Chen Ji remained attentive to the shifts in Tianjizi’s expression. Although Tianjizi’s subsequent words were fierce, the loneliness and nostalgia in his eyes did not escape Chen Ji’s notice. Chen Ji understood that Tianjizi likely knew the identity of that Ghost King but was unwilling to confess for some reason. As a transmigrator, Chen Ji knew when to play dumb.
“Such a malicious person indeed deserves no mercy!” he added, playing along.
Tianjizi chuckled softly. “To be so badly injured yet still full of spirit is good.” He turned to the Tianyun Sect disciples behind him and ordered, “Take the four of them back to Juyang Peak and arrange rooms for them to rest.”
“I will head over there to see if they caught that fellow,” Tianjizi added.
“Stay safe, Sect Leader Shibo,” Chen Ji said with concern.
“I will,” Tianjizi replied before departing on his sword.
Chen Ji and the others headed toward Juyang Peak. Following the Ghost King’s attack, the disciples who were not pursuing him remained in the square, standing on guard to prevent his return. The four of them were settled into a dormitory on Juyang Peak. Chen Ji was resting on a couch when, before long, footsteps approached the room.
Chen Ji looked up to see Elder Luying.
“Disciple greets Elder Luying,” Chen Ji began.
“There is no need for formalities while you are injured,” Luying interrupted. “Which of the four of you is injured most severely?”
“Elder Luying, please check Qiu Lingzhou’s injuries first,” Chen Ji said.
Qiu Lingzhou sat with a cold face. “Check on Senior Brother first. His injuries are the worst.”
“Which one is it truly?” Luying asked.
“Big Senior Brother is injured most severely,” Feng Zhimu answered timidly.
Since the little one had spoken, Luying walked over to Chen Ji. “A-Ji, where are you hurt?”
“My foot,” Chen Ji replied. He had assumed Qiu Lingzhou was worse off since he had been coughing up blood, but since Zhimu insisted, he accepted it.
Luying looked down at the leg exposed outside the blanket and his expression changed instantly. He looked at Chen Ji in shock. “A-Ji, does it not hurt?”
“It does.”
“Then why are you so calm?”
The foot could hardly be called a foot anymore; the bones inside were likely all shattered. Even with spiritual medicine, it was doubtful the foot would ever return to its original shape. Luying frowned; even he would find it difficult to remain composed with such an injury.
“Crying would not help,” Chen Ji said with a bitter smile. “I was useless when the Ghost King attacked Emerald Bamboo Peak. Since I could not help, the least I can do is try not to be a burden.”
“I would rather you cry!” Qiu Lingzhou suddenly stood up in anger. Staring at Chen Ji’s injured foot, he clenched his fists. “You have no real skill, yet you play the hero in the face of danger! You told us to leave and said that fellow could not kill you! I! I!”
Qiu Lingzhou sputtered with rage before storming out of the room.
“Big Senior Brother, I will go watch over Third Senior Brother!” Feng Zhimu said sensibly before following him.
“That boy Lingzhou may be temperamental and solitary, but it is clear he truly cares for you,” Luying remarked.
Chen Ji understood why Qiu Lingzhou was so angry with him. Qiu Lingzhou’s opinion of him had changed because Chen Ji had saved his life twice, and in both those instances, Chen Ji had died.
Qiu Lingzhou was completely unaware of the first time Chen Ji died for him. The second time, Chen Ji had fallen off a cliff for him and been crushed to pieces. After reviving, Chen Ji had encountered him at the bottom of the cliff. Qiu Lingzhou, who had been searching for him for two days, was a mess and had wept like a child upon seeing Chen Ji.
From then on, Qiu Lingzhou had become more obedient and willing to call him Senior Brother. He was not as reckless as Liu Jingyun. Chen Ji could see that Qiu Lingzhou cared deeply and wanted to repay the debt he felt he owed. Seeing Chen Ji injured before him again had filled him with frustration and helplessness, causing him to lose his temper.
“I will apply the medicine. Tell me if it hurts,” Luying said.
Chen Ji nodded as he pulled himself out of his thoughts. The injury was so sensitive that even a light touch made him tremble with pain. Yet, no matter how much it hurt, it was nothing compared to that fall from the cliff. The memory of his bones breaking and a shard piercing his lung still haunted him.
Influenced by his unique ability, Chen Ji recovered much faster than others despite his lack of cultivation. Although the foot looked terrible now, he would be running around the mountains again within a month.
After Luying bandaged the wound, he turned to Liu Jingyun. “Jingyun, let me see your injuries.”
“Mine are not serious. No treatment is necessary,” Liu Jingyun replied.
“What are you being difficult for now?” Chen Ji snapped, hitting Liu Jingyun on the arm. “Elder Luying is the best healer in our sect! Usually, people have to wait forever for his help. Hurry up and let him see the wounds.”
Liu Jingyun did not move, sitting as still as a stone statue.
Chen Ji frowned. “Are you just like Qiu Lingzhou? Do you think my injury is your fault?”
“Yes,” he admitted frankly.
Chen Ji was momentarily speechless. “You show me so much respect and love now, yet you never listen to me during normal times.”
“That is different,” Liu Jingyun said. “Under normal circumstances, I would never let you get hurt.”
“Is emotional damage not a type of injury?” Chen Ji countered.
Liu Jingyun’s thin lips pursed, and his dark eyes immediately filled with a look of grievance. The moment he started playing the victim, Chen Ji knew exactly what he was going to say next.
He sighed and softened his tone. “Let Elder Luying check the wounds. If that Ghost King returns and you are still injured, how will you protect me?”
“I can,” Liu Jingyun insisted.
He was acting like a stubborn child who refused to take medicine. Chen Ji wanted to give him a piece of his mind. “You can only give your all if you are healthy. Do not make things difficult for Elder Luying. You are already injured, so stay still.”
Hearing this, Liu Jingyun finally relented and allowed Luying to treat him. Luying had him remove his shirt, revealing a sturdy torso covered in numerous small cuts. They were not deep, but there were many of them.
After applying the medicine, Luying stood up. “I will go find Lingzhou and Zhimu. You two get some rest.”
“Thank you, Elder Luying,” Chen Ji said.
Luying smiled faintly and closed the door behind him. Chen Ji looked at Liu Jingyun, who was still sitting like a statue, and patted the empty spot beside him. “Lie down and rest for a bit.”
“A-Ji,” Liu Jingyun said.
“What is it?”
Liu Jingyun hesitated before eventually lying down beside Chen Ji. Perhaps the pain had drained too much of Chen Ji’s energy; once his nerves relaxed, weariness washed over him. At that moment, a large hand grasped his.
Chen Ji was startled and reflexively tried to pull away.
“A-Ji, do not pull away,” Liu Jingyun said softly. His voice held a hint of sadness.
“What is wrong?” Chen Ji asked.
“Just stay like this,” Liu Jingyun paused. “Only then can I feel at ease.”