Chapter 69 - Papaya Flavored Senior Brother Gong (7): Senior Brother, what’s that on your mouth →v→
Translator: KunLin
Editors: Vez, Blarghette
At the foot of the Southern Mountain.
“Junior Sister Ye, why are you here?”
“What? Senior Brother Tang could visit the Southern Sword Sect, but I cannot?”
“What are you saying, Junior Sister Ye. Aren’t I forced to make this trip to keep an eye on Tang Nuo, that little guy? He’s always stirring up trouble outside and losing face for me.”
The master of Fan Yin Pavilion and the master of the Nine Underworld Tower were surprised to see each other, but sensing how each other had no intention of revealing their purposes, they began to chat idly.
On the mountain, Sect Master Si Tu was caught off guard by the two’s arrival. He hurriedly dispatched Yue Qian, Cao Gengwu, and Si Tubai to receive them and waited outside the main palace. After exchanging a round of pleasantries, Si Tu Zhang Tian asked, “Junior Brother Tang, I heard you had taken your grandson to the medicine valley, so why did you come to the Southern Mountains with Junior Sister Ye today? Are you afraid the youngsters would suffer at my place?”
Whenever Si Tu Zhang Tian laughed or spoke, his voice boomed like thunder.
Pavilion Master Ye didn’t beat around the bushes, “Senior Brother Si Tu, you must be joking. The reason I came here today is because of an old matter from a few decades ago…”
Yue Qian gave Gou Liang a worried look and saw the other had tied a peony scented satchel to his waist and was looking into the mirror. He couldn’t help walking to him, whispering, “Ye Gui, are you really okay with not reclaiming your ident.i.ty.”
Gou Liang replied with disinterest, “What do I need it for? To announce to all my enemies that I’m not dead yet?”
He dabbed his finger in rouge and applied it on his lips—Lin Xiuniang saw that he never wore makeup and thought her inexperienced Senior Brother was mistreating her so she had sent over her own collection. Gou Liang never brought it up, but although he hung “I don’t care” on his lips, his abnormalities often betrayed that he wasn’t nearly as indifferent as he portrayed himself to be.
“Ye Gui…what kind of enemies do you have? With my Southern Sword Sect, the Fan Yin Pavilion, and the Nine Underworld Tower, isn’t it enough to protect you?”
“I dislike trouble.”
Gou Liang pressed his lips together and seeing the color on it being even-distributed, he placed down the copper mirror and walked towards Yue Qian, “It’s sweet, do you want to try it?”
Although he asked, his lips were already pressed against Yue Qian’s mouth.
But just as Yue Qian wanted to reciprocate the kiss, he leaped away, “The makeup took me so long to put on so don’t you dare eat it.”
Yue Qian lowered his hands and sighed, and returned back to the main topic, “Ye Gui, why won’t you tell me? I don’t want you to live your days without peace of mind. Even without relying on my Sect, I’ll personally eliminate anyone who wants to harm you.”
“The human heart is hard to predict. Who can say that today’s friends and family won’t be tomorrow’s enemy?”
He said it offhandedly, but a cold light flashed in Yue Qian’s eyes, “Is it the Fan Yin Pavilion, or—”
“That’s not important anymore.”
Gou Liang sighed and asked Yue Qian, “Have you heard of the ‘Nine Dark Arts’?”
“‘Nine Dark Arts’?!”
Sect Master Si Tu and Pavilion Master Ye exclaimed at the same time.
After Pavilion Master Ye stated her intentions, Tower Master Tang no longer hid his.
They all came today to verify Gou Liang’s ident.i.ty after receiving a letter from their disciples.
Tower Master Tang then revealed a secret behind the ma.s.sacre of their Eldest Senior Brother’s clan that outsiders weren’t privy to—following the death of his Eldest Senior Brother, the Nine Underworld Tower lost their secret art: “Nine Dark Arts”.
When it first made its appearance, it had stunned the world, and although Sect Master Si Tu and Pavillion Master Ye had never seen it with their own eyes, they could imagine its power!
The principle behind it was to become like a spirit from h.e.l.l—unseeable and soundless.
The Nine Underworld Tower specialized in hidden weapons. The disciple who created the “Nine Dark Arts” based it on an insane premise—to turn one’s own body into a living weapon, where wind brought by a raised hand or a single note from the mouth could become formless weapons of murder. He toiled for many years and finally created the “Nine Dark Arts”, and was lauded as the top expert at the peak of his glory.
After his pa.s.sing, the “Nine Dark Arts” became the Nine Underworld Tower’s secret art and only the Tower Master was permitted to learn it. But impressive as the art was, it was too hard to learn. Anyone capable of learning even a level or two was already considerably talented.
Back then, the late Tower Master had decided on his Eldest Son—the head disciple of the Nine Underworld Tower—as his successor and since he himself was unable to practice the art due to old injuries, the Late Tower Master decided to pa.s.s it on to his Eldest Son ahead of time, never imagining that his Eldest Son would be murdered by the Demonic Cult.
Clan Head Tang sighed with sorrow, “I have been closely monitoring Bao Shi in the past years.”
“Although the person is completely devoid of humanity, he is undeniably a martial arts genius. Father and I always worried if the ‘Nine Dark Arts’ had fallen into his hands. If that happens, it could only spell disaster.”
“But seeing how he never used it, I thought perhaps Eldest Senior Brother had destroyed the manual before he died to prevent it from falling into evil hands. But unexpectedly, I heard from my disciple and that foolish son of mine that a person who could possibly be my nephew had appeared. This matter regards Eldest Senior Brother and sister-in-law’s only child and must be treated with the utmost caution, so I came personally to see the person. Like Junior Sister Ye, I would like to confirm if Eldest Senior Brother and sister-in-law truly still have a bloodline left in this world, and also, if heaven shows compa.s.sion, inquire what became of the k2018;Nine Dark Arts’.”
So long as it doesn’t fall into the hands of the Demonic Cult, it’s not a bad idea for it to remain in the child’s hands.
Pavilion Master Ye was excited as well.
The child’s backstory, name, and even age all coincide with her nephew whose life was cut short.
Moreover, her disciple, Zhu Fenyi, included in his letter how he had seen the other dispel the Myriad Poison Sect’s snake formation using the “Blossom of Rue”—the art was extremely difficult to learn, but her sister had a deep comprehension of it and was even more accomplished in the art than she herself was.
If he had received her sister’s teaching when she was still alive, then everything made sense.
Sect Master Si Tu’s expression was a bit strange, “You guys may not know, but Ye Gui is a g—”
“Reporting to Master, this disciple has brought Ye Gui over.”
Ye Gui announced.
Pavilion Master Ye and Tower Master Tang turned around at the same time and stared at the entrance.
Yue Qian pushed open the door and stepped aside, revealing a swaying red skirt and Gou Liang entered everyone’s vision.
Red peony skirt, a snow-white face, and frost between the brows that couldn’t be dispelled by red lips and eyeshadow. Such a stunning beauty made people feel bashful yet reluctant to move their eyes away.
His gaze fell on Sect Master Si Tu, and he smiled and opened his lips, “Uncle, you were looking for me?”
Tower Master Tang and Pavilion Master Ye were momentarily distracted by his beauty, but soon pursed their lips. The latter especially, got up and impatiently rushed over, grabbing Gou Liang’s wrist to feel his pulse.
“Elder Ye.”
Yue Qian first intended to block her, but seeing that the other had no bad intentions, he settled for putting his arm around Gou Liang’s shoulder and watched Pavilion Master Ye with a guarded expression.
Gou Liang’s wrist ached dully from the force of the other’s grip and frowned, “Elder, what are you trying to do?”
Incredulous, Pavilion Master Ye released her hand and looked utterly at a loss, “You, how could you be a girl?”
“Elder, what are you saying, am I not supposed to be a girl?”
While speaking, Gou Liang raised his hand in front of Yue Qian, allowing him to see the conspicuous fingerprints left on his flawless wrist and the grievance in his eyes.
Yue Qian pursed his lips, feeling extremely displeased. He hid Gou Liang’s hand behind him and ma.s.saged it gently.
A smile blossomed on Gou Liang’s face.
“How could this be?” Tower Master Tang didn’t believe it and wanted to confirm it himself.
Sect Master Si Tu saw that his Eldest Disciple’s genial mask was about to slip and hurriedly stopped him, “Junior Brother Tang, Junior Sister Ye, what in the world are you doing? You’re frightening the youngster. I was going to say earlier that Ye Gui is a girl and she’s the fiancee of that stinky disciple of mine. The Ye Gui you’re looking for is a man, so this must be a misunderstanding.”
Saying this, he beckoned Yue Qian and Gou Liang over and after explaining the situation to them, he looked at Gou Liang, “Pavilion Master Ye and Tower Master Tang are anxious out of concern for their relative, so we should be more understanding.”
Gou Liang nodded, “It’s only natural that they are, but I’m afraid they’ve found the wrong person.”
Tower Master Tang said sullenly, “Senior Brother Si Tu, don’t you think this girl bears resemblance to our Eldest Senior Brother?”
Pavilion Master Ye added, “Her brows are just like my sister and mother’s…isn’t it too much of a coincidence?”
Gou Liang smiled, “I heard that good-looking people tend to look like each other. The brother and sister mentioned by the two elders must be great beauties as well.”
Yue Qian laughed in secret: Of course they were great beauties, just look at their son’s appearance.
Pavilion Master Ye and Tower Master Tang shared a glance, both unwilling to accept the result.
Her age, name, life experience, and appearance all match so perfectly yet it’s merely a coincidence?
But when the child was born, they all saw with their own eyes that it was a male baby!
Pavilion Master Ye muttered to herself then asked, “Young lady, how did you learn our Fan Yin Pavilion’s secret art ‘Blossom of Rue’?”
Gou Liang replied, “It’s merely a coincidence. The late Pavilion Master was gracious and imparted this art to many people so its circulation outside is to be expected.”
—But the people who managed to learn it were only herself and her sister!
Pavilion Master Ye looked at him but didn’t ask further questions.
Tower Master Tang was unreconciled, but Si Tu Zhang Tian dismissed the two younger generations and turned to the two of them, “I know the both of you held hopes in your hearts even after all these years, but the outcome was already set 20 years ago. Junior Brother Tang, Junior Sister Ye, don’t chase after it so intently anymore.”
Tower Master Tang: “Senior Brother Si Tu, do you know where the young lady came from?”
Sect Master Si Tu waved his hand, “She’s not part of the Demonic Cult and she’s my disciple’s chosen half. That’s all I need to know.”
Seeing that he didn’t want to delve into the matter anymore, the two elders were unable to press him and could only change the topic instead.
Meanwhile, Gou Liang walked back to this room holding Yue Qian’s hand and said, “Didn’t I say someone in there would be very interested in the whereabouts of the ‘Nine Dark Arts’? I’d bet before long, my courtyard is going to be covered in pairs of hidden eyes.”
“If you don’t wish for them to stay here on the Southern Mountains, I naturally have methods to make them leave on their own two feet.”
Yue Qian offered.
“No need.” Gou Liang waved his hand, “If I don’t crush their hopes completely, there will be no end to it in the future.”
Yue Qian saw he wanted to wash the cosmetics off his face and fetched the water, “Do you really have it?”
Gou Liang raised a brow, “What, do you want it too?”
Yue Qian glared at him for a moment and finally said, “If it’s true, then I need to prepare countermeasures.”
“Yes, yes, I’m the one painting a gentleman’s heart black. Someone as great as Hero Yue wouldn’t be greedy about my pitiful possessions.” Gou Liang smiled, “I don’t have it on me, rather…it’s in here.”
He pointed to his own head.
The original host memorized every manual that Bao Shi owned, then to prevent any from being pa.s.sed down and grooming future threats, he destroyed them all, including the “Nine Dark Arts” which through twists and turns, had become the Demonic Cult’s most powerful technique.
Yue Qian was enlightened.
If it’s like this, then the trouble in the future would indeed see no end. After all, Tower Master Tang didn’t seem like one to give up easily. Gou Liang suddenly leaned over and Yue Qian’s train of thought was broken. He hurriedly asked what was wrong.
Gou Liang looked harmless when he smiled with the addition of his left dimple, “I said I’d let you have a taste earlier, do you still want to?”
Yue Qian was confused for a brief moment before realizing what he meant. His gaze was caught by the full red lips in front of him as he recalled the unforgettable sensation of its softness and warmth.
His adam’s apple bobbed, and he dipped his head without hesitation, planting a kiss on his lips.
“What does it taste like?”
“…I haven’t had enough to tell.”
Yue Qian replied honestly.
Gou Liang gave him a disdainful look and delivered his own lips over, allowing the other to taste as he pleased.
How was Yue Qian able to hold back?
Clasping his waist, Yue Qian kissed him deeply, sucking and biting on his lips, but it soon ceased to appease him and he pushed into his mouth, plundering willfully.
It was clearly his first time, and yet when he came into contact with Gou Liang, he seemed to know exactly what to do. It was as if the instincts were engraved in his being as he used Gou Liang’s favorite techniques to entangle with him. Their breaths and the feelings of their lips merged together.
A mild sweetness that stuck to the tongue stimulated Gou Liang’s taste buds and shocked all his nerves.
…Turns out to be papaya flavored 罒▽罒.
Gou Liang wrapped his arms around Yue Qian’s neck and hung his limp body on him as he greedily tasted the flavor of the soul force, wanting to suck it all into his stomach.
【Ding! The mission progress bar had increased. Current completion rate: 1%】
“Ye Gui…”
Yue Qian called out hazily and when he saw Gou Liang immersing in his affection with closed eyes like he was drunk, his heart gladdened and he hugged him tighter.
The wet squelching sounds between their lips never stopped, but when Gou Liang heard the system’s reminder that Lin Xiuniang had stepped into the courtyard with Jiang Suxi, he snapped out of it.
“Ye Gui?”
Yue Qian still hadn’t recovered after being pushed away.
Gou Liang stepped away, and glanced at the area where the other had become a little spirited and smiled mysteriously, “I suggest you start reciting the heart cleansing sutra right now. Otherwise, if you lose your dignity as the head and eldest disciple of the Southern Sword Sect, it’s on you.”
By now, Yue Qian also heard his Fourth Junior Sister’s laughing chatter and his face reddened. He circulated his internal force, calmed his emotions, and opened the door first.
“Oh, Senior Brother, you’re also here.”
“Yue Qian Ge—ahem, Senior Brother, what’s that on your mouth? It’s something red.”
Jiang Suxi finished speaking and Gou Liang burst into laughter inside.
Yue Qian wiped his mouth and sure enough, the back of his hand came away red with the rouge Gou Liang had worn.
The corner of his mouth froze, but before he could feel embarra.s.sed or whatnot, he suddenly felt resigned and thickened his face, “Fourth Junior Sister, Junior Sister Jiang, what business do you have with Ye Gui?”
As an old hand, how could Lin Xiuniang fail to see what had happened? She winked at Yue Qian and pulled back Jiang Suxi who was itching with curiosity, “Junior Sister Jiang wanted to tour around and since Ye Mei-Mei had never got to fully appreciate the sceneries of our Southern Sword Sect, we came to invite her. Senior Brother, if you happen to be free, why not join us as well?”
Gou Liang came over while drying his face, “Sounds good to me.”
Saying this, he cheerfully used the wet cloth and helped Yue Qian wipe off the rouge on his lips.
Yue Qian’s smile spread all the way to his eyes. Clearly, he had been played by the other, yet his heart currently felt nothing but tenderness.
Jiang Suxi observed them and said to Gou Liang in the end, “Ye Jie-Jie, Senior Brother Yue really does treat you well. You are sure to lead a blissful life together; it’s so enviable.”
Gou Liang: “Here I thought you would resent me for s.n.a.t.c.hing him away.”
“Ye Jie-Jie, don’t misunderstand me.”
Jiang Suxi said hurriedly, “Grandpa did have the intention of betrothing me to Senior Brother Yue, but that’s our one-sided wishful thinking. In my eyes, Senior Brother Yue has high cultivation, a limitless prospect, and a b.l.o.o.d.y hatred of the Demonic Cult that would spur him to seek revenge, so marrying him is, in a way, my own method of avenging my father. But giving it more thought, I lack talent and need someone who truly puts me in their heart. Otherwise, my grandpa would always be ill at ease. Besides, even if Senior Brother Yue and I are not fated to be together, he would make the Demonic Cult pay their debt all the same!”
Gou Liang: Sis, you’re p.r.i.c.king my conscience _(:зゝ∠)_.
Meanwhile, behind them, Lin Xiuniang whispered to Yue Qian, “Our Youngest Junior Sister has locked herself in her room for days and refuses to meet even our Master. Senior Brother, will you go see her?”
Yue Qian responded tepidly, “Her temper is still like a child’s. Sooner or later she needs to learn that locking herself in her room doesn’t warrant people to coax her. How about this, tell Third Junior Brother to hold back a couple of her meals. When she’s hungry, she’ll naturally grow more clear-minded.”
Liu Xiuniang: “…”
At this moment, Gou Liang turned around and Yue Qian acutely perceived the grievance in his eyes and rushed over.
“What’s wrong?”
His tone was full of concern.
Gou Liang banished the blood-red -100 from his memory to the cold palace and complained, “Viewing these sceneries from a distance isn’t interesting at all, I would rather go back and sleep.”
Yue Qian smiled. He said to Lin Xiuniang, “Junior Sister, why don’t you continue to show Junior Sister Jiang around? We’ll be going ahead.”
The moment he finished his sentence, he leaped into the sky and flew away with Gou Liang in his arms.
The red and white figures lingered briefly on the horizon, then disappeared without a trace.
With the wind blowing past them, Gou Liang narrowed his eyes and overlooked the entire Southern Manor. Beneath his feet was the majestic dwelling, and before his eyes were green mountains, white clouds, verdant trees, and blooming flowers—more beautiful than a dream.
Yue Qian took him to the highest point in the Southern Sword Sect—the top of the PaG.o.da of Nine Swords, and held him in his arms. He said quietly, “Do you know what I’m afraid of? That you’ll end up disliking this view seeing it year after year.”
Gou Liang turned around and although knowing the other only said it as a thought, he smiled softly and replied in earnest, “Then you have to find ways so I won’t hate it or grow tired of it, okay?”
Yue Qian was stunned for a moment then kissed his nose.
He was worrying too much. As hard as life may be to predict, the course taken was led by one’s action.
No matter what the future may bring, he was confident he could lock his treasure securely to his side for all their days even if their hair turned white.