Villainous Junior Chapter 39
Translated by Sylver (ko-fi)
Chapter 39: Jealousy
"Xue Lang challenged Du Jin? But Du Jin is at the Nascent Soul Stage!"
"A Golden Core cultivator against a Nascent Soul cultivator, it's simply impossible to win! Ah, Junior Brother Xue was a bit too rash in choosing his opponent."
Xiao Guan also let out a pained "tsk". Until now in the sparring competition, although there had been instances of disciples challenging others of higher cultivation levels, it was usually only cases like a Foundation Establishment seventh layer challenging an eighth layer, or a Golden Core third layer challenging a fifth layer. There had never been a challenge spanning an entire realm like this.
A realm difference was like a vast chasm, not to mention that Nascent Soul cultivators were already considered experts in the cultivation world. For a Golden Core cultivator to defeat one was practically impossible.
"Hey, Meng Chen," Xiao Guan called out to Meng Chen across several disciples, "isn't your little junior brother being a bit too impetuous? Losing face is a minor issue, but it would be terrible if it shatters his confidence. Couldn't you have given him a warning?"
Meng Chen also hadn't expected Xue Lang to choose Du Jin as his opponent. However...
"He knows what he's doing."
Although Xue Lang usually appeared careless, he had always been reliable when it mattered. He must have had his reasons for this choice.
Moreover...
Meng Chen's knuckles rhythmically tapped his knee as he observed Du Jin, who swaggered onto the arena with an arrogant expression.
A Nascent Soul cultivation level achieved through Spirit Enhancing Pills was nothing more than a paper tiger, no matter how impressive it seemed. The outcome was far from certain.
"I was just wondering where to find you, and here you are, delivering yourself to my doorstep," Du Jin sneered as he drew his weapon, the Golden Dragon Whip. "Since you're so eager to embarrass yourself in front of everyone, I won't hold back."
His eyes narrowed, determined to teach a lesson to this brat who dared to speak so boldly before him. The Golden Dragon Whip cracked fiercely on the ground twice, and the third strike lashed directly at Xue Lang's face!
Although this cultivation level was artificially boosted, it was genuinely at the Nascent Soul stage. Combined with the extraordinary Golden Dragon Whip, Du Jin's strike was truly formidable. Several female disciples from Cuixia Peak already turned away, unable to bear the sight, fearing they would witness Xue Lang's face being split open and blood splattering everywhere. However, Liu Yuanyuan widened her eyes in surprise, watching the figure on the arena nimbly avoid that dangerous strike, and murmured, "Flowing Wave Step? Junior Brother Xue actually knows the Flowing Wave Step?"
But that wasn't all. What was even more surprising came next.
After easily avoiding Du Jin's whip, Xue Lang's wrist sank horizontally, and his sword tip drew a straight line in the air. White light condensed on the blade's edge, like a stream of flowing cloud.
An older disciple from Taixuan Sect recognized this opening move and exclaimed in surprise. "Three Folding Cloud Dragon? I remember this sword technique is only taught to disciples in their sixth year. How can he use it!?"
Not only could Xue Lang use it, but he used it well. The Three Folding Cloud Dragon sword technique was known for its agility and ingenuity, suitable for dealing with opponents of higher cultivation. Du Jin suddenly felt a gust of wind in the air, and the clouds in the sky were drawn and surged, gathering into three cloud dragons that dove down from different directions, opening their mouths to emit vigorous, resounding dragon roars. He had never seen this sword technique before and couldn't help feeling a bit panicked. Forcing himself to calm down and discern, he felt that the middle dragon must be the real sword energy, so he shouted loudly and raised his whip to strike at the center!
The white cloud dragon, upon contact with the Golden Dragon Whip, instantly dispersed into a mist and vanished in the air. At the same time, the cloud dragon on the left howled as it swept past Du Jin's side. Du Jin felt a pain in his waist and found that his left side had been slashed by the sword energy, leaving a long bloody gash.
As he stared incredulously at the wound on his waist, Xue Lang flicked his sword, and his next attack was already before him!
"Crossing River Enters Sea! Damn, I still haven't mastered this move!"
"Thirteen Swords of Startling Wind!? He even knows such a complex sword technique??"
"Wind Fills the Sky! My goodness, that's a sword move I've been practicing for five years!"
The disciples of Taixuan Sect were dumbfounded one after another. The Taixuan Sword Techniques were the first set of sword techniques learned by every disciple upon entering the sect. Although they were the most basic, it took at least three years of diligent practice to master them thoroughly and use them freely. Only after building a solid foundation could one learn more complex and lethal sword techniques.
Yet in this brief exchange, Xue Lang had already demonstrated no less than four different sword techniques. Everyone could clearly see that he wasn't deliberately showing off, nor did he merely understand the form without grasping the essence. Every move and technique the young man used was the perfect combination for that moment, a new set of sword techniques recreated after integrating all sword techniques and following his intent.
This was a level that many people couldn't achieve in years, decades, or even a lifetime.
But how long had Xue Lang been in the sect? How old was he?
Eighteen, or nineteen?
All the disciples fell silent as they watched the young, handsome youth on the stage, who appeared composed and steady.
Du Jin was also thrown into disarray by the young man's endless variations of moves. He couldn't understand why, despite his cultivation being so much higher, he couldn't find an opportunity to exert his strength under his opponent's sword. His whip lashes became increasingly chaotic, and the suppressed anger in his heart burned more fiercely. When it reached the breaking point, Du Jin's mind went blank. He shouted recklessly and lashed out wildly with bloodshot eyes—
The Golden Dragon Whip lost its accuracy and entangled his own left leg. Without thinking, he pulled hard, and with a "thud," he knocked himself to the ground!
The disciples of Zhenwu Manor all turned green, covering their eyes, unable to bear the sight.
Xue Lang's sword steadily pressed against Du Jin's neck, paused for a moment, then withdrew as he turned to walk off the stage.
The outcome was clear.
"Junior Brother Xue! That was amazing!"
Xiao Guan couldn't help but stand up and whistle, while a faint smile appeared on Meng Chen's face. However, in the next instant, his expression changed as he shouted coldly, "Watch out behind you!"
Du Jin had gotten up from the ground and picked up the Golden Dragon Whip again. Without a word, he lashed out at Xue Lang from behind!
A sneak attack!
And a sneak attack after already losing the match!
The disciples of Taixuan Sect all showed anger in their eyes. Even the disciples of Zhenwu Manor hadn't expected Du Jin to resort to such despicable behavior. The Sect Leader of Zhenwu also changed his expression, standing up from his seat and shouting angrily, "Du Jin!"
But Du Jin seemed not to hear. He appeared to be controlled by the shame and hatred of defeat, his eyes bloodshot, his spiritual energy rampaging wildly. The Golden Dragon Whip came crashing down on Xue Lang like an avalanche!
Xue Lang had already reached the edge of the arena and sheathed his sword. Although he keenly sensed the unusual spiritual energy fluctuation behind him and immediately used the Flowing Wave Step to dodge, he was still caught by the whip's energy on his back. He was instantly sent flying, a burning sensation rising in his throat.
Meng Chen abruptly stood up and rushed towards the arena. However, there was a barrier around the arena to prevent outside interference and allow the disciples to focus on their match. Before the battle ended, no one was allowed to enter the arena.
Xue Lang fell to the ground and had just coughed once when he heard the whistling wind. The Golden Dragon Whip, carrying the might of thunder, lashed down again!
Without thinking, he rolled on the ground. The Golden Dragon Whip struck where he had been, actually splitting a deep crack in the arena!
Both Xue Lang and Meng Chen's expressions changed.
Something was wrong.
Although it was still Nascent Soul level power, the previous Du Jin had only exerted about 20% of his strength. These two lashes, however, were exerting 120%!
This was the attack of a true Nascent Soul expert!
Meng Chen's expression became grave as his keen gaze swept around, but he didn't spot any suspicious individuals. He could only temporarily suppress the unease and doubts in his heart and call out loudly to the Taixuan Sect Leader in the high seat, "Du Jin has violated the sparring rules. Please, Sect Leader, stop the match immediately!"
The Taixuan Sect Leader's face was as cold as water as he signaled the disciple managing the arena's barrier to remove it. The disciple received the order and acted immediately, but in the next moment, a panicked look appeared on his face. "Reporting to Sect Leader, the barrier has malfunctioned. It can't be removed!"
In these few breaths, Du Jin had already lashed out at Xue Lang again.
The divine weapon Golden Dragon Whip seemed to have suddenly come alive, exerting its true power. Its body flashed with golden light, its whistling sound echoing in all directions, as if even the air would be shattered by this overwhelmingly powerful force!
This lash came at an extremely tricky angle, with precise calculation within its mighty power, cutting off all of Xue Lang's escape routes. Seeing that even the Flowing Wave Step couldn't get him out, Xue Lang decisively raised his sword to block. Two streams of true energy instantly collided and clashed. Sword and whip fiercely met, sparks flying like a sudden gust of rain!
However, in a head-on comparison of cultivation, Xue Lang was undoubtedly at a disadvantage. The Golden Dragon Whip deflected the long sword and in the next moment struck Xue Lang's chest hard.
Xue Lang was thrown backwards, crashing heavily into the barrier behind him before falling to the ground.
Blood spread on the ground, and blue veins bulged on the young man's neck as his fingers dug fiercely into the ground.
"What's wrong with the barrier!?"
Seeing Meng Chen striding over with a chilling aura, the disciple guarding the barrier was so frightened he could hardly speak, "Se-Senior Brother Meng, I don't know what's happening. The barrier suddenly won't retract!"
Meng Chen gritted his teeth secretly. Seeing Du Jin walking towards Xue Lang, who was lying on the ground, with his whip raised, his eye twitched as he shouted sternly towards the stage, "Xue Lang, stand up!"
Xue Lang turned his head to spit out a mouthful of bloody saliva, enduring the severe pain in his chest as he took a sharp breath. He used his hands to forcefully prop himself up.
Even without Meng Chen telling him, he would stand up.
Winning or losing in the contest was not the key point. It didn't matter if he embarrassed himself in front of thousands of people. But there was only one thing—
He absolutely could not fall in front of Meng Chen.
Absolutely not!!
Du Jin's whip lashed out again. Amidst countless people's cries of alarm, Xue Lang pushed off with one hand and flew backward like a falcon, narrowly avoiding the whip. Then his entire body, like a sharp sword, thrust down toward Du Jin's head!
Du Jin's eyes narrowed as he quickly leaned back to dodge. Unexpectedly, the youth's form also changed nimbly in mid-air. The sword shifted from vertical to horizontal, executing a move called "Cutting Across the Heavenly River," slashing toward Du Jin's neck like a gust of wind!
Du Jin dodged to the side. A moment later, a strand of black hair floated down gently from mid-air.
The disciples held their breath, staring unblinkingly at the scene before them. They had almost forgotten that this was a battle across realms.
Du Jin's blood-red eyes stared at Xue Lang, seeming to be thoroughly enraged.
A golden shadow flashed through the air, instantly reaching Xue Lang. The Golden Dragon Whip quivered on the sword blade like a spirit snake, violently wrenching Xue Lang's sword away!
"It's over!"
The Taixuan Sect disciples cried out in alarm. Losing one's weapon was tantamount to falling into a state where one could be slaughtered at will!
Du Jin let out a cold laugh, caught the falling sword, and thrust it toward Xue Lang's chest!
Meng Chen stared intently at the scene, his palms instantly breaking out in a cold sweat!
Without a weapon, without a way to retreat, facing an opponent several times stronger than himself, Xue Lang - whether out of desperation or having lost his senses at being pushed to the brink - didn't dodge at this crucial moment, but instead rushed toward the sword tip!
Xiao Guan abruptly stood up, his face turning slightly green. "He's gone mad!!"
Just as the sword tip was about to impale Xue Lang, the youth's body suddenly twisted at an unbelievable angle, barely avoiding the vital points—
"Taiji Bone-Transforming Technique." Zhao Jingchen's eyes were full of disbelief, "How many things does he actually know..."
With a "swish," the sword tip missed the heart and deeply pierced Xue Lang's side. But Xue Lang, at the cost of being stabbed, seized the opportunity as their distance suddenly closed. With a resolute and fierce look in his eyes, he struck Du Jin's chest hard with both palms.
These two palm strikes used up all of his remaining strength.
Du Jin's body stiffened, his face rapidly flushing. His body was suddenly sent flying, crashing heavily to the ground. He spat out a large mouthful of fresh blood and fainted.
Outside the arena, on a distant pine tree branch, Pei Yuzhe's pitch-black pupils suddenly returned to normal, and then he opened his mouth, spitting out blood with a pale face.
He wiped away the blood at the corner of his mouth expressionlessly, watching as that white figure rushed onto the stage the moment the isolation barrier was removed, taking the fallen Xue Lang into his arms.
Meng Chen quickly pressed several major acupoints on the youth's body to stop the bleeding, then fed him two pills. "How are you feeling now?"
"It's... it's nothing serious," Xue Lang coughed twice, then turned his head to smile at him. "Did you see? I won."
"I saw," Meng Chen pressed his hand against the bleeding wound on his lower ribs, his eyes somewhat moist. "I've always said you're amazing."
Disciples quickly came up with stretchers, carefully moving Xue Lang onto one to bandage his wounds. The disciples of Zhenwu Manor similarly carried away the unconscious Du Jin. Due to the sudden accident and problems with the isolation barrier, the sparring event was forcibly suspended until the barrier could be fully repaired.
After the crowd of disciples dispersed, Meng Chen went to find the Taixuan Sect Leader.
"I suspect that Du Jin was being controlled by someone on the stage earlier."
He straightforwardly told the Sect Leader his suspicions. The Sect Leader nodded gravely. "Indeed. Judging by its form, it seemed very much like a secret technique used by demonic cultivators called soul control."
Meng Chen repeated softly. "Demonic cultivators?"
"It's just a guess, I'm not actually certain," the Sect Leader frowned and said, "I've already sent out my divine consciousness to fully probe within a ten-mile radius, but didn't detect any demonic aura, so I dare not jump to conclusions."
The Sect Leader's cultivation had already reached the Refining Void Realm, just below the Mahayan Realm. If a demonic cultivator had truly infiltrated the Taixuan Sect, it would be impossible for him not to detect it.
Unless that demon cultivator was extremely skilled at concealment.
"I will continue to investigate this matter. You should go check on Xue Lang first," the Sect Leader said. "By the way, his performance today also greatly surprised me—did you give him special training? How does he know so many things?"
"He's very intelligent," Meng Chen said softly. "And very hardworking."
There are no absolute geniuses. Whether it was him or Xue Lang, the reason they could achieve such surprising results in certain areas was simply because they had put in several times more effort than others during times when no one was watching.
---
Xue Lang's injuries were not serious, but he had lost a lot of blood. After being bandaged by the disciples, he was sent back to Luosong Residence to rest.
Many disciples were actually not convinced about Xue Lang entering Tianji Peak right after joining the sect. Since joining, Xue Lang hadn't done anything particularly outstanding except for attracting attention in the incident of framing Meng Chen. Many disciples felt his reputation was undeserved and that he didn't deserve to be at Tianji Peak when his name was mentioned.
It wasn't until today, when they saw him successfully challenge a Nascent Soul Stage expert despite the level difference, that people truly became convinced.
Not to mention, he had achieved a reversal victory in extremely disadvantageous circumstances, at the cost of being severely injured. The youth's actions not only brought great glory to the sect, but the unyielding courage and fighting spirit he displayed also inspired many, causing them to change their impression of Xue Lang.
Many disciples who normally had no interaction with Xue Lang came to Luosong Residence to visit him and check on his injuries. Several female cultivators from Cuixia Peak even came with blushing faces to deliver medicine and food. Xue Lang usually didn't care about others' opinions, but he wouldn't reject people's goodwill. He politely thanked everyone who came to visit him.
Until a female cultivator wearing a golden uniform walked in.
Xue Lang frowned slightly. Because of Du Jin, he didn't have a good impression of the disciples from Zhenwu Manor. However, not knowing the visitor's identity and her being a young lady, he couldn't show his displeasure too obviously. He just asked politely, "You are?"
The young lady was quite beautiful, with a haughty and domineering look in her eyes that came from long-term privilege. "You don't know who I am?"
Her demeanor, exactly like Du Jin's, instantly depleted Xue Lang's patience. He perfunctorily curled his lips. "Should I know?"
The young lady stared at his handsome and defined features for a while, then raised an eyebrow and smiled. "You really do have quite a personality. Xue Lang, right? I think you're not bad. How about we become friends?"
Xue Lang simply closed his eyes. "Not interested."
The young lady choked, never having been treated so coldly before in her life. She let out a cold laugh and raised her chin haughtily. "Just you wait. I'll make you come to me voluntarily."
She snorted again and turned to leave with her nose in the air. Xue Lang closed his eyes for a while, then heard someone else come in. His brow furrowed irritably, and he looked up with an impatient expression, which instantly turned to joy. "You're here!"
Meng Chen, carrying a food box, walked to the bedside and sat down. He checked Xue Lang's wound, and seeing it wasn't serious, he took out a bowl from the food box.
Xue Lang looked at the soup in the bowl and suddenly exclaimed, remembering something important. "My black chicken!!"
"It's right here," Meng Chen handed the soup to Xue Lang. "It's cooked. Drink up."
Xue Lang had caught the chicken originally for Meng Chen to eat, but ended up drinking it himself. He felt a bit embarrassed, but then thought of something and looked at Meng Chen with sparkling eyes. "Did you make this soup?"
Meng Chen met those big eyes and felt an unusual sense of shyness. "...No. I don't know how to make soup. I asked Junior Sister Liu to cook it."
"That's okay." Xue Lang grinned as he took the soup and gulped it down.
"Get some sleep," Meng Chen ruffled his hair. "I've told the others not to disturb you for now."
Xue Lang obediently nodded and let Meng Chen help him lie down. His eyes still blinked at Meng Chen, and he said once again. "I was really impressive today, wasn't I?"
Meng Chen laughed softly and nodded. "Yes, you were."
"So, remember what you promised me," Xue Lang earnestly reminded him. "You must tell me if anything happens. I can help."
"Alright," Meng Chen nodded seriously. "I will."
Only then did Xue Lang close his eyes contentedly and fall asleep.
Meng Chen watched the youth for a while, then picked up the food box and quietly closed the door as he left.
——
After the isolation barrier was repaired, the sparring event continued without any further incidents.
Three days after the event ended, the disciples of Zhenwu Manor, led by Taixuan Sect disciples, visited places like the Library Pavilion, Jingxin Square, and Xiushui Mountain, engaging in various exchanges.
Xue Lang, being young and strong, recovered about 70-80% from his injuries in just a couple of days. On this day, the Taixuan Sect Leader personally came to visit him, offering kind words of praise and encouragement before finally saying, "Xue Lang, I have a favor to ask of you."
Xue Lang couldn't imagine what the esteemed Sect Leader would need his help with, but he respectfully replied, "Please, go ahead."
"It's like this. The Zhenwu Manor Sect Leader, Ying Tian, has been my old friend for many years. His daughter also came with him this time. You should have met her yesterday. Her name is Ying Lan."
Xue Lang's expression immediately cooled, and he frowned at the Sect Leader. "What are you trying to say?"
The Taixuan Sect Leader sighed inwardly, thinking this young man was truly straightforward, with all his emotions displayed on his face. "I don't mean anything by it. It's just that during this exchange with Zhenwu Manor, there have been many unexpected frictions. Du Jin violated martial ethics and seriously injured you with a sneak attack, but he was also badly hurt, reportedly breaking several ribs. Lu Yuanshan, Ying Tian's most prized disciple, was unexpectedly defeated by Meng Chen. Of course, this has nothing to do with you or Meng Chen, but people care about face. Ying Tian has suffered two setbacks here, and he's feeling a bit uncomfortable. As it happens, his daughter greatly admires you and expressed a desire to get to know you better..."
"So the Sect Leader has personally come to play matchmaker?" Xue Lang said coldly. "I didn't realize Taixuan Sect not only teaches disciples cultivation but also runs a matchmaking service."
This sharp tongue!
The Taixuan Sect Leader choked, his voice becoming smaller with embarrassment. "That's not... not quite what I meant..."
Seeing the youth's cold face and indifference, the Taixuan Sect Leader sighed inwardly, knowing this matter wouldn't succeed. He could only say, "Alright, I didn't think this through. I shouldn't force you to make friends with others. How about this: Zhenwu Manor will be departing tomorrow. There will be a farewell ceremony before they leave. At that time, as a representative, you can give Ying Lan a farewell gift. That should be acceptable, right?"
This was within an acceptable range, and the Sect Leader indeed had his difficulties and had lowered himself so much. Xue Lang couldn't refuse to give the Sect Leader this face. So his expression eased slightly, and he nodded in agreement.
But he hadn't expected that the farewell gift would be a bouquet of flowers.
A large bouquet of fresh and beautiful bluebells.
Xue Lang's face darkened, and he almost wanted to throw down the flowers and leave. "Why do I have to give flowers?!"
The Sect Leaders were talking privately to the side, and only the disciples of Zhenwu Manor and the Taixuan Sect representatives were present for the farewell. Xiao Guan, with a mischievous grin, winked and said, "Silly junior brother, what a great opportunity! Ying Lan is the young lady of Zhenwu Manor. Tsk tsk, if you become their son-in-law, you might even be the next Zhenwu Manor Leader!"
He was obviously joking, but Xue Lang's face became even more unsightly upon hearing this. He tried to push the flowers into Xiao Guan's hands and leave.
"Hey, hey, hey!" Xiao Guan hadn't expected his junior brother to be so easily provoked. He quickly pulled him back and whispered, "I won't joke around anymore, okay? I was just kidding, but that Ying Lan really does seem to have some interest in you. With so many people watching, you should at least put on a show. Don't make them lose face."
Xue Lang's brow furrowed into a knot.
"Good junior brother, just bear with it," Xiao Guan said. "It doesn't matter if you don't give Ying Lan face, but you should at least give our Sect Leader some face."
Xue Lang sighed, resignedly took the bouquet of bluebells, and tried his best not to look too displeased as he strode towards Ying Lan.
Ying Lan had been secretly observing the situation. Seeing the youth in black finally walking towards her with the flowers, although his expression was still proud, the corners of her mouth couldn't help but turn up in joy.
This was the scene Meng Chen saw as he passed by.
Many disciples wore ambiguous smiles, giggling as they watched the young pair. The youth in black walked over amidst the teasing voices, somewhat stiffly handing the large bouquet of dark and light blue flowers to the young lady. The young lady's face was pretty, and although she tried to look indifferent as she accepted the flowers, her blushing cheeks clearly betrayed the young lady's hidden thoughts.
From a distance, the handsome youth and beautiful maiden did look like a good match.
Meng Chen watched for a while, then silently left.
---
The silver moon hung high, and the night was cool as water.
The Zhenwu Manor disciples had already left. After several busy days, things finally quieted down. Xue Lang was meditating in his room for a while but felt a bit distracted. So he asked the blue bird on the window perch, "Hey, fatty."
Blue Fatty, who was eating, turned its head and glared at him angrily.
Xue Lang: "Do you want to go play with White Crane?"
Blue Fatty was overjoyed, immediately putting on a fawning expression and hopping onto Xue Lang's shoulder, affectionately nuzzling his neck.
"Let's go." Xue Lang immediately jumped off the bed, with the little blue bird perched on his shoulder, and walked briskly to Qixue Residence.
In the courtyard of Qixue Residence, he imitated Meng Chen's previous action, plucking a leaf and blowing it between his lips. Soon enough, the white crane descended gracefully from the sky. Blue Fatty immediately flew over in great joy, affectionately going off to play with its little companion.
Xue Lang gently knocked on the door and then walked into the house.
Meng Chen had lit a lamp and was reading at the table.
He had already heard the commotion in the courtyard earlier, but when Xue Lang came in, he didn't greet him. His gaze remained lazily fixed on the book pages before him.
Xue Lang felt that his attitude seemed a bit off, which was strange. He coughed to make his presence known. "That, it's me."
Meng Chen made an "Mm" sound and turned a page. "I know."
Xue Lang: "...What's wrong with you?"
Meng Chen: "Nothing's wrong."
His attitude, saying nothing was wrong while clearly something was wrong, made Xue Lang a bit panicky. He didn't know how he had offended the young man, and stood awkwardly in the room for a while. Then he noticed the small earthen pot on the table.
The frost-white flowers in the pot were in full bloom, their beauty becoming even more radiant like moonlight as night fell.
Xue Lang's heart stirred, remembering that Meng Chen might not know who sent these flowers. So he made small talk. "Where did you get these flowers? They're quite pretty."
At the mention of "flowers," Meng Chen finally had a reaction. His gaze moved languidly from the book to the small frost-white flowers, and he said, "The flower farmer sent them."
Xue Lang's secretly nervous expression suddenly froze.
The flower farmer sent them??
How did it become a flower farmer??
"Today they send this, tomorrow they send that," Meng Chen said, resting his cheek on his palm and lowering his eyes to turn another page. "Aren't they just flower-selling farmers?"
Xue Lang: "..."
He immediately realized that Meng Chen had found out about him giving flowers to Ying Lan during the day.
After Meng Chen spoke, though his face didn't show it, he felt some regret in his heart.
He certainly knew that Xue Lang couldn't possibly have any feelings for that girl, and he had always thought he didn't take this matter seriously. But it wasn't until he saw Xue Lang in the evening, until he involuntarily said those words just now, that he realized he had been harboring a knot of irritation in his heart since the afternoon—an irritation he couldn't quite explain or understand himself.
That irritation restlessly churned in his heart, prompting him to say words that even he found childish and unreasonable—words he would never normally utter.
Xue Lang was so anxious that his mouth opened and closed twice before he found his voice. "How can that be the same?!"
Meng Chen finally looked up at him. "How is it different?"
"It's different in every way!" Xue Lang said urgently. "I gave her flowers to complete the task assigned by the Sect Leader. I gave you flowers because I—"
Meng Chen's heart suddenly skipped a beat, and he abruptly looked up at him.
But the youth seemed to have suddenly been choked, his face including his ears rapidly warming up. He stared at Meng Chen red-faced for a moment, then suddenly averted his gaze in panic.
"I- I just remembered I haven't meditated today. I'm leaving first!"
The youth hurriedly left this sentence, bowing his head and running out the door without looking back.
Meng Chen looked at the door that hadn't been closed properly, his fingers closing the book he hadn't been able to read a single word of from start to finish. Then he gently moved his hand to his own chest, silently feeling his own out-of-rhythm heartbeat.
After a long while, he softly exhaled, recalling the youth's hurried departure. The corners of his mouth turned up slightly as he muttered in a low voice.
"Coward..."
