Chapter 156: Shizun’s great riding skills

Update 26/07/2022

Hello, I'm writing this update because I would like to get your opinion on how I should proceed further..

I started translating from the 156 chapter because at that time, the translation of the earlier chapters was already completed, but since the original translators decided to take down their work, I'm still hasitating on how to proceed. Should I start anew, from the first chapter, or continue translating from chapter 161+...

I think I will be doing edited MTL in the end, it's not because I can't read chinese, but translating is much more time consuming, and you know how long are the 2ha chapters. Well, I can consider translating these chapters and providing a much better quality if I could gain some support, and sponsor the newcoming chapters.

https://patreon.com/2ha?utm_medium=social&utm_source=tumblr&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator

Well, hopefully, with all that said, see you soon, and take good care of yourselves.

 Chu Wanning looked her up and down. Before, when he was at Xuanyuan Pavilion, he had felt that this person was very charming, and now that he saw her up close, she looked even more beautiful, as delicate as a lotus blossom, and as bright as the sun. Her ebony hair seemed to shine like glitter, and she was indeed a stunning beauty. No wonder Nangong Si likes her.

Thinking about this, he could not help but stealthily glance at Mo Ran, wanting to know what his reaction would be.

Unexpectedly, he soon met Mo Ran’s eyes. Mo Ran didn’t even look at Song Qiutong at all. It was as if Song Qiutong, who was standing next to Nangong Si, didn’t even exist. Mo Ran was staring at him instead and he smiled gently when their gazes met.

Chu Wanning felt numb from his gaze, but he still pretended to be calm. He and Mo Yan stared at each other for a moment before he seemingly nonchalantly turned his gaze away.

“There are many demonic wolfs on the Xiaoyue Track Field. The bravest one is Naobaijin and I also like it the most.”

Nangong Si led the crowd to the center of the open grassland, took out the jade flute attached to his waist, and blew three urgent whistles. After a moment of silence, a raging gust of wind rose in the distance, and a snow-white figure leapt out of the forest like lightning. Almost in the blink of an eye, a demon wolf with crystal hair and golden claws leaped into the air, its body drawing a smooth arc, and it let out a loud howl, its back reflecting the pale cold winter sun. Then it landed and stood firmly in front of the Nangong Si.

“Aooo!”

Nangong Si stepped forward and stroked its fluffy neck, turned his head and smiled, “Zongshi*, look, it has already grown so big. When you left, it was still a little puppy.”

*Zongshi 宗师 - Grandmaster (source) and more commonly a “great scholar respected for learning and integrity”. (source) 

“When I left, he was already as tall as a grown man.” Chu Wanning said expressionlessly.

“Ha ha-ha ha, is it? I always thought it was still a small cub.”

“…”

“Zongshi, come try to ride it and see for yourself.”

As Nangong Si spoke, he blew his flute again, summoning two other snow-white demonic wolves from the forest, “Mo-zongshi, do you want to give it a try as well?”

The three of them jumped onto the back of the demon wolfs. and Nangong said: "Hold on to the rope chain or their neck hair, and clamp your legs. It's almost the same as riding a horse." After he finished speaking, he lowered his head and said to Song Qiutong, “Qiutong, you ride with me. I’ll take you along.”

Initially, Chu Wanning thought he wouldn’t be able to do it, but after taking a few steps on the back of the demon wolf, he felt that it was not that difficult. In fact, because the demon wolves were intelligent, they could understand the riders’ intentions and so were much easier to control than normal horses.

Nangong Si laughed, “How is it? Do you want to go for a round?”

“Can I go anywhere I want?”

“Anywhere is fine, whether it is the forest garden at the back of the mountain or Xiaoyue Track Field, feel free to run around.”

Mo Ran smiled and said, “Is this a contest?”

“Let’s give it a try.” Chu Wanning took a look at Nangong, who was riding on the demonic wolf with Song Qiutong. He thought that this was a good opportunity to enhance the feelings of the couple, so he readily agreed.

Nangong Si smiled and untied a spirit stone bracelet on his wrist, then said, “In that case, we will first run to Ganquan Lake in the north of the forest garden and catch five of Groper Fish. The first person to come back here will win, and this chain will be the prize, how about it?”

“A seven-star spirit stone chain, Young Master Nangong is too generous.”

“I’m positive that you can’t buy it even with a thousand taels of gold.” Nangong Si tightened his grip on the rope, then lowered his head and said to Song Qiutong, “Sit tight, be careful not to fall down. If it get too fast, please tell me.”

Mo Ran glanced at Song Qiutong and smiled, “I’m afraid that Young Master Nangong will have to take out his chain in advance.”

“Hah, always underestimating me. You should know that I grew up on a wolf’s back. Not to mention riding with one more person, even if I brought along a third one, it wouldn’t make be much of a difference. Let’s go. I’ll count down from three to one, then start.”

“Three, two — one!”

As his words fell, WHOOSH three snow-white figures shot out like feather arrows whizzing through the air. Leaping across the hunting fields, they instantly disappeared into the depths of the forest.

At first, Chu Wanning had slowed down his pace to follow behind Nangong Si and Song Qiutong, he could hear her screaming from time to time. After listening for a long time, his ears felt tired and he couldn’t bear to keep spectating on the girl’s sorrow. So, he sped up and bypassed them.

“Gongzi, slow down” As a cry of surprise rang out behind him, Chu Wanning gradually felt the joy of riding a demonic wolf. This type of spirit beast was extremely intelligent, he only needed to lift his finger a little and Naobaijin would instantly understand his intentions. It was no wonder that Nangong Si would like these animals so much.

The winter breeze blew on his face, but he didn't feel the cold. Chu Waning tilted his head and looked at the mottled sunlight streaking in front of him, stretching out under his feet, running like a torrent, and rolling away in the distance. He couldn’t help but smile, fully enjoying this feeling of running freely, so he urged his white gold mount to go wild, its wolf claws stepping on the thick coniferous forest, raising a cloud of dust behind its trail.

Mo Ran, who was riding the black wolf, was following behind him closely from beginning to end. In that split-second, Chu Wanning’s chest filled with a sense of happiness and relief.

He suddenly had the vague feeling that he finally had the power to move forward. It was as if no matter where he went, there would always be someone behind him, a person that would constantly echo his footsteps, never to be separated again.

Chu Wanning and Mo Ran almost arrived at the same time at Ganquan lake, blue waves danced on the surface water, the lake was as clear as a mirror, the spiritual energy was very abundant. The two sides of the lake were nourished by spiritual currents, and the flowers and fruit trees seemed to not be affected by the change of the seasons, the orange trees still flourished in winter, countless golden fruits were hidden behind the dark green leaves, the wind was filled with a sweet citrus fragrance.

Landing steadily on the ground, Chu Wanning looked around and said, “This is quite a lovely place.”

“If Shizun likes it, when we go back, I can plant many fruit trees at Sisheng Peak, nourish them with spiritual energy all year round, and you can pick the fruits whenever you want to eat.”

Chu Wanning gave a noncommittal snort and walked to the lakeside, raising his hand to call Tianwen.

Seeing that something was wrong, Mo Ran stopped him and asked, “What are you doing?”

“Catching fish.”

“… Shizun shouldn’t be thinking blow all the fish and empty out of the lake, right?”

“What nonsense are you thinking?” Chu Wanning glared at him and flung his hand and threw the golden vine onto the lake. He then spoke faintly toward the lake, “Who among you is tired of living? Just take the bait.”

After repeating this three times, Chu Wanning pulled out Tianwen. On its golden leaves, there were actually some chubby fishes that rolled their eyes, spitting bubbles, and looking up to the sky.

Chu Wanning cast a brief look at them, then turned his head to asked Mo Ran, “Did he say he wanted the Groper fish?”

“Yes.”

“… Do you know what Groper fish looks like?” After Chu Wanning finished speaking, he felt that asking this question would be too roundabout, so he simply picked up the whole Tianwen and held it up to Mo Ran, “Are there any among these?”

“… it’s better if I do it for Shizun.”

After that, Mo Ran caught ten fish and placed them in the Qiankun bags* by the two demon wolves’ necks. Chu Wanning then put the rest of the “tired of living” fish back into the water and said, “Life is short, so I’ll have to trouble you all to bear with it for a little longer.”

*A Qiankun bag (乾坤袋, Qiánkūn dài) is a pouch able to hold more than it appears able to carry. It is used by cultivators to carry large items. (source) 

When he heard this, Mo Ran only felt that this man was both funny and cute. He put away the last Groper fish and turned around to see Chu Waning walking over from the edge of the cold pool of blue water. The lake water was flowing behind him, gently soaking his white figure.

He suddenly had a strong desire to go over and take Chu Waning in his arms, to be intimate him, to touch him tenderly, but also to crush him. He wanted to drag him into the orange grove, press him against a tree, lift his legs and invade him brutally.

He watched as Chu Wanning got closer and closer to him, and was surprised to find that this longing was so contradictory and so strong, that the softest and the crudest kinds of desires were born out of the same man.

Love, love.

Isn’t that what it looks like?

Hard and hot like a fierce blade that cuts you open.

Soft and tender like the spring water that wraps around you.

“Seriously, that Nangong Si.” Chu Wanning, however, did not notice the flash of uncertainty in Mo Ran’s eyes. He walked up to him and checked the Qiankun bag on Naobaijin’s neck, “Bringing a girl with him, he’s so slow.”

“Maybe he’s doing something else.”

Mo Ran felt his head heating up. His wolf-like eyes were fixed on the white neck that Chu Wanning exposed when he bent down and lowered his head. His abdomen felt hot, and he muttered to himself in a deep voice without thinking.

Chu Wanning was stunned for a moment, “Doing what?”

“…” Mo Ran finally reacted, feeling out of place. He coughed dryly and turned his head away, “It’s nothing.”

Chu Wanning, on the other hand, kept mulling about it. His eyes widened suddenly, and then he squinted dangerously, and said angrily, “What are you thinking about? Get on the horse and go back!”

Mo Ran moved his lips, wanting to say, “It’s not a horse, it’s a wolf.” But looking at Chu Wanning’s sullen face and flushed ears, he swallowed his words just when they reached the lips.

He watched with some regret as Chu Wanning mounted Naobaijin, maintaining such a firm stance, he was so handsome and graceful. He could not help but crave for more, he thought, if only Chu Wanning were his man, fucking him until he would have been too weak to get on his horse, nor could he get on his wolf's back, so he could only get on his lap.

Feeling bewildered and guilty about his own thoughts, he subconsciously shook his head.

This action happened to catch the eye of Chu Wanning, so asked him, “What’s wrong? Why are you shaking your head? Did I say anything wrong?”

“No, no. Shizu’s teachings are always right. I was lost in my thoughts.”

However, he wasn’t thinking about the shit going on between Nangong Si and Song Qiutong.

The person I am thinking about is you…

Then, Mo Ran kelp thinking, Alas, if only I could break that Naobaijin‘s legs. That way, even if Chu Wanning had no wolf to ride, he might give me some face, and be willing to consider borrowing my black claws.

He really felt the need to hold him again, like how a person who was dying of thirst would long for just a drop of water, missing the sweet nectar that he had once defiled with his own hands… While Mo Ran was still indulging in his lingering thoughts, he followed closely after Chu Wanning back to the Xiaoyue Track Field where they found Song Qiutong and Nangong Si already waiting for them.

Song Qiu Tong sat on the ground with her crystal clear jade-like ankle sticking out, adorned with stark blood marks.

It turned out that they only ran halfway through when she had forgotten to tighten her legs as Nangong Si had instructed. Therefore, her skin was cut by thorns. Even though it was only a small wound, Nangong Si still wouldn’t let it go and brought her back to bandage her ankle.

Mo Ran glanced at her legs, which were also rather beautiful, but compared to Chu Wanning’s, they didn’t amount to much. It was a shame that he actually liked Song Qiutong’s feet in his previous life.

He must have been really blind.

Right now, he felt that everything about Chu Wanning was perfect, from all angles. Even that despicable pair of cold and emotionless eyes that always felt proud and reserved, that was his own disposition, Chu Wanning should always remain the same, beautiful, magnificent.

Whenever he saw him glaring, scolding, or rolling his eyes at him, he felt his heart flutter and burst with the colors of spring.

“I admit defeat.” Nangong Si was livid. He casually passed the gold chain to Chu Wanning, “Here, this should belongs to Zongshi now.”

Chu Wanning looked at the chain and said, “Seven-star spirit stones are good for nourishing the spiritual core, I do need them, thank you very much.”

Mo Ran did not feel good hearing this as he muttered, “Next time, I’ll buy you something even better.”

“What?” Chu Wanning did not hear him clearly and turned to look at him.

Mo Ran saw his pair of phoenix eyes that were so close to him, and the clear reflection of his face in those pupils. The short distance between them made the astringent feeling in his heart fade slightly.

Mo Ran smiled, “I said, the next time I see something suitable for Shizun, I’ll make sure to buy it and bring it back for you.”

“Alright.”

Chu Wanning agreed without hesitation, which made Mo Ran even happier.

He even went so far as to look for Nangong Si, who wasn’t in the mood to care at all. However, Mo Ran was still competing with him, and proudly wanted to let him know, that although Shizun would politely thank Nangong Si for taking his things, he wouldn’t act so estranged towards Mo Ran, and would instead snatch his things without any useless pretense.

Chu Waning said: “Just remember to ask the boss for the bill, and I’ll provide you with the money.”

Mo Ran: “…”

Ten fresh Groper Fish were pulled out of the Qiankun bag and Nangong Si took them the hunting hut at the edge of the Xiaoyue Track Field. There was a dark-gray furnace outside. The pots and pans were readily available, but the wooden house looked so old that compared with the magnificent pasture, it didn’t seem like it was built at the same time period.

Chu Wanning brushed his fingers across the fence, stopping right in front of a bundle of rope tied to the fence. The rope banner had been battered by numerous winds and rains, and had long since lost its original splendid appearance.

Nangong Si took the seasoning and came out of the wooden house. Seeing Chu Wanning looking at the rope, he smiled and said, “I tied it here the year Zongshi left, and it's almost rotten now.”

Chu Wanning didn’t say anything, he sighed slightly and settled on a low bench made of wooden stakes. 

When he was serving the Rufeng Sect, Nangong Si was still just a child. He would often bring him to walk around Xiaoyue Track Field, leaving behind this hunting house.

The fire was soon started, and the Grouper fish were roasted on a tree branch. Fish fat dripped down from under the crispy skin, exuding a rich smell of meat.

Nangong Si gave six of them to the demon wolves squatting by the wooden fence, and the remaining four were sprinkled with salt and distributed to the crowd.

Song Qiutong only ate a few bites before handing the grilled fish to Nangong Si, who had already quickly finished gnawing on a whole fat fish. She said, “I’m not eating anymore. Young Master, please share some with me.”

Chu Wanning glanced in their direction, and seeing that Nangong had accepted the roasted fish, and happily started eating it. He thought to himself that this Song Qiutong seemed to be really gentle and well-behaved, a very considerate person, unlike the woman in the rumors, which proved that such gossip shouldn’t be taken seriously.

While he was deep in thought, a lotus leaf was handed over to him. The fish on the top was finely divided in two, the main thorns were removed, and the white and tender meat was exuding a faint steam and burnt fragrance.

Chu Wanning was slightly surprised, turning his head, he saw Mo Ran putting away his silver dagger. The young man smiled and said, “Shizun, please eat this.”

“Where did you get the lotus leaves?”

“Just now, when we was catching fish by the lake, I picked them along the way.” Mo Ran handed him the fish and said, “Eat while it’s hot. It won’t taste good when it’s cold.”

Chu Wanning took the lotus leaf, his heart rippling as he said, “Thank you.”

He really did not like to pick the fish bones, so the cleaned bits melted immediately in his mouth. Chu Wanning ate them piece by piece, but he did not feel tired. After he finished eating it all, the tea that was hung over the fire had also boiled up. Song Qiutong got up and took down the pot, poured a cup for each person and respectfully offered it to them with both hands.

“Chu-zongshi, please have a cup of tea.”

The slender jade-like hand held a small white porcelain cup, her arm was like the white moon, and there was a cinnabar mole on her wrist.

Chu Wanning suddenly recalled that back at the Xuanyuan Pavilion auction, the pavilion owner said that she had a cinnabar mole marked on her wrist by the Cold Scale Sacred Hand*. Presumably, it was this one. Since the chastity mark was still there, the matter of Song Qiutong and Ye Wangxi having an affair seems to be even more absurd.

* Hua Binan

Having thought so, Chu Wanning finally heaved a sigh of relief in his heart. Nangong Si was a heartless person, as unbridled as a wild horse, and a true lone wolf who is determined to persevere on his own, wielding a simple and vigorous blade. Chu Wanning did not hate such a person, so he did not wish for him to be met with any misfortune.

Song Qiutong served the tea to Mo Ran, who accepted it but did not drink it. He put it to the side and smiled. “Miss Song, I have something to give you.”

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