Chapter 2065: How to Tame the Stubborn Youth 14

Besides, who taught you to shout nonsense? Do I look old?

Jin Chen raised the corners of his eyes at him, his fingertip brushing Ji Lai-zhi's earlobe, "If you don't answer properly, you'll be punished."

Ji Lai-zhi's breathing was uneven; he spoke with a trembling voice: "... If I say, I think you are... steady, reliable."

Do you believe me?

Jin Chen: "... Reluctantly."

Ji Lai-zhi then firmly nodded, "That's it."

No one has ever been this good to me, so when I got drunk I shouted nonsense... You... you are a steady adult, you should learn to be understanding.

Jin Chen drew out his 'hmm', a smile flickering in his eyes, he continued to tease him, "And the others? Do you have to squeeze into bed with me for the same reason?"

Ji Lai-zhi scratched at his hastily combed hair, hesitated a moment, then softly said, "I always sleep poorly."

Jin Chen's gaze fell on him, his expression turning a bit more serious, "How so?"

"I don't know," Ji Lai-zhi said, shaking his head troubled, "I've always thought whether you sleep well depends on luck."

When I do fall asleep, I get headaches and nightmares, sweat a lot; sometimes I don't.

Ji Lai-zhi suddenly paused, "Oh, sleeping after drinking makes it much better; last night maybe... I suddenly felt unwell?"

He tilted his head, and indeed found an excuse.

Who checks their luck when sleeping?

Jin Chen slightly shook his head, soft-hearted and pained, Ji Lai-zhi is truly clueless about everyday common sense.

He noted Ji Lai-zhi's symptoms, before confirming he didn't mention possibly being drugged, his tone light as he laughed, gently rubbing the top of his head.

How come you believe everything I say, you idiot?

Ji Lai-zhi's already messy hair became even more frazzled, though he didn't notice; seeing Jin Chen truly not angry, he beamed and bumped his forehead against his shoulder, "You're the idiot."

... Impudent." Jin Chen flicked his forehead, "Hangover gone, any headache?"

Not painful." Ji Lai-zhi thought of that bowl of hannya broth just now, licked his lips still tinged sweet.

What he didn't say was, last night was arguably the best sleep he'd had since growing up, with no discomfort at all.

Ji Lai-zhi gently inhaled, in a daze he seemed able to recall the feeling of being held in an embrace, even if just a few half-dream, half-waking moments.

【Villain Heartthrob Value +10, total 33!】

——

A few days after the sparring match, Ji Lai-zhi noticed a black-clad person frequently coming to Observing Cloud Institute, light as a swallow and skilled, somewhat similar to Jin Chen's lightness skill.

What surprised Ji Lai-zhi most was that this person seemed able to ignore the gate formation of Azure Cloud Sword Manor, coming and going as if it were nothing.

But doubts aside, Ji Lai-zhi rested his chin in thought, since Jin Chen had no intention of hiding it, he must certainly be "one of our own."

Ji Lai-zhi glanced again at the rear door of the Tight Pass, knelt on a stone bench sitting crookedly, holding a brush as he continued to copy today's lesson.

Inside the rear chamber.

We sent people to assist Coiling Dragon Pavilion's investigation, and indeed we tracked down the whereabouts of Pavilion Master Zhao Ming; that corpse was deliberately left by him.

Mo Hei paused, "... Master, could it be that Zhao Ming, entrusted with guarding, stole it himself, taking the Taihuang Seven-Star Spear, and then used the corpse as a blind?"

Jin Chen's expression calm, "Zhao Ming can't use it; his inner strength is insufficient, forcing its use is seeking his own death."

Where did Zhao Ming flee to?

Mo Hei: "The Lanling area."

Jin Chen thought for a moment, picked up his brush and wrote a decree, sealing it with his stamp.

Have the Lanling branch send people to continue the pursuit, avoiding the Coiling Dragon Pavilion investigation.

Yes.

Mo Hei took the decree, thinking of the handkerchief his master had just asked him to bring to the Medicine King Gu Gu Master, he couldn't help but ask: "Master, since Azure Cloud Sword Manor isn't safe, why don't you bring Young Master Ji back?"

Jin Chen: "Not yet the time."

If Ji Lai-zhi were to find out now that he isn't a person of Han Yue Villa, he'd likely become torn and go himself to confront Shen Lao Xie.

Thud!

Through the half-open window, the two simultaneously saw Ji Lai-zhi throw a stone toward the doorway, as if to warn.

Someone's coming." Jin Chen said.

In the next instant, Mo Hei hid in the corner of the beams, saw Jin Chen leave the rear chamber, then flipped out the window.

The visitors were Xue Duanming and Ji Siyou; their relationship has grown closer, now they call each other close friends.

As Jin Chen just entered the courtyard, he saw Ji Lai-zhi treat his brush as a hidden weapon, swishing it toward Ji Siyou; though it was dodged and didn't hurt anyone, it flung ink all over Ji Siyou.

Ji Siyou's reason, on the edge of distortion, was pulled back; slightly dissatisfied, he patted his clothes, turned sideways, and together with Xue Duanming bowed his fists to Jin Chen.

Sir.

Jin Chen seemed not to notice Ji Lai-zhi's small move, let him hide behind him, his tone flat as he asked, "What do you two need?"

Xue Duanming and Ji Siyou exchanged a glance, then produced from their bosoms the personal transmission disciple token of the Wuwang Sect; their expressions were respectful, yet they could not conceal the youths' pride and eagerness.

Sir, to be frank, I, like Siyou, hope you can point me toward the mysteries of cultivation.

The Wuwang Sect has always been on good terms with Han Yue Villa; if you agree, when I return to the Wuwang Sect someday, I will certainly recommend you to my father, who is the Grand Elder Protector of the Wuwang Sect.

The Wuwang Sect's status in the martial world is of great importance, not something Azure Cloud Sword Manor can compare to; it's only because of the older generation's friendship that Xue Duanming came this trip, never expecting to immediately become lifelong close friends, and also encountering such a mysterious, highly skilled martial artist, making him feel it must not be missed lightly.

You also want to snatch people?

Ji Lai-zhi's hair stood on end, regretting he hadn't flung his brush at that person just now.

Don't you have your own instructor? Why are you all trying to steal me? Are you sick?

Jin Chen, quick-eyed and quick-handed, grabbed Ji Lai-zhi's collar, "Alright, settle down."

Ji Siyou couldn't help it, his tone inevitably carrying a hint of coldness, "Brother, that makes no sense; the sir is only here to teach you for six months, how did it become solely yours?"

What's it to you!" Ji Lai-zhi flared up, "Anyway, Jin Chen could never teach you! Not in this lifetime!

Jin Chen was shouted at by him and pressed his ears, couldn't help but wrap his arms around his shoulders and cover his mouth, "Be good, listen to me."

Ji Lai zhi calmed down, whined and leaned into his embrace, glaring angrily at the two bandits opposite with his unobstructed eyes.

Jin Chen glanced at the token in Xue Duanming's hand, the corner of his mouth twitched imperceptibly, inevitably mocking.

"You two let me teach, that's fine."

He held down the restless Ji Lai zhi and continued, "Three days from now at this time, you will take turns sparring with Ji Lai zhi, no weapons; if you can beat him, I will agree."

"If not, thereafter I do not wish to hear any such requests, or threats and inducements."

Ji Lai zhi turned his amber eyes, then curled them up, nodding in agreement.

Even after two more years of training, Ji Si yao still couldn't beat him; however, this Xue Duanming had some skill. Remembering the match interrupted that day at the tavern, Ji Lai zhi eagerly licked his canine tooth, a gleam flashing in his eyes.

It also happened that he wanted to test the results of his recent training.

Xue Duanming had no other choice but to agree, secretly feeling that this was an opportunity given by Jin Chen.

After the two eyesores left, Ji Lai zhi turned to face Jin Chen with a pleased smile, looking attractive, "Are you saying this on purpose to find me a training partner?"

"Yeah."

Jin Chen touched the vermilion mole at the corner of his eye, "Seize the opportunity; Xue Duanming's strength is comparable to yours—if you beat him, you can break through a few more levels."

Ji Lai zhi was practically about to be lost in such frank talk, lunging into his embrace and rubbing wildly in all directions,

"You're really good to me!" Ji Lai zhi could now express his feelings easily, tilting his head slightly to rest on his shoulder, "Then... if I win, can I make a request of you?"

It's rather crude, and he even takes the initiative to ask for it.

Jin Chen satisfiedly tousled the youth's hair, "Sure, as long as I can do it."