I Don’T Want To Be This Master For A Day Anymore. Chapter 22

The moments flashed by, and Qiu Yin’an was already prepared to die, but suddenly, Chang Chuan’s loud shout reached his ears.

“Without my command, who dares to break the formation? Stop immediately!”

Qiu Yin’an snapped his eyes open, only to see the incantations on the talisman wall vibrating rapidly, as if struck by something.

He suddenly remembered that he had given the Soul Protection Lamp to Wan Qiongju. Immediately, fighting spirit ignited in Qiu Yin’an’s heart—Yao Ye and Wan Qiongju were both saved.

Qiu Yin’an was incredibly grateful that he had made the decision to leave the Soul Protection Lamp with Wan Qiongju for self-defense. With Wan Qiongju’s current level of talisman techniques, plus the boost from the Soul Protection Lamp, he could definitely break this talisman formation.

Heaven never seals off all exits. Even if the Qiu clan was destined for short lives, today was absolutely not Qiu Yin’an’s time to die.

Qiu Yin’an was ecstatic. He said, “Brother Chengying, Wan Qiongju brought the Soul Protection Lamp inside the talisman wall. He knows the core incantation. They are saved, both he and Yao Ye are saved.”

Bai Chengying smiled. “That is wonderful news. Yin’an, don’t be so impulsive in the future. I worry about you greatly when you treat your life so carelessly.”

Qiu Yin’an was too excited to hear what Bai Chengying was saying. He smiled and replied perfunctorily, “Yes, I know.”

Qiu Yin’an shouted toward the chaotic group of witch cultivators, “My life is not meant to end here!”

Chang Chuan realized something was wrong. He waved his black banner, casting a Technique to stop the person inside from breaking the spell. Qiu Yin’an raised his two sabers and flew toward Chang Chuan, slashing down. The twin sabers were swift and powerful. Chang Chuan couldn’t parry the attack, and the banner in his hand was nearly ruined by Qiu Yin’an.

Seeing the hope of survival, Qiu Yin’an curled his lips and retorted to Chang Chuan, “My disciple is about to break your talisman wall. What other arrogant tricks do you have? Show them all to me!”

Chang Chuan said coldly, “What are you so proud of? You didn’t break this formation. Just now you looked half-dead, and now you’re gloating? I’ve seen masters support their disciples, but I’ve never seen anyone rely on their disciple’s power like you.”

Qiu Yin’an held his saber and replied with a hint of arrogance, “Our relationship as master and disciple is not for you to judge.”

Chang Chuan said, “Don’t get too cocky. Breaking this formation will definitely cause a backlash. Whether they can come out completely unscathed depends on their fate.”

Above the void, several flashes of lightning tore through the sky, connecting their long veins to the top of the talisman wall. The white light was blinding and sharp, shaking the hearts of all present. With a loud boom, a massive bolt of thunder struck, and the talisman wall shattered into pieces, sending streaks of golden and black talismans splashing everywhere.

In a cloud of intertwined golden and black smoke, Qiu Yin’an saw Wan Qiongju, who was forming hand seals to break the spell, and Yao Ye, who was lying prone on the ground nearby.

Having finished breaking the spell, Wan Qiongju opened his eyes. Seeing Qiu Yin’an running toward him, the young man quickly stood up. “Master, I’m fine.”

“That’s good. Good boy, you really brought honor to me.” Qiu Yin’an patted Wan Qiongju’s back and gave him a brief hug on his way to help Yao Ye, then quickly rushed forward to half-lift Yao Ye.

Yao Ye had been trapped for too long. His face was as white as paper, and his condition was dire.

Yao Ye struggled to lift his eyelids and managed to utter a sound. He said, “Yin’an, I knew you would save me.”

Qiu Yin’an gathered Spiritual Energy in his fingertips, stabilizing the scattered Spiritual Energy within Yao Ye’s body. “Speak less, exert less effort.”

Bai Chengying also walked over. “Yin’an, I have already sent your spirit fox back to Qingxuan Peak with a token to find Hai Di. Don’t worry, Hai Di’s medical skills are superb; he will surely ensure Yao Ye is fine.”

Qiu Yin’an said, “Thank you, Brother Chengying.”

Yao Ye looked as if his essence had been drained, unable even to support his own head. He drooped his head and asked, “Where is my sister?”

Qiu Yin’an replied, “She should still be in the inner chambers, unaware of what happened outside. She is safe.”

“Wrong, she is not safe.”

Qiu Yin’an followed the voice. A woman in a red dress, covered by a red veil, was tied up with rope and carried horizontally in the arms of a witch cultivator.

“Sister—” Yao Ye lifted his head, using all his strength to reach out to his sister, but before he could stand up or move a step, he collapsed back onto the ground.

“Let go of my sister.” As he spoke, Yao Ye spat out a mouthful of blood.

Qiu Yin’an quickly went to support him. “Yao Ye, your physical condition is very poor right now. Stabilize yourself first.”

“Yin’an, please help me save my sister.” Yao Ye cried out toward the witch cultivators, “If you want to capture someone, take me! Take my life to report to Chen Liang, but don’t hurt my sister, I beg you!”

The formerly arrogant and overbearing Young Lord of Jiuling Mountain was reduced to such a desperate plea. Qiu Yin’an felt a pang of heartache. He glared at Chang Chuan, his eyes wide with fury. “What exactly do you want?”

Chang Chuan slightly raised his chin and arched an eyebrow. “Virtuous Venerable Muyang, how about we make a deal? You give me the Soul Protection Lamp, and I will release Yao Yu. I won’t slaughter Jiuling Mountain either. How does that sound?”

“Give you the Soul Protection Lamp? Don’t even think about it.” Qiu Yin’an rejected Chang Chuan’s idea without hesitation.

Chang Chuan said, “Oh? Then I might have to be impolite to her. Our witch cultivation lineage doesn’t entirely shy away from matters between men and women. Perhaps I should find someone to sample the flavor of Young Lord Yao’s sister.”

“You bastard! Despicable and shameless!” Yao Ye became agitated, and blood gushed from his mouth.

Qiu Yin’an quickly transferred some Spiritual Energy and simultaneously cast a Technique, causing Yao Ye to temporarily fall unconscious.

Qiu Yin’an said, “The witch cultivation lineage was once considered a righteous sect. Are you now engaging in such acts of bullying women? If your Great Witch Lord’s soul had awareness, I wonder how ashamed he would be of you.”

One of the witch cultivators behind him said, “Left Protector, didn’t we already poison Young Lord Yao’s sister? Why are you using this method to threaten Virtuous Venerable Muyang? If you do this, what will become of our witch cultivators’ reputation?”

Chang Chuan rebuked him. “Step back and mind your own business.”

Chang Chuan continued, “Virtuous Venerable Muyang is a man who values loyalty and righteousness, willing to go through fire for his brother. What do you think Yao Ye would do if he knew you could save Yao Yu but didn’t? How could you remain brothers after that?”

“You don’t need to worry about that.” Qiu Yin’an stared at Chang Chuan, seething with rage. “If the Soul Protection Lamp were given to your witch cultivation lineage, wouldn’t that be equivalent to handing over the safety of everyone in the Cultivation World to you witches and demons? How could I possibly give it to you?”

“Why should Virtuous Venerable Muyang worry about their safety? Look inside the hall. All those cowardly leaders from various sects ran away the moment they saw us witch cultivators. Why should you care about the lives of people like them?”

Qiu Yin’an said, “Even so, I will not give you the Soul Protection Lamp. Give up on that idea. I will still seal the Demon Race as scheduled.”

Chang Chuan continued, “Virtuous Venerable Muyang, don’t rush to answer me. The poison Yao Yu took will only take effect after seven days. You have seven days to consider. We shall meet again at Jiuling Mountain in seven days.”

Chang Chuan ordered his men to place Yao Yu on the ground, then turned and walked away grandly. He commanded, “Everyone, listen to my order. Retreat.”

After the witch cultivators’ visit, the two siblings of Jiuling Mountain were left with one poisoned and unconscious, and the other severely injured.

Qiu Yin’an infused a significant amount of Spiritual Energy into Yao Ye, temporarily stabilizing his injuries from worsening. Qiu Yin’an decided to keep Yao Ye unconscious until Hai Di arrived at Jiuling Mountain, allowing him to rest and recuperate. Otherwise, the moment he woke up, he would surely demand to find his sister, and Qiu Yin’an didn’t know how to tell Yao Ye about Yao Yu’s current situation.

The two siblings were guarded by rotating Elders from the sect, so Qiu Yin’an didn’t need to constantly attend to them. Finding a moment of free time, Qiu Yin’an immediately returned to his residence. His robes were stained with blood, and Qiu Yin’an intensely disliked the smell. He needed to take off these clothes quickly.

“Wan Qiongju, fetch me a basin of water to wash my hands.” Qiu Yin’an took off his outer robe and tossed it to Wan Qiongju, who had been following him. “Also, ask someone to find me a clean set of clothes.”

Wan Qiongju bent his ten fingers, wrapping his arms around the clothes Qiu Yin’an had thrown to him. Only then did Qiu Yin’an notice that Wan Qiongju’s hands were also covered in blood.

“Why do you have so much blood on your hands?” Qiu Yin’an said, “This outer robe is stained with blood and won’t wash clean, so I wasn’t planning on keeping it. You don’t need to hold it so carefully; just carry it normally.”

Wan Qiongju frowned, his beautiful eyes and long, moist lashes fixed on Qiu Yin’an without speaking.

Qiu Yin’an focused on Wan Qiongju’s fingers and realized that Wan Qiongju’s hands weren’t just stained with blood—they were dripping blood.

“Are you injured? A backlash from breaking the formation?” Qiu Yin’an had been entirely focused on Yao Ye just now and hadn’t noticed Wan Qiongju at all.

“Yes,” Wan Qiongju’s voice sounded aggrieved.

Qiu Yin’an quickly stepped forward and grabbed Wan Qiongju’s wrist to examine it. He saw that between every one of Wan Qiongju’s fingers, there was a long, deep cut, and the white bone was faintly visible at the joints.

The injuries were shocking. Qiu Yin’an’s heart felt as if it were being pricked by needles. He didn’t dare grip Wan Qiongju’s hand too tightly. “Such serious injuries, and I didn’t even notice. I am truly sorry, Master failed you.”

Wan Qiongju said, “Master, it hurts so much. You finally decided to look at me.”

“Wait for me, I’ll bandage you up.” Qiu Yin’an quickly took a small medicine jar from the cabinet, then threw on the blood-stained outer robe and ran out to find gauze. When he returned, ready to apply medicine to Wan Qiongju, he realized Wan Qiongju’s hands were still covered in blood and unwashed. He went out again and brought back a basin of water, stumbling over the threshold as he rushed back in.

Once everything was finally ready, Qiu Yin’an quickly beckoned. “Come, sit down by the table. I’ll treat your wounds.”

Wan Qiongju walked over, stood in front of the table, and wrapped his arms around Qiu Yin’an. “Master, you do care about me, don’t you?”

“Of course I care! Those injuries make me shudder just looking at them.” Qiu Yin’an patted the young man’s back. “Quickly sit down so I can clean them for you and check if any tendons are damaged. If the tendons are injured, recovery will be difficult.”

Wan Qiongju buried his head in Qiu Yin’an’s shoulder. “Master, you only cared about Young Brother Ye’s safety just now. I was right beside you for so long, and you didn’t even notice. Between him and me, do you care about him more?”

The young man seemed unconcerned about whether his ten fingers would be crippled; he insisted on first clarifying his standing in Qiu Yin’an’s heart.

“You, you, you—Master cares about you the most.” Qiu Yin’an was anxious to treat Wan Qiongju’s wounds. He pulled the young man off himself and gently settled him onto the stool. He dampened a cloth and carefully wiped the blood from Wan Qiongju’s hands.

Wan Qiongju asked, “Master, between me and Young Brother Ye, who is the one you can least bear to lose?”

Qiu Yin’an said, “Why are you asking such petty questions?”

Wan Qiongju pulled his hands back and pouted. “Master worries about Young Brother Ye the most. You only have eyes for him.”

“What are you throwing a tantrum for?” Qiu Yin’an scolded. “Stop messing around. Give me your hands so I can apply the medicine.”

Wan Qiongju sulked, putting both hands behind his back and turning his head away from Qiu Yin’an.

This young man had developed a temper under Qiu Yin’an’s care, no longer as obedient as when he first entered West Mountain Hall. Feeling wronged now, he naturally wanted to act out.

“Are you trying to worry me to death?” Qiu Yin’an tossed the cloth into the basin and reached out to grab Wan Qiongju’s wrist. “If your injuries aren’t treated properly, your hands will be crippled, do you understand?”

Qiu Yin’an wrestled with the stubborn little mule, urging him, “Hurry up, stop being ridiculous.”

“If they’re crippled, they’re crippled. Anyway, Master doesn’t care about me. The person Master cares about most, I’ve already saved. Just let me die.”

“You are my disciple. How could I not care if you live or die?” Qiu Yin’an grabbed, and Wan Qiongju pulled his shoulder back to dodge, refusing to obey Qiu Yin’an.

“Damn it!” Qiu Yin’an’s patience was wearing thin. He wanted to raise his hand and smack the little brat, just to make him submit and stop being disobedient.

But then he reconsidered. Fighting fire with fire, while simple, would also hurt Wan Qiongju’s feelings. Wan Qiongju was sensitive and fragile, with a tendency to overthink things. The only way to deal with such a young man was to gently stroke his fur—that was the key.

Qiu Yin’an pulled the young man into his arms, then gently stroked Wan Qiongju’s head and coaxed him softly, “Master was wrong. Master was bad. Will you forgive Master?”

Qiu Yin’an had never spoken so gently in his life. The moment the words left his mouth, his voice was so soft that even he found it hard to believe—was this really him?

But the tactic worked. Although the young man was still being stubborn, his body was much more compliant. When Qiu Yin’an reached for his wrist, he only pulled back with force, but he didn’t truly try to escape Qiu Yin’an’s grasp.

Qiu Yin’an continued his apology. “I am an incompetent Master for not looking after you properly and only now treating and bandaging your wounds.”

Qiu Yin’an swore that all the patience he possessed in his lifetime was being used up at this moment.

Wan Qiongju’s voice choked up. “Master is very good to me.”

Qiu Yin’an seized the opportunity to pull Wan Qiongju’s hands toward him. He said gently, “My little Wan was truly amazing today. If it weren’t for you, Master truly wouldn’t know how to save Yao Ye. Thank goodness for you.”

Late praise was still praise. The young man pouted and said, “I deliberately wanted to go in. I had seen that talisman formation in a book before. It’s easier to break the formation from the inside.”

“So that’s how it was.” Qiu Yin’an applied medicine and bandages to Wan Qiongju while responding to him. “Truly worthy of being Qiu Yin’an’s disciple, both clever and capable.”

The sulking boy blushed from the praise. He shyly whispered, “Master, can you take care of me until my injuries heal? I don’t want strangers looking after me.”

Qiu Yin’an answered with certainty, “Of course. My beloved disciple is injured. I must personally look after you to be at ease.”

The young man didn’t hold grudges. Qiu Yin’an’s few words of coaxing made him utterly delighted.

Wan Qiongju sweetly said, “Master, you are the best to me.”