PID Chapter 5

Xiao Mo didn’t like Su Baimo, nor did he look forward to meeting him in person, but having just been frustrated by Chu Jinglan, he didn’t mind watching Chu Jinglan’s dog blood story unfold.

 

Let him see what expression Chu Jinglan would have now when facing Su Baimo, for whom he would later give his life.

 

In the early stages of the original novel, all readers felt that Chu Jinglan was only fulfilling his duty towards Su Baimo, with no real feelings involved.

 

He wondered if the later Chu Jinglan, who would go through fire and water for Su Baimo, would occasionally remember his initial indifference towards his “moonlight” and feel regretful or embarrassed.

 

Xiao Mo floated to the window, finding a sunny spot to watch the show.

 

Chu Jinglan, hearing the steward’s words, didn’t even look up: “I try to find what he wants and help when he asks for assistance. That’s enough.”

 

“That’s no

t how you should be attentive.” The steward was exasperated. “You two are engaged! People say youthful affection is the most touching. Why be so formal between you two? You should be more intimate with him!”

 

Chu Jinglan’s eyes had completely cooled, but he gave a light laugh. The sarcasm and coldness in his laugh made the steward’s heart skip a beat, and he quickly lowered his head, his demeanor and voice weakening.

 

…This was the Chu Jinglan he was familiar with. The steward realized he had overstepped and regretted it, wondering how he had lost control of his tongue!

 

He softly tried to appease: “The family arranged Young Master Su for your benefit. It’s a match many would yearn for. You should understand the elders’ good intentions.”

 

Though he was trying to appear submissive, there was a clear hint of complaint in his tone, accusing Chu Jinglan of being ungrateful.

 

Su Baimo had a cauldron body, with an exceptional mandarin duck physique. As long as he willingly dual cultivated with someone, it would greatly benefit both parties’ cultivation. Once his physique was revealed, he immediately became highly sought after by various families.

 

The Su family initially wanted to use Su Baimo to establish good relations with the middle realm, but Chu Jinglan’s talent was truly exceptional, with limitless prospects. He might even make a name for himself in the middle or upper realms in the future. After much consideration, they agreed to the engagement with the Chu family.

 

The Chu family’s success in securing Su Baimo also brought Chu Jinglan a lot of enmity. Many disciples from prominent families in the lower realm who had intended to compete for Su Baimo now gritted their teeth in hatred when they saw him.

 

This made Chu Jinglan’s already poor interpersonal relationships even worse. Among his peers, some young masters and misses formed cliques, some outstanding disciples from various sects called each other brothers, but he didn’t have a single friend.

 

Chu Jinglan neither dismissed the steward nor allowed him to raise his head. Without the master’s word, the steward could only stand there. The longer Chu Jinglan remained silent, the more the steward broke out in a cold sweat.

 

He was scaring him to death.

 

So Chu Jinglan did know how to punish people, it’s just that most methods didn’t work on Xiao Mo, the inner demon.

 

After a long while, Chu Jinglan finally stood up and slowly walked towards the door, still leaving the steward hanging.

 

At the doorway, Chu Jinglan, with his back to the steward, said: “You are the steward of my courtyard. Don’t act as a mouthpiece for the elders. Choose one master to serve. No one likes a fence-sitter. Think carefully about which path you choose.”

 

The steward immediately broke out in a cold sweat, dropping to his knees at lightning speed and prostrating himself to beg for forgiveness: “Yes, Young Master, I know I was wrong!”

 

Chu Jinglan didn’t look back and pushed the door open to leave.

 

Xiao Mo ball leisurely floated after him. Although he didn’t like Chu Jinglan, he only had the system and Chu Jinglan to talk to. After days of bickering with Chu Jinglan, talking to him had become quite natural.

 

“Not bad, it’s right to teach such disloyal subordinates a lesson.”

 

Xiao Mo’s words didn’t have any particular meaning, but Chu Jinglan had already formed a fixed impression that “nothing good comes out of the inner demon’s mouth,” so he thought Xiao Mo was being sarcastic again and didn’t respond.

 

But Xiao Mo didn’t care.

 

Clearly, they had already developed a unique mode of interaction between them.

 

Chu Jinglan was, of course, on his way to meet Su Baimo.

 

The lower realm had thirty-six main cities, with other small cities being built or demolished, not counted for now. Both the Chu and Su families were in Mu City, one of the main cities, so it was convenient for Su Baimo to come find Chu Jinglan.

 

Xiao Mo finally saw Su Baimo in person.

 

Su Baimo, the absolute protagonist of the original novel, was a year younger than Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan, only sixteen. He was born with red lips and white teeth, very handsome, and quite delicate.

 

Those who liked him would find him pitifully beautiful. In the future of the cultivation world, countless people would be enchanted by Su Baimo.

 

Xiao Mo circled around Su Baimo once, confirming that the protagonist’s halo had no effect on him. He didn’t change his bad impression of Su Baimo just because of a pretty face.

 

When Su Baimo saw Chu Jinglan, his eyes lit up: “Brother Jinglan!”

 

There was a hint of urgency in his eyes, and he seemed to have something to say but was hesitating. Chu Jinglan was already used to this and got straight to the point: “What brings you here today?”

 

Indeed, he was formal, showing no joy at seeing his childhood sweetheart.

 

Su Baimo confirmed that there was no one else around before leaning in and whispering: “It’s like this, I rescued a stranger, but I don’t dare bring him home for fear of being scolded. Brother Jinglan, do you have a place where he can stay?”

 

Little did he know, not only was there someone else present, but that someone was openly listening.

 

Being a inner demon was so convenient.

 

Chu Jinglan pretended not to see the black mist ball in the air. Hearing Su Baimo’s explanation, he didn’t immediately agree but calmly asked: “What kind of person?”

 

Su Baimo replied with an innocent expression: “A young man about our age.”

 

Chu Jinglan nodded, waiting for more.

 

However, Su Baimo had finished speaking and was blinking at Chu Jinglan.

 

Xiao Mo: “That’s it?”

 

Chu Jinglan: “…That’s it?”

 

The two spoke almost in unison, and after speaking, both fell into an awkward silence.

 

Xiao Mo/Chu Jinglan: How did he think of the same thing!

 

Clearly, both found this tacit understanding quite ominous.

 

Su Baimo, oblivious to the undercurrent between the two, asked in confusion: “Yes?”

 

Chu Jinglan pushed the discomfort about the inner demon out of his mind and said to Su Baimo: “His identity, character, anything like that you know about.”

 

Su Baimo finally understood what he was asking and had a sudden realization: “But he’s seriously injured and hasn’t woken up yet. I don’t know anything.”

 

“But I really want to save him. We can’t just leave him be.”

 

Su Baimo spoke righteously, so Chu Jinglan let him lead the way. However, when they arrived at the location, they found it was in the middle of nowhere. An injured young man was lying in the weeds, in a sorry state with a lot of blood stains on him. Only his face was somewhat clean.

 

He hadn’t been moved to a better spot, nor had any of his wounds been treated.

 

This was what Su Baimo called saving someone.

 

Saved, but not really saved at all.

 

Xiao Mo couldn’t help but let out a mocking “Ha!”

 

He also matched this pitiful injured patient with the character in the original novel. Although Su Baimo had many love interests, there were a few special ones, such as his young fiancé Chu Jinglan, and the first person he saved, Dai Zisheng, the young master of the Huanjian Sect from the middle realm.

 

In the original novel, it was also Chu Jinglan who helped Su Baimo save this person. The place to stay and the medicine were all provided by Chu Jinglan, but after giving the room to Dai Zisheng, Chu Jinglan never came back. So when Dai Zisheng opened his eyes, he only saw Su Baimo.

 

He thought Su Baimo was his only savior and had an extremely good impression of him, willing to do anything to repay the kindness of saving his life. He was a great help to Su Baimo in the early stages and was also the one who brought him to the middle realm.

 

First gratitude, then affection, Dai Zisheng naturally became one of Su Baimo’s love interests.

 

So if it weren’t for Chu Jinglan, Dai Zisheng would still be lying there in the same state?

 

Dai Zisheng wasn’t wearing the Huanjian Sect’s attire, but he still had his waist token. As someone who would be sent to train at the Huanjian Sect after coming of age, Chu Jinglan naturally recognized the sect’s token.

 

He examined Dai Zisheng’s injuries and used his spiritual energy to temporarily stop the bleeding from the wound on his waist.

 

Since he was from the Huanjian Sect, ordinary people would think it natural to bring him back to the Chu family, given their connection to the sect.

 

But Chu Jinglan didn’t think so.

 

He said to Su Baimo: “There’s a temporary Chu family lodge at the foot of White Mountain. It’s abandoned now and no outsiders will be there. Take him there.”

 

Su Baimo nodded repeatedly.

 

Chu Jinglan: “You carry him on your back.”

 

Su Baimo was stunned: “Huh?”

 

Chu Jinglan: “Is there any problem?”

 

Su Baimo looked at Dai Zisheng on the ground, then at the tall and graceful Chu Jinglan, and finally considered his own small frame. He looked at Chu Jinglan in disbelief.

 

Chu Jinglan remained unmoved, calmly returning the gaze.

 

After a while, Su Baimo gave in: “…No.”

 

Chu Jinglan nodded: “I’ll lead the way.”

 

Though Su Baimo said no, his expression and actions were very aggrieved. He still hopefully gave Chu Jinglan another weak glance, one that was timid and affectionate. Anyone who was chivalrous or perceptive would have volunteered, saying “I’ll carry him!”

 

But Chu Jinglan was blind to it, and Su Baimo’s tender hint fell on deaf ears.

 

Su Baimo: “…”

 

He had no choice but to carry Dai Zisheng on his back.

 

To be fair, as cultivators, even if they looked frail, they should be able to carry a peer of normal weight. Yet Su Baimo acted as if it was extremely difficult, even swaying as he stood up.

 

What did Chu Jinglan do?

 

He confirmed that Su Baimo didn’t trip, not even offering a hand to steady him, and turned to lead the way: “Follow me.”

 

Su Baimo’s quota for speechlessness today should be used up. He pressed his lips together and followed, looking pitiful.

 

Xiao Mo was laughing so hard in the air that his entire mist ball was shaking.

 

Xiao Mo: “So fun!”

 

“System, look, Chu Jinglan’s behavior usually has two explanations: one is called being dense, the other is called indifference.”

 

“Indifference means no feelings, no liking, so he maintains a certain distance, not overly indulging.”

 

Chu Jinglan could help Su Baimo, and if Su Baimo hadn’t intended to act coy, it wouldn’t have mattered if Chu Jinglan had carried the person himself.

 

But Su Baimo was too deliberate, so Chu Jinglan drew this line, clearly demarcating and not letting Su Baimo get too close.

 

Xiao Mo circled around Chu Jinglan, then spun around Su Baimo who was struggling to carry the person, and sighed: “Who could imagine that he would one day give up his life for Su Baimo?”

 

After saying this, Xiao Mo thought of Chu Jinglan’s death in the original novel, and the bit of good mood he had from watching this amusing scene suddenly dissipated.

 

He looked at Chu Jinglan, then at Su Baimo and the future love interest on his back, and suddenly felt it was all pointless.

 

Dai Zisheng’s fate wasn’t much better either. He was originally quite pure-hearted, unlike some other love interests who were willing to share Su Baimo. He initially couldn’t accept it at all, but having fallen deeply in love, after experiencing a series of dog blood scenarios like jealousy and anger in the novel, he finally compromised.

 

Everyone loved Su Baimo, and Su Baimo didn’t need to do anything.

 

The fate of a protagonist, born in a honeypot, raised in love, was truly different from a wretched life like Xiao Mo’s.

 

So many good people, so many sincere hearts that others would yearn for, all let down by Su Baimo.

 

Chu Jinglan heard what seemed like a light snort from the inner demon. He glanced over inconspicuously and saw the mist ball following slowly, but strangely, unlike its usual carefree sunbathing demeanor, it seemed… deflated?

 

Hm?

 

Was there something here that could suppress the inner demon?

 

Chu Jinglan quickly circulated his spiritual energy to sense carefully, but found nothing.

 

It didn’t seem like Su Baimo or the injured Huanjian Sect disciple had any special items either.

 

This inner demon was truly hard to figure out.

 

Everyone lost in their own thoughts, they soon arrived at the abandoned wooden cabin. Though abandoned, the house was sturdy, with bed and chairs all intact, perfectly suitable for a stay.

 

Su Baimo put Dai Zisheng down. His clothes were stained with mud and blood, looking quite disheveled. He pouted, wiped his sweat, and went to the stream to clean up. Meanwhile, Chu Jinglan took out medicine and bandages from his storage ring to dress Dai Zisheng’s wounds.

 

After the bandaging was done, Su Baimo returned, cleaned up.

 

He had even changed into clean clothes.

 

Chu Jinglan put down two bottles of medicine and said to Su Baimo: “Apply the external medicine twice a day, take the internal medicine three times a day. No one will disturb this place, so he can stay here temporarily. When he wakes up, you need to confirm his identity, understand what happened to him, and consider if there might be any danger to yourself.”

 

In the original novel, Chu Jinglan was supposed to leave after instructing Su Baimo, pretending he didn’t know about Dai Zisheng, so the credit for saving his life would fall solely on Su Baimo.

 

Countless facts prove that when people have nothing to do, they tend to cause trouble.

 

This principle applies even more to inner demons.

 

The idle inner demon Xiao stared at the future love triangle, and suddenly an idea popped into his mind: If Chu Jinglan shared half the credit for saving Dai Zisheng’s life, would he still fall head over heels for Su Baimo?

 

He had no other intention, he just wanted to see some new plot in his boring inner demon life.

 

---