The journey went by uneventfully.
There were no sudden bandit attacks, mysterious encounters with old men or pretty young ladies encountering trouble by the roadside. The Yunqin empire, at this stage, was still a place of law and order.
Xu Zhenyan enjoyed the road-trip more than he expected. In the modern world, it was difficult to see this sort of undisturbed countryside. The ancient world's population density was extremely low, to the point where one could travel for days without seeing a single person. That was especially the case for them, leaving Central Province behind, heading for the remote Eastern Forest Province.
Rather than cultivating, he spent most of his time in meditation, thinking about what the future held.
At its core, the novel, 'Immortal Devil Transformation', wasn't about battling a bad guy or sect, but rather the results of people trying to change the world.
The present tension in Yuqin, as well as the upcoming political instability, could both be attributed to the departed Principal Zhang. As a reincarnator, he naturally held different opinions about how a country should be run.
What the man wanted was for there to be a regulatory body keeping the emperor's power in check. That organization was exactly his Green Luan Academy, which he was the principal of.
While the late emperor shared his opinion, his son, Changsun Jinse, didn't. After his father's passing, the new emperor took measures to reduce Green Luan Academy's influence. This involved things like resource and budget cuts, as well as setting up rivaling Academies like Thunder and Immortal Academy.
However, his actions weren't restricted to above-the-board methods. The man also instigated a violent rebellion among Green Luan Academy lecturers while trying to kill off their best disciples. Lin Xi, as the Academy's most promising student and a 'Divine General', suffered multiple assassination attempts, ordered by Changsun Jinse.
He, along with some of his cronies, were also responsible for Principal Zhang's disappearance.
The reincarnator's martial prowess was second to none, which is why the new emperor lured him into the ancient Immortal ruins behind the Heaven Ascension Mountain Range. Like those who went before him, the undisputed number one cultivator was swallowed by those ancient ruins, never to be seen again.
This was already nearly twenty years ago.
Xu Zhenyan was rather indifferent to these matters. He never met Principal Zhang and couldn't care less about the Yunqin empire, so why would he try to save them?
However, he would certainly pay a visit to the Heaven Ascension Mountain Range. The clues Principal Zhang left behind regarding the Immortal Transformation Technique needed to be erased. If Lin Xi found them, he'd definitely pull the same stunt he did in the novel, cutting off all hopes of him, Xu Zhenyan, breaking past this world's boundaries.
While watching the endless wilderness pass them by, the handsome youth carefully planned his future. Rather than cultivating, this was the best use of his time, at least until he mastered the [Immortal Transformation Technique].
Like students feeling the school-day dragged on forever, Xu Zhenyan felt the same about their journey. The first week went by rather quickly, but the second and third were torturous.
However, no matter how uncomfortable those last few periods, the bell would eventually ring, signaling that the school-day was over.
When Xu Zhenyan's convoy crested that final hill, Deereast City stretched out before them, occupying the lowlands. The sight of it, cast in late-afternoon sun, somewhat soothed the restlessness in his heart.
They followed the well-kept road, winding downwards. At the outskirts, they took a left, heading toward the Xu estate. It wasn't in Deereast City, but past the outskirts.
The eastern border, where Xu Tianwang served in the past, was only a few days from here. Along with his Judicial Supervisor post, the property was a reward for exemplary military service.
It was only through sheer force of will that the youth stopped himself from leaping out the carriage and running into the forest. He felt he'd returned to his childhood, staring at his presents, sitting underneath the tree the day before Christmas.
After the longest two hours of his life, he finally heard the words he was waiting for.
"We're here, young master."
When he heard Uncle Shin's voice, Xu Zhenyan opened his eyes, exiting meditation. It was the only way for him to preserve his sanity during the journey's last leg.
The carriage came to a halt in front of an opulent countryside manor. Pushing aside the curtains, he gave the assembled servants a once-over. A round man, with a face like an oily dumpling, stood at the front, respectfully clasping his hands behind his back.
'I don't have the patience for a meet-and-greet right now.'
Getting out of the carriage, the boy immediately addressed Lee Shin.
"I only have a month left, so I can waste any more time. I'm heading off immediately."
When the bodyguard heard his young master's words, he frowned.
"I don't understand what you mean, third young master."
Xu Zhenyan shook his head.
"If I wanted to live comfortably in the Xu manor, I would've remained in Central Province. I'll be spending the next month in the forest—you won't be accompanying me either."
The bodyguard's eyebrows twitched, but he didn't immediately refuse. If a tiger coddled its cubs, they'd lose all ferocity—it was the same for someone like Xu Tianwang and his children.
However, this was too out of character for his young master. He could still somewhat believe wanting to leave Central Province, but this sudden desire to survive alone in the woods was strange.
Xu Zhenyan observed the minute changes in the man's expression.
"I'll return once a week so you can confirm my safety. Other than that, I won't allow any contact. If anyone interferes with my cultivation, I'll complain to my father. Is that clear?"
When he finished his sentence, he turned to face the gathered staff. He'd spoken loud enough for the lot could hear.
They all nodded immediately, like chickens pecking rice. None of them would dare go against Xu Zhenyan's orders. The only exception was Lee Shin, who looked displeased
The youth turned to look at the bodyguard.
"I didn't get a confirmation from you, surnamed Lee."
His gaze, directed at the man, was uncompromising.
The bodyguard felt a burst of dissatisfaction inside his chest. This youth, who always acted respectful in front of him, dared to address him like this?
When he didn't reply immediately, Xu Zhenyan's eyes narrowed.
"Whether you give a verbal agreement or not is irrelevant. As long as you don't go against my wishes."
After saying that, he turned and walked over to housekeeper Bo, leaving the silently stewing man behind him.
"I want a map of the surroundings."
The round-faced man nodded, complying immediately. Even though this young master was only thirteen, he was still a member of the Xu family. If he, housekeeper Bo, had ten times the guts, he still wouldn't dare be insubordinate.
"Please wait a moment, young master."
He turned and faced a grizzled, bearded man, standing in the back.
"Woodsman Chen, fetch a copy immediately!"
After his preparations were finished, Xu Zhenyan slung his knapsack over his shoulder. Aside from some necessities—a change of clothes, a few tools, some preserved rations— he didn't bring anything else with him.
"Remember what I said."
Before departing, he gave the bodyguard one last look. The man remained mostly silent during the last ten minutes.
Seeing that his young master was serious, he spoke.
"Third young master, I just don't see the need for such secrecy. Surely, you could at least tell me where your going?"
Xu Zhenyan swallowed a sigh. This type of servant, having gotten used to being high-and-mighty, was really troublesome.
"What secrecy? If you were about to break through, would you want someone persistently staring over your shoulder?"
His tone was impatient. Not for the first time, the boy wished he'd left this fellow at home.
Lee Shin sighed.
"As your bodyguard, it's my duty to keep you safe. How will I do that if I don't even know where you went?"
The youth gave a dissatisfied huff.
"You're telling me that a State Knight like yourself won't be able to track me down if I go missing? What nonsense."
After saying that, he looked at the servants who hadn't dispersed yet.
"I'll have to trouble you all to keep an eye on this guard for me. If he's ever absent from the manor, then I want to know about it."
The servants' expressions turned uncomfortable. As an accomplished cultivator, Lee Shin was undoubtedly their superior. Having to spy on him put them in a difficult position.
Xu Zhenyan addressed their concerns.
"I assure you, he is not acting under my father's orders. If his honorable self was present, he'd certainly respect my wishes. Am I lying, surnamed Lee?"
Toward the end, he turned and looked at the bodyguard.
The man's expression changed, but he didn't reply immediately. Xu Zhenyan was right—if he constantly kept an eye on the boy, his cultivation would suffer.
Being under stress was helpful for a martial artist's progress, which was presumably his young master's intent. Consequently, Xu Tianweng would certainly be pleased if he knew his son's plans.
The man nodded resignedly.
"All right, young master, I'll leave you to your own devices. However, I must insist you return every five days."
Xu Zhenyan's lips curled into a small smile. Five days were more than enough, so he didn't mind agreeing. As long as he was left alone, he was happy.
Xu Zhenyan walked into the forest behind Xu manor without looking back. Even though it was late-afternoon and the sun was nearly setting, he didn't hesitate. After a month's waiting, he couldn't be patient anymore.
His advance was single minded to the point where he didn't even pay attention to the branches scraping against his body. When warm droplets of blood beaded on his cheeks and forehead, he still continued.
The sun soon hung low in the sky, a watery orb, the color of a poached egg-yolk.
Anyone else would make camp for the night, but Xu Zhenyan wasn't satisfied. For him, there wasn't such a thing as being too cautious.
The [Immortal Transformation Technique] was valuable beyond measure. If a cultivator stumbled across him while he was practicing, there would be big trouble. For that reason, he walked on, even after the sun had set and a silvery full-moon occupied the sky.
Because the night was clear, he didn't have trouble seeing. Things like spiritual beasts didn't worry him—those were incredibly rare, to the point where most people lived their entire lives without seeing one. However, common predators like wolves, mountain lions and venomous snakes were a concern, so he didn't want to be too reckless.
After trekking about ten miles, sticking close to a rocky elevation, he found what he was looking for. Hidden underneath the thick vegetation, a thin, vertical crack split the stone. If it wasn't for the minerals' chalky appearance, he would've missed it in the darkness.
Brandishing his long knife, about a forearm's length, he slipped into the shadowy space. The smell of damp stone entered his nose, but he didn't smell any animal feces.
'Good, it's unoccupied.'
All things considered, he was still relatively close to Deereast City, having a population of around one-hundred-thousand. It wouldn't be strange if the local predators were thinned over the years.
Not wanting to be careless, he thoroughly explored the small space before closing the entrance. The narrow cavern didn't continue very far, but there was a large crack in the roof, liable to let rainwater in.
After sweeping the floor as best he could, Xu Zhenyan unpacked his knapsack before sitting on it. His hands immediately went to his legs and feet, trying to rub out some of the swollen feeling. The terrain was unaccommodating and his cultivation was low, so this much exercise was enough to exhaust him.
'This is nicer than I expected.'
Once the stiffness in his legs was gone, he exhaled slowly, doing his best to relax. The closed-up cavern gave him a strong sense of security, one he hadn't felt in years. There was something childlike about it, similar to how a boy would feel while hiding in a closet or under his bed.
One minute turned into then, then to thirty. Unknowingly, an hour passed like that, sitting in the darkness with his eyes closed. Xu Zhenyan's mind was as still as the surface of a lake, but a sliver of uneasiness remained, curled-up inside his chest.
'It seems I can't completely shake this feeling.'
He sighed softly, his shoulders drooping.
The [Immortal Transformation] wasn't so easily obtained. Lin Xi, the protagonist, suffered greatly to learn it, to the point where he arguably only survived because of his good fortune and his friends' help.
However, Xu Zhenyan didn't have the [Glorious King Destroys Restraints] technique, the one that boosted Lin Xi's recovery strength by a ludicrous amount. Neither did he have a Sacred Master level practitioner to provide first aid.
'I could die here.'
Before he did anything else, he once again thought over what he was about to do.
Naturally, he'd spent much time on the road combing over these things, but this present feeling of danger sharpened his mind to the next level.
'Originally, Principal Zhang and Lin Xi believed the [Immortal Transformation Technique] originated from 'devouring' this green roulette wheel responsible for the time-rewinding ability.
Essentially, it's a kind of space-time energy, accumulated during our passage to this world, completely different from the heaven-and-earth energy used by cultivators. By 'devouring' it, we basically exchange that chunk of space-time energy for an enormous amount of Soul Force, enough to directly promote to Sacred Master or even beyond.
However, I have a different idea.'
He didn't want to unjustly sell protagonist-kun short, as the fellow did realize some things after going through this 'devour-and-be-devoured' process, but he ultimately didn't get it.
Without hesitating further, Xu Zhenyan entered his sea of consciousness, immediately coming face-to-face with those ten green lights.
'Indeed, it's as Lin Xi suspected at the end—this isn't a chunk of energy at all! Rather, it's a portal that leads toward the space-time 'vortex' responsible for our presence here. And, like a door, it can be opened!'
After going through the incredibly painful, self-destructive process of destroying his own sea-of-consciousness, the protagonist came to a conclusion—if his mind started dying, this green 'portal' would also be destroyed, granting him access to what lay on the other side.
How stupid was that?
He was basically like someone trying to open a locked door, but instead of trying to unlock it like a normal person, he instead smashed his skull against the door until it broke down!
'What an idiot.'
One would think this was something the past 'him' misread or misunderstood, but no! He'd actually rechecked that part of the novel multiple times just to make sure the Lin Xi had, in fact, never tried to open the portal normally!
The consequences of his stupidity were disastrous, too. While he did get a power-up, he completely lost his time-rewind ability, as well as destabilizing the vortex on the other side. Not only did it mean he'd never be able to world-hop, he also lost the opportunity to return to earth!
'Well, maybe my way won't work, but at least I have the sense to try it! Unfortunately, even if things do work out, the influx of heaven-and-earth energy will still wreck my body.'
Like an athlete getting into an ice-bath, Xu Zhenyan decided to just get it over with. If that dumbass managed to live through this, then he definitely could.
It was a difficult sensation to describe, but inside his mind, he reached out his consciousness, trying to 'unlock' the portal.
…and it worked!
For a moment, the youth was shocked into silence. He could clearly see it inside his sea-of-consciousness, like a lid over a well, slowly sliding to the side!
While Lin Xi tried something similar and failed, he didn't approach the portal with the intent of 'opening', but with the intent of 'devouring'. The latter tried to seize control of the portal, while the former didn't—there was a world of a difference.
'In order to rewind time, we're already 'loosening' the portal to access the space-time energy! Since a proof-of-concept has been established, it's only logical to see if you can take things a step further.'
Xu Zhenyan shook his head internally. Now wasn't the time for rumination. He could already feel the air around himself becoming charged, like the moment before a thunderclap.
'Opening this portal and exposing the vortex on the other side is exactly like removing a bath-plug. Like water, heaven-and-earth energy will madly rush into my body, trying to get to the void on the other side.'
It was a conclusion he reached during the past three weeks, stuck in the carriage as he was.
The youth stared into the dark abyss on the other side, breaking out into a cold sweat and feeling the hairs all-over his body stand up. Everything was black, but he imagined he could see the space-time fluctuations, swirling into a single point.
For a moment, everything went silent, like the world was holding its breath. Then, a current of heaven-and-earth energy rushed into his body, like a solid pillar. It was as if he suddenly appeared one-hundred miles below sea-level, crushed by the massive ocean above him.
In an instant, his blood pressure skyrocketed to ten-times normal, causing the veins inside his body, from arteries to capillaries, to rupture and burst. His body was over-saturated with heaven-and-earth energy to the point where his bones started cracking and fracturing, like construction supports under too much weight.
A numb sensation assaulted his mind as his nerves were momentarily overwhelmed, but then he felt as if he was being simultaneously frozen and cooked alive. It was an indescribable pain, causing his vision to first turn white, then red.
Using the last of his willpower, he sent a request toward the green moon inside his sea-of-consciousness
'Close…!'
However, before he could say anything else, his inner-world was split open by a massive influx of heaven-and-earth energy, like an overfilled balloon. A fine mist of blood sprayed out his pores, as if he was a porous wineskin being violently shaken.
Rather than blacking out, it was more like a spike was inserted into his brain. He couldn't remain coherent even if he wanted to.
The air trembled and the ground quaked as heaven-and-earth energy madly rushed into Xu Zhenyan's body.
Large, dark cumulonimbus clouds formed in the sky above the mountain. In the span of a few breaths, the clear spring weather took a turn for the worse. Already, flashes of light could be seen inside those dense columns of water-vapor.
Leaves were shaken out of trees, rocks and pebbles tumbled down mountainsides and the dry soil cracked open, swallowing sections of the forest whole.
It was simply a natural disaster.
Far away, in Deereast City, people stared wide-eyed at the sky which, until now, had been as clear and transparent as glass. They couldn't make sense of what was happening.
In that remote cave, Xu Zhenyan's ruined body lay. Rivulets of blood, water and mucus stained the stone underneath him. His injuries were beyond fatal.
Yet, despite his hair-raising state, he wasn't dead.
While his wounds compounded, heaven-and-earth energy, a power near-indistinguishable from life-force, saturated his flesh. He consumed it crazily, like a man dying of thirst who'd stumbled across an oasis.
Inside his sea-of-consciousness, the green moon was already starting to close. It only remained open for a short time, but Xu Zhenyan was already approaching the brink of death. His body, not even possessing Soul Knight cultivation, couldn't handle this tremendous amount of heaven-and-earth energy.
Like a void being sealed, the green moon separated the heaven-and-earth energy from the vortex behind it. However, the natural events set in motion weren't so easily halted.
Outside, thunder sounded as branches of blinding-white lightning seared the forest. Enormous rocks tumbled down the rocky slope, the start of a landslide. Massive sinkholes formed as the earth collapsed in on itself.
The cavern in which Xu Zhenyan's body lay shook violently, but it didn't collapse. It was only a thin sliver of space, not even qualified to be called a cave. Because of its small surface area, it remained intact.
It was only the crack in the ceiling that widened, raining soil and gravel onto Xu Zhenyan's body. Yet, the energy surrounding him shielded him from the debris, like an invisible raincoat.
The entrance was soon sealed off by falling rubble and the landslide happening outside. In the darkness inside, Xu Zhenyan lay, still and silent as a corpse.
Hours turned into days, yet the boy remained comatose. His condition was extremely severe, despite the heaven-and-earth energy mending his injuries. His heart had stopped and he wasn't breathing—it was only his rapidly circulating soul force keeping him alive.
In fact, the vortex wasn't completely sealed. A space, thinner than a single hair, remained open. It was only because of this gap, drawing heaven-and-earth energy toward Xu Zhenyan's unconscious form, that he escaped death.
With his mind gone, his heart still and his lungs unmoving, it was more accurate to describe him as being in a state of suspended animation.
Unbeknownst to him, hundreds of people were frantically searching the forest. Five days came and went, but even before that time, Lee Jin already sent out a search party.
After the strange happenings that day, the bodyguard felt great unease. It wasn't just him—the clouds gathered still hadn't dispersed. Despite the season, a drizzle persisted. It was to the extent that a lot of people, including City Supervisor Li Xiping, sent people to investigate the wilderness.
The scenes of destruction left them all horrified, none more that woodsman Chen. He knew the area like the back of his hand, so the vast smears of gravel and mud where forest was supposed to be turned his scalp numb.
Since the City Supervisor's men were already there, once they found out about the Xu family's missing young master, they joined the search. Although Xu Tianwang wasn't at the top of the Judicial Sector, his status was still above Li Xiping's.
However, as one day turned into a week, then two, a lot of people started losing hope.
'If third young master Xu survived, surely he'd turn up by now.'
Despite having such thoughts, they continued to sweep the forest.
While the majority searched the lowlands, Lee Jin and his fellow servants climbed the rocky elevations. If their young master got caught up in the disaster, there was a chance he fled to high-ground.
Unfortunately, as two weeks turned into three, their search turned up no results. Still, they didn't dare stop.
Shortly after this catastrophe, Lee Jin sent a pigeon to Central Province, informing the family head about recent matters. Xu Tianwang's reply was short, but to the point—he wanted to know what happened to his son.
One month turned into two, yet nobody spotted hide-nor-hair of the Xu family's third young master. That is, until woodsman Chen, following a hunch, stumbled across a nearly-buried cavern.
Truthfully, it wasn't as much of an accident as it seemed, as the fellow was familiar with most of the area's nooks and crannies. The reason why it took so long to search this particular spot was due to its remote location, as well as their dwindling manpower.
It was fortunate he did because, although heaven-and-earth energy could support the body's functions, Xu Zhenyan would still die if his heart never beat and his lungs never breathed. For six weeks, he hadn't eaten anything either.
Woodsman Chen, having cleared away most of the mud and rubble, stared dumbly at the body laying in front of him.
It was skeletal, to the point where the man assumed he was looking at a corpse. However, after he managed to recover his senses, he noticed something odd—there were no odors, nor was there any visible sign of rot.
It was possible Xu Zhenyan only died recently, but that raised as many questions as it answered. If he was here all this time, he'd surely have heard people shouting his name—the search started shortly after he departed.
'Maybe he was injured and unable to call out…?'
That was the only thing the middle-aged man could think of.
He carefully approached the body, deciding to quickly check the cause of death. No matter how strange the circumstances, he didn't think for one second the boy was still alive.
However, when his fingers pinched the body's skin-and-bones wrist, woodsman Chen's pupils contracted into pinpricks. Xu Zhenyan was cold, below normal body-temperature, yet his body wasn't completely devoid of heat.
Still, that wasn't the strangest thing about him.
The moment the old servant touched the boy, a current of energy surged into his body, like gripping a live wire. His torso contracted like someone electrocuted, flinging him backwards to collide against the rocky wall.
It took a long time for the fellow to recover from his shock. When he did, he leapt to his feet and ran out of the cave like ten demons were chasing after him.
Lee Jin kneeled over Xu Zhenyan's 'corpse', carefully examining it.
It took some effort, but he was eventually able to extract the truth out of woodsman Chen. The man lost his senses, superstitious as he was, babbling about corpses possessed by evil spirits.
Only after his family was threatened did the man agree to lead the way. Lee Jin drove him like a workhorse, to the point where the servant was half-dead when they finally arrived at the cave.
Exhaling slowly, the bodyguard laid his palm over his young master's chest. He'd seen this kind of thing before—his state was similar to someone undergoing cultivation deviation.
However, there were still a lot of strange things he didn't understand. Right now, he couldn't pay much attention to them—the most important thing was to resuscitate Xu Zhenyan.
His hand pressed firmly against the boy's frail, skeletal torso. The youth's chest-bone audibly cracked, yet it was Lee Jin who let out an involuntary yell. A current of vital-energy surged into his arm, running along his nerves and turning his muscles numb.
He stared at Xu Zhenyan, clearly shocked. The incredible amount of Soul Force circulating in the youth's body defied common sense!
After calming his beating heart, he gritted his teeth, extending his hand once more. Nothing was more important than reviving the boy in front of him.
The backlash was intensely painful, but despite that, Lee Jin continued to massage Xu Zhenyan's chest, doing his best to stimulate the boy's dormant heart with his own Soul Force. After about ten minutes of this, he finally saw some results.
'Thump…!'
The boy's heart, under Lee Jin's persistent stimulation, started beating. However, the bodyguard didn't stop immediately, but kept up his resuscitation attempts.
He observed the state of his own body with shock—Xu Zhenyan's strange Vital Energy, not exactly Soul Force, continued to pour into him. The chaotic stuff wreaked havoc inside his body, causing a few drops of blood to drip down his chin.
It was only after thirty minutes had passed that Xu Zhenyan started breathing again. At that point, Lee Jin's face already turned completely pale. He didn't have much strength in him.
Drowsily getting his feet under him, he scooped Xu Zhenyan's frail body into his arms, making his way back to the Xu estate.
Two months turned into three, yet Xu Zhenyan didn't wake up. Doctors came and went, but his condition remained mysterious as ever. Nobody understood what happened to him or why he was like this.
Perhaps only the boy himself knew. Unfortunately, he wasn't capable of answering.
Inside the Xu estate, located on the outskirts of Deereast City, a tall, imposing man stood, watching over the comatose youth. His hair was long and dark, and his facial features were sharp and handsome.
It was none other than Xu Tianwang, come to take a look at this troublesome son of his. Hearing of the strange circumstances surrounding Xu Zhenyan's disappearance, the man took advantage of a brief lull in Central Province to visit.
Despite the boy's pale, skeletal form, his father's expression remained indifferent.
"You didn't speak a word of this to anyone?"
The Judicial Supervisor addressed Lee Shin, standing behind him.
The man in question lowered his head, looking every bit the dutiful servant.
"I dared not master. The physicians likely have their own thoughts, but they are only ordinary people."
Hearing this, Xu Tianwang nodded. He was not someone who had time to waste. Consequently, he wouldn't travel half way across Yunqin for mundane injuries.
'His condition is indeed abnormal.'
The man's eyes narrowed minutely. After a quick analysis, he determined Xu Zhenyan directly skipped over Soul Knight, already having achieved Soul Expert level.
The Yunqin empire was large and its history long. A thirteen-year-old Soul Expert wasn't unheard of, but jumping directly from Qi condensation to Soul Expert in the span of three months certainly was.
"This can be considered as profiting from disaster."
While the 'if he wakes up' part went unspoken, both master and servant thought it.
After a long moment, Xu Tiangweng turned and looked at Lee Shin.
"I will be returning to Central Province tomorrow. The Vice Sector head has some matters for me to deal with."
Lee Shin brought one hand to his chest before giving Xu Tianwang a small bow.
"Don't worry, master. If there are any changes in third young master's condition, I'll inform you immediately."
Xu Tianwang nodded, apparently satisfied.
"Remember, don't breathe a word of this to anyone."
After saying that, the man directly left the room, not waiting for a confirmation. Lee Shin served under him as part of the Dragon Snake Border Army and, because of his exemplary abilities and trustworthiness, Xu Tianwang hired him after service was over.
The bodyguard relaxed his bow once Xu Tianwang disappeared down the hallway. He then turned his gaze toward Xu Zhenyan's sleeping form, wearing an inscrutable expression.
Three months turned into four, then five. Before anyone knew it, Xu Zhenyan had already been comatose for half a year.
At the start, the servants were extremely nervous, worrying day and night about what would happen if the Xu family's third young master died under their care.
However, as time passed and his condition remained the same, they got used to it. Things like feeding, clothing and washing their unconscious young master became routine.
Housekeeper Bo, a shrewd man by all accounts, had his own ideas. Since he couldn't avoid this hot potato, he decided to make use of it. The latter part of caring for Xu Zhenyan, in particular, was something he personally made arrangements for.
Despite his rounded physique and being in his late forties, he was a virile man with many children. It just so happened that his youngest daughter was around the third young master's age.
Taking a gamble, he tasked her with maintaining Xu Zhenyan's personal hygiene. He hoped that, by doing so, the youth might develop some tender feelings toward the girl. If so, her future would be secured.
That is, if he ever awoke.
Feng Xian'er, housekeeper Bo's youngest daughter, was currently washing Xu Zhenyan.
Initially, when her father entrusted the task to her, she refused. For the girl, loved already bloomed--his name was Murong Yuanba, the son of a local apothecary. The two were at the hand-holding stage, not having kissed yet.
It wasn't formal, but the Feng Xian'er considered herself in a relationship. Therefore, it wouldn't be proper of her to lay eyes on or touch another boy's body.
However, after her parents' urging, she decided to give the job a chance. 'You can quit if you don't like it', or so they said.
Although her family was well-off compared to others, her allowance was small. The little she received was quickly spent on all sorts of nice things--dresses, jewelry, food, entertainment… anything that seemed interesting. For that reason, more pocket-money was always in demand.
Even though she was doing it for the hundredth time, Feng Xian'er couldn't help feeling embarrassed.
After tending to him for months, young master Xu Zhenyan's condition improved drastically. Initially, he was barely alive, looking like a corpse. However, after regular meals and plenty of bedrest, his hollow form gained some life. He was undoubtedly still skinny, but it was the look of a person recovering from serious illness, not someone on the verge of death.
Xian'er carefully wiped his body with a warm cloth. Outwardly, she didn't show any abnormalities, but a close observer might notice how her eyes trailed Xu Zhenyan, from the lines of his face down to his neck and chest.
While she was in the process of doing so, she suddenly heard footsteps thumping down the hallway. The girl recognized them immediately--the heavyset head maid, Ms. Tong, was headed this way.
Feng Xian'er quickly threw a blanket over Xu Zhenyan's body. The unscrupulous woman always seemed to know when she was washing the third young master, despite it being her duty alone.
One time, she suddenly found the maid standing behind her, not knowing when the woman got there. Fortunately, his lower body was covered.
While Xian'er recalled such unpleasant memories, the sliding door abruptly opened, revealing the head maid's rotund form. The woman's eyes immediately shot toward Xu Zhenyan, revealing a look of greed. However, she quickly masked it, taking a scolding attitude instead.
"What are you standing around for, little girl? Even if housekeeper Bo was here, he would scold you for derelicting your duties!"
Haughtily, she stuck her nose in the air, looking down on Feng Xian'er. It was a posture she frequently took, but for a different purpose than one might assume. Ms. Tong had a hideous red mole on one side of her face, with curly, black hairs growing out of it. When she turned her face like that, it helped hide the unpleasant feature.
Feng Xian'er fought off a frown.
"I was busy tending to third young master…"
However, before she could finish, Ms. Tong interrupted her.
"Don't talk nonsense! You've been in here for longer than half a shi! Clouds are gathering outside, but you haven't even pulled down the washing!"
Ms. Tong put her hands on her hips, shouting in a shrill voice.
Feng Xian'er breathed out slowly, taking care to hide her annoyance. Truthfully, the head maid's bossiness had long since tempted her into leaving. Yet, after tending to young master Xu Zhenyan for months, she couldn't give up so easily. She knew that, if she were gone, Ms. Tong would certainly campaign for her position.
Briefly, his pale, frail body and scholarly features flashed in her mind. A sick, fragile boy like him needed tender care. The very thought of the head maid putting her large, rough hands on Xu Zhenyan's body gave Feng Xian'er goosebumps.
"…I'll go now."
After tidying up the room with Ms. Tong breathing down her neck, the girl headed out the door.
The head maid listened to her leave with narrowed eyes. Once the girl was gone, she swallowed thickly before making her way over to Xu Zhenyan's bedside. Grasping the corner of his blanket, she started pulling it aside, listening carefully for any unwanted arrivals. When all remained quiet, she strengthened her grip, her eyes glinting with desire.
'No-one will ever know.'
Such were her thoughts. As a conventionally unattractive, old maid, she'd received precious little male attention. To say she was pent-up was an understatement. Now, after being presented with such a tempting opportunity, she could no longer control herself.
Breathing hard, she extended a hand towards Xu Zhenyan's lower body. Although he was dressed in a white, cotton robe, it was loosely bound with a single sash. The purpose was for his own comfort and to ease the process of tending to him.
However, the moment her fingertips touched his leg, a voice suddenly spoke from behind.
"What are you doing, Ms. Tong…?"
Surprised, the head maid's head jerked backwards, spotting Feng Xian'er standing in the entrance.
Knowing that the girl intentionally sneaked up on her, a look of outrage flashed across Ms. Tong's face.
"You dare go against my orders?! Go and take the washing down, NOW!"
Despite her outward anger, the heavyset woman's heart was beating anxiously. If she was caught, things would go badly for her. For that reason, she chose to take action when the third young master's bodyguard was running errands.
Feng Xian'er was clearly nervous, given how she balled her fists at her sides, but that didn't deter her.
"All matters related to third young master should be left to me. You aren't allowed to interfere, Ms. Tong."
Hearing the girl's words, the head maid's face turned red. Her anger at being lectured by someone less than half her age was hard to describe.
"If you leave immediately, I'll consider not telling Mr. Shin."
Feng Xian'er said, leveling an even stare at the older woman.
For a few moments, Ms. Tong's mouth opened and closed, looking like a fish on dry land. Then, she flicked her sleeves aggressively before storming out of the room. On her way, she collided with Xian'er, almost sending the girl to the floor.
Clutching onto some nearby furniture, the younger maid bit on her lip, staring at Ms. Tong's retreating form with burning eyes. However, when she was gone, Xian'er let out a long sigh.
Today, her bad feeling was confirmed. It seemed Ms. Tong indeed had some impure motivations regarding the third young master. Fortunately, she returned in time. If something happened, the consequences for her would be disastrous. After all, she was the one tasked with his care.
On unsteady legs, she made her way to Xu Zhenyan's bedside before straightening his clothes and sheets. Leaning over, she brushed a few stray hairs out of his face and whispered something quietly.
"I hope you wake up soon, Young Master."