The Husky and His White Cat Shizun

Chapter 3: This Seat's Senior Apprentice Brother

Hmm... Now that his soul had returned, would his immense cultivation from his past life also come back with it?

Mo Ran summoned a spell and sensed the spiritual energy surging within him. Although abundant, it wasn't powerful. In other words, his cultivation hadn't been inherited.

But that was fine. He was naturally gifted and insightful; he could simply start anew if need be. Besides, being reborn was a great blessing. Even if there were some drawbacks, it was only to be expected. With this thought in mind, Mo Ran quickly hid his darkness and fangs, presenting himself as a cheerful fifteen-year-old on his way back to the sect.

The outskirts of the city were filled with the warmth of summer. Occasionally, carriages would pass by, wheels rumbling, but no one would pay attention to the fifteen-year-old Mo Ran.

Only occasionally would a village woman, taking a break from her field work, raise her head to wipe sweat, and catch sight of an unusually handsome youth, causing her eyes to light up and stare for a moment.

Mo Ran would grin back unashamedly, staring right back until those married women blushed and lowered their heads.

In the evening, Mo Ran arrived at Impermanence Town, which was very close to the Peak of Life and Death. As dusk fell, a crimson sun hung in the sky like blood, with fiery clouds framing towering peaks. Feeling hungry, he entered a familiar tavern and looked at the red-bottomed black-lettered signboards hanging in front of the counter. He knocked on the desk and quickly ordered, "Shopkeeper, bring me a Stewed Chicken on a Stick, a plate of Spicy Beef Slices, two jin of fiery liquor, and a platter of sliced beef."

It was rush hour, and the place was bustling. A storyteller stood on the stage, fanning himself as he told tales about the Peak of Life and Death, his words flying about with excitement.

Mo Ran requested a window-side private room so he could enjoy his meal while listening to the story.

As we all know, the cultivation world is divided into Upper and Lower realms based on geography. Today, let's talk about the most remarkable sect in the Lower Realm: the Peak of Life and Death. Ah, you see, our town, Impermanence Town, used to be a desolate and troubled village a hundred years ago, due to its proximity to the entrance to the Ghost Realm. At night, people dared not step out; if they had to, they'd jingle demon-repelling bells, scatter incense ashes and ghost money, chanting, "People separated by mountains, ghosts by paper." But now, our bustling town is no different from others, all thanks to the protection of the Peak of Life and Death. This immortal residence stands right at the gateway to the afterlife, straddling the boundary between the living and the dead. Though it's a relatively new sect, it has...

Mo Ran had heard this story so many times that he was numb to it, and his attention wandered out the window. Below, a group of traveling Taoist priests had set up a stall with a black-cloth-covered cage, performing tricks for the crowd.

This was much more interesting than the old storyteller.

Mo Ran's curiosity was piqued.

"Come, take a look! Behold, a cub of the ancient beast Pixiu, tamed by us! Now docile as a child, it can perform acrobatics and even calculate! Heroism isn't easy, folks. Those with coins, please support us monetarily; those without, lend us your presence. Let's witness the first act – Pixiu counting!"

The Taoists dramatically pulled off the black cloth, revealing inside the cage, several bear-like monsters with human faces.

Mo Ran: "..............."

These humble, furry bear cubs with lowered heads?? They dared call them Pixiu??

What an outrageous claim! Whoever believed it must have the brain of a donkey.

But Mo Ran was soon proven wrong as two dozen 'donkeys' gathered around, cheering and applauding, drawing even the attention of the inn's patrons. The storyteller could hardly contain his embarrassment.

"The current Venerated Master of Death and Life is renowned and feared across the lands —"

"Brilliant! Another segment, please!"

The storyteller was highly encouraged. Looking in the direction of the exclamation, he saw the guest with a ruddy face, exceptionally enthusiastic. However, his gaze wasn't on the storyteller but on a juggling stall downstairs.

"Oh, is that a Pixiu playing with abacus beads?"

"Oh my, how impressive!"

"Excellent! Splendid! Perform the scene of Pi Xiu tossing apples again!"

The entire tavern burst into laughter, and everyone gathered by the windows to catch a glimpse of the commotion downstairs. The storyteller, undeterred, continued pitifully, "The Lord is most renowned for his fan. He..."

"Ahhahaha, that Pi Xiu with the palest fur is trying to snatch an apple to eat, see how it's even rolling on the ground!"

The storyteller wiped his face with a handkerchief, his lips trembling with anger.

Mo Ran pursed his lips, then broke into a smile. With a deliberate pace, he called out from behind the beaded curtain, "Forget about the pinnacle of life and death, let's have a rendition of 'The Eighteen Touches'. I guarantee it'll draw everyone back in."

The storyteller, unaware that the person behind the curtain was none other than the noble Young Master Mo Ran from Summit of Life and Death, nobly stuttered, "S-Such vulgar words! They don't belong, they don't belong in refined society."

Mo Ran chuckled. "Refined society? You're not ashamed at all, are you?"

As he spoke, a sudden commotion erupted from downstairs.

"Oh my! Such a swift horse!"

"It must be an Immortal Lord from Summit of Life and Death!"

Amidst the chatter, a black horse galloped from the direction of Summit of Life and Death, charging into the circle of performers like a bolt of lightning.

Upon the horse sat two individuals. One wore a black hat and cloak, their face and age concealed. The other was a woman in her thirties or forties, with rough hands and a weathered face.

The moment the woman laid eyes on the bear-like creatures, she burst into tears. She hastily dismounted, stumbling over to one of the "bears" before collapsing to her knees and wailing, "Child! My child—"

Everyone around them was taken aback. Some scratched their heads, muttering, "Huh? Isn't this a young cub of the ancient divine beast Pixiu? Why is this woman calling it her child?"

"Perhaps this is a female Pixiu," someone suggested.

"Oh, wow, so powerful that it's taken on human form!"

The villagers here were ignorant, talking nonsense, but Mo Ran had figured it out.

It was rumored that some wandering Taoist priests would abduct children, cut out their tongues so they couldn't speak, then scald off their skin with boiling water. While the flesh was still mangled, they'd attach animal hides to the children, and once the blood coagulated, the skin and fur would fuse with the kids, making them appear no different from monsters. These children couldn't speak or write; they could only endure abuse and perform tricks like "Pi Xi counting beans," without any means of resistance. If they tried to fight back, they'd be beaten with sticks and whips.

No wonder he hadn't sensed any demonic aura earlier. These "Pi Xi" weren't demons at all – they were living, breathing humans...

As he was lost in thought, the cloaked figure whispered something to the Taoist priests. Upon hearing this, the priests suddenly flew into a rage. "Apologize? Your grandpa doesn't even know how to write that word!" "What's so great about Death and Rebirth Peak?" "Mind your own business! Beat him up for me!" They rushed forward, ready to gang up on the cloaked figure.

"Ouch."

Seeing his fellow sect members being attacked, Mo Ran chuckled softly. "So fierce."

He had no intention of lending a hand. In his previous life, he had despised this righteous, chivalrous atmosphere within his sect. Everyone was like a fool, rushing headlong into danger. Even if Aunt Wang's kitten got stuck up a tree, they'd have to help. From the sect leader to the lowliest laborer, everyone lacked common sense.

There was so much injustice in the world – why bother getting involved? It was exhausting.

"Fighting, fighting! Hey! What a powerful punch!"

The entire tavern was packed with people gathering to watch the spectacle.

"Is there any honor in so many attacking one person?"

"Watch out behind you, Immortal! Oh my! That was close! Aaahhh—"

"What a skillful dodge!"

These people enjoyed watching fights, but Mo Ran did not. He had seen too much blood and gore in his life; events unfolding before him were as trivial as flies buzzing about. He casually brushed off peanut crumbs from his clothes and got up to leave.

Descending the stairs, the Taoist priests were locked in a fierce battle with the cloaked figure, swords flashing with each strike. Mo Ran crossed his arms and leaned against the tavern entrance, glancing over only once before couldn't help but click his tongue.

Disgraceful.

Every member of Death and Rebirth Peak was known for their ferocity and bravery, yet this cloaked figure didn't seem skilled in combat. It was clear they were being overwhelmed by the Taoist priests, who had them cornered and were mercilessly kicking them. Yet still, the cloaked figure didn't retaliate fiercely.

Instead, they weakly shouted, "Gentlemen fight with their fists, not their words. Why won't you listen when I try to reason with you?!"

The Taoist priests: "..............."

Mo Ran: "..............."

The Taoist priests were thinking, what? This person, beaten up to this extent, still talks like a gentleman without retaliating? Does he have a brain filled with only steamed bun stuffing, lacking any substance?

Mo Ran's expression changed drastically, and for a moment, the world spun around him. He held his breath, staring in disbelief—this voice...

"Shi Mo!" Mo Ran rushed forward, calling out urgently. With a palm infused with spiritual energy, he sent the five rogue Taoist priests flying! Kneeling on the ground, he lifted the black cloak covered in mud and dirt, his voice trembling slightly as he spoke:

"Shi Mo, is it you?"

Author's Note: Even though his name is Shi Mo, he's really just a senior, a senior brother, hahaha 23333