Chapter 4
3895words
The place seemed peaceful and mysterious, the tree canopies weaving a net-like dome over the river. The dim light bounced across the grass in a mosaic pattern, while the sun cast curious reflections from the water onto the dense forest.
As they approached the bank, Xin thought carelessly about tossing the burden into the water, but quickly changed his mind. The river seemed too deep for him, so he gently placed Rui on the moss at the edge.
Xin took a breath and grasped the swollen palms of the boy, beginning to wash them in the icy water. As he felt the heat radiating from Rui's hands, Xin continued to hold them under the silver surface. Rui let him do whatever he wanted, and feeling the shimmering light from the river, he closed his eyes and drifted in and out of sleep.
The sleepy boy looked terribly vulnerable and genuinely painful. Xin Yijie felt a pang of shame as he saw the boy losing strength. He hadn't considered that Rui, wounded after an encounter with an evil spirit, had walked through the forest for a long time, stumbling and falling. Xin attributed it to the uneven, slippery path and exhaustion. The mismatch between Rui's physical development and age clearly pointed to malnutrition and harsh living conditions. Xin could have let him rest for a while, bandaged his wounds, but he didn't.
Xin Yijie had never cared for anyone in his life, nor had anyone cared for him. He always managed on his own. He had to. That's why he was lost when such a gift of fate landed on his head. How selfish of Yijie. The time spent in solitude had made him forget that he wasn't the only one who existed in this world.
Rui had gone limp and, tilting his head, poked his nose into the water. Xin managed to steady him by the shoulders and pulled him closer. He awkwardly cupped his hands and gently washed Rui's face, removing the dust and dry blood.
A nervous tension crept into Xin's heart. What would he do if Rui got worse? He didn't know what to do or what was even allowed. Seeing the boy's blatant distaste for him on his face, Xin feared that Rui would get angry if he came too close. He didn't want that either. He himself flinched from every touch. It was uncomfortable for Xin.
Remembering someone else who was also interested in the main character's health, Xin called out with hope:
"System, why didn't you warn me that he's getting worse?" - After a moment of silence, he asked again, "System, what can I do to make Rui feel better? This is the world of cultivators, isn't there any healing technique or something like that?"
[You are such a selfish disciple...] - The system scolded him. - [There are healing techniques, but in your case, their effect would be the exact opposite. They are extremely complex and require perfect control of qi, but you're a third-rate novice, just beginning your path of self-improvement.] - The system calmly replied.
Xin called out to her again, but she remained silent, as if considering it beneath her to respond. Xin’s face grew ashen. He carefully laid Rui down, tore his tattered clothes off, washed the wound, and, ripping a clean piece of cloth from himself, tied a bandage. Leaning against a stone by the cool stream, Xin began to wait, his eyes fixed on the boy's breathing.
Rui's half-closed eyelids trembled as the water's light played across his face. His body felt heavy and tense, though it had cooled slightly. His hands no longer hurt as much, though moving them was still difficult. His fingers twitched weakly before giving up the fight, and exhaustion spread through his body, pulling him back to sleep.
For some reason, a warm wave passed over his head. Still with his eyes closed, Rui focused on the sensations. A warm palm pressed against his cold forehead, comforting him. The hand brushed away the stray hairs, gently stroking his head. The soft touches rocked his consciousness into sleep, preparing him for another round of rest. His body relaxed slightly in anticipation of more tenderness. The touches felt light, almost like feathers, and yet awkward.
This unfamiliar closeness was alien to Rui, and so, feeling a strange unease, he reluctantly opened his eyes. Above him stood a proud figure, looking into the distance with an indifferent gaze. White robes, slightly stained with blood around the chest, were tangled in long strands of hair. Sunlight played with the strands, casting their reflections on the black hair.
Rui's head lay unusually comfortably. Twisting his stiff body, he froze for a moment, staring at the detached face in front of him. Had he really been lying on this cultivator’s lap after losing consciousness?
"Is he not going to ask for something in return? Or is he mocking me this way?" - The boy, pulling at his bandage, glanced at his wrapped palms. They looked a little better, though the irritation hadn't entirely subsided. He then reached for his shoulder. He, too, had new cloth wrapped around his wound. Rui looked questioningly at the cultivator.
Xin came to his senses from his long-forgotten memories and rose from the moss. Brushing himself off, he spoke with a slight concern to Rui:
- Do you feel better?
"What’s he after?" - The boy continued to look at Xin with confusion.
- We need to get out of the forest soon. It’ll be dark soon. If you’re still not feeling well, I can carry you.
I’m fine. - Rui replied softly, tilting his head, hiding his tired gaze behind his hair.
- Is it better than it was in the cave? - Xin asked sarcastically. Seeing Rui’s hesitation, he added: - If you keep lying or staying silent, I’ll do what I think is necessary, regardless of your opinion. Then I’ll carry you back to the order myself.
Xin understood that the contact between them was unsettling for both of them, so to avoid frightening the boy unnecessarily, he warned him of his intentions. Xin wanted to make it clear what to expect from him, so he wouldn't be unpredictable in Rui's eyes.
Hearing Xin’s words, Rui was stunned. He didn’t want to be dragged around like some useless thing again, but now his body felt like metal and wouldn’t obey. He probably wouldn’t even make it ten steps before falling again, which put him in a difficult position. Not wanting to admit his own weakness and uselessness, Rui remained silent, contemplating what to do. However, Xin, not thinking too much about his actions to avoid blaming himself later for entering someone else’s personal space, quickly moved closer, carefully picked the boy up, and placed him on his elbow. As they returned to the trail, Rui sat motionless in Xin’s arms, his head drooping onto the cultivator’s shoulder.
Xin’s internal sense of duty and his dislike for the situation clashed in his mind, but it showed no sign on his face. He could not just abandon the boy, not in a world full of dangers like this. Even without the system’s commands, he wouldn’t leave the boy in a perilous forest full of spirits!
Yes, Xin Yijie didn’t like people, getting into trouble, and preferred to distance himself from everyone to avoid drowning in a whirlwind of emotions and complicated, tangled relationships. But the boy was still so young and didn’t deserve to be blamed for his weakness and helplessness. He had been sent on a task alone, without supervision, by his teacher - it was cruel. Was this world really so heartless, even towards children?
When Xin bandaged the wounds, he noticed bruises—marks left by his own hands. The guilt stabbed at his heart and refused to leave. He had been in this new body for more than a month, but still couldn’t control it. The physical strength of his old body and this one were incomparable.
In his old world, Xin was short, though lean and athletic, always called frail. But in Xinyue’s body, besides his tall height and sturdy build, the inner strength was far greater than the outer form. How unfortunate that the first person he touched was a weak, sickly child who couldn’t fight back.
With a nervous sigh, Xin tried not to apply too much force in his actions, gently holding Rui’s back with the tips of his long fingers, which were still tense.
How do adults comfort and calm children? Xin Yijie didn’t know. He had always seen his parents' actions as mockery; their touch only repelled him. He silently cared for his younger siblings, but without much affection. They weren’t to blame for the family they were born into, but it was hard for young Xin to take full responsibility for them.
When infants cried, they were rocked and patted on the back. Older children were patted on the head. Teenagers were pinched on the cheeks and hugged. Xin had rarely done this for his family. He never received such affection, so he never knew if it really helped or if it was just a way to placate foolish parents.
Casually placing his hand on Rui’s back, Xin slowly began to stroke it, warming him. Accidentally brushing the boy’s crimson hair, Xin hesitantly moved his hand over his head. Rui flinched at first, but after a few touches, he relaxed, his shoulders sinking, and he unconsciously hid his head against Xin’s neck, covering himself with the cultivator’s black hair. Seeing the result of his actions, Xin felt calmer. He felt his heart beat faster and the blood rushing through his veins.
As they descended the trail, Xin veered off the path, moving away from the picturesque cliff. Blossoming trees, releasing a marvelous fragrance, filled his vision. Lavender clusters, gathered in hundreds on tiny stems, hung from the trees. The rays of the setting sun lay across the untrodden path, covered in fine crumbs of wilted petals, though seemingly by defiance of the flowers, they didn’t slip into the concentration of blossoms. It seemed this grove lured travelers inward, making them forget everything else, leaving the mundane behind. The cold tones enticed with their secrecy, and the swaying branches covered what lay beyond. Leave the path, and you'd immediately lose your way.
The place was definitely enchanting, but it held no interest for travelers. The flowers rustled in the wind, as if in frustration, scattering into the sunset sky. The twilight sky was painted with orange-pink clouds, as if an artist had brushed them along the horizon, hidden behind the trees.
A wolf’s cry came from the mountain, and in response, several birds flew noisily into the air, causing Xin to startle and involuntarily pull Rui closer. But the boy still didn’t wake up, only murmuring quietly to himself.
Thinking about the prospect of spending the night in the hostile forest filled with evil spirits, Xin noticed two figures descending from the mountain on another path. Two silhouettes, hidden in the shadow of the setting sun, also spotted the approaching man. The two strangers looked at the cultivator carrying a child with intense curiosity, until one of them called out:
- Rui? So, this is where he’s been!
The speaking cultivator looked somewhat plain, but he was dressed in expensive green clothes that fluttered in the wind with a thin trail. His dark hair was tied in a bun, secured with a ribbon; in his hands, he held a bundle of flowers and herbs, which he tucked into his sleeve as soon as he noticed the approaching Xinyue.
Standing next to him was another cultivator, taller and more imposing. He looked noble and dignified, with delicate and refined features. His hanfu was modest in color and embroidery, yet looked more valuable and beautiful. His wheat-colored hair was tied in a high ponytail, secured with a crown and a pin, from which hung blue jade stones. Both wore swords at their waists, along with delicately carved tokens made of red stone. The strangers appeared young, proper, and dignified, both could be called handsome. Although the man with the golden hair inevitably drew more attention.
The person who approached the two cultivators looked expressionless – this was how Xin chose to behave when he asked the system if the owner of this body knew those people. Waiting for her response with a suspiciously surprised or wary expression would attract unwanted attention, especially since she did not reply. The simplest way to preserve his dignity and correctly assess the situation was to wait with a stone face.
Xin walked closer to the cultivators. Upon seeing him, they were greatly surprised. The perceptive cultivator with golden hair began to greedily examine Xin, trying to find answers to his unspoken questions. He looked stunned, staring at him in disbelief. The glints in his eyes revealed quickly passing emotions of regret, anger, and repentance, which were swiftly hidden by his long lashes.
This person provoked a burning sense of ambiguity in Xin; from his gaze, Xin wanted to hide behind a blooming tree and shamefully bury his head in his sleeve. Every action of his seemed, like a snake, laced with deceit and authority. It seemed as though every word yet to be spoken would be coldly weighed and said exactly at the right moment. Just as the tense atmosphere thickened, the cultivator in green clothes broke the silence:
- Xinyue, what are you doing here? I thought you were dead.
“System, where are you when I need you?! Hello, system? Don’t you want to show me at least a character card?” – Xin asked in hope, but in response, only the steady sound of loading. It seemed like the system had frozen. Was this even possible? Without much thought, Xin decided to flare up first:
- Is this your disciple?
- Yes, mine. – The same cultivator replied calmly, clearly downplaying his and his companion's dismissive attitude towards him.
- Then why aren’t you keeping an eye on him? – Xin looked reproachfully at the “teacher” and raised his chin slightly. – Your disciple almost died in front of my eyes! What was he even doing in the Yashibo Cave? I hadn’t even left meditation when I found him, bleeding out!
- What tone are you using with me, brat! – The cultivator growled, clearly not used to such a tone directed at him. – You’re not even old enough to criticize me! Rui is a low-rank adept and can’t even complete the simplest tasks; someone like him doesn’t belong in the Heavenly Height. When joining the order, adepts must be prepared to die defending their honor.
- Don’t justify your stupidity with empty honor. Rui is still a child, and you, as a teacher, are fully responsible for his education and his life. – Xin moved forward along the path, not even sparing them a glance. – If this disciple is so weak, it’s only the fault of his teacher. In fact, this shows your true abilities.
The mocking grin of Xinyue was felt by the cultivators even from behind. They looked at each other in confusion and soon caught up to the swiftly retreating Xinyue Xiaoyin. Upon closer inspection of Rui, who was peacefully asleep in his arms, the cultivator in green hanfu understood the foreign concern. The boy looked sickly, and knowing this little adept’s character, he wouldn’t even allow his wounds to be treated. Hiding his irritation towards the ignorant Xinyue, who was also his junior in the order, the cultivator hurried to learn about the progress of the cultivation:
- You’ve been gone almost a year. How was your secluded meditation, Xinyue?
- Acceptable. – Xin replied curtly.
- Do you think you’ll be able to participate in the Three Thousand Swords Association competition next month?
Xin slightly turned his head, quickly glancing into the scrutinizing eyes, and still answered monosyllabically:
- Possibly.
His face radiated an incomprehensible, pure arrogance and detachment to others. Mentally, however, Xin was groaning about how tired he was. He didn’t know these people and justified his behavior by the words of the system: no matter how Xin Yijie behaved in Xinyue Xiaoyin’s body, no one would suspect anything wrong.
The landscape shifted to a lively dense forest, from which various sounds constantly emanated: singing, chirping, chirping, raucous howls, and unsettling quiet rustles from behind the passing cultivators. It was already deep into the night. The cultivators illuminated the road with talismans. Xin could avoid this unfamiliar technique since his hands were occupied. However, even without the talismans, the road covered by moonlight was clearly visible, and the flames only dimmed the mysterious darkness deep within the forest.
The cultivators slowed their pace. In the distance, beyond the tall pines, a late light flickered, signaling life in this wild mountainous area. Slightly more cheerful, Xin imagined how he would sleep now and have no more people bothering him; the free time would be dedicated to himself. Xin had forgotten about the system and was even glad it hadn’t reminded him of itself.
The measured silence was suddenly broken.
- So what exactly happened with this boy? – The cultivator in green pointed his chin at Rui, asking. He clasped his hands in his sleeves, glancing secretly at the slightly displeased face of his companion. Expressing his displeasure through a loud exhale, which didn’t go unnoticed, Xin indifferently responded:
- I should be asking you what happened. I met him in the cave when a evil spirit attacked him.
- I actually sent him to gather herbs; how did he manage to get into this mess? Yashibo Mountain is a relatively safe place, I didn’t think it would put him in danger.
- You should think more... – The face of his interlocutor twisted from Xinyue’s impoliteness. Before hearing insults directed at him, Xin asked. – What are you doing here?
- Gathering medicinal ingredients. The place where they grow is impossible for a low-rank disciple to pass; there’s a strange array that’s difficult to break. – The cultivator in green sighed sadly.
Xin sincerely asked:
And did you find what you were looking for?
- Unfortunately no. We didn’t even pass the array, let alone that. We had to settle for what we found not far from that place. – The cultivator in green cleared his throat and spoke with hidden pleasure, as he was finally being listened to. – I’ve only been to that place once. There even grew a black devilish bud, from the center of which I once made the strongest poison, selectively affecting only evil spirits and demons. I’ve never seen so many medicinal plants in one place in my life. I thought the array would be weaker today, but it seems neither the day nor the month or lunar cycle affects it. There must be some condition for the array’s opening. A puzzle, no doubt!
Listening to the story, Xin was indeed interested. The cultivator continued to talk about the medicinal herbs growing in the Twilight Array all the way to the bridge separating the mountain peaks. About half of this lecture, Xin tried to memorize, but many words turned out to be unclear and difficult. He answered monosyllabically, but this did not dampen the cultivator’s enthusiasm. From his speech, Xin understood that this old man was the elder of the Medicine Peak and one of the best healers of Heavenly Height. Xin was still puzzled by the fact that cultivators aged slowly or not at all.
Unexpectedly, someone appeared who hadn’t been expected at all.
[Apologies for the wait. Opening character card]
[Name: Bao Lai]
[Age: 76 years old]
[Affiliation: Heavenly Height Order]
[Occupation: Healer, Elder of Medicine Peak]
[Condition: Carefree]
[Reputation: 120]
“System, why didn’t you respond? I can’t rely on you at all! You’re testing my patience!” – Xin glared ahead, and from the side, it looked as though this outburst was aimed at the cultivators nearby.
While Bao Lai was catching his breath, another noble cultivator, who had been following quietly, spoke in a deep, soothing voice:
- Brother Xinyue, we need to talk. Alone.
- Not now. – Xin dismissed him. – First, I need to take this boy. – Turning to the cultivator in green, he asked. – Where does Rui live? I’ll take him there. He also needs medical help; he has deep wounds from the evil spirit.
The golden-haired cultivator frowned, but this went unnoticed.
- Oh, leave the treatment to me. Junior disciples will escort you home. – He called the junior disciples standing in the distance at the bridge, who appeared to be about fifteen or sixteen years old, and ordered them to guide Xinyue. Bao Lai turned to the other cultivator and respectfully bowed low. – Head of the order, Mo-Lin, I take my leave; I still have much to finish today.
“System, this golden-haired guy is the head of the order?! Where’s his character card?!”
The system buzzed in alarm and quickly popped up a new window, but the text blurred a little.
[Name: Mo-Lin Hua-Cha]
[Age: 34 years old]
[Occupation: Head of Heavenly Height Order, Sword Master]
[Condition: Irritation]
[Reputation: 1450]
Xin was behaving too rudely with the Head of the Order! It seemed that Xinyue himself was either a senior adept or just a regular disciple. Xin could only hope they would forgive this rudeness. He would excuse himself by saying that after a year of seclusion, he had forgotten proper manners and etiquette.
- I’ll wait for you here. – The Head Mo-Lin announced in an unwavering voice.
- Fine. – Xin replied in a slightly muffled voice. He noticed the increasing displeasure of the Head of the Order and, throwing an assessing glance at him, followed the junior disciples.
Rui, who had been peacefully lying on his shoulder the entire time, appeared so defenseless that Xin’s heart was filled with an unfamiliar warmth. The boy trusted him and dreamed peacefully. Though this trust was forced and false, it felt strangely pleasant to feel that someone trusted him, that he wasn’t the lowest person in the world, that someone relied on him.
However, Xin had to abruptly push away all these foolish thoughts. He was not capable of reciprocating, not capable of living up to expectations. Xin Yijie was a cold and selfish person, who had chosen the path of rejecting close relationships. Any relationships were difficult and required a lot of time and energy. For trust to begin, many events must take place between people, testing their connection. Accepting even such an involuntary trust from Rui was an unacceptable luxury. Nothing in Xin’s actions had earned these feelings.
