Chapter 83

Though the sect leader's words were cautious—never insisting their ancestral treasure was indeed the legendary Di Mang—none of those gathered showed any intention of leaving. Having journeyed all the way from the Central Plains, they couldn't possibly return empty-handed. And if there was even a chance this was the real Di Mang...

One by one, the martial artists declared their commitment to stay. Sect Leader Shang Luo bowed deeply in gratitude. "My sincerest thanks to all sect leaders. This humble one has no way to repay your kindness. The treasure lies in our sect's rear mountains—if it pleases you, stay as our guests while we await further developments. I'll share any news immediately."

The sect leaders exchanged glances before Ye Bangzhu spoke for them all: "Since the sect leader extends such generous hospitality, we gratefully accept."

"Excellent!" Shang Luo's face brightened. "Please, ask whatever questions you may have."

Ye Bangzhu stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Might we know what the sect leader understands about Di Mang's nature? And your plans moving forward?"

A shadow of discomfort crossed Shang Luo's features. "Our ancestors strictly forbade consulting the relevant texts except in life-or-death situations. Initially uncertain of the danger, I only skimmed partial records. When the gravity became clear, I sent word immediately—though urgent matters delayed my return until today."

"Ah, my impatience was unseemly," Ye Bangzhu conceded with an apologetic smile. "A leader as capable as yourself will surely uncover the truth."

"I came straight from my travels to meet you all," Shang Luo assured them. "Tonight I begin investigating Di Mang in earnest."

"The sect leader must be weary from his journey," interjected the head of the Le Yi Sect. "Perhaps you should rest first to approach this with clear focus?"

Shang Luo acknowledged the suggestion with another bow. "Should you require anything, don't hesitate to ask. For now, I must take my leave—though if you'd honor our humble sect with your presence, we'll provide every comfort."

An awkward silence followed until Ye Bangzhu broke it: "We'd be honored to accompany you." Others quickly added their assent.

"My carriage awaits outside," said Shang Luo, "though I fear there's only room for myself."

"No matter," the leaders waved off his concern. "We'll arrange our own transport."

As the group dispersed downstairs to summon their subordinates, Ji Chun noticed Xue Yao and Mu Miefeng conferring in a corner. "Are you two joining?" he asked.

Mu Miefeng nodded. "Best we see the situation firsthand. Why don't we four go together?"

Ji Chun agreed. "I'll secure a carriage immediately." Noticing Su Ran's pensive expression, he gave his hand a reassuring squeeze before departing.

Fortune smiled—no sooner had Ji Chun stepped outside than a driver called, "Need transport, Dashi?" After settling the fare, he turned to fetch the others when a familiar voice stopped him.

"Ji Chun Dashi, what an honor."

Before him stood Sect Leader Shang Luo, his presence inexplicable—shouldn't he be with the other leaders? Masking his confusion, Ji Chun returned the greeting properly.

"Please, no formalities," Shang Luo smiled. "I've felt drawn to Buddhist teachings since childhood. Might I trouble you for some discussion? Your visit honors me greatly."

The sect leader's handsome features and gentle demeanor—particularly that faint, captivating smile—made refusal unthinkable. Ji Chun found himself warming to the man. "The honor is mine. I'd gladly share what I know."

"Wonderful!" Shang Luo's eyes sparkled. "Tell me—do you know Shaolin's Abbot Huikong? I've long wished to visit him, yet never found the opportunity."

Ji Chun's face lit up at mention of his revered master. "Abbot Huikong is my Shifu."

"What splendid fortune! As his disciple, you must tell me everything." Shang Luo studied Ji Chun with playful curiosity. "Might I ask your age? You seem young, yet carry yourself with a monk's profound wisdom."

"I'm twenty," Ji Chun answered, feeling a faint flush of embarrassment. At his age, he hardly qualified as a master—it was only due to Abbot Huikong's status that others addressed him so respectfully. The title had unsettled him initially, though he'd grown accustomed over time.

The sect leader nodded thoughtfully, his expression inscrutable. When the carriage driver called impatiently from outside, he smiled and took his leave. "Night approaches—we should depart. I'll see you again at the sect."

Ji Chun bowed in return before gathering Su Ran, Xue Yao, and Mu Miefeng. The spacious carriage accommodated all four comfortably as it began its steady climb up the mountain road.

True to his restless nature, Xue Yao broke the silence first. "Funny how the 'Sha Yin Sect' sounds like some demonic cult, yet their leader seems perfectly decent." His words hung awkwardly in the air, met only with silence. Undeterred, he glanced around—Mu Miefeng gazed absently out the window, Ji Chun rested with closed eyes—before settling on Su Ran. "Right, Sect Leader Su?"

Su Ran arched an eyebrow, surprised Xue Yao would address him directly. He acknowledged with a noncommittal hum.

Encouraged, Xue Yao continued, "At first I thought they might be affiliated with your Demonic Cult. Turns out they're just a minor faction."

Su Ran's lips curved faintly. "Implying my sect is full of monsters, then?"

"What? No!" Xue Yao shook his head vigorously. "I wouldn't know about the others—just that their leader's a good man."

Su Ran chuckled but said nothing more. Relieved he hadn't caused offense, Xue Yao stretched before inching closer to Su Ran. A blush crept up his neck as he whispered, "Sect Leader Su...how did you and Ji Chun Dashi...you know, become involved?"

Su Ran studied the suddenly shy young man through half-lidded eyes. "Why ask?"

Xue Yao glanced furtively at their companions—both seemingly asleep—before murmuring, "What do you think about...me and my Shixiong?"

A soft laugh escaped Su Ran. Seeing the usually boisterous youth like this was almost endearing. With past animosities aside, he found himself viewing Xue Yao differently. Crooking a finger, he beckoned him closer. "Do you truly admire Mu Miefeng?"

Xue Yao tilted his head in consideration—just as Ji Chun's eyes snapped open. The monk's stern gaze locked onto their proximity, his expression darkening. Xue Yao jerked back, colliding with his Shixiong and flushing crimson.

The scene struck Ji Chun as oddly intimate. Though he trusted both implicitly, seeing their faces so close sent an irrational pang through him. He reached for Su Ran's hand, voice low. "Rest while you can. We've got a long journey ahead."

Su Ran blinked at Ji Chun's abrupt awakening but simply nodded, interlacing their fingers before settling against the monk's shoulder.

Watching them, Xue Yao felt an ache in his chest. He turned to Mu Miefeng, sighing as he pretended to doze off—leaning ever so slightly against his Shixiong. Just before closing his eyes, he noticed Mu Miefeng regarding him curiously.

"Sleep if you're tired," Mu Miefeng murmured, shifting to make room—which only forced Xue Yao to slump against the carriage wall instead.

The rocky mountain path jostled them awake periodically. When Su Ran stirred disoriented, Ji Chun explained softly, "We're nearing Sha Yin Sect," massaging his temples with practiced care.

Su Ran basked in the attention, his gaze drifting to Xue Yao—who was watching them with unmistakable envy. It was a novel sight. Throughout his life, Su Ran had known only scorn, fear, or calculating loyalty in others' eyes. To be genuinely envied...the realization settled warmly in his chest.