"Do you realize that riding a horse through the market could cost innocent lives?!" Ji Chun's thick brows furrowed even tighter, his expression darkening as his voice grew cold and laced with barely restrained anger.
"I'll stop when I need to!" Su Ran retorted, yanking the whip back from Ji Chun's grip. His tone was icy as he added, "Stay out of my business, you damn monk!"
Though Ji Chun was accustomed to Su Ran's disdain and insults, hearing such words in public only fueled his anger. "If you do it again," he said in a low, warning tone, "I'll make sure you pay the price." With that, he turned and walked away without another glance at Su Ran.
The crowd parted silently for the furious monk, their eyes lingering on the strikingly handsome yet menacing young man. How could someone with such an angelic appearance have such a cruel heart? He had nearly harmed a child with his reckless riding, yet he carried himself with an air of righteousness. Still, the onlookers knew better than to provoke him, and no one dared to speak up.
"What are you all staring at?!" Su Ran snapped, his cold gaze sweeping over the crowd. His voice was sharp, carrying a warning that sent people scattering in all directions.
Once alone, Su Ran wiped his face, irritation simmering beneath his composed exterior. In the past, his mere presence would have sent everyone fleeing. Now, even these ordinary civilians dared to stare at him. It was infuriating.
Ji Chun, still seething, made his way to Tianhui Restaurant. He secured a room, set down his belongings, and splashed cold water on his face to calm his emotions. After composing himself, he went downstairs to inquire about Mu Miefeng and Xue Yao. The waiter informed him they hadn't arrived yet, so Ji Chun decided to wait another day.
But how had Su Ran found him? Suddenly, it dawned on him—Su Ran's men had been following them all along. Of course, they would know his whereabouts. The thought of Su Ran gave Ji Chun a headache. How could someone be so heartless? If he hadn't intervened, that child would have been trampled by Su Ran's horse.
As night fell, the stifling heat of summer gave way to a cool breeze. Ji Chun opened the window to air out the stuffy room, completed his evening prayers, and prepared for bed. However, sleep eluded him. The room felt oppressive, and his rest was uneasy.
Sometime in the night, Ji Chun stirred, frowning as he sat up. He reached for his shoes, intending to pour himself a cup of tea to quench his thirst. But as he glanced toward the window, he froze. A figure sat perched on the wide-open windowsill, silhouetted against the night sky. Startled, Ji Chun's drowsiness vanished instantly.
When he recognized the intruder, his guard dropped, though his frustration remained. He sighed, rubbing his temples, and walked toward the figure. "What do you want now?" he asked, his voice slow and weary, lacking the sternness it held during the day.
Su Ran, seeing that Ji Chun was awake, swung his legs inside and entered the room. He found a stool and sat down, raising an eyebrow. "Aren't you going to ask why I didn't take this chance to kill you?"
"I don't care to ask," Ji Chun replied flatly, his tone devoid of emotion. Though awake, he was still exhausted from days of travel.
Su Ran, undeterred by the monk's indifference, pressed on. "Where's Mu Miefeng?"
"Perhaps he arrives tomorrow," Ji Chun answered, unconcerned about Su Ran's intentions. He knew Su Ran still needed Mu Miefeng's antidote and posed no immediate threat.
"Why did you leave Shaolin again? Does this mean Shaolin is getting involved?" Su Ran asked casually, toying with a cup on the table.
Ji Chun glanced at him. "What about your Demonic Cult? Why are you here?"
Su Ran turned his face away, his expression unreadable. "Everyone knows this journey to the west is supposedly about destroying Di Mang and saving the people. But let's be honest—it's really about those who covet Di Mang's power, isn't it?"
"Shaolin has no such ambitions," Ji Chun said, his gaze steady. "I'm only here to help."
Su Ran let out a derisive laugh. "Whether that's true or not, I came for two reasons. First, to deal with the poison. Second, to propose a partnership with Shaolin."
He had already thought it through. With so many factions heading west to find Di Mang, forming alliances along the way was the smartest move. As for what happened after Di Mang was found—well, that would depend on who had the strength to prevail. Among potential allies, Ji Chun was the most suitable. Unlike others in the righteous sects, Ji Chun had no ulterior motives, and his martial skills were exceptional. Most importantly, Su Ran trusted that Ji Chun wouldn't betray him—though he didn't care to examine why he felt that way.
"First," Ji Chun replied firmly, "the antidote is a matter between you and Yisheng Valley. Whatever the outcome, I'll ensure their safety. Second, I have no intention of cooperating with you, Sect Leader Su."
Ji Chun knew Su Ran's ambitions and methods all too well. If Su Ran obtained Di Mang's power, coupled with his ruthless nature, who could stop him? It would be no different from the mysterious man gaining control.
"You bald donkey," Su Ran growled, slamming his palm on the table. "I have thousands of followers at my command. It would be easy to eliminate those two. As for cooperation, I don't need you to achieve my goals!"
"If you, Sect Leader Su, persist in your wrongdoing, I will not hesitate to act. I made my stance clear to you that day at Tiangang Sect. If you continue to harm others with your cruelty, I will not spare you." Ji Chun's voice was firm, his eyes blazing with anger. His expression was stern and unyielding, his chin slightly raised as he spoke each word with deliberate clarity.
Su Ran let out a cold, mocking laugh. "Well well, well! You've grown bold, monk. But don't forget—this venerable one, Su Ran, have countless ways to make people suffer." With that, he leaped out of the window and disappeared into the night.
Ji Chun watched him go, then sat down at the table, taking deep breaths to calm the agitation in his chest. His fists clenched tightly as he struggled to regain control of his emotions. He didn't understand why, but every time he encountered Su Ran's arrogance and domineering attitude, he felt an overwhelming urge to confront and subdue him. It was as if the man's very presence stirred something uncontrollable within him.
The next morning, Ji Chun went downstairs early for breakfast. As expected, Su Ran was seated at a table not far away. Their eyes met briefly, each glaring at the other before turning away to focus on their meals. Ji Chun chose a secluded corner of the restaurant, hoping to avoid further confrontation.
However, the peace was short-lived. A group of women entered the restaurant and sat at a table near Ji Chun, their shy glances unmistakably directed at Su Ran. It was no surprise—ever since Su Ran had shaved his beard, his striking appearance had drawn attention wherever he went. Men and women alike couldn't help but stare, though Su Ran seemed indifferent to it all. Fortunately, no one dared to approach him directly. Given his temper, any unwanted attention could easily end in violence.
Ji Chun ate slowly, his mind wandering. He felt unsettled, puzzled by his own reactions and the strange tension that seemed to follow Su Ran's presence. As he pondered, the door opened, and two familiar figures entered—Mu Miefeng and Xue Yao, the men he had been waiting for.
Xue Yao spotted Ji Chun in the corner and was about to point him out to Mu Miefeng when his gaze fell on Su Ran. His eyes widened in shock. How did he find this place?
Mu Miefeng, ever composed, nodded politely to Su Ran before leading Xue Yao to Ji Chun's table. "Ji Chun Dashi," Mu Miefeng said with a respectful bow, "apologies for keeping you waiting."
"I only arrived yesterday afternoon, the wait hasn't been long. Please, have a seat," Ji Chun replied, standing to return the greeting. The three of them sat down, but their peace was short-lived.
Su Ran, uninvited, strode over to their table and took a seat. He leaned back, his chin raised arrogantly as he addressed Mu Miefeng. "How is the antidote coming along?"
"The antidote is ready," Mu Miefeng replied calmly, his tone neither submissive nor confrontational. "If it's convenient, may I check your pulse to assess your condition?"
Su Ran extended his arm without a word, his piercing gaze fixed on Mu Miefeng. The physician placed his fingers on Su Ran's wrist, and within moments, his expression shifted. His brows furrowed, and his usual composure gave way to surprise and concern.
After a long silence, Mu Miefeng still hadn't released Su Ran's wrist. Su Ran's patience wore thin. "Well?" he demanded, his voice sharp.
Mu Miefeng withdrew his hand and turned to Xue Yao. "Take his pulse," he instructed, his voice low and heavy with unease.
Xue Yao, confused by his Shixiong's reaction, hurried over. He placed his fingers on Su Ran's wrist, and within moments, his expression mirrored Mu Miefeng's—shock, confusion, and a growing sense of dread.
The two physicians exchanged a glance, their silence speaking volumes. The atmosphere grew tense, the weight of their unspoken conclusion hanging heavily in the air.
Su Ran, unable to bear the suspense any longer, slammed his palm on the table. "Whatever it is, spit it out!" he growled, his voice low but laced with menace.
Mu Miefeng took a deep breath, his gaze steady as he met Su Ran's eyes. "Sect Leader Su... you are pregnant."
Su Ran's expression darkened, his veins bulging as he struggled to process the words. "Pregnant?" he repeated, his voice dangerously calm. "Like a woman?"
"Yes," Mu Miefeng confirmed, his tone unwavering despite the fear in his heart. "The reincarnation pill you took was designed to allow men to conceive and bear children. However, the chances of success were extremely low, especially since the pill you consumed was a modified version. The likelihood of actual conception was almost nonexistent..."
Ji Chun, who had been listening quietly, felt the color drain from his face. His hands, hidden in his sleeves, trembled slightly as he clenched them into fists. He lowered his gaze, trying to steady himself. This can't be happening, he thought, though deep down, he knew the truth. The events of that night in the mountains—the night he had tried so hard to forget—flashed through his mind.
Su Ran's eyes burned with a mix of fury and disbelief. His voice, though controlled, carried a lethal edge. "Explain. Now."
Author's Notes: Thanks to all who shared and recommended. (˶ ˘ ³˘)ˆᵕ ˆ˶)