Just as Ji Chun was processing his surprise, a sharp knock echoed at the door, pulling him from his thoughts. A young man's voice called out from the other side, bright and cheerful. It was Xue Yao, the Shenyi who had accompanied him earlier that afternoon: "Ji Chun Dashi, it's Xue Yao—"
Ji Chun rose from his seat, smoothing his robes as he approached the door. He expected to see Xue Yao's youthful, smiling face, but when he opened the door, his breath caught. Standing in front of him was not Xue Yao, but a man whose presence sent a jolt of alarm through Ji Chun's body. The man's voice was calm and measured as he introduced himself: "Ji Chun Dashi, I am Shangguan Li."
For a moment, time seemed to freeze. Ji Chun's mind raced as he took in the man's appearance. Shangguan Li—or rather, Su Ran, the man Ji Chun had fought half a month ago—stood before him, his demeanor entirely transformed. Gone was the cold, menacing aura that had once radiated from him like a storm. Instead, he wore a polite, almost gentle smile, his eyes shining with an earnestness that seemed genuine. His posture was relaxed, his hands clasped respectfully in front of him, and his voice carried a tone of humility that was utterly disarming.
Ji Chun's instincts screamed at him to be wary. This was the same man who had nearly killed him, the same man whose cruelty and arrogance had left a lasting impression. Yet here he stood, presenting himself as "Shangguan Li," a man of kindness and virtue. The dissonance was jarring, like a wolf donning the skin of a lamb.
Before Ji Chun could respond, Xue Yao stepped into view, his face breaking into a wide grin. "Ji Chun Dashi?" Xue Yao, noticing the hostility in Ji Chun's gaze, looked confused. He waved his hand to interrupt the tense exchange and called out tentatively.
Ji Chun snapped out of his thoughts and turned to Xue Yao with a hint of apology. "Amitabha, I have lost my composure. Please come in, benefactors," he said, stepping aside to allow Xue Yao and Su Ran to enter.
"Ha, it's no problem. I thought since the three of us are all outsiders staying in the Tiangang Sect, it would be nice to sit together and get to know each other," Xue Yao said cheerfully, waving off the awkwardness. He walked into the room with Su Ran and took a seat. Still curious about the strange tension between the two, he asked, "By the way, Master, did you know my Dage[1] Shangguan before?"
Before Ji Chun could respond, "Shangguan Li" spoke up: "Xue Xiongdi, I met this master once, about half a month ago."
"Oh? What a coincidence! I was wondering why it felt like you two weren't meeting for the first time. Turns out you've crossed paths before. Ha ha ha..." Xue Yao, still a young boy at heart, laughed without noticing the dark and distant expressions on the faces of the two men.
"I forgot to mention," Xue Yao continued, "I met Dage Shangguan in Jeju town. There was a girl kneeling on the street, selling herself to bury her father. A local bully showed up and started harassing her. I couldn't stand it and tried to help, but I was outnumbered. Luckily, Dage Shangguan appeared, rescued the girl, helped her bury her father, and even arranged a safe place for her to stay so those thugs wouldn't bother her again." Xue Yao's eyes sparkled as he recounted the story, gesturing animatedly, making it sound like an exciting tale from a novel.
Ji Chun naturally harbored doubts about Shangguan Li's supposed act of kindness, but he couldn't outright dismiss Xue Yao's enthusiasm. Reluctantly, he nodded and said, "Good, good. The two benefactors have shown great compassion. Such deeds will surely be rewarded."
Xue Yao beamed at the praise. He turned to Shangguan Li and said with a smile, "Dage Shangguan, I told you about Master Ji Chun. What do you think? Though he looks young, he has the heart of a bodhisattva, always seeking to relieve others' suffering." With that, he clasped his hands together in a pious gesture and said, "Amitabha."
"Xue Shenyi, you are too kind to me. I don't deserve such praise," Ji Chun replied, his tone light and his expression as indifferent as ever.
"I'm not exaggerating, Master. You are kind-hearted and always ready to help others. You truly embody the spirit of an enlightened monk," Xue Yao said earnestly. As he spoke, he remembered the purpose of his visit. "Master, I administered the meridian-cleansing ginseng from your sect this afternoon. Young Master Ouyang should wake up after taking it for three consecutive days."
"In that case, thank you very much, Xue Shenyi," Ji Chun replied. Once he confirmed with his own eyes that Young Master Ouyang was safe and sound in three days, he would set off back to the temple. As he thought this, he suddenly felt an unfriendly gaze fixed on him. He instinctively looked up and saw "Shangguan Li" staring at him, a disdainful and sarcastic sneer playing at the corner of his lips. The man's lips moved silently, forming words that made Ji Chun's blood run cold: "You hypocritical bald donkey, wait and die."
A chill crept up Ji Chun's spine, and he tightened his fists unconsciously, bracing himself for any sudden change in "Shangguan Li's" demeanor. He returned the man's gaze with a warning look of his own, and the two fell into a tense, silent standoff.
Xue Yao, oblivious to the exchange, sighed in disappointment. He had hoped the three of them could sit down, chat, and become friends, but he hadn't accounted for Ji Chun's reserved and aloof nature. The monk was undoubtedly a good person, but his serious expression and quiet demeanor made it difficult for others to feel at ease around him. In contrast, Dage Shangguan seemed much more approachable.
After a moment of awkward silence, Xue Yao yawned and said, "Dashi, it's getting late. Dage Shangguan and I should take our leave and not disturb you any further. We'll see you tomorrow."
"Take care, benefactors," Ji Chun said, escorting the two men out of the courtyard. He waited until their figures disappeared into the distance before returning to his room.
---
The next morning, shortly after Ji Chun finished his morning prayers, a disciple arrived to inform him that Master Xu Zhen had returned. Ji Chun followed the disciple to the main hall, where a middle-aged man greeted him with a warm smile. It was Xu Zhen himself.
"Xiao Dashi, I apologize for not being here to welcome you yesterday. I had some urgent matters to attend to," Xu Zhen said, bowing slightly.
"Xu Gongzi, you are too kind. I am the one who should apologize for arriving unannounced," Ji Chun replied politely, returning the bow.
"Please, sit down. Make yourself at home. You've traveled a long way to deliver the medicine, and we are deeply grateful for your efforts," Xu Zhen said, gesturing for Ji Chun to take a seat in the guest chair before settling into the host's seat.
As they spoke, Xue Yao and "Shangguan Li" entered the hall, prompting another round of polite greetings. Through their conversation, Ji Chun learned that Sect Leader Xu was also meeting Shangguan Li for the first time. It turned out that the Tiangang Sect and the Shangguan family had a longstanding business relationship, and Shangguan Li was the second son of the family, often traveling on behalf of his elder brother. Xu Zhen had been informed through letters that Shangguan Li would be visiting, and since the man had arrived with goods, there was no reason to doubt his identity.
After the introductions, Xu Zhen and "Shangguan Li" excused themselves to discuss business in the study, while Xue Yao went to check on Young Master Ouyang's condition. Since the young master had not yet awakened, Ji Chun decided against visiting him and prepared to return to his room. However, Xue Yao stopped him.
"Ji Chun Dashi, please come with me to see Young Master Ouyang. There's something I may need your help with," Xue Yao said.
"Of course," Ji Chun nodded and followed Xue Yao to a secluded courtyard at the back of the compound. The strong scent of medicinal herbs filled the air even before they entered. Inside the courtyard were several rooms, a small kitchen for preparing medicine, and a patch of land where various herbs were cultivated. Three servants bustled about, tending to their tasks.
Xue Yao approached one of the women and asked, "Ayi[2] Zhang, has Young Master Ouyang taken his medicine?"
"Xue Shenyi, I just gave him his dose," Ayi Zhang replied, pausing her work to answer.
"Good. I'll go in and check on him," Xue Yao said, turning to Ji Chun. "Dashi, please come in as well."
Ji Chun followed Xue Yao into the room and approached the bed. Lying there was a boy about the same age as Xue Yao, perhaps fifteen or sixteen years old. While Xue Yao had a lively, playful demeanor, this young man, Ouyang Yixun, looked frail and delicate, his pale complexion evoking a sense of pity.
"Dashi, I called you here to make an unwelcome request," Xue Yao said, scratching his head awkwardly. "I've heard that your sect possesses a technique that can protect the body's meridians and vitality, ensuring that even severe stimulation won't endanger one's life. Even with the meridian-cleansing ginseng, Young Master Ouyang's life is saved, but the damage to his body remains. He won't live long without further treatment. Yesterday, I researched a method to repair the severe injuries in his body using the strength of medicine. If he can endure the process, the hidden damage can be completely eliminated. If he cannot, your technique could protect him and ensure he doesn't lose his life. This would greatly increase his chances of recovery."
Seeing that Ji Chun remained silent, Xue Yao continued, "This may cause some strain on your body, so... if you're unwilling, I completely understand..."
"It's alright, it's alright. I came here to treat Young Master Ouyang, so I'm naturally willing to lend a helping hand," Ji Chun agreed without hesitation.
"Dashi, you're willing to help a stranger so selflessly. You truly are a great monk," Xue Yao said, his round eyes sparkling with admiration. Thinking that the person he had been trying to save for over a month was finally on the verge of waking up, he grew visibly excited. "I'll arrange for some guards to secure the area. We'll start right away!"
Xue Yao hurried out and returned shortly after. He closed the door, helped Young Master Ouyang sit up on the bed, and took out a pill from his pocket, carefully feeding it into the young master's mouth. Then, he picked up a bowl of dark, pungent medicine and poured it down Ouyang's throat. Within the time it took for an incense stick to burn, Young Master Ouyang, who had been sleeping soundly, began to stir.
Beads of sweat formed on the young master's nearly translucent pale face, his lips trembling as if he were caught in a nightmare. His handsome brows furrowed in pain, his fingers clenched until his knuckles turned white, and his legs tensed. A low, pained groan escaped his lips as he struggled to endure the agony. Sweat soaked the dark hair at his temples, and his entire body seemed to writhe in discomfort.
Seeing this, Ji Chun quickly stepped forward. Channeling his internal energy, he placed his hands on Ouyang's back, transferring a steady flow of energy into the young master's body to protect his meridians and alleviate his pain. The intensity and duration of the treatment left Ji Chun himself exhausted, his face glistening with cold sweat. Yet, he persisted, doing everything in his power to shield Ouyang's body from further harm. Gradually, the young master's pain subsided, and his breathing grew steadier.
Xue Yao watched anxiously from the side, unable to do much except use a clean handkerchief to wipe the sweat from Ouyang Yixun's brow. He dared not disturb Ji Chun, knowing that any interruption could lead to disastrous consequences.
After about an hour, the effects of the medicine finally began to wear off. Ji Chun, utterly drained, exhaled heavily and braced himself against the bed to keep from collapsing. Xue Yao rushed forward to help him sit down and rest.
After a short while, Ji Chun regained some strength. He wiped the sweat from his face and arms with a clean handkerchief, straightened his monk's robe, and turned to Xue Yao. "Xue Shenyi, how is Young Master Ouyang now?"
"Much better," Xue Yao replied, relief evident in his voice. "His body had a violent reaction earlier, so he'll need to rest for the night. Once he recovers his strength, he'll likely wake up tomorrow or the day after. It's all thanks to you, Master Ji Chun. Are you... feeling alright now?" Xue Yao glanced at the exhausted young master lying on the bed, then turned back to Ji Chun, his expression tinged with guilt as he took in the monk's pale face.
"I am fine," Ji Chun said softly, lowering his eyes and clasping his hands together. He whispered, "Amitabha," then stood up. "If Young Master Ouyang is stable, then... I will take my leave now."
"Oh, yes, Ji Chun Dashi, you should go back and rest," Xue Yao said, escorting Ji Chun out of the courtyard before turning back to tend to Young Master Ouyang.
Translator's Notes: This has probably slipped and I just noticed it.
Da: 1st
Er: 2nd
San: 3rd
Ge/Gege: Brother.
Any variation of Da Ge or Er Ge is First Brother Second Brother etc. I apologize for the late explanation this to me is common knowledge.
[1] First Brother
[2] Honorific- Aunt