Chapter 70

Doctor Liang opened his mouth as if to confess more, but Ji Chun recognized the shadow in his eyes. It was the look of a man who'd measured his regrets and found them too heavy to voice. "You're being too hard on yourself," Ji Chun reassured Doctor Liang. "The elders speak of you often with great affection." After exchanging more pleasantries, they took their leave.

As the predicted delivery date approached with no sign of the miracle doctors, Ji Chun's anxiety grew. Each night found him tossing restlessly, only drifting into fitful sleep near dawn. What if something had delayed the physicians? What would become of Su Ran?

At noon one day, while Ji Chun prepared lunch, Su Ran occupied himself watering plants in the courtyard. Just as Ji Chun stepped out to call him to eat, urgent knocking sounded at the gate. Lately, Ji Chun had raced to answer every visitor, hoping against all odds that it would be the miracle doctors —and today, his vigilance was rewarded.

There stood Mu Miefeng and Xue Yao, the renowned physicians.

"Miracle Doctors!" Ji Chun bowed deeply, unable to conceal his relief. "You've come at last!"

The doctors observed how domestic life had softened Ji Chun's formerly austere demeanor. Without his monk's robes, he might pass for any devoted family man.

"Our apologies for the delay," Mu Miefeng returned the courtesy.

As they entered, they nearly collided with Su Ran in the courtyard. The Demonic Cult Sect Leader froze, acutely aware of his vulnerable state. Before these martial world figures—especially those with whom he had history—his pride rebelled against appearing so... domesticated.

Though every instinct screamed to retreat, Su Ran lifted his chin with practiced arrogance, his gaze as sharp as ever.

Mu Miefeng broke the tension with a polite bow. "Greetings, Su Gongzi."

Xue Yao, however, barely contained his shock at seeing the fearsome Demonic Cult Leader swollen with child. Old grievances surfaced, but one glare from Su Ran's viperous eyes made him reconsider. This was still the man who'd nearly killed him once. Now under Ji Chun's protection, Xue Yao swallowed his barbs and retreated behind his Shixiong.

Su Ran acknowledged them with a curt nod before turning away.

"Lunch is ready," Ji Chun interjected smoothly, ushering the guests inside. Su Ran's composure frayed whenever guests visited—especially martial artists who knew his true identity. This was his home, and by rights he should have presided as host, but the thought of appearing before them as some rustic householder chafed against his pride. The leader of the Demon Cult, reduced to playing the backcountry peasant? Never. And in his current... condition, he'd sooner vanish entirely than endure outsiders' prying eyes.

So when Ji Chun carried dish after dish inside only to find Su Ran lingering in the courtyard, Ji Chun understood his lover's struggle—the mighty Demonic Cult Leader reduced to playing host while heavily pregnant. Time had taught him to read Su Ran's silences—this was the arrogance of a man struggling to reconcile his stature with his state. Yet the doctors had traveled far, setting aside old grievances to offer their aid. To snub them now would be inexcusable.

Stepping behind Su Ran, Ji Chun caught his wrist with deliberate gentleness. "Come inside," he murmured. "They've come a long way to help us, despite everything. Would it truly cost you so much to show them courtesy?" A beat, then the clincher: "With their skills, you'll regain your full strength after the child comes. Isn't that worth a moment's discomfort?"

Su Ran crossed his arms, fixing Ji Chun with a simmering glare before relenting with a terse "Hmph." The next instant, he shook off the monk's grip and stalked into the room—leaving Ji Chun no choice but to follow like a shadow.

True to Ji Chun's coaxing, while Su Ran's demeanor towards them remained aloof, his manners had sharpened into something resembling civility. At the table, Xue Yao dominated the conversation, regaling Ji Chun with their exploits since last they'd met. Mu Miefeng interjected sparingly, while Ji Chun listened with the focus of a disciple parsing scripture.

But when the topic turned to Di Mang, Su Ran's chopsticks stilled. His gaze drifted toward the window, feigning disinterest, yet his ears caught every syllable. Ji Chun, ever observant, noted the subtle tension in his lover's fingers—and hid a fond smile by reaching beneath the table to squeeze that stubborn hand.

Translator's Notes: Yes some of these chapters have become very short. I believe at this point in time the author was on final exams. This novel also went on Haitus at some point although I don't remember exactly when.