“Chapter 91 Update”

"Chapter 91 Update"

"As Xie Qingfeng and Jing Xiu walked back, Xie Qingfeng glanced at his companion: 'Why scare him intentionally?' Knowing Jing Xiu well, he was aware that if Jing decided to teach Hao Jixin, he would do it properly, not hastily, and would start with progressive training."

"Jing Xiu shrugged in response: 'It's just to prepare him mentally. Thinking too much now will help him adapt when the training exceeds normal levels.' Real proficiency requires more than ordinary training, after all."

"Since he's under my guidance, I'll train him like a shadow guard. Besides, Hao Jixin is getting older and has fallen behind; he needs to work even harder."

"On his way back, Hao Jixin couldn't stop shivering, already dreading his training tomorrow. He wondered if he would survive his first day."

"Xie Qingfeng pondered and then spoke: 'This isn’t ancient times; there’s no need for battlefields. Being able to protect oneself is enough.' He didn’t need Hao Jixin’s protection. By the time Hao Jixin was fully trained, it would probably be too late."

"Jing Xiu hummed in agreement, silently adding that one shouldn’t drag the master down, either."

"Jing Xiu had already started planning a complete set of basic training for Hao Jixin. When they got home, Xie Qingfeng opened a textbook: 'You’ve done well this week, and you've made quick progress. We have some time before dinner, let’s learn something new.'"

"Jing Xiu glanced at the book, then at Xie Qingfeng, who was earnestly looking at him, and obediently went over: 'Tomorrow, I’ll have to increase Hao Jixin’s training. It’s all his fault.'"

"Xie Qingfeng, determined to do everything perfectly, explained things in detail while teaching, carefully observing Jing Xiu’s expressions, worried he might not understand but be too shy to say it."

"Fortunately, the current lessons weren’t too difficult, being elementary level, and Jing Xiu should be able to learn quickly for a while."

"Jing Xiu gradually went from resisting the textbooks to immersing himself in Xie Qingfeng’s voice. Though reluctant, he paid attention to every word, fearing to waste any of Xie Qingfeng’s efforts."

"Jing Xiu earnestly studied, and after completing a section, he checked the exercises to see the results, giving Xie Qingfeng some free time."

"Xie Qingfeng browsed a professional book while occasionally glancing at Jing Xiu beside him."

"Since there was only one textbook between them, they sat close together for convenience. Their small dining table, usually sufficient for two, was a bit cramped for two tall men sitting side by side. Their arms occasionally brushed against each other."

"The weather had turned cooler. Xie Qingfeng wore a thick coat over a sweater, while Jing Xiu, seemingly unaffected by cold perhaps due to his internal energy, wore only a thin jacket over a short-sleeved shirt they bought when he first arrived."

"Even so, Xie Qingfeng could still feel the warmth from Jing Xiu’s arm through their clothes, stirring memories of Jing Xiu’s heartfelt embrace when he was drunk not long ago."

"When Xie Qingfeng came back to his senses, he found Jing Xiu with his head down, his face pressed against the side of the book, looking up at him. Xie Qingfeng sat up abruptly: 'What are you doing?'"

"Jing Xiu gave him a scrutinizing look: 'It's you who should be asked, what’s wrong? I called you three times.' It was his first time seeing the master daydreaming, and it was... quite unusual."

"Xie Qingfeng: 'I was just thinking about what happened today.'"

"Jing Xiu: 'That despicable old Taoist? Forget about him. We deal with one if one comes, a pair if two come.'"

"Xie Qingfeng wasn’t really concerned about it, hummed in agreement with Jing Xiu, and changed the topic to the exercise book he had just completed: 'Have you finished writing?'"

"Jing Xiu, feeling guilty, touched his nose: '...Yeah.'"

"Xie Qingfeng gave him a curious look. Why did he feel that the emperor’s expression was off? He understood as soon as he saw the book, looking at the scribbled handwriting and falling silent."

"Jing Xiu's calligraphy with a brush was indeed good, but writing with a pen on an exercise book, especially when he was reluctant to practice, turned out to be... legible, but hard on the eyes."

"Jing Xiu glanced at him guiltily, growing more uneasy the longer Xie Qingfeng stayed silent: 'Should I practice my handwriting?' He remembered Xie Qingfeng's beautiful handwriting and had even practiced diligently in the past. But that was in ancient times. Now, in this new place, Xie Qingfeng, with his original memories and muscle memory, wrote beautifully with modern pens, while he still struggled to adapt."

"Xie Qingfeng shook his head: 'No need.' It wasn’t unreadable, and his main goal was for Jing Xiu to learn the knowledge. As for writing, it would be best if he could do it well, but he wouldn’t force it, especially with so many textbooks to study. Sometimes at night, after meditation and lowering his barriers, he would find Jing Xiu secretly studying."

"Though reluctant, Jing Xiu was putting all his effort into learning, and how could Xie Qingfeng burden him with more tasks?"

"Jing Xiu relaxed, knowing Xie Qingfeng truly didn’t mind: 'I’ll cook.'"

"Xie Qingfeng put down the exercise book: 'I’ll help you.'"

"Jing Xiu, puzzled: 'What about the exercises?'"

"Xie Qingfeng: 'We can correct them later. Let’s make something to eat first; I’m hungry too.' He wouldn’t admit that he felt uneasy letting Jing Xiu cook alone. Previously, he thought Jing Xiu enjoyed cooking, but later realized it was all because of his feelings for him, so he couldn't comfortably enjoy this affection he couldn’t yet reciprocate."

"The thought of both of them together in the kitchen made Jing Xiu agree without objection."

"That evening, Xie Qingfeng received a call from Hao Jixin. Ai Yefeng had been in touch, and Li's issue had been smoothly resolved. The middle school classmate involved was also taken away."

"This classmate had been admitted to a university in City C, not the same as Li’s. After arriving at university, he indulged in gaming and neglected his studies, spending a lot on games. Coming from a not so affluent family, he borrowed money from everywhere. Eventually, his classmates refused to lend more and demanded repayment."

"The issue escalated to the counselor. Due to the number of people he owed money to, the counselor gave him a deadline to repay or it would be reported higher up, potentially impacting his studies."

"Desperate to repay and fearful of his family finding out, he saw a post promising two hundred thousand for retrieving an item from a cemetery. Thinking it was easy money, he didn’t suspect any foul play."

"After getting the money, he repaid his debts and had a hundred thousand left. He thought he could splurge again, but then realized something was amiss. He had been cursed and could see all sorts of bizarre things."

"He was then referred to the old Taoist, where he learned he had been tricked. Unaware of who sent him, and desperate to save his own life, he sought a scapegoat to transfer the curse onto."

"He chanced upon Li in their middle school alumni group and decided to target him. He discovered Li’s school and engineered 'chance' encounters, eventually succeeding."

"Hao Jixin, after explaining, couldn't help but comment: 'This guy initially denied everything, but now he's suffering the backlash. Li said he just fainted vomiting blood; serves him right.'"

"The classmate, lacking money, initially found the old Taoist unwilling to help. But after revealing Li's family wealth and suggesting he could approach Li's parents at the funeral to refer them to the old Taoist, the latter, enticed by the prospect of Li's inheritance, agreed to help."

"Now, none of them can escape; they'll have to face their debts. If not settled in this life, then in the next."

"Despite dreading the early morning training, Hao Jixin, realizing he couldn’t lag behind as a disciple of the master and needing the master’s protection, braced himself and arrived on time."

"He arrived a minute before five, reluctant to disturb the master by ringing the bell, so he sent a message to Jing Yingdi."

"Just as he took out his phone, Jing Yingdi appeared in sportswear and a mask. Seeing him, he tossed two sandbags to Hao Jixin, each weighing ten pounds, a total of twenty pounds to be strapped to his legs."

"When Xie Qingfeng got up, he didn’t see anyone around. By around eight, Jing Xiu returned with a completely exhausted Hao Jixin, who seemed to float back, soaked through."

"Seeing Xie Qingfeng, Hao Jixin whimpered, wishing he could cling to his legs and cry, if not for being drenched in sweat: 'Jing Yingdi is merciless. When I couldn't run, he kicked me. So ruthless.'"

"He now felt as if his legs didn’t belong to him anymore."

"Jing Xiu smiled at him and then took him next door to shower and change at Wu Shu's place, so as not to bother Xie Qingfeng with the smell."

He had already discussed this with Wu Shu. Wu Shu, grateful to the two neighbors who saved his life, was exceptionally kind to them. He wouldn't mind offering a free bath or even a stay at his place, and he had even shared the house code with Jing Xi.

When Hao Jixin was pushed away, he was utterly bewildered. Realizing something, he clung to the doorway, wailing, "Master, look at him! He's even disgusted by me!"

Jing Xi stepped back, "You stink."

Hao Jixin wanted to retort, scratching at the door in frustration, but after sniffing himself, he quietly went to take a shower.

Jing Xi promptly closed the door, thinking Hao Jixin fancied a bath in his and the national master's home. Wishful thinking.

Xie Qingfeng glanced at him. In contrast to Hao Jixin's disheveled state, Jing Xi remained sweat-free throughout. Perhaps he used his inner strength to dispel the heat from the run, appearing refreshingly cool, as if he had just stepped out for a stroll and casually brought back breakfast.

This comparison made even Xie Qingfeng start to feel sympathy for Hao Jixin.

After changing, Hao Jixin returned, devouring the breakfast like a starving wolf. He had never been this hungry in his life, but admitted that without Jing Yingdi's prodding, he might never have run so long.

Before Hao Jixin finished eating, Jing Xi's phone unexpectedly rang. While eating, he glanced at it. Whatever was said on the other end slowly darkened Jing Yingdi's face.