The Husky and His White Cat Shizun

Chapter 227: Dragon Mountain's Past Words

Two years had passed in the blink of an eye.

In the autumn of the second year, Xu Shuanglin lay on the roof of Confucian Wind Sect's main hall, squinting at the crimson sky with a blade of grass between his teeth.

Few people ever ventured up to the top of this grand hall, which used to be his solitary refuge. But now, one person sat on either side of him.

One was his elder brother Nan Gongliu, and the other was their Master Luo, whose age was not much different from theirs.

Xu Shuanglin sometimes felt like some fanged beast, fiercely guarding his territory and not allowing others to intrude. Thus, he didn't know when or why he had started bringing these two individuals up to the rooftop to idle away the time together, watching clouds drift by, dragonflies fly low, and willow catkins float upward.

"Dou! Xun! Where are you two?"

Their father's anxious and slightly exasperated voice echoed from below the corridor.

"Really, every time I ask them to help clean the courtyard, they run faster than rabbits. These two rascals."

"Ah." Nan Gongliu stealthily poked his head out from the eaves, revealing his eyes as he watched their father rush past. Then, he quickly retreated, saying, "Haha, he's gone."

"The old man is also foolish," Xu Shuanglin said lazily, propping his legs up and looking down with disdain. "He never knows to come up to the roof to find us."

Luo Fenghua, however, seemed a bit uneasy. "Is it really okay for us to be like this... Hmm, how about you two go down later? Don't let the Venerated Master worry."

"What does it matter? Anyway, if the sky falls, we'll be the ones to hold it up," Nan Gongliu made a face at him. "What are you worried about, Ah Xue? Don't you agree?"

Xu Shuanglin didn't confirm nor deny, spitting out the grass in his mouth and stretching his body before sitting up straight. "Give me some melon seeds."

Nan Gongliu poured more than half of the melon seeds he had brought with him into Xu Shuanglin's hand. As Xu Shuanglin cracked them slowly, he glanced at Luo Fenghua's anxious expression with amusement.

He spat out a melon seed shell that had stuck to his lip and laughed. "Is Master afraid?"

"I just think this isn't quite right..."

"There's nothing wrong with it." Xu Shuanglin said. "If the old man blames you, I'll give him a piece of my mind."

Luo Fenghua: "...."

Xu Shuanglin reached out to Luo Fenghua again. "Give me an orange."

"Don't you dislike eating them…?"

Xu Shuanglin frowned. "Stop nagging. Are you giving it to me or not? If not, I'll carry you by the ankle and toss you down."

His brother tried to mediate. "Ah Xue, don't always speak so harshly to Master."

"Master, my foot! That's just for outsiders to hear," Xu Shuanglin said. "What kind of master would sneak up to the roof with their disciple to munch on sunflower seeds?"

Luo Fenghua felt embarrassed by these words and gradually lowered his head.

Xu Shuanglin enjoyed seeing him like this. Each time he did, he felt a thrill akin to a bully tormenting the weak. He gazed at Luo Fenghua for a moment before suddenly grinning, revealing his gleaming white teeth.

"Brother-Master, am I right?"

'Brother-Master' was a term Xu Shuanglin had spontaneously invented, combining respect with intimacy while also teasing Luo Fenghua. As a result, Luo Fenghua appeared both flustered and upset. "No, please don't call me that."

"A title is just a formality. Didn't Brother-Master say that himself?"

Luo Fenghua: "…"

After teasing him, Xu Shuanglin stretched out his hand again, shamelessly begging, "Orange."

"You don't like them. I only brought one, for Ah Liu."

Xu Shuanglin widened his eyes, but not at Luo Fenghua. Instead, he turned to glare at his brother.

Nan Gongliu, who was stuffing pastries into his mouth, suddenly choked and waved his hand vaguely, "Uh, I'm not really in the mood for an orange today. Master, just give it to him."

Luo Fenghua thought for a moment and said, "You two can share it."

As he spoke, he wiped the orange on his sleeve and then peeled it, trying to split it evenly into halves. However, one side ended up larger than the other.

This made Luo Fenghua appear somewhat troubled.

Perhaps due to his humble and orphaned background, he tended to become troubled by such insignificant matters.

"Sigh..."

"Give me the bigger half," Xu Shuanglin said without hesitation, taking the orange with a dominant air, making a decision for Luo Fenghua, who was striving for fairness, "The smaller one for him."

Luo Fenghua said, "You shouldn't always bully your elder brother..."

Before he could finish his sentence, a juicy orange segment was stuffed into his mouth, making him widen his round eyes in surprise. He looked at Xu Shuanglin in confusion and bewilderment.

"What were you saying?" Xu Shuanglin chuckled, his demeanor casual while his gaze was warm. "I still have to share half of mine with Senior Brother Master."

Nan Gongliu joined in, taking the other half of the orange. He counted the segments and then divided a few more, handing them to Xu Shuanglin and Luo Fenghua.

The future leader of the Confucian Wind Sect chuckled, his soft hair fluttering like moss under the evening glow. Xu Shuanglin looked at him amusedly. "What are you doing?"

"We're sharing the oranges."

He then divided nuts, pastries, and dried fruits into three piles.

"Let's try some snacks together."

"Luo Fenghua muttered, "You two... you're really..." It seemed that he wanted to regain a semblance of authority, but neither Xu Shuanglin nor Nan Gongliu seemed to feel it. Instead, they looked at him with a mix of familiarity and mischief.

Caught between joy and absurdity under their friendly gazes, Luo Fenghua murmured after a long while, "This is truly nonsense..."

Nan Gongliu replied, "No joking, no joking. If we joke, it'll be the three of us together."

Upon hearing this, Xu Shuanglin finally burst out laughing. He propped himself up on one hand on the roof while holding his forehead with the other, chuckling. "Alright then, from now on, we'll share oranges and snacks together."

He paused for a moment, gazing at the magnificent sight of the Confucian Wind Sect's orderly buildings, grinning. "With a roof, we'll climb together."

The scene shifted.

It was still that year, during the Lantern Festival.

Xu Shuanglin strolled down the main path of the Confucian Wind Sect barefoot, lazily chewing on a leaf. Occasionally, he would point and comment, "Hang that lantern a bit higher. Yes, you, why are you hanging it so low? If your legs are short, let someone else do it."

Suddenly, a worried voice called from behind, "Ah Xue, wait."

Xu Shuanglin turned around to see Luo Fenghua approaching with a pair of shoes in hand, his brows knitted. "Why are you running around without your shoes again?"

"This path is paved with cultivation stones. It's better to absorb spiritual energy without shoes."

"It's so cold outside. What's the point of such little spiritual energy? Put them on quickly. Look, your toes are turning red."

"Tsk, you're so fussy and bothersome," Xu Shuanglin complained, yet he still reluctantly put on his shoes, not bothering to tie them properly. He then glanced at Luo Fenghua with a sideways look and asked, "So, are you free now? Want to stroll around the lantern market with me?"

"Liu Ahliu still has homework to finish. I need to supervise him first before I can..."

Before Luo Fenghua could finish his sentence, Xu Shuanglin interrupted him.

He lifted his chin, his expression haughty. "My brother is an idiot. If you watch over him, you'll waste the entire evening. Don't bother."

Luo Fenghua smiled patiently. "I don't mind not going. I'm not much of a fan of crowds anyway."

Xu Shuanglin glared at him for a moment, then suddenly kicked off his loosely worn shoes in a fit of anger, sending them flying far away. Luo Fenghua was taken aback. "What's wrong with you?"

"I'm not wearing them! Scram!"

"Put your shoes on, it's cold."

"Not wearing them! Scram!"

"Are you angry?"

Xu Shuanglin wore an expression of disgust. "Angry? What right do I have to be angry? You and my brother are a pair of fools and paupers, perfect for each other's company during festivities. Leave me alone."

With that, he waved his hand dismissively and strode forward with a casual air.

Deep down, he was hoping Luo Fenghua would chase after him at that moment.

He wouldn't have cared even if his feet were frozen and reddened.

He was ready to discard both sandals, anticipating someone rushing to call out to him from behind, anxiously scolding him for his carelessness and warning that he might catch a chill.

Xu Shuanglin walked with bated breath, filled with anticipation.

Yet, Luo Fenghua didn't chase after him nor call out to him, even after some time.

He paused, involuntarily slowing his pace.

He walked a hundred meters away, nearing the city gate, yet no one called out to him. Squeezing his finger joints, he mused to himself, Ah well, it's not like I've ever had many playmates since I was young. For so many years, I've wandered the Lantern Festival lights alone. What's the big deal now?

He descended the steps.

One step.

Two steps.

Finally, he abruptly turned his head, his high nose bridge creased in a frown, transforming his expression. He couldn't help but roar, "Luo Fenghua!"

In reality, Luo Fenghua hadn't left. He stood rooted to the spot, having retrieved his shoes. He was in a dilemma, unsure of what to do. Hearing Xu Shuanglin's sudden outburst, it was like a rude awakening, and he snapped back to reality. His round eyes widened as he said blankly, "Ah..."

"..."

Forget it.

He really gave in to him.

Thus, on that Lantern Festival, he accompanied Xu Shuanglin by Nan Gongliu's side.

Nan Gongliu grappled with a scroll of magical techniques, reciting it blindly with a roll of his eyes, "An inch and a half below the sternum is the Juyue acupoint, also known as the heart veil. If struck, one will lose consciousness; one should aim for the right Lung Palace acupoint... down... down where, again?" He scratched his head, "I've forgotten again."

"Fool! You're so stupid, you might as well die from it!"

Xu Shuanglin rapped his brother's head with the bamboo scroll, his face contorted with anger. "For a score below, use an arm punch to awaken them. If they don't recover after waking, they will surely die within a hundred days. The Water Point on the umbilicus, part of the Small Intestine and Stomach Meridians, will lead to death within twenty-eight days if severely injured... This is the ninth time!! How have you not been foolish enough to die?!"

Nan Gongliu looked dejected, slumping on the table and letting out a long sigh. He lifted his eyelids and blew away a strand of soft hair that had fallen across his forehead.

"I feel like I'm pretty stupid too... It would be great if I were as smart as you."

"It's impossible," Xu Shuanglin declared firmly. "Keep dreaming."

The warm curtain swayed as Luo Fenghua returned, having gone out to cook the sweet dumplings.

He wore a thick cloak, and snowflakes dotted his inky hair and curled eyelashes. Under the glow of the fire, his ordinary face took on a more appealing quality.

It was as if the delicate winter jasmine became even more enchanting when covered in snow.

"You've been reciting for quite a while. Have some sweet dumplings and take a break."

Luo Fenghua brought over a wooden tray, with three bowls of sweet dumplings, one for each person.

Nan Gongliu cheered and immediately rushed to the table, about to reach out his hand but was suddenly pulled back by someone behind him.

Xu Shuanglin's face darkened. "What's the rush? No manners at all. Where's your 'thank you'?"

Nan Gongliu clicked his tongue in surprise, somewhat taken aback that his most unruly younger brother would actually call him out on this particular matter.

"Why?"

Seeing his brother's narrowing eyes, Nan Gongliu waved his hands frantically and, to avoid trouble, he respectfully brushed off his sleeves and bowed, jesting, "This lowly servant thanks Master for your gracious gift~"

Luo Fenghua: "…"

Xu Shuanglin found the guy's mischief both amusing and irritating. He could guess that the man had probably picked up this act from some storybook, so he said, "Enough, have some snacks."

Luo Fenghua rubbed his frozen, reddened hands and blew on them. Xu Shuanglin helped him remove his cloak, leaving Luo Fenghua feeling a bit overwhelmed. "Ah, no need to go through the trouble."

Xu Shuanglin ignored him and asked casually, "Is it snowing outside?"

"Mm-hmm, just started. I wonder if it'll accumulate enough for us to build a snowman tonight and have a snowball fight tomorrow."

"…Master." The sudden use of this term was not out of respect, but mockery. "How old are you now?"

Luo Fenghua smiled, his eyelashes soft and gentle. As Xu Shuanglin watched, he couldn't help but feel a warmth in his heart. However, upon realizing this tenderness, he irrationally felt a surge of embarrassment and anger. He hastily searched for any excuse to vent his emotions, and Luo Fenghua, as expected, did not disappoint. Xu Shuanglin quickly found what he was looking for and pointed at a patch on the cloak, disparaging it with disdain.

"Are you very poor? You've been in the Confucian Wind Sect for so long, why haven't you discarded this tattered piece yet? If you wear it outside, people might think we're mistreating you. Are you foolish?"

Luo Fenghua immediately grew anxious. "Well, even if it's torn, it can still be mended and worn. Knowing that there are still so many people suffering in the Lower Realms, I can't enjoy my food or drink in peace. The money for a cloak could buy a dozen spirit talismans to be given to those in need. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

"..." Xu Shuanglin's finger remained piercing the patch as he glared at him indignantly.

Luo Fenghua sought his esteemed disciple's approval with great care. "Don't you think so?"

"I think you're sick! Poverty-stricken!"

Despite his words, he still hung the cloak back on its rack.

The three of them gathered around the heated stove, enjoying their dumplings.

Although they couldn't see the Lantern Festival lights, these three youths, roughly the same age, found plenty to talk about and didn't feel bored in each other's company.

Snow fell gently outside the window, frosting the edges of the red lattice with a glistening translucence.

Inside, the crackling of firewood illuminated the room as if it were spring.

As they drank, the mood became even more jovial. Luo Fenghua, unable to resist, took the qin offered by Nan Gongliu. His cheeks flushed, slightly drunk, he strummed a few notes and sang a tune from his hometown.

"Flowers falling in clusters by the pond, a lone melody echoes on the shore. Youth is the finest time, galloping on swift horses, beholding blossoms across the land..."

"Master, Master, this is lovely! Teach me, what's its name?"

"Voyage of Youth," Luo Fenghua replied warmly. "It's a short song from Sichuan, I think it fits our situation perfectly."

Nan Gongliu laughed, looking up. His smile was always overly enthusiastic, bordering on ingratiating, but under the influence of alcohol, it carried a genuine, unadulterated merriment. "Hahaha, Voyage of Youth indeed. Aren't we, young and carefree, riding high on our spirits?"

Xu Shuanglin crossed his arms and harrumphed coldly. "If you can't even memorize a book after nine readings, which youth is as foolish as you?"

"Oh, everyone has their strengths and weaknesses," Nan Gongliu replied with a grin, surprisingly energetic enough to argue with his brother. "Though you possess extraordinary talent, perhaps I have my own unique abilities."

"…You've had too much to drink."

Luo Fenghua also laughed, lifting his wine cup and saying, "May you both remain forever in the prime of youth, each relying on your strengths to be gentlemen for a lifetime."

Nan Gongliu clapped his hands, looping his arm around his younger brother's shoulder, causing Xu Shuanglin an immense discomfort. Pushing him away, Nan Gongliu took no offense and laughed heartily, "After Master says that, I suddenly remember – although we don't release lanterns into the river, we should still make wishes. Let's all make a wish."

Xu Shuanglin twitched the corner of his mouth. "I find the act of wishing rather disgusting."

Luo Fenghua suggested, "Write them down on paper. Once you're done, throw them into the fire, and they might come true."

In the end, they each wrote down their wishes. There was no need to elaborate on Luo Fenghua's; he had already mentioned it during his toast earlier.

Nan Gongliu, who struggled with reading, preferred to vocalize as he wrote, "Hope... to eat well, live well, achieve great success, harmony, and reunion."

Xu Shuanglin found it utterly nauseating, yet there was an indescribable, subtle emotion intertwined within his disgust.

As a concubine's son, he had never received much attention at home.

It was only after Luo Fenghua came that he found companionship. Together with Nan Gongliu and their master, the three of them often played and practiced cultivation together.

If anything, Luo Fenghua was more than just his master; he was Xu Shuanglin's first true friend in life.

With Luo Fenghua around, Xu Shuanglin was no longer as envious of his brother Nan Gongliu for receiving all the attention despite his lack of merit, solely due to being the eldest son. Through their daily interactions, he could see the charm hidden within Nan Gongliu's character.

"What did Ah Xu write?"

Xu Shuanglin didn't reply, casually tossing the folded paper into the hearth.

The wish was swiftly devoured by the flames, its sparks reflecting in his eyes.

"It's blank, just a piece of white paper."

Luo Fenghua and Nan Gongliu were visibly disappointed, their faces showing signs of loss.

Xu Shuanglin grinned, his smile mischievous yet sweet, revealing a sense of self-satisfaction from having played a prank on them.

I was just joking with you.

On that crumpled piece of paper, the handwriting was neat and orderly, every stroke carefully written with sincerity. It read:

May Luo Fenghua, Nan Gongxu, and Nan Gongliu remain as close as family and friends throughout their lives, sharing oranges together, dividing pastries equally, and climbing rooftops side by side.

From the tender age of maturity to the onset of snowy temples.