Chapter 037 Senior Brother – “Why did he ever think Shi Jingge was so annoying?” (02/19)
Jiang Lingqing was a bit dumbfounded. But facing everyone’s gaze, he couldn’t afford to remain that way!
Gritting his teeth, Jiang Lingqing asked, “What do you mean by that, Senior Brother Shi?”
Shi Jingge fixed his gaze on Jiang Lingqing. Though his expression remained cold and stern, Jiang Lingqing somehow detected a hint of hurt and helplessness in Shi Jingge’s eyes. Instantly, a surge of indignation welled up within him.
“S–Senior Brother Shi?” Jiang Lingqing didn’t even realize how much softer his voice had become.
A bitter expression flickered across Shi Jingge’s face, a sigh that might have been there, or might not.
Jiang Lingqing suddenly felt a pang of discomfort.
When someone stronger than you showed weakness, it felt different than when someone weaker does. Under the same circumstances, the weak stirred your protective instincts and sense of justice. You wanted to shield them, keep them safe from harm.
But when a strong person bowed their head, it stirred a deep ache within you. Because you could neither help nor shield them, only that ache remained.
Like Jiang Lingqing at this moment.
Yet clearly, Jiang Lingqing hadn’t yet recognized this shift in his own mindset.
“On the way here, Brother Jiang advised me that since these juniors are disciples of my peak, it naturally falls to me to protect them. My attitude toward them is crucial. I must treat them with warmth and kindness.
“Though I’ve been strict in teaching them, they’re still young. Having caused such trouble, they must feel uneasy and ashamed. Brother Jiang hoped I could offer them comfort and encouragement, lest their state of mind be further affected.
“But I—” Shi Jingge paused, lowering his head. Though his expression remained unchanged, he radiated a palpable sense of loss and sorrow.
If he were a fluffy little creature, his ears and tail would surely droop, making him look pitiful and heartbreaking.
Jiang Lingqing couldn’t help but recall those two little squirrels he’d once seen.
After pushing their food out through the door, those squirrels had looked just like this—so dejected their ears drooped. In the end, Jiang Lingqing couldn’t resist and gave them some food.
Now, a similar urge welled up inside him: to offer Shi Jingge something, anything, to ease his sorrow.
Just as Jiang Lingqing was about to speak, Shi Jingge murmured, “I think… I failed. Sorry, Brother Jiang. You tried so hard to talk me through this, and I still…let you down.”
Shi Jingge spoke slowly and softly, his tone revealing very little. Yet his hands were tightly clasped together, his fingertips turning slightly white, a clear betrayal of his true emotions.
At that moment, Jiang Lingqing’s protective instincts nearly exploded. “How could that be?” Jiang Lingqing protested. “You’ve done very well!”
Shi Jingge lowered his gaze, saying nothing, as if withdrawing into himself.
Jiang Lingqing grew even more anxious, repeating his reassurances.
He–He–He wasn’t trying to comfort Shi Jingge!
He just wanted to make a good impression before the Disciplinary Elder! Exactly, that’s it!
To others observing this scene, it appeared rather peculiar.
The Disciplinary Elder felt a flicker of satisfaction witnessing Jiang Lingqing and Shi Jingge’s interaction. Over the years, Shi Jingge might have had his flaws, but at least he could listen to others’ opinions. Deep within, a glimmer of light still simmered.
Some things were hard for their older generation to broach, but peers had fewer reservations. Yet over the years, none of his peers had been willing to discuss these matters with Shi Jingge.
This showed Jiang Lingqing was a decent fellow.
Such disciples were the future hope of the Liuchong Sect.
The Disciplinary Elder felt a surge of relief within, his gaze toward Jiang Lingqing and Shi Jingge softening slightly.
But the disciples of Lingyue Peak didn’t see it that way!
Strictly speaking, the disciples were in the wrong here. So why did they dare cause such a commotion?
Because it was Shi Jingge!
Shi Jingge’s poor treatment of Shuixing Peak disciples was notorious.
Whenever Shuixing Peak disciples encountered trouble outside, regardless of right or wrong, Shi Jingge would immediately pin all the blame on them. If any disciple dared to argue back, it was like poking a hornet’s nest—utterly disastrous!
Such incidents invariably ended with Shi Jingge delivering a one-sided beating to the Shuixing Peak disciple, while the other party vanished entirely.
That was why the Lingyue Peak disciples stood their ground from the start. They just hadn’t anticipated Shi Jingge arriving late, failing to rein in the dispute and letting it escalate all the way to the Disciplinary Hall.
Once it reached there, backing down was out of the question. They could only wait for Shi Jingge to step in.
Normally, any external disturbance would make Shi Jingge furious. Now that it had escalated to the Disciplinary Hall, wouldn’t he just wipe out the Shuixing Peak disciples?
At first, the Lingyue Peak disciples were all waiting to watch the show.
But as events unfolded, they suddenly realized this was nothing like they’d imagined!
What? Why was Shi Jingge suddenly protecting the Shuixing Peak disciples?
And wasn’t Jiang Lingqing the one who hated Shi Jingge the most? Why was he suddenly helping Shi Jingge? Not only that, but he’d resolved Shi Jingge’s inner turmoil, helped his cultivation stabilize, and even acted as his protector?
Why choose this exact moment to help that person break through? Was Jiang Lingqing doing this on purpose? Was he deliberately targeting Lingyue Peak?
That alone wouldn’t be too bad. It was not a huge deal. But then Jiang Lingqing actually persuaded Shi Jingge to stand up for the Shuixing Peak disciples, and Shi Jingge actually listened to him! He was actually going to stand up for them!
Jiang Lingqing didn’t hate Shi Jingge. He hated Lingyue Peak!
Jiang Lingqing swiftly became the target of Lingyue Peak’s collective resentment. The looks they gave Jiang Lingqing were even worse than the ones they gave Shi Jingge.
Especially after He Yongming, a disciple of Shuixing Peak, recounted the entire incident in vivid detail under Shi Jingge’s “encouragement.” The Lingyue Peak disciples practically wanted to eat Jiang Lingqing alive.
Had they really done something to offend him? Why was he setting them up like this?
But at that moment, Jiang Lingqing was completely oblivious to their glances.
Just now, he had caught the approving gaze of the Disciplinary Elder. From that point, he was utterly intoxicated by that look, floating on air, utterly lost in its spell.
He hadn’t even registered what He Yongming had said, let alone the glances from the Lingyue Peak disciples.
After He Yongming finished, the Disciplinary Elder remained silent. He merely turned to the Lingyue Peak disciples and said indifferently, “Speak.”
His expression was inscrutable. He offered no judgment on He Yongming’s account, leaving the Shuixing Peak disciples feeling somewhat uneasy.
Disciples from the Lingyue Peak stepped forward, glaring at He Yongming, and shouted, “You’re making baseless accusations!”
“When we arrived, we only saw that single Xue Ling Fruit. There were no markers around it. How can you claim it was yours? How could we possibly know beforehand if it belonged to you?”
“You clearly had the chance to explain. We would have gladly let you have it. It’s just one Xue Ling Fruit; it’s hardly worth tarnishing the reputation of our Lingyue Peak!”
“It was you who charged over indiscriminately, spewing insults and threats. Several of you even drew weapons! What? Were we supposed to just stand there and take it?”
“If you’d just explained calmly, this never would’ve escalated. How dare you accuse us!”
The Lingyue Peak disciples spoke with righteous indignation. He Yongming, never one for sharp retorts, nearly fainted from anger upon hearing this. He stammered,“You… you…” for a long moment, unable to form a coherent sentence.
Shi Jingge hesitated briefly, then frowned. Stepping forward, he blocked He Yongming from view, shielding him from the Lingyue Peak disciple’s line of sight.
He Yongming froze, then looked up to meet Shi Jingge’s sharp, icy gaze.
“Aren’t you going back?” Shi Jingge lowered his voice. “What are you doing here? Blocking the path?”
His tone carried a distinct chill. He Yongming gritted his teeth and retreated, his expression filled with despair.
Was this blame going to be pinned on them again?
He Yongming felt a chill seep from his heart to his very bones, his body trembling uncontrollably.
He was among the disciples who had voluntarily remained at Shuixing Peak. During the demon cultivator attack, he’d been captured only to be rescued by Master Gu Yun himself. He’d always admired Master Gu Yun’s brilliance, and having been saved by him, he’d resolved to stay at Shuixing Peak forever, determined to restore its glory.
For three years, no matter how difficult or painful it became, He Yongming never once regretted his choice.
But now, he suddenly did.
Was Shuixing Peak… truly worth staying for?
Just then, his junior sister Ji Qiulan tugged at his sleeve. He Yongming looked over, meeting her concerned gaze, and forced a smile. She shook her head, tugging at his sleeve again and gesturing for him to look at Shi Jingge.
He frowned, unwilling to spare Shi Jingge even a glance. But his junior sister insisted, so he gritted his teeth and looked towards where she indicated, his temples throbbing from irritation.
The next second, however, he was stunned.
Shi Jingge’s ears were flushed red!
What was going on?
The disciples of Lingyue Peak were still voicing their indignation, yet those piercing, resentful stares no longer landed on him.
He Yongming paused in surprise, only then realizing that Shi Jingge’s position had conveniently shielded the Shuixing Peak disciples from all the glances directed at them.
Shi Jingge stood there, silent and unmoving, his back straight as an arrow, as if nothing could break him. His face remained as cold and stern as ever, as if nothing mattered to him.
Yet he stood before them.
Blocking all the raging storm and bloodshed from reaching them.
And before doing all this, he had shooed them away with harsh, cold words.
…Did Senior Brother really not care about them?
…Had similar things happened before this incident, only they had never noticed?
The Lingyue Peak disciple finally finished speaking, and a silence fell over the scene. The Disciplinary Elder was actually a bit speechless.
To bring such a trivial matter directly to the Disciplinary Hall?
It sounded almost like a joke.
After all, the Disciplinary Hall typically handled major violations of sect regulations. A dispute sparked by a cluster of Xue Ling Fruits was truly… unprecedented.
The Disciplinary Elder looked at Shi Jingge, signaling him to speak if he had anything to say.
Shi Jingge considered for a moment before replying earnestly, “Perhaps we should strengthen our education regarding spirit fruit beasts?”
The Disciplinary Elder hadn’t expected this response and asked with genuine interest, “How so?”
“It seems the younger disciples aren’t paying enough attention to this aspect.” Shi Jingge stated plainly, “But whether it’s low-grade or high-grade spirit fruits, once they appear, they inevitably attract the covetous eyes of demon beasts. Most of them are cunning and skilled at concealment. Therefore, when dealing with spirit fruits, one must remain vigilant at all times, guarding against sudden attacks from demon beasts to avoid injury. The younger disciples today simply don’t prioritize their own safety enough.”
“Brother Jiang.” Shi Jingge turned to Jiang Lingqing. “What do you think of my suggestion?”
Still immersed in his joy, Jiang Lingqing was jolted out of his daze by Shi Jingge’s prompting. Completely unaware of what Shi Jingge had said, he could only reply, “Senior Brother Shi’s proposal is naturally excellent.”
Shi Jingge froze, a faint smile briefly touching his lips before vanishing. He lowered his head and murmured, “Brother Jiang is so experienced and broad-minded. How could I possibly compare?”
Jiang Lingqing basked in the flattery, beaming. “Senior Brother Shi, you’re too modest.”
As the two traded pleasantries in perfect harmony, the disciples of Lingyue Peak wore increasingly sour expressions.
Shi Jingge’s words weren’t a proposal at all—they were a slap to the face!
A slap delivered with crystal clarity, with ruthless precision, leaving them utterly speechless!
Their earlier evasive arguments now served as tools for Shi Jingge to expose their duplicity. Not just the junior disciples, but even Lingyue Peak’s Senior and Second Elders felt their faces burn with shame.
How had they never noticed Shi Jingge’s sharp wit before?
The Disciplinary Elder turned to them, his tone cool. “Do you have anything further to say?”
Several Lingyue Peak disciples, still unwilling to concede, opened their mouths to protest, only to be stopped by their Senior Brother and Second Senior Brother.
The two immediately accepted the punishments, leading their disciples to apologize. At that moment, the Shuixing Peak disciples were stunned. One even pinched himself hard and winced at the pain before finally believing this wasn’t a dream.
…Their own First Senior Brother Shi actually stood up for them?
This was all thanks to Senior Brother Jiang Lingqing!
Immediately, the Shuixing Peak disciples turned their grateful gazes toward Jiang Lingqing.
And just as the Shuixing Peak disciples’ eyes burned with gratitude, the Lingyue Peak disciples’ eyes blazed with fury.
Jiang Lingqing: “?”
What was wrong with these Lingyue Peak disciples? Why were they staring at him like that?
Observing the Lingyue Peak disciples’ expressions and then glancing at Shi Jingge’s face, Jiang Lingqing genuinely felt the Shuixing Peak disciples were far more reasonable than their counterparts.
What kind of people were these Lingyue Peak disciples? Were they mentally ill?
Jiang Lingqing thought irritably.
The Disciplinary Elder couldn’t be bothered with such trivial matters. After a brief reprimand and imposing confinement as per sect rules—including penalties for Lingyue Peak’s Senior and Second Disciples—the incident was deemed settled.
Thus, it could be considered a resounding victory for the Shuixing Peak disciples.
However, when the Lingyue Peak disciples returned the Xue Ling Fruits, they handed them directly to Shi Jingge.
Shi Jingge didn’t even hesitate. He stuffed them straight into his storage pouch. The jubilant mood among the Shuixing Peak disciples instantly deflated.
The Lingyue Peak disciples who witnessed this felt a surge of vindication.
You Shuixing Peak disciples think you’ll get off scot-free just because we were punished?
Want those Xue Ling Fruits? Dream on! Your stingy, greedy Eldest Brother would never share anything with you lot!
The Eldest and Second Brothers of Lingyue Peak also witnessed this, their eyes flashing with derision.
So what if Shi Jingge’s cultivation had improved? With such a heart, he’d be struck dead by the thunder tribulation sooner or later!
Nothing to fear—just a petty little man.
Shi Jingge, oblivious to the others’ judgmental gazes, addressed the Disciplinary Elder earnestly, “Elder, how should we proceed with educating disciples about spirit fruits and demon beasts? Should we compile a handbook for them to memorize, or have senior disciples from each peak lead identification sessions for several days?”
Disciplinary Elder: “…”
He glanced at Shi Jingge, his expression unusually complex.
Shi Jingge’s eyes were unusually clear and ethereal, filled with earnestness. The Disciplinary Elder understood; he genuinely believed the Lingyue Peak disciples were ignorant of these matters.
But…
Just how did Shi Jingge’s mind work?
If you say he didn’t value the sect’s disciples, he kept such things deeply in mind; if you say he did value them, he wouldn’t even spare the Xue Ling Fruits meant for the Shuixing Peak disciples.
What use were Xue Ling Fruits to Shi Jingge? He was already at the Foundation Establishment stage, and not even a Water Spirit Root cultivator. To him, Xue Ling Fruits were less valuable than ordinary red berries. Yet he insisted on keeping them—what kind of logic was that?
But the Disciplinary Elder couldn’t bring himself to say anything outright, afraid of embarrassing Shi Jingge. He could only offer a few perfunctory words, shifting the topic to ask Shi Jingge about any recent cultivation difficulties. Soon, he dismissed the matter.
Shi Jingge followed the Shuixing Peak juniors out. Spotting his junior sister Ji Qiulan, he remarked, “Fifth layer of Qi Cultivation?”
The junior sister nodded awkwardly.
Shi Jingge gave a slight nod. “You’ve made progress.”
Then he turned and walked out the door. He stubbornly refused to give her the Xue Ling Fruit.
The Disciplinary Elder’s heart was filled with such complexity. The gift he’d intended for Shi Jingge remained unsent.
Deeply frustrated by this, the Disciplinary Elder stepped outside for a walk. As he walked, he encountered Shi Jingge and Jiang Lingqing, who hadn’t gone far.
Jiang Lingqing couldn’t fathom what Shi Jingge was thinking, so he stopped him.
“Brother Jiang?” Shi Jingge looked at Jiang Lingqing with some confusion.
“Senior Brother Shi, aren’t you going to give that Xue Ling Fruit to your junior sister?” Jiang Lingqing didn’t beat around the bush; he got straight to the point.
Shi Jingge pressed his lips together, remaining silent.
“Shi Jingge!” Jiang Lingqing’s voice rose. “You must give me an explanation today or else!”
Jiang Lingqing could have threatened him with all sorts of harsh words right then, even demanding his spirit stones back. Yet, for some reason, the words suddenly stuck in his throat.
But Shi Jingge couldn’t hold it in any longer. “I—” Shi Jingge bit his lip, looking utterly embarrassed. Not just Jiang Lingqing, but even the Discipline Elder nearby felt compelled to urge him on.
Under Jiang Lingqing’s urging, Shi Jingge finally spoke, “Junior Sister has already reached the fifth layer of Qi Cultivation. The Xue Ling Fruit’s effect on her… is somewhat lacking. I want to refine it into Xue Ling Pills[mfn]雪灵丹/ Snow Spirit Pills/ Xuě Líng Dān[/mfn].”
Shi Jingge’s voice grew increasingly soft, even stuttering slightly. “Xue Ling Pills are quite effective for Water Spirit Root disciples below the Foundation Establishment stage.”
Shi Jingge bowed his head, revealing two crimson-red earlobes.
But both Jiang Lingqing and the Disciplinary Elder noticed his back was held perfectly straight.
In that instant, Jiang Lingqing didn’t even know how to react.
Could it be… that all his prejudices toward Shi Jingge have been wrong?
“Then are you going to the Refinery Hall to find a pill master?” It took a long while before Jiang Lingqing heard himself ask this.
Shi Jingge shook his head and said softly, “I’ll do it myself.”
Jiang Lingqing’s eyes widened in astonishment. “You?”
“Mhm.” Shi Jingge scratched his ear awkwardly. “Over these past three years, I’ve studied alchemy and artifact forging. While I’m not a master, I’ve reached a level where I can produce decent results. I can certainly make Xue Ling Pills now.”
“Regarding the situation at Shuixing Peak.” Shi Jingge paused, glossing over the details, and only said slowly, “The junior brothers and sisters will need more and more spirit pills, magical artifacts, and defensive tools in the future. Since they trust Shuixing Peak and choose to stay here, and since I’m temporarily acting as Peak Master, I naturally can’t let them lack these things.”
Shi Jingge fell silent for a long while before offering Jiang Lingqing an embarrassed smile.
The smile was faint and fleeting, yet it struck Jiang Lingqing’s heart like a sudden blow, making his nose sting.
So… that’s how it was…
Whether on the main peak or subsidiary peaks, due to the large number of disciples, there were naturally those specializing in artifact forging and pill refinement. They provided these to fellow peak disciples in exchange for contribution points, which could be redeemed for other items.
But on Shuixing Peak, the remaining disciples had low cultivation. Naturally, there were no specialists in other fields. Ordinary pills and artifacts were manageable—the sect provided monthly rations—but for specialized ones, they had to rely on themselves.
With no one within the peak to turn to, they inevitably had to seek help from the alchemy and artifact forges, which meant paying for their services.
Being within the sect, the prices were far lower than outside, but Shi Jingge didn’t want to shortchange any disciple of Shuixing Peak. He also wanted to cover all their future cultivation needs—elixirs, artifacts, and more. The spirit stones required for this were no small sum.
After much deliberation, Shi Jingge concluded he’d have to handle these matters himself.
So—So that’s how it was!
No wonder Shi Jingge’s cultivation hadn’t advanced in three years. Today, after a few words from him, Shi Jingge entered meditation and instantly boosted his cultivation. He’d even envied Shi Jingge’s goddamn luck, but actually, actually, it wasn’t like that at all!
This was what Shi Jingge deserved!
If not for those junior brothers and sisters at Shuixing Peak, Shi Jingge wouldn’t have delved into pill refinement and artifact crafting. He wouldn’t have only just reached the peak of Foundation Establishment now. After all, he possessed the exact same innate talent as Master Gu Yun!
Recalling his previous slander and malice toward Shi Jingge, Jiang Lingqing wished he could slap himself to death. He opened his storage pouch and retrieved a branch of Xue Ling bearing six plump fruits.
“Here.” A flicker of pain crossed Jiang Lingqing’s eyes as he pushed the branch toward Shi Jingge.
Shi Jingge refused to accept it.
Jiang Lingqing glared at him. “If you consider me your brother, then take it! What use would this be to someone with a fire spirit root?”
Shi Jingge tried to refuse, but Jiang Lingqing shoved the fruit into his arms. “Take it!” Jiang Lingqing demanded, leaving no room for refusal. “If you dare not take it, we needn’t be fellow brothers anymore!”
With the matter settled, Shi Jingge had no choice but to accept. Only then did Jiang Lingqing raise his head, his mood lifting. The next second, he froze.
Why was he happy after forcing Shi Jingge to take his thing?
That was a Xue Ling Fruit, not some common red fruit!
But…
Jiang Lingqing turned to look at Shi Jingge, noticing his crimson ears, and suddenly felt none of this mattered much.
After all, he was Shi Jingge’s senior by age if not status.
Wasn’t it natural for a senior to look out for his juniors?
Besides, Shi Jingge wouldn’t be using this fruit himself. He intended to craft it into Xue Ling Pills for his junior sister Ji Qiuhua of Shuixing Peak.
And crafting Xue Ling Pills required numerous spiritual herbs, flowers, and fruits, not just the Xue Ling Fruit. In the end, wouldn’t Shi Jingge be the one footing the bill?
No matter how he calculated it, Shi Jingge was the one losing out.
Jiang Lingqing couldn’t help but feel sorry for Shi Jingge. Honestly, why had he ever thought Shi Jingge was so annoying?
Shi Jingge was so outstanding and adorable right now.
More outstanding and adorable than everyone of the opposite Lingyue Peak Disciples!
Actually, no—the entire Lingyue Peak, top to bottom, couldn’t hold a candle to a single strand of Shi Jingge’s hair!!
——– ——- ——- ——
Author’s Note: Lingyue Peak Disciples: ?????
Lingyue Peak Disciple: Putting one down to lift another? What kind of person does that?
Minor edits made 07Mar26
Edit: Krone
Proofread: Choux_choux
