The Husky and His White Cat Shizun

Chapter 34: This Seat Has Fallen Out of Favor

Such an earth-shattering and soul-stirring statement could only be delivered with serene composure by Chu Wanning. As his three disciples listened, they each had their own thoughts.

Xue Meng's reaction was the simplest, summed up in one exclamation: "Ah!"

Mo Ran's thoughts were more intricate. Recalling certain events from his past life, he rubbed his chin in contemplation, determined never to witness a third weapon of Chu Wanning's in this lifetime.

As for Shi Mo, he tilted his head slightly. His eyes, like misty willows in Jiangnan's rainy landscape, shimmered faintly, revealing a mix of admiration and longing.

"Did you acquire Tianwen from Jin Chengchi?"

Chu Wanning replied, "Yes."

"And the other two...?"

Chu Wanning continued, "One is, one isn't. Weapons usually don't have overly fierce temperaments; they can all be controlled. You needn't worry too much."

Xue Meng sighed with a tinge of envy, "I really wish I could see the other two divine weapons of our Master."

Chu Wanning said, "For ordinary matters, Tianwen is more than capable. As for the other two, I would rather they never see the light of day."

Xue Meng grumbled an unenthusiastic acknowledgment, but his eyes still shimmered with excitement. Chu Wanning could see that his innate love for martial arts was difficult to suppress. Fortunately, Xue Meng had a good heart, and with proper guidance, there was no need for excessive worry.

Mo Ran, however, stroked his chin with a cryptic smile playing on his lips.

For weapons are instruments of evil, and the sage employs them only when necessity compels. With Chu Wanning... in both his past and present lives, he lost precisely because of his unwavering righteousness.

The notion that evil can't triumph over good was merely ink on paper, yet this fool took it to heart. It was only fitting that such exceptional talent and martial prowess should land him in chains, reduced to dust in a grave.

"Master," Shi Mo's voice interrupted Mo Ran's reverie.

"I've heard that every year, hundreds, if not thousands, ascend Sun-Rise Peak in pursuit of martial arts, yet only one or two are fortunate enough to unlock the mysteries of Jin Chengchi. Sometimes, years pass without the pool's frozen waters melting. My cultivation is shallow... It's truly... unlikely for me to stumble upon such a fortuitous encounter. Aran and Young Master are both exceptional figures in the human realm. Perhaps it's best if I stay here, focusing on mastering fundamental spells."

Chu Wanning: "..."

He didn't speak, his porcelain-like face veiled with a subtle mist, as if lost in deep thought.

In his previous life, Shi Mo had given up the chance to go to Xu Ying Peak due to his insecurities. Upon seeing this, Mo Ran immediately smiled and said, "It's just a try. If it doesn't work out, consider it a journey of exploration. What are you doing cooped up on the Edge of Life and Death all day? You should go out and broaden your horizons."

Shi Mo grew increasingly anxious. "No, my cultivation is too low. There are so many people on Xu Ying Peak. If I were to encounter disciples from other sects and they wanted to spar with me, I would surely lose, and only embarrass you, Master..."

Chu Wanning lifted his gaze. "Are you afraid of this?"

His question was peculiar, part inquiry, part rhetorical. The other two didn't pick up on it, but Shi Mo's heart sank as he met Chu Wanning's sharp, frosty stare.

"Master..."

Chu Wanning's expression remained unchanged. "Your main focus is healing, so you're not skilled in duels. If anyone bothers you, simply decline – it wouldn't be shameful."

Mo Ran grinned too. "Don't be afraid, Shi Mo. I'm here."

Thus, they packed their belongings and set off on their journey, the three of them together.

This time, their destination was the Upper Immortal Realm, a journey of considerable distance. Riding horses would prove too exhausting. As Chu Wanning still adamantly refused to travel by sword flight, they resorted to a carriage and horse-drawn wagons, proceeding at a leisurely pace for over ten days before finally arriving at a town situated beside Xuying Peak.

All three disciples had alighted from the carriage, yet Chu Wanning alone remained disinclined to move. He lifted the bamboo curtain of the carriage and declared, "We shall rest here this evening. After traveling a stretch tomorrow, we shall arrive at Xuying Peak."

The city where they rested was called Daicheng. Though not vast, it was incredibly prosperous and bustling. Women were adorned with luxurious silk and jewels, while men wore fine caps and brocaded robes, appearing even more extravagant than the wealthiest regions in the Lower Cultivation World.

Xue Meng spat, "These damned upper cultivation realm scoundrels truly live in luxury while others starve on the streets."

Mo Ran, unusually, didn't refute him. Instead, he smiled sweetly and sarcastically at the scene before them, "Yes, it makes me so envious. No wonder so many people would risk everything to move to the upper cultivation realm. Even as an ordinary person, life is much better here than in the lower cultivation realm."

Chu Wanning pulled out a silver-gray mask and put it on before leisurely stepping down from the carriage. He gazed at the bustling marketplace, lost in thought.

Xue Meng was puzzled, "Why is Master wearing a mask?"

Chu Wanning replied, "This is the territory of the Confucian Wind Sect in Lin Yi. It's not convenient for me to reveal my identity."

Seeing that Xue Meng was still perplexed, Mo Ran sighed and said, "Little Phoenix doesn't think things through. Your Master used to be an honored guest of the Confucian Wind Sect in Lin Yi."

Upon hearing this, Xue Meng recalled the fact, but the proud son of heaven was reluctant to admit his forgetfulness. Blushing, he rolled his eyes and said, "O-Of course I know that! I'm just wondering, it's not like he sold himself to them. He can leave whenever he wants. Can the people of the Confucian Wind Sect really tie your Master up if they see him?"

Mo Ran replied, "If you say you're stupid, you really are. Haven't you heard? Ever since your Master left the Confucian Wind Sect, few in the Upper cultivation world know of his whereabouts. When we go down the mountain to exterminate demons and someone asks about our sect, don't we always mention only the Summit of Life and Death without revealing who our master is?"

Xue Meng was taken aback for a moment before realizing, "So no one in the Upper cultivation world knows where Master has been? But Master is so powerful. Why would he hide his whereabouts?"

"Nothing was done deliberately to conceal it, but I also don't wish to be disturbed," Chu Wanning said. "Come on, let's find a place to stay."

"Ah, four Immortal Lords seeking accommodations at our inn?" queried the tavern's young attendant, his face gleaming with an oily sheen as he hurried over.

Xue Meng stated, "We'll need four superior rooms."

The tavern boy rubbed his hands together and apologized with a smile, "I do apologize, Immortal Sir. Well, recently, the guest rooms in Mount Tai City have been quite occupied. We can't free up four rooms for you. Would it be too much trouble for the Immortals to share rooms? How about two rooms instead?"

With no other choice, they made do by settling down.

However, there was a slight issue when it came to assigning the rooms.

"I want to share a room with Shi Mo," declared Mo Ran assertively while Chu Wanning was settling the bill. The two other disciples huddled together.

Xue Meng protested, "Why should I agree to that?"

Mo Ran found it peculiar and asked, "Aren't you the one who likes to stick close to our Master?"

"Well, well, I don't want to—"

He revered Chu Wanning deeply, but the word "reverence" also included a sense of "fear." He couldn't quite tell whether he loved or feared Chu Wanning more.

Seeing Xue Meng's flushed face, Mo Ran teased with a smirk, "Brother, I don't think you don't want to sleep with Master; it's that you're afraid, isn't it?"

Xue Meng's eyes widened. "Master doesn't eat people! What am I afraid of?"

"Oh," Mo Ran chuckled. "But did you know that Master likes to hit people in his dreams?"

Xue Meng: "…"

His face alternated between red and white. As Xue Meng stammered, an idea suddenly struck him, and he angrily demanded, "How would you know what Master is like when he's asleep? Have you slept with him?"

The words carried a hint of innuendo, though Xue Meng had no malicious intent. Nonetheless, the listener interpreted it differently. Mo Ran thought to himself, How could I have just slept with him? I slept with him in my past life!

But a true hero didn't dwell on past glories. Instead, he continued to smile and say, "If you don't believe me, try it tonight. Remember to bring some medicine for wounds, just in case."

Before Xue Meng could react, Chu Wanning had settled the bill and approached them.

He gave them a fleeting glance and said coolly, "Let's go."

The three young disciples followed their master upstairs like shadows. When they stood in front of the guest rooms, the previously boisterous trio became solemn, waiting for Chu Wanning to speak.

In truth, their bickering had been pointless. When it came down to actually assigning rooms, they would all fall silent and wait for their master's decision.

Chu Wanning paused and said, "There are only two rooms left. Who among you..."

He inwardly hesitated, feeling a bit awkward.

How should he put it—"Who's willing to share a room with me?"

It sounded pitifully cautious, not at all befitting an Elder like Yu Heng.

So how should he say it?

"Mo Weiyu, come with me." Would that do?

...Forget it. With a club and tiger pelt, he might as well be the ruthless leader of Blackwind Ravine, abducting innocent maidens. He was, after all, a respected master of his generation; his pride mattered.

Moreover, ever since that night at the Red Lotus Water Pavilion when they had slept together, both had felt awkward about being alone together, and thus rarely sought such solitude.

Chu Wanning's expression was calm and indifferent, but countless thoughts swirled within him. After a long while, he finally lifted his chin with restrained dignity and nodded towards Xue Meng.

"Xue Meng will share a room with me."

Xue Meng: "......"

Mo Ran, who had been grinning, couldn't help but be taken aback.

He did indeed wish for Xue Meng to live with Chu Wanning while he resided with Shi Mo. However, when this choice came from Chu Wanning's mouth, it left him inexplicably frustrated.

He didn't realize that his reaction resembled that of an ignorant, young stray dog. The puppy had encountered a man who, though not overly kind, still threw him a few bones for every meal.

But the little dog didn't like this fierce fellow. So, even as he gnawed on those bones each day, he would lift his paw to yap at the man, not considering him as his master.

For some reason, one day, the man brought out a bowl, but instead of the familiar bones, it contained millet. A beautifully plumed bird gracefully alighted upon the man's shoulder, its round eyes staring at him intently as its glossy beak affectionately brushed against the man's face.

The man turned his gaze, gently stroking the bird's luxurious feathers as he carefully fed it grains.

And this stray dog could only stand there, dumbfounded.

After all, he had assumed Chu Wanning would choose him...

Author's note: A dog who takes advantage of its favor will lose that favor! The owner has abandoned you! The owner is now into bird-watching! (Hey, hey, hey!) The owner would rather play with birds than play with you! Go cry about it!