Chapter 85

Chapter 85

Two months later, on New Year's Eve.

Every New Year, Qixuan Mountain would bustle with activity. With many events over this period, the New Year's arrival was greeted with the same joy as the common folk, decorating and celebrating in high spirits.

During this time, Zhong Yixiao's swordsmanship improved significantly. He got along well with Helan Min, Sister Mo, and others, enduring their harmless pranks with good humor.

Mo Jiao never interfered with these matters, and since the onset of winter, his condition worsened due to the influence of the poison, leaving him often fatigued and confined to his courtyard, rarely inquiring about the sect's affairs.

He became lethargic, needing eight hours of sleep daily, looking constantly exhausted and barely leaving his yard, occasionally watching Zhong Yixiao practice swordsmanship without meddling in sect matters.

This weighed heavily on Zhong Yixiao, especially as Elder Mo and the young physician took turns checking on Mo Jiao, brewing numerous medicines and tirelessly researching antidotes.

The Right Protector dared not disturb Mo Jiao, thankfully Sister Mo and Elder Shang managed the sect's affairs efficiently, keeping the disciples in line and subtly confirming Mo Jiao's status as the de facto hidden sect leader, easing his worries.

On the Laba Festival, the Martial Alliance launched an attack on the demonic sect.

Zhong Yixiao learned of it afterward.

Led by the head of a major sect, accompanied by Shen Yizhou, Zhuang Feiyu, and the Su Jingchuan siblings, the operation stirred little upheaval.

Zhong Yixiao was alarmed when the Right Protector informed Mo Jiao two days later.

"It was just a courtyard at the mountain's base," said the Right Protector.

They were unconcerned, with no casualties or losses; the Martial Alliance seemed to have made a playful raid before hastily retreating to the Central Plains, their hit-and-run tactic deemed mischievous.

Zhong Yixiao never knew the demonic sect viewed the Martial Alliance this way, finding it both surprising and amusing.

Previously, attacking the demonic sect seemed a grave matter of life and death, now reduced to a jest, making Zhong Yixiao feel he'd assimilated into the sect's culture, even finding humor in it.

On New Year's Eve, Mo Jiao allowed everyone to freely leave the mountain. Zhong Yixiao went too, dragging along Mo Jiao, who had slept through the day.

However, Mo Jiao mentioned they would visit the temple for blessings on New Year's Eve, a tradition for the cult leader to pray for the demonic sect each year. Before this, red envelopes would be distributed to the disciples, followed by a grand feast to celebrate with brothers of the sect, hence their outing must end early.

Hearing this tradition, Zhong Yixiao thought the demonic sect quite humane and warm-hearted.

The primal Gu that Ji Qinghe fed to the Gu King was around mid-July, and it's been about five and a half months since. The previously suppressed Gu had been nearly exhausted, with Elder Mo and the young physician managing to extend its life for another half a month with great effort.

This wasn't good news, as Elder Mo had yet to devise a successful antidote, his current solutions lacking even a thirty percent chance of success.

Yet, Zhong Yixiao was kept in the dark by Mo Jiao, with Elder Mo and the young physician tightly lipped, publicly claiming Mo Jiao would soon be cured.

Zhong Yixiao felt uneasy, but trusted Mo Jiao's reassurance, keeping silent about the matter just like Helan Min and Sister Mo.

At the foot of Qixuan Mountain,

the territory of the demonic sect, where the townspeople lived ordinary lives, their affinity might lean more towards the demonic sect than the Martial Alliance.

The sect's local chapter was boldly situated in the most conspicuous part of the market, right at the center.

The Martial Alliance's raid on their turf turned out futile, as the Right Protector had evacuated the premises in advance, leaving the locals to scorn the invaders, worsening their opinion of the martial arts community.

The Martial Alliance's forces, tricked by their own imagined plot, shamefully retreated.

Later, the Right Protector sent the Martial Alliance a bill detailing the damages and demanded multiple compensations, threatening destruction if not complied, citing their initial rudeness.

The Martial Alliance was infuriated but complied with the payment after a few days.

This showcased the Right Protector and Mo Jiao's, and even the past cult leaders', different approach to handling issues, humiliating the Martial Alliance without force, much to the amusement of the demonic sect's disciples.

Mo Jiao's descent from the mountain brought many followers, like Helan Min and Sister Mo, who enjoyed pranking Zhong Yixiao. The Right Protector and Elder Shang were busy, leaving Elder Mo to sneak some leisure time to accompany Mo Jiao.

The group's dynamics were clear, with Zhong Yixiao conspicuously isolated from Mo Jiao's side, attracting attention on the streets.

Zhong Yixiao understood why Helan Min and Sister Mo might dislike him, one openly hostile and the other friendly but prone to harmless pranks, both out of concern for Mo Jiao.

Particularly, the former held a grudge from being deceived by Zhong Yixiao as a child, their distrust intensified by knowing Zhong Yixiao's past actions against Mo Jiao.

But with Mo Jiao around, they wouldn't do anything to genuinely harm Zhong Yixiao.

As for Elder Mo, he's never been fond of Zhong Yixiao, which is understandable.

Following behind alone, Zhong Yixiao also carried the shopping for Sister Mo, feeling slightly sad as Mo Jiao didn't stand up for him. Before he knew it, Mo Jiao and the others had walked far ahead, leaving him trailing behind.

"Zhong Yixiao, it really is you!"

A hand clapped onto Zhong Yixiao's shoulder, startling him amidst the bustling street. Turning, he saw a man with a sword on his back, vaguely familiar, quickly recalling who he was.

This person seemed to be a disciple of that sect, having met Zhong Yixiao a few times before, but not known for good character.

After some effort, Zhong Yixiao recalled the man's name, responding with a slight smile, "Lian Xiaojun, what a coincidence meeting you again."

In truth, he only remembered the man's surname. For someone of such low recognition and undistinguished presence, recalling him at all was commendable, especially since his only memory was of the man speaking ill of female disciples from the Xianxia Sect, crudely fantasizing about their loneliness.

His animosity stemmed from a thwarted attempt at misconduct towards a Xianxia Sect sister, which led to his own humiliation.

Anyone so vile towards innocent women of Xuan Nü Peak couldn't be good.

Lian Xiaojun's demeanor was far from friendly, dropping previous pleasantries to express, "I heard how badly Mo Jiao deceived you before. Weren't you with the Xianxia Sect? What brings you to the foot of Qixuan Mountain? Zhong Yixiao, you must have joined the demonic sect, right?"

With his hands full of Sister Mo's purchases, Zhong Yixiao couldn't afford a confrontation. Dropping his polite facade, he retorted, "Lian Xiaojun, seeing me here makes you accuse me of joining the demonic sect. What about you? Why are you here? Seems like you've turned your back on the righteous path too."

Lian Xiaojun, righteous in his claim, said, "I was sent by my master to infiltrate here. Our last operation was preempted by the demonic sect's fiends, leading to suspicions of a traitor within the righteous path, hence my investigation. And now I find you!"

Despite being certain of his affiliation with the demonic sect, Zhong Yixiao knew the accusation of betrayal had nothing to do with him.

"Lian Xiaojun, without evidence, how can you accuse me of betrayal? I had no part in that operation," Zhong Yixiao defended firmly.

"Without evidence? I saw you with Elder Mo Yun of the demonic sect. How can you deny it?"

Faced with the truth, Zhong Yixiao pondered before asking, "What do you propose?"

"What do I propose?"

Lian Xiaojun smirked sinisterly, drawing his sword, eyeing Zhong Yixiao, "Since you've betrayed the righteous path, I have no choice. You either come back with me to explain yourself to the alliance leader, revealing the true nature of your Xianxia Sect, or don't blame me for being ruthless!"

Last time, this person had shown extreme contempt for the Xianxia Sect, and now, his tone clearly intended to discredit them. Zhong Yixiao nearly couldn't restrain himself from retaliating when someone beat him to it, knocking Lian Xiaojun's broadsword to the ground, followed by what seemed to be a peanut.

The shock forced Lian Xiaojun to cry out in pain, clutching his hand that started to bleed unexpectedly.

Turning, Zhong Yixiao saw it was Mo Jiao and his group, with Sister Mo peeling peanuts on the side. Her action was clearly responsible for the incident, causing Lian Xiaojun to panic at her sight, yet she was already approaching.

Mo Jiao glanced at the man, then at Zhong Yixiao, frowning, "Can't beat him?"

At this, Zhong Yixiao paused, then smiled and shook his head, "Haven't started fighting yet."

It was just the man brandishing his sword to intimidate him. Zhong Yixiao turned to Sister Mo, nodding in thanks, "Thank you for just now, Sister Mo."

Sister Mo tossed a peanut into her mouth, waving off the thanks, "Don't mention it." She cleaned her hands and turned to Mo Jiao, "The Martial Alliance's spy, how shall we deal with him, Sect Leader?"

"Sect Leader!" Lian Xiaojun exclaimed, recalling rumors from months ago about the demonic sect's leader being cursed to appear younger. His pupils dilated in fear, nearly collapsing in terror.

"You... you are the demonic sect's leader!"

The surrounding crowd glanced over, but familiar with the demonic sect's reputation, continued about their business as if nothing unusual happened, as if accustomed to such scenes.

Mo Jiao gave him a brief look, causing the man to collapse in a heap, Mo Jiao's brow tightened, his tone indifferent, "He can't leave, deal with it yourself."

"Jiaojiao!"

Zhong Yixiao was surprised by Mo Jiao's directive, involuntarily calling out the intimate nickname, then softly added when Mo Jiao looked at him, "Let it go, just throw him out."

Mo Jiao gave him a deep look, then averted his gaze, but his decision remained firm.

"Take him away, leave no survivors."

Sister Mo responded seriously, shedding her lazy demeanor, grabbed Lian Xiaojun by the arm to drag him away. Lian Xiaojun cried out, seemingly seeking help from bystanders, but after a swift strike, he quickly silenced and fainted.

Watching Sister Mo drag the man away from the bustling street, Zhong Yixiao felt a chill. He looked at Mo Jiao, the coldness in his eyes silencing any objections, while Helan Min and Elder Mo showed no reaction, seemingly accustomed to such actions.

This appeared to be the true modus operandi of the demonic sect, where killing was carried out without hesitation.

Zhong Yixiao struggled to accept this, realizing he couldn't save the man from Sister Mo and Mo Jiao's grasp, nor had he considered doing so.

Mo Jiao noticed Zhong Yixiao's knuckles whitening from tension, his complexion pale, the struggle evident in his eyes.

After thinking, Mo Jiao handed the items Zhong Yixiao was carrying to Elder Mo, telling him and Helan Min, "Go ahead, I have something else to do."

Without waiting for a response, he grabbed Zhong Yixiao's hand, leaving Helan Min behind.

A soft hand grasping his fingers brought Zhong Yixiao back to reality, blindly following Mo Jiao through the crowd.

Leading Zhong Yixiao to a deserted lakeside, Mo Jiao's complexion was equally grim, his pallor heart-wrenching.

Unable to bear it, Zhong Yixiao grasped Mo Jiao's hand to stop him, guiding him to a willow tree by the shore, suggesting, "Let's rest for a while."

Mo Jiao nodded, then looked up at Zhong Yixiao, asking, "Are you unhappy?"

Zhong Yixiao shook his head, then nodded, conflicted, "I wish you wouldn't kill so easily, but if that man hadn't seen me today, you wouldn't have killed him, so his death is on me. But what you did was right; apart from seeing me, he was a spy sent by the Martial Alliance. I just need some time to accept it."

Mo Jiao said, "If he had returned, news of your presence in the demonic sect would spread, which would be disadvantageous for you."

This explicitly stated that he intended to kill the man for Zhong Yixiao's sake. Zhong Yixiao frowned, "We can't hide this forever. It will come out eventually. I've been prepared to face this reality for a long time. I've already done it, why fear others talking? Do I have to kill everyone who finds out?"

Mo Jiao remained firm, "I won't let them find out."

Seeing his stubborn expression, Zhong Yixiao sighed helplessly, couldn't resist pinching Mo Jiao's cheek, and chuckled, "No need for this. I'm ready. I was a bit nervous when I saw that man, but I quickly accepted it. If this allows me to stand by your side openly, I'm fine with it. Jiaojiao, I just don't want you to commit killings for my sake."

But truly, Zhong Yixiao had no intention of saving Lian Xiaojun, not only because he didn't want to reveal himself but also because the man sought to frame the Xianxia Sect.

After a moment, Mo Jiao asked, "Do you know that the Xianxia Sect didn't publicize your expulsion?"

Zhong Yixiao's smile froze momentarily.

"They didn't? Then... how did you know I was expelled?"

Mo Jiao honestly replied, "Someone sent me a letter, informing me beforehand."

He said 'beforehand', meaning before Zhong Yixiao descended the mountain, indicating the messenger was from Xuan Nü Peak, which surprised Zhong Yixiao.

"Who sent you the letter?"

Mo Jiao thought of someone but shook his head, choosing not to tell Zhong Yixiao.

Mo Jiao added, "I promised you, I won't disclose our matters, so no one will know you're in the demonic sect. Even if you wish to let others know, now is not the time."

This quickly diverted Zhong Yixiao from the previous subject, making him feel ashamed for his unreasonable request and a bit puzzled.

"Then when is the right time?"

Mo Jiao remained silent.

Zhong Yixiao couldn't get an answer, and after resting for a while, they resumed strolling the streets, hand in hand, without the company of others, his smile quickly returning.

Suddenly feeling whimsical, Zhong Yixiao dragged Mo Jiao to buy a stick of candied hawthorns.

The vendor recognized Mo Jiao and dared not accept money, but Zhong Yixiao insisted on paying, only to realize he had no money at all.

He then remembered he had left with nothing and had been living off Mo Jiao these days, not carrying any money.

So, he looked at Mo Jiao with pleading eyes, blinking and asking, "Jiaojiao, do you have any silver on you?"

Mo Jiao quietly met his gaze and after a moment, silently took out a silver ingot, tossing it to the vendor with a cool, "Keep the change."

Seeing his lavishness, Zhong Yixiao felt a glow of pride, happily following Mo Jiao with the candied hawthorns in hand.

Mo Jiao doesn't like sweets, and seeing Zhong Yixiao also not eating, reminded of a time at the Lotus House when Zhong Yixiao, thinking Mo Jiao shy, bought him candied hawthorns.

Now, Zhong Yixiao holding the candied hawthorns towards him, Mo Jiao blurted out, "I don't eat those."

Zhong Yixiao blinked again, his handsome face breaking into a smile, "I'll eat it myself then."

Saying so, he bit into a candied hawthorn, enjoying it by himself, Mo Jiao watching his cheeks puff out, his face turning quietly red.

Zhong Yixiao seemed to notice, the smile in his eyes deepening.

Suddenly, Mo Jiao found himself lifted off the ground, unexpectedly swept into Zhong Yixiao's arms.

Mo Jiao's eyes widened in surprise, frowning and warning, "Put me down!"

Zhong Yixiao, unfazed and still smiling, held Mo Jiao closer, asking, "Are you cold?"

Mo Jiao felt extremely awkward but had no choice but to cling to Zhong Yixiao's clothes, leaning on him with his ears turning red, almost grinding his teeth, "I'm not cold at all, let me go!"

He seemed to be dressed lightly, but he was wearing thick winter clothes and a plain little cloak, reportedly handpicked by Sister Mo from the finest materials, definitely warm enough.

Holding Mo Jiao, Zhong Yixiao could feel the warmth from his body but didn't let go, deliberately carrying him through the streets.

"But I'm cold," Zhong Yixiao claimed boldly, "I'm a bit cold, let me hold you for a bit."

Hearing this, Mo Jiao stopped resisting and let himself be held.

Zhong Yixiao, pushing his luck, handed the candied hawthorns to Mo Jiao, saying, "Actually, I bought it for you. Will you try one, please?"

Mo Jiao frowned deeply at the candied hawthorns, unable to bring himself to eat it.

Zhong Yixiao added, "Consider it a New Year's gift from me."

Mo Jiao glared at him, "Such a cheap New Year's gift?"

A New Year's gift for two copper coins... Zhong Yixiao felt somewhat embarrassed, "I don't have money right now, just make do, okay?"

Mo Jiao stayed silent, but deep down, he was quite happy. After a while, he bit into a candied hawthorn, filling his mouth slowly. Under the sweet syrup, he tasted the slightly sour hawthorn, then quickly chewed and swallowed it.

Holding up the stick with several candied hawthorns left, Mo Jiao said with a straight face, "I ate it."

"Alright," Zhong Yixiao said, trying not to laugh, "Eating one is already very kind of you. But Jiaojiao, you've got syrup on your mouth. Let me wipe it off for you. Do you have a handkerchief?"

Mo Jiao instinctively thought to wipe it himself but then, after a pause, he kept staring at Zhong Yixiao's clean face.

Zhong Yixiao, puzzled by his stare, asked, "What's wrong?"

Without a word, Mo Jiao held Zhong Yixiao's head and then leaned in to kiss him, leaving Zhong Yixiao completely stunned. Mo Jiao quickly pulled away, looking at the red sugar mark on Zhong Yixiao's cheek, licking his lips with a satisfied and triumphant smile.

"Now it's clean."

Without needing a mirror, Zhong Yixiao knew there was a patch on his face, like a faint red lip mark, hardly noticeable unless closely examined. He found the melted syrup on his face a bit uncomfortable, but seeing Mo Jiao so happy made him feel joyful too.

Carrying Mo Jiao through the streets, he suddenly expressed a sentiment, "Doesn't today remind you of when I took you out of the Lotus House? Looking back, it's quite amusing."

Mo Jiao didn't respond, still holding the candied hawthorns, leaning into Zhong Yixiao, murmuring, "Let's go back, it's time to prepare the reunion dinner on the mountain."

Zhong Yixiao smiled, agreed, and carried Mo Jiao back up the mountain.