PID Chapter 79

(3/5)

(♡ˊ͈ ꒳ ˋ͈)

 

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Before parting ways with them, Xi Tie lent them a puppet from his storage device. While it wasn’t as advanced as his personal guardian puppet and was somewhat clunky, it was perfectly capable of piloting their flying boat. Once set on course, there was no need for manual control.

 

The puppet’s face was painted with another unique design—clearly a signature feature of Xi Tie’s creations.

 

Yue Ming finished exploring the flying boat and returned feeling satisfied. He chattered enthusiastically with Chu Jinglan about how impressive it was: “As expected of something from the Moon Lord!”

 

Xiao Mo brewed tea using spiritual herbs and spring water—both infused with spiritual energy—which even he could drink. He poured a cup for each of them. Yue Ming sipped his tea and sighed: “The only downside to being around you two is this—I’ve gotten used to fasting through cultivation, but now I’m worried I’ll develop a craving for food again.”

 

Xiao Mo held his teacup and replied leisurely: “That just means you’ve always enjoyed eating—you’ve just been suppressing it.”

 

As the aroma of tea wafted around them, Xiao Mo turned to Yue Ming and said: “Tell me more about the Nine Secret Treasure Tower.”

 

Yue Ming took another sip of tea before thinking for a moment and then shared some useful information: “They’ll provide us with a rough map when we enter, but specific locations within each floor’s secret realm often shift around. Sometimes new things appear too—it’s up to us to explore.”

 

He raised his hand and used spiritual energy to sketch a simple outline of the tower in midair: “The first floor is mostly forested; the second floor is dominated by water; the third floor contains a cave dwelling that once belonged to a fallen ancestor of the Wang family; the fourth floor is a desert; the fifth floor has poisonous swamps; and the sixth floor features treacherous cliffs. The seventh floor is purely a trial-based secret realm.”

 

Each of these floors contained various formations, natural hazards, or fierce beasts.

 

“The eighth floor is more interesting,” Yue Ming continued. “It’s constructed as an illusionary human world. To find treasures on this floor, communication with its inhabitants is crucial. However, many people say that even after helping those inhabitants, they often leave empty-handed. On rare occasions, someone lucky stumbles upon an entrance to the ninth floor.”

 

With a wave of his hand, Yue Ming dispersed the spiritual energy construct of the tower. “The ninth floor is mysterious—some people report seeing similar things there while others describe completely different experiences. The eighth and ninth floors are likely tied to heart-tempering trials.”

 

“I only made it to the fifth floor last time,” Yue Ming said, spreading his hands. “Got into a fight with someone and wasted too much time.”

 

That explanation was very much in character for Yue Ming.

 

Xiao Mo watched the spiritual herbs floating up and down in his teacup and asked, “Can people communicate with each other inside the secret realm?”

 

“Yes, it’s best to stick with your sectmates and act together, of course. After all, treasure hunting in secret realms… you know how it is.”

 

Every year, many disciples died in various secret realms, often without anyone knowing who the killer was. Even if their sectmates or friends wanted to seek revenge, they wouldn’t have a target.

 

Chu Jinglan asked, “What’s the highest-ranked beast in there?”

 

“The sixth floor has an eighth-ranked beast guarding it. The Wang family has an agreement with it—it doesn’t kill people. Anyone holding a Junzi Order can’t kill the eighth-ranked beast either unless the beast goes mad and attacks first. Other than that, the highest rank is seventh,” Yue Ming explained. “There were reports of other eighth-ranked fierce beasts in the past, but the Wang family took care of them themselves.”

 

Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan mentally noted this information and began calculating their strategies. At that moment, Yue Ming pulled out his communication jade tablet and glanced at it. His eyebrows twitched slightly before he casually picked up his tea and continued the conversation as if nothing had happened: “By the way, seeing how well you two get along, do you ever argue?”

 

Where did that question come from? Still, idle chatter was idle chatter. Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan exchanged a glance before Xiao Mo replied: “We’ve argued. People are bound to have some friction—it’s inevitable. Nothing serious.”

 

Nothing serious—just a life-or-death situation between them at one point. That’s all.

 

Yue Ming glanced at his jade tablet again before asking with a sly grin: “Really? So how did you two meet? Was it really when Chu Jinglan’s dantian was still damaged? You met during tough times, supported each other through thick and thin, never abandoned one another, and… uh… eventually became Dao companions?”

 

Xiao Mo narrowed his eyes slightly, tapping his teacup lightly against the table with a crisp sound. “You’re acting strange.”

 

Since when was Yue Ming this nosy?

 

Chu Jinglan cut straight to the point: “Who are you messaging with on that jade tablet?”

 

Caught red-handed, Yue Ming sighed and placed the jade tablet on the table. “Fine, I’ll admit it—I’m asking on behalf of our sectmates.”

 

Xiao Mo raised an eyebrow at how quickly news had spread: “They already know?”

 

“Yep. Not sure whether it was Lin’an Academy or Lingxiao Sect that spread it first,” Yue Ming said innocently. “But now everyone in our sect knows you two are Dao companions.”

 

“Some people want your advice—after all, it’s not easy for sword cultivators to find Dao companions. Others just want gossip but are too intimidated by Chu Jinglan’s seniority to ask him directly, so they came to me instead.”

 

Xiao Mo gave him a pointed look: “And you’re just handing them information for free?”

 

“That’s impossible,” Yue Ming said smugly. “I trade the information for sparring sessions or getting them to do things for me.”

 

Of course.

 

Chu Jinglan pressed the jade tablet back into Yue Ming’s hand. “Stop prying.”

 

Yue Ming tried to argue, “It’s just a few words—”

 

Chu Jinglan interrupted, “I could also remind you about our difference in seniority.”

 

“—I also think it’s inappropriate to pry too much,” Yue Ming immediately changed his tune. “After all, it’s a private matter, yes.”

 

Xiao Mo laughed so hard his shoulders shook. After finishing his cup of spiritual tea, he set it down and shook his head.

 

Still, the speed at which the news had spread wasn’t ideal. He touched the Dao companion mark on his forehead and thought: Should I just remove this mark?

 

He and Chu Jinglan weren’t actually Dao companions, yet they were walking around with Dao companion marks—it didn’t feel right.

 

However, Yue Ming and others had already seen their marks. If they suddenly dispelled them, the rumors would likely shift to claims that they had separated shortly after forming a bond. Add in some exaggeration and gossip from others, and things could get even messier.

 

This situation was unexpectedly tricky.

 

—

 

The journey from Rainbow Butterfly Town to Jinxiu Pavilion in Yuzhou would take about two days. That evening, Xiao Mo returned to his sea of consciousness to cultivate his spiritual sense and unlock more memories.

 

Perhaps because they had talked earlier about their past arguments, the memory that surfaced after he broke another chain was of him and Chu Jinglan having a fight.

 

So we argued in our past life too, Xiao Mo thought. Looks like neither of us has changed much.

 

In the memory, judging by the layout of the house, they were in the Middle Realm. Chu Jinglan’s cultivation hadn’t yet recovered; he seemed to be around seventeen years old. The argument had already ended, leaving both of them visibly frustrated—chests heaving as if arguing was even more exhausting than fighting.

 

—

 

[In the memory, Xiao Mo muttered under his breath: “We’re just business partners. Why am I even arguing with you about this…”

 

Chu Jinglan, still defensive after their fight, retorted sharply: “Surprising you remember that—we’re just business partners. I thought you’d forgotten.”

 

Xiao Mo gave a dry laugh, his expression clearly saying: I remember because I still have a blood contract tied to you—but go ahead and do whatever you want.

 

Chu Jinglan responded with a half-mocking snort of his own.

 

Then both of them turned their heads away simultaneously, refusing to speak further.]

 

—

 

The argument had taken place in the morning. By evening, Xiao Mo used a piece of pastry as an excuse to spend some time alone with Chu Xia. While the young girl happily munched on her snack, Xiao Mo steeled himself internally before awkwardly asking: “Chu Xia… if someone wants to apologize after an argument, how should they do it?”

 

Chu Xia froze mid-bite, crumbs falling from her mouth.

 

Xiao Mo tensed up but kept his expression neutral as he lowered his voice further: “Is it difficult?”

 

Chu Xia wiped her mouth and shook her head while breaking into laughter. Her voice was clear and sweet as she leaned closer and whispered conspiratorially: “I’ll tell you a secret, Shixiong—at noon today, my master came to ask me and my brother the exact same question.”

 

Xiao Mo was stunned.

 

Chu Xia covered her mouth as she giggled again. “Shixiong and Master had a fight? If it’s not something serious and both sides want to make up, then it’s simple! Just hold hands and say sorry—that’s what my brother and I do!”

 

Holding hands? Absolutely not. But saying “sorry”… that was doable.

 

For both Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan, it was their first time apologizing to someone. When they finally said those words aloud, they each saw surprise reflected in the other’s eyes—and then… they both started laughing.

 

Xiao Mo laughed openly while Chu Jinglan’s gaze softened with a faint light in his eyes. His lips curved ever so slightly into a smile—a subtle but undeniable sign that the ice between them had melted away.]

 

After reviewing the memory, Xiao Mo nodded to himself. A little friction between people isn’t a big deal—the key is resolving things afterward and growing closer rather than letting unresolved issues create distance.

 

This was the takeaway from his arguments with Chu Jinglan. A bit of youthful bickering was harmless—look at how peacefully they got along now. Fighting means affection, and teasing means love. Their brotherly bond was as solid as ever.

 

Xiao Mo exited his sea of consciousness and opened his eyes, only to see that the firelight in the room hadn’t gone out yet. Chu Jinglan was leaning against the bedhead, flipping through a book.

 

Initially, Xiao Mo assumed it was another manual on techniques or a sword manual, but as he approached, Chu Jinglan noticed him coming out of meditation and instinctively closed the book—revealing its cover to Xiao Mo.

 

It turned out to be a storybook.

 

The movement was so quick that even Chu Jinglan realized afterward that his reaction had been too dramatic, drawing unnecessary attention. Now, he and Xiao Mo were left staring at each other awkwardly.

 

Chu Jinglan had meditated for two hours earlier but had exited his cultivation state early. Since it was still before dawn and there was some time left, he had decided to read the storybook he had bought during the lantern festival.

 

Unlike Xiao Mo, Chu Jinglan wasn’t experienced in picking storybooks. He hadn’t flipped through them beforehand to check their content. At the book stall in Rainbow Butterfly Town, the stall owner had thoughtfully categorized them, placing this stack under a sign that read “Deep Affection, Blossoms Under the Moonlight.” Trusting the label, Chu Jinglan had bought them directly.

 

However, upon opening this particular book, he quickly realized that while it might claim to be about “deep affection,” it was certainly moving very fast.

 

By page one, a mortal scholar entered a dilapidated temple; by page two, a fox spirit transformed into a man and began undressing the scholar.

 

The writing was poetic and beautifully descriptive—filled with imagery—but no amount of elegance could change the essence of what was happening.

 

Chu Jinglan froze in place as his hand hovered over the pages, unsure whether to turn to the next one or not.

 

And during this moment of hesitation… Xiao Mo emerged from his sea of consciousness.

 

Startled by Xiao Mo’s sudden appearance, Chu Jinglan instinctively shut the book.

 

…If he hadn’t reacted at all, perhaps Xiao Mo wouldn’t have noticed anything unusual. But now that he had made such an obvious move, Xiao Mo paused briefly before approaching curiously: “What kind of supreme manual are you reading?”

 

As Xiao Mo leaned closer, Chu Jinglan couldn’t help but recall the scene he had just read:

 

The fox spirit transformed into a stunningly handsome man with jade-like features and striking red robes. His delicate waist swayed as his snow-white skin gleamed under the moonlight. With intoxicating demonic energy clouding the scholar’s senses, the fox spirit smiled seductively and drew him forward while murmuring softly: “My lord.”

 

Chu Jinglan’s gaze flickered over Xiao Mo’s red robe, slender waist, and vibrant red lotus mark on his forehead. For some inexplicable reason, his throat felt dry as he subtly shifted his gaze away and replied in a low voice: “…Just a storybook.”

 

“I can see it’s a storybook.” Xiao Mo tapped his finger on its cover with amusement. “What kind of storybook? Why are you acting so secretive about it?”

 

Xiao Mo climbed onto the bed with practiced ease. Chu Jinglan, as usual, had left half the bed for him. Xiao Mo naturally scooted closer, leaning against the headboard and sitting comfortably. His head tilted slightly, and his side profile was close to Chu Jinglan’s, though his curious gaze remained fixed on the storybook.

 

The cool aura and temperature emanating from Xiao Mo were familiar to Chu Jinglan—though not the warm, enticing presence of the fox spirit from the storybook, it was a chill that stirred his heart nonetheless.

 

It turned out that even coldness could burn. Chu Jinglan felt his chest and the tips of his ears grow uncomfortably warm.

 

He instinctively turned his head away and lowered his voice even more: “Just an ordinary storybook.”

 

Ordinary storybook?

 

Xiao Mo glanced at the title: Spring Nights Among Foxes. Then he looked at Chu Jinglan’s reaction—his side profile revealed no expression, likely still maintaining his usual calm and aloof demeanor. But under the lamplight, his ear tips… perhaps, maybe, possibly… seemed just a tiny bit red?

 

If it wasn’t a trick of the light caused by the fire’s glow, then all clues pointed to one possibility—

 

Xiao Mo suddenly understood and broke into a teasing smile: “Is it… adult content?”

 

The term adult content didn’t exist in the cultivation world, but after spending so much time with Xiao Mo, Chu Jinglan had learned to understand these occasional modern terms. Combined with Xiao Mo’s tone, Chu Jinglan immediately grasped what he meant.

 

And yet, Xiao Mo couldn’t resist explaining further: “Oh, adult content means spring nights—”

 

“I already understand,” Chu Jinglan finally interrupted him, breaking his silence.

 

Xiao Mo laughed. “So it really is?”

 

Chu Jinglan didn’t know how to respond to that. Meanwhile, Xiao Mo continued unabashedly: “It’s perfectly normal—no need to be reserved. I’ve read them before too.”

 

Xiao Mo had always read storybooks openly in front of Chu Jinglan. Taken aback for a moment, Chu Jinglan turned to him with an expression that was hard to describe. “You’ve read spring—this kind of storybook in front of me?”

 

“Of course.” Xiao Mo paused and suddenly realized why Chu Jinglan might be feeling awkward. “I’m a spirit body—I don’t experience physical needs or surges of blood and energy like you do. Ah… should I avoid reading these in front of you?”

 

Trying to be considerate, Xiao Mo finished his sentence only for his vision to go dark as Chu Jinglan threw a blanket over his head. Through the muffled fabric, Xiao Mo heard Chu Jinglan’s voice: “No need.”

 

Sliding down slightly under the blanket, Xiao Mo shifted from sitting upright to lying down. He pulled the blanket down just enough to cover half his face while leaving his bright eyes exposed as he looked at Chu Jinglan.

 

By now, Chu Jinglan had already put away the storybook.

 

“There’s still some time before dawn,” Chu Jinglan said as he lay down with his back to Xiao Mo. “Get some sleep.”

 

Underneath the blanket, Xiao Mo chuckled softly: “Alright.”

 

Well now, he thought amusedly. Who would’ve thought Chu Jinglan had this side to him? Truly interesting.

 

Young and full of vigor—it was understandable. Fortunately for Xiao Mo, being a spirit body gave him an innate advantage; he didn’t have to deal with such issues. Still, he wondered if he should spend more time in his sea of consciousness at night in the future to give Chu Jinglan more personal space.

 

Just as this thought crossed his mind, Chu Jinglan—still facing away from him—spoke as if he’d mastered mind-reading: “There’s no need to avoid me in the future.”

 

Xiao Mo blinked under the blanket and replied simply: “Oh.”

 

Alright then, he thought. Perhaps stirring up intense emotions in a solitary sword cultivator isn’t something a mere storybook can accomplish after all. It was likely just a bit of awkwardness on Chu Jinglan’s part since he hadn’t read such books before.

 

The memories Xiao Mo had received tonight were relatively lighthearted. He drifted off to sleep under the blanket while Chu Jinglan lay facing away from him. Only after sensing that Xiao Mo had settled down quietly did Chu Jinglan exhale deeply and relax.

 

Yes, reading storybooks wasn’t a big deal. If Xiao Mo could calmly read tales of fleeting springtime romance in front of him without batting an eye, then… he could do the same.

 

After all, it was just study—if approached with a learning mindset, he could handle it.

 

Tonight had been his first exposure to such content, and his reaction had simply been inappropriate. Next time, he wouldn’t react this way again.

 

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1 Kofi = 1 Extra Chapter