Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Applaud for Happiness - Chapter 80

 

Chapter 80

Note: I do not read cultivation novels, so if you see any mistakes in the terminology I used, I apologize. T_T


Shen Qi only received an outline of the story, so he wasn’t clear about how Sang Yunyan fell in love with that rookie from the Righteous Path. He could only infer from the text that the two should have met by now, but he didn’t know the details. If he wanted to prevent it, this trip to Youzhou was a good opportunity.

Youzhou was separated from Leizhou by Bingzhou. Wanfo Sect advocated asceticism and did not encourage extravagance. Therefore, the disciples of the sect did not have flying boats or flying pavilions as personal transportation tools like other sects. Once they left the sect, they could only display their divine powers. Either they spent money to hire transportation, or they used divine powers related to movement. As for those without money and relevant divine powers, sorry, they could only walk.

As the beloved disciple of the chief elder, Ru Deng certainly wouldn’t lack money. He chose to hire transportation, went to the station specially for cultivators, paid money to ride the public flying boat, and went to Youzhou with many independent cultivators and disciples of small sects.

Ru Deng, in a snow-white monk’s robe, was obviously a disciple of the Wanfo Sect. There was only one Wanfo Sect in the Righteous Path, while the Demonic Path was divided into three sects. However, anyone could tell that Ru Deng was undoubtedly from the Righteous Path by his face and temperament.

Soon, there were those who recognized him and came to greet him. Ru Deng smiled and returned the greetings one by one, then went into his room and didn’t come out again.

It took seven days to travel from Leizhou to Youzhou by flying boat. Ru Deng took this time to familiarize himself with the divine powers he obtained from the secret realm. Shen Qi was bored, so he simply went out to play. He could now be separated from Ru Deng for about ten meters. The flying boat was not very big, but at least it allowed him to move around on the deck.

Due to the restrictions of being a monk, the flying boat rented by Ru Deng was only of medium size. Therefore, there were mostly independent cultivators and disciples of small sects on it. There were very few cultivators wearing the uniforms of the Ten Righteous Sects. Of course, it didn’t rule out that some people didn’t want to expose their identities and changed into ordinary clothes.

At this time, it was afternoon. After lunch, many people came out to walk and digest on the deck.

Shen Qi hid on the deck, watching the various cultivators. Some had cast shielding spells so he couldn’t hear what they were saying. Others were carefree and talked about interesting experiences and knowledge.

After making a round and basically observing everything that should be observed, he prepared to go back. Just as he turned around, he suddenly heard a name.

“Brother Zhuang Shan! Is it Brother Zhuang Shan?!”

Shen Qi stopped and turned around. He saw a green-robed youth excitedly waving at a purple-robed youth. The green-robed youth had a look of surprise, while the purple-robed youth looked somewhat confused.

Shen Qi immediately locked his gaze on the purple-robed youth. He had an eight out of ten in looks, seven in physique, a clear and upright temperament, and clear eyes. At first glance, he was the kind of good and simple person, and extremely upright. His forehead was just short of writing four big characters: Righteous Path.

He raised an eyebrow. If he remembered correctly, the name of Sang Yunyan’s lover was Zhuang Shan.

It was like finding something without even looking for it. He didn’t expect that the son of the head of a major sect would hide his identity and ride such a small flying boat. Shen Qi’s mind was filled with various speculations.

The green-robed youth was very excited and quickly walked up to Zhuang Shan. “Two months ago, in the Li Xian Cave, thanks to Brother Zhuang’s help, my senior brother and I were lucky to survive. Brother Zhuang left in a hurry that day, and my senior brother and I didn’t have time to thank you. I didn’t expect to meet you here today. It’s really fate. I’ll call my senior brother over.”

Zhuang Shan quickly waved his hand. “No need, no need. We are all on the righteous path and should support each other. Besides, I just did what I could. It’s not worth mentioning.”

However, the green-robed youth was very enthusiastic and insisted that Zhuang Shan wait here for a while so that his senior brother could come and thank him. Zhuang Shan had to talk him out of it and quickly left with an excuse.

Shen Qi stroked his chin and followed in a different direction.

Worried about the green-robed youth’s entanglement, Zhuang Shan walked hurriedly. As he turned a corner, he bumped into Shen Qi, who had revealed his form.

“I’m sorry.” He immediately apologized and looked up at Shen Qi, stunned.

Shen Qi didn’t plan to reveal his true spirit identity. He changed his clothes and demeanor to match those of the cultivators. He said gently, “No harm done. I was the one who was in a hurry.”

Zhuang Shan stared at him until Shen Qi spoke, then he looked embarrassed. “Brother, your demeanor is extraordinary. I was momentarily entranced and didn’t mean to offend. I’m truly sorry.”

Shen Qi’s face showed the usual gentle expression that Ru Deng had when facing outsiders. Even his demeanor was somewhat similar. He said with a smile, “With such praise from you, how could I be petty?”

Zhuang Shan looked slightly embarrassed. “I didn’t mean to flatter…”

“Just a joke, don’t mind it.” Shen Qi waved his hand and then introduced himself with a bow, “I am Shen Qi, just an independent cultivator.”

Zhuang Shan breathed a sigh of relief and laughed. “I am Zhuang Shan, a disciple of the Lingxiao Sect.”

Shen Qi looked envious and his tone became respectful. “So you are a senior from the Lingxiao Sect. Please don’t mind my earlier rudeness.”

Zhuang Shan quickly said, “No, no. I’m just an ordinary disciple of the Lingxiao Sect. You don’t have to be like this.” He seemed to have a good impression of Shen Qi and directly said, “I’m a few years older. If you don’t mind, we can call each other brothers. Seeing you is like seeing an old friend. I’m very happy. I hope you won’t refuse.”

Shen Qi first looked surprised, then joyful. He laughed and bowed to Zhuang Shan, “Little brother has met Brother Zhuang.”

________________________


Shen Qi, having experienced so many worlds, found it extremely simple to build a close relationship with someone if he truly wanted to. In just seven days, he and Zhuang Shan became like brothers. Zhuang Shan almost considered him a confidant. Fortunately, Zhuang Shan was a straight man and only saw him as a good brother and confidant, without any ulterior motives.

Finally, Shen Qi managed to get some information from Zhuang Shan. Zhuang Shan and Sang Yunyan met three years ago, and they already had feelings for each other. This trip to Youzhou was to meet Sang Yunyan.

Of course, this was Shen Qi’s conclusion based on the outline. Zhuang Shan only revealed that he had someone he liked, but didn’t say who it was.

Once Shen Qi had an idea, he didn’t ask any more questions. On the last day, when the flying boat was about to land, he didn’t actively look for Zhuang Shan as usual, but waited for Zhuang Shan to come to him.

A knock on the door sounded, “Brother Shen, it’s me.”

Ru Deng was reading scriptures. Hearing this, he frowned and looked at Shen Qi, who was lying on the couch bored. He wasn’t annoyed, but there was a hint of displeasure in his eyes, the displeasure of being kept in the dark.

Shen Qi slowly got up. The moment he got off the bed, his clothes changed, turning into the attire of an ordinary cultivator. He straightened his sleeves, his expression mysterious, and said softly, “Master, don’t worry. I have my reasons for doing this. As long as you remember, everything I do is for your good.”

Ru Deng raised his eyebrows and didn’t say anything more.

“I’m here.” Shen Qi raised his voice, quickly walked to the door, opened it, and welcomed Zhuang Shan in.

As Zhuang Shan entered the door, he said, “I’m sorry for coming unannounced. But the flying boat is about to land, and I’m worried that I might miss Brother Shen, so I wanted to ask what Brother Shen plans to do?”

When he entered the door and saw Ru Deng, he was surprised, “This…you…”

“Amitabha.” Ru Deng put down the scriptures, stood up and bowed, “The poor Monk Ru Deng, has met the senior.” Zhuang Shan was obviously older than them, and had already reached the Spirit Heart Realm, probably at the peak of the Spirit Heart Realm. According to the rules of the cultivation world, it was correct for Ru Deng to call him a senior.

“You are that disciple of Buddha?” Zhuang Shan had obviously heard of Ru Deng’s name. After the surprise, there was joy. He looked at Ru Deng with admiration in his eyes, “You are indeed worthy of the title of Holy Monk.”

Ru Deng smiled warmly, “Senior, you flatter me.”

Zhuang Shan hurriedly said, “No need to be so polite. We are both in the Spirit Heart Realm, so we can’t be considered seniors. My surname is Zhuang, and my name is Shan. I’m older, so you can just call me Brother Zhuang.”

Zhuang Shan!!

Ru Deng’s gaze flickered slightly, and he called out “Brother Zhuang” in a go-with-the-flow manner. Then he said, “Xiao Qi has been under Brother Zhuang’s care these past few days. He’s young, so if there’s anything inappropriate, I hope Brother Zhuang won’t mind.”

Shen Qi immediately put on a displeased expression and said, “Cousin, don’t wrong me. I’ve never caused trouble for others!” He lifted his chin and added, “Besides, Brother Zhuang is a disciple of the Lingxiao Sect, a large and prestigious sect. He wouldn’t be so petty.”

Zhuang Shan suddenly realized that Shen Qi was actually Ru Deng’s cousin.

Ru Deng also understood. It was indeed the Zhuang Shan he knew. His mind was churning, and he showed helplessness on his face. He explained to Zhuang Shan, “Shen Qi is my distant cousin. I only recognized him recently. He came to me alone, so I have to take more care of him.”

Zhuang Shan said, “Master, rest assured, Shen Qi is very intelligent and sensible. I like him very much.”

Shen Qi acted shyly as he was praised.

Ru Deng glanced at Shen Qi and said, “That’s good.”

After the pleasantries, Zhuang Shan remembered his purpose. He said, “Is this your first time in Youzhou? If you don’t mind, after the flying boat lands, you can join me. I spent two years in Youzhou during my past training, and I’m quite familiar with this place.”

Ru Deng laughed and said, “Brother Zhuang, I came to Youzhou to complete my training. If you are willing to help, it couldn’t be better.”

“Is that so?” Zhuang Shan was very happy, “I didn’t expect such a coincidence, good, good.”

He always liked to make friends with people who are high-minded like Ru Deng  and who are intelligent like Shen Qi. He met two at once, which made him very happy.

In his joy, he simply said, “I know that the Wanfo Sect’s training must go deep into the border. Master, since this is your first time here, why not stay in Youzhou City for a few days, gather some information, and know yourself and the enemy. I still have a cave house here, if you don’t mind, you can go with me, how about it?”

Shen Qi immediately nodded, “Good, good.” He smiled at Zhuang Shan, full of joy, “Thank you, Brother Zhuang!”

Zhuang Shan was taken aback when he saw his smile, and it took him a moment to recover.

Ru Deng squinted his eyes, then took out some spiritual fruits and food from his storage buckle and put them on the table. He said, “Since this is the case, I also thank Brother Zhuang.” Then he got up calmly, “There is still some time before the flying boat lands. Please rest here for a while, Brother Zhuang. Shen Qi and I have some things to sort out. It may take some time. I hope Brother Zhuang won’t mind.”

Zhuang Shan was very understanding, “I don’t mind.”

Monks inevitably have some privacy. Maybe Ru Deng was refining pills or making magical instruments in these seven days. The finishing touches naturally take some time. He could understand.

Shen Qi was a little surprised. What did they have to sort out? He was a true spirit, alone. Ru Deng was a monk, and his robe was also a magic robe, impervious to water and fire, and did not need to be washed. What did they have to sort out?

But since Ru Deng said so, he could only follow him into the room.

However, as soon as the door closed, his wrist tightened. He was pulled with a strong force, his back colliding with a wall of chest. He let out a subconscious light gasp, but the sound was muffled in his palm.

“Shh——”

A very soft sound came to his ear, accompanied by warm breath sprinkling down, making him shiver slightly.

The suppressed tone was deep and pleasant to hear. Light kisses, as soft as feathers, scattered from the root of his ear to his neck. “When did Xiao Qi learn to deceive? Haven’t I said that I hate being deceived the most in my life, hmm?”

The fingers covering his mouth curled up two fingers, lightly traced his lips twice, and then probed in.

“Um……” Shen Qi’s words of defense were choked in his throat.

“Be quieter.” The tone became even lighter, “Your Brother Zhuang is outside. What do you think he would think if he heard this?”

This was greatly stimulating.

Shen Qi didn’t expect Ru Deng to be so playful. His body trembled lightly, his throat was dry, his sensitive neck was lightly bitten, his legs softened, and he leaned against Ru Deng, barely able to stand.

“Heh, can’t take it already?” Ru Deng’s gaze was dark, his tone was teasing, but no matter how you heard it, the laughter was filled with sarcasm. “But Xiao Qi, you said it yourself. If you’re not good, as your master, I have to make you behave.”

With that, he lightly pushed Shen Qi’s shoulder, causing him to lose balance and stumble forward. In front of him was a round table. He instinctively reached out to grab the edge of the table to support his body. However, before he could react, the person behind him quickly pressed against him. One hand covered his mouth again, the other grabbed his belt, and with a light tug, his clothes were stripped off.


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