The Husky and His White Cat Shizun

Chapter 25: This Seat Hates Him to Death!

Chu Wanning's words "get out" were stuck in his throat as he sulked in silence for a long time before reluctantly changing them to, "come in."

"Mm? Your door wasn't locked?" After a day-long cold war, Mo Ran deliberately tried to reconcile with Chu Wanning. As he spoke, he pushed the door open as if nothing had happened. Chu Wanning sat expressionlessly by the table, lifting his eyelids to give him a faint glance.

To be fair, Mo Ran was undeniably good-looking. The moment he entered the room, it seemed to brighten up. He was indeed very young, with tight skin that exuded a subtle glow. The corners of his lips naturally curled slightly, giving the impression of a smile even when he was not expressing any emotions.

Chu Wanning shifted his gaze away from Mo Ran without revealing his thoughts. His long eyelashes drooped as he reached out to extinguish a scented candle burning on the table before coldly asking,

"What are you here for?"

"I came... to check on your injury." Mo Ran coughed lightly and his gaze fell on Chu Wanning's shoulder, momentarily stunned. "You've already changed it?"

Chu Wanning replied nonchalantly, "Mm."

Mo Ran was speechless. "......"

Indeed, he held a grudge against Chu Wanning and was angry about Chu Wanning injuring Shi Mo. However, after calming down, Mo Ran still had some conscience. Although he hated Chu Wanning, he did not forget how Chu Wanning's shoulder got injured.

Within that stifling coffin, it was Chu Wanning who held himself protectively in his embrace, using his own body to shield against the sharp claws of the Ghost Conductor, trembling in pain but never loosening his grip...

Mo Ran despised Chu Wanning with all his heart.

However, apart from this hatred, there was, for some inexplicable reason, always a complicated mixture of emotions intertwined.

He was a rough person, having not been educated as a child. Although he later acquired some literacy, he still struggled with more delicate matters, especially those involving emotions.

Regarding Chu Wanning, Mo Ran rubbed his head in contemplation for a long while, almost balding the back of his head, yet still failing to comprehend the true nature of these feelings.

He could only distinguish a single emotion: liking, disliking, hatred, joy, or displeasure.

If several emotions were mixed together, the brilliant and mighty Deity of Trampling Immortals would see stars and become thoroughly bewildered.

Confused, perplexed, ignorant, help, my head hurts.

Thus, Mo Ran gave up on pondering further. He had no interest in delving into anyone else's psyche except for Shi Mo's.

In his heart, he secretly held a grudge against Chu Wanning. While calculating in secret that he would repay the debt twofold when the chance arose, he also felt guilty, torn between two conflicting thoughts. Eventually, he still knocked on Chu Wanning's door.

He didn't want to owe Chu Wanning anything.

But Chu Wanning was more stubborn than he'd imagined, with an unyielding heart.

Mo Ran stared at the pile of bloodied cotton on the table, the basin filled with crimson water, and the discarded knife with flesh still clinging to its tip. It made his head spin.

How on earth had this person managed to treat their own wounds?

Did he really have the nerve to blink as he cleaned and sliced away at his own rotten flesh? Just imagining the scene made one's scalp tingle. Was this guy even human?

Recalling how Shi Mo had softly moaned in pain and teared up while he was cleaning his wound, even if Mo Ran disliked Chu Wanning, he couldn't help but mentally bow in admiration—

Abbot Yu Heng was indeed a majestic alpha male. He was convinced, convinced.

Standing still for a moment, Mo Ran broke the silence first. He coughed lightly and rubbed his toes against the floor, rather awkwardly saying, "Back at the Chen residence… Master, I'm sorry."

Chu Wanning remained silent.

Mo Ran stole a glance at him. "I shouldn't have yelled at you."

Chu Wanning still ignored him. His face was as calm and expressionless as ever, but inwardly, he was feeling wronged, yet chose to remain silent.

As Mo Ran approached, he noticed the mess Chu Wanning had made of wrapping his shoulder. The cotton bandages were tied up haphazardly, resembling the binding of a crab.

"..."

Well, it was to be expected from someone who couldn't even wash their clothes properly. How could one hope for a neat job in binding himself?

Sighing, Mo Ran said, "Shifu, don't be angry anymore."

"In which eye did you see me being angry?" Chu Wanning asked, his voice laced with fury.

Mo Ran: "..."

After a while.

"Master, this is not how you bind the wound..."

He shot back without any hesitation, "You're teaching me how to do it?"

Mo Ran: "…"

He raised his hand, wanting to help Chu Wanning remove the bandages and re-wrap them, but judging from the other's expression, he imagined he'd be slapped if he dared touch him. He hesitated again.

His hand lifted and fell, then lifted again, repeating this several times. Chu Wanning grew annoyed. He glanced at Mo Ran sidelong. "What are you doing? Are you trying to hit me?"

"…" He did want to hit him, but not right now.

Mo Ran chuckled, disregarding any potential consequences as he suddenly reached out to press on Chu Wanning's shoulder, a dimple appearing on the corner of his mouth. "Shifu, let me re-bandage that for you."

Chu Wanning had intended to refuse, but as Mo Ran's warm fingers touched him, he suddenly felt his throat dry and his words stuck in his chest. His lips moved slightly, and he allowed the younger man to proceed.

The layers of gauze were peeled away, revealing blood-soaked wounds. When all were removed, the five holes stared back at them, grotesque and menacing.

Merely looking at them sent shivers down Mo Ran's spine; they seemed much more severe than the cut on Shi Mo's face.

Without knowing why, Mo Ran stared for a moment before softly asking, "Does it hurt?"

Chu Wanning's long eyelashes drooped, and he replied coolly, "It's manageable."

Mo Ran said, "I'll be gentle."

Chu Wanning's earrings suddenly turned red, as if he had thought of something. He then scolded himself for being irrational, wondering what nonsense he had been dwelling on all day. His expression stiffened even more, and his temper worsened. He dryly replied, "Do as you please."

The candle in the guest room flickered, casting a dim light that revealed some areas where the ointment hadn't been applied. Mo Ran was speechless; it was truly a miracle that Chu Wanning had managed to stay alive and well until this day.

"Shifu."

"Hmm?"

"What happened at the Chen residence today? Why did you suddenly attack someone?"

Chu Wanning fell silent for a moment before answering, "I couldn't stand it anymore."

Mo Ran asked, "What made you so angry?"

At this point, Chu Wanning didn't want to argue with his junior and tersely explained Luo Xianxian's situation. After listening, Mo Ran shook his head. "You're too naive. Even if you were upset, you shouldn't have confronted them directly. If I were in your shoes, I would have performed some random ritual, pretending to have exorcised the vengeful spirit, then left them to their own devices. Look at what you've done over such a despicable person, causing a scene without knowing how to adapt. You even accidentally injured Shi Mo—"

Mid-sentence, Mo Ran paused abruptly. His eyes locked onto Chu Wanning, and he fell silent.

He bandaged meticulously, momentarily losing himself in the task, and his tone when speaking to Chu Wanning unknowingly turned into the manner he had at thirty-two, without any regard for hierarchy.

Chu Wanning clearly noticed this, and he was now looking at Mo Ran with a sidelong glance, his gaze icy and cold as he delivered a familiar threat: "Just wait until I teach you a lesson."

"Uh..."

Before Mo Ran could think of a response, Chu Wanning spoke up.

He said in an indifferent tone, "Was Shi Mingjing someone I wanted to hit?"

The mention of Shi Mo caused Mo Ran's mind to spin, and his voice hardened. "Didn't you hit him yourself?"

Chu Wanning regretted that strike, but he couldn't let it show on his face. He kept silent, his expression dark.

Chu Wanning was stubborn, while Mo Ran was hopelessly devoted. Their eyes met, sparking with tension. The slightly eased atmosphere became strained once more.

Mo Ran continued, "Shi Mo did nothing wrong. Master, you injured him by mistake. Don't you even have an apology to offer?"

Chu Wanning narrowed his eyes dangerously. "Are you questioning me?"

"I didn't," Mo Ran paused. "I just pity him for being unjustly implicated yet not receiving a single apology from our Master."

Under the flickering candlelight, the handsome and youthful lad carefully wrapped the final bandage around Chu Wanning's wound, securing it with a meticulous knot. The scene appeared, at first glance, to retain a measure of the tenderness that had pervaded it moments earlier, yet the hearts of both men had undergone a profound shift. Chu Wanning, in particular, felt as though a vat of vinegar had exploded within his chest, a relentless surge of sourness accompanied by simmering anger and frustration.

Apologize?

How does one write the word "apology"? Could someone teach him?

"His facial injuries, it'll take at least half a year for them to fully heal. Yet when I was applying medicine just now, he still told me he didn't blame you. Master, he doesn't blame you, but do you really think you were in the right here?"

The words were like gasoline on a fire.

Chu Wanning held back for a moment, but in the end, he couldn't resist. He suppressed his voice and sternly said, "Get out."

Mo Ran: "…."

Chu Wanning raged, "Scram!"

Mo Ran was ejected. The door slammed shut right in front of him, almost pinching his fingers. Mo Ran was also furious. Just look, just look! What kind of person was this? Didn't he just want an apology? Was his face so precious that it was hard for him to utter a simple "I'm sorry"? As the Empyrean of Trampling Immortals, he wasn't even stingy about apologizing to others. And he was the Venerated Immortal of the Big Dipper, yet halfway through his sentence, he suddenly sounded as if he'd swallowed gunpowder. What kind of lousy temper was that?

No wonder no one appreciates such a handsome face!

What a waste, he deserves to be single forever!

Since Chu Wanning ignored him and gave him the cold shoulder, the majestic Immortal Emperor of Transcendence, also known as the Human Realm's Imperial Sovereign, wouldn't beg or crawl at the doorstep like a shameless fool. Although he was persistent like sticky candy, he only clung onto Shi Mo, not his Master.

He left without a care in the world to spend time with Shi Mo.

" Why are you back?" The beautiful Shi Mo, who had already lain down to rest, was surprised when Mo Ran entered. He sat up, his long, black hair cascading down his body. "How is Master doing?"

"He's doing great, his temper is still as explosive as usual."

Shi Mo: "..."

Mo Ran fetched a chair and sat on it backward, leaning against its high backrest with his arms crossed. A hint of a casual smile played on his lips as he leisurely observed Shi Mo's soft, flowing tresses.

Shi Mo said, "Perhaps I should go check on him after all..."

"Oh, please don't do anything reckless," Mo Ran rolled his eyes. "He can be quite fierce."

"You upset him again?"

"Does he need anyone to provoke him? He can get angry with himself. I swear, he's made of wood, burning up at the slightest spark."

Shi Mo shook his head, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

Mo Ran said, "You should rest early. I'll go downstairs to borrow a kitchen and cook something for you two."

Shi Mo asked, "What are you doing? You didn't sleep all night either. Aren't you tired?"

"Haha, I'm full of energy," Mo Ran chuckled. "But if you can't bear to part with me, I can stay with you until you fall asleep."

Shi Mo quickly waved his hand and said gently, "No need. If you keep watching me like that, I won't be able to sleep. You should also go to bed early and get some rest."

The corners of Mo Ran's mouth stiffened slightly, and he felt a pang of sadness.

Although Shi Mo treated him kindly, he always maintained an elusive, distant attitude. It was as if this person, who was so close, was like a moon in the mirror or a flower in the water—beautiful but unattainable.

"…Alright." In the end, Mo Ran tried to gather his spirits and smiled brightly. When he wasn't up to mischief, he could be adorably naive. "Call me if you need anything. I'm just next door or downstairs."

"Hmm."

Mo Ran raised his hand, wanting to touch his hair, but ultimately held back. His hand lingered in mid-air before scratching his own head.

"I'm leaving now."

Exiting the room, Mo Ran couldn't resist sneezing. He sniffled.

The town of Fluttering Butterflies was known for its incense, so various types of incense sticks, horizontal and vertical, were inexpensive. As such, the inn spared no expense, lighting a long, specially crafted incense stick in each room for three purposes: to ward off evil spirits, to dehumidify, and to fill the space with fragrance.

But Mo Ran found the scent unpleasant; however, Shi Mo enjoyed it, so he endured it.

Downstairs, Mo Ran swayed over to the innkeeper, handing him a silver ingot while squinting with a smile. "Innkeeper, could you do me a favor?"

Looking at the silver, the innkeeper smiled even more politely than Mo Ran. "What can I do for you, Lord Immortal?"

Mo Ran replied, "I don't see many guests here for breakfast. Let's make a deal: I'll use your kitchen this morning. Could you kindly turn away any other customers?"

How much can you earn by opening early? It might not even yield a single silver ingot in half a month. The manager's brows immediately unfurled into a smile as he eagerly agreed, leading the strolling Mo Weiyu to the inn's kitchen.

"Esteemed Immortal wishes to cook? Why not let our skilled chef prepare the meal?"

"No need," Mo Ran smiled. "Have you heard of the Drunken Jade Tower in Xiangtan?"

"Ahh... Isn't that the famous pleasure house that caught fire over a year ago?"

Mo Ran nodded. "Yes."

The manager peeked outside to ensure his wife was occupied and not eavesdropping before whispering with a chuckle, "How could I not have heard of it? It's the most renowned restaurant along the Xiangjiang River. They once had a famous musician who captivated the entire world. Too bad it's too far away; otherwise, I would have loved to listen to her play."

Mo Ran chuckled. "Thank you for your praise. I'll convey your appreciation to her."

"To her? To her?" The manager was confused. "Do you know her?"

Mo Ran replied, "More than just knowing her."

"Woah... I wouldn't have guessed, huh? Eh? But aren't cultivators like you... umm..."

Mo Ran interrupted with a smile, "Aside from Le Kui, do you know anything else?"

"Hmm... I've heard that the food there is exceptional."

Mo Ran's lips curved into a brighter grin as he skillfully picked up a chef's knife. "Before I started my cultivation, I worked as an apprentice in the kitchen of the Drunken Jade Tower for several years. Tell me, would you say your cook's dishes are better or mine?"

The manager was even more astonished, stuttering, "Your Excellency Immortal... You're truly... truly..."

He was at a loss for words.

Mo Ran glanced at him sidelong, his lips curled into a casual and smug smile. He lounged lazily as he said, "Get out, this head chef needs to start cooking."

The manager had no idea he was speaking to the former Lord of Darkness. He shamelessly pleaded, "I've always admired the exquisite pastries of the Drunken Jade Tower. If Your Excellency finishes cooking soon, would you be so kind as to let me taste a bit?"

He thought it was a reasonable request that Mo Ran would surely accept.

To his surprise, Mo Ran narrowed his eyes and chuckled mischievously, "Want to eat it?"

"Mm-hmm!"

"You wish!" Mo Ran scoffed, his arrogance palpable as he muttered, "Do you really think I'd readily cook for someone? This is specially made for Shi Mo. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't bother lighting a fire to cook at all..."

As he diced a radish, he grumbled under his breath.

The innkeeper stood awkwardly, rubbing his hands together, before forcing a smile and leaving.

He too was muttering to himself.

"Back to me?" This young one probably hasn't even formed his spiritual core yet. Yet he keeps mentioning 'Junior Sister' this and 'Junior Sister' that. There were no female cultivators among the travelers he was with today.

The innkeeper rolled his eyes.

He was certain this fellow had a problem, a serious one.

Mo Ran bustled around the kitchen for a good while, staying there for two hours until nearly noon before finally finishing up. Eagerly, he rushed upstairs to rouse Shi Mo.

Passing by Chu Wanning's room, his steps gradually slowed.

Should he invite him to eat together...?

Recalling Chu Wanning's ill-tempered nature, Mo Ran curled his lip in disdain.

Fine, he wouldn't call out anymore. There wasn't any share left for him anyway!