Chapter 80

Chapter 80

Mo Jiao indeed knew of a young Zhong who had stolen Helan Min's jade pendant, which was coincidentally pawned at a pawnshop under the demon sect's control. The shopkeeper, acting cautiously, inquired about the boy's residence. Zhong Yixiao, guilty as charged, honestly disclosed the dilapidated temple where Helan Min was hiding.

Later, Mo Jiao personally set out to find Helan Min, locating him after two days.

At the time, Helan Min was just six years old. As he grew closer to Mo Jiao and adopted some of the demon sect's ruthless traits, he complained to his brother, demanding the capture of the Zhong child to exact a brutal revenge.

Mo Jiao had readily agreed back then. Many years later, when Zhong Yixiao descended from Xuan Nu Peak and reappeared before that shopkeeper, Mo Jiao realized this young hero was the very child who had stolen Helan Min's pendant.

But, since Zhong Yixiao was a disciple of He Yun Shi Tai and Helan Min hadn't mentioned him for many years, Mo Jiao had let the matter slide, unaware this was the same child who had once aided him.

Hearing this, Zhong Yixiao felt exceedingly awkward. All these years, he hadn't forgotten Helan Min and could never have imagined that Helan Min's brother was Mo Jiao. Now, realizing that Mo Jiao hadn't strangled him at their first meeting was a stroke of luck, he dared not speak carelessly in Mo Jiao's presence again.

"I'm sorry, I was young and foolish back then..."

"You think a simple apology makes everything alright?" Helan Min, eyes brimming with tears, angrily said, "Do you have any idea because you took my jade pendant, I couldn't find my brother sooner and almost got killed?"

Zhong Yixiao blinked, replying, "I didn't know. I looked for you two days later, and the local street urchins told me you had left with a handsome brother..."

Thus, he had finally put his mind at ease, or else he would have been haunted by guilt for life.

That handsome brother was undoubtedly Mo Jiao, who back then hadn't visibly shrunk. He personally went to the decrepit temple to pick up Helan Min, not minding his filthy state, holding him in his arms, and gently wiping away his tears. Who knows how many people envied Helan Min for receiving such tenderness.

Helan Min then eagerly looked at Mo Jiao, wanting an explanation from him.

Mo Jiao thought for a moment and said, "I've already dealt with him, really."

Helan Min, unconvinced, pointed at Mo Changlao and said, "But Mo Changlao said you've gotten close to someone surnamed Zhong!"

Mo Changlao internally cursed his luck, while Mo Jiao, realizing he was stirring trouble, slowly turned to Mo Changlao with a benign smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, "Mo Changlao really played a pivotal role."

Mo Changlao forced a laugh, "I dare not claim such."

Zhong Yixiao wished he could go back and give his younger self a good beating, sparing himself the guilt he felt now. He couldn't even bring himself to look at Mo Jiao, only managing to apologize sincerely to Helan Min.

"I'm sorry, Helan Min. I know I was really wrong back then, and it's too late for any apology now, but I will take responsibility. So, if you wish for revenge, go ahead, or if you want me to do anything, that's fine too."

Hearing this, Mo Jiao glanced at him, while Zhong Yixiao looked back firmly, signaling that he was fine.

Seeing that Mo Jiao wasn't protecting Zhong Yixiao anymore, Helan Min finally stopped his tears and turned to Zhong Yixiao, "Really? I can ask you to do anything?"

Zhong Yixiao nodded earnestly, and Helan Min joyfully said, "Then I want you to leave my brother!"

Zhong Yixiao: "..."

Mo Jiao: "..."

Mo Changlao almost laughed out loud but quickly covered his mouth under Mo Jiao's gaze, trying to appear serious.

Zhong Yixiao looked at Mo Jiao for help, but Mo Jiao, under Helan Min's intense gaze, couldn't show favoritism towards Zhong Yixiao. Zhong Yixiao had no choice but to say, "I can't do that. Can you ask for something else?"

Helan Min angrily said, "I only want this, nothing else!"

Zhong Yixiao, feeling helpless, suggested, "Why don't you stab me with a sword then? I'll give you my life in return. But asking me to leave him is impossible."

Helan Min was shocked that he'd rather die than leave, even proposing a solution, which infuriated him to the point of tears again. Shen Yizhou, seizing the opportunity, comforted him with a handkerchief, "Don't be angry! It's not good for your health..."

Clutching the handkerchief, Helan Min looked at Mo Jiao, pleading, "Brother, can't we do without him? Min'er can also keep you company, Min'er will never leave you."

Hearing this, Zhong Yixiao's heart sank, fearing the karmic retribution, and anxiously awaited Mo Jiao's response.

At this moment, Mo Jiao almost wished he really was a child. He sighed and told Helan Min, "It's different with Min'er."

"How is it different? Whatever he can do for brother, Min'er can do too. Even be your wife, Min'er can also be it. After all, Min'er isn't your real brother, so why can't I?" Helan Min almost despaired.

This statement stunned everyone in the room, especially Zhong Yixiao and Shen Yizhou, looking as if they truly believed Helan Min and Mo Jiao could end up together.

But Mo Jiao just chuckled lightly.

Helan Min, embarrassed, insisted, "I'm serious! Don't laugh, brother!"

After laughing for a while, Mo Jiao said, "Silly boy, you are my real brother, don't overthink."

Helan Min's lips quivered, nearly bursting into tears again but held back, pitifully asking Mo Jiao, "Is it really only him for you, brother? No one else can replace him?"

Mo Jiao nodded, causing a tear to fall from Helan Min's eyes, "But he's a bad person, he's mean to me... Am I no longer important to you, brother? Is this Zhong person now the most important?"

Mo Jiao, having raised such a pampered child, naturally couldn't bear to see him upset. He told a little white lie, hoping to cheer Helan Min up and make him less resistant to Zhong Yixiao.

"Of course not, Min'er is the most important."

A glimmer of joy flashed in Helan Min's eyes, hearing Mo Jiao add, "Although Zhong Yixiao might be bad, he's not beyond redemption. Brother will keep an eye on him for you, slowly straightening him out."

Helan Min became upset again but quickly wiped away his tears, asking Mo Jiao somewhat fearfully, "Then, if I argue with him in the future, whose side will brother take?"

"Yours."

Zhong Yixiao frowned slightly, envious of Mo Jiao's immediate, comforting response.

Filled with joy, Helan Min asked seriously, "What if, hypothetically, we both got into trouble at the same time, and someone captured us, who would brother save first?"

Mo Jiao naturally smiled, "Of course, I'd save Min'er first."

After all, Zhong Yixiao will be seriously learning martial arts from him soon, so he should be able to protect himself, right?

This completely reassured Helan Min, who then beamed with happiness.

"That's great, brother. Make sure to discipline him well. And you, Zhong Yixiao, now that you've entered our family, you're not allowed to cause any trouble. If you disobey even slightly, I'll have brother kick you out!"

Zhong Yixiao: "..." Haha.

Suddenly remembering something, Helan Min stood up and hurriedly said, "Oh right, brother's medicine is still simmering on the stove. Wait here, brother, I'll go get it for you. I personally prepared this medicine for you!"

Thus, Helan Min was coaxed away, with Shen Yizhou patting his startled heart and hurrying after him, while Mo Chang also tried to sneak away but was stopped by Mo Jiao.

"Stop right there!"

Hearing the unfriendly tone, Mo Chang turned back to Mo Jiao with a forced smile, giving a thumbs up and admiringly said, "Master, that was a brilliant move! I'm utterly impressed... Oh, right, I have to go study the medicinal formula, the young physician is waiting for me, I must leave now!"

With those words, he quickly made his escape.

Mo Jiao, noticing a resentful gaze fixed on him, slowly turned back, awkwardly raising an eyebrow to ask Zhong Yixiao, "Well?"

Knowing he was at fault, Zhong Yixiao shook his head without saying a word.

After a moment, Mo Jiao voluntarily explained, "Min'er is a sensitive child and has always been in poor health, all because of his harsh early years. He doesn't really mean any harm; he's just struggling to accept that you are the person in question."

Being an orphan himself, Zhong Yixiao understood the hardships and envied Helan Min for having a brother like Mo Jiao who doted on him so much, especially since Helan Min had expressed a desire to be Mo Jiao's wife...

Mo Jiao, sensing his thoughts, added, "Min'er is indeed not my biological brother. His father was a distant uncle of mine from a reputable family. When my father's clan was exterminated by the old sect leader, my mother and I, still a child, managed to escape, and it was that uncle who generously took us in. He treated us well, never betraying us to the old sect leader, even at the cost of his own life."

Hearing this, Zhong Yixiao's eyes widened in realization, silently waiting for Mo Jiao to continue.

Mo Jiao explained, "The old sect leader was notoriously brutal. He not only annihilated my family but also slaughtered over a hundred members of my grand uncle's household. My mother, overwhelmed with guilt, committed suicide in front of the old sect leader, hoping he would spare my grand uncle. Yet, the old sect leader remained unyielding, demanding me to acknowledge him as a father and bow to him as a master before he would spare my grand uncle's life."

Zhong Yixiao furrowed his brows, realizing the deep-seated hatred between Mo Jiao and the old sect leader. To think that Mo Jiao had to endure years of hiding his vengeance, becoming a tool for murder, and eventually being poisoned by him, his fate was truly filled with hardships.

"Since then, I've joined the demonic sect, severing ties with my grand uncle until years later, when I finally killed the old sect leader and took over as the sect leader. Only then did I manage to find my grand uncle's whereabouts. By the time I found him, he had been dead for several months. He had guessed I would come for him and left me a letter."

The letter was a deathbed entrustment. Mo Jiao detailed to Zhong Yixiao how, after reading the letter, he learned that after sustaining severe injuries, his grand uncle was saved by a female physician. They had a child together, but his wife unfortunately died in childbirth. With the early injuries leading to his early demise, he left behind a six-year-old child, hoping Mo Jiao could look after him.

And the token that Mo Jiao was searching for He Lan Min was the jade pendant stolen by Zhong Yixiao, the only heirloom passed down to He Lan Min by his family.

"I heard that Min'er had been driven out early on. I nearly exhausted all avenues in search, personally seeking people, until half a month later, I found him," Mo Jiao glanced at Zhong Yixiao, "At that time, the old sect leader's influence had not been entirely eradicated. Over the years, he had people secretly monitor my grand uncle and Min'er. Upon learning of my intent to find Min'er, those people sought to kill him before I could, which is what he meant by someone wanting to kill him."

Zhong Yixiao suddenly understood, "I really didn't expect this. If I had known his brother was you, I would never have stolen his jade pendant!"

Mo Jiao said, "If you hadn't stolen his jade pendant, you would have stolen from someone else to save Zhuang Feiyu, wouldn't you?"

Zhong Yixiao whispered, "That was before..."

But even now, he would still go to great lengths for Zhuang Feiyu, driven by the deep bond formed over the two years they relied on each other, sometimes even inciting jealousy in Mo Jiao.

"As long as you know your mistake, that's enough. Because of your error, Min'er was deeply hurt, and the pawnshop owner at that time was actually one of the old sect leader's men, so Min'er almost died at their hands. But fortunately, he was clever and evaded several assassination attempts. So," Mo Jiao paused, telling Zhong Yixiao, "You owe him, pay it back yourself."

Zhong Yixiao felt a pang of jealousy seeing Mo Jiao so cold towards him.

Yet, Zhong Yixiao begrudgingly nodded, then hesitantly asked, "If he asks me to leave you again, should I listen to him?"

Knowing he was doing this on purpose, Mo Jiao coolly looked at him, mockingly questioning, "What do you think?"

Zhong Yixiao felt a chill down his spine, instinctively shaking his head, "No, I won't go."

"You should rest," Mo Jiao said before turning to leave the room. Zhong Yixiao, taken aback, listened as Mo Jiao softly added, "Min'er might find it hard to adjust and might not take kindly to you. Deal with it however you see fit. I'll find the young doctor to take care of you, so I won't be around much. If he sees me being nice to you, it'll only upset him."

Zhong Yixiao, rendered speechless, watched as Mo Jiao indeed left the room, feeling an immense sense of jealousy. How come he doesn't have such a caring brother? But how old exactly is Mo Jiao? He could almost be He Lan Min's father!

The thought suddenly startled Zhong Yixiao!

In the following days, Mo Jiao rarely visited. He spent his time in the pharmacy with Mo Elder, working on prescriptions, leaving Zh

Witnessing Mo Jiao's unwavering determination to cure the poison without being swayed by Zhong Yixiao, He Lan Min felt some of the resentment that had built up over the years begin to dissipate.

To be honest, his tears in front of Mo Jiao were deliberate. Everyone knew about his frail health; crying as a child would often make him ill, and Mo Jiao, who dreaded his tears the most, was manipulated. Despite feeling a bit guilty for using such tactics on his brother, He Lan Min was satisfied with Mo Jiao's reaction, though he still harbored dislike towards Zhong Yixiao.

At six years old, he lost his only relative, had his home taken over, and was driven out. Wandering the streets without a penny, he was bullied by many, with beggars trying to steal his jade pendant and evading murderers.

That period was a living nightmare for He Lan Min.

He then fled from his hometown to another small town, where he met Zhong Yixiao.

Seeing He Lan Min being bullied, Zhong Yixiao couldn't stand by and helped him chase away the ruffians. He spent the money he earned on buns for He Lan Min and took him to the dilapidated temple where he and Zhuang Feiyu lived.

On a cold night in the temple, when He Lan Min was shivering, Zhong Yixiao came over to hold him for warmth. He Lan Min remembers almost crying from gratitude, thinking how good a person this "big brother" was.

However, waking up the next day, He Lan Min found his brother's keepsake gone, and Zhong Yixiao, along with the severely ill Zhuang Feiyu, had disappeared.

To He Lan Min, Zhong Yixiao was nothing but a calculating thief and liar. He had kept this grudge over the years, aware of Zhong Yixiao's current status, yet too busy to even see his brother, let alone deal with Zhong Yixiao.

Truth be told, had Zhong Yixiao outright stolen He Lan Min's jade pendant from the start, He Lan Min might not have felt such deep resentment. It was Zhong Yixiao's initial kindness followed by his betrayal that turned He Lan Min's feelings into deep-seated hatred, leading to his current aversion.

Growing up in the demonic sect, although Mo Jiao and several elders cherished him like a jewel, He Lan Min was surrounded by cruel and violent cult members. He perfected the art of tormenting others without physically harming Zhong Yixiao, delivering verbal jabs and mockery.

Enduring He Lan Min's derision for two straight days left Zhong Yixiao feeling utterly helpless. Blame lay with him for his past actions, and now he was at the mercy of his creditor, who was none other than Mo Jiao's precious younger brother.

Zhong Yixiao felt his luck had utterly abandoned him this year!

Upon his arrival, He Lan Min would stay for half a day, incessantly criticizing Zhong Yixiao, not sparing even a single hair, declaring him utterly unworthy of his brother.

Zhong Yixiao's mouth twitched in response, nodding outwardly while letting the words go in one ear and out the other.

Mo Jiao had warned him that He Lan Min's childlike method of retaliation was just to find verbal satisfaction; if he could bear it, then just endure it, handling it however he saw fit.

Though that was the advice, Zhong Yixiao knew he couldn't actually harm He Lan Min, or else Mo Jiao would make him pay dearly, prompting him to sigh.

"What does your sigh mean? Are you saying I'm wrong?"

He Lan Min's domineering tone snapped Zhong Yixiao back to reality, prompting him to hurriedly shake his head and say, "No, no, you're absolutely right."

"Oh."

With disdain, He Lan Min continued, "Since you agree, you better learn some manners around my brother. As the sect leader, you have no excuse to be idle. Even if I don’t mention it, Elder Shang won’t stand for it."

Zhong Yixiao: "…What does Elder Shang have to do with this?"

Naturally, Elder Shang hadn't come to visit him. Like always, Elder Shang was not fond of Zhong Yixiao and had never visited him. They were strangers, with Zhong Yixiao even considering him a person to be wary of.

As if it were obvious, He Lan Min stated, "Elder Shang has been loyally serving my brother for many years. Everyone likes my brother, so why should you be the only one lounging around? Once you're healed, you’d better start training to relieve my brother of some burdens. You should know what to do without me reminding you."

Zhong Yixiao blinked, bewildered, "What did you just say to me?"

Distracted, he hadn't absorbed a word of He Lan Min's speech, who, realizing this, angrily retorted, "I said, once you're in the demonic sect, recognize your place and don't even think about associating with the righteous path again!"

Zhong Yixiao blinked again, slowly, as if he hadn't heard clearly, and before He Lan Min could explode, he sighed, "I understand, I won't side with the martial arts alliance against him."

He Lan Min was dissatisfied with his response, warning that even if his brother intervened, he would make Zhong Yixiao's life unbearable if there were a next time.

Mentioning that incident left Zhong Yixiao with no room to argue, responding with sincere acknowledgment.

"Alright, I understand. It won't happen again."

Mo Jiao had been absent these past few days, spending nights in other guest rooms. Occasionally, he would casually share tips with Zhong Yixiao on handling He Lan Min, admitting to spoiling his brother due to guilt towards his uncle's family, making He Lan Min a tough character who only responded to soft approaches.

Zhong Yixiao wouldn't confront him directly, hoping He Lan Min's anger would dissipate soon.

To change the subject, Zhong Yixiao turned to the third person in the room, Shen Yi Zhou.

Shen Yi Zhou, like a shadow, followed He Lan Min closely, speaking little but treating everyone in the courtyard with politeness, even appeasing, especially towards He Lan Min with servile attentiveness, a stark contrast to his former spirited demeanor.

His treatment of Zhong Yixiao, a former friend, depended entirely on He Lan Min's mood, showing indifference and distance to avoid He Lan Min's wrath should he discover their friendship.

To Zhong Yixiao, Shen Yi Zhou seemed overly subservient, his image greatly diminished from the initial surprise to now prioritizing others over friendship.

Thus, Zhong Yixiao suddenly said, "Yi Zhou, we haven't caught up in a while, and I've been too busy these past few days. By the way, how come you're here?"

Despite Mo Jiao's current loss of status as the sect leader, his associates are still entangled with dark paths, and Zhong Yixiao worried Shen Yi Zhou might pose a threat to everyone.

Hearing this, He Lan Min gave Shen Yi Zhou and Zhong Yixiao peculiar looks, causing Shen Yi Zhou to become nervous.

Then, He Lan Min asked Zhong Yixiao, "You're calling him so familiarly, do you know each other?"

In He Lan Min's eyes, Shen Yi Zhou was more trustworthy than Zhong Yixiao, so he questioned their relationship without much thought.

Shen Yi Zhou awkwardly laughed, hastening to deny any close relationship, "No, no, not at all…"

Zhong Yixiao smiled, "It's good. We've been friends for years. I just didn't expect to see him here, and together with you, He Lan."

Shen Yi Zhou's face went pale, He Lan Min managed to hold back at first but eventually his face turned dark, a sign he was about to explode with anger.

Zhong Yixiao thought maybe now He Lan Min would finally leave him alone, but unexpectedly, He Lan Min turned his anger towards him, scolding, "Zhong, you're already with my brother, can't you keep it in check? Now you're even eyeing Shen Yi Zhou!"

Zhong Yixiao's smile froze.

Shen Yi Zhou: "..."

It wasn't until the evening that Mo Jiao lazily returned from the pharmacy to check on Zhong Yixiao. He Lan Min, evidently not wanting to see his brother and Zhong Yixiao together, huffily left with his lackey, Shen Yi Zhou.

Mo Jiao, without much conversation, unwrapped Zhong Yixiao's bandages. The wound on the knee had formed a thick crust of blood, showing no signs of the pus that had marred it two days earlier. To prevent recurrence, Mo Jiao had forbidden Zhong Yixiao from leaving the bed, leaving him to the care of the little physician and feeling quite restless.

Zhong Yixiao, although recovering well from other injuries, asked Mo Jiao when he might be allowed out of bed.

Mo Jiao, without turning, suggested waiting a few more days until the wound healed for sword practice to resume.

The idea of practicing swordsmanship sparked interest in Zhong Yixiao, though awkwardly asking if that made Mo Jiao his master.

"Is that a problem?"

Zhong Yixiao wondered if he could learn without formally acknowledging Mo Jiao as his master.

Mo Jiao responded indifferently, not insisting on the formalities.

Zhong Yixiao laughed at the casual arrangement, but Mo Jiao left after applying medicine, cutting their conversation short.

Mo Jiao mentioned Mo Zhang Lao awaited him for a medicinal trial, leaving Zhong Yixiao with unspoken words and concerns.

Mo Jiao spent the following days with Mo Zhang Lao in the pharmacy, working on a complex prescription with all ingredients ready but substituting rare ones with similar herbs for safety, leading to several toxic concoctions that blackened an entire silver needle.

He hadn't dared to tell Mo Jiao, but Mo Jiao had seen it for himself and reassured Elder Mo to take it slow, not to rush, perhaps the gu within him needed to be fought with poison.

Considering this possibility, Elder Mo was invigorated to continue his research on the prescription.

However, these past few days, he almost felt Mo Jiao's gaze bore holes through him, as Mo Jiao did nothing but watch him, sometimes observing him study medical texts, and even picking up a book to read himself.

It was then that Elder Mo sighed in relief, admitting to Mo Jiao that he simply wanted to give Zhong Yixiao a hard time because he found him disagreeable, not expecting to upset Helan Min and swore never to cause trouble again.

To this, Mo Jiao only chuckled.

Elder Mo was so frightened he felt his soul nearly escape, sitting up straight and anxiously awaiting further words.

They all knew Helan Min had a fragile health; if his anger led to any serious harm, Elder Mo wouldn't be able to compensate Mo Jiao with another brother, and this guilt lingered in his heart, considering how he could make it up to Helan Min someday. Suddenly, Mo Jiao asked him a completely unrelated question.

"Elder Mo, do you still have the Regress Pill you gave me last time?"

The Regress Pill was the medicine Elder Mo gave to Mo Jiao before, which could temporarily restore his original appearance, with its most crucial effect being the suppression of the gu worm.

Elder Mo's alarm bells went off, cautiously asking, "What does the cult leader intend to do?"

Mo Jiao glanced at him, "Give me another one."

"You want to take it?"

Without a second thought, Elder Mo firmly refused, "Impossible! I've told you, the Regress Pill is extremely cold and can temporarily suppress the gu worm and restore your original form, but your body can't withstand so much cold. You can only take up to three pills in a short period, have you forgotten?"

Mo Jiao dismissively said, "Just one more pill, I can handle it."

"Why?" Elder Mo insisted on not giving it, "Your condition is even worse than a few months ago. Had you not insisted on returning to your original form when you left the cult, I wouldn't have really helped you make this medicine. If you take another, it might stimulate the gu worm we've worked so hard to suppress, which would be a loss not worth the gain!"

Mo Jiao retorted, "But you said it's just a possibility."

Elder Mo passionately argued, "It's not possible! The most crucial issue is that your body truly can't withstand the coldness from the snow lotus in the Regress Pill. Without this coldness, the pill loses all its effects. Being proficient in pharmacology yourself, you must know that the cold qi running amok in your body can make living worse than dying..."

"Isn't my current state just like living worse than dying?"

Mo Jiao's tone remained light, with no special expression on his face, yet Elder Mo was rendered speechless by his words. After a moment of silence, he said, "I know the cult leader is suffering, so I'm also trying to find a way to help you dispel the gu as soon as possible. But I really can't give you the medicine."

Mo Jiao raised an eyebrow slightly, his eyes full of determination.

Elder Mo accurately guessed, "What exactly is the reason for the cult leader to want to return to your original form all of a sudden? It's not like you were in a hurry before. What are you trying to do all of a sudden, is it for Zhong Yixiao?"

Upon hearing this, Mo Jiao's indifferent eyes narrowed silently, fixing Elder Mo with a silent stare, undoubtedly confirming the direction of Elder Mo's speculation was correct.

Elder Mo continued to probe, "Why such urgency all of a sudden? Could it be that Zhong Yixiao cannot accept your current appearance?"

Mo Jiao shook his head, stating firmly, "He wouldn't dare."

Elder Mo twitched his mouth, then, suddenly thinking of a possibility, looked at Mo Jiao somewhat incredulously, holding back a laugh, "Could it be that the cult leader can't resist anymore, wanting to cherish the affection of your beloved?"

Mo Jiao fell silent.