Chapter Text
Hours later, they set sail under cover of night without incident. The sea was calm, the night sky clear, displaying countless stars as the ship glided smoothly across the water. Mu Chunfeng invited them to dinner with him after they settled into their cabins. Since they had recruited many crew members for snake hunting before their arrival, Mu Chunfeng apologized for having to share them. Because Wuxin insisted on sharing a cabin with Xiao Se, Tang Lian ended up with Lei Wujie.
After settling their belongings, they all went to Mu Chunfeng's private dining room and sat down as a variety of food and drinks were served. Xiao Se noticed that an extra seat had been placed for him and knew it wasn't a mistake, as the young man, despite his apparent calmness, was actually quite meticulous.
"Ah, I hope the accommodations have been at least satisfactory, as we don't have enough private cabins, with a few exceptions, like myself, of course. However, the cabins were designed to be comfortable and nice, even if they have two beds. If I had known you all before, I wouldn't have hired so many people to catch snakes. It's a dangerous job, but well-paid, so many wanted it. I hope you understand." Mu Chunfeng offered his sincerest apologies, unnecessary for their small group, as they had been traveling for months, thanks to Lei Wujie's tendency to lead them astray with his terrible sense of direction, and had to sleep in cold, abandoned, or dirty places.
"We've been traveling on foot most of the time, so we don't need luxurious accommodations. A clean place is more than enough. There's no need to apologize." Xiao Se made it clear to Mu Chunfeng, that they appreciated the accommodations for resting, although the company was another matter entirely.
Xiao Se even felt a pang of pity for Tang Lian, knowing that Lei Wujie could tire him out with his endless chatter, as he often did during their travels. It was sometimes quite exhausting, but also a way to pass the time when the rest had nothing more interesting to talk about.
"I see, you are true adventurers. I'm so glad to have met so many kindred spirits. I assure you it's a real pleasure to have you as companions on this ship, on our long sea voyage," said Mu Chunfeng, nodding respectfully and offering them wine.
"We can say the honor is all ours, but do we expect other hunter to join us? I see there is still an empty seat," asked Xiao Se, as Lei Wujin glanced for the first time at the empty space next to Mu Chunfeng. Their host smiled as he watched Xiao Se.
"You're very observant, as expected. Yes, someone else will be joining us soon. Let me tell you, I think she'll be a great addition to the group. A beautiful and very talented woman whom I had the pleasure of meeting a few days ago, shortly after meeting you all. The world sure is full of wonders. Well, actually, there were two, but the other one isn't feeling quite well. Nothing serious that a good rest can't cure," the young man explained, and everyone exchanged suspicious glances, already picturing someone who, coincidentally, fit that description.
"It can't be her, can it?" Lei Wujie asked Tang Lian quietly.
"It's quite possible. She's always been impulsive and difficult to convince once she gets something into her head," Tang Lian admitted.
"Xiao Se, it seems you have someone else as devoted as me. Should I be worried about an aggressive young lady, who has her eyes set on you? She didn't like me, carrying you to bed last time. Oh, how much karma is a young monk like me, destined to have before his merits can change things in his favor?" Wuxin joked, addressing Xiao Se in a low tone that only he could hear, as they were sitting close together.
"Nonsense. What's so lady like, about her? And you're no longer a monk, nor are you defenseless in any way. What's there to worry about? Besides, you know perfectly well that you shouldn't pretend to see something that will never be there to begin with." Muttered Xiao Se, and Wuxin smiled maliciously, as his jealousy act fell apart. Then another person show up, glaring daggers at all of them, as expected.
"Indeed, it's her..." Sighed Lei Wujie, as Qianluo sat down between Xiao Se and Mu Chunfeng.
"Ah, so you really thought I'd be fooled so easily? I know how much of a liar Xiao Se can be. Unfortunately for him, now that I'm here, there's no going back. Or do you want the eunuch to take you back, once in dry land?" Qianluo retorted. Xiao Se rubbed his forehead and closed his eyes in resignation.
"So you already know each other? I suppose adventurers cross paths often. But, to be honest, it's better this way, since now, I don't have to introduce you to Miss Qianluo. Though I must say, I'm curious to know how you all met." He gave them a deeper look, one that indicated it was time for a more serious conversation, in Xiao Se's calculating mind.
"We simply happened to be on the same long journey," Tang Lian tried to explain their connection, but, of course, a clever man like Mu Chunfeng wouldn't be fooled by it.
"Really? A Lei, a Tang, now a Sikong, not to mention a Xiao and even a Wuxin. All those surnames happen to be quite prestigious and powerful families in Beili. One in particular, it's rumored, belongs to someone who has been pursued by many, not too long ago, a monk of many talents." Mu Chunfeng looked at Wuxin, who sighed in spite of himself.
"I am merely a humble monk from the Hanshui Temple, destined to travel the world with my friends and help those in need. Those who chased after me in the past, sought only my enlightenment, but I share it only with those who deserve it. Of course, some didn't like that. It's a pity they were so aggressive when I am so compassionate," Wuxin said calmly. Xiao Se nearly rolled his eyes, while Lei Wujie smiled, amused by how Wuxin could tell the truth and lie at the same time. Mu Chunfeng was impressed too.
"I see that you are indeed very talented, and I suppose that enlightenment is just another way of referring to what others were looking for in you. Then, what about the rest of your group? I'm curious to know about them as well. Miss Sikong Qianluo, for example, who earlier claimed that you lied to her—isn't she the daughter of the Third City Lord of Xueyue City, Sikong Changfeng? It's well known that he's a Spear Deity and that he had a daughter who inherited his traits, also skilled in spearmanship." He looked at Qianluo, who returned his gaze with pride.
"That's right. I am his daughter," she admitted.
"Then, if you are from Xueyue City, I suppose that Mr Tang Mohe, is none other than Tang Lian, the senior martial brother there, the only disciple of the First City Lord, the Liquor Deity, Baili Dongjun. Am I correct as well?" he asked, though from his reaction, he knew he was right.
"You know a lot, for someone who spends most of his time sailing in search of snakes," Tang Lian pointed, and Mu Chunfeng smiled, quite pleased.
"A merchant needs to know many things to succeed and survive in a political and martial world. Besides, I never imagined I'd meet so many famous figures on my travels. Not many martial experts are interested in the sea, so I'm thrilled that our paths crossed," Mu Chunfeng confessed sincerely.
"And me? Do you recognize me? I'm starting to become famous too," Lei Wujie asked eagerly, fervently wishing his name would become known. It was still his greatest dream.
"Of course I know who you are. Most martial arts experts in Xueyue City are well-known, even if you're not that famous yet, but that only increases my curiosity. They say your master is of unparalleled beauty..."
"Ah, so you know that too?! Incredible! So, you do know who I am." Lei Wujie exclaimed, almost in ecstasy at finally being recognized.
"Yes. You are probably..." He paused.
"Tell us, tell us..." Lei Wujie encouraged him cheerfully.
"Very well, you're none other than Luo Mingxuan!" Mu Chunfeng exclaimed with a certainty that only made Lei Wujie's heart sink, while the others smiled mockingly, tempted to laughed it off.
"Good heavens, you're all wrong! I'm not that gambling addict! I'm Lei Wujie! Lei Wujie! From the Lei Fortress, and my Master is Li Hanyi! One of the Five Sword Deities and Second City Lord of Xueyue City!" Lei Wujie sulked, but Mu Chunfeng forgot everything upon hearing Li Hanyi's name.
"Are you serious? Your master is Li Hanyi?! Are you telling the truth? I didn't know she had an apprentice!" Mu Chunfeng asked, further irritating Lei Wujie, who snorted and crossed his arms in exasperation.
"Amitabha... the heavens haven't smiled on this honest child yet, but don't worry, your time to shine will come. I'll pray that your wish is granted as soon as possible," Wuxin said with a mocking smile.
"What do you mean, 'I'm a child'? You're even younger than me, Wuxin. Perhaps you should pray to the heavens with more fervor or sincerity," Lei Wujie sulked even more, and this time Xiao Se decided to intervene before the two could start another argument.
"Enough. Mu Chunfeng, you have proven to be a very smart young man, and surely realize that it's unwise to meddle in other people's personal affairs. As you said before, a merchant must know when to pry and when to stop. With such renowned experts from the Xueyue City, it's best if you see us, only as snake hunters, just as you intended." Xiao Se warned him, but the young man didn't cower to his words.
"I can imagine why you were in Xueyue City and why you had such company on such a long journey."
"Do you? How come? I'm not a martial arts expert, much less someone famous," Xiao Se said as he doubt him.
"You're right, of course. Xiao Se, isn't a name whispered with admiration on every street corner. But the Third City Lord, is known as one of the best healers, a disciple of the Medicine King. Therefore, it doesn't seem unreasonable to think you came to him for treatment. Many have done so before you, but for some reason, he couldn't cure you. I have such guess, because I must confess that as soon as I saw you, I knew you were dying." At that certainty, everyone tensed up. Wuxin even dared to place a hand on Xiao Se's thigh, perhaps asking permission to intervene if necessary, which Xiao Se refused, writing the character of calm down on Wuxin's warm skin.
"Why are you so sure? I may look ill, but didn't you say someone else was also unwell? That doesn't mean I'm doomed to die right away," Xiao Se said calmly, reassuring the other somewhat, though they remained ready to act at any moment to protect him.
"I might not seem like it, being a merchant and all, but I was raised studying medicine. That's precisely why I was entrusted with curing my brother's illness, so I know what I'm seeing," Mu Chunfeng stated earnestly, and Xiao Se felt Wuxin's gentle pressure on his thigh, a reassuring gesture that relaxed him.
"So, if you see so much, I suppose you also know why we've decided to travel by sea, even in my delicate condition."
"Yes, there has always been the legend of an immortal who lives on an secluded island, a deity capable of granting salvation. To be honest, I doubt that legend is real, and I'm no prodigy, but I trust in my healing abilities. Perhaps you don't need to risk your lives searching for a legend, and have your savior right in front of you. As you know, the Mu family is very wealthy, and they've entrusted me with many rare books that can't be found anywhere else." The young man spoke with such certainty that Xiao Se wondered if he could truly accomplish what had seemed impossible until then.
"Xiao Se... can he really cure you?" Lei Wujie asked hopefully. Everyone knew his condition was delicate and that the remedies they had applied were only temporary, not a permanent cure. They barely gave him time to find another solution or a miracle.
"Xiao Se, I can keep you stable for now, but if he truly knows how to help you better than I can, please give him a chance. You know I'm good at reading people. I'm sure he won't hurt you," Wuxin said gently, and Xiao Se loved how reassuring the words were, how they expressed his concern, that the Qi transfer alone or the pills for when he succumbed to the fiver, wouldn't be enough. That he preferred to cling to something stronger that could keep him alive for longer.
"Okay. If you want to try it, I'm willing," Xiao Se agreed. After dinner, Mu Chunfeng escorted him to his room, and while Wuxin waited outside, he checked on him.
"How is it?" Xiao Se asked once the young man had finished his preliminary examination.
"From what I can see, you were in good hands, with someone much more talented than me. May I ask who treated you before?"
"She is the last apprentice of the Medicine King and his heir. Her name is Hua Jin, from Medicine Valley. She is also known as the Divine Healer."
"So she was the heir of Medicine Valley. It's no surprise that she prolonged your life in such an ingenious way. I... realize that I still lack knowledge in medicine. Perhaps that's why I can only attempt unusual methods to cure my brother's illness. I know we've only just met, but if I free you from snake hunting and find that island for you, will you promise me something in return?"
"If it's within my power to grant it, yes."
"Good, I won't ask for much. Just that if you see her again, please recommend me. I would like to study under her tutelage. I have always admired the people of Medicine Valley. If I can study with her, that will be enough for me to do my best for your group, and I will consider the favor pay in full."
"There's a good chance I'll run into her again, so I have no problem recommending you. But whether she accepts you or not is her decision, not mine."
"Of course, the recommendation is enough for me. If I don't meet her expectations, it will be due to my own lack of luck and talent," Mu Chunfeng admitted, and after politely bowing to him, he left the room as Wuxin entered.
"You hear it, right? No one can do it better than her, so we should continue as before. I'm sorry, Wuxin..." Xiao Se whispered as Wuxin sat down beside him and pulled him close.
"You don't have to apologize. It's already a miracle, I still have you like this. Her medicine and your strong will to live, gave me the chance to be by your side when you needed me most. As I rushed to the Lei Fortress, I was afraid I'd be too late..."
"You arrived just in time. I owe you my life for that."
"So how will you repay me?" Xiao Se was about to laugh, but only smiled.
"What a wicked, perverted monk..."
"You said it yourself, I'm not a monk anymore."
"So what kind of payment do you have in mind?"
"Do I have to say it out loud?"
"I suppose not... it's obvious what you have in mind..."
"You're so clever..." Xiao Se smiled again before kissing Wuxin until they were both breathless, and then kissing him again and again, their bodies lying side by side on the bed, no candles lit, with only the gentle ocean waves rocking the boat.
They kissed with passion, with love and desperation, and only when Xiao Se felt his eyes closing in more than just ecstasy of desire, did they break the kissing frenzy and rest for what was left of the night in each other's arms.
AN: Hey, I'm back! Happy Halloween to those who celebrate it tonight. The picture bellow is a gift for the long wait I made on a AI kissing video. The original picture is the new cover of the story. Sadly I can't upload the full kiss video. Don't ask me what Wuxin had in his hand, for some reason, the AI thought it was amusing to hold that thing, instead of his neck, not my fault. 😂 Thanks for reading.
