Since the recent theft of the Spirit Accumulation Stone, a new layer of barrier had been reinforced around the Chenxi Pavilion. It was invisible from a distance; only by touching it could one perceive the faint blue glow of that additional protection.
Jiang Xu remembered what 001 had just said, but his curiosity was piqued. Moreover, the sky hadn’t completely darkened yet; a lingering trace of twilight remained, so it couldn’t quite be considered nighttime.
Despite this, he had still crept over stealthily. Currently, he was hiding behind a tree not far away, observing the Chenxi Pavilion.
The wind chimes on the tall, exquisite building jingled softly. Two disciples stood guard within the barrier, their expressions solemn as they gripped the swords at their waists and stared straight ahead. It appeared they were being extremely cautious.
Jiang Xu rubbed his chin. It seemed getting inside wouldn’t be easy. Originally, he had wanted to enter the pavilion to see if he could find any clues he might have missed last time. But looking at it now—between the reinforced barrier and the fact that he couldn’t beat a single one of these disciples in a fight—he wouldn’t be able to get in unless someone brought him.
Then again, maybe it really wasn’t Chu Weiling who stole it? Although he had indeed run into him that night and the man’s behavior and attire were slightly odd, the Sect Leader had sent people to search the mountain for days. They certainly wouldn’t have skipped the disciples’ quarters. If Chu Weiling had stolen it, the Spirit Accumulation Stone couldn’t have been hidden so easily.
After thinking it over, he stepped out from behind the tree, brushed off the hem of his robe, and decided that perhaps he should go share his suspicions with his Master. Besides, since 001 had suggested it, it meant Wen Hexue was trustworthy.
Nodding to himself, Jiang Xu headed toward the Moonlight Pavilion.
The pavilion was as quiet as ever, but Jiang Xu’s state of mind was quite different from his last visit. He stepped casually onto the bluestone path and headed for the door.
A light was burning inside. Standing outside the door, he stared at it for a long while. A strange sense of warmth suddenly welled up in his heart; that warm yellow glow felt as if it were waiting specifically for his arrival.
Jiang Xu shook his head, kicking the unrealistic thought out of his brain. He muttered to himself, “Could it be that I’ve been here so long I’m starting to get homesick?”
He shook his head again to stop the stray thoughts and knocked. This time, after only three knocks, a cool, clear voice spoke from within.
Hearing the “Enter,” Jiang Xu gently pushed open the door. The same elegant, light fragrance lingered at the tip of his nose. Upon smelling it, he felt much more at ease for some reason and continued further inside.
Wen Hexue was sitting at the same desk as before, holding a book. He looked down at it, his long eyelashes casting faint shadows like raven feathers against his snow-pale face. His cold, clear features seemed to soften slightly in the glow of the lamp, appearing uncharacteristically gentle.
Jiang Xu took a few steps forward. Wen Hexue didn’t look up, almost as if he had expected him to come.
It was then that Jiang Xu noticed that, besides the faint fragrance, there was also the sweet scent of food in the room. He hadn’t eaten before coming, and his stomach was already empty. Stimulated by the aroma, his stomach let out an ungraceful growl. His face flushed with embarrassment as he clutched his disobedient stomach and looked at the man at the desk.
The man turned another page of his book before slowly raising his eyes. However, his eyes held a hint of a smile, and the corners of his lips curved slightly. He caught a seemingly casual glimpse of Jiang Xu’s stomach, gave a slight nod, and said, “Come here.”
Blushing, Jiang Xu walked over and sat down awkwardly. Wen Hexue put down his book and said, “Wait a moment,” before standing up and leaving.
A short while later, Wen Hexue returned carrying a sandalwood tray. On the tray was a small white porcelain bowl alongside a plate of dim sum, which had a beautiful pale green hue.
With a slight flick of his fingers, the other items on the desk were pushed into a pile to one side, clearing a large space. He set the tray down, lowered his gaze, and opened the lid of the small bowl. His long index finger held a translucent porcelain spoon, stirring the contents gently before placing the spoon on Jiang Xu’s side. He said softly, “Eat.”
Jiang Xu had been frozen since the moment Wen Hexue walked out with the tray. Seeing him open the lid personally made him feel even more overwhelmed by the favor. In disbelief, his eyelashes fluttered as he looked up at Wen Hexue. “…Master, is this… definitely for me to eat?”
Wen Hexue’s hand, which was about to pick up his book again, paused and changed direction, lightly flicking Jiang Xu’s forehead. The gesture carried no force at all; it felt more like a gentle tap, leaving behind only a trace of cool temperature.
“Is there anyone else here?”
Jiang Xu was dazed for a moment. He stiffly turned his head to look around before stammering, “Just… just Master and me.”
Wen Hexue laughed again. He reached out to feel the outer wall of the bowl and said seriously, “I warmed it for a long while; the temperature should be just right.”
“Oh, oh, okay.”
Seeing his Master smile so many times in one night was too much; Jiang Xu hadn’t recovered from the sight yet. In a daze, he reached out his own hand, but ended up grabbing Wen Hexue’s index finger. He felt it for a moment before saying with a silly smile, “Master, why are your fingers always cold?”
He asked simply out of genuine curiosity, but he saw Wen Hexue’s expression freeze. When Wen Hexue abruptly withdrew his finger, Jiang Xu thought he was angry. Realizing his behavior was indeed disrespectful for a common disciple, he quickly pulled his hand back and clasped them together, apologizing obediently, “I’m sorry, Master! I just… it was just a reflex…”
Wen Hexue saw the panicked look on his face. He squeezed the finger that had just been touched; his hand was actually trembling slightly. He pursed his lips, his face returning to its usual expression. “Do not be afraid. I was merely startled by you just now.” The hand hidden under the desk gripped the hem of his robe tightly. A moment later, he reached out from under the desk and tapped Jiang Xu’s forehead again as a gesture of comfort. “My spiritual root is of the cold attribute. After practicing for a long time, my constitution naturally changed.”
Jiang Xu had thought he was angry, but seeing his gentle expression and normal tone, he breathed a sigh of relief. He chuckled, “So that’s it.” His stomach growled again. He rubbed it sheepishly and looked at his Master with an innocent gaze. “Master, it’s not that I’m being rude; it’s my stomach. It’s too hungry.”
Wen Hexue gave a light laugh and picked up his book. “Then eat.”
He really was hungry. Now that there was food, he didn’t care much for etiquette. He picked up the spoon and scooped a mouthful of porridge, only to find it was his favorite—millet and sweet potato porridge. His eyes lit up instantly. He was about to ask about it when he saw Wen Hexue focused on his book, so he swallowed his words and quietly lowered his head to eat.
“Do you have something to ask?”
Jiang Xu paused. Noticing Wen Hexue’s gaze, he smiled. “No, nothing. Master, you’re busy reading; I won’t disturb you.”
Wen Hexue looked down at him and actually set the book aside. He looked at Jiang Xu and said, “I am not reading now. You may speak.”
Was Master always this gentle? Jiang Xu was so moved he could almost cry. He licked his lips, scooped another spoonful of the golden millet porridge, and said with a grin, “Master, do you like this porridge too?”
Wen Hexue narrowed his eyes, his gaze sweeping over Jiang Xu’s lips seemingly unintentionally. He then said, “I do not.” He pulled a snow-white handkerchief from his sleeve and placed it by Jiang Xu’s hand, continuing, “It was the preference of an old friend.”
“An old friend?” Jiang Xu touched the handkerchief, thanked him, and said, “Your old friend’s tastes are similar to mine. I love this porridge too!”
Wen Hexue smiled slightly and looked at the plate of dim sum. “Try the pastries.”
Jiang Xu nodded quickly and took a piece. The pastry was soft and chewy; with one bite, a fresh, sweet fruit flavor danced on his tongue. His eyes widened in surprise. He finished the whole piece in two or three bites, his cheeks stuffed full and bulging into round arcs. “Delicious!” He took another sip of porridge, swallowed, and asked, “Is this also something your old friend liked to eat?” He smilingly picked up another piece. “This old friend and I must be fated; our tastes are so similar!”
He was eating too fast, and the pastry was delicate, so a few crumbs fell near his mouth. Overcome by hunger, he didn’t notice at all and just kept eating. Seeing him eat so happily, Wen Hexue couldn’t help but smile as well. “That old friend of mine is indeed very similar to you.” As he spoke, he used his hand to gently brush away the crumbs from Jiang Xu’s lips. He didn’t notice that the person eating had suddenly stiffened. He continued, “The eating manner is similar too.”
Caught off guard by the touch, Jiang Xu’s face turned completely red. He blinked awkwardly. “…Thank you, Master.”
He was certain he used to be a very “straight” guy. In the past, if a man had done that to him, he would have punched them. But this was Wen Hexue—someone whose face alone could make a man lose all defenses, not to mention how gentle his movements were. Jiang Xu had never even been that gentle to himself!
His face felt hot, but he couldn’t stop eating. While he continued his meal, he thought to himself that the rumors among the disciples about Master being an “ice beauty” must be total nonsense. Master was clearly very tender!
However, Master kept mentioning that “old friend,” and from his tone, it sounded like they had a good relationship. Who was this person?
He thought for a moment and asked directly, “Master, what kind of person was that old friend of yours?”
Wen Hexue looked at him, his dark eyes appearing unfathomable. “Probably… the only one of his kind in this world.”
“Are you saying he had a lot of personality?” Jiang Xu propped up his face curiously. “So, was your relationship with him very good?”
This time, Wen Hexue hesitated. His eyes dimmed for a moment before he said, “Not good.”
“Not good?” Jiang Xu blinked in confusion. “But Master seems to know him so well. Only people with a good relationship are like that.”
Just then, a breeze blew through the gap in the wooden window. It carried the petals of the flourishing peach tree from outside. Some fell beneath the window, while a few fluttered over with the wind, carrying a lingering fragrance.
Wen Hexue reached out and caught a peach petal. “He liked peach blossoms, but I did not plant them in time.” He removed the petal and placed it between the pages of his book, his long lashes drooping. “I fear he is angry with me.”
“How could he be!” Jiang Xu looked at Wen Hexue’s profile and, for some reason, sensed a hint of loneliness. He felt a pang of heartache seeing him like this. He grabbed a piece of pastry from the plate, called out to his Master, and when Wen Hexue turned his head, Jiang Xu stuffed it into his mouth. “Master, don’t blame me! This pastry is so good; I had to make you try it!” After a pause, he added, “And besides, if that old friend saw that Master planted a peach tree for him just because of a single word of preference, he’d be overjoyed. How could he be angry?”
Wen Hexue stared at him blankly. After a long while, he took a bite of the pastry. Once he had swallowed it completely, he said, “I have tasted the pastry.”
Jiang Xu was stunned. “Huh?”
“This pastry, along with the porridge, was made by me just now.”
Jiang Xu blinked blankly, looking at the nearly empty plate of pastries and the bowl he had already finished. He opened his mouth. “…Master… you made them… personally?”
Wen Hexue smiled. Cold and dignified as he usually was, he now mimicked Jiang Xu’s posture, propping up his chin to lean closer, his tone gentle. “I made them.”
“…” Jiang Xu jerked back so hard he nearly fell to the floor. “Master, am I going to lose years off my life for this?”
Please, how many buffs did the author give Master? He looks like an immortal, yet his cooking is this good??
Amidst his shock, a knock suddenly sounded at the door. Jiang Xu turned his head and heard a familiar voice coming from outside.