Chapter 52: Hard to Speak

April 25th, 2023

When Fang Li woke up the next day, Xie Huai was already gone from his side.

But the sensation from last night of Xie Huai close to him still lingered faintly. Xie Huai had carefully safeguarded him, consuming spiritual energy to block out the pain for him and dissolve the effects of the medicine……

Fang Li suddenly felt a bit nostalgic for the System.

Although the System couldn’t come up with anything useful to say, at least it could listen to him talk……

The corners of Fang Li’s mouth pulled in a bitter smile.

If Xie Huai really did like him, then when had it started?

Thinking about it now, back then, Xie Huai hadn’t drawn out the poison for him in order to clear all debts between them, but because he liked him?

Or maybe, it was from even earlier?

Fang Li didn’t know.

To the point that he didn’t even know where he’d gone wrong. Was it just because he’d changed the plot?

Speaking truthfully, he wouldn’t even be as distressed as he was now if Xie Huai hated him and wanted to kill him. At most, he could just give Xie Huai this life of his, but if Xie Huai liked him, how was he to repay him?

Feelings were hard to repay.

Although Xie Huai really was a very exceptional person, and back then, Fang Li had felt enormous appreciation of and respect for him, no matter how good Xie Huai was, he was still a man!

Fang Li had never thought about being together with a man before.

He’d even once fantasized that if he really had the chance to live again, he only wanted to be together with his family and live out a common, ordinary life. If he were to meet a wife of one heart and mind as him, he could also have a few kids and spend his days with only the necessities.

Fang Li took a deep breath and, carrying the heavy emotions of someone entering the execution grounds, pushed open the door and walked out.

Xie Huai had already prepared the table with dishes. He said blandly, “You’re awake.”

Although Xie Huai’s cool face had his usual aloof expression, Fang Li was unusually nervous today.

The meal passed in an exceptionally dead silence.

Fang Li didn’t even have the heart to play the fool, his acting completely half-hearted. He didn’t know how to face Xie Huai.

But before he’d even finished his meal,

The effects of the Dragon-Bone Body Forging Pill started again. This time, the bones in his entire body felt like they were being smashed by rocks, the bone-piercing pain making him tremble faintly. Right at this time, Xie Huai had already grabbed hold of his hand.

The man’s voice was low and heavy. “Concentrate, brace yourself.”

Warm spiritual energy swept through his whole body, surging turbulently, causing much of the pain to dissipate in a split second. Moreover, it protected his insides, making it not so impossible to endure.

Fang Li’s lips were pressed tightly together, the expression in his eyes somewhat heavy.

Even for Xie Huai, sending him spiritual energy like this without a moment’s pause wasn’t a trivial burden.

…………………………

Nine days passed.

As expected, Xie Huai didn’t leave for even a moment.

If an average person were to use a godly pill like this, enduring the eighty-one rounds of body forging would be about as painful as having one’s skin flayed and bones smashed.

But under Xie Huai’s safeguard, Fang Li didn’t endure any of this. Not only did he completely absorb the Dragon-Bone Body Forging Pill’s effects, he even passed the time in relative relaxation. Although there was a bit of pain, it was all bearable.

Today was the last time.

Fang Li sat cross-legged on the bed.

Xie Huai was behind him, sending him spiritual energy to protect him.

Perhaps it was because it was the last round of body forging, but the pain this time was greater than any of the previous rounds. Fang Li’s entire body shook, his face deathly pale, and his clothes were soaked through with sweat. Every bone in his body felt like it was being crushed and then glued back together……

Xie Huai sensed his pain. His voice held a hint of fatigue, but he still consoled in a gentle voice, “Endure it for a little longer, it’ll be over very soon.”

Fang Li closed his eyes.

He forcefully shifted his thoughts away from the pain in his body. The little bits and pieces of his time ever since he’d met Xie Huai appeared in his mind……

The first time he’d seen Xie Huai was at Cloudbank Keep.

The white-robed man had been cold and aloof as a celestial, his white clothes soaked with blood. Although it had been the first time they’d met, Fang Li had instinctively thought…… he should be someone who was easy to get along with.

Later, they’d been together day and night.

As expected, Xie Huai was just as described in the book, a perfect and flawless person of honor and integrity. Even though Fang Li had clearly done so many excessive things, Xie Huai had still repaid evil with good and had saved him from the nightmare.

Actually, Xie Huai had helped him a lot……

Even though they stood on different sides, Xie Huai had never done a single thing that went against his morality. He had a heart that wanted to protect the people of the world, and he also had his forgiveness and tenderness.

So later, Fang Li had thought, he absolutely had to complete the mission and let this world remain……

Regardless of what else, the two of them still counted as brothers-in-arms who had faced life and death together, right?

He already owed Xie Huai so much. Did he have to break his heart, too?

Fang Li truly couldn’t carry through with such a thing……

His heart was tangled in endless conflict……

Just when he didn’t know what to do, a lightbulb flickered in his mind. He thought of Xie Huai as a brother who’d faced life and death with him, so why couldn’t Xie Huai be the same?

Xie Huai was such a sharp, perceptive person. How would Xie Huai not be able to tell that he didn’t have the intent to harm anyone and to see through his true intentions…… He had probably been able to sense all of this, right?

Yet he’d thought Xie Huai had only seen what was on the surface, believing all on his own that Xie Huai hated him. He’d really thought too little of Xie Huai.

He’d taken him for the masses who repeated whatever was said to them.

Looking at it from a different perspective.

If his own brother who he’d faced life and death with was poisoned, he would definitely also think of a way to help him cure the poison.

If his own brother who he’d faced life and death with wanted to seek death, he would definitely also try to think of ways to stop him.

And also……

If his own brother became ill and landed in dire straights, would he really sit around and do nothing?

Regardless of whether it was before or now, Xie Huai had never said that he liked him, nor had he done anything that crossed the line. Even when drawing out the poison, he hadn’t touched him, and when treating his illness, he’d adhered strictly to propriety. Xie Huai had such an upright character……

Appraising Xie Huai’s intentions in such a way, he was really looking down on Xie Huai!

That’s right, as long as Xie Huai didn’t personally speak up, he would just take it as fraternal love.

They could still be friends.

It was natural for good brothers to help each other. If some other day, Xie Huai were to encounter hardship, he would also risk life and limb and go through hell and high water for Xie Huai’s sake!

But……

Fang Li’s brow creased faintly.

If Xie Huai also saw him as a brother, yet he’d ignored Xie Huai’s will and had forced him to kill him, then how big of a blow had that been to Xie Huai? No wonder he’d become like this, his emotions unstable and his thoughts unfathomable……

At this thought, Fang Li felt unbearably guilty. If the one to be treated like this were himself, when he caught the person responsible, even giving them a beating wouldn’t be enough. He’d at least have to give them three beatings, until they couldn’t even get out of bed! To think that Xie Huai hadn’t blamed him and was even putting so much effort into helping him treat his illness. What a magnanimous heart, he was practically emitting a holy glow. It made Fang Li endlessly ashamed and full of guilt.

The most important thing was……

Xie Huai didn’t even know that he wouldn’t die. He’d thought he’d really died…..

The last round of the body forging pill’s effects finally passed.

Xie Huai stood up from behind him, his voice somewhat hoarse and weary, and said slowly, “Get some rest.”

Having said that, he left.

Fang Li watched Xie Huai’s back as he departed and let out a gloomy sigh.

He’d done such outrageous things, and Xie Huai was still returning his evil with good. But as for himself…… how was he to face Xie Huai!

………………

Fang Li thought he had to properly calm down. Luckily, the body forging process was already complete, and he didn’t need to stay with Xie Huai night and day. Fang Li sat in the courtyard in a trance. Because his mind was wandering, with a crack…… he accidentally crushed the stone in his hand into pieces……

Oho.

Although he hadn’t yet formally started to cultivate again, the effects of the body forging were already astounding. Fang Li suddenly recalled how back then, he’d sealed Xie Huai’s cultivation and placed him in his rear court. At the time, Xie Huai had still been completely ruthless, and faced with Shui Yao’s provocation, he’d single-handedly snapped Shui Yao’s wrist……

Cough.

As expected, it looked like Xie Huai wasn’t just a sword cultivator, but a sword cultivator who’d forged his body.

Life on the ridge was extremely bland.

Staying alone with Xie Huai every day, Fang Li felt tremendous pressure.

It was precisely during this time that Hollow Ridge finally welcomed a long-absent guest—Fu Junling.

The green-robed man held a folding fan in his hand, looking scholarly and refined, his demeanor elegant and breezy. He’d come looking for Xie Huai, but at first glance, he saw Fang Li, who was sitting in the courtyard sunning himself, and Fu Junling couldn’t help but stand there blankly.

There was actually someone else here on Hollow Ridge?

Fu Junling’s eyes wavered in bewilderment as he looked at Fang Li.

Fang Li sat there lazily. He was a fool right now. Not needing to waste his time dealing with other people was actually a plus.

But why had Fu Junling come here? Was he here to visit Xie Huai?

As the only friend of Xie Huai’s with a name in the book, coming over to visit his friend who was living alone wasn’t out of the question.

Fang Li suddenly felt a little rueful.

Hollow Ridge’s desolate loneliness truly worried him. When he thought about how after being forced to kill him, Xie Huai was living here all alone, Fang Li couldn’t stop blaming himself…… But Fu Junling’s appearance meant that Xie Huai still had friends. At a time like this, how important was it to have a friend who would come to your door and show concern for you……

Seeing Fang Li sitting there and looking at him without speaking, only revealing a strange smile, Fu Junling’s heart pounded a little. Just who was he……

In these years, other than the few people who had pretty good relationships with Xie Huai, and the people from his sect, no one else could even get onto the ridge, forget living here.

Although this young man had a set of good looks, it looked like he was only a mortal. Why was Xie Huai keeping someone like this here?

Fu Junling’s heart was full of doubts. He was just about to step forward and ask when Xie Huai came over from the side.

Xie Huai walked straight over to stand in front of Fang Li, blocking him from Fu Junling’s probing gaze, his brow furrowing slightly. “What did you come here for?”

Fu Junling sighed. “If I don’t have any business, I can’t come here to visit you?”

Xie Huai looked at him impassively.

Under his gaze, Fu Junling’s expression froze slightly. After a moment, he said, “I came to invite you to attend the Ascension Conference.”

Fang Li began to contemplate.

He knew about the Ascension Conference that was held every ten years. It was one of the grandest occasions of this world, and the five great sects…… now the four great sects, would collaborate to organize this convention. Anyone in the world could participate, regardless of age, gender, cultivation level, etc. As long as one caught the eye of one of the four great sects during the Ascension Conference, they would have a chance to enter the four great sects.

One had to know, the bar for getting into the four great sects was extremely high.

Unless one was favored by the gods, there was no way to enter, and usually, there were all kinds of trials to being selected. Without exceptional innate talent or being born into an influential family, ordinary people could only look on in awe.

But at the Ascension Conference, there were no restrictions at all.

It was like giving the whole world a chance to take the college entrance exams on an equal playing field. Ordinary cultivators also had the chance to leap to the skies in a single bound, so every Ascension Conference, participants came in swarms.

This was precisely the so-called “rags to riches.”

If one could stand out at the Ascension Conference, even if one couldn’t enter the four great sects, there was still the possibility of catching the eye of another big cultivation sect. Who wouldn’t want to go all out?

Fu Junling smiled and said to Xie Huai, “Look, you haven’t come outside in so long. Why don’t you go out and get a change of pace? You don’t need to do anything, all you have to do is show your face.”

Although the demon lord had been dead for nine years, the shadow of the demonic calamity still hadn’t completely dispersed. The leaders of the four great cultivation sects’ meaning was that they hoped Xie Huai would participate in this time’s Ascension Conference. Even if he only sat there and didn’t do a thing, it would still have raise everyone’s spirits.

After all, Xie Huai was the number one in the world right now. He was the one who’d killed the devil with his own hands and returned peace to the world.

He truly was the idol of this world!

For this year’s Ascension Conference, it just so happened to be Black Star Tower’s turn to hold the conference. Thus, Fu Junling had come to personally pay a visit and invite Xie Huai to oversee the conference.

Xie Huai glanced impassively at Fu Junling. How could he not be clear on Fu Junling’s thoughts? But he had no interest in going there to be an ornament and refused cooly. “I don’t have time.”

You don’t have time?

You’re the most idle person there is, okay?

Fu Junling refused to give up, asking, “Oh, what are you busy with these days?”

Xie Huai pointed at Fang Li, saying, “I have to treat his illness.”

Fang Li: “……”

Fu Junling: “……”

Fu Junling thought to himself, was this person ill? Was that true or fake? He hesitated for a moment, then asked, “What illness does he have?”

Judging from his appearance, he looked healthy as could be, and there were even shattered pieces of rock on the ground. Clearly, he’d been born with godly strength.

Xie Huai said slowly, “Insanity.”

Fang Li: “……”

Fang Li cooperatively gave Fu Junling a pure and simple smile.

Fu Junling: “……”

Fu Junling took a deep breath and said, “This illness is probably impossible to cure, isn’t it?”

Xie Huai said blandly, “That’s why I have no time.”

Fu Junling’s teeth started to hurt.

The sect master had implored him over and over again to invite Xie Huai. If he were to go back without any results, it would be hard to explain. Fu Junling refused to give up just like this. His expression shifted, and he waved his fan, saying, “I know a thing or two about medicine. Maybe I can cure him, let me help you take a look.”

Xie Huai frowned. “No need.”

Fang Li’s identity was rather sensitive. Just in case, it was still better if others didn’t know.

Fu Junling sighed to himself. Xie Huai was still impossible to persuade, but before he’d come, he’d anticipated that this trip wouldn’t go very smoothly. Wanting to get rid of him just like that was impossible.

Fu Junling smiled. “It’s no trouble. I’ve long heard that the scenery on Hollow Ridge is unique. I’ll just stay here for a little while, just take it as me enjoying the scenery.”

Xie Huai couldn’t be bothered to deal with him.

Whatever he wanted.

Sure enough, Fu Junling shamelessly started to live here.

Hollow Ridge was home to a block of ice and a fool. There was no one at all to pay attention to him, but he was completely content and didn’t take himself to be an outsider in the least.

Xie Huai wasn’t easy to get close to, but Fang Li, the little fool, was actually pretty cute.

Although he didn’t know who Fang Li was, Xie Huai paid so much attention to him. For Xie Huai to pay such close attention to someone……

If he were to coax Fang Li properly, perhaps Xie Huai would be willing to go?

Fu Junling brought delicious food for Fang Li every day.

Fang Li hadn’t thought that another person would show up to toss food at him, and he continued to act the fool with absolutely no qualms. Sigh, he would stop thinking about the tangled mess on Xie Huai’s side for the moment. Fu Junling’s appearance actually wasn’t bad. It alleviated the grave atmosphere quite a bit, allowing him to breathe a little easier.

At the very least, he didn’t need to stay alone with Xie Huai day after day!

Today, Fu Junling came again, bringing Fang Li some cake.

The young man ate slowly, a trace of a smile on his delicate features. He licked his lips, and when he narrowed his eyes, his posture was lazy and satiated, his bearing carefree and indifferent.

Looking at him like this, he didn’t actually look like a fool.

Only, when he spoke, his sentences couldn’t flow at all, and he had no more than an empty pretty face. It was rather a pity. Fu Junling felt sympathy for him. Today, he brought some toys to accompany Fang Li to play with.

Fu Juling took out some candy, pastries, spirit stones, spinning tops, rattle-drums, and so on, placing them on the ground, evenly spaced apart. Then, he took out a stack of golden rings and smiled as he coaxed Fang Li, “Whatever you can land a ring on is yours.”

Oh, he sure knew how to play.

Fang Li lifted an eyelid.

Even without considering those snacks and toys, even the sparkly spirit stones were sure to be liked by children.

Fang Li had actually been pretty bored recently. Although Xie Huai had taken care of him in every possible aspect, perhaps it was because he felt guilty inside, but he always felt not quite at ease when facing Xie Huai. On the other hand, when interacting with Fu Junling, he felt much more relaxed and content.

Fang Li smiled cheerfully as he accepted the golden rings and started throwing them.

He simply tossed them randomly. If they didn’t land on anything, it was fine.

Fu Junling was very familiar with entertaining children. After Fang Li played for a while, he scooted over and smiled at him, saying, “Let me have a try, too.”

Saying that, he also started tossing.

Fang Li was full of admiration. Who would’ve thought that the great and mighty Deputy Tower Master of Black Star Tower was so friendly and approachable? Although, when they’d met last time, this person had also been pretty gentle.

The two of them took turns tossing, and Fang Li found a bit of childish delight from his youth. The two of them played quite cheerfully.

Hollow Ridge even felt like it had a bit of human presence.

When Xie Huai came over, he just so happened to see this scene.

The young man’s eyes were faintly sparkling, a languid smile hanging off his eyes and brow. He stood together with Fu Junling, making for a comforting and harmonious image……

But Xie Huai suddenly thought it was somewhat harsh on the eyes.

When Fang Li was with himself, if he wasn’t dodgy and evasive, then he was careful and cautious……

But now, he was playing pretty happily with Fu Junling.

So you can get along well with anyone, yet you only face me in that way?

Xie Huai let out a cold laugh.

Fang Li was just in the middle of playing happily when a shadow suddenly fell upon him. The white-robed man had arrived behind him, his murky eyes watching him impassively. “I’ll try too.”

Fang Li felt a bit of shock inside. Was Xie Huai also going to play this?

That didn’t quite match Xie Huai’s character setting……

While Fang Li’s attention was still wandering, Xie Huai had already taken the golden rings from his hands……

Xie Huai’s fingertips held the golden rings, his expression impassive as he tossed the golden rings out.

As expected of the number one in the world.

Even when tossing rings, every toss was precise.

It smashed the candy, turning the candy into powder with a crash.

It smashed the spirit stones, turning the spirit stones into powder with a crash.

It smashed the spinning top, turning the spinning top into powder with a crash.

Fang Li let out a breath of cold air.

Fu Junling’s expression stiffened slightly. H-he, just how had he offended Xie Huai?

Xie Huai expressionlessly threw out all of the gold rings in his hands. At this point, the ground was a complete mess, and there was nothing left at all. Only then did the corners of his lips hook up leisurely, and he said blandly, “Apologies, I didn’t control my strength.”

Fang Li: “……”

Fu Junling: “……”

Xie Huai turned his head, looking at Fang Li profoundly, his voice slow yet low and hoarse. “There’s nothing left to play. It’s time to go back.”

Fang Li felt his scalp tingle a little, but under Xie Huai’s calm gaze, he still went back meekly into his room.

Xie Huai followed him inside, closing the door behind him.

Fang Li stood there resentfully. If you’re not going to play, then don’t play. How old are you, what are you taking your anger out on the toys for? Although he had a bellyful of complaints, seeing Xie Huai’s appearance, Fang Li didn’t dare voice them aloud, only revealing a silly smile.

Xie Huai’s gaze was fixed on his eyes, and the dissatisfaction in Fang Li’s eyes didn’t escape him. The corners of his lips hooked upwards teasingly, and he said blandly, “What, are you unhappy?”

Fang Li immediately shook his head.

But Xie Huai lifted his hand and rested it softly on Fang Li’s shoulder, suddenly saying, “If you really want to play, I can play with you.”

Fang Li: ?

He feigned ignorance as he said, “Play, play what……”

Xie Huai seemed to ponder for a moment, his cool, indifferent eyes watching Fang Li. After a second, he said, “Let’s play hide and seek.”

Fang Li thought to himself, what was so fun about that……

But before he could react, Xie Huai suddenly lowered his head and got close to him. A black silk ribbon appeared in his hand, and one hand held the back of Fang Li’s head steady as he slowly yet gently covered his eyes with the silk ribbon, tying a knot at the back of his head.

Fang Li’s field of vision suddenly became pitch-black. His heart quivered faintly, and he heard Xie Huai’s low, hoarse voice beside his ear, one word falling after the other. “Come catch me.”

The black silk ribbon was cool to the touch, causing Fang Li to feel a bit ill at ease. Everything before his eyes was black, and he couldn’t see anything at all. He could only feel Xie Huai’s breath, scorching and scaldingly hot……

The next moment, Xie Huai seemed to have left him.

There was only darkness and dead silence.

Fang Li’s entire body was stretched taut with nervousness. No way, was he really going to play hide and seek with Xie Huai?

He’d been playing with Fu Junling earlier, and now Xie Huai wanted to play with him. Xie Huai wasn’t jealous, was he? Was Xie Huai such a childish person? Are you a grade schooler?

Fang Li was completely speechless, but at this point, he could only grit his teeth and step forward.

He absolutely didn’t dare use his spiritual consciousness to probe for Xie Huai, but if he couldn’t use his consciousness to search, then he could only grope about blindly……

Luckily, he was familiar with this room.

Fang Li took a deep breath, raised his hands, and slowly inched forward……

It was far too still. It was clearly such a huge room, but he couldn’t even hear Xie Huai’s breathing. Fang Li staggered around in a circle, but he didn’t even manage to touch a corner of Xie Huai’s clothes.

This was a scam, wasn’t it?!

Fang Li thought, he just had to put on an act and that would be enough. It wasn’t like he really wanted to catch Xie Huai. Xie Huai was the great and mighty number one in the world. If he didn’t want to be caught, then how could Fang Li catch him?

He pretended to get impatient and was just about to rip off the silk ribbon on his eyes, but as soon as he raised a hand, he heard Xie Huai’s cool voice. “It looks like I’m not worthy of playing games with you.”

Fang Li: “……”

Fang Li immediately put his hand down.

He could only brace himself and keep on groping.

He pricked his ears, listening attentively. Suddenly, within the silence, there seemed to be a very, very soft noise…… Fang Ly abruptly turned and grabbed in that direction, catching ahold of the lapels of Xie Huai’s robes, but because his movement had been too abrupt, and he hadn’t steadied himself, he tumbled directly toward Xie Huai!

Xie Huai’s arm wrapped around his waist, protecting him, his entire body pressed underneath.

Fang Li’s breathing faltered for a moment.

Oh, thank goodness the bed was underneath, or else both of them would have fallen to the ground.

His hand was still pulling on Xie Huai’s clothes, his entire body leaning on top of him. Fang Li reflexively wanted to get up, but Xie Huai pressed him down, and Fang Li’s hand was also caught in his.

Thump, thump, thump.

The room was completely silent.

The only thing in his ear was the sound of Xie Huai’s heartbeat, steady and powerful, as if pounding on his heart over and over again.

After a long time, he heard Xie Huai make a tiny, tiny sound, like a sigh that had traveled over from long, long ago, covered in the dust of time. “You caught me.”

Fang Li trembled faintly.

His hand was being gripped firmly. Clearly, you’re the one who caught me.