TEMBMBIWB Chapter 47
by VolareThe White Deer Immortal slightly frowned, pretending to be angry, and said, “You two rascals, I’ll put you both in the pot like dumplings in a moment.”
Sui Chunsheng immediately acted spoiled, saying, “Master, don’t! Disciple was wrong, disciple was wrong.”
Tan Zhui glared at him helplessly and shook his sleeves, “Let go of my sleeve, you’re going to tear it off.”
Sui Chunsheng gripped even tighter, “I won’t let go.”
Wugen, standing to the side, rolled his eyes and, rarely, cursed a string of wooden words, then took the wrapped dumplings to put them in the pot.
If they dawdled any longer, they wouldn’t get any dumplings.
Tan Zhui struggled for a long time before finally pulling his sleeve out.
“How old are you now? And you’re still so clingy.”
Sui Chunsheng pouted, muttering, “I’m only five hundred years old, even if this year passes, I’ll only be five hundred and one.”
“Master said before that disciple is still a child…”
Tan Zhui sighed helplessly.
Wugen had already brought over three bowls of steaming dumplings, and Tan Zhui, smelling the aroma, immediately smiled.
Sui Chunsheng placed the dumplings in front of the White Deer Immortal and set down the chopsticks.
The three sat around the table, enjoying the moonlight and the meal.
Tan Zhui took a bite, and the soup inside immediately flowed out, the taste was savory, and although it was the ordinary fillings from the lower realm, it was incredibly delicious.
Seeing his master eating happily, the young man couldn’t help but smile too.
In the distance, a burst of colorful light flashed across the horizon; it was unclear which mountain was setting off fireworks.
The fireworks of the Nine Heavens were different from those in the lower realm; they didn’t have the smoky feel, they were transformed using Wanxiang (All-Forms) incantations, and the emitted light was purer, like the moonlight in the sky.
Tan Zhui was full and warm all over.
The young man draped his cloak over him, and they looked together at the fireworks in the sky. A moving Kunpeng (a giant mythical bird) flew across the horizon, eventually dissipating and turning into countless stars.
Tan Zhui felt a bit sleepy. Wugen was already asleep on the table. He waved his hand, waking up the wooden puppets squatting at the door, and had them send the Yumu Immortal back to Lingyun Peak.
The wooden puppets shook their heads and slowly lifted up the Yumu Immortal. This time, they didn’t fall, their steps much steadier. It seemed the White Deer Immortal had reinforced them.
Tan Zhui’s eyelids were drooping, and he softly said, “I’m tired, so Hibiscus should go back too.”
Sui Chunsheng helped him up, “Disciple will escort master inside.”
Tan Zhui was already quite sleepy; having someone to support him made him want to lean completely on the young man.
Sui Chunsheng dragged him along, the distance between them very close.
By the time the White Deer Immortal was lying on the couch, he had already fallen asleep.
The young man took off Tan Zhui’s outer robe, tucked him into bed, then looked at his face.
The White Deer Immortal’s breathing was steady, appearing to be fast asleep.
Sui Chunsheng felt that when his master was asleep, his sharp eyes and aloof aura were gone.
He looked more like a little beast curled up in a warm quilt, the corners of his mouth seeming to hold a faint smile.
He was quite adorable.
It was quiet all around, with only the sound of their breathing.
Sui Chunsheng slowly leaned down, holding Tan Zhui’s wrist, and gently kissed his fingertips, repeatedly.
The young man seemed to sigh softly at last, and then silently turned off the light, leaving the room.
Once the door was closed, the person on the bed slowly opened his eyes.
He subconsciously looked at his hand hanging beside the bed, where the warmth of the young man’s lips seemed to still linger.
Tan Zhui’s heart fluttered, echoing in the empty room.
He slightly lowered his eyes, his lips lightly touching his own knuckles.
Their lip prints overlapped, as if they were embracing.
Tan Zhui’s voice was deep, particularly clear in the middle of the night.
“My heart’s Hibiscus.”
…
The next morning, Tan Zhui finished washing and opened the window.
A gust of wind blew in, and the stove in the room crackled, as if protesting.
The young man pushed open the door, placing breakfast on the table and softly calling him.
Tan Zhui smiled slightly, noticing that the young man was dressed lightly, and then closed the window.
“Let’s eat together.”
Sui Chunsheng shook his head, “I already ate with my brother.”
Tan Zhui didn’t say anything, raising his eyes and noticing the young man’s hesitant expression, he raised his eyebrows, “What’s wrong? Is there something you need to tell your master?”
Sui Chunsheng handed him a letter, softly saying, “It’s a letter from the South Sea.”
Tan Zhui’s hand holding the chopsticks paused, and he took the letter first.
Hua Zhi’s name was still on it.
The White Deer Immortal opened the letter and quickly scanned it.
Tan Zhui: “Immortal Hua Zhi said his mother has recovered from her illness, and specifically invited us to attend a banquet.”
Sui Chunsheng: “Are we going?”
Tan Zhui: “Of course, we are. He also invited Alan and Yong Lan and the others. We can consider it a trip to the South Sea for fun.”
Sui Chunsheng nodded, “Okay.”
Tan Zhui quickly finished his breakfast and prepared to look for some presentable treasures and pills. They couldn’t go to the South Sea empty-handed. Moreover, he and Hua Zhi were still engaged, and this was also a visit to his elders, so at the very least he needed to be respectful.
However, he seemed to sense that his beloved disciple was in low spirits. After considering it, he tentatively asked, “Asheng, if you don’t want to go to the South Sea, you can go to the Heavenly Medicine Sect and wait for me. I should be back in seven days.”
Sui Chunsheng’s drooping head immediately lifted, his almond eyes slightly widened, “Master, are you going to leave me behind?”
Tan Zhui: “When did I say I would leave you behind? Don’t overthink things.”
Sui Chunsheng was a bit despondent, “Master is going to see his fiancée, so he doesn’t want to bring me, this burden.”
The White Deer Immortal was stunned; he didn’t expect the young man would think so much.
He rubbed his temples helplessly, trying to make his voice gentle, “What nonsense are you thinking? I was just afraid you wouldn’t be used to it.”
“If you want to go, I would definitely be willing.”
Sui Chunsheng tugged his sleeve a bit aggrievedly and said softly, “I want to go. Wherever master goes, I will follow…”
Tan Zhui smiled helplessly, “Alright, I will take you wherever I go.”
Seeing that his expression was still a bit melancholy, the White Deer Immortal couldn’t help but reach out and stroke the young man’s head.
The young man immediately nuzzled against him, managing a smile.
“Master, have you been to the South Sea?”
Tan Zhui: “I haven’t.”
Sui Chunsheng blinked, “Then what is fun in the South Sea? If it’s boring, I’ll be bothering master non-stop.”
Tan Zhui shook his head gently, “I don’t know.”
“But, if Hibiscus is willing to bother me, then do so.”
Sui Chunsheng immediately smiled widely, grabbing his sleeve, “Then it’s settled, you can’t find me annoying.”
Tan Zhui poked him on the forehead, pretending to be angry, “When have I ever found you annoying?”
“You, ah you, wish you could grow on me.”
The next day, Yue Shanglan, upon hearing about this, rushed over in a flurry, followed by two smaller ones.
Si Feng and Yong Lan.
Tan Zhui needed to discuss some things with Yue Shanglan, letting the group of youngsters go to Duan Xiao Peak to play.
The White Deer Immortal closed the door and looked at his friend.
Yue Shanglan immediately said, “Are we really going to the South Sea?”
“That place is unfamiliar, and who knows what Hua Zhi is planning.”
Tan Zhui was a bit confused, “Why do you say that?”
“No matter what, he did give me his eyes and cured my old ailment. Since he specifically invited us, we should naturally go out of respect.”
Yue Shanglan suppressed his urge to roll his eyes, gritting his teeth, “Fine.”
“It’s fine to attend the banquet, but why do we have to stay for a few days?”
Tan Zhui: “The banquet is in seven days, and Hua Zhi sent the letter now to coincide with the South Sea’s Festival of Ten Thousand Lamps. It’s also the South Sea Queen’s invitation. Since I’m engaged to Hua Zhi, it’s not good to refuse.”
“If you don’t want to go, I’ll help you decline.”
Yue Shanglan almost spat out the tea he was drinking. He immediately said, “How can that be! I can’t let you go into that dragon’s den by yourself.”
Tan Zhui chuckled, “Look at you, it’s not that scary.”
Yue Shanglan wanted to say everything, but he valued his life, so he had to swallow his words back.
That damn Hua Zhi!
Tan Zhui looked at the adjacent peak, saying, “Are you still bringing these two juniors?”
Yue Shanglan: “Let’s bring them along. I think little Chunsheng might have trouble adapting to the place. Having two smaller ones to accompany him could ease his discomfort.”
Tan Zhui was puzzled, “When did I see you caring about him so much?”
Yue Shanglan refused, “As an elder, when am I not caring?”
“A-Zhui, you wouldn’t be jealous of this, would you?”
Tan Zhui glanced at him, “How could I? I’d like it if everyone in the world treated Hibiscus well.”
Yue Shanglan was speechless, “Greedy.”
The White Deer Immortal couldn’t help but smile bitterly. Yes, greedy.
…
The next day, the group boarded the flying luan headed for the South Sea.
The South Sea was remote, at the border of the lower realm.
It would take a day of travel, and they would only arrive at night.
The group was divided into two flying luans, following one after the other.
The sky outside was nearing dusk, and the surrounding climate had changed. Sui Chunsheng could already see the sea not far away.
Tan Zhui felt a bit sleepy and subconsciously leaned on the young man’s shoulder for a nap.
Sui Chunsheng paused, wrapping the White Deer Immortal in his cloak.
Tan Zhui subconsciously snuggled into his chest, seemingly feeling that he was warm.
On the opposite side, Wugen was leaning against his seat, already asleep, sprawled out.
The faint aroma of sandalwood permeated the young man’s side, like an invisible hand.
When the flying luan broke through the surface of the water, heading toward the deep sea.
The temperature around them plummeted, Tan Zhui instinctively shivered and burrowed deeper into the young man’s arms.
Sui Chunsheng felt the person burrow into his chest, his hair falling on his cheek, a faint fragrance.
The young man’s back stiffened, and he didn’t dare move.
His breathing quickened, nearly drowning.
Suddenly, the sound of the flying luan landing resounded, and it seemed a team of people had come to greet them.
Tan Zhui opened his eyes upon hearing the sound, only to discover that he was currently hugging the young man’s waist, looking quite absurd.
The young man’s face was completely red, his eyes darting around.
Tan Zhui immediately sobered up, and quickly pulled away, his heart beating faster.
He tried to calm down, clearing his throat and saying, “Sorry, Master was being rude.”
Sui Chunsheng shook his head, “It’s okay…”
But the young man’s cheeks were flushed, his expression of wanting to refuse but also welcoming as if he had been indecently treated.
Yue Shanglan and the others had already gotten off the flying luan, and seeing that there was no movement here, they knocked on the carriage door.
“A-Zhui, are you asleep?”
Sui Chunsheng, leaning against the carriage door, opened it.
Wugen, who had been sleeping sprawled out, slid directly out of the door. The people at the door reacted quickly, immediately catching him.
As a result, they were brought down to the ground together.
“Ouch, baby, you’re going to kill me…”
Fortunately, the seabed of the South Sea was soft, and both of them were unharmed.
Wugen finally opened his eyes, and he opened his mouth, climbing off Yue Shanglan.
Tan Zhui looked at Yue Shanglan who was still on the ground, wanting to stomp on him directly.
“Get up.”
Yue Shanglan chuckled and quickly got up.
A South Sea attendant who had been waiting for a long time led the group of people into the South Sea Palace.
The walls and floors here were mostly made of coral and shells, giving off a glittering, dazzling light.
Yong Lan tugged at Si Feng beside him, exclaiming, “Si Feng, look quickly, such a big night-luminescent pearl!”
Everyone’s gaze followed, and they saw a huge night-luminescent pearl inlaid in the center of the palace ceiling, emitting a soft glow.
Sui Chunsheng raised his eyes and glanced at it, not surprised at all. After all, the Dragon Kings of the East and North Seas would offer such night-luminescent pearls to Fangcun Mountain every festival, one cartload after another.
The South Sea attendant led the group forward, “It’s getting late, so I will take all the Immortals to the Flowing Light Palace to rest. My master will come to disturb you tomorrow.”
Tan Zhui slightly nodded, “Thank you for your trouble.”
Several attendants assigned rooms, and served some dinner, then hurriedly left.
The group gathered around the seashell table, examining the facilities around them.
Yue Shanglan opened the wine pot on the table, sniffing the wine inside.
“Hmm, Crescent Spring. This Hua Zhi isn’t stingy, using such good wine.” He couldn’t wait to pour himself a glass.
“It’s just that he sent a few servants to welcome us; quite a grand show.”
Tan Zhui, looking at the fish and shrimp banquet on the table, picked up a chopstick at random.
“It’s late, and he is also taking into account that we have traveled a long way, not wanting to disturb us.”
Yue Shanglan snorted, “A-Zhui, you’re just too agreeable.”
Yong Lan blinked, softly saying, “But this Flowing Light Palace is quite big, one room could fit ten people…”
Yue Shanglan: “Lavish.”
Tan Zhui couldn’t help but be amused by him, wondering, “Alan, why have you suddenly been so critical of Hua Zhi? I remember you were very optimistic about him before.”
Yue Shanglan subconsciously glanced at Sui Chunsheng and quickly composed himself, “It’s nothing, I just suddenly don’t like him.”
“You know I’m a person who changes very quickly.”
The White Deer Immortal didn’t ask further, only saying, “Let’s have a simple meal and then rest.”
Yue Shanglan dragged the smaller ones and drank a few cups, then patted his rear and returned.
When everyone was gone, only the master and disciple remained in the room.
The young man seemed slightly tipsy, a faint blush on his cheeks, but his eyes were fixed on him.
Tan Zhui felt a bit uncomfortable under his gaze and randomly picked up a teacup to take a sip, but as soon as it entered his mouth, he realized the taste was wrong.
Sui Chunsheng blinked his eyes, saying, “Master, that is disciple’s wine cup.”
Tan Zhui wanted to spit it out, but that would be ungraceful, so he had to force it down.
This Crescent Spring was truly a bit harsh on the throat. His face immediately flushed red, and he started coughing uncontrollably, tears welling up in his eyes.
Sui Chunsheng quickly patted his back and poured him a cup of hot tea, “Master, have some to soothe your throat.”