Cai Zhao had hoped to ease the tension from their earlier disagreement, but the harmonious atmosphere lasted only briefly before the unpredictable youth suddenly turned hostile.
Cai Zhao froze, chopsticks suspended in mid-air, her eyes wide with disbelief. Usually easygoing, she couldn’t understand why Chang Ning seemed incapable of saying anything pleasant.
“Your great-aunt knew your mother only talked about becoming a nun out of anger. As an elder, she should have dissuaded her, not encouraged such a mistake. Truly, they’re like conjoined lotuses—equally foolish and muddleheaded!”
“How dare you insult my family!” Cai Zhao erupted in anger.
“I’ll say whatever I want,” Chang Ning sneered. “I don’t believe someone as perceptive as your aunt hadn’t considered these points. Yet the world is full of tedious elders who love constraining their juniors with hypocritical morals…”
Cai Zhao slammed down her chopsticks. “Brother Chang, you’re so insightful and clever. I can’t possibly measure up. Since we don’t see eye to eye, it seems you won’t be needing my protection after all!”
She was ready to storm off, but Chang Ning beat her to it. Without a word of explanation, he coldly smiled and left, leaving Cai Zhao fuming in place, robbed of the last word.
Cai Zhao was like a boiling kettle, steaming with anger.
Cai Han looked up from his bowl and whispered, “Sister, actually, Mother once said similar things to Aunt about Grandmother and Great-aunt…”
“Just eat your chicken leg!”
Cai Han persisted quietly, “Sister, Aunt often said she greatly admired Hero Chang…”
“Shut up! Eat your chicken leg.”
The young Cai Han didn’t give up: “Will Brother Chang be alright going out like that? What if he meets those waiting to deal with him…”
“Shut up! Eat your… oh, for heaven’s sake,” Cai Zhao said, exasperated but resigned. “Stay here and don’t wander off!” Then she rose to chase after Chang Ning.
Cai Zhao pushed through the bustling crowd, questioning several servants along the way. Thanks to Chang Ning’s distinctive, sore-covered face—more noticeable than a three-legged cat—even the busiest servants couldn’t overlook him, providing Cai Zhao with a clear trail.
Exiting the main hall, she turned left, passed through a flower-adorned gate, and arrived at a deserted backyard filled with miscellaneous items. There she found Chang Ning—surrounded by five ‘bullies’: Qi Lingbo and four outer disciples.
Cai Zhao wanted to sigh heavily. Why hadn’t her aunt told her that being a righteous hero was such a thankless task? She had just been infuriated, and now, before she could even process her anger, she had to rescue someone!
Looking closer, she saw that Chang Ning’s robe was torn at the hem and his sleeves showed signs of being grabbed. In the harsh midday sun, his face was partially obscured. In the play of light and shadow, Cai Zhao thought she glimpsed frustration and killing intent in his demeanor, even a hint of brutality. She couldn’t help but think sarcastically, “You’re in no position to have such a temper when you can’t even fight!”
Qi Lingbo, dropping her earlier facade of gentleness, now looked vicious. “…Where’s that arrogance you had when you were lecturing me earlier? Chang Ning, I don’t even want your heart’s blood anymore. Just kowtow eighteen times and eat that dog excrement over there, and we’ll remain sect brothers!”
The four disciples chimed in with threats and jeers.
Chang Ning replied coldly, “If you enjoy eating dog excrement so much, go ahead. I won’t deprive you of your pleasures.”
“You…” Qi Lingbo exploded with rage.
Cai Zhao took a deep breath, leaped forward, and landed gracefully in front of Chang Ning like a drifting flower.
Seeing the girl standing before him, the darkness in Chang Ning’s eyes gradually dissipated, and his tense arm beneath his sleeve slowly relaxed.
Cai Zhao spread her arms, smiling in an attempt to mediate: “Fellow disciples, let’s talk this through calmly!” Turning her head, she caught Chang Ning looking at her with clear eyes, a hint of a smile visible.
Qi Lingbo gritted her teeth, “Well, well, the Flying Flower Crossing—Luoying Valley’s renowned lightness skill lives up to its name. Sister Cai, your timing is impeccable. It seems you’re deliberately opposing me.”
At fifteen, Cai Zhao had always been easy-going, except when it came to crucial matters like dumpling fillings or steamed fish cooking times. Now, leaving Luoying Valley, she realized many things she took for granted needed to be firmly restated—noble sects must not bully the weak.
“Sister Qi, Uncle Qi specifically asked me to look after Brother Chang earlier, as you must have heard. Why put me in a difficult position?” Cai Zhao’s smile faded. “As juniors, we may not be able to ease our elders’ worries, but at least we shouldn’t cause trouble in such a public setting. The Snow Lotus Pill is rare, but not unique. In the future, as we travel the martial world, there will be opportunities to obtain more. We can always help you with your cultivation then.”
Qi Lingbo spoke through clenched teeth, “Let me be frank with you. While our dispute with Chang Ning started because of the Snow Lotus Pill, I wouldn’t have pushed this far if he hadn’t repeatedly insulted and humiliated me! If you don’t believe me, think about what happened in the side room earlier. His sarcasm and rudeness aren’t one-time occurrences!”
Cai Zhao was taken aback. She turned to Chang Ning, “What exactly did you say to offend Sister Qi?”
Chang Ning’s eyes twinkled with amusement, “Which time are you referring to?”
Left with no choice, Cai Zhao had to ask Qi Lingbo what offensive remarks Chang Ning had made. Qi Lingbo trembled with anger, “Cai Zhao, are you deliberately trying to humiliate me?”
At this point, the four outer disciples chimed in—
The sharp-mouthed Disciple A: “When Sister Qi kindly brought soup and medicine to Chang, he said the Snow Lotus Pill was a healing treasure, and giving it to Sister Qi was like feeding ginseng to a fat pig…”
The monkey-faced Disciple B: “That time Sister Qi brought fine fabric to make clothes for Chang, the brat said she acted like a concubine’s maid currying favor with a rich master.”
The oddly-shaped Disciple C: “Three months ago, when Sister Qi defeated the prized disciple of the Golden Blade Sect by the Heavenly Lake, Second Brother gave her the elegant title ‘Fairy of the Heavenly Lake’. Chang Ning said the Golden Blade Sect’s master was just trying to flatter our Sect Leader and had instructed his disciple to lose on purpose. He suggested changing ‘Fairy of the Heavenly Lake’ to ‘Daddy’s Little Fairy’.”
The shriveled Disciple D: “Last month…”
“Enough! Stop talking!” Qi Lingbo wished she could stuff mud in these four idiots’ mouths.
Cai Zhao wanted to laugh but felt it would be inappropriate. Instead, she turned to Chang Ning with a questioning look.
Chang Ning calmly stated, “Everything I said was true.”
Cai Zhao glared at him, “Hurting others with your words is still wrong.”
Seeing the disapproval in the girl’s clear eyes, Chang Ning finally said softly, “My wounds haven’t healed, and the poison isn’t cleared. Why would I go looking for trouble? If they hadn’t insisted on pestering me with their chatter, I wouldn’t have bothered to speak up.”
Cai Zhao pondered this, realizing there might be some truth to his words.
“Nonsense! Sister is honoring you by speaking to you. Don’t be ungrateful!” The shriveled Disciple D finally added his missed line.
Qi Lingbo sneered, “What do you say, Sister Cai? Are you insisting on protecting this brat? I won’t break his arms or legs, just teach him a small lesson.”
The four disciples snickered behind her:
“Right, no broken limbs, just a meal or two of dog excrement!”
“Haha, dog excrement is nutritious. It might even heal Chang’s wounds!”
“Brilliant! Can’t you see? Sister is mercifully teaching this boy Qingque Sect’s rules…”
This is absurd, thought Cai Zhao. She took three deep breaths and forced a smile. “Please calm down, Sister. My aunt always said that reason is paramount in the martial world. Some things are infuriating, but if they’re reasonable, you must control your temper and endure.”
“Brother Chang’s offense is indeed hateful, but he’s the last of the Chang bloodline. If you force him to eat excrement, how could Hero Chang rest in peace? Moreover, Brother Chang is currently injured. It wouldn’t be honorable to take advantage of that. Why not wait until he’s recovered? Then, Sister, I won’t interfere no matter when or where you choose to settle this.”
Qi Lingbo looked slightly embarrassed, thinking it was easy for you to say. If she waited for Chang Ning to recover, and he turned out to be highly skilled, when would she ever get her revenge?
“Besides,” Cai Zhao continued, “there are proper ways to settle disputes, both civil and martial. Chang Ning hasn’t laid a finger on you. If you’re truly angry, why not insult him back? You have numbers on your side. A good verbal lashing might relieve your anger. If you can’t think of what to say, we could invite some storytellers from the town to help. I’m sure they could insult him for an hour without repeating themselves.”
“Insult… what?” Qi Lingbo looked confused.
Chang Ning calmly added, “Ugly freak, a harbinger of misfortune, the lone star that doomed his family, a defeated dog fleeing in disgrace, a useless waste eating free meals at Qingque Sect… there are plenty more.”
Qi Lingbo shouted, “Your skin is so thick, nothing I say will affect you. Why should I waste the effort?” The point of insults is to hurt, but with someone as indifferent as Chang Ning, it would be pointless.
Cai Zhao, hungry and impatient after missing her meal, said, “I’ve tried reasoning with you. If you still won’t listen, there are other ways.”
With that, she lightly jumped to a nearby peach tree, plucked a few petals and leaves, and held them in her palm. She then flashed forward like a shadow, swiftly moving left and right. In the blink of an eye, she appeared before Qi Lingbo and the four disciples. Five rapid “pats” later, Cai Zhao leaped back to her original position and calmly wiped her hands with a handkerchief.
Qi Lingbo and the others looked down to find flower petals and leaves stuck to their chests or shoulders.
Cai Zhao spoke coldly, “You can’t defeat me even if you all fight together. I promised Uncle Qi to look after Brother Chang. If you’re unhappy, go complain to your parents and senior brothers.” When faced with deliberate troublemakers, there’s no need for courtesy.
With that, Cai Zhao dragged Chang Ning back to their table, ignoring the curses from Qi Lingbo and the others.
Pulling Chang Ning by his sleeve back to their corner seat, they found young Cai Han devouring his fourth chicken leg. Cai Zhao glared at him, “Eat less meat! Look how fat you’re getting. We could sell you for pork!”
Cai Han replied glumly, “Please understand, Sister. After the ancestor’s memorial day, I’ll be visiting Grandmother with Uncle. I’ll be staying for months. At Grandmother’s, not only do we have to chant ‘Amitabha,’ but we also have to eat vegetarian.”
Cai Zhao pressed her lips together, “Stop complaining. Grandmother is seriously ill. Be good and don’t upset her!”
Tears welled up in Cai Han’s eyes, “Sister, you’re so heartless! If you weren’t becoming a disciple, you’d be visiting Grandmother too. Then you wouldn’t be fussing over dumpling fillings, but whether the cabbage is stir-fried, boiled, or pickled! You say I should please Grandmother, but she’d be happiest if you and I became monks. Would you do that?”
Chang Ning couldn’t help but chuckle. Cai Zhao glared at him, then turned back to her brother, “Enough talk. Eat your chicken leg… and that’s the last one!”
After scolding Cai Han, Cai Zhao pulled Chang Ning to sit down, facing him squarely with a penetrating gaze.
“Let’s keep this brief. I propose three rules. First, no bad-mouthing my aunt! Second, no bad-mouthing my parents! Third, do not bad-mouth the elders I respect… Xiao Han, if you want to keep eating meat, don’t interrupt!”
Cai Han was about to point out the logical flaws in his sister’s words but quickly lowered his head to eat silently.
Chang Ning covered his mouth with his sleeve, revealing a pair of enchanting eyes.
Cai Zhao realized her words were full of loopholes, clearly spoken in anger.
She scratched her cheek and started over, “…That doesn’t count. Let’s set three rules again! First, you can’t speak ill of any elders I respect, not even sarcastically! Second, you can’t provoke trouble or cause problems that I have to clean up. Third… I haven’t thought of the third one yet. I’ll add it later.”
As Chang Ning was about to object, Cai Zhao quickly added, “If you behave yourself, I’ll watch over and protect you until your injuries heal. I won’t let anyone bully or harass you. How’s that?”
Chang Ning’s smile cooled. Cai Zhao stared at him intently.
Chang Ning slowly said, “With Sect Leader Qi around, I’m unlikely to face any real danger.”
Cai Zhao snorted, “Is eating dog excrement not considered a real danger?”
Chang Ning stopped smiling.
Cai Zhao looked at Chang Ning’s torn clothes, “Qi Lingbo isn’t one to swallow her pride. While your life may not be in danger, you’ll face plenty of bullying and humiliation. Stop pretending. You’re actually fed up with these persistent flies, but you’re currently restrained by your injuries and can’t deal with them properly. Am I right?”
Chang Ning stared at her, “You clearly despise me too, yet you’re still willing to protect me. Is this also what your aunt taught you?”
Cai Zhao was silent for a moment, “My aunt is a truly chivalrous hero with a soft heart. She fights evil, helps the weak, and upholds justice without considering her likes or dislikes. I just hope not to dishonor her teachings.”
Chang Ning gazed out the window for a moment, then said slowly, “My father also hoped I could become someone like him, but I’m afraid that’s not possible.”
Cai Zhao, thinking she was being understood, said, “Right, you need to seek revenge, so naturally you must show some killing intent and ruthlessness. You can’t be as warm-hearted and benevolent as Hero Chang.”
Chang Ning looked back at Cai Zhao, his clear eyes reflecting like water. He said softly, “I was wrong earlier to criticize your elders. But it reminded me of something…”
His tone suddenly softened as he traced the cloud and bat patterns on the table, “Before my father died, he asked me to look after an elder, one I greatly despise—cowardly, disloyal, and greedy for comfort and wealth.”
“I was very reluctant. Are the words of elders always right? Not necessarily. But it was my father’s dying wish.”
The young man’s fingers were pale and slender, with distinct knuckles that looked strong against the smooth dark brown table. They had a kind of decadent beauty, like a cold white hairpin in an old jewelry box of a declining noble family, evoking a strange melancholy in the observer.
“So did you agree or not?” Cai Zhao asked patiently.
Chang Ning’s gaze became calm as he put aside his melancholy, “A deal is a deal.”
“Good.”
Cai Zhao picked up her chopsticks and snatched the last chicken leg from Cai Han’s plate, taking a bite under her younger brother’s teary gaze—supporting the weak starts at home (but she didn’t plan to expand the scope). She hoped her aunt’s spirit in heaven wouldn’t be too upset to eat.