Pulling Together a Villain Reformation Strategy

Chapter 82 – Extra – Awaiting Your Return (1)

Jiang Xunyi looked at the rice bowl in front of him and couldn’t help but sigh silently. He slowly nudged aside the chopsticks on the bowl, movements cautious, and rolled his eyes at the table.

He thought to himself, “As soon the master goes out, that old lady is starting to do it again. Psycho.”

The Mid-Autumn Festival was August 15th this year, coinciding with the day Immortal Master Ti Ming took him back 16 years ago, so it also counted as Jiang Xunyi’s birthday. Immortal Master Ti Ming only said that he would go down the mountain before hurrying away without giving any specific location. Even until now, he was still not back. The two remaining elders were even more so removed from society and never dealt with the younger generation.

Therefore, the one who took charge of the celebrations of the festive season was Wanderer Zihui.

Everyone knew that Wanderer Zihui didn’t like Jiang Xunyi, but no one knew why. As long as Immortal Master Ti Ming wasn’t there, his Martial Aunt could follow the principle of “even if there are no mistakes, make up mistakes to punish.” She always found faults in order to teach Jiang Xunyi a lesson. Even thunder wouldn’t change this rule. However, Jiang Xunyi was stubborn. Even after being punished, he would neither admit his mistakes nor file a complaint. In addition, Wanderer Zihui was an elder, so even when he was punished, other people would not be able to challenge her authority. He was very unlucky.

Master was not on the mountain, and even the wood pimple Jiang Molou knew that this was a high-risk period, and he felt nervous. At this time, they had not officially begun eating. He was sitting next to Jiang Xunyi, and when he noticed his movements, he immediately touched him with his elbow. In a low voice, he asked, “What’s the matter?”

Jiang Xunyi motioned to the bowl in front of him with his chin. “The one who’s always looking for trouble is acting up again. If this bowl wasn’t deliberately placed in front of me to frame me, I’ll eat the table.”

If he didn’t say, Jiang Molou wouldn’t have noticed. He heard a closer look and was stunned, angrily exclaiming, “Sacrifice bowl?”

The sacrificial bowl was a magical instrument used to hold incense before the memorial tablets of the previous masters. There was one for each person. The bottom of the bowl was engraved with all the achievements of the head in his life. It was made of polished red stone from the extreme south and was incredibly precious. He didn’t know who stole it to use as a bowl for him. In addition, based on years of experience, he guessed that something was either added to the meal or done to the bowl.

It’s all fucking routine.

Jiang Xunyi replied, “Yes, you are not mistaken. Stop opening your eyes so wide. Molou, I advise you to sit farther away from me, lest you get involved.”

Jiang Molou frowned and ignored Jiang Xunyi’s words. Instead, he whispered with a little anger, “I don’t even know when the master is returning. If it continues like this…”

Before he could finish his words, Wanderer Zihui had already come in. All the disciples quickly got up to greet her. Jiang Xunyi also stood up, but his expression wasn’t respectful and he looked at the ground, bored.

He wasn’t a punching bag, but Wanderer Zihui was his martial aunt, and it was only natural for elders to educate the juniors. If Jiang Xunyi wanted to resist, the only way was to rebel against the sect. However, not only did Immortal Master Ti Ming nurture him for more than ten years, Jiang Xunyi also had a deep affection for the Hidden Spirit Sect and couldn’t bear to do this. Even according to the plot, he was indeed a character who experienced darkness ever since childhood. His mind had to be distorted so that when he grew up, he would become a villain that hates the protagonist.

Other books always have the protagonists living miserably, but《Rising Clouds, Billowing Skies》took a different approach. It drew a line between suffering and coolness and abused the villain while Yun Xie’s only responsibility was to look cool.

After the salute, they all sat down. Jiang Xunyi knew when he saw the bowl that Wanderer Zihui was definitely going to do something. He couldn’t hide, as he was not low-key. He leaned his head on his hand and casually dipped his chopstick into the vegetable soup, using the liquid to paint beautiful women on the table to play. His actions were especially eye-catching among the disciples who had their heads bowed to eat.

The emperor was not in a hurry, but the eunuch was in a hurry[1]. Jiang Molou was only fifteen at the time. Seeing his brother’s reckless ruffian behavior, he felt worried. How could he eat? He randomly poked the rice in the bowl with chopsticks a few times, took another peek at Zihui, then carefully touched Jiang Xunyi’s knee with his leg underneath the table.

Jiang Xunyi kicked his leg back.

Jiang Molou: “…”

Forget it. His life was a cycle of being irritated by Jiang Xunyi and then being unwilling to lash out even though he was angry. He was used to it.

Wanderer Zihui said, “Jiang Xunyi, others are eating with their heads down. What are you doing?”

“In response to Martial Aunt, I am not hungry today.”

Zihui’s eyebrows slightly raised, and Huang Yan immediately began to act. “Huh? Brother, what bowl are you using, why is it different from ours?”

Jiang Xunyi leaned against the back of his chair and said lazily, “Martial Brother Huang, I think you chose the wrong path. If your swordsmanship was half as good as your ability to see the wind and rudder[2], you wouldn’t have gotten to this point, where you can’t even wield your sword. This brother suggests that you should not be a part of the Hidden Spirit Sect; you better go work in a teahouse. It’s more promising.”

Zihui slapped the table sharply, and the cups and plates in front of everyone jolted. “Presumptuous! Jiang Xunyi, you are a dignified cultivator, as well as the chief disciple, and yet you dare to openly spit out such vulgar language in front of the junior disciples? No sense of propriety.”

The Mid-Autumn Festival was supposed to be a celebration, but now, the situation was so ugly that no one could even eat. The disciples did not dare to publicly watch, so they had to bury their heads and count the grains of rice in their bowls. They didn’t even dare to breath too loudly. Among them, there were many disciples who were good friends with Jiang Xunyi, but this matter didn’t only happen once or twice. They all knew that when Zihui got angry, the more she was interrupted, the worse she got. They were afraid that Jiang Xunyi would be punished more severely, so no one said anything.

Therefore it was silent, and so the sound of cracking rang out clearly as the bowl in front of Jiang Xunyi broke into several pieces.

Jiang Xunyi glanced at the bowl apathetically, unable to even pretend to be surprised.

Huang Yan’s acting was very exaggerated. “I-Isn’t this bowl the sacrificial bowl of Master Ling?! Elder Martial Brother, you actually broke it!”

Jiang Molou suddenly got up and said angrily, “Huang Yan, you’re speaking slander! The bowl was obviously…”

This stupid boy with a one-track mind usually appeared mysterious, with a cold and handsome face. However, every time it came to Jiang Xunyi, he became anxious, revealing his bear-like nature. He was clearly about to say, “The bowl was obviously broken by Martial Aunt Zihui”. Fortunately, Jiang Xunyi had quick eyes and hands, and he pressed him back into his seat, interrupting the second half of his words.

Jiang Xunyi pressed Jiang Molou’s shoulder with one hand and firmly suppressed him, but instead of looking at him, he turned to Huang Yan. With a lazy smile, he said, “Martial Aunt Zihui only tapped the table ‘lightly’. It’s clear that everyone’s bowl is fine, so why did only the one with me break? It’s obvious that I broke it before but didn’t dare to make a statement. I was only discovered at this time, right?”

Huang Yan: “…” His lines were taken.

Jiang Xunyi glanced at him disdainfully and secretly squeezed Jiang Molou’s shoulder to comfort him. He got up from the seat, turned his head and left.

Wanderer Zihui shouted, “Come back! Do you have any discipline? What do you want to do now?”

“I broke a bowl, I am guilty, I’m sorry to the sect, I’m sorry to the ancestors. I’m going to the ancestral hall.”

“Come here.”

Jiang Xunyi was extremely impatient with her, but he had no choice but to walk back slowly.

“Come to me.”

Jiang Xunyi walked over and stood in front of her. He was already tall, and since Zihui was sitting, she appeared even shorter. Jiang Xunyi looked at her thoughtfully, and suddenly he felt like he was a junior high school student who threw a basketball into an office window. Now, he was facing the old teaching assistant. For a moment, he wanted to laugh a little, so he quickly pursed his mouth.

In fact, for Jiang Xunyi to look directly at the elders in such a straightforward manner was already rude, but with his small smile, Wanderer Zihui inexplicably had to look away. After subconsciously dodging, she then stabilized her mind again. When she spoke, her voice was no longer as severe as it was at the beginning. “I didn’t give an order, what are you doing? Forget it, treat it as your first offense, just admit to me that you made a mistake.”

Jiang Xunyi raised his eyebrows. “It’s Grand Master Ling’s sacrificial bowl that had been broken, why should I admit my mistake to Martial Aunt? Forgive this disciple for being dull, but I am a little puzzled.”

“Look at me.”

Jiang Xunyi was originally looking away, but when she said this, he paused for a moment before he looked back. He felt that Zihui’s face was a little red. He guessed it was probably annoyance. Besides that, she had one nose and two eyes and wasn’t too remarkable. He didn’t know what she wanted him to look at.

Wanderer Zihui reprimanded, “Look clearly, now that Martial Brother Ti Ming is not here, I am the person in charge of the sect. Jiang Xunyi, I know that you were of high standing ever since you were young, but don’t look down on everyone. No matter who is right or wrong, you only need to know that the person in charge of your life is me, so of course you have to kneel down and confess your mistakes to me. I have long since disliked your arrogant look. You’re usually too spoiled by my Martial Brother — now kneel in front of me, admit your mistakes and reflect on it. As long as you let me hear your sincerity, you don’t need to go to the ancestral hall today.”

Wanderer Zihui had been the only female disciple of this generation since childhood and grew up as a moon surrounded by stars[3]. She came from a famous family, and her appearance was indeed outstanding, so growing up, she had always been admired by other cultivators. However, only her martial nephew never glanced at her even after all her painstaking effort. Instead, this aroused Zihui’s desire to embarrass him. It can be said that so far, making Jiang Xunyi yield was her greatest pursuit.

However, the fierce couldn’t win against the apathetic. For Jiang Xunyi, her peculiar designs on him were nothing short of a fantasy. His only thought was that this old lady was sick, sick, and really sick!

Kneeling to the ancestors was nothing, but it was absolutely impossible for him to kneel to her. What’s more, Zihui used this tone in front of everyone. Jiang Xunyi felt sick listening to this, and sneered. “Martial Aunt Zihui must be be older than anyone else, so I am willing to bow down. But other than that, in terms of cultivation, virtue, and demeanor, Xunyi really doesn’t see how the martial aunt is a role model in any aspect. Kneel to you?”

Haha.

He didn’t say anything after that, just snorted in disdain.

Jiang Xunyi had always been able to attack all the tender spots, and his words were very vicious. Zihui was shocked by his taunting skills, and was shaking with anger. She glanced at the broken bowl on the table and raised her hand to grab it before she smashed it at Jiang Xunyi without thinking.

Jiang Xunyi tilted his head, so the broken bowl piece did not scratch his face, but it hit his forehead hard, and suddenly blood gushed out, flowing down his cheeks, covering his face with red.

When he was in the modern times, he was the young master held in the palm of his parent’s and brother’s hands. Although he was not in good health, he had never suffered such a grievance. However, he was unlucky enough to have to take on this role in this world. He had already transmigrated for 16 years and had long since gotten used to it.

He merely wiped the corners of his eyes with a sleeve lightly to see better. As for the wound, he didn’t care at all.

Zihui said angrily, “How dare you! Go to the ancestral hall and kneel for three days and three nights. If I don’t lift the restrictions, you are not allowed to get up, and you are not allowed to eat or drink. Think about where you went wrong! If you still don’t want to repent after three days, then roll in again and starve to death!”

Jiang Xunyi muttered, “I knew I would end up kneeling at the ancestral hall in the end. Why not just say this earlier.”

Zihui threw a piece of the broken bowl again, her face blue with anger. “Still not hurrying?”

Jiang Xunyi dodged the piece and walked away without looking back.

The group of disciples that was sitting still without daring to move secretly looked at the terrifying martial aunt, then glanced at the retreating back of their senior brother. Their faces were full of admiration.

Hidden Spirit Mountain was located in the north at a high elevation, so it snowed all-year round, and the weather was always cold. Yun Xie always loved the beautiful sight of flowers, so when he was young, he complained that this was a place where only monks would like to live. But as he got older, he felt that although this mountain seemed cold and lonely, it was somehow cute. He didn’t know exactly why it was cute, but it just made people feel good when they came.

He carried a jar in his hand, which swayed by his side as he walked briskly – it was the famous Song Lao alcohol from Changsha, which not only had a mellow taste, but also had the miraculous effect of dispelling dampness and the cold. However at this time, the skills to brew this alcohol had pretty much been lost, and it was difficult to find an authentic one. Yun Xie spent seven days and seven nights in Changsha to find a wine-brewing family that had a jar that had been kept for twenty years before he could buy it for a high price. The person who made the wine at the time was no longer in the world, and it could be said that this was the last remaining jar in the world. In his excitement, he couldn’t even take the time to look back at the Solar Envy sect mountain and directly rushed over to present the treasure to Jiang Xunyi.

Yun Xie was delayed, so the time was a little late, and he was about to miss Jiang Xunyi’s birthday. Although he knew that the other party wouldn’t care about such trivial matters, Yun Xie was a little concerned in his heart. 

Solar Envy Sect and Hidden Spirit Sect had always been friends. In order to show respect, he didn’t want to use his sword to approach the gate, and his footsteps could only quicken.

Finally, he reached the gate of the Hidden Spirit Sect. Yun Xie saw a group of female disciples grouped at the gate from a distance, but he was not surprised at all. There were not many female disciples in the Hidden Spirit Sect, but like other sects, every time they heard that Yun Xie was coming, everyone would rush to the gate of the mountain to wait, trying to get a glimpse of him. Yun Xie had long since gotten used to it.

With a smile on his lips, he looked very handsome, but he didn’t say hello to them. While allowing them to watch, he nodded to the two Hidden Spirit disciples who rushed out to greet him.

The two disciples were in charge of reception, so they were not unfamiliar with Yun Xie. Just after leaving the banquet, they received the news of his coming and rushed out in a hurry.

A disciple smiled as he said, “Why did Martial Brother Yun come here in person instead of sending someone to notify us in advance? We should have come out earlier to meet you. Aiya, it’s discourteous of us.”

Yun Xie was clever, so when he heard these words, he immediately noticed that something was wrong — even if he doesn’t come to the Hidden Spirit eight times in one day, he still came often. Everyone knew that he basically only had one purpose, and that was to find Jiang Xunyi. He had no need for others to welcome him in. The more polite this disciple was, the more proof it was that something happened.

Yun Xie paused and asked bluntly, “Today happens to be the Mid-Autumn Festival. It is a very unpleasant day. Is Martial Aunt Zihui acting up again?”

Even though he was known to be arrogant and especially dissatisfied with Wanderer Zihui because of Jiang Xunyi, Yun Xie’s act of standing at the gate of the mountain and taunting the elders still made the disciple who had just spoken turn green. He laughed awkwardly as he said, “Martial Brother Yun must be joking…”

Yun Xie’s face was cold. “Who told you to laugh? Where’s your eldest martial brother?”

The other disciple had been trying to talk since earlier, but he was secretly stopped by the other. At this time, he saw Yun Xie look over and couldn’t help it anymore. He lowered his voice and said, “Martial Brother Yun, Eldest Martial Brother has been punished to kneel at the ancestral hall again. He didn’t even eat any food. Please go and talk to Martial Aunt Zihui. With your identity, Martial Aunt will surely…”

Yun Xie’s face sank like water, and a fire rose in his heart immediately. Before the other party could finish speaking, he cut him off and replied, “Okay. Thank you.”

Before the words fell, the person had disappeared.

The author has something to say:

I originally wanted to write a short and sweet little extra, but I didn’t expect it to be so long. It will probably take a few days and then the drama will come back soon. Thank you for your support.

Everyone’s comments are so warm. After reading it, I’m really happy. I’m sending you a lyric that I like very much recently. I hope that every little angel I love and appreciate will have no worries and fears in 2017 and be safe and happy.

“I finally understand that life must have cracks before the sun can shine in.”

[1]The emperor is not in a hurry but the eunuch is – 皇上不急太监急 – the person concerned isn’t anxious to deal with the matter but the people around are

[2]See the wind and rudder – 见风使舵 – to act on the wish of others regardless of right or wrong

[3]Moon surrounded by stars – 众星捧月 – someone surrounded by admirers

Chapter 82 – Extra – Awaiting Your Return (1)

Jiang Xunyi looked at the rice bowl in front of him and couldn’t help but sigh silently. He slowly nudged aside the chopsticks on the bowl, movements cautious, and rolled his eyes at the table.

He thought to himself, “As soon the master goes out, that old lady is starting to do it again. Psycho.”

The Mid-Autumn Festival was August 15th this year, coinciding with the day Immortal Master Ti Ming took him back 16 years ago, so it also counted as Jiang Xunyi’s birthday. Immortal Master Ti Ming only said that he would go down the mountain before hurrying away without giving any specific location. Even until now, he was still not back. The two remaining elders were even more so removed from society and never dealt with the younger generation.

Therefore, the one who took charge of the celebrations of the festive season was Wanderer Zihui.

Everyone knew that Wanderer Zihui didn’t like Jiang Xunyi, but no one knew why. As long as Immortal Master Ti Ming wasn’t there, his Martial Aunt could follow the principle of “even if there are no mistakes, make up mistakes to punish.” She always found faults in order to teach Jiang Xunyi a lesson. Even thunder wouldn’t change this rule. However, Jiang Xunyi was stubborn. Even after being punished, he would neither admit his mistakes nor file a complaint. In addition, Wanderer Zihui was an elder, so even when he was punished, other people would not be able to challenge her authority. He was very unlucky.

Master was not on the mountain, and even the wood pimple Jiang Molou knew that this was a high-risk period, and he felt nervous. At this time, they had not officially begun eating. He was sitting next to Jiang Xunyi, and when he noticed his movements, he immediately touched him with his elbow. In a low voice, he asked, “What’s the matter?”

Jiang Xunyi motioned to the bowl in front of him with his chin. “The one who’s always looking for trouble is acting up again. If this bowl wasn’t deliberately placed in front of me to frame me, I’ll eat the table.”

If he didn’t say, Jiang Molou wouldn’t have noticed. He heard a closer look and was stunned, angrily exclaiming, “Sacrifice bowl?”

The sacrificial bowl was a magical instrument used to hold incense before the memorial tablets of the previous masters. There was one for each person. The bottom of the bowl was engraved with all the achievements of the head in his life. It was made of polished red stone from the extreme south and was incredibly precious. He didn’t know who stole it to use as a bowl for him. In addition, based on years of experience, he guessed that something was either added to the meal or done to the bowl.

It’s all fucking routine.

Jiang Xunyi replied, “Yes, you are not mistaken. Stop opening your eyes so wide. Molou, I advise you to sit farther away from me, lest you get involved.”

Jiang Molou frowned and ignored Jiang Xunyi’s words. Instead, he whispered with a little anger, “I don’t even know when the master is returning. If it continues like this…”

Before he could finish his words, Wanderer Zihui had already come in. All the disciples quickly got up to greet her. Jiang Xunyi also stood up, but his expression wasn’t respectful and he looked at the ground, bored.

He wasn’t a punching bag, but Wanderer Zihui was his martial aunt, and it was only natural for elders to educate the juniors. If Jiang Xunyi wanted to resist, the only way was to rebel against the sect. However, not only did Immortal Master Ti Ming nurture him for more than ten years, Jiang Xunyi also had a deep affection for the Hidden Spirit Sect and couldn’t bear to do this. Even according to the plot, he was indeed a character who experienced darkness ever since childhood. His mind had to be distorted so that when he grew up, he would become a villain that hates the protagonist.

Other books always have the protagonists living miserably, but《Rising Clouds, Billowing Skies》took a different approach. It drew a line between suffering and coolness and abused the villain while Yun Xie’s only responsibility was to look cool.

After the salute, they all sat down. Jiang Xunyi knew when he saw the bowl that Wanderer Zihui was definitely going to do something. He couldn’t hide, as he was not low-key. He leaned his head on his hand and casually dipped his chopstick into the vegetable soup, using the liquid to paint beautiful women on the table to play. His actions were especially eye-catching among the disciples who had their heads bowed to eat.

The emperor was not in a hurry, but the eunuch was in a hurry[1]. Jiang Molou was only fifteen at the time. Seeing his brother’s reckless ruffian behavior, he felt worried. How could he eat? He randomly poked the rice in the bowl with chopsticks a few times, took another peek at Zihui, then carefully touched Jiang Xunyi’s knee with his leg underneath the table.

Jiang Xunyi kicked his leg back.

Jiang Molou: “…”

Forget it. His life was a cycle of being irritated by Jiang Xunyi and then being unwilling to lash out even though he was angry. He was used to it.

Wanderer Zihui said, “Jiang Xunyi, others are eating with their heads down. What are you doing?”

“In response to Martial Aunt, I am not hungry today.”

Zihui’s eyebrows slightly raised, and Huang Yan immediately began to act. “Huh? Brother, what bowl are you using, why is it different from ours?”

Jiang Xunyi leaned against the back of his chair and said lazily, “Martial Brother Huang, I think you chose the wrong path. If your swordsmanship was half as good as your ability to see the wind and rudder[2], you wouldn’t have gotten to this point, where you can’t even wield your sword. This brother suggests that you should not be a part of the Hidden Spirit Sect; you better go work in a teahouse. It’s more promising.”

Zihui slapped the table sharply, and the cups and plates in front of everyone jolted. “Presumptuous! Jiang Xunyi, you are a dignified cultivator, as well as the chief disciple, and yet you dare to openly spit out such vulgar language in front of the junior disciples? No sense of propriety.”

The Mid-Autumn Festival was supposed to be a celebration, but now, the situation was so ugly that no one could even eat. The disciples did not dare to publicly watch, so they had to bury their heads and count the grains of rice in their bowls. They didn’t even dare to breath too loudly. Among them, there were many disciples who were good friends with Jiang Xunyi, but this matter didn’t only happen once or twice. They all knew that when Zihui got angry, the more she was interrupted, the worse she got. They were afraid that Jiang Xunyi would be punished more severely, so no one said anything.

Therefore it was silent, and so the sound of cracking rang out clearly as the bowl in front of Jiang Xunyi broke into several pieces.

Jiang Xunyi glanced at the bowl apathetically, unable to even pretend to be surprised.

Huang Yan’s acting was very exaggerated. “I-Isn’t this bowl the sacrificial bowl of Master Ling?! Elder Martial Brother, you actually broke it!”

Jiang Molou suddenly got up and said angrily, “Huang Yan, you’re speaking slander! The bowl was obviously…”

This stupid boy with a one-track mind usually appeared mysterious, with a cold and handsome face. However, every time it came to Jiang Xunyi, he became anxious, revealing his bear-like nature. He was clearly about to say, “The bowl was obviously broken by Martial Aunt Zihui”. Fortunately, Jiang Xunyi had quick eyes and hands, and he pressed him back into his seat, interrupting the second half of his words.

Jiang Xunyi pressed Jiang Molou’s shoulder with one hand and firmly suppressed him, but instead of looking at him, he turned to Huang Yan. With a lazy smile, he said, “Martial Aunt Zihui only tapped the table ‘lightly’. It’s clear that everyone’s bowl is fine, so why did only the one with me break? It’s obvious that I broke it before but didn’t dare to make a statement. I was only discovered at this time, right?”

Huang Yan: “…” His lines were taken.

Jiang Xunyi glanced at him disdainfully and secretly squeezed Jiang Molou’s shoulder to comfort him. He got up from the seat, turned his head and left.

Wanderer Zihui shouted, “Come back! Do you have any discipline? What do you want to do now?”

“I broke a bowl, I am guilty, I’m sorry to the sect, I’m sorry to the ancestors. I’m going to the ancestral hall.”

“Come here.”

Jiang Xunyi was extremely impatient with her, but he had no choice but to walk back slowly.

“Come to me.”

Jiang Xunyi walked over and stood in front of her. He was already tall, and since Zihui was sitting, she appeared even shorter. Jiang Xunyi looked at her thoughtfully, and suddenly he felt like he was a junior high school student who threw a basketball into an office window. Now, he was facing the old teaching assistant. For a moment, he wanted to laugh a little, so he quickly pursed his mouth.

In fact, for Jiang Xunyi to look directly at the elders in such a straightforward manner was already rude, but with his small smile, Wanderer Zihui inexplicably had to look away. After subconsciously dodging, she then stabilized her mind again. When she spoke, her voice was no longer as severe as it was at the beginning. “I didn’t give an order, what are you doing? Forget it, treat it as your first offense, just admit to me that you made a mistake.”

Jiang Xunyi raised his eyebrows. “It’s Grand Master Ling’s sacrificial bowl that had been broken, why should I admit my mistake to Martial Aunt? Forgive this disciple for being dull, but I am a little puzzled.”

“Look at me.”

Jiang Xunyi was originally looking away, but when she said this, he paused for a moment before he looked back. He felt that Zihui’s face was a little red. He guessed it was probably annoyance. Besides that, she had one nose and two eyes and wasn’t too remarkable. He didn’t know what she wanted him to look at.

Wanderer Zihui reprimanded, “Look clearly, now that Martial Brother Ti Ming is not here, I am the person in charge of the sect. Jiang Xunyi, I know that you were of high standing ever since you were young, but don’t look down on everyone. No matter who is right or wrong, you only need to know that the person in charge of your life is me, so of course you have to kneel down and confess your mistakes to me. I have long since disliked your arrogant look. You’re usually too spoiled by my Martial Brother — now kneel in front of me, admit your mistakes and reflect on it. As long as you let me hear your sincerity, you don’t need to go to the ancestral hall today.”

Wanderer Zihui had been the only female disciple of this generation since childhood and grew up as a moon surrounded by stars[3]. She came from a famous family, and her appearance was indeed outstanding, so growing up, she had always been admired by other cultivators. However, only her martial nephew never glanced at her even after all her painstaking effort. Instead, this aroused Zihui’s desire to embarrass him. It can be said that so far, making Jiang Xunyi yield was her greatest pursuit.

However, the fierce couldn’t win against the apathetic. For Jiang Xunyi, her peculiar designs on him were nothing short of a fantasy. His only thought was that this old lady was sick, sick, and really sick!

Kneeling to the ancestors was nothing, but it was absolutely impossible for him to kneel to her. What’s more, Zihui used this tone in front of everyone. Jiang Xunyi felt sick listening to this, and sneered. “Martial Aunt Zihui must be be older than anyone else, so I am willing to bow down. But other than that, in terms of cultivation, virtue, and demeanor, Xunyi really doesn’t see how the martial aunt is a role model in any aspect. Kneel to you?”

Haha.

He didn’t say anything after that, just snorted in disdain.

Jiang Xunyi had always been able to attack all the tender spots, and his words were very vicious. Zihui was shocked by his taunting skills, and was shaking with anger. She glanced at the broken bowl on the table and raised her hand to grab it before she smashed it at Jiang Xunyi without thinking.

Jiang Xunyi tilted his head, so the broken bowl piece did not scratch his face, but it hit his forehead hard, and suddenly blood gushed out, flowing down his cheeks, covering his face with red.

When he was in the modern times, he was the young master held in the palm of his parent’s and brother’s hands. Although he was not in good health, he had never suffered such a grievance. However, he was unlucky enough to have to take on this role in this world. He had already transmigrated for 16 years and had long since gotten used to it.

He merely wiped the corners of his eyes with a sleeve lightly to see better. As for the wound, he didn’t care at all.

Zihui said angrily, “How dare you! Go to the ancestral hall and kneel for three days and three nights. If I don’t lift the restrictions, you are not allowed to get up, and you are not allowed to eat or drink. Think about where you went wrong! If you still don’t want to repent after three days, then roll in again and starve to death!”

Jiang Xunyi muttered, “I knew I would end up kneeling at the ancestral hall in the end. Why not just say this earlier.”

Zihui threw a piece of the broken bowl again, her face blue with anger. “Still not hurrying?”

Jiang Xunyi dodged the piece and walked away without looking back.

The group of disciples that was sitting still without daring to move secretly looked at the terrifying martial aunt, then glanced at the retreating back of their senior brother. Their faces were full of admiration.

Hidden Spirit Mountain was located in the north at a high elevation, so it snowed all-year round, and the weather was always cold. Yun Xie always loved the beautiful sight of flowers, so when he was young, he complained that this was a place where only monks would like to live. But as he got older, he felt that although this mountain seemed cold and lonely, it was somehow cute. He didn’t know exactly why it was cute, but it just made people feel good when they came.

He carried a jar in his hand, which swayed by his side as he walked briskly – it was the famous Song Lao alcohol from Changsha, which not only had a mellow taste, but also had the miraculous effect of dispelling dampness and the cold. However at this time, the skills to brew this alcohol had pretty much been lost, and it was difficult to find an authentic one. Yun Xie spent seven days and seven nights in Changsha to find a wine-brewing family that had a jar that had been kept for twenty years before he could buy it for a high price. The person who made the wine at the time was no longer in the world, and it could be said that this was the last remaining jar in the world. In his excitement, he couldn’t even take the time to look back at the Solar Envy sect mountain and directly rushed over to present the treasure to Jiang Xunyi.

Yun Xie was delayed, so the time was a little late, and he was about to miss Jiang Xunyi’s birthday. Although he knew that the other party wouldn’t care about such trivial matters, Yun Xie was a little concerned in his heart. 

Solar Envy Sect and Hidden Spirit Sect had always been friends. In order to show respect, he didn’t want to use his sword to approach the gate, and his footsteps could only quicken.

Finally, he reached the gate of the Hidden Spirit Sect. Yun Xie saw a group of female disciples grouped at the gate from a distance, but he was not surprised at all. There were not many female disciples in the Hidden Spirit Sect, but like other sects, every time they heard that Yun Xie was coming, everyone would rush to the gate of the mountain to wait, trying to get a glimpse of him. Yun Xie had long since gotten used to it.

With a smile on his lips, he looked very handsome, but he didn’t say hello to them. While allowing them to watch, he nodded to the two Hidden Spirit disciples who rushed out to greet him.

The two disciples were in charge of reception, so they were not unfamiliar with Yun Xie. Just after leaving the banquet, they received the news of his coming and rushed out in a hurry.

A disciple smiled as he said, “Why did Martial Brother Yun come here in person instead of sending someone to notify us in advance? We should have come out earlier to meet you. Aiya, it’s discourteous of us.”

Yun Xie was clever, so when he heard these words, he immediately noticed that something was wrong — even if he doesn’t come to the Hidden Spirit eight times in one day, he still came often. Everyone knew that he basically only had one purpose, and that was to find Jiang Xunyi. He had no need for others to welcome him in. The more polite this disciple was, the more proof it was that something happened.

Yun Xie paused and asked bluntly, “Today happens to be the Mid-Autumn Festival. It is a very unpleasant day. Is Martial Aunt Zihui acting up again?”

Even though he was known to be arrogant and especially dissatisfied with Wanderer Zihui because of Jiang Xunyi, Yun Xie’s act of standing at the gate of the mountain and taunting the elders still made the disciple who had just spoken turn green. He laughed awkwardly as he said, “Martial Brother Yun must be joking…”

Yun Xie’s face was cold. “Who told you to laugh? Where’s your eldest martial brother?”

The other disciple had been trying to talk since earlier, but he was secretly stopped by the other. At this time, he saw Yun Xie look over and couldn’t help it anymore. He lowered his voice and said, “Martial Brother Yun, Eldest Martial Brother has been punished to kneel at the ancestral hall again. He didn’t even eat any food. Please go and talk to Martial Aunt Zihui. With your identity, Martial Aunt will surely…”

Yun Xie’s face sank like water, and a fire rose in his heart immediately. Before the other party could finish speaking, he cut him off and replied, “Okay. Thank you.”

Before the words fell, the person had disappeared.

The author has something to say:

I originally wanted to write a short and sweet little extra, but I didn’t expect it to be so long. It will probably take a few days and then the drama will come back soon. Thank you for your support.

Everyone’s comments are so warm. After reading it, I’m really happy. I’m sending you a lyric that I like very much recently. I hope that every little angel I love and appreciate will have no worries and fears in 2017 and be safe and happy.

“I finally understand that life must have cracks before the sun can shine in.”

[1]The emperor is not in a hurry but the eunuch is – 皇上不急太监急 – the person concerned isn’t anxious to deal with the matter but the people around are

[2]See the wind and rudder – 见风使舵 – to act on the wish of others regardless of right or wrong

[3]Moon surrounded by stars – 众星捧月 – someone surrounded by admirers