Chapter 86

Chapter 86

Nearly a hundred tables of food were prepared on the mountain, the sensation of hundreds of disciples dining together was novel for Zhong Yixiao, who was seated next to Mo Jiao.

In the grand hall built by the old sect leader, elders and hall masters sat at several tables, with hundreds congratulating Mo Jiao on the New Year.

In that moment of loud, joyous celebrations, Zhong Yixiao felt the entire winter warmed by everyone's presence.

The sect's higher-ups were inside the hall, while ordinary disciples were outside. Despite the cold, the lively atmosphere and feasting made it exceptionally warm, even affecting Mo Jiao.

Mo Jiao forwent his throne-like seat to sit with his subordinates, flanked by Zhong Yixiao and Helan Min, surrounded by familiar faces including Sister Mo, the protectors, Elder Mo, Elder Shang, and the young physician, warming Zhong Yixiao's heart.

Outside, the disciples ate, drank, and played games, enjoying themselves far from the sect leader, causing no trouble.

A moment of silence in the hall, then the other elders and hall masters exchanged glances and stood to toast Mo Jiao, a tradition slightly unsettled this year due to Mo Jiao's illness, well-known to many.

The young hall master spoke for them, "Sect Leader, as you wish."

Mo Jiao, ever casual, sipped half a cup of water, then eased the awkwardness with a generous, "Today is a joyous day, have fun without restraint."

With the sect leader's word, the higher-ups relaxed and indulged in the feast.

The hall quickly returned to liveliness, with laughter filling the air, Mo Jiao's table being the most at ease, eagerly starting their meal.

Drinking was inevitable at such a feast, and as the table kept urging Zhong Yixiao to drink, his astonishment and joy turned to tearful resignation.

Especially Sister Mo, who kept refilling his cup, clamoring for another round.

After downing a small jar of wine, Zhong Yi Xiao was in misery, occasionally sending pleading looks to Leader Mo.

Leader Mo paused in his eating to glance at Zhong Yi Xiao, who felt a glimmer of hope, then heard Leader Mo say, "He'll accompany me to the temple for prayers later. You all just carry on drinking."

Leader Mo's voice wasn't loud, but the moment his words fell, the entire hall went silent as if a mechanism had been triggered, all movements ceased, and eyes turned to Zhong Yi Xiao with strange glances.

Zhong Yi Xiao was completely baffled, even Sister Mo's smile froze, He Lan Min pursed her lips, mashing the fish meat Leader Mo had served him with her chopsticks. The Left Guardian's eyes bulged in disbelief, the Right Guardian seemed as if he had seen through everything, Elder Mo quietly drank his wine, smiling without saying a word, and Shang Elder slightly furrowed his brows, also silent.

Another newcomer, the young miracle doctor, also watched everyone's expressions with great curiosity.

After a moment, Sister Mo broke the silence, asking Leader Mo, "Junior brother, are you serious?"

This piqued Zhong Yi Xiao's curiosity even more.

Leader Mo, however, appeared calm and nodded, "Enjoy yourselves tonight, just having Zhong Yi Xiao accompany me to the temple for prayers will suffice."

Then, the almost suffocating silence resumed, Zhong Yi Xiao not quite understanding why everyone reacted this way and too embarrassed to ask publicly.

Elder Mo put down his wine cup, smiling, "The leader is right, today is a good day. We should drink and eat as we please. It's not easy to celebrate the New Year, right?"

Clearly trying to smooth things over, the other elders gradually came around, echoing Elder Mo's words, and Sister Mo went straight to the next table with a wine bottle to find someone to drink with.

Firecracker sounds from the mountain's base occasionally erupted, and the hall quickly returned to its bustling, lively state.

The young miracle doctor, witnessing such a grand reunion dinner for the first time, was filled with wonder in his glossy eyes, drinking more than a few cups, but Shang Elder silently switched his wine with tea.

Afterwards, He Lan Min unusually stopped clinging to her brother. Seeing Elder Mo sitting contentedly alone, she approached him with a bowl, and they whispered among themselves. Elder Mo's face broke into a smile, seemingly discussing Prince Jing.

After overhearing a few conversations, Zhong Yi Xiao finally breathed a sigh of relief as no one forced him to drink anymore. He was serving food to Leader Mo, already feeling a bit dizzy.

Led by Sister Mo's encouragement, everyone was drinking wildly, not satisfied with just cups but competing with whole jars of wine, with the elders egging them on.

Zhong Yi Xiao, glancing around, whispered to Leader Mo, "Is it really okay to drink like this? What if the Martial Alliance launches a surprise attack now?"

His face flushed, eyes slightly moist, Leader Mo looked at him and retorted with a question, "Doesn't the Martial Alliance celebrate the New Year?"

Zhong Yi Xiao, still looking sober, thought for a moment and said, "Right."

Hearing this, Mo Jiao knew Zhong Yixiao was somewhat drunk, his reactions becoming noticeably slower.

Zhong Yixiao's tolerance for alcohol wasn't great, and the liquor Sister Mo fed him was the strongest treasured within the sect.

Seeing him pretending to be sober, Mo Jiao playfully said to Zhong Yixiao, "We have spies; no matter what the Martial Alliance plans, I will know."

Zhong Yixiao suddenly widened his eyes, looking at Mo Jiao in disbelief.

"Really?"

Mo Jiao nodded solemnly.

Zhong Yixiao gazed at Mo Jiao seriously for a moment, then with stars in his eyes, full of admiration, said, "Jiaojiao, you're so amazing!"

Mo Jiao couldn't help but smile.

After three rounds of drinks, a hall master at the next table got drunk and flipped it, then a group started gambling, with Sister Mo excitedly joining in.

Mo Jiao sat quietly, watching without forbidding or intervening.

Elder Mo and Elder Shang remained sober, having barely touched their drinks, whereas Helan Min was drunk, and the always restless Left Protector went to bet big and small with Sister Mo.

Mo Jiao, glancing at Zhong Yixiao who was rubbing his forehead and had sobered up a bit, prepared to leave, instructing Elder Mo and the Left Protector, "Min'er is drunk, take him back later and take good care of him, it's getting late, I'm off to the temple now."

The Right Protector responded, "Understood, it's cold, brother, make your visit quick and return soon."

Mo Jiao nodded and then stood up.

Seeing this, Zhong Yixiao instinctively followed, walking out of the grand hall with Mo Jiao. The howling western wind outside made Zhong Yixiao shiver, which sobered him up considerably, and he quickly caught up.

Outside, many people were sprawled out in various states of inebriation. Zhong Yixiao shook his head, carefully stepped over them, took Mo Jiao's hand, and followed him to the back mountain.

In the plum blossom forest, spreading as far as the eye could see, Zhong Yixiao held a lantern to clear the path ahead, holding Mo Jiao's hand and occasionally cautioning him about branches on the ground.

The air was filled with a cold fragrance. Zhong Yixiao, observing the stone lanterns along the path through the plum forest, knew to follow the light without Mo Jiao having to lead.

After passing through the plum forest, they found an ancient grand hall on a clearing by the cliff. It was hard to see at night, but a giant tree could be vaguely seen behind the hall, its intertwining roots casting shadows over the temple. The tree was gradually withering, its leaves falling, branches bare except for faded red ribbons hanging long and fluttering in the wind, adding a ghostly beauty.

The hall was still lit by candles, with several exquisite lamps lined up at the entrance, illuminating the entire clearing, revealing a large Bagua formation on the ground.

"So the temple you mentioned isn't the one we were in earlier, but this one."

Mo Jiao led him closer to the temple, cheerfully responding, "That grand hall was built by the old geezer himself. This temple is different; it has been here since the establishment of the demonic sect, over three hundred years now."

No wonder the grand hall exuded an ancient, dynastic style. Zhong Yixiao paused on the stone steps in front of the hall, suddenly noticing a frail figure in white standing at the open doors above.

"Is someone up there waiting for you?"

Initially startled, Zhong Yixiao then thought it natural for someone to be there, as the temple needed caretaking.

Mo Jiao nodded, leading him up the stone steps.

The solemn grand hall was brightly illuminated by candlelight, with a young woman in white standing at the entrance.

When Mo Jiao and Zhong Yixiao approached, the woman bowed to Mo Jiao and then, surprisingly, didn't speak but used several strange hand gestures.

Clearly, Mo Jiao understood her, nodding and saying, "You can go now."

The woman bowed again and retreated without letting her gaze linger unnecessarily on Zhong Yixiao as she left Mo Jiao's presence and exited the temple.

Zhong Yixiao watched the woman disappear into the plum forest, prompting Mo Jiao to frown and draw Zhong Yixiao's attention back to himself with an explanation.

"She is the mute guardian of the temple."

"Oh, no wonder she didn't speak," Zhong Yixiao said, his voice still very clear.

Mo Jiao hummed in acknowledgment, turned, and stepped into the temple, with Zhong Yixiao following, lantern in hand.

Inside the temple, rows of candles brightly lit the space, warming the room instantly, surprising Zhong Yixiao as the temple was not as solemn and austere as he had imagined, lacking the expected worship of any particular deity.

It was a hall with an entrance and an exit, the vast front hall empty except for layers of white gauze veiling the center, adding a touch of mystery.

Beyond the front hall, in the open courtyard, a thick tree root emerged from the ground, surrounded by high walls unable to contain the wildly growing tree.

The giant tree Zhong Yixiao had seen from outside was actually growing from within the temple, creating the illusion of enveloping the entire structure, surrounded by a solemn fence marked with red ribbons.

Inside, more red ribbons hung overhead, nearly blocking out the sky, leaving only slivers of light to peek through.

Illuminated by the temple's light, Zhong Yixiao saw the dense branches adorned with red ribbons, some faded, some still vibrant, all contributing to the temple's mysterious aura.

Before the tree root was an altar for offerings, with faint incense smoke spreading to every corner, surprisingly pleasant.

Holding the lantern, Zhong Yixiao paused by a column, while Mo Jiao had already descended several stone steps to the tree's base, lighting incense sticks from the altar's candle before placing them in the incense burner.

When Mo Jiao turned back, Zhong Yixiao was still standing in front of the pillar, but this time he was constantly looking at the red ribbons on the tree.

"There are words on the red ribbons," Zhong Yixiao said.

Standing higher up, he could clearly see the characters on the ribbons closest to him and read them out loud.

"May the demonic sect prosper forever..."

Mo Jiao stood below, quietly watching him. Seeing Zhong Yixiao suddenly smile, he turned back to meet Mo Jiao's gaze and said with a laugh, "Jiaojiao, this is your handwriting."

Mo Jiao said, "Every year during the blessing ceremony, the sect leader writes a wish on the red ribbons and ties them to the sacred tree, praying for the sect's stability and peace. What you saw was probably what I wrote last year."

Hearing this, Zhong Yixiao put down the lantern and walked down the steps, asking, "The demonic sect was established only over three hundred years ago, yet there are so many red ribbons on this tree."

"Those outside were hung by disciples over the years. Actually, long before the demonic sect was established, the sacred tree already existed, nearly a thousand years old. Disciples have treated it as a spiritual totem, a belief. The custom of tying red ribbons with wishes on the tree each year became a tradition, though in recent years, aside from the annual July half and New Year's Eve, other disciples don't come here."

Zhong Yixiao seemed to take this in, his gaze at the tree also filled with longing. Approaching Mo Jiao, he asked, "So the demonic sect's temple worships the sacred tree. Is there a story behind this?"

Mo Jiao explained, "It's said that the first sect leader stumbled upon this place and found it suitable. After wandering the martial world for many years, he wanted a place to settle without the constraints of the orthodox martial world, thus establishing his own domain here. Struggling with a name, he eventually decided on 'demonic sect' with a wave of his hand."

And so, years later, the demonic sect truly lived up to its name.

Zhong Yixiao exclaimed, "So it's actually called the demonic sect? I thought you were just unwilling to reveal the sect's name to the outside world..."

Mo Jiao slightly curled his lips.

After circling the sacred tree, Zhong Yixiao returned to see Mo Jiao in front of the altar, preparing to write on the already prepared red ribbons.

Approaching, he saw Mo Jiao writing "May the demonic sect prosper forever" again and suddenly asked, "Does making a wish to the sacred tree really come true?"

Mo Jiao replied, "It's merely a tradition that has lasted a thousand years. Whether it comes true or not, I don't know."

Zhong Yixiao pouted, looking at the sacred tree, "What kind of tree is this? It's a thousand years old and almost dead."

"The sacred tree is also known as the withered tree because it has withered without dying for a thousand years, becoming the faith of many."

Mo Jiao picked up the red ribbon with writing, waiting for it to dry, and recalled something amusing.

"It is said that the withered tree will bloom."

"Hmm?" Zhong Yixiao looked at Mo Jiao curiously, his eyes misty.

Mo Jiao kindly explained, "It's said that when the withered tree blooms again in spring, the wishes made here will be looked upon by the gods, and all wishes will come true."

Zhong Yixiao paused, his eyes wide, waiting for Mo Jiao to dry the red ribbon and when Mo Jiao was about to find a place to hang it, he suddenly grabbed Mo Jiao's hand, asking seriously, "Jiaojiao, can I also write a wish?"

Mo Jiao hesitated, frowning slightly, "What wish do you want to make? This tree hasn't bloomed for over a thousand years, do you really expect it to bloom?"

Zhong Yixiao said, "After the New Year, it'll be spring."

Mo Jiao knew he was drunk but at least not too muddled, agreeing completely with Zhong Yixiao.

"Then write it yourself, and shall we hang the ribbon together?"

Zhong Yixiao's face lit up, taking the brush and ribbon, carefully and devoutly writing his wish. Mo Jiao was actually curious but saw him hiding it, so he didn't show any intention of looking.

Moments later, Zhong Yixiao put down the brush, hiding the ribbon behind him, saying, "Let's go hang it up."

Seeing him care so much, Mo Jiao smiled, more splendid and sacred than the red ribbons on the tree.

A ladder was nearby, and Zhong Yixiao insisted on hanging the ribbon himself, so Mo Jiao let him, handing over his own ribbon as well.

It was done in just a moment.

Zhong Yixiao climbed down the ladder, cleaned his hands, and looked at the two new spots of bright red on the branches, then suddenly brought his hands together, closing his eyes to pray.

Mo Jiao quietly watched from the side as Zhong Yixiao hung the red ribbon high up, unable to see clearly what was written on Zhong Yixiao's ribbon from this height.

"We should go back."

After a while, Mo Jiao reminded Zhong Yixiao.

Zhong Yixiao opened his slightly drunken eyes, his movements sluggish as he slowly looked down at Mo Jiao, frowning, "I feel a bit dizzy..."

"That's the aftereffect of the alcohol."

Hearing this, Zhong Yixiao stopped pretending, rubbing his forehead with a muffled voice, "No wonder I've been feeling dizzy."

Mo Jiao: "...Then let's stay here for a while."

Zhong Yixiao looked at him dazedly, unsure if he had heard.

Mo Jiao sighed resignedly, took Zhong Yixiao's hand, and led him into the warm inner hall.

The inner hall was almost identical to the front hall, empty except for some simple decorations and the bright candles. Mo Jiao found two cushions and sat down with Zhong Yixiao, leaning against each other, watching the serene courtyard and the red ribbons fluttering on the sacred tree.

Zhong Yixiao, indeed drunk, unbuttoned his collar in discomfort, shivering from the cold. Mo Jiao then let him rest on his lap, using his internal energy to warm him.

Zhong Yixiao, feeling comfortable, hugged Mo Jiao tightly around the waist and suddenly called out Mo Jiao's name.

"Jiaojiao..."

Mo Jiao hummed in response, and after a silence, Zhong Yixiao whispered,

"I'll be waiting for you, come back soon."

Mo Jiao paused abruptly.

Later, as Zhong Yixiao fell asleep, Mo Jiao gently moved him aside, stretching his numb legs before going under the sacred tree. Climbing the ladder, he found the red ribbon Zhong Yixiao had just hung, with a simple message written on it —

"May Mo Jiao return safely and live a peaceful life."

Firecracker sounds came from below the mountain, starting with a single bang followed by a continuous series, bursting into dazzling fireworks in the sky. The lights remained bright below, heralding the start of the New Year.

Zhong Yixiao couldn't remember how he got back to his place. When he woke up, it was still dark, and Mo Jiao was no longer by his side. Remembering what day it was, he hurriedly got ready and went out to look for people.

Today was not only the first day of the Lunar New Year but also the day Mo Jiao was leaving the demonic sect.

It had been agreed upon days ago that Mo Jiao would leave the sect to seek a cure for the poison, accompanied by Elder Mo, the young divine doctor, and even Elder Shang, but Zhong Yixiao was not allowed to go.

It wasn't that Zhong Yixiao didn't want to go, but Mo Jiao didn't want him to, and he never refused Mo Jiao's requests, agreeing to wait for his safe return.

On the way, he ran into Helan Min, who was also hastily dressed, and they met outside Elder Mo's residence. Before they could speak, Mo Jiao's voice came from the doorway.

"Good, I don't need to send someone to call you now."

After a night of heavy drinking, the brothers of the sect were still asleep, but many had already gathered at Elder Mo's place. Those who sat at the same table last night were all present today.

Sister Mo wore a festive red dress, happily inviting Helan Min and Zhong Yixiao inside, then handing each a string of copper coins tied with red string.

Sister Mo said, "Here, I've prepared New Year's money for you both. Are you happy?"

The Left Protector whispered, "Isn't it too little, just a string of copper coins..."

Sister Mo feigned anger, "Don't you dare bring it back to me, complaining it's too little..."

Holding the warm and somewhat heavy copper coins, Zhong Yixiao reluctantly accepted them, feeling warmed by the gesture. He looked at Mo Jiao, his eyes filled with reluctance, and after a long gaze, he only asked, "Are you ready?"

Mo Jiao nodded.

Hearing this, Helan Min quickly came back to his senses, his eyes reddening, "Brother, I don't want to part with you. Can I come with you?"

Mo Jiao said, "Be good."

Helan Min sniffed and obediently acquiesced.

Suddenly, Mo Jiao reached out to Zhong Yixiao, saying, "This is for you."

Zhong Yixiao was stunned, looking at the exquisite sword tassel lying in the small palm. He was indeed very surprised.

Mo Jiao calmly added, "A New Year's gift."

Zhong Yixiao suddenly burst into laughter.

Helan Min, green with envy, hurriedly asked, "Brother, what about my gift?"

Seeing this, Mo Jiao resignedly took out a piece of mutton-fat jade pendant from his bosom and handed it to Helan Min.

"This is Min's gift."

Helan Min immediately smiled, cherishingly taking the jade pendant and even smugly humming at Zhong Yixiao, implying her gift was more valuable, then sweetly thanked Mo Jiao, "Thank you, brother."

Mo Jiao smiled helplessly.

The group escorted Mo Jiao and the others down the mountain, just as dawn was breaking, with the foot of the mountain not too noisy yet.

Mo Jiao talked with Helan Min for a while, gave some instructions to the Right Protector, and whispered a few words to Sister Mo. However, Zhong Yixiao waited until it was time to leave without Mo Jiao calling him.

Elder Mo and the young divine doctor waited by the carriage, Zhong Yixiao, anxious, called out to Mo Jiao, who turned back, still looking serene.

Zhong Yixiao stepped forward, crouched in front of Mo Jiao, straightened his collar, and hid his vulnerable neck before saying, "I will wait for you to return to the mountain."

Mo Jiao nodded, "I've asked Xiao Jing to look after you. Min will return to the capital for his duties soon. If you're uncomfortable staying on the mountain, you can go back to Xianyun Villa first."

Zhong Yixiao frowned, "I won't leave before you come back."

Seeing his stubbornness, Mo Jiao said nothing further, his expression slightly evasive. However, Zhong Yixiao held his hand and slipped a small, warm object into it.

Mo Jiao looked down in confusion to find a small jade rabbit in his palm. Though not exquisitely carved, its smooth finish and the care taken in its details were evident.

Zhong Yixiao earnestly explained, "I heard you were born in the Year of the Rabbit, so I started carving this little jade rabbit last month. It's not of the best quality, and the craftsmanship could be better, but please don't mind."

It seemed ironic to Zhong Yixiao that Mo Jiao, with his domineering presence, was associated with the soft and gentle rabbit.

Mo Jiao appeared genuinely surprised, looking at the small jade rabbit in his hand with rare uncertainty.

Zhong Yixiao added with a blink, "A New Year's gift."

Mo Jiao smiled, though the smile seemed somewhat forced. After a moment, he nodded slowly, responding, "It's beautiful, thank you."

"I'm glad you like it. You must come back safely," Zhong Yixiao said.

Mo Jiao nodded awkwardly again before preparing to leave. But as he turned, he suddenly faced Zhong Yixiao again, quickly pressing a kiss on his cheek, his voice trembling slightly with long-suppressed anxiety, whispering in Zhong Yixiao's ear—

"Zhong Yixiao, I'm sorry."