Yin Wangzhi was still silently exuding killing intent, with his aura surging around him. Zhan Xiaotian’s hand remained on the hilt of the sword beside the pillow, ready to spring into action at any moment.
However, Yusheng, positioned between the two, felt no tension or fear; instead, he displayed a calm demeanor in the face of danger.
Seeing him so composed and even smiling sincerely, the two protagonists, who had been engaging in a standoff with their gazes and auras, were momentarily thrown off guard. Even Yin Wangzhi looked somewhat surprised.
It should be noted that just yesterday, Yusheng would have been intimidated by the Ghost King's aura, needing to practice repeatedly before stepping outside.
Zhan Xiaotian was also puzzled. Although he had indeed been unwell last night, he wasn’t completely dazed. He still remembered Yu Yangzi’s concern for him and his reluctance to let him confront the Ghost King again.
Due to some subtle concern and the unique understanding that existed between adversaries, Zhan Xiaotian loosened his grip on the sword hilt, while Yin Wangzhi also relaxed his clenched fists, their auras stabilizing.
As Yusheng walked to the side to tidy his hair, the two behind him exchanged glances.
Zhan Xiaotian shot a confused, accusatory, and angry look: What dream did you make the Master have this time!?
Yin Wangzhi raised an eyebrow coldly but shook his head innocently, equally perplexed: I didn’t do anything; don’t look at me.
Meanwhile, Yusheng hummed a tune, quietly noticing the atmosphere behind him and inwardly celebrating.
Look! They had indeed weakened the confrontational tension under his influence and had started communicating through glances!
His efforts were clearly effective!
A good start is half the battle won. Yusheng felt encouraged, and after finishing tidying himself up, he went to change the gauze and medicine for the sleeping Zhan Xiaotian.
As he worked, he flipped through a book in his mind, specifically The Correct Way to Influence Rebellious Disciples, which featured a protagonist’s disciple character quite similar to Yin Wangzhi. The master in it was also beleaguered, constantly worried that his disciple would become too dark and perish or that he would be killed by the disciple if he failed to influence them.
In comparison, Yusheng felt his situation was rather good. At least, if he were to “drop the disguise”…
He probably wouldn’t end up dead.
Um…
He automatically ignored this issue and focused on the key sections, learning how to influence disciples.
First, when a disciple is in a bad mood, one must divert their attention to prevent them from getting stuck on trivial matters and triggering their heart demon repeatedly.
Yusheng sat by the bed, carefully examining Zhan Xiaotian’s broken bones. Just as he was halfway through, he suddenly looked up at Yin Wangzhi, who was standing still beside him, and smiled faintly.
Yin Wangzhi paused for a moment, instinctively adjusting his posture and straightening his back.
Yusheng pointed to the side, “Could you help me pass something?”
Yin Wangzhi glanced at Zhan Xiaotian, then back at Yusheng, his face calm. Then, under Yusheng’s smiling gaze, he actually reached out and picked up a small bowl from the table, which contained crushed medicine for external injuries.
The way he did it didn’t seem like he was helping; it looked more like he was about to throw it on the ground or coldly dump its contents on the stiff-faced Zhan Xiaotian’s head.
After all, compared to the image of the “Ghost King tenderly guarding the bedside while handing over medicine to his mortal enemy,” this scene was much more in line with their characters. It felt more realistic, and it was easy to visualize.
Zhan Xiaotian said, “Senior… I’m fine. Why don’t I do it myself…?”
Clearly, the sudden change in the Ghost King's attitude had left the leader of the Immortal Alliance stunned. He was so moved that he felt a surge of strength and vitality.
A mysterious power, which could be described as a fateful friendship, supported him, allowing Zhan Xiaotian to struggle and sit up on his own. This poor child, who lacked a sense of security, seemed to have grown overnight, becoming stubborn and independent, refusing to rely on anyone else. He insisted on taking the bowl himself, changing the medicine, and re-wrapping his wounds to repay the care of his elder and junior.
Look, what good progress this is! Yusheng thought with satisfaction. This was the greatest affirmation of his efforts. He decided to take advantage of the moment; influencing someone should be done gradually. He no longer wanted to put pressure on the two and proactively took the medicine bowl into his hands, soothing Zhan Xiaotian to lean back against the soft cushion and not to push himself.
Then, he thoughtfully asked Yin Wangzhi, “Are you tired? If you feel bored, there’s no need to stay and help.”
Yin Wangzhi seemed at a loss for words, repeating Yusheng’s words with an unusually rare tone, “Me? Stay specifically to help?”
Yusheng nodded, understanding that this was the first time the Ghost King was being kind to his enemy. He was likely feeling embarrassed or still not accustomed to the atmosphere of camaraderie, unwilling to let go of his persona. “It’s fine; I understand.”
Yin Wangzhi looked at him in confusion. “You understand? What do you understand?”
See, you’re pretending to be clueless again, still as thin-skinned as ever. Unfortunately, my true identity is your master, so I see through the truth at a glance.
Yusheng smiled brightly, not exposing him further. He worried that if Yin Wangzhi felt embarrassed, it would sour things between him and Zhan Xiaotian, undoing all his hard work. Thus, he casually handed him some trash that needed to be thrown away, using it as an excuse to send him out the door.
How considerate!
The wooden door closed gently, and as Yin Wangzhi stood at the entrance, he happened to bump into Wen Jiu, who was approaching. Their eyes met.
Wen Jiu was blind but could discern people and objects through his heavenly sight. Upon noticing that Yin Wangzhi's hands were clearly smeared with blood and medicine remnants from another person, he froze in shock, his mouth slightly agape. “You…”
Then, he suddenly displayed a wary expression, reaching out to check his consciousness to see if his heavenly sight was damaged or if there were signs of an illusion interfering with it.
Something isn’t right…?
Wen Jiu quickly pondered, using his intelligence to devise the most reasonable explanation. He then asked, “Ghost King Yin, are you planning to cast a curse with these things? I’ve never heard of such sorcery before.”
He must be unable to act directly and plans to use some insidious trick instead. After all, a being of the Ghost King’s strength couldn’t have been suddenly charmed overnight into helping the Alliance Leader heal and change medicine, and then personally taking the used bandages outside to throw them away.
Yin Wangzhi replied, “Hah, ignorant.”
The Ghost King was never one to waste words. He retorted with his signature mockery, then gracefully turned and left, turning the items in his hand to ashes with a single motion at the corner, leaving not a trace behind.
Wen Jiu, worried, knocked on the door and entered. Upon seeing Yusheng and Zhan Xiaotian inside, he suddenly felt a sense of clarity—why would Zhan Xiaotian be affected by a curse? He regained his calm and gentle smile, placing a vase with fresh flowers indoors. The faint floral scent spread, bringing a touch of vitality to the room.
Yusheng seemed to be in a great mood as he warmly greeted Wen Jiu. In contrast, Zhan Xiaotian's expression was not so good; his face was pale, tinged with confusion, and mixed with worry and vigilance.
What was most alarming was that today he showed no signs of weakness at all. He didn’t complain of pain, pretend to be sick, or seek sympathy. Especially after Yusheng and Wen Jiu greeted each other, he became particularly strong and independent, saying, “Senior, I really feel much better!”
Wen Jiu narrowed his eyes, sensing that something was off. He frowned and scrutinized Zhan Xiaotian, seemingly trying to figure out what was really going on.
Then he heard Yusheng rebut, “No, even though your constitution is stronger and your self-healing ability is better than others, your injuries haven’t fully healed yet. Why are you trying to show off like Yin Wangzhi, trying to save face?”
Wen Jiu nearly choked on those words, stifling a laugh as he looked at Zhan Xiaotian, as if he had found a piece of dirt on him that he could ridicule for a hundred years.
Zhan Xiaotian was utterly flustered, but suddenly he felt inspired and firmly shook his head, saying, “No, I want to learn from Wen Shidi. I can’t take advantage of being the younger one and act willfully. I need to learn to think of others and repay those who have treated me well.”
Wen Jiu: …???
Yusheng genuinely believed this and, feeling pleased and proud, patted Zhan Xiaotian’s head, affirming his understanding. He thought that this eldest disciple really had potential; he quickly grasped Yusheng’s good intentions and began to actively build a relationship with his junior.
Then he turned to Wen Jiu and spoke earnestly, “Wen Gongzi, you should take a day off today. There’s no need for you to cook.”
Wen Jiu’s eyes widened in shock. If he hadn’t already put down the vase in his hand, it would have likely fallen to the ground and shattered. “W-why?”
Was his cooking not good enough? Had his culinary skills declined? Or had his master’s tastes changed? This cherished talent, something he took great pride in and enjoyed doing… was suddenly being called off?!
Could it be that Yin Wangzhi had secretly said something he shouldn’t have behind his back?!
His gaze drifted, and sure enough, Zhan Xiaotian seemed to know the inside story, wearing a knowing smile as if savoring the spectacle of his enemy’s misfortune.
Yusheng had finished tending to Zhan Xiaotian’s wounds and, with his back to the jade bed, was unaware of this exchange. He was absorbed in “comforting” Wen Jiu, saying, “Yes, I’ll handle today’s meals. It’s rare for the three of you to be together. Let’s gather around the table and have a good drink.”
The sudden blow of being sidelined came too swiftly and too unexpectedly, leaving Wen Jiu in a daze. He vaguely understood that cooking personally was to ensure the other two would eat and drink well…
He increasingly confirmed that this sudden change must have been due to the Ghost King’s arrival. Otherwise, why would his master suggest cooking for Zhan Xiaotian today when, before this, he had never proposed such a thing? Compared to the Ghost King, it was clearly Zhan Xiaotian, with his mortal body, who needed to eat more!
Wen Jiu stood rooted in place, speechless, his wide-open eyes filled with a hazy confusion.
Seeing him like this, Yusheng felt even more heartbroken. Look at him—he probably had rarely been taken care of and had never experienced brotherly camaraderie, which was why he was so touched that he couldn’t even speak.
He opened the novel in his consciousness again, looking at similar plotlines. They were nothing more than masters giving treasures to their disciples or caring for them when they were injured or downcast. After flipping through a couple of pages, he realized that while there was only one disciple in those novels, he had three, and they weren’t exactly the same.
If only there were a novel featuring four masters and disciples as protagonists for reference.
A highly respected master, a stubborn and mischievous eldest disciple who always frightened innocent bystanders, a second disciple who was greedy for desire, and a stable and meticulous third disciple essential for logistics. They all started as enemies but gradually became friends through not fighting, eventually becoming a harmonious family…
Eh, isn’t that Journey to the West?
Yusheng was taken aback by his own train of thought, quietly lowering his head to cover his face, concealing the flushed expression caused by his efforts to stifle laughter.
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