Chapter 72#
Chapter 72#
Pei Huang quickly walked to Xue Jingci’s side and immediately saw the white paper stained with ink on the table.
When Xue Jingci practiced calligraphy, his hand was always extremely steady. For the paper to be stained like this, it was probably due to an unsettled mind.
Pei Huang thought for a moment, guessing if Xue Jingci was worried about his cultivation.
The cultivation technique he was currently practicing was one of the most powerful mental cultivation methods in the Demon Realm, but it was only a fragmented text, with only the first and second volumes.
Although Xue Jingci had been studying both righteous and demonic cultivation methods for many years and had deep insights, it was still not easy to repair the fragmented text.
He was about to finish cultivating the second volume; Xue Jingci must be worried about this, right?
Pei Huang didn’t want Xue Jingci to worry about this, so he stood beside him, grinding ink for him while talking about how smoothly his cultivation had been going these past few days.
As he spoke, a smile spread across his face, and his entire being exuded the vibrant energy of youth.
Xue Jingci lowered his gaze, his fingertips gently gripping the brush in his hand.
Although he had already understood Pei Huang’s feelings, he knew he couldn’t reciprocate them. Rather than letting Pei Huang wait hopelessly, it would be better to find a way for him to find someone else to like sooner.
Xi Feng was not bad.
Not only was she bright and charming, but her talent and cultivation were also very impressive. Most importantly, her personality was excellent.
On the day of the martial arts competition, she struck fiercely and mercilessly on stage, but once off the stage, she was completely unpretentious and could chat casually with anyone.
If she met someone with comparable cultivation, she would enthusiastically introduce herself and pester them to become friends.
If it were her, she would definitely know how to respond to a sincere heart.
However, most of Pei Huang’s time was currently spent cultivating, and the remaining time was taken up by various miscellaneous affairs of the Demon Realm, leaving him no free time.
Xue Jingci looked at Pei Huang and said indifferently: “You’ve worked hard cultivating. Rest early today.”
Pei Huang shook his head, thinking that only by staying by Xue Jingci’s side could his heart find a moment of peace and tranquility.
He shook his head: “Master, I’m not tired. You continue practicing calligraphy, and I’ll just grind the ink for you.”
Xue Jingci saw him still standing there, diligently grinding ink, a dignified Demon Lord doing such mundane tasks, and felt an indescribable emotion in his heart.
He was silent for a moment and then said: “Then grind more, and put it in a bottle. I’ll pour it out myself when I need it.”
This way, Pei Huang would have time to interact with Xi Feng.
Pei Huang shook his head: “Some things are inherently changeable, and this ink is one of them. Once it’s left overnight, its color will not be good.”
Xue Jingci’s eyes flickered slightly when he heard “inherently changeable.”
He had actually understood this principle from Xie Zheng and Xiao Xun, but those two had suddenly changed, catching him off guard.
As for Pei Huang, he was someone Xue Jingci actively wanted to change, not wanting him to fall into pain.
Xue Jingci picked up the brush, a decision silently forming in his heart.
He held the brush, his hand steady this time, and wrote elegant characters on the paper in one fluid motion, completely suppressing his fluctuating emotions.
“Starting tomorrow, I will go into seclusion in Qifeng Valley for seven days.”
Pei Huang’s heart sank when he suddenly heard this. Was Master still troubled by his affection and wanted to avoid him?
But their relationship had clearly returned to normal these past few days.
Pei Huang suppressed the surprise in his heart and nodded: “Master, please go into seclusion. I’ll have Guan Zi prepare food and leave it outside every day.”
Early the next morning, Pei Huang wanted to personally see Xue Jingci off, but he found that Xue Jingci had already gone to Qifeng Valley overnight.
Recalling the ink bleeding on the white paper yesterday, Pei Huang always felt that Xue Jingci was hiding something from him. An inexplicable panic arose in his heart, and he quickly got up to find Guan Zi, made a few of Xue Jingci’s favorite pastries, and placed them outside Qifeng Valley.
Guan Zi, holding the food box, looked at Pei Huang and asked: “When are you planning to hold the dao companion ceremony? I’m going back to the Imperial City for a few days. If I can make it, I can still prepare the food for your wedding banquet.”
Pei Huang was stunned, and it took him a while to realize what Guan Zi was talking about.
He grabbed Guan Zi’s shoulder and asked sternly: “Where did this rumor come from?”
Guan Zi scratched his head, thought carefully for a moment, and said: “It seems to be from Auntie Wang in the kitchen, but she also heard it from the Demon Palace guards…”
He rattled off several names, and finally said: “I heard them talking about it in such detail, and I personally saw Fu Yin bring Xi Feng to find you, so I believed it to be true.”
Pei Huang pressed his temples, feeling a headache coming on, thinking how wronged he was. He had refused Fu Yin’s proposal without hesitation, yet how did it turn into him wanting to become dao companions with Xi Feng in these people’s mouths?
Fortunately, Xue Jingci didn’t know about this, otherwise, wouldn’t he be seen as someone who was fickle?
Wait…
Pei Huang raised his hand and grabbed Guan Zi’s shoulder: “Did you tell my Master about this?”
Guan Zi nodded: “I only had time to tell him that Fu Yin wanted to set you up with Xi Feng. Last night, I heard that you two had a pleasant conversation and decided on the engagement on the spot. He went into seclusion early today, so I haven’t had a chance to tell him.”
Pei Huang breathed a sigh of relief, feeling as if a snowfall should descend from the heavens to clear his name.
Guan Zi patted his shoulder, recalling their turbulent youth, and comforted him: “Your parents passed away early, and Master is half a father. When you pay respects to your elders, paying respects to him is the same.”
Upon hearing this, Pei Huang couldn’t help but punch him directly: “I told you it’s a rumor.”
He had never regarded Xue Jingci as a father; if he were to pay respects, it would be…
“I like him.”
Guan Zi’s mouth dropped open in surprise when he heard this, and it took him a long time to close it.
Then he slapped his head: “My bad for talking nonsense.”
Pei Huang shook his head. He was naturally angry when he first heard the rumor, but now that he had calmed down, he suddenly realized that this might be an opportunity!
Yesterday, Xue Jingci was restless, and he had always thought it was because he was thinking about cultivation.
What if it was because of what Guan Zi said?
The thought of this possibility made Pei Huang’s entire heart pound.
He raised his hand and pressed his chest, forcibly suppressing his agitated heart, then took the food box from Guan Zi’s hand and placed it outside Qifeng Valley.
Pei Huang waited for a long time. When he saw the valley’s restriction open for a moment and someone take the food inside, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.
He had rushed over early in the morning because he wanted to confirm that Xue Jingci was truly in seclusion, not leaving without a word.
Seven days…
Perhaps he should think carefully about what he needed to do.
Inside the valley.
Xue Jingci ate the warm pastries and casually gave a piece to the system.
Although he was only going to stay in the valley for seven days, Xue Jingci still cleaned it thoroughly, sweeping away the moss and fallen leaves.
He also took out a few simple pieces of furniture from his storage bag and carefully arranged them.
The system finished its pastry and came over to help.
It had been with its host for so long and was extremely familiar with his every word and action, but these past few days, the host had always seemed off.
Just like now, the rocks on the ground were almost swept bare by the host!
The system meowed, and Xue Jingci finally came back to his senses. He took out a small box from his storage bag and carefully placed it on the small table.
The box contained the amber Pei Huang had given him. Xue Jingci felt the table was a bit empty and had intended to place a few books, but for some reason, he subconsciously took out the amber.
His fingers touched the bottom of the amber, and a hint of surprise suddenly flashed in Xue Jingci’s eyes.
He looked down and saw the three characters “Pei Huang’s Gift” carved into the bottom of the amber.
So Pei Huang had left his name on this new amber.
Xue Jingci instantly understood his little thought. No wonder he always asked him to wear the amber before.
He chuckled a little, but quickly suppressed his smile.
He was clearly trying to push Pei Huang away, hoping he would find a good match soon, but at that moment, he found the young man who implicitly declared his ownership a little cute.
This was not right.
If he couldn’t reciprocate Pei Huang’s feelings, he shouldn’t comfortably continue to let him give so much for him.
Xue Jingci touched the amber, thought for a moment, then put it back in the box and carefully placed it in his storage bag.
He took a deep breath, sat cross-legged to cultivate, and after entering a meditative state, those chaotic emotions finally receded from his mind.
Xue Jingci remained in seclusion for a full seven days, receiving food delivered by Guan Zi every day.
The pastries tasted excellent and were still warm when delivered, carrying a hint of sweet fragrance.
After eating the last bite of pastry, Xue Jingci stood up and walked out of Qifeng Valley with the system in his arms.
Moonlight fell on the ground, bright as water. Pei Huang stood silently outside the valley, not knowing how long he had been waiting.
His eyebrows were deeper than ordinary people’s, like a drawn sword. Now that he held the position of Demon Lord, he needed to intimidate others, making him appear even more sinister and cold.
Hearing the movement, Pei Huang looked up.
The moonlight fell on him, softening his sharp eyebrows with a hint of tenderness.
Xue Jingci hadn’t expected him to come. His mind, which had finally settled and quieted after seven days of seclusion, became chaotic again.
He looked at Pei Huang and asked hesitantly: “Are you waiting for me here… because you encountered some difficult problem in your cultivation?”
“No.” Pei Huang shook his head: “…I just missed Master.”
“Master, do you miss me?”
Xue Jingci didn’t speak, just stared at Pei Huang.
Pei Huang’s voice was very low, soft like a plea. In the past, Xue Jingci would definitely have nodded softly.
But at this moment, he hesitated.
Xue Jingci already knew that Pei Huang liked him, and it had started a long time ago. But now, a new person had appeared by Pei Huang’s side, lively and passionate. Perhaps after a while, his gaze would shift away from him.
He shouldn’t, and couldn’t, say anything more.
Xue Jingci shook his head faintly: “Never.”
After saying this, he suddenly met Pei Huang’s eyes.
Although the person had said he missed him, he didn’t rub against him like before; he just stood quietly in place.
Although he had grown up a lot, the stubbornness in his eyes was exactly the same as before.
Like an abandoned puppy that had wandered for a long time, clearly wanting to approach, but knowing it would be disliked, so it remained motionless.
A wave of guilt rose in Xue Jingci’s heart, and for the first time, he explained: “I was cultivating.”
Pei Huang was stunned for a moment, and a barely perceptible smile appeared in his eyes.
“Let’s go back.”
The two walked side by side, and soon returned to the Demon Palace.
Xue Jingci went to the kitchen on the way, wanting to return the food box, but learned from Auntie Wang that Guan Zi had left the Demon Realm six days ago and returned to the Imperial City.
He was extremely surprised.
The pastries delivered these past few days tasted exactly the same, clearly made by Guan Zi. If he wasn’t here…
Auntie Wang’s gaze shifted between Xue Jingci and Pei Huang. Remembering that the Venerable had discovered her spreading rumors a few days ago, she immediately spoke loudly: “During the days he was away, the Venerable personally cooked these pastries.”
After speaking, she quickly left the kitchen, citing an excuse, and thoughtfully closed the door.
The room was quiet. Xue Jingci looked at Pei Huang and asked: “How did you…”
Pei Huang said indifferently: “Seeing that you liked them, I asked Guan Zi to teach me before he left.”
Xue Jingci clutched the pastry box, feeling a little choked up inside.
Pei Huang had always been one to do things without saying. If he hadn’t come here today, he might never have known how much Pei Huang had done for him.
This person…
Pei Huang’s gaze was fixed on Xue Jingci, not missing any subtle change in his expression.
Seeing Xue Jingci’s moved expression, he suddenly said: “Master still remembers Xi Feng, right? I didn’t expect her to also love these pastries.”
Xue Jingci was suddenly stunned, and an unprecedented emotion surged in his heart.
It was as if something that belonged exclusively to him had suddenly been branded with someone else’s mark.
He blurted out: “You gave them to her too?”
After speaking, he realized his mistake and quickly added: “What you make, of course… is delicious.”
As soon as the words left his mouth, Xue Jingci realized his tone sounded a little low.
He pursed his lips and turned his gaze to fiddle with the food box.
Pei Huang walked up to Xue Jingci and smiled: “Master, I lied to you.”
“These things, I only wish to do for Master alone.”
“You…” Xue Jingci felt an inexplicable panic in his heart. He frowned slightly, trying to put on a cold facade.
Pei Huang bent down and looked directly into Xue Jingci’s eyes, asking: “But Master, after hearing that, you seem rather unhappy?”
Xue Jingci’s breathing hitched slightly: “No.”
Pei Huang heard the hesitation in Xue Jingci’s words, and his heart rejoiced. He pressed on: “Why was Master so restless before, not even noticing the ink bleeding onto the white paper?”
Xue Jingci hadn’t expected Pei Huang to notice his distraction.
For the first time, he was a little flustered, not knowing what to say, so he simply pursed his lips and remained silent.
“Master said you don’t understand the ’liking’ I speak of, but I can feel it from Master.”
Xue Jingci’s heart skipped a beat. Looking at the fervent gaze in Pei Huang’s eyes, he asked: “What do you mean?”
He had thought that Pei Huang would bring up his work on repairing the demon clan’s cultivation technique. Indeed, he had put countless efforts into this technique, so it was normal for Pei Huang to have a misconception.
But in the end, this was merely a master doing his best for his disciple.
Even the two disciples who had betrayed him earlier had once received his full instruction.
Pei Huang didn’t speak, but instead reached out and wiped away a barely perceptible pastry crumb from the corner of Xue Jingci’s mouth.
Seeing that Xue Jingci didn’t flinch, Pei Huang moved a little closer, and a strong sense of invasion enveloped Xue Jingci’s skin and bones, making it difficult for him to avoid.
“Can other disciples do this to Master?”
Before Xue Jingci could speak, Pei Huang took his hand: “Or like this, holding your hand and walking through a crowd, sleeping beside you.”
Xue Jingci was speechless, finally realizing that he was different towards Pei Huang.
If Xiao Xun were to try and hold his hand, he would definitely break free without hesitation.
Even during the closest period with Xie Zheng, he would not sleep with him or talk through the night.
He clearly only acted this way towards Pei Huang.
It was because this person was so good that he unconsciously let down all his guard, allowing him to approach, and eventually it became an imperceptible habit.
Xue Jingci wanted to speak, but his mouth was covered by Pei Huang’s hand.
“Master, think about it first before you speak.”
These words sounded familiar. Xue Jingci had said them when he first wanted to take Pei Huang as a disciple.
Xue Jingci met Pei Huang’s gaze and saw the pleading in it. In the end, he couldn’t bear to utter decisive words and cut off Pei Huang’s hopes.
He nodded.
Pei Huang released Xue Jingci and didn’t say anything more to pressure him. As a master, Xue Jingci had already done too much for him.
No one in this life had been so good to him. He was too greedy, wanting even more.
“Master, I will be cultivating the third volume of that technique these next few days.”
“In ten days is the Demon Clan’s Lantern Festival. Lovers will hang wishing red strings on the Marriage Tree. I will wait for Master under the tree.”
Xue Jingci understood Pei Huang’s meaning.
To go, or not to go, would be his answer.
After they made their agreement, Pei Huang secluded himself and began cultivating the third volume of the technique.
Xue Jingci thought he had given himself ten days to calm down and think things through, but unexpectedly, Pei Huang would come to consult him about the technique every now and then, his eyes bloodshot, looking particularly pitiful.
He was clearly disturbing his peace of mind, making him unconsciously soften towards this person a little more.
Xue Jingci didn’t expose Pei Huang’s intentions, but when he was alone, he would always sit quietly, not knowing what he was thinking.
These ten days were extremely long for Pei Huang.
He forced himself to stabilize his mind and diligently cultivate this technique, which embodied Xue Jingci’s painstaking efforts.
If he were to delay his cultivation due to matters of love, how could he be worthy of Xue Jingci’s hard work?
Fortunately, his cultivation went smoothly, and he successfully completed a full cycle of the third volume of the technique on the tenth day.
He and Xue Jingci had agreed to go to the Lantern Festival together today, and then Xue Jingci would give him an answer.
Pei Huang took a deep breath and walked towards the agreed place.
Coincidentally, he met Xi Feng under the Marriage Tree. A young boy was with her, holding a red string and asking her: “Sister, why is your name on this, and who is the other person?”
Xi Feng patiently explained to him, and then, seeing Pei Huang, she smiled awkwardly.
But soon, she showed a meaningful expression, her gaze sweeping around Pei Huang.
Not seeing the person she expected, Xi Feng was a little disappointed. She hung the red string and left.
However, she didn’t go far before stealthily stopping to peek.
She was truly curious, who could Pei Huang’s beloved be?
Many people recognized Pei Huang and respectfully came to greet him.
But seeing Pei Huang’s cold and stern demeanor, which commanded respect without anger, no one dared to speak much with him.
Xue Jingci stood in the crowd, not going over immediately.
He quietly watched Pei Huang converse with Xi Feng, and also saw that Xi Feng already had someone she liked.
To be precise, everyone standing under the Marriage Tree was in pairs, except for Pei Huang.
Time slowly passed. Pei Huang, who had originally been calm, suddenly looked up at the crowd, as if trying to find something.
Xue Jingci used the system’s stealth item, so even with Pei Huang’s powerful spiritual sense, he couldn’t detect him.
Pei Huang pursed his lips, his hands clenched at his sides, revealing a hint of imperceptible helplessness.
He seemed to want to go look for Xue Jingci nearby, but after taking a few steps, he tightly returned to the tree, as if afraid that if Xue Jingci came, he wouldn’t be able to see him immediately.
The surrounding crowd gradually thinned, and Pei Huang’s unease slowly showed on his face, his gaze anxious and flustered.
Xue Jingci’s heart inexplicably ached.
He remembered the Lantern Festival in Luocheng that year, when Pei Huang asked him to wait on the bridge and went to buy lanterns himself.
But at that time, he sensed the aura of a demonic cultivator and pursued it. Afterwards, when it was time to return to the Upper Realm, he didn’t go back to find Pei Huang.
He had just left like that, but Pei Huang, perhaps, was just like today.
Clearly able to leave, yet afraid he would return, he just stood there foolishly, not daring to move.
Xue Jingci didn’t understand emotions, but just as incomplete cultivation techniques could be repaired, so could human emotions.
He should give Pei Huang a chance, or rather, give himself a chance, to try loving someone.
Xue Jingci sighed in his heart and removed the system item’s stealth effect.
Then he walked step by step behind Pei Huang and called out: “A’Pei.”
Pei Huang’s body stiffened. After realizing what happened, he suddenly turned around.
Under the layers of lantern shadows, he saw Xue Jingci standing very close to him.
He was still as cold and aloof as a divine Buddha, dressed in white robes as pure as the moon.
Just like the day they first met.
The only difference was that back then, he could only look up at this person’s back.
But now, their eyes met, and Xue Jingci’s eyes held a captivating tenderness.
Xue Jingci took his hand and handed him a red string.
The red string, coiled around Xue Jingci’s pale, snow-like fingertips, possessed a breathtaking beauty.
“Where do you want to hang it?”