 

Xiao Mo’s earlier reflections were clearly spoken from a human perspective—but as an Inner Demon, how could he engage in romance unless he took over someone’s body?

 

Sometimes Xiao Mo seemed to genuinely see himself as human.

 

He was unique—different from other Inner Demons. He could manifest physically before others. If there ever came a day when he could possess a real body without needing to take over someone else…

 

Chu Jinglan’s gaze froze on the sword manual.

 

It seemed like an absurd thought.

 

But if Xiao Mo truly became human one day… what would their relationship become?

 

Xiao Mo remained unaware of Chu Jinglan’s thoughts. Assuming that Chu Jinglan was simply focused on reading, Xiao Mo set aside the letter and began meditating to cultivate. When it came to diligence in cultivation, Xiao Mo wouldn’t lose to Chu Jinglan.

 

As a result, he didn’t notice that Chu Jinglan lingered on one page of the sword manual for an unusually long time.

 

—

 

The love letter caused no major stir—it merely marked another young man’s first heartbreak. Life for Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan continued as usual. Three days later, after finishing their daily sparring session with Jing Lei, Jing Lei suddenly announced: “I’ll be heading out on a trip soon—it may take over a month.”

 

Jing Lei explained, “There’s a Nascent Soul-level secret realm opening soon in Hengdu Prefecture. I plan to check it out. During the time I’m away, you’re free to do as you wish—whether that’s leaving Yushan Sect to visit home or staying here. If your determination to repair your dantian hasn’t changed, you can come find me again when I return. My conditions will remain the same.”

 

A Nascent Soul-level secret realm refers to a realm where all entrants’ cultivation levels are suppressed to the Nascent Soul stage.

 

Hengdu Prefecture… Xiao Mo’s thoughts clicked into place, and he asked: “May I ask, Senior, what is the name of this secret realm?”

 

It wasn’t a secret, so Jing Lei answered openly: “The Phantom Moon Secret Realm.”

 

Xiao Mo’s eyes lit up—this matched perfectly.

 

The Phantom Moon Secret Realm in Hengdu Prefecture plays a role in the original story. Its main significance lies in an event where Su Baimo and Mu Jian are forced into a life-and-death partnership within the realm.

 

But for Xiao Mo, that wasn’t the key point. The real focus was the treasures that would appear in this secret realm.

 

Two items stood out: the Phantom Moon Core and the Moon Lord Sword Manual.

 

Both of these could be immensely beneficial to Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan.

 

With Jing Lei temporarily leaving and freeing up their time, this secret realm became an opportunity for them to explore as well.

 

Xiao Mo sent Chu Jinglan a voice transmission: [Chu Jinglan, I want to check out this secret realm too.]

 

Secret realms are rare resources in the lower realms. While they are more common in the Middle and Upper Realms, it’s still important to analyze which ones are worth entering. With Phantom Moon suppressing cultivation levels to Nascent Soul stage, Xiao Mo indeed had a chance to venture inside.

 

Who would ever complain about having too many cultivation resources? Given this opportunity, it was only natural to seize it. Chu Jinglan didn’t object and replied via transmission: “Alright.”

 

 

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1 Kofi = 1 Extra Chapter