The Husky and His White Cat Shizun

Chapter 126: Master, Wait for Me One More Chapter!

The reopening of Elder Yu Heng's seclusion was naturally a cause for celebration throughout the entire sect. However, Xue Zhengyong knew that Chu Wanning disliked crowds and wasn't skilled in social interactions, so he had arranged everything beforehand. Chu Wanning had initially been worried about the awkwardness at the banquet, but it turned out his concerns were unnecessary.

Although Xue Zhengyong was a burly man, he possessed a delicate understanding of people's feelings and had a good grasp on the situation. He spoke from the bottom of his heart in front of all the elders and numerous disciples, but without being overly sentimental; instead, his words were genuinely touching. Only Elder Luchen lacked this sensitivity, laughing as he called out,

"Luchen, it's such a joyous occasion today. Why do you still have that cold expression? Say a few words too, there are some new disciples here who've never seen your face before."

Xue Zhengyong stepped in to prevent him, "Luchen, I've already spoken on behalf of Yu Heng. Why must you insist on pulling him to say more?"

"That's different, he should at least say a couple of words."

"But he—"

"It's alright." Before Xue Zhengyong could continue, a cool, deep voice interrupted him, "Since there are new disciples, I'll say a few words." Chu Wanning rose from his seat, scanning the crowded Hall of Meng Po, where thousands of people were looking at him.

But Mo Ran had yet to arrive.

Chu Wanning pondered for a moment before saying, "The Southern Peak's Red Lotus Water Pavilion is filled with traps and armaments to prevent accidental harm. I advise all new disciples not to enter without permission."

The crowd fell into a solemn silence.

Luchen couldn't help but ask, "…Is that it?"

"It is," Chu Wanning replied. Lowering his gaze, he brushed his sleeves and sat down.

The group sank into an even more prolonged silence.

The new disciples mostly pondered in their hearts, wondering if coming back to life after five years of being dead was an experience common to mortals. At the very least, one would share their feelings or express gratitude to their savior. But this person seemed to be reciting a creed, tossing out that sentence and then being done with it. It was rather lacking in sincerity.

The older disciples couldn't help but chuckle softly. Several of them whispered to their companions, "It's Elder Yu Heng, still the same."

"So few words as always."

"Ha, yes, terrible temper and impatient. The only thing decent about him is his face." Since there were so many people and they were quite far from Chu Wanning, he wouldn't hear these jests anyway. The group laughed together before turning their attention back to the man in snowy white clothes sitting beside Xue Zhengyong.

The feast was in full swing, featuring not only the spicy, savory, and aromatic Sichuan cuisine but also an array of delicate pastries and subtly sweet dishes from the Jiangnan region, artfully arranged and filling the table with a lively ambiance.

Xue Zhengyong uncorked over a hundred superior pear blossom wines, distributing them evenly among the tables. The amber-colored liquor was generously poured into each cup, filling them to the brim. Chu Wanning, in the midst of devouring his fourth crab roe lion's head, suddenly found a deep, large bowl placed dramatically before his eyes.

"Yu Heng! Have a drink!"

"This is a bowl."

"Oh, bother the difference between a cup or a bowl, drink up! It's your beloved Pear Blossom White!" Xue Zhengyong's deep brows and eyes shimmered with delight. "When it comes to your alcohol tolerance, I, Xue Zhengyong, am the first to acknowledge your prowess! Truly, you never fall after a thousand cups, nor do you ever get drunk after ten thousand! Come, come, come —— let me raise this first cup in tribute to you!"

Chu Wanning smiled, then lifted the large bowl and clinked it against Xue Zhengyong's with a resonant sound.

"Since Lord Zun said so, I'll drink this first bowl."

With that, he downed the entire bowl and turned it upside down for Xue Zhengyong to see. Overwhelmed with joy, Xue Zhengyong's eyes reddened slightly. "Good, good! Five years ago, you asked me for a jar of top-quality Pear Blossom White from my cellar. Back then, I refused to give it to you, and later, I regretted it deeply. I thought I would never... never..." His voice softened, then he suddenly looked up, took a deep breath, and spoke loudly again, "Forget it! What's the point of talking about that now! From now on, if you like it, the whole cellar of Pear Blossom White is yours! I'll make sure you have good wine to drink for the rest of your life!"

Chu Wanning chuckled. "Alright, that's a deal."

While they were talking, Xue Meng had been whispering with someone in a corner. Suddenly, Xue Meng pulled the person over and both bowed respectfully before Chu Wanning.

"Master!" Xue Meng lifted his head, his youthful face radiating dignity.

"Master," the other person also raised his gaze, as pure as a lotus emerging from water, as light as a cloud revealing itself from a mountain crevice—none other than Shi Mo.

Shi Mo said guiltily, "Today, I was providing free medical services at the Medicine Hall in Impermanence Town and couldn't break away. It's truly shameful that I've come to pay my respects to you only now. Please forgive me, Master."

"...It's alright."

Chu Wanning lowered his eyes, studying Shi Mo closely. Although his expression remained calm, he felt a strange sense of loss that even surprised himself.

This person whom Mo Ran favored the most had grown into someone too captivatingly beautiful.

If five years ago, Shi Mo was still a blossoming beauty, then now, fully matured, he was like a night-blooming cereus in an endless night, its tender green calyx unable to conceal the lustrous white within. His fragrant petals trembled delicately, outshining everything around him. He possessed a pair of enchanting peach blossom eyes, filled with gentle emotion that seemed to overflow at any moment. The curvature of his nose was exquisitely smooth, not too sharp nor too weak. His lips were bright red and plump, like cherries soaked in dew, every word he spoke imbued with tenderness and sweetness.

"Master, I've missed you very much."

He rarely expressed his emotions so directly, and thus Chu Wanning was taken aback, unsure of how to respond.

With reddened eyes, Shi Mo appeared deeply moved, stirring a twinge of guilt within Chu Wanning.

Why should he be jealous of Shi Mingjing? He was far older than his juniors and held a position of honor. On what grounds could he possibly be jealous of Shi Mingjing?

With this thought in mind, Chu Wanning nodded calmly and said, "You may both rise."

Upon receiving permission, the two disciples stood up.

...

Chu Wanning had initially calmed himself down, but when he caught a glimpse of Shi Mo, he suddenly froze.

"..."

Is Shi Mo taller than Xue Meng?

This comparison caught Chu Wanning off guard, causing him to choke slightly. He coughed twice and couldn't help but steal a few more glances.

Not just a little higher, but significantly so.

Yet, this only accentuated Shi Mo's physique – broad shoulders, slender waist, long legs, an irresistible blend of strength and grace. He had matured, leaving behind the frail appearance of his youth. His growth had brought an elegance that was both subtle and refined.

Chu Wanning's expression involuntarily darkened.

He felt that he had lost rather miserably.

But... so be it.

Anyway, his feelings for Mo Ran had never been spoken aloud, even until the day he died. It was even less likely for him to confess in the future. As for Mo Ran, that guy had chased after him through heaven and earth but still failed to see that Chu Wanning liked him. It was even more impossible for him to realize it later on.

The two of them could remain master and disciple for their entire lives, with a deep bond between them. That wasn't necessarily a bad thing.

As for everything else, it was futile to force it. So, let it be.

Xue Meng suddenly blushed and nudged Shi Mo with his elbow, giving him a meaningful glance.

Shi Mo sighed helplessly and whispered, "Do you really want me to go?"

"Yes, it would be more appropriate for you to go."

"But you've been the one preparing these things for the Young Master for the past five years..."

"Just because I prepared them is precisely why it's awkward. You go, and besides, aren't some of these not from what you brought back today?"

"…Alright." Shi Mo sighed, unable to resist Xue Meng's persistence. He took the large, rosewood box that Xue Meng was carrying behind his back with both hands and approached Chu Wanning, who had resumed eating his crab roe lion's head.

"Masters, Young Master and I… have prepared some gifts over the past five years, just a… small token of our appreciation. Please accept them with a smile, Master."

Hearing this from behind, Xue Meng's face grew even redder. To hide his nervousness, he crossed his arms in front of his chest and casually turned his head, pretending to suddenly take great interest in the intricately carved beams of Meng Po Hall.

In normal circumstances, opening a gift in front of the giver would be considered rude. However, as their master, Chu Wanning didn't wish to accept overly extravagant items. Thus, after some thought, he asked, "What is it?"

"They're... just some trinkets I picked up here and there." Shi Mo, sharp as ice, understood the depth of Chu Wanning's sentiment and replied, "They aren't worth much. If Master is worried, you can open it and take a look when we get back."

But Chu Wanning said, "There's no difference between now and later. I'll open it."

"No, no, no!! Don't open it!" Xue Meng was taken aback and rushed over to snatch the box.

However, Chu Wanning had already opened it, and gave him a casual glance at the end.

"Rushing so hastily, aren't you afraid of tripping?"

Xue Meng: "..."

Sure enough, it was packed with various interesting trinkets – intricately embroidered headbands, uniquely crafted hair clasps, masterfully carved jade belt hooks, and Chu Wanning casually picked up a vial of calming pills. Under the candlelight, the emblem of Cold Scale Saintly Hand shimmered with brilliance.

The value of this box was immeasurable.

Chu Wanning didn't know what to say. He lifted his phoenix-like eyes and glared at Xue Meng, who blushed even more.

Xue Zhengyong found the scene amusing and said, "Since Meng'er has put in so much effort, Yu Heng, just accept it. The other elders have also prepared gifts for you, and they're not cheap either. It won't hurt to have one more."

Chu Wanning replied, "Xue Meng is my disciple."

Implicit in his words was that he didn't want to accept so many gifts from his disciple.

"But these are all the things I've seen over the past five years that would suit Master!" Xue Meng panicked upon hearing this. "I bought them all with money I earned myself, not a single coin from Father. If Master doesn't accept them, I... I..."

"He'll be upset and won't be able to sleep," Xue Zhengyong interjected on his son's behalf. "He might even go on a hunger strike."

Chu Wanning: "..."

He truly didn't know how to engage in conversation with this father-son duo, so he lowered his head again to examine the box. Suddenly, he noticed another smaller wooden box nestled among the items.

"This is..." He took it out and opened it, revealing four small clay figurines lying inside.

Perplexed, he lifted his gaze to glance at Xue Meng, who had turned bright red, nearly resembling a tomato. Upon catching Chu Wanning's stare, Xue Meng quickly bowed his head. Such a handsome young man was behaving like an embarrassed teenager under his master's scrutiny.

Chu Wanning asked, "What is this?"

Xue Zhengyong also showed curiosity. "Take it out and let's have a look."

"Nonono..." Xue Meng held his forehead, muttering weakly. But his father, already delighted, had cheerfully displayed all four tiny figurines. The clumsily crafted clay figures were incredibly ugly. Apart from one being slightly taller than the other three, it was hard to distinguish any differences between them. It was evident that these were the work of Xue Meng.

After all, Xue Meng had initially wanted to learn mecha techniques from Chu Wanning. However, after just one day, Chu Wanning had him switch to studying saber techniques. The reason was simple: in one afternoon at the Red Lotus Water Pavilion, the boy had accomplished nothing but almost dismantled the mecha workshop with a file.

With such "delicate sensibilities," shaping clay figurines must have been quite a challenge for him.

Xue Zhengyong picked up one of the figurines, examining it upside down and sideways, yet failing to understand its meaning. He asked his son, "What did you make here?"

Xue Meng stubbornly replied, "Just... something I made for fun. Nothing special."

"This black figurine is so unattractive, it's much better to have the taller one with its white paint," Xue Zhengyong muttered, stroking the tiny figure's head with his thumb.

Xue Meng exclaimed, "Don't touch it!"

But it was too late—the figurine spoke.

"Uncle, please don't touch me."

Xue Zhengyong: "..."

Chu Wanning: "..."

Xue Meng slapped himself and covered his eyes with his arm, unwilling to witness what had just happened.

After a long moment, Xue Zhengyong finally realized what had transpired, bursting into laughter. "Oh my, Meng'er, is this Ranyang that you've crafted? That's quite an ugly creation, hahaha."

Xue Meng retorted angrily, "That's because he's inherently ugly! Look at my Master! How handsome!" He blushed as he pointed at the white-painted figurine.

The white figurine's head was brushed by Xue Meng's finger, and it let out a cold snort. "Do not be impudent."

Chu Wanning: "..."

Xue Zhengyong burst into laughter, tears welling up in his eyes. "This is great! This is perfect! You even put some Spirit Melody Threads inside, right? This little guy mimics Yu Heng's tone so accurately, hahaha!"

Chu Wanning brushed off his sleeves and said, "Nonsense."

Yet, he gently retrieved the four tiny clay figurines and placed them back into the box, setting it beside him. Throughout this process, his expression remained neutral and calm, but when he lifted his gaze again, there was a trace of warmth that lingered in his eyes.

"I'll keep this one. Take the others back with you. You might find these useful, and I don't lack anything."

"But..."

"Master, if your master asks you to take them back, then do as he says," Shi Mo smiled, softly persuading him and whispering, "After all, these clay figurines are what Young Master wants to give the most, aren't they?"

Xue Meng's head practically steamed with frustration. He glared at Shi Mo, kicked the ground, and bit his lip without saying a word.

Xue Meng had always been treated with high regard since he was young, never having any restrictions on what he could say or do. As such, his expressions of affection and dislike were often passionate and straightforward.

Chu Wanning found this quality in Xue Meng quite rare. It was something he had never possessed, one of Xue Meng's most valuable traits. He felt a tinge of envy. Unlike himself, who had always been dishonest, yearning deeply in his heart while pretending not to care on the surface.

Reborn, he had improved somewhat, but that was all there was to it. He wouldn't become significantly more impressive. A frozen pond didn't form in a single day; he supposed he'd spend his entire later life trying to change, yet still not make much of a difference. Changing too much would likely render him unrecognizable.

As the banquet drew to a close, Mo Ran had yet to return.

Chu Wanning was inwardly stifled, yet he remained silent, not voicing his concerns. He truly wanted to ask Xue Zhengyong about the letter Mo Ran had written that day, to inquire if Xue Zhengyong knew where Mo Ran could possibly be.

But he held his wine cup, sipping cup after cup, his knuckles turning pale from the pressure, the alcohol searing through his lungs, yet failing to ignite the warmth in his heart needed to muster the courage to turn and ask, "When will he be back?"

Author's Note:

Mini Scene: "Everyone's Late, But Why?"

Chu Wanning: Being late is being late, no need to explain. Just punish me.

Mo Ran 0.5: There was an old lady on the road walking too slowly, obstructing my path. I killed her, then came here. A bit late. Give me a clean handkerchief, I got some blood on my face.

Mo Ran 1.0: Hahaha~ An elderly grandma was crossing the street with a cane, it was hilarious! I took her cane to have a good laugh. But I returned it to her later, don't worry, don't worry~

Mo Ran 2.0: Saw an elderly person struggling with their steps on the road, so I helped them cross. It took some time, sorry about that.

Shi Mo: I encountered a troublesome patient today, couldn't get away... My apologies...

Xue Meng: What does that have to do with you?

Nan Gongsi: How vulgar of the person upstairs. I shall be more polite – what does it concern you?

Ye Wangxi: I won't be late. Check again, perhaps the water clock is faulty.

Mei Hanxue: Every step I take attracts female cultivators vying for my attention. Even if I left two hours earlier, I'd still end up tardy. There's no point in struggling.