Chapter 33: White Colt Part 4

Xiao Kun, meanwhile, gently stroked A Huang, who stood on the table pecking at sesame seeds, with two fingers. After petting him a few times without being pecked, Xiao Kun got used to idly touching him—ruffling the fluff on his head or stroking his fuzzy belly.

Hulü Guang watched for a moment before reaching out his hand as well, but A Huang immediately eyed him warily and emanated a murderous aura. Hulü Guang could only refrain from touching it.

“Come, let’s drink.” Xiang Xian raised his cup.

“Today was truly a case of strangers becoming friends after a fight.” Xiao Kun raised his cup and toasted with Hulü Guang, who already showed signs of intoxication on his face. He smiled and said, “Drink, friend! You’re truly formidable!”

Xiang Xian said, “Let me take a look at your saber.”

Hulü Guang took out his Pei Saber and handed it to Xiang Xian. The short curved knife, shaped like a crescent moon, had already snapped into two pieces.

“It’s my fault. I didn’t control my strength and ruined your treasure saber,” Xiao Kun said.

Xiang Xian tested the blade and thought to himself that it could still be reforged, though it would take some time. Hulü Guang then said, “Can I see yours too?”

Xiao Kun handed the Tang Dao to Hulü Guang, who admired it for a while and exclaimed in admiration. Xiao Kun said, “This is a divine weapon imbued with spells, forged from a branch of the Sacred Tree Jumang. In a mortal’s hands, it might not unleash its full power.”

“What about yours?” Hulü Guang asked. “Master? I heard them calling you Master.”

“Only Old Wu calls me that,” Xiang Xian laughed.

Xiang Xian casually handed him the Wisdom Sword. For one thing, Hulü Guang had no Magical Power; for another, they had become acquainted that day and addressed each other as brothers. Though their bond wasn’t as deep as with Xiao Kun, he was still a friend. Not letting him see the sword would be a sign of distrust.

Hulü Guang took it and drew the Wisdom Sword from its sheath, examining it closely. Without Magical Power infused, it was just a piece of dark, heavy iron. Hulü Guang swung it a few times with whooshes and flourished a sword flower. “This sword is really heavy, brother! Your arm and wrist strength are impressive!”

“Can his saber be repaired?” Xiao Kun asked.

“Leave it to me,” Xiang Xian returned the saber, took back his Wisdom Sword, and said, “But it will take some time.”

“Can I see you use Magical Power?” Hulü Guang asked again.

Xiao Kun didn’t refuse. He gripped the Tang Dao sideways, and green light glowed along the blade, with faint vines swirling around it in flight. Hulü Guang let out a startled cry.

“To be honest,” Xiao Kun said, “we’ve come to the Western Regions on an important mission.”

Xiao Kun meant to hint at it without drawing Hulü Guang in, but Hulü Guang said, “To catch monsters, right? I get it! Can I learn it?”

Xiang Xian sheathed the Wisdom Sword and noticed the crack on its body again, more visible under the nighttime lights.

Xiang Xian: “!!!”

It was between two Talismanic Runes, on the side of the blade.

Xiang Xian recalled the battle in Chang’an. Had the crack deepened because he drew the sword to fight the Black-Winged Great Peng? But upon close inspection, he couldn’t tell if it had widened.

Xiao Kun: “Some people aren’t suited for cultivation. I’m not sure—maybe it has to do with one’s aptitude… Xiang Xian, what’s wrong?”

Xiang Xian sheathed the sword without answering, pondering who else besides himself and Xiao Kun had touched the Wisdom Sword.

“Nothing.” Xiang Xian replied.

In the room, Wu Yingzong placed Chaosheng on the couch and was about to fetch a towel to wipe his face when Chaosheng grabbed his lapel and wouldn’t let go.

Wu Yingzong gently pried Chaosheng’s fingers loose and settled his hand. But Chaosheng’s other hand grabbed on again, clearly not asleep.

Wu Yingzong: “…”

Chaosheng opened his eyes and smiled.

Wu Yingzong: “Were you pretending to sleep?”

“I wanted to call you in, to spend some time alone with you.” Chaosheng blushed, a bit embarrassed. He turned sideways, hugging the quilt and peeking at Wu Yingzong with his eyes. Wu Yingzong did as usual and went to help him undress.

“You must be tired from the journey,” Wu Yingzong said.

“Are you uncomfortable?” Chaosheng said. “Ever since we arrived in Gaochang today, you haven’t spoken to me. Did I do something to upset you?”

“I’m not uncomfortable,” Wu Yingzong replied. “I had to attend to Master and Lord Xiao today—it was busy, and I couldn’t tend to you. But that’s my duty.”

Chaosheng felt a bit dejected. Naive to the ways of the world, he didn’t yet grasp the deeper meanings behind mortal emotions and words.

“Then, shall we sleep together?” Chaosheng said again.

Wu Yingzong thought for a moment and said, “You sleep first. I’ll go check if Master has any more instructions.”

“He said ‘no need to serve’,” Chaosheng said displeased. “Stay with me—Big Brother said so earlier.”

Wu Yingzong: “Chaosheng, I can’t… I can’t always revolve around you.” As soon as he said it, he felt it was too harsh, so he added, “When I’m not busy, it’s fine to play with you.”

“Oh, alright.” Chaosheng realized he was being rejected. He lay down fully clothed, turning his back to Wu Yingzong.

As an ape who had lived over two hundred years, Wu Yingzong experienced this sour and bitter feeling for the first time. Ever since Chaosheng hugged the White Deer’s neck that day, he had vaguely sensed something. Today, with Hulü Guang fawning over Chaosheng so eagerly, his heart raced unevenly.