After Sheng Jun Chapter 51 (Part 2)
Translated by Sylver (ko-fi)
Chapter 51 Sweet Burden (part 2)
The sect examination was in three days.
The examination matters had long been prepared properly. Jiang Xingzhi's review didn't take much effort, and the remaining time was basically spent clinging to Zhong Ming.
He had been rarely gentle and soft these past few days, with an endless stream of endearing little tricks that Zhong Ming simply couldn't refuse.
Zhong Ming felt like he was repeatedly jumping between a honey jar and a vinegar vat, his whole person sweet and sour, occasionally bubbling drunkenly like fermented wine.
This sweet burden continued until the day of the examination.
Thinking that they would be busy with serious matters next, Zhong Ming actually felt a hint of relief. Clearly they hadn't done anything these past few days, yet he felt as if his body had been hollowed out, his whole person floating.
Before he could catch his breath, he heard Jiang Xingzhi's voice again. "Ah Zuo."
Zhong Ming looked up to see Jiang Xingzhi standing in front of his courtyard gate. "We're going out for a trip."
"Where to? Isn't there still two hours until the examination time?"
"To Pavilion Master You's place."
Zhong Ming immediately stood up, walking over in a few steps. "What are we going to see him for?"
Jiang Xingzhi naturally took his sleeve and walked outside. "I ordered two masks from him a few days ago. Our external identities are special—'Ancient Remnant Spirit' and 'Kunlun Gods' cannot be the same person."
Zhong Ming understood. "So we'll have to wear masks in the sect from now on?"
"Just when we're in front of people." Jiang Xingzhi casually marked out an area. "From that grove to this mountain peak, no one else is allowed to enter. We'll usually stay on the mountain peak, and if there's anything, we'll wait for Zhu Yan and the others to report."
Zhong Ming looked in the direction he pointed: in other words, from now on, the peak of Kunlun would be his and Deng Deng's world for two.
A world for two...
Zhong Ming's heart heated up at these words. "That's good, let's do it that way."
Jiang Xingzhi smiled. "I knew you'd agree. Let's go, let's go get the masks from Pavilion Master You."
****
Besides storing three thousand swords, You Suqing was also exceptional at making masks.
The pure white inverted sword mask on his face was made by his own hands. This time when Jiang Xingzhi asked him to customize masks, he made one silver and one black.
The silver mask had a crystal blue gem embedded at the brow, very much like the Tingxue Sword; the black mask had narrow eye openings, giving off a hidden sense of oppression—much like the first impression "Bai Mu" gave him.
You Suqing waited in the Hidden Sword Pavilion with the two masks, and before long, the two arrived together.
Two figures, one deep and one light, turned into the VIP hall. "Jiang..." You Suqing's greeting paused mid-sentence, his gaze falling on their quite matching "couple's outfit": ?
Zhong Ming was quite sensitive to his gaze, straightening his back and slowly showing off while carrying his sweet burden...
Jiang Xingzhi acted as if nothing had happened, naturally greeting him. "Pavilion Master You, we're here to collect the masks."
"Mm, oh." You Suqing's gaze hesitantly went back and forth twice, but he still couldn't resist probing. "Are you two...?" Together now?
Before Jiang Xingzhi could think of how to respond, he heard a reserved yet eager-to-show-off voice from beside him. "Mm."
"......" He glanced at Zhong Ming.
It seemed his closeness these past few days had given the other party indulgent confidence.
You Suqing was surprised for a moment, then quickly opened his folding fan with a "whoosh," fanning up a breeze. "Congratulations, congratulations. You two... you two progressed quite quickly."
After speaking, he saw Zhong Ming's form suddenly stiffen.
You Suqing's fan paused: Had he said something wrong?
Jiang Xingzhi thought to himself that it was indeed fast, so fast that Xu Jian couldn't find his bearings. He spoke up to change the subject. "Let me see the masks?"
"Good, here are the two." You Suqing turned to hand them over.
Jiang Xingzhi took them to look. His own was delicate and beautiful, and Xu Jian's was also quite... His gaze suddenly fixed on the eye shape of the mask. He raised his hand to stroke those narrow eye openings: they actually quite resembled Xu Jian's true appearance.
As he was stroking it, a head suddenly leaned over from beside him.
Zhong Ming stared at him intently. "Who are you thinking of?"
His tone was full of expectation. Jiang Xingzhi turned to face him, adopting a tone of "I really can't help you." "Of course it's you."
Zhong Ming: "......"
That sweet and sour smile hung on his face again. "So happy."
You Suqing's mouth twitched, speaking up to interrupt their "affectionate gazing." "Brother Jiang, are you satisfied with this mask?"
Jiang Xingzhi withdrew his gaze. "Naturally satisfied, thank you, Pavilion Master You. How many spirit stones in total? I'll pay you."
"No need. Without you two, I probably still wouldn't have obtained my natal sword. Consider this a small token of gratitude. Moreover, regarding the matter of establishing a sect, I'll need to consult Brother Jiang later."
"Then I'll accept it graciously."
After collecting the masks, the two quickly bid farewell to You Suqing.
They walked down from the VIP hall, ahead were narrow and steep stairs. Zhong Ming walked in front, Jiang Xingzhi two steps behind him.
Jiang Xingzhi looked at that broad back ahead, his heart stirring. He suddenly laughed "hehe" twice and pounced down—swoosh!
Clothing fluttered in the air.
Zhong Ming heard the commotion and turned around, just in time to see Jiang Xingzhi pouncing toward him. His heart jumped, and without thinking, he turned around and quickly reached out to catch him, pulling him into his arms.
Thud, Jiang Xingzhi landed safely in his embrace, held face-to-face.
He had originally wanted to jump onto Xu Jian's back, not expecting the other to turn around so quickly. He was stunned for a moment. Now he was hugging the other's neck, his legs straddling that sturdy waist.
Seeing the man's eyes gradually deepen, Jiang Xingzhi's heart skipped a beat!
Oh no, he'd accidentally pushed the progress too far.
Two palms supported his thighs. Zhong Ming stared at him for a moment, then suddenly turned and pressed him against the stair railing—"Ah... Ah Zuo!" Jiang Xingzhi's lower back fit perfectly against the wooden railing, their bodies fitting together seamlessly.
Jiang Xingzhi was knocked backward by the force, instinctively tightening his hold around Zhong Ming's neck.
One hand cushioned behind his waist to help him maintain balance.
Zhong Ming leaned down in this position. The stairway was already half-shadowed, and with Zhong Ming's tall figure looming over him, Jiang Xingzhi was completely hidden in his shadow.
As they gazed at each other, the atmosphere gradually became burning and thick.
Jiang Xingzhi's heart was also beating fiercely. He moved slightly while clinging to Zhong Ming, and the arms around him suddenly tightened. "Jiang Xingzhi."
The low, hoarse voice called his name. Jiang Xingzhi's face flushed with heat! He felt it: along with the other's rapid and heavy heartbeat came undeniable arousal.
This was Xu Jian...
As soon as this thought emerged in his mind, Jiang Xingzhi's heart raced uncontrollably.
He couldn't help but move his legs, and the next moment, that powerful arm lifted him up—their faces were instantly very close, even closer than that time on the mountain steps.
Jiang Xingzhi recalled that unsuccessful kiss and couldn't help but anticipate again: Could they kiss this time?
He was thinking this in his mind, completely unaware of what kind of state he was in.
Zhong Ming stared intently at his face, his emotions stirred fiercely by this person. His chest heaved violently once, suppressing that fire as he asked hoarsely, "Won't you push me away, Jiang Xingzhi?"
Push what away? Xu Jian, can you do it or not...
Jiang Xingzhi grumbled in his heart, but his hands still made a half-hearted push in a gesture of reluctant acceptance.
This push was worse than no push at all.
Veins bulged on the back of Zhong Ming's hand, his fingertips trembling. That flame finally burst through all restraints—he bent down and bit down on Jiang Xingzhi's reddened earlobe!
"Mm..." Jiang Xingzhi's spine arched, wanting to turn his head but being forcefully held in place.
Zhong Ming held that earlobe in his mouth, his teeth practically itching with anger. His teeth ground against the tender flesh, his exhaled hot breath steaming the earlobe and ear root until they spread with crimson.
He felt love and hate, jealousy and satisfaction. "Jiang Xingzhi, do you like me?"