Chapter 81

Ouyang Yixun noticed Ji Chun's subtle gesture but gave no indication of it. He continued enthusiastically recounting his recent experiences, seemingly unconcerned whether Ji Chun was listening attentively. After following Ouyang Yixun for some time, they arrived at an elegant inn.

As they entered, a waiter immediately approached. "Ouyang Gongzi, are these your guests?"

"Yes, this is Ji Chun Dashi and Su Gongzi. Please prepare two rooms for them immediately," Ouyang Yixun replied with the familiarity of a regular patron taking charge of arrangements.

The waiter bowed respectfully and turned to make the arrangements, but Ji Chun stopped him. "Wait—we'll need only one guest room."

Ouyang looked surprised. Turning to Ji Chun, he said, "There are plenty of rooms available. There's no need to economize."

Ji Chun shook his head without explanation, his gaze firm. Relenting, Ouyang Yixun waved to the waiter. "Very well, one room then."

Finding a table, Ouyang Yixun ordered tea and invited them to sit. "The tea here is excellent—please enjoy." He poured for both Ji Chun and Su Ran before taking a delicate sip from his own jasper cup. With his refined mannerisms and jade-like wrists, he resembled nothing so much as an immortal descended to earth.

"Thank you, Ouyang Gongzi," Ji Chun said politely, sampling the tea. As he drank, he recalled an important matter. "Where might we find Mu Gongzi and Xue Shenyi?"

"They may have gone out. Let me inquire." Ouyang Yixun raised a hand slightly, summoning the waiter. "Are Mu Gongzi and Xue Shenyi in their rooms?"

"Honored guest, they departed early this morning and haven't yet returned," the waiter replied.

"Dismissed," Ouyang Yixun said calmly before turning back to Ji Chun. "We're all staying at this inn—we'll meet eventually. In the meantime, feel free to ask me anything."

Ji Chun voiced his confusion: "What exactly are Ye Bangzhu's plans? We'd like to offer our assistance if needed." He couldn't understand why, with Di Mang's location known, Xilongzhou remained so tranquil. Given what he knew of these people, he'd expected them to turn the city upside down by now.

"This isn't secret knowledge," Ouyang Yixun replied, his expression turning serious. "Xilongzhou's Sha Yin Sect—highly respected here—first revealed Di Mang's presence through their sect leader's letter. The location is the area's most treacherous mountain. According to their leader, charging in recklessly could unleash catastrophic forces. The sect has guarded this secret for generations, waiting for Di Mang's emergence. However, their leader has been absent for some time, though he's expected within days. Everyone here is awaiting his return."

Ouyang Yixun then changed subjects abruptly. "Where have you been traveling recently, Ji Chun Dashi? I went west myself, so our paths never crossed."

Caught off guard, Ji Chun glanced at Su Ran—who pointedly ignored him—before answering after a pause, "I had personal matters requiring my attention. I regret not being able to meet with you all sooner."

"I see," Ouyang Yixun nodded. Suddenly remembering something, he stood. "Ah—I've just recalled urgent business elsewhere. Please rest here; I'll visit when time permits." With a courteous nod to both, he departed.

Just then, the waiter arrived to show them to their prepared room. Eager to escape the noisy common area, they retired upstairs.

Once inside, Ji Chun poured tea for them both, offering a cup to Su Ran. The glare he received in return could have frozen fire. Before Ji Chun could speak, Su Ran's cold voice cut through the air:

"Ji Chun, answer me—what exactly is your position now?" Su Ran's narrowed eyes gleamed dangerously as they raked over the monk.

Ji Chun froze momentarily in confusion, then simply moved forward, wrapping his arms around Su Ran from behind. Resting his chin on the sect leader's shoulder, he murmured softly, "Why are you angry?"

Su Ran didn't shake off the embrace but tilted his head to glare at Ji Chun. "You and Ouyang seemed quite cozy. Have you forgotten who you are? Listen well, Ji Chun—in life and death, you belong to me. Entertain no thoughts of others!"

Far from being offended by Su Ran's possessiveness, Ji Chun found it endearing. How fortunate he was, that the one he cherished returned his feelings so fiercely! As for Ouyang Yixun—he harbored no special regard beyond ordinary friendship.

"My heart has never held another," Ji Chun chuckled before capturing Su Ran's earlobe between his teeth, murmuring sweet nothings. "There's only ever been Sect Leader Su..."

Initially furious, Su Ran found himself flustered by Ji Chun's sudden affection. With a sharp push, he freed himself from the increasingly improper monk, putting distance between them. Straightening his robes with dignity, he fixed Ji Chun with a stern look.

"Dashi, remember your conduct. We're among renowned orthodox sects now. Don't shame Shaolin."

Upon hearing Su Ran's remark, Ji Chun opened his mouth to respond but hesitated. This wasn't like their secluded village—here, every word and action carried weight. As a representative of Shaolin, he needed to exercise greater caution. He resolved to personally apologize to Shaolin once this matter concluded.

Su Ran leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, a cold smirk playing on his lips. Sooner or later, he thought, this monk would be completely his—body and soul, utterly devoted.

As dinner time approached, a knock sounded at their door. Both had been resting on the bed when the interruption came. Ji Chun rose first, donning his outer robe and shoes before answering. The visitor turned out to be their acquaintance Xue Yao, whose ever-present smile made him instantly welcoming.

"I heard from Ouyang Yixun you'd arrived," Xue Yao said warmly. "I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"Not at all," Ji Chun replied with a smile. "It's nearly mealtime—let me wake Sect Leader Su." After nodding politely, he turned back to help a drowsy Su Ran dress and wash up before they emerged together.

Downstairs, Mu Miefeng had already secured them a table and ordered an elaborate spread. Given their familiarity, formalities were unnecessary, and they settled in comfortably. As the four reunited, Xue Yao rose to pour wine, hesitating momentarily when he reached Ji Chun. He considered ordering tea instead until Ji Chun pushed his cup forward expectantly.

Though aware of Ji Chun and Su Ran's relationship, Xue Yao couldn't hide his surprise seeing the solemn-robed monk request wine. His glance at Su Ran revealed the leader's barely concealed satisfaction, which both puzzled and moved him deeply.

The meal progressed pleasantly until Su Ran, unable to contain his thoughts any longer, asked pointedly: "Do you know anything about the massacre of my Demonic Cult disciples in Xilongzhou?"

Mu Miefeng's chopsticks stilled. After ensuring no one was listening, he lowered his voice: "Rumors spread that the masked man we encountered during the Di Mang search was from the Demonic Cult. The sects vowed to eradicate your followers. Then someone was caught gathering information—a Demonic Cult member who revealed others' identities under interrogation, so..."

"So you slaughtered them all?" Su Ran's grip turned his chopsticks white-knuckled, his voice dropping to a dangerous timbre. The murderous aura radiating from him left no doubt about his fury.

Mu Miefeng regretted his words but nodded solemnly. Su Ran forced his rage down—he needed patience for vengeance. Once he obtained Di Mang, he'd personally execute those responsible. Did these righteous fools truly believe the Demonic Cult would go extinct? That Su Ran himself was dead?

Through gritted teeth, he clarified: "That masked man wasn't me."

"We know," Mu Miefeng conceded. "We've fought him several times. Among all sects pursuing Di Mang, none match his unfathomable strength—not even Ye Bangzhu could withstand him. Strangely, though he could've killed us all, each time he'd claim a few lives and withdraw."

Another master of profound internal energy? Ji Chun frowned. When had such figures emerged unnoticed in the martial world? Could this signal Di Mang's imminent awakening?

"What does he look like?" Ji Chun pressed.

"A mask conceals his face every time he—" Mu Miefeng's explanation cut short as Ouyang Yixun burst through the inn's entrance, making straight for their table.

"Everyone," Ouyang Yixun announced breathlessly, "the Sha Yin Sect leader has returned! He's meeting with the faction leaders at Juxian Restaurant now. I'm heading there—will you join me?"

The key figure behind Xilongzhou's gathering had finally appeared. Without hesitation, the group rose. "Let's go," Ouyang Yixun urged impatiently. "We mustn't delay."