The Husky and His White Cat Shizun

Chapter 60: This Seat Has Discovered a Secret

The enchanted ship moved swiftly, and by the following dawn, they had arrived at Yangzhou's harbor. An immortal envoy was already there to greet them, accompanied by several fine steeds.

After breakfast at the dock, the Feathered People, who didn't require sustenance, sat by the ferry wharf with their eyes closed, resting. It was just dawn, and not many merchants or travelers were passing by yet. However, the boatmen were up and about, gathered in small groups eating porridge and buns, casting curious glances at the newcomers from time to time.

As the burly men in brown shortsleeved attire sipped their porridge, snippets of their conversation drifted into Mo Ran's ears.

"Hey hey, I recognize their clothing. They're from the Lower Realm."

"The Lower Realm is so far away, and they don't often interact with our sects here. How do you know?"

"Look at the emblem on their bracers. Isn't it identical to the one on Night Traveler?"

"You mean that demon-repelling wooden armor?" Someone glanced at Xue Meng's sleeve, munching on pickles as they exclaimed, "Oh, it really is! Who made that Night Traveler?"

"It's said that Elder Yu Heng of Death's Peak crafted it."

"Who's this Elder Yu Heng? Is he as powerful as our Sect Leader Jiang from Solitary Moon Night?"

"Hehe, who knows? It's hard to tell with cultivators."

The boatmen spoke in a soothing tone that was difficult for Mo Ran and the others to understand, but Chu Wanning could grasp their conversation. He learned that his Night Traveler had successfully spread among the common folk, which brought him comfort. Thus, he planned to create more practical wooden oxen and flowing horses when he returned, performing good deeds.

After breakfast, they rode swiftly, reaching Jiu Hua Mountain in just two hours. The sun was still high in the sky, casting golden rays like sheer silk across the snow-covered peaks, illuminating them with dazzling light. Hundreds of evergreen cypress and pine trees stood resiliently on the mountain slopes, resembling reclusive immortals with their sleeves hanging down and eyes closed, standing quietly along the mountain path.

At the summit of Jiu Hua Mountain, mortals referred to it as "not of this world," and it wasn't an exaggeration.

The Feathered people blew three whistles at the foot of the mountain, and a gorgeously plumed golden oriole descended gracefully from the snowy peaks. Following the bird's guidance, they headed west until they reached a roaring waterfall.

"Immortal Lords, please step back first."

The leader of the Feathered people took the lead, her fingers forming a flower gesture as she silently chanted a spell. Suddenly, she pursed her lips and gently exhaled into the wind, summoning a fire dragon that soared into the sky and struck the waterfall, splitting it in half!

She turned her head with a charming smile and said softly, "Please, follow me to Peach Blossom Spring."

They followed the Feathered people through the waterfall and beyond the barrier, revealing a vast landscape that seemed like another dimension of the mortal world. Peach Blossom Spring was a hidden paradise unrelated to the cultivation world. Although it couldn't compare to the true immortal realm or the divine realm, it was still abundant in spiritual energy. The scenery within resembled a watercolor painting, with subtle and elegant colors. As they walked, they discovered that the seasons changed unpredictably here.

Guided by the Feathered people, they first passed through wilderness, where they saw surging rivers and heard the cries of apes on both banks. They then arrived at the outskirts of a city, observing orderly fields and ripening wheat. Finally, they entered the city, where they were greeted by well-structured buildings with intricately carved eaves.

The Peaches and Plums Capital was magnificent and resplendent, its city walls and facilities as grand as any prosperous metropolis on earth. However, it was adorned with floating petals dancing alongside snowflakes, emerald birds soaring alongside immortal cranes. The passing Feathered beings all had elongated necks and graceful figures, their silhouettes swaying in the wind like divine maidens stepping out of a painting.

Despite finding the scene enchanting, Xue Meng's group didn't react excessively, having already witnessed the wonders of Jin Chengchi.

Reaching a fork in the road, they saw a Feathered being dressed in a white robe embroidered with a golden phoenix standing beside a towering tree. The flame pattern on her forehead was deeper than others, indicating her far superior magical powers compared to other Feathereds.

The guiding immortal servant led them to her and bowed, saying, "Great Immortal Lord, the four Immortal Lords from the Summit of Life and Death have arrived."

"You've worked hard. You may withdraw."

"As you wish."

The elegantly dressed Feathered smiled slightly, her voice as melodious as a fledgling phoenix's chirp.

"I am called Eighteen, honored to hold the position of Great Immortal Lord of Peach Blossom Haven due to the favor of my Immortal Master. I am humbled and fortunate that you all have graced us with your presence for cultivation. If there are any inadequacies during your stay, please bear with us and do not hesitate to speak up."

Her stunning appearance and courteous manner were truly endearing.

Though Xue Meng didn't prefer men over himself, he was at an age where he appreciated beauty. Thus, he smiled and said, "Immortal Lord, your politeness is appreciated. However, 'Eighteen' is quite an unusual name. May I ask for your esteemed family name?"

Eighteen spoke gently, "I have no family name, just Eighteen."

Mo Ran laughed heartily, "If you're called Eighteen, does that mean there's someone named Seventeen?"

It was meant as a jest, but to his surprise, Eighteen couldn't help but smile, "Immortal Lord is sharp-witted. Seventeen is my elder sister."

Mo Ran: "...."

Eighteen explained, "We Feathered People are born from the downy feathers shed by the Vermilion Bird, the divine bird. When our cultivation is shallow, we often take the form of a crested ibis. Our Ancestor Immortal was the first to assume a human form, and the rest of us Feathered People were named in order of our transformation, One, Two... I am the eighteenth, hence the name Eighteen."

"..."

Mo Ran was speechless upon hearing this. He had initially thought that Xue Zhengyong's naming skills were terrible, but now he realized there was someone even worse – one who simply numbered themselves.

However, what Eighteen said next completely stunned him.

"Let's get down to business. Since the Immortal Lords have just arrived, you might not be familiar with the cultivation rules of Peach Blossom Spring," Eighteen began. "In the mortal world, cultivation has mostly been divided into sects for hundreds of years. But here, it's different. Among us Feathered, our roles are clearly defined. Some specialize in 'defense,' others in 'offense,' and still others in 'healing.' There are only three categories in total. Your cultivation will follow these three paths."

Mo Ran chuckled. "That sounds good."

Eighteen nodded at him. "Thank you, Little Immortal Lord, for your agreement. You know, cultivators from Solitary Moon Night also came here the other day. When they heard about this cultivation method, they frowned deeply."

Mo Ran was puzzled. "Guarding is guarding, attacking is attacking, and healing is healing. Isn't it clearer this way? What's their problem?"

Eighteen explained, "Well, there's a Mister Duan from Solitary Moon Night who specializes in guarding. He has to live with other guarding Immortal Lords, while his senior sister specializes in attacking and has to practice and reside with other attacking Immortal Lords. Although I don't quite understand mortal emotions, I can tell that this young master doesn't want to be separated from his foster sister."

"Haha, what—wait, what did you say?!" Mo Ran laughed halfway through, then suddenly realized what it meant, his eyes widening in shock. "Not only do people of different attributes have to train separately, they have to live separately too?"

Eighteen didn't understand why Mo Ran had suddenly turned pale. He replied blankly, "Yes."

Mo Ran's face turned green. "…"

What kind of joke was this?

Half an hour later, after failing to negotiate with Eighteen, Mo Ran stood dazedly in a spacious courtyard, falling into a long silence.

He, Xue Meng, and Xia Sini were all attackers and were assigned to the east side of Peach Blossom Land. The 'east side' wasn't just a small area; it was where Immortal Lords specializing in attacking resided. There were over twenty courtyards like this one, along with mountains, lakes, alleys, and markets that resembled those in the mortal world. Presumably, knowing that they would be staying here for a long time, these features were built to alleviate their homesickness.

As for Shi Mo, because he specialized in healing, he was sent to the southern part of Peach Blossom Land, far away from where Mo Ran and the others lived. A barrier separated them, and only a scepter could open it. This meant that although Mo Ran and Shi Mo were both in Peach Blossom Land, they could only meet during the daily Feathered race introductory meditation practice for Immortals of the three attributes. Otherwise, there was no chance for them to see each other.

And it wasn't even the worst part.

Mo Ran suddenly lifted his gaze, looking through his thick eyelashes at Xue Meng pacing around the courtyard, clearly intent on selecting the most comfortable room for himself. A vein throbbed in Mo Ran's forehead.

Xue Meng...

Yes, damn it, he would have to share a courtyard with Xue Meng every day from now on! The Eight Sufferings of Life—separation from loved ones and being united with enemies—would be all too real for him in the coming days...

The Feathered people had been chosen last in the selection from the Upper Realms to the Lower Realms, so they arrived at the Edge of Life and Death almost at the end of the rotation. As a result, members from other sects had already settled in. Xue Meng soon discovered that one of the small houses in their quadrangle courtyard was already occupied.

"Strange, I wonder who's living here already?" Xue Meng said, glancing at the bedding hanging out to dry in the yard.

Mo Ran replied, " Whoever it is, they probably aren't a nitpicky person."

"How do you figure?"

Mo Ran asked, "Which room did you choose to live in?"

Xue Meng's expression became wary. "What are you up to? I've already picked mine, the one facing south with its back to the north. If you try to snatch it from me, I'll..."

Before he could ponder it further, Mo Ran interrupted with a smile, "I don't prefer large rooms, so I won't compete with you. But let me ask, if this house is still unoccupied—" He tapped the small cottage that someone had already moved into and continued, "Would you be willing to switch with him?"

Xue Meng first glanced at the simple thatched cottage before glaring at Mo Ran. "Do you take me for a fool? Of course, I'm not switching."

Mo Ran chuckled. "That's why I said the person must be someone who doesn't quibble over trivial matters. Look, when he arrived, all four houses were empty, yet he didn't choose the best one. He only picked the smallest, humblest cottage. If he's not foolish, then he must be a modest gentleman."

"..."

While Mo Ran's analysis was spot on, Xue Meng felt as if his face had been ruthlessly exposed by Mo Ran's cunning smile. If the other person was a gentleman, choosing to live in a dilapidated cottage instead of a good house, didn't that make him, Xue Meng, a despicable, stingy person?

But Mo Ran hadn't mentioned Xue Meng at all, leaving Young Master Xue unable to retaliate or endure the embarrassment, his face flushing red.

"I've always been accustomed to living well," Xue Meng huffed, his expression grim. "I just can't adapt to living in shabby places. Whoever wants to be that gentleman can have it. I don't care."

With that, he stormed off.

Thus, each of the four distinct dwellings in the courtyard found their occupants.

Xue Meng chose the northern pavilion with its pink walls and black tiles, adorned with a golden threshold, the most elegant and luxurious of them all. Mo Ran settled for the western stone-built cottage, where a peach blossom tree stood by the entrance, blooming brightly. Chu Wanning requested the eastern bamboo building; as the sun set, the gentle green bamboo seemed to radiate like jade.

To the south stood a humble cottage, where the unseen "gentleman" resided.

Chu Wanning was still recovering from his fever, his head spinning severely. He retreated early to the bamboo lodge for rest. Xue Meng accompanied him for a while, but this young junior brother neither pouted nor enjoyed listening to stories. Instead, he wrapped himself up like a little dumpling and dozed off on his own. Xue Meng sat by the bedside for a bit, finding it dull, and then left with a pat on his buttocks.

In the courtyard, Mo Ran carried out a chair and sat with his legs crossed, resting his arms behind his head as he leisurely watched the golden crows sink in the west, the remaining sunlight fading away.

Spotting Xue Meng, he asked, "Has Junior Brother Xia fallen asleep?"

"Mm-hmm."

"Has his fever subsided?"

"If you're concerned, just go in and check for yourself."

Mo Ran laughed heartily. "I'm afraid the little one isn't sound asleep yet, and I might clumsily wake him up."

Xue Meng glanced at him and said, "Rarely do you show such self-awareness. I thought you'd only laze around in the yard like my mother's cats and dogs."

"Ha ha, how do you know I'm slacking off?" Mo Ran twirled a peach blossom between his fingers and lifted his gaze with a smile. "While I was lounging in the yard, I stumbled upon an earth-shattering secret."

Xue Meng clearly didn't want to ask, but his curiosity got the better of him. After holding back for a while, he reluctantly approached with a forced nonchalant expression and murmured, "What big secret?"

Mo Ran waved at him and narrowed his eyes. "Come closer, I'll whisper it to you."

"..." Xue Meng reluctantly leaned in. As Mo Ran drew near, he chuckled softly. "Hehe, fell for it, didn't you, silly Mengmeng?"

Xue Meng's eyes widened abruptly, and he flew into a rage, grabbing Mo Ran's collar. "You tricked me? How childish are you?!"

Mo Ran laughed heartily. "Where did I lie? I really did discover a secret, but I also really don't want to tell you."

Xue Meng's brows knitted together. "If I believe you again, I truly would be a fool!"

As they bickered like two squabbling children, Mo Ran was about to say something else to further provoke Xue Meng when an unfamiliar voice sounded behind them, questioning with slight confusion, "Hm?" followed by, "Are the two of you new fellow cultivators?"

The man's voice was clear and resonant, cleaner and more refined than that of an average young man.

Mo Ran and Xue Meng turned their heads simultaneously to see a man in martial attire standing against the backdrop of the setting sun, his figure bathed in blood-red light.

The man had deep, chiseled features, dark eyes, and wore a black jade hairpin. His honey-colored face was handsome and energetic. Though not towering or exceptionally muscular, his posture was incredibly upright, surpassing even the sturdiness of cypress and pine trees. Most strikingly, his long legs were encased in black leggings, highlighting their slender strength and straight, heroic form.

Mo Ran's expression shifted instantly, as if a flashback of past bloodshed and sins had flashed before his eyes.

He seemed to see a figure kneeling amidst a storm of blood and stench, with their pipa bones pierced through and half their face torn apart, yet still refusing to surrender or yield.

A tremor stirred in his heart, like a drop of pristine, translucent dew settling on a leaf. Mo Ran couldn't quite describe the emotions he was feeling.

If he had admired anyone in his previous life, then this person before him now would certainly have been one of them.

So it turned out that the gentle, windswept scholar who was to share a residence with them... was none other than him...

Author's Notes:

School has started, and little Mo Fei Yu has arrived at the Jiuhua Mountain Avian University, settling into a joyous four-person dormitory room.

Mo Ran: Greetings! I'm Mo Weiyu from Xiangtan, Hunan! I specialize in philosophy! Please guide me with your wisdom!

Chu Wanning: I am Chu Wanning, hailing from Lin'an. The pile of clothes and socks that went missing from the balcony of our dormitory room are all mine. I'll make sure to wash them in the washing machine tonight. However, I'm not skilled in fitting bed sheets - could one of you kindly lend a hand? Thank you.

Mo Ran: ...

Xue Meng: Xue Ziming, don't provoke me, alright? My father holds the economic lifeline of the entire Lower Cultivation Realm. If any of you dare to bully me, he can crash all the stocks in your parents' portfolios, including Moutai.

Mo Ran: ...

At this moment...

The dormitory door swung open! The dorm leader, who had gone to wash clothes and mosquito nets, was back!

So, is he Mei Hanxue, a side character, or Ye Wangxi? This is a giveaway question, 2333333.