The Husky and His White Cat Shizun

Chapter 281 - "The Edge of Life and Death" I Desire to Do More Good

"Ahh..."

Many of the elders, unable to tolerate this kind of ambiguous master-apprentice relationship, immediately covered their mouths with their sleeves and frowned deeply.

"How can this be acceptable?!"

A female cultivator held her teacup in her hands and said with her head lowered, "At that time, I found it odd and was momentarily stunned. But both of them were renowned grandmasters, so I dared not think of anything that went against morality. However, looking back now, there was indeed something strange about their behavior."

She paused before continuing, "And then there's what Shi Mingjing said before he was taken away, which you all just mentioned. His words were vague back then, and I only felt uncomfortable without giving it much thought. Now, upon reflection, I believe he meant that Mo Ran once had feelings for him but later changed his heart and fell in love with Chu Wanning instead."

Everyone fell silent.

Many insignificant details from the past suddenly became clear.

Someone whispered softly, "Didn't everyone attend the Heavenly Sound Pavilion's rescue attempt? When Chu Wanning comforted him at the time, I think I saw him kiss his forehead."

"Oh!" The description of this detail made people feel more disgusted, yet it piqued their curiosity even more. "Who kissed whom?"

The person scratched their head and explained, "Chu Wanning kissed Mo Ran."

"..."

"Didn't any of you see it?"

Everyone admitted that they hadn't seen clearly, so the person shrugged and said, "Alright, then forget what I said. Maybe I just saw things."

But often, "forget what I said" was actually a meaningless statement, similar in effect to "I have something to say, but I'm not sure if I should."

Can spilt water be retrieved? Thus, this disgust became even more pronounced. If the disciple took the initiative, it might still be tolerable, but if the master did, this taboo would be tainted with an additional stench, making it appear particularly sinister and disrespectful to the teacher's position.

Of course, such private speculations weren't confined within the rundown temple. As the prime suspects, Mo Ran and Chu Wanning became the subject of gossip throughout the streets.

Good news seldom travels far, while scandals spread like wildfire. Talks about "a kind master and a dutiful disciple" would induce boredom, but discussions of "an illicit affair between master and apprentice" could captivate an entire dining table's attention on a chatterbox's lips. Even if some doubted or disapproved, it didn't hinder the rumors from spreading.

Hence, all sorts of conjectures emerged in a short time—some said Mo Ran climbed his way up through seduction, others claimed Xue Meng had a relationship with Chu Wanning, and there were whispers that Shi Mo and Chu Wanning might not be innocent either. In this manner, the once-purely-virtuous Northern Dipper Immortal Venerated was suddenly depicted as a perverted old man who preyed on handsome young men overnight.

"Public opinion can melt gold and destroy one's reputation"—this was never an empty phrase.

"Look at his three disciples, each one of them is exceptionally good-looking. Do you really believe he doesn't have such inclinations?"

"When Mo Ran first became a disciple of the sect, didn't Chu Wanning refuse to accept him? I have a friend I knew in the Peak of Death and Life. He told me that Mo Ran later went to Red Lotus Water Pavilion to spend the night, and then Chu WanNing just accepted him - why? There’s no need to ask, it’s okay to sleep with him.”

These intricate details tantalized the audience, fueling their enthusiasm and provoking even more animated discussions.

"Mo Ran was barely of age at that time, yet Chu Wanning truly didn't hold back,"

It suddenly dawned on him why that female cultivator was severely punished for secretly watching him bathe back then. She must have seen something she shouldn't have.

A moment of veiled tension passed, then a ruffian chuckled slyly. "Well, you know what? I'm actually quite curious. When they sleep together, who's on top and who's on bottom?"

"One would assume Mo Ran is the one underneath, considering Chu Wanning's temperament. He's so proud; it's unlikely he'd let his disciple take control."

"Poor Mo Ran... being forced into bed with an older man, so much older, with such a fiery and difficult personality, and not even particularly good-looking. It must be revolting."

"Sigh..."

These whispers were not the most vicious. As time went on, a few of the key players in these rumors were identified as disciples from the Summit of Life and Death.

If one or two instances could be dismissed as coincidence, then every lead pointing to the Summit of Life and Death would inevitably make even the most innocent sect a target of suspicion, causing great panic.

In these past few days, people had been coming to the Summit of Life and Death to reason with them, only to be turned away.

"The Sect Leader isn't here. Come back another day."

"Where is Xue Zhengyong?"

Seeing that the visitor dared to call their Lord by his name, the junior disciple at the gate lost his temper. "Since the upheaval began, our Sect Leader has been working tirelessly day and night, trying to resolve the situation personally. He's wherever there's trouble. Go find him yourself!"

The troublemakers sneered. "Resolving the situation? More like manipulating it, working in cahoots with the criminals Mo Ran and Chu Wanning."

"What nonsense are you spouting?!"

"Nonsense?" the man retorted. "Mo Ran practiced forbidden arts, while Chu Wanning broke a prisoner out of jail. Considering how Xue Zhengyong repeatedly pleaded for Mo Ran's leniency and now disciples from the Summit of Life and Death are turning up as Jumplings everywhere... who would believe that your sect has nothing to hide?"

After hearing these scattered accusations, Xue Zhengyong would always sigh wearily and say, "The innocent have nothing to fear. In this world, we should be grateful just to do our part. Ignore what they say and let them be."

On this particular day, someone else came to the mountain gate, accompanied by several corpses, demanding retribution from the Summit of Life and Death.

Xue Zhengyong returned in the dead of night, covered in blood and bearing several wounds. As he listened to Madame Wang recounting the events, he wiped the dirt from his face and caught his breath, not responding immediately.

Madame Wang said, "This can't go on. Should we seek help from the Heavenly Sound Pavilion...?"

"Seek help from the Heavenly Sound Pavilion?" Xue Zhengyong narrowed his eyes, a scar from a zombie's claw marking his cheek. "Something's off about that place. Mu Yanli is like a lifeless clay statue, completely oblivious – it's ridiculous."

Madame Wang hurried to cover his mouth. "Don't say such things."

"..."

"I know you're upset," Madame Wang sighed, stroking his face. "But what can we do? They're descendants of deities, an ancient sect established by the heavens. They've always commanded respect. Even three hundred years ago, during the Ping Wang disaster, no one dared to question them. How could you possibly challenge their authority?"

Xue Zhengyong's eyes burned with frustration, as if he wanted to say something but didn't know how. Eventually, he threw the towel he'd been using to clean his wounds aside and went to the window, standing there with his hands behind his back, gazing at the crescent moon outside.

"How do you think Ran'er is doing right now?" he asked after a long while, his voice hoarse.

Madame Wang, trailing her flowing dress, walked to his side. "My husband..."

Moonlight bathed the man's face, usually filled with laughter, now devoid of smiles, revealing a weariness and even a hint of aging.

"Though he's not my elder brother's biological son and even took the life of my own nephew, so many years... do you understand? For all these years, I've treated him... I..."

"I understand. There's no need to say more, I know." Madame Wang's eyes also reddened. "I feel the same way."

Xue Zhengyong buried his face in his palms, rubbing them with a mix of agitation and pain. Suddenly, he arched his body, convulsing in a violent coughing fit.

After struggling to regain control, he pulled his hands away, revealing a palm stained with blood.

Madame Wang was stunned, immediately filled with concern. "How did you get hurt so severely? Lie down, let me see."

"There's nothing to see," Xue Zhengyong wiped the blood with a handkerchief. "Just a bit of internal injury, it'll heal in a few days."

"Tomorrow, don't go out anymore. Look at the other sect leaders, who else does everything themselves like you?"

Xue Zhengyong attempted a smile, but he was too exhausted, physically and mentally. The smile faded halfway. "Ran'er and Yu Heng are still missing, and the cultivation world hasn't been at peace lately. Even Impermanence Town at the foot of the mountain had a murder case a few days ago, nine people died. You want me to sit back now?"

"..." Madame Wang gazed at him silently with her beautiful eyes.

Xue Zhengyong patted her head. "You know me, it's impossible."

Madame Wang bit her lip and said, "Then at least rest for a day. Your internal injuries have caused you to vomit blood; they can't be taken lightly. Have you forgotten how your elder brother passed away?"

The last trace of a smile on Xue Zhengyong's face froze.

He saw Madame Wang's lowered eyelashes, with faint shimmering tears hidden behind her soft eyelash curtain. He couldn't help but feel a pang in his heart as he said, "You, don't cry… I'm blessed and have great fortune… Ah, alright, then I'll stay in the sect tomorrow and won't go anywhere. I'll rest for a day before leaving again. Is that acceptable?"

Madame Wang choked back her sobs. "I don't care about you, and even if I did, I couldn't control you. Go wherever you please."

"How could that be?" Xue Zhengyong smiled bitterly. "Alright, don't worry. Look at me, I've seen all sorts of storms in these decades. It's fine. Trust me, everything will get better."

The next day, Xue Zhengyong indeed didn't leave, but he wasn't idle either. He was in the Book Collection Pavilion, sorting through the information and pondering deeply.

"Lord, Young Master has prepared a medicinal broth for you. You should drink it while it's still warm."

Xue Zhengyong replied, "Put it aside."

He was in the middle of pondering something crucial and didn't have the mind to get up and leave. He remained occupied until the afternoon. It wasn't until his abdominal injuries flared up that he remembered to slowly drink the now-cold medicine.

Exiting the Book Collection Pavilion, Xue Zhengyong asked the disciple guarding the entrance, "Where is Madame Wang and Xue Meng?"

"Master has just returned from the foot of the mountain. Lady is offering incense in the Ancestral Temple for blessings. Should we inform them?"

Xue Zhengyong had indeed intended to converse and rest for a while. However, as he was about to speak, dizziness swept over him—after all, he was no longer a young man in his twenties who could recover from injuries with a good night's sleep.

He couldn't deny his aging body.

"Never mind, don't disturb them," Xue Zhengyong endured the pain and managed a weak smile. "I'll retreat to the meditation chamber for a while. If there's anything, come find me there."

"Yes, Lord."

Xue Zhengyong patted the disciple's shoulder gently. Lately, the sudden changes had left him feeling somewhat desolate. Gazing at the young disciple before him, he couldn't help but sigh inwardly, acknowledging the vibrant youth before him.

As for himself, if he could do more for these youths' prime years, it would be excellent.

"Go on, I've disorganized those books. Please trouble yourself to..."

Before he could finish his sentence, someone rushed over anxiously, kneeling before Xue Zhengyong with a terrified expression. "Lord! Terrible news!"

This commotion exacerbated the pain in Xue Zhengyong's abdomen. Ah, well, he should have had Greed Wolf examine him first, he regretted.

His face was slightly pale, but he still managed to ask through the pain, "What's the matter? Why are you in such a hurry?"

The disciple replied anxiously, "All the sects from the Upper cultivation realm have gathered in front of the Heart of Alchemy Hall, even including the renowned Solitary Moon Night, the largest sect in the world."

Xue Zhengyong's heart sank as he vaguely guessed the reason, but he still asked, "What do they want?"

"The recent complaints and suspicions about the Peak of Life and Death have been too numerous. They claim they can no longer stand idly by and have come to confront the Lord, demanding an explanation," the disciple said, growing more and more terrified, almost to the point of tears. "Lord, judging by their attitude, they might force us to disband."

"..." Xue Zhengyong's face turned ashen, and he gritted his teeth. He pressed a few acupoints on his abdomen to alleviate the discomfort and then said, "They truly don't distinguish right from wrong and are bullying us too much."

He turned to the guardian of the Book Collection Pavilion and instructed, "Don't mention this matter to Lady for now, so she won't worry too much."

"Yes."

After giving his order, Xue Zhengyong picked up the trembling disciple who had been kneeling on the ground, and with a grim expression, said, "Follow me to the main hall."