Chapter 84

The carriage lumbered onward until finally reaching Sha Yin Gate's territory. Nestled at the mountain's base, the sect was surrounded by towering peaks. During their journey, the travelers had noticed nothing unusual—only the driver's eventual call of "We'll reach Sha Yin Gate soon!" brought relief after the long ride.

Ji Chun lifted the curtain to survey their surroundings. Thick fog shrouded the distant mountains in gloom—black peaks loomed behind dark, lifeless trees, while the road lay choked with withered weeds. The carriage jolted across the rugged terrain as if crossing into another world. Even this brief glimpse revealed an unsettling, oppressive atmosphere. Though the day had begun sunny, the afternoon sky now darkened unnaturally, as though night approached prematurely. A wave of unease washed over Ji Chun as he let the curtain fall, his brow furrowing unconsciously.

Noticing his companion's discomfort, Su Ran shifted closer to peer outside. He immediately understood Ji Chun's reaction—the place radiated strangeness. Though nothing overtly sinister occurred, an aura of decay permeated everything.

"It's just a minor western sect," Mu Miefeng mused, frowning. "Why announce Di Mang's presence rather than use this knowledge to strengthen themselves?" His skepticism was understandable—most sects would exploit such valuable information despite ancestral prohibitions.

Su Ran shared his bewilderment. Were it his sect possessing such a treasure, he'd certainly claim it privately rather than invite competition. If Shang Luo truly feared Di Mang's threat, why not destroy it himself? And if seeking assistance due to weakness, surely he recognized others' ulterior motives? The sect leader seemed too intelligent for such naivety. Unless...he intended to use these factions to avert some impending catastrophe.

"We'll observe Shang Luo's actions at Sha Yin Gate," Su Ran concluded darkly. "This reeks of deception."

Their conversation halted as the carriage arrived. Alighting, the group beheld an imposing stone gate flanked by towering dragon sculptures—an audacious display given the dragon's imperial symbolism. The sight immediately drew contempt from the orthodox sect members; even prominent righteous sects wouldn't dare such presumption.

Shang Luo awaited them, his disciples arrayed in solemn formation behind him. Strikingly handsome and tall, the sect leader projected natural authority when not smiling. Now his stern demeanor cast a evident weight over the gathering.

After warmly welcoming Ye Bangzhu and the others, Shang Luo's expression hardened as he turned to his disciples. "Why haven't you prepared accommodations for our guests?!"

The disciples vanished instantly to fulfill their duties while Shang Luo, all smiles again, personally guided the visitors, enthusiastically describing Sha Yin Gate's various landmarks.

In the main hall, he served tea with practiced hospitality. "Please rest—servants will show you to your quarters shortly. Tonight we'll host a welcoming banquet. In coming days while I research our archives, feel free to enjoy our sect's attractions with servant escorts."

The guests offered polite thanks before being led to their assigned residences—meticulously arranged by sect affiliation and status. Ji Chun's group found themselves quartered together near the Liangyi Sect's courtyard, reflecting their respective sects' prominence. Exhausted from travel, all retired gratefully to rest.

The four entered their assigned courtyard, finding it spacious with exactly four rooms for their party. Conscious of being guests, they moved cautiously before retreating to their respective quarters. Once the servants departed, Ji Chun naturally gravitated to Su Ran's room—their shared sleeping habits having become so ingrained that separation now felt unnatural.

After removing his outer robe and hanging it neatly, Ji Chun slipped onto the bed, wrapping himself around Su Ran from behind. Just as he closed his eyes, Su Ran's muffled voice broke the silence: "Dashi, what exactly are you doing here?"

Caught like a misbehaving child, Ji Chun cleared his throat with exaggerated seriousness. "This humble monk wished to ensure the Sect Leader Su's comfort in unfamiliar surroundings."

"How thoughtful." Su Ran kept his back turned, though his lips curled unseen. He maintained a cool tone: "Then why the embrace?"

Ji Chun tightened his arms, molding their bodies together. "I wish to rest with Sect Leader Su."

"Fascinating. I never knew Shaolin monks enjoyed cuddling men." Su Ran finally chuckled, unable to sustain the pretense. "Must be a unique preference."

"Among Shaolin's brothers," Ji Chun murmured against his ear, nipping the lobe playfully, "I alone crave holding a certain Demonic Sect Leader named Su Ran."

"Shameless monk!" Su Ran turned, pinching Ji Chun's cheeks affectionately. "Why so affectionate today?"

"My devotion never wavers." Ji Chun pressed closer, their foreheads touching as kisses traveled from brows to lips in tender succession.

Su Ran's eyes narrowed as Ji Chun's mouth found his neck. "Xue Yao and I spoke in the carriage..."

Ji Chun's teeth grazed Su Ran's lip. "What required such... proximity?"

"He confessed admiration... for a man." Su Ran pushed Ji Chun away just enough to watch his reaction, smirk widening.

Ji Chun stiffened. "You?"

Su Ran pulled him down for a searing kiss before feigning shyness. "He's rather endearing, don't you think?"

Horrified, Ji Chun sat up cross-legged, mentally reviewing every Xue Yao-Su Ran interaction. When had this developed? Weren't they antagonists before? Unless Su Ran's recent kindness...

His spiraling thoughts shattered when Su Ran's laughter erupted behind him. Before Ji Chun could react, strong arms yanked him backward. "You—" Realization dawned as Su Ran kissed his flustered face. "You're teasing me!"

"Does the venerable monk truly think himself so irresistible?" Su Ran teased between kisses.

With a growl, Ji Chun flipped their positions, claiming Su Ran's mouth until they both gasped for air. Only then did he soften his hold, though his question came out strained: "What did Xue Yao actually say?"

"Idiot!" Su Ran pinched Ji Chun's waist sharply. "He's in love with Mu Miefeng!"

Ji Chun blinked. "Truly?"

"Not everyone shares your peculiar taste for demonic men," Su Ran sniffed, though his eyes sparkled with amusement.

"Xue Yao... and Mu Miefeng?" The absurdity of his earlier jealousy struck Ji Chun. Stroking Su Ran's back apologetically, he asked, "Why confide in you?"

"He wanted advice." Su Ran's grin turned wicked as he pinched Ji Chun's thigh. "On how to seduce a righteous monk, naturally."