Chapter 042 Senior Brother – “ “Please, Senior Brother, introduce me to Senior Brother Shi!” ” (07/19)
In the early morning, the sun shone brightly, and the sky was perfectly clear.
Foundation Establishment cultivators no longer required much sleep. Shi Jingge likewise hadn’t slept and intended to seek out Jiang Lingqing.
Jiang Lingqing resided on Canglie Peak. Since the Peak Master possessed a fire spirit root, most disciples there shared this affinity. Their natures were largely similar—open, carefree, and clear in their likes and dislikes.
However, on his way to find Jiang Lingqing, Shi Jingge encountered the Liuchong Sect Master.
Upon seeing him, Shi Jingge hastily performed a deep bow. Yet, halfway through the gesture, the Sect Master stopped him.
“Such formalities are unnecessary,” the Sect Master said with a smile, his gaze gentle enough to make Shi Jingge feel slightly embarrassed.
“Proper etiquette must not be neglected,” Shi Jingge murmured after a long moment before finally lowering his head to utter these few words.
The Sect Master shook his head with a smile, saying little else. Instead, he extended an invitation. “Care to accompany me for a stroll?”
This was naturally a goodwill offering. Shi Jingge would never refuse such an offer and readily agreed.
The Sect Master deliberately suppressed his imposing aura, appearing like an ordinary elder. He engaged Shi Jingge in casual conversation, yet within just a few exchanges, he gained a clear understanding of Shi Jingge’s current situation. Then, without making a fuss, he offered some guidance.
However, his advice was delivered in a very subtle and indirect manner. Some points would require Shi Jingge to ponder them repeatedly before grasping their deeper meaning.
As Shi Jingge experienced a breakthrough in understanding, the gratitude in his eyes grew more pronounced.
A hint of satisfaction flickered in the Sect Master’s own eyes. “I hear you’ve taken an interest in alchemy lately?”
Shi Jingge nodded, feeling a touch of embarrassment.
The Sect Master retrieved an alchemy furnace from his storage space. The mere golden glow emanating from it made it clear this was no ordinary artifact.
“I once shared your passion for alchemy, but lacked the talent.” The Sect Master shrugged, smiling warmly. “This furnace has been gathering dust with me. It’s time to find a worthy new owner.”
With that, he offered it to Shi Jingge. How could Shi Jingge possibly accept such a valuable gift?
Before Shi Jingge could even formulate a polite refusal, the Sect Master pressed the item into his hands and teased him. “What? I’m giving it away myself—you won’t even let me do that?”
Shi Jingge’s cheeks flushed slightly, his expression a mix of delighted gratitude and shy embarrassment at receiving a gift from an elder.
The Sect Master rested his on his shoulder and patted him twice with a touch of parental reassurance. His thoughts drifted back to the words of the Disciplinary Elder. Before, he’d been half-believing, half-doubting. Now, he believed completely. The Vermilion Crane’s Blazing Sun Furnace would only accept those with pure and benevolent hearts. It remained obediently in Shi Jingge’s hands, showing no signs of disturbance—its very stillness was the greatest acknowledgment to Shi Jingge.
This child had not strayed down the wrong path. He hadn’t abandoned the disciples of Shuixing Peak. He hadn’t squandered his own talents. And he certainly wasn’t the brutal, violent figure described in the rumors.
He was a good child.
“You’ve worked hard,” the Sect Master said softly, patting his shoulder.
In that instant, ripples stirred within Shi Jingge’s heart. He lifted his head and shook it, as if to say he hadn’t worked hard at all.
Yet the reddened corners of his eyes betrayed his true feelings.
The Sect Master suddenly hoped the Disciplinary Elder hadn’t caught up toShi Jingge yet, that the gifts from both hadn’t been presented.
The preparations he’d made were by no means meager, but seeing Shi Jingge now, he felt his gifts seemed inadequate.
He’d add thirty percent more upon returning!
This child was worth it!!
After bidding farewell to the Sect Master, Shi Jingge continued his search for Jiang Lingqing.
By then, daylight had fully broken. Disciples of Canglie Peak walked in small groups throughout the mountain. Yet upon seeing Shi Jingge, their faces betrayed unmistakable surprise, tinged with a subtle sense of rejection.
Canglie Peak disciples were known for their solidarity and mutual support, especially when age gaps were significant. Senior brothers and sisters often treated their juniors like their own children, naturally disapproving of Shi Jingge’s actions toward Shuixing Peak disciples.
Moreover, Shi Jingge rarely left Shuixing Peak. Why was he on Canglie Peak today?
Not knowing where Jiang Lingqing resided, Shi Jingge had to ask around.
When they learned Shi Jingge was seeking Jiang Lingqing, the Canglie Peak disciples were utterly stunned, followed by intense wariness.
Who didn’t know how deeply Jiang Lingqing despised Shi Jingge? Jiang Lingqing was the kind of person who wouldn’t tolerate a speck of dust in his eye!
While other disciples of Canglie Peak might dislike Shi Jingge, they wouldn’t go looking for trouble. They kept to themselves. But Jiang Lingqing’s temper? Clashes between them weren’t just once or twice!
So, was Shi Jingge coming to Canglie Peak today to pick a fight?
Instantly, the looks the Canglie Peak disciples gave Shi Jingge grew even more hostile.
Picking a fight with their own disciples on their own turf? That was downright disrespectful!
It wasn’t surprising the disciples felt this way, especially since the incident from that day hadn’t been made public.
Only the Disciplinary Elder, disciples from Shuixing Peak and Lingyue Peak, Shi Jingge, and Jiang Lingqing had been present at the time.
To save face for Shuixing Peak and Lingyue Peak, the Disciplinary Elder hadn’t ordered any disciples to stay and observe; he’d sent them all away, keeping only the parties involved.
The Lingyue Peak disciples, having suffered a humiliating loss, certainly wouldn’t spread word of the incident. The Disciplinary Elder was even less likely to mention it. As for Shi Jingge, he’d vanished that very night—where would he have gone to tell anyone? The Shuixing Peak disciples had endured too much turmoil these past days to spread such a minor matter.
Who could possibly expect Jiang Lingqing to spread these details himself?
Nobody, of course.
He was still waiting for Shi Jingge’s flattery!
Thus, in the eyes of Canglie Peak’s disciples, Jiang Lingqing and Shi Jingge remained mutual rivals, always ready to clash.
Immediately, someone was dispatched to inform Jiang Lingqing.
Jiang Lingqing beamed upon hearing the news. “So this guy finally shows up? If he hadn’t, the Leiyun Grass I prepared for him would’ve wilted! What an ungrateful brat!”
The Canglie Peak disciple who delivered the message: “?”
This seemed… quite different from what he’d imagined?
What happened to the mutual loathing and desire to strangle each other?
This… Senior Brother Jiang seemed… delighted?
What on earth was he so thrilled about?!
In truth, Jiang Lingqing wasn’t just pleased—he was practically giddy with joy.
After confirming the location, he immediately took flight. Only halfway there did he remember to thank the junior disciple who’d delivered the message.
Junior disciple: “…”
If anyone ever said Senior Brother Jiang and Shi Jingge despised each other, he’d have words with them!
Jiang Lingqing raced over. Spotting Shi Jingge surrounded by Canglie Peak disciples from afar, he couldn’t help but smile. “Brother Shi!” he called out.
Shi Jingge’s eyes lit up upon hearing him. “Brother Jiang!”
Canglie Peak disciples: “?”
Jiang Lingqing grinned as he pushed past them and rushed straight to Shi Jingge. Only then did he remember to rein in his expression.
“Why are you here?” Jiang Lingqing cleared his throat, feigning seriousness. Yet the joy radiating from him was impossible to conceal.
Shi Jingge lowered his head. After a long moment, he replied coldly, “I came to see my brother.” After a pause, Shi Jingge added, as if explaining, “I just emerged from seclusion.”
Emerging from seclusion just to see me?
Fine. This junior hasn’t been spoiled for nothing.
Pfft—
As if he’d ever cared about Shi Jingge!
Though their mental imagery ran wild, even Canglie Peak disciples could see the unmistakable joy radiating from Jiang Lingqing.
Countless bewildered disciples exchanged confused glances, utterly clueless about what was happening.
…Why did Jiang Lingqing seem so attentive toward Shi Jingge? And Shi Jingge was downright cold toward him.
…Could it be that Shi Jingge held some leverage over Jiang Lingqing?
Just as the Canglie Peak disciples were about to descend into their wild theories, one disciple keenly noticed Shi Jingge’s flushed ears. He nudged the person beside him and gestured for them to look.
After glancing over, the person beside him suddenly understood—so Shi Jingge was actually cold on the outside but warm on the inside!
He promptly nudged the person next to him, passing on this revelation.
Soon, the news had circulated through the entire group. Everyone’s gaze toward Shi Jingge now held a different quality.
Shi Jingge was starting to feel overwhelmed. He squeezed his fingers tightly, took a deep breath, and asked, “…Could we go to Brother Jiang’s quarters to talk privately?
With Shi Jingge asking, how could Jiang Lingqing refuse?
“Let’s go!”
Jiang Lingqing pulled Shi Jingge along, waving cheerfully to the Canglie Peak disciples behind them, his expression radiant with delight.
The disciples left behind rolled their eyes. Though they had no clue what was going on between them, Jiang Lingqing’s obvious joy made it clear just how close they were.
Disperse, disperse. Those who needed to cultivate should cultivate; those who needed to gather herbs should gather herbs. Today was another beautiful day.
As for the gossip…
…well, that’d have to wait until the main characters are gone!
Jiang Lingqing brought Shi Jingge back to his quarters.
Canglie Peak was crowded, and its inhabitants loved bustle and camaraderie. Most lived together in groups of six. As for cramped quarters? Just cast a space-expanding formation!
So despite the numerous occupants, the quarters were spacious—never cramped, just a bit messy.
“Those little rascals left their stuff scattered everywhere again!” Jiang Lingqing chided them with a laugh while tidying up. Clearing a table and moving it over, he asked, “Did you deliver that Xueling Pill to your junior sister?”
Shi Jingge hesitated briefly before nodding uncertainly.
Seeing his expression, Jiang Lingqing knew something was off. He leaned in and probed, “How did you deliver it?”
Shi Jingge hesitated again. Jiang Lingqing slammed the table. “Spill it! You’re not leaving until you tell me!”
Shi Jingge took a step back before whispering, “…I left it outside her door.”
Jiang Lingqing: “?”
Jiang Lingqing stared at him in disbelief. After several seconds, he suddenly realized Shi Jingge wasn’t joking.
“You, you, you—” Jiang Lingqing rubbed his temples. “What if someone else took it?”
“I cast a spell.” Shi Jingge pursed his lips and added, “An illusion.”
“…” Jiang Lingqing’s face went blank. “What if your junior sister doesn’t notice it?”
Shi Jingge considered this. “I placed it by the door. The moment she pushes it open, she’ll bump into it. If she knocks it over, it’ll make a sound. She’ll find it naturally.”
Jiang Lingqing: “…”
In that instant, Jiang Lingqing felt as if a murder of crows had flown through his head. He didn’t even know what to say.
After a long pause, Jiang Lingqing weakly asked, “Then how will she know it’s you who gave her the Xueling Pill?”
This time, Shi Jingge was exceptionally righteous. He countered, “Why does she need to know it was me?”
Jiang Lingqing: “?”
“If you give someone a gift without telling them, how will they know you care about them?”
“But what if she refuses to take it once she knows it’s from me?”Shi Jingge blurted out, his mouth running faster than his brain. Only after speaking did he realize what he’d said, his face flushing crimson.
Jiang Lingqing stared in stunned silence.
Shi Jingge, unable to stand it any longer, cleared his throat to withdraw.
But Jiang Lingqing stopped him. His mind was a whirl of complex emotions. He’d never dreamed Shi Jingge would think this way!
But now wasn’t the time for that.
If the silence continued, Shi Jingge’s face would melt away.
Jiang Lingqing nonchalantly changed the subject. “There’s a fruit tea Junior Brother Zhao made recently using spirit flowers and fruits. It’s rich in spiritual energy and tastes decent. Care to try some?”
Shi Jingge hesitated, his voice wavering. “Wouldn’t that… be inappropriate?
At first, Jiang Lingqing didn’t catch the question, but then it clicked. He chuckled helplessly. “What should be wrong with it? Those spiritual flowers and fruits were sourced by all of us together. Who cares how many times we failed before succeeding? We divided it up ages ago. Those who needed it already took their share. What’s left is out here for everyone to help themselves. Anyone who comes by shouldn’t leave without having a cup or two, right? Those brats next door come by every day for a drink; who cares about little things like that?”
Shi Jingge froze, seemingly encountering this kind of camaraderie for the first time. A flicker of envy suddenly crossed his eyes and precisely caught by Jiang Lingqing. Instantly, he recalled the incident from his last visit to Shuixing Peak.
Judging by the expressions of the Shuixing Peak disciples, their distrust toward Shi Jingge ran quite deep.
As an exemplary senior disciple, it was only natural to fulfill his junior brother’s wish and help ease the tensions between him and the other disciples.
“Sit down first.” Jiang Lingqing pulled Shi Jingge to a bamboo chair. “I’ll brew some tea.”
“No, it’s fine.”
Shi Jingge hadn’t even finished speaking before Jiang Lingqing cut him off, “My turf, my rules. Ever heard of ‘guests follow the host’s lead’?” Jiang Lingqing glared at him. “Wait right here!”
Shi Jingge had no choice but to sit down, looking somewhat embarrassed, though a tiny spark of joy flickered in his eyes.
Jiang Lingqing relaxed, pushed open the door, and stepped outside.
The moment he emerged, a barrage of curious stares met him. Jiang Lingqing couldn’t help but chuckle wryly as he yanked Junior Brother Zhao out from around the corner.
“Whoa, whoa, whoa—easy there, Senior Brother! Easy!”
Jiang Lingqing laughed. “Don’t play dumb with me. I need something from you—that fruit tea you made last time. Do you still have any packages left?”
“Sure.” Zhao nodded readily, then grumbled, “Maybe because the fruit tea I made the time before last was too awful. This time, I can’t even give it away. What a bunch of ungrateful people.”
Jiang Lingqing pulled out several mid-grade spirit stones and tossed them to Zhao. “Exchange.”
“What are these for?” Zhao protested. “You provided most of the ingredients to begin with, then refused to take it when I finished. Now you want to trade spirit stones? What’s this nonsense? Are you trying to insult me?”
“It’s not for me,” Jiang Lingqing explained. “It’s for Shi Jingge. That guy’s a stickler for proper etiquette.”
“Who cares who you give it to?” Zhao angrily tossed the spirit stones back. “Exchanging with me is just rubbing it in!”
Jiang Lingqing: “…”
“Here, take it.” Zhao pulled out two sizable bottles. “This was meant for you anyway. Who you give it to is none of my business. It’s your stuff—give it to whoever you want.“
Jiang Lingqing couldn’t argue with that and could only thank him. Junior Brother Zhao got annoyed again—how many times had he thanked him already? Being so polite… What, was he no longer Jiang Lingqing’s dearest junior brother? Was he going to abandon him now that he had Shi Jingge?
Jiang Lingqing: “…”
Seeing Jiang Lingqing’s speechless silence, Zhao smiled again, leaning in with a “heh heh heh” and asked curiously, “Senior Brother, didn’t you used to really dislike Shi Jingge? How come now…?”
Jiang Lingqing glared at him. “Watch your words! Call him Senior Brother Shi!”
Zhao: “…”
Damn it, he really wasn’t Jiang Lingqing’s favorite junior brother anymore, was he?
“Brother Shi’s actually a really good person. He does so much but says so little, and insists on wearing this stern, aloof facade. But deep down, he’s got a heart of gold. He doesn’t even complain when people misunderstand him. It’s one thing to do things without asking for credit, but he goes out of his way to hide himself and push the credit onto others. It’s so frustrating!
“Don’t believe those rumors out there. We’ve all misunderstood him.”
Thinking about the rumors circulating, Jiang Lingqing realized this couldn’t go on. Shi Jingge couldn’t keep carrying that reputation forever. Besides, Shi Jingge would surely come to Canglie Peak to find him again in the future. He couldn’t make such a big fuss every single time, could he?
Shi Jingge wouldn’t speak up, but as his older brother, couldn’t Jiang Lingqing say it for him?
He wasn’t born without a mouth.
So Jiang Lingqing recounted all of Shi Jingge’s good deeds to his junior brother Zhao, heavily embellishing them through the lens of a big brother. Shi Jingge, who was only six points good, became ten points good after Jiang Lingqing’s colorful presentation!
Especially the recent confrontation with Lingyue Peak disciples in front of the Disciplinary Master, and the entire Xueling pills affair—Jiang Lingqing brought them to life with vivid descriptions, leaving everyone listening wide-eyed.
Junior Brother Zhao and the others knew Jiang Lingqing well enough to recognize how intensely he’d disliked Shi Jingge before. If these stories weren’t true, Jiang Lingqing wouldn’t have changed his stance so drastically. Thus, no one questioned their authenticity.
Through Jiang Lingqing’s elaborate embellishments, Junior Brother Zhao and the others underwent a complete 180-degree reversal in their perception of Shi Jingge—even shifting their allegiance to his side!
“Senior Brother Shi, this is driving me crazy!” Zhao slapped his thigh in frustration. “No, we can’t just let this slide. The disciples of Shuixing Peak don’t know about what he’s done. Their rift will only deepen.”
Jiang Lingqing nodded in deep agreement. “Exactly! We need a way to let everyone know what he’s done.”
“It’s all up to you, Senior Brother.” Zhao patted Jiang Lingqing’s shoulder earnestly.
Jiang Lingqing brushed his hand away. “Stop being so casual! We’re not children!”
Zhao smiled broadly as he pulled two more bottles of fruit tea from his storage space. “These are for Senior Brother Shi. Consider it my apology for misunderstanding him before. Of course, don’t tell him that part.”
Jiang Lingqing accepted the bottles. “Do you take me for an idiot?!”
Jiang Lingqing carried the brewed fruit tea into his room, its fragrance filling the air.
Shi Jingge accepted the cup, feeling slightly embarrassed as he murmured, “Brother Jiang.”
Jiang Lingqing smiled. “Try it.”
Shi Jingge lowered his head and took a small sip. Watching his movements, Jiang Lingqing found the sight deeply pleasing.
How had he never noticed Shi Jingge’s impeccable manners before?
Prejudice truly blinds one, Jiang Lingqing thought bitterly.
Shi Jingge savored the flavor carefully. The sweet-tart taste carried a hint of tea aroma, making it quite delicious.
“It’s good.” Shi Jingge nodded, taking another sip.
Though his expression remained unchanged, his eyes sparkled brightly, revealing a rare childlike innocence.
Quite adorable.
Jiang Lingqing smiled involuntarily. “If you like it, have some more.” He placed the bottles of fruit tea into a storage pouch and handed it to Shi Jingge. “Take these and share them with the disciples of Shuixing Peak.”
Shi Jingge’s eyes widened in shock and he nearly jumped to his feet. “Th–That’s too much!” His round eyes were as wide as a startled rabbit’s.
Jiang Lingqing struggled to suppress his laughter, adopting a stern expression. “Why wouldn’t it be alright?”
“No… it’s not…” Shi Jingge took a step back, looking rather flustered.
“It will be fine,” Jiang Lingqing insisted, leaving no room for refusal. “These are for the disciples of Shuixing Peak, not for you. Can’t you just deliver them? Do I really need to make a special trip myself?”
Jiang Lingqing’s little scheme was quite clever. Shi Jingge would surely deliver them secretly again. Then, in a few days, he could dash over to Shuixing Peak, ask the disciples what they thought of the fruit tea’s flavor, and if they had any suggestions. Wouldn’t that naturally “expose” everything Shi Jingge had done?
For this junior disciple, he truly went out of his way.
Jiang Lingqing sighed deeply inwardly, yet his eyes were filled with tenderness.
How could Shi Jingge possibly refuse Jiang Lingqing? In the end, he accepted it.
After chatting for a while, Shi Jingge said he needed to leave. Jiang Lingqing didn’t try to keep him, instead escorting him out.
Only when they reached the foot of the mountain did he toss the Leiyun Grass into Shi Jingge’s arms. Before Shi Jingge could react, he dashed dozens of meters away, shouting, “Train hard!”
Shi Jingge clutched the Leiyun Grass, staring blankly after him. That dazed expression made Jiang Lingqing feel both heartache and relief.
If only Shi Jingge weren’t destined to become the future Peak Master of Shuixing Peak.
Then he could come to Canglie Peak and Jiang Lingqing could look after him anytime, anywhere.
Three seconds later, he snapped back to reality and stomped his foot.
Bah! Who wanted to look after Shi Jingge?! He certainly didn’t!!
Jiang Lingqing fled back to his quarters. Inside, the other five junior disciples had already gathered, all eyes fixed on him with intense curiosity.
Jiang Lingqing plopped onto his bed, and the others instantly swarmed around him. He gave a half-smile, half-scoff. “What’s up with you guys? What’s got you so worked up?”
Junior Brother Zhao grinned as he leaned in. “Senior Brother Jiang, tell us more about Senior Brother Shi, will you?”
“Tell you what? What’s there to tell?” Jiang Lingqing flopped back, but seemed to bump into something, letting out a yelp.
The others jumped in alarm, asking what was wrong. Jiang Lingqing leaped off the bed and snatched up whatever was on it in a fluster, revealing a long sword with fiery crimson patterns.
Silence fell over the room as all eyes fixed on the sword, filled with awe.
Finally, someone spoke up.
“That’s a fire-attribute spirit sword, right? I can feel the spiritual energy!”
“This clearly isn’t some ordinary item. It must be at least a mid-grade spirit sword, right?”
“I feel it’s more than that. I sense this is a high-grade spirit artifact!”
“Regardless, this is absolutely a spirit sword that perfectly suits Senior Brother Jiang!”
“Wait, you all seem to have forgotten—where did this come from?”
Several pairs of eyes turned to Jiang Lingqing with burning intensity. Only then did he seem to snap out of it, snatching the spirit sword and dashing out.
“What’s he doing?” one disciple asked.
“Chasing after Shi Jingge?” Junior Brother Zhao hesitated. “Shi Jingge was the only one in the room just now. There’s an eighty percent chance he gave him that sword.”
“Good heavens…” the disciple exclaimed. “If Shi Jingge can be this generous to our senior brother, he must treat his own Shuixing Peak disciples just as well. Rumors really can be harmful.”
There were countless ways to thank Jiang Lingqing—why use a spirit sword as a token of gratitude?
Yet Shi Jingge specifically gifted this spirit sword, perfectly suited to Jiang Lingqing, and deliberately hid it here, leaving Jiang Lingqing no chance to refuse, nor seeking any credit for himself. This clearly showed his affection for Jiang Lingqing.
If Shi Jingge could part with such a spirit sword, who would believe he coveted those few low-grade spirit stones from his junior brothers and sisters?
Before long, Jiang Lingqing returned, head hanging low. It was obvious he hadn’t caught up with Shi Jingge.
Of course not—Shi Jingge had been gone for quite a while. How could he possibly have caught up?
Seeing Jiang Lingqing’s complicated mood, Junior Brother Zhao approached, grabbed Jiang Lingqing’s sleeve, and declared with deep sincerity, “Senior Brother Jiang!”
Jiang Lingqing glanced sideways at him. “Hmm?”
“If you feel unworthy of it, just leave that sword with me! I’ve got thick skin—I’ll gladly take it!”
Jiang Lingqing pushed him away with a mix of laughter and exasperation. “Get lost.”
“Even I think it’s too much. Fine, I’ll settle for another request,” Junior Brother Zhao pleaded earnestly. “Please, Senior Brother, introduce me to Shi Jingge! I’d live and die for Senior Brother Shi! I’d gladly be the man behind him!”
Author’s Note:
Gong: ???
Gong: I haven’t even met him yet, and already someone’s eyeing the spot behind my beloved?????
When the gong finally tracked down Xiao Ge after a long journey—
Gong: Why do I have so many rivals????
Edit: Krone
Proofread: Choux_choux
