"Don't call yourself a 'humble monk' in front of me anymore," Su Ran said, his chin raised in his usual commanding manner, even as he lay in bed. He spoke arrogantly, determined to reform this quiet, reserved monk. He wanted Ji Chun to admit his feelings openly and even kneel down to beg for his forgiveness!
"This..." Ji Chun was puzzled by the sudden demand. As a monk, wasn't it natural for him to refer to himself that way? He was about to refuse, but then he remembered the promise he had made earlier in the medicine shop: unless it was a serious matter, he would agree to Su Ran's requests to avoid upsetting him. Reluctantly, he changed his response. "Alright, then... I'll help Sect Leader Su sit up?"
"Hmph! Go ahead," Su Ran said, satisfied. He allowed Ji Chun to help him sit up and took the food. Thinking about his current state, he asked, "How long until this injury heals?"
"The doctor said you'll need to rest for another half a month," Ji Chun replied, setting down his bowl and chopsticks.
"Half a month?!" Su Ran glared at Ji Chun unhappily. "What about finding Di Mang? When can we start looking again?"
Ji Chun considered the question. He knew Su Ran was driven by ambition and would do anything to achieve his goals, even at the expense of his health or the child's well-being. After a moment, he said, "I don't think finding Di Mang is urgent right now. Many factions are already searching, and any news will spread quickly. When we hear something, we can go directly to the source. That way, we can avoid a long and exhausting journey. Besides, the longer we wait, the more... inconvenient your condition will become. Why don't we find a secluded place to stay and make plans after the child is born? Over the years, countless people have searched for Di Mang without success. The only clue we have points to the west, so there's no need to rush. We won't miss anything."
Su Ran listened to Ji Chun's reasoning and glanced down at his growing belly. He fell into deep thought. The monk's words made sense. Even if they traveled nonstop, there was no guarantee they'd find Di Mang. With so many factions actively searching, it would be wiser to wait for news to surface and then act. This way, he could recover in peace and avoid unnecessary risks. "So, what's your plan for the future?" Su Ran asked casually, taking a bite of rice.
"If you agree, I'll look for a suitable place for us to stay. Once your injuries heal, we'll move there," Ji Chun said, relieved that Su Ran seemed to be considering his suggestion. If Su Ran had insisted on searching for Di Mang immediately, Ji Chun would have been at a loss. Not only would Su Ran's health be at risk, but his identity as the leader of the Demonic Cult could also be exposed. Ji Chun hoped the search for Di Mang would drag on, giving them enough time to wait for the child's birth.
After lunch, Su Ran drank his medicine and fell into a deep sleep. Ji Chun went to the front of the shop to take over, allowing the elderly couple to rest. He stayed alone in the shop, watching over it during the hottest part of the day. Though he was exhausted, he forced himself to stay alert. As he sat there, he reflected on everything that had happened since they arrived in Tongcheng. He realized that something had shifted between him and Su Ran. Su Ran's place in his heart was more significant than he had ever imagined. Despite his efforts to rationalize it, he couldn't fully explain his feelings. Frustrated, he pushed the thoughts aside.
His mind then turned to Liuyun Manor. What had happened there last night was perhaps the most unbecoming thing he had ever done. As a monk, he shouldn't have interfered in others' family matters, let alone acted as an informant. Yet, he didn't regret it. After the incident at Liuyun Manor, he wasn't sure how Yun Mushang and Wenshi would handle the situation. The memory of their indulgence made him uncomfortable, but it was overshadowed by the image of Su Ran's battered body in the grove. Every time he recalled that scene, anger surged through him, making his hands tremble. A cold glint flashed in his eyes. If Liuyun Manor couldn't resolve the matter properly, he wouldn't hesitate to intervene.
Just as he was lost in thought, a man entered the shop. He was around thirty, dressed like a ruffian, and called out loudly, "Doctor, give me some golden wound medicine!"
Ji Chun, realizing the old doctor was resting, decided not to wake him. He remembered where the medicine was stored and quickly retrieved two bottles. Walking over, he said calmly, "Golden wound medicine. Five silver coins."
The man looked surprised to see Ji Chun. "Aren't you Ji Chun Dashi from Shaolin?" he asked.
Ji Chun was taken aback. He studied the man carefully but didn't recognize him. "I am Ji Chun. May I ask who you are?"
"My name is Lian Yijian. It's no surprise you don't remember me, Dashi I was at the banquet hosted by Ye Bang Zhu and saw you there. Huh? I remember you were with Xue Shenyi. Why are you alone in this pharmacy?" Lian Yijian asked, puzzled.
"Xue Shenyi had some matters to attend to, so we parted ways. If you see him, could you pass on a message? Ask him to come to Renhe Hall," Ji Chun said. He had been worried about how to find Mu Miefeng and Xue Yao, especially with Su Ran's condition. If they didn't locate them before the child was born, he wasn't sure what they would do. Now, meeting someone involved in the search for Di Mang, he saw an opportunity to gather information.
"Alright, I'll definitely remember this. When I get back, I'll tell my men to keep an eye out. Don't worry, Ji Chun Dashi!" Lian Yijian agreed immediately. Though he appeared generous and magnanimous, he had already calculated the benefits in his mind. Ji Chun was from Shaolin, a prestigious sect, while he was from a smaller, less influential group. If he ever needed Shaolin's help in the future, this favor would serve as a good connection.
"Sorry for the trouble, benefactor. Here's the golden wound medicine. Please take it. There's no need for payment—I'll cover the cost," Ji Chun said, handing over the medicine and refusing the silver Lian Yijian offered.
"How can you do that?! Dashi, you'll need the silver later. Here, I'll leave it on the table. I'll take my leave now!" Lian Yijian insisted, placing the silver on the table, bowing, and quickly exiting the shop.
Ji Chun had no choice but to accept the silver and place it on the cashier's table. About half an hour later, the old doctor returned from the backyard and thanked him with a smile. "Young Dashi, I'm truly sorry for troubling you."
"It's no trouble at all," Ji Chun replied respectfully. He then brought up the question that had been on his mind. "Excuse me, Doctor, is there a place nearby that's sparsely populated and suitable for the two of us to stay? I'm concerned that if ordinary people see us, it might cause trouble."
The old doctor understood Ji Chun's worries. He didn't want the young man inside to be exposed, especially given his delicate condition. Stroking his beard, the doctor thought for a moment before answering, "Over the hill in front of us, there's a small village. It's surrounded by mountains, so it's secluded and not easily accessible. The scenery is beautiful, but the poor transportation makes it inconvenient for most people. If you don't mind the difficulty of getting supplies, it's a peaceful place to stay."
Ji Chun was delighted. A secluded village surrounded by green hills and clear water was exactly what he had been hoping for. It felt as though fate had led him to this place. He nodded, clasped his hands together, and bowed deeply to the old doctor. "Thank you, Doctor. I'm very grateful. If there's ever anything I can do to help, please let me know."
"It's nothing," the old doctor said with a smile, waving his hand dismissively. "To be honest, I once treated two men who were seriously injured. They were a couple, much like you. At first, I was a bit uncomfortable with the idea, but after spending time with them, I realized there's no difference between men and women. As long as they're happy together, that's what matters. Life is too short to worry about what others think."
"I..." Ji Chun started to explain, but then hesitated. The child in Su Ran's belly was his own flesh and blood, and no explanation could change that. Moreover, a part of him didn't want to clarify the misunderstanding. Deep down, he felt an inexplicable connection to Su Ran, and he selfishly wanted the old doctor to continue seeing them as a couple.
"It's alright," the old doctor said, patting Ji Chun's shoulder. "As long as you stay true to yourself and live with a clear conscience, you have nothing to fear."
Ji Chun nodded, feeling a mix of gratitude and guilt. The old doctor, thinking Ji Chun was moved by his words, added, "Young Dashi, you didn't sleep last night. There's nothing urgent here. Go back and rest. There's only one guest room in the house, but if you're worried about disturbing the Young Master, you can rest in our room. A-Ying is probably cleaning up in the backyard now. Go ahead."
Ji Chun didn't want to intrude on the old couple's space. His thoughts were still on Su Ran's condition, so he simply nodded and said, "I'll go back now."
"Alright, go ahead," the old doctor said, waving him off before sitting back down to read his medical book.
Ji Chun walked into the backyard and saw the old woman washing clothes. Suddenly, he remembered that Su Ran had vomited blood the previous night, staining the quilt and his clothes. The mattress must have been soiled as well, and Su Ran was probably sleeping uncomfortably. How had he not noticed the smell of blood earlier? Feeling the remaining silver in his pocket, he decided to go out and buy new bedding and clothes for Su Ran. His belly was growing, and he'd need more comfortable clothing.
With this in mind, Ji Chun approached the old woman and asked softly, "I'm going out to buy some clothes. Is there anything you need?"
The old woman thought for a moment, then smiled and shook her head. "Thank you, but I don't need anything, Young Dashi. Go ahead."
Ji Chun nodded. "Then I'll take my leave." He returned to the shop to inform the old doctor before heading out.
This part of the city wasn't as bustling as the area near Liuyun Manor, but it was still lively. Ji Chun didn't want to linger, so he went straight to a clothing store and bought two sets of clothes for Su Ran. After asking for directions, he found a shop selling bedding and purchased a new mattress. Carrying his purchases, he made his way back to the shop.