The Husky and His White Cat Shizun

Chapter 187: Master, You Are My Light

Seeing Chu Wanning turn his head, Hua Binan's eyes seemed to hold a hint of amusement. He extended a delicate, fair hand from under the wide sleeves of his emerald green silk robe and gently gestured towards the brocaded box in front of Chu Wanning.

Chu Wanning nodded and thanked the mute servant, "Thank you."

The mute servant bowed again after seeing that he had taken the box and returned to his master's side.

Xue Zhengyong was surprised, "Yu Heng, do you know Cold Scale Saintly Hand?"

"I don't," Chu Wanning replied, looking at the box before him. "If I did, I wouldn't have needed to spend two million and five hundred thousand gold at the Xuanyuan Auction for his Dream Beast Fragrance."

"Why did he give this to you then?"

"I'm not sure," Chu Wanning said. "Let's open it and see."

Opening the brocaded box revealed five more bottles of Dream Beast Fragrance, each with a gentle hue, arranged neatly inside. There was also a letter.

Chu Wanning opened it and read the simple contents. It mentioned that the writer knew that Grandmaster Chu had purchased the dew at a high price at the Xuanyuan Pavilion, but felt that the Dream Beast Fragrance wasn't worth that much. They had always wanted to present five additional bottles to the grandmaster, but never found the opportunity to meet. Now that they had met on Spirit Mountain, they hoped he would accept them.

Xue Zhengyong immediately said, "I think he wants to befriend you."

"..."

Rejecting such a gift would be an insult to the giver. Chu Wanning thanked Hua Binan from afar but passed the lacquer box to Xue Zhengyong.

Xue Zhengyong was delighted. "For me?"

"..." Chu Wanning replied, "For Elder Greedy Wolf. I always feel that there's something odd about Hua Binan. The Sky-ward Pavilion sells so many of his expensive medicines at inflated prices every year. Does he really compensate each buyer individually?"

Xue Zhengyong mumbled, "I don't find it strange. After all, high prices do exist, but not as absurdly high as yours."

Chu Wanning's face flushed with anger. "It's only because they have a need for it. What's so absurd about that? Anyway, give all five bottles to Greedy Wolf. I don't think there's any poison in them, but it won't be a waste if Greedy Wolf learns how to make the Mo Incense Dew."

"You don't need them?"

"I..."

It was strange, but those absurd yet eerily realistic dreams had become less frequent lately. Aside from a few fragmented scenes he occasionally dreamed of in the days immediately after leaving the Confucian Wind Sect, he had been having peaceful nights.

It would be a waste to drink the Moxi Fragrant Dew again; Chu Wanning felt there was no need for him to keep such a precious elixir.

After staying on Spirit Mountain for two or three days, upon returning to the Summit of Life and Death, Mo Ran was nowhere to be found.

Xue Meng said, "He's gone monster hunting."

A thin crease formed between Chu Wanning's brows. "Another monster? That makes the nineteenth this month."

"They all escaped from the Confucian Wind Sect's Golden Drum Tower," Xue Meng sighed. "We've caught quite a few and locked them up in our Tower of Heaven, but the Tower of Heaven is smaller than the Golden Drum Tower, and the spirit stones and enchantments it holds aren't as powerful as those of the Confucian Wind Sect. If this continues, I fear the tower might not withstand it much longer."

Xue Zhengyong suggested, "Next time Li Wuxin comes, ask him to bring some to the Jade Pond Manor and seal it within his Sacred Spirit Tower."

Xue Meng chuckled. "That's actually a good idea."

Xue Zhengyong continued, "We could also share some with Solitary Moon Night. I've heard their Star Plucking Tower is even larger than Confucian Wind Sect's Golden Drum Tower..."

This time, Xue Meng was not pleased. He frowned, his dark brows furrowed as he exclaimed, "No way!"

"Why?"

"I don't like that Jiang dog; he's incredibly annoying. I'd rather the Tower of Heaven overflowed than give him the monsters my sect has captured!"

Chu Wanning shook his head, unwilling to listen to their father-son squabbling. He left them behind.

He returned to the Red Lotus Water Pavilion for a nap, and indeed, he had a peaceful sleep, free from any old dreams. When he woke up, the sun was setting, casting a bloody hue across the sky. Only a thin trail of crimson remained on the horizon.

At this hour, there was no more food at the Meng Po Hall, but he felt a bit hungry. He tidied himself up, opened the door, and stepped out, planning to stroll around Impermanence Town and grab some snacks.

By chance, he saw Mo Ran returning from demon hunting, walking up the long stone steps leading to the Red Lotus Water Pavilion.

Upon seeing him, Mo Ran smiled. "Master, your uncle told me you were sleeping. I was just about to come wake you up."

"Is there something you need?"

"No," he replied. "I just wanted to find you and take a walk together."

It truly was a coincidence. Chu Wanning felt a small surge of joy from their serendipitous encounter. In relationships, even a tiny bit of affinity could lift one's spirits.

"Where are we going?"

Both of them asked in unison.

Chu Wanning was taken aback, and so was Mo Ran.

Then they both said, "It's up to you."

Chu Wanning's fingers, hidden in his sleeves, clenched bashfully, with sweat seeping through the gaps. His eyes were dark and glowing, yet he looked at Mo Ran calmly and composedly.

Mo Ran couldn't help but grin.

"Anywhere is fine."

Chu Wanning was actually very happy, but he still maintained his usual aloofness. Even when his happiness was intense, like the light pink blooms of a West Courtyard crabapple tree, he kept it subtle.

He said, "Let's go then, explore the town and grab something to eat."

He didn't inquire about how Mo Ran's demon hunting had gone or if it had been smooth; their relationship now was one of mutual understanding and destiny. Standing outside the bamboo gate, watching Mo Ran's black attire fluttering, the dark golden floral border shimmering faintly in the night, Chu Wanning knew everything was well, and no further words were necessary.

They arrived together in the town of Impermanence.

Over the years, Impermanence Town has flourished, expanding from its original three horizontal and three vertical streets to the current six horizontal and five vertical thoroughfares, almost doubling in size.

"When I first arrived at the Peak of Life and Death, it was not yet night, yet every household had their doors tightly shut, with incense ashes scattered outside their yards and Taoist mirrors hanging on their entrances. Soul-calming bells were tied beneath the eaves." Chu Wanning looked at the bustling crowd and the nascent lantern light, remarking, "Now, apart from the name of this small town remaining the same, almost everything else is unrecognizable."

Mo Ran smiled. "With the Peak of Life and Death around, it can only get better from here."

Walking along the newly paved bluestone main street of the town, they passed by vendors blowing sugar figures, puppeteers performing shadow plays, stalls selling snacks and barbecued delights, and customers enjoying bubbly hot pots - an abundance of sights and sounds filled the air, creating a lively and bustling scene. Rows of lanterns hung above the skyway, illuminating the night market with a warm glow, embodying the essence of mortal life and its vivacity.

Upon seeing the gong dou drumstick stall, Mo Ran was reminded of the time when he, Xue Meng, and Xia Sini had once enjoyed a meal here together. He smiled and tugged on Chu Wanning's sleeve. "Shifu, let's try this. This place has your favorite soymilk."

They took their seats on creaky bamboo chairs. It was bitterly cold, but the chef preparing the side dishes and stir-fries was sweating profusely. Bare-chested, he wiped his brow and approached them. "Two Immortals, what would you like?"

Chu Wanning replied, "A Yin-Yang pot."

Mo Ran said, "A mushroom and clear broth pot."

"...Aren't you the one who likes spicy?"

Mo Ran lowered his eyes and smiled softly, his voice gentle and slow. "I want to quit."

Chu Wanning was taken aback for a moment, vaguely realizing why Mo Ran suddenly didn't want to eat spicy food anymore. It was like a fish swimming through a lake, causing ripples in the heart's pond with a faint gurgle.

"You don't have to quit..."

Mo Ran replied, "No, I just like it."

"..."

"I like it, but I want to quit." He glanced at Chu Wanning. His thick eyelashes fluttered like a curtain, landing on the other's slightly flushed ear, and he chuckled.

He didn't finish the last part of what he wanted to say—

He wanted to be like him, so that when they ate hot pot, their two pairs of chopsticks could reach into the same bubbling pot, no longer separate, distinct in red and white.

Mo Ran ordered some stir-fried dishes. Unfortunately, the small stall didn't serve delicate desserts, so he settled for three jars of soy milk served in plump porcelain pots. Then, he sat and waited for the food to arrive.

Surrounded by diners, young and old, men and women, their black hair and white strands mingled. Steam rose from the soup pots, flames flickered from the woks, and voices boomed with laughter, toasts, and secret desires. All of these converged in the boiling smoke and heat, the aroma of food and warmth, forming a vast ocean of tenderness.

Life on earth is so ordinary, yet the mortal world is bustling with excitement.

Before Mo Ran turned fifteen, he had known only hunger, never tasting such fine food and drink.

As the Heaven-Stepping Lord, above all, he still could not find such genuine peace.

But now, he has it all.

Suddenly, flames leapt up – the chef had tossed the ingredients into the wok, and the fire danced vigorously from within, casting a smooth bronze glow over his bare torso. Salt, soy sauce, vinegar, and oil were added in turn, as the man's muscular arms shook with effort, and in an instant, the stir-fry was done.

Still sizzling, it was immediately served at the table.

"The Crispy Duo!" the young waiter shouted.

In his previous life, as the Heaven-Stepping Lord, no delicacy could please him. Yet, strangely, this "Crispy Duo" made him laugh. He intertwined his slender fingers, resting them under his chiseled chin, while his long, dense eyelashes fluttered slightly. The brilliance from every corner of the world seemed to converge upon his dark eyelids, illuminating the darkness around them.

Chu Wanning asked, "What are you laughing about?"

"I don't know, I'm just very happy."

Chu Wanning fell silent, but the charming smile on the handsome man's face opposite him was so captivating that it inexplicably lifted his spirits as well.

After their meal, Chu Wanning looked up at the sky and sensed that rain might be coming. However, the people below seemed oblivious, still enjoying themselves in an orderly fashion amidst the resplendent night.

As they passed by a lantern shop, Mo Ran suddenly halted, standing there to observe.

Following his gaze, Chu Wanning saw that the elderly artisan was meticulously pasting a paper lantern in the shape of a pagoda. Another similar one had already been completed, complete with a base that resembled a river lamp.

"Old gentleman, please trouble yourself and fetch me that pagoda lantern," Chu Wanning requested.

Without inquiring about the price, nor asking if Mo Ran would like it.

Chu Wanning approached the elderly man, bent with age yet diligently crafting a lantern, and tendered the golden leaf to him. He then casually passed the river lamp to his standing disciple behind him.

"Take it."

Mo Ran was startled, filled with joy, and even a hint of confusion. "For me?"

Chu Wanning remained silent, carrying the half-flask of wine that had gone untouched during the meal. He surveyed his surroundings, his gaze eventually settling on a gentle brook in the distance. With a purposeful stride, he headed towards the rippling waters.

The lantern flickered, then blazed brightly once more, its vibrant glow casting a solemn grandeur upon the surroundings.

Holding the river lantern, Mo Ran murmured, "I've always wanted to release one since I was young, but I never had the money each year."

"Indeed," Chu Wanning glanced at him nonchalantly. "You were the poorest."

Mo Ran smiled.

The river flowed quietly and steadily. Chu Wanning, unwilling to descend the stone steps, leaned against the arcade bridge with his arms crossed, lazily enjoying the scene. The fair-robed Daoist leaned on the dark bridge pillar, holding a wine flask tied with a crimson tassel. He raised it to take a sip, then slightly turned his face. The soft glow of the red lantern at the eave illuminated his porcelain-like features. Though his expression was indifferent, his gaze held an undeniable warmth as he watched the man by the riverside, joyfully cradling the river lantern with somewhat clumsy movements.

Fool, what's so entertaining about this?

Yet, he couldn't tear his eyes away as he observed Mo Ran walk to the riverbank, muttering countless words to the pagoda lamp before gently placing it on the water's surface. A golden-red radiance was reflected in the rippling river, and with two gentle strokes of the water, Mo Ran sent the pagoda lantern on its journey.

That day, Mo Ran stood by the dark river for a long time.

It wasn't a festive occasion, and besides him, no one else released lanterns on the river.

Only that small pagoda lantern, emitting a faint yet persistent light, traveled far into the endless cold night, becoming a trembling, desolate spark before finally being swallowed by the darkness and disappearing without a trace.

Mo Ran stood silently, his thoughts unknown to all.

He witnessed it until the very end.

The vast river surface was engulfed in darkness.

Rain began to fall, accompanied by thunder.

Droplets pattered against water lilies and tapped gently on the pink walls and dark tiles.

Amidst laughter and exclamations, people scattered. Winter rarely saw such sudden downpours, yet vendors hastily covered their wares—pots, pans, tools, and utensils—with brown oilcloth before scurrying away to seek shelter from the torrential rain.

Chu Wanning was momentarily stunned. Though the vernal equinox was drawing near, winter had yet to fully pass. This rain seemed overly eager to arrive.

He stood beneath the covered bridge, the wind and rain barely dampening the corners of his clothes. Yet, Mo Ran rushed up from the riverside, his clothing soaked, his face and eyes glistening with moisture, dark and deep.

Gazing at him, Mo Ran smiled softly, a hint of bashfulness in his expression.

"Use a spell to dry yourself off."

"Mm."

The heavy rain didn't hinder the immortals' travels, especially for grandmasters like Mo Ran and Chu Wanning. A small barrier could easily shield them from the downpour and send them back to the Summit of Life and Death spotless.

But neither of them bothered to activate such a barrier. Instead, they stood side by side under the eaves, waiting for the rain to stop.

As time passed, the rain showed no sign of weakening. The world was shrouded in a misty, turbulent haze, and the bustling night market that had just been alive had vanished instantly, as if washed away by the cold rain like watercolor paint.

Mo Ran said, "This rain doesn't seem to have any intention of stopping."

Chu Wanning replied indifferently, "This rain is falling as if it's sick."

Mo Ran burst into laughter, then turned to face Chu Wanning after a while. "What should we do? We can't go back."

"..."

Chu Wanning knew he should respond with, "Aren't you practicing Daoism?" or "Can't you open a barrier?" or "Why can't we go back?"

Yet, he fell silent for a moment. For some reason, he didn't voice his thoughts but didn't agree either. He simply lifted his gaze, watching the endless night rain.

His palms were slightly warm, and beads of sweat trickled between his tightly clenched fingers.

As he pondered how to respond, Mo Ran seized his hand. His subtle tremors, warmth, and perspiration were all laid bare, captured within Mo Ran's grasp.

Mo Ran gazed at him for a moment, his Adam's apple bobbing. "Shifu, I... I want to be with you..."

The words hovered on the tip of his tongue, yet he couldn't bring himself to say them. Yet, the thrilling sensations within his heart refused to subside.

In the end, his dark eyes shimmered with emotion as he spoke earnestly yet coyly, his voice low and intimate. "What I mean is... the rain is too heavy. Don't return to the sect tonight. The journey is long, and you might catch a cold."

Chu Wanning didn't quite register what was happening and replied, slightly stunned, "I'm not cold."

"Then are you hot?"

"I'm not hot either..."

Mo Ran's breaths were hot, his chest rising and falling. Without waiting for Chu Wanning's reply, he pressed their hands together against his pounding heart and whispered, "I am."

Raindrops fell upon the floating lilies.

But in Chu Wanning's eyes, he saw flames, molten currents, and the heat of midsummer.

The young man was almost pitifully restless, yet endearingly so.

His voice was slightly hoarse. "Shall we go to the nearest inn? Right now?"

Author's Note:

Puppy: After reading today's last line, I feel like one of those college guys who tricks their boyfriend into getting a hotel room...