Chapter 19

"Good wolf, if you can speak to him, pass on my message. First, cultivation is important, but don't neglect your health. Remember to eat."

Ning Shiting discovered that recently, the little wolf that the Shizi had been raising was acting a bit strange.

Gu Tingshuang had always doted on this silver-white wolf, and it was raised healthy and lively.

The wolf had always liked Ning Shiting, but recently, its behaviour towards him had been somewhat unusual.

For instance, in the morning, it would happily nuzzle in his arms and act all cute, but by the afternoon, it would keep its distance, refusing to come near no matter how much Ning Shiting coaxed it, even with its favourite suanni meat.(1)

Ning Shiting pondered privately, thinking perhaps he had been too close to the wolf, occasionally scaring it.

Meanwhile, Gu Tingshuang seemed to have completely vanished.

Ever since Ning Shiting gave him the first four volumes of the "The Ninefold Spirit Mastery," he seemed to have been wholly engrossed in cultivation and hadn't left the Shizi’s residence. For the past half month, he hadn't even gone for his daily walks or wolf outings.

Ning Shiting summoned Hulu and Lingjiao to ask about the situation, but the response he received was that Gu Tingshuang was fine, just as reclusive as before.

Hulu said, "Dianxia has always been solitary. We usually just deliver meals and tidy his room. We aren't allowed into the rear training yard, so we don't know what goes on there. But Dianxia seems to be in good health, so there shouldn't be any major issues."

Lingjiao, on the other hand, was more worried and asked Ning Shiting apprehensively, "Gongzi, didn't Dianxia's spiritual roots get destroyed? I don't mean to disrespect Dianxia, but given his physical condition, he shouldn't be able to cultivate anymore. I'm worried that Dianxia might have been lured by some wicked cultivation method and, in the end... suffer from qi deviation, ah.”

Ning Shiting thought for a moment and said, "It's okay. I know what kind of cultivation method he's practising, so there won't be any problems. But if the Shizi is exhausting himself for the sake of cultivation, you should take some time to advise him. He's still young, and there's plenty of time ahead. He shouldn't be too eager for quick success."

Lingjiao and Hulu remained silent, their faces turning pale. Given Gu Tingshuang's unpredictable temperament, they were lucky if he even spoke to them, let alone take words of advice from him. That would be courting disaster.

Seeing their fear, Ning Shiting chuckled, "Alright, I'll find some time to talk to him. While cultivation is important, his health is more important."

After Hulu and Lingjiao left, Ning Shiting called for Ting Shu, "Pack a box of snowflake crisps for me and a bundle of suanni meat. I'm going to see Yinbing."

Ting Shu, now aware that "Yinbing" was Gu Tingshuang's courtesy name and understanding that once Ning Shiting had an official status, the Shizi and Ning Shiting would be family, no longer felt as opposed as before. He now followed Ning Shiting's lead in being kind to whoever Ning Shiting favoured, having learned not to be jealous or competitive.

He quickly packed the items.

Ning Shiting suddenly remembered something and asked, "Are the medicines still being delivered?"

Ting Shu replied, "No, Gongzi. You mentioned that with the proper dosage and application, both internally and externally, it would be cured within three to five days. We stopped delivering a few days ago. I saw that you were ill and didn't tell you."

Ning Shiting thought for a moment, "The detoxification medicine can stop, but we should start delivering some other medicinal herbs. Later, tell the owner of the pharmacy that, in addition to the herbs I requested last time, he should also keep an eye out for herbs that replenish spiritual energy and calm the mind."

Ting Shu asked in confusion, "Calming herbs? Aren't those quite common?"

"Yes, but I need a lot. All of them should be sent to Yinbing."

Ning Shiting only realised this after Lingjiao mentioned it. The cultivation method Gu Tingshuang was practising for spiritual awareness had one flaw: like all cultivation methods, if one's mind wandered or became obsessed, it could easily lead to a deviation in the flow of energy, causing one to go mad.

Because "The Ninefold Spirit Mastery" involved using one's spiritual awareness to control other bodies from the third stage onward, although Gu Tingshuang told him that he was still at the first stage, he would gradually advance. Each advancement meant that Gu Tingshuang would be exposed to the thoughts and perspectives of all living things, which could easily affect him if too many spiritual energies were mixed.

Thus, this method required an exceptionally strong will to master.

A few days ago, when Ning Shiting was organising the "Ninefold Spirit Mastery" for Gu Tingshuang, he hadn't thought of this aspect. The impression that lingered in his mind was still those fragmented pieces of information he had heard from others in his previous life, knowing that Gu Tingshuang had returned to his original glory as a natural celestial spiritual root through this Spirit Cultivation journey.

From fourteen to twenty-four years old, in ten years, his spiritual cultivation had directly broken through eight levels, leaving only the last one unachieved.

Ning Shiting murmured, "I only thought about how smooth his path would be in the future, but I didn't realise how hard it must have been for him in his early years. He's still young now, and he’s likely to encounter many bumps along the way during his research. I haven't heard of him going mad, but it's better to be cautious."

Ting Shu asked, "Gongzi, what did you say?"

Ning Shiting shook his head and smiled softly, "Nothing, give me the things. I'll go see him."

He and Gu Tingshuang hadn't seen each other for more than ten days if he counted carefully.

He had been ill for a long time, bedridden for quite a while. He only went out once to soak in a bath in the Baicao Garden, which was a bit farther north of the Qing Wang’s mansion.

While bathing, he encountered the little wolf, caught it, washed it, and later developed a fever from the wind, which earned him a scolding from the pharmacy owner.

Time passed quickly during his illness, and Ning Shiting thought that the last time he saw Gu Tingshuang was when he came to his room.

Gu Tingshuang had taken the cultivation manual but hadn't told him what he initially wanted when he came to see him.

With snacks in hand, Ning Shiting slowly made his way to the Shizi's mansion.

The door was closed. He knocked, and Hulu and Lingjiao came to open it, explaining in hushed tones, "Gongzi, the Shizi told us to keep the door closed."

"It's fine," Ning Shiting looked inside, "What is Dianxia doing?"

"The same as always, still cultivating."

Hulu and Lingjiao bustled around to make tea for him. Ning Shiting handed them the snacks and, not in a rush to enter, first asked, "Where's the little wolf?"

The two attendants looked puzzled. "The little wolf often plays around; we don't know where it went right now. It isn't in the courtyard."

"Is that... so" Ning Shiting felt a twinge of disappointment.

However, he perked up a bit and continued the conversation with Hulu and Lingjiao, "Have you seen the little wolf recently? Has it grown?"

Hulu replied, "We have seen it a few times. Its fur has become very smooth and it looks more spirited and beautiful. Perhaps Dianxia took the time to clean it?"

Ning Shiting smiled, "I was the one to wash it. It seems to like it."

The Shizi's residence had undergone some renovations. The previously abandoned backyard was repaired, partitioned off, and turned into a small courtyard with direct access to Spirit Mountain.

Considering that Gu Tingshuang needed privacy for his cultivation, Ning Shiting had arranged for a familiar person to set up a magical barrier. Without Gu Tingshuang's permission, no one could enter.

He walked to the inner courtyard gate and knocked.

A flash of bright silver leapt onto the wall—the little wolf appeared on the wall and looked down at him.

Ning Shiting's eyes lit up, and he reached out his hand, calling, "Little wolf."

However, he quickly realised that this was not the affectionate little wolf that had recently taken a liking to him. Instead, it was the cold and distant one, as evident from the cold and wary look in its glassy beast eyes.

However, his eyes still held a gentle smile as he looked up at the little wolf. "Are you doing well lately? Is your master also well? I came to see him. If it's convenient, could you let Yinbing know and let me in?"

The little wolf stared at him for a while, then jumped back into the courtyard without making a sound.

Inside the courtyard, the boy in the wheelchair snapped back to reality, the light in his eyes abruptly dimming.

The little wolf, having just landed, shook its head vigorously. Smelling the scent of the person outside, it wanted to jump back onto the wall and into Ning Shiting's arms when Gu Tingshuang sharply commanded, "Come back!"

The little wolf still maintained absolute obedience and respect for him, returning to his side obediently.

It no longer attempted to jump over the wall but gazed longingly at the gate.

Its paws moved restlessly before it dashed over to the door frame, scratching at it, causing the carved door to creak.

Ning Shiting, evidently hearing the noise outside, spoke with a hint of confusion in his voice, which was muffled by the heavy door, "Little wolf?"

When there was no response, he changed his approach and called out Gu Tingshuang's courtesy name, "Yinbing? Are you there? I think I heard you speaking."

A long silence followed.

Gu Tingshuang wore a sullen expression, remaining silent.

The little wolf ran back to his feet, its eyes full of confusion.

In reality, it had only been a matter of days since their last encounter.

This Jiaoren was the same before he arrived and after he arrived. The panic, trepidation, and anger Gu Tingshuang felt that day while using the little wolf's body were still fresh.

Not seeing him for a day was insignificant; he wasn’t a child who needed constant attention.

Then came the second day, the third day.

The tenth day...

In ten days of absence, that person's figure had become increasingly vivid in his mind.

The soft, fragrant sensation of Ning Shiting's lips remained burning on his lips and tongue.

When Ning Shiting didn't see him, he didn't think to seek him out either.

Gu Tingshuang couldn’t understand this Jiaoren, whose affection and indifference were equally inscrutable. He called him affectionately and indulged him in everything, but he was just as kind to everyone, even to a little beast.

From the attendant Ting Shu to the little silver wolf, Ning Shiting embraced everyone, all while appearing harmless on the surface.

Gu Tingshuang could imagine how Ning Shiting used the same means to win over people, striving to gain a foothold in the Qing Wang Palace and aiming to control Xizhou.

But what he couldn’t understand was why Ning Shiting sought his favour.

A fourteen-year-old with a stunted spirit root, struggling with basic living tasks, could be easily dealt with. If Ning Shiting feared him or dreaded rumours, he could simply imprison him out of sight, and a few years later, poison him, declaring to the public that "the Shizi died of a sudden illness." This would be far easier than everything Ning Shiting was doing now.

The person outside hadn’t left. Gu Tingshuang frowned, staring intently at the tightly closed door.

He sensed that Ning Shiting hadn’t left and was likely still near the door.

He could picture it clearly; he had just seen it through the little wolf’s eyes. Today, Ning Shiting wore a dark robe embroidered with silver dragons, adding a touch of gravitas to his usually gentle appearance, making him appear even fairer.

In these days, his complexion hadn't been good. He had heard that he had another fever after returning from his bath earlier, but his lips now had a hint of colour.

As he lowered his head, apart from his slightly drooping eyelashes, that was the only colour on his pale face.

... But what about his breathing?

Could the sound of his breath also pass through the courtyard gate and touch people's hearts?

Almost absent-mindedly, Gu Tingshuang manoeuvred his wheelchair slowly to the front gate.

There were no other obstacles on the ground; the wheelchair rolled over silently.

Only the little wolf persisted in scratching at the door.

Just then, there was a sudden commotion outside. It seemed someone had rushed in, looking for Ning Shiting: "Gongzi! Urgent news!"

"What is it?"

Approaching closer, it turned out to be the voice of the boy named Ting Shu: "The Immortal Emperor has decreed that our royal household prepare for military duties, but this decree was intercepted halfway by the Immortal Chief's Mansion! That person surnamed Su said, knowing you were ill, unable to attend the Incense Conference, they seized this opportunity. It seems they are deliberately causing trouble for you!"

Gu Tingshuang had also heard about this. Previously, Ning Shiting had received an invitation from the Su family's Immortal Chief's Mansion, but due to his illness, the visit had been postponed several times. The Incense Conference had been repeatedly delayed as a result.

When Ting Shu first went to convey this news, he was turned away.

Ning Shiting said, "Prepare the crane carts and horses. I'll go over immediately." His voice was slightly subdued.

Afterwards, Gu Tingshuang heard the person outside saying, "Yinbing, I have some other matters to attend to. I'll come see you later."

Gu Tingshuang heard this and inexplicably felt a surge of annoyance and rebellion. He forcefully suppressed the urge to punch the door.

In that instant, he tightened his grip on the wheelchair's handle, veins bulging on the back of his hand.

Ning Shiting probably hadn't heard him speak yet, thinking he had left. He sighed.

The sound's location also descended, as if he had crouched down.

Talking to the scratching wolf.

He knew the White Wolf God Clan lineage could communicate between master and servant, but now he didn't have time to leave a note for Gu Tingshuang. He hastily gave instructions.

"Good wolf, if you can speak to him, pass on my message. First, cultivation is important, but don't neglect your health. Remember to eat."

"Second, take it easy with your techniques. This set is more prone to causing problems if rushed. Be careful. In a few days, I'll have someone deliver calming herbs. Yinbing, remember to use them."

"Third, I've brought food for both of you. It's on the table outside. Don't forget."

"Fourth, to you, little wolf. Last time, I washed you without discussing it properly. Are you mad at me because of that? Don't be angry. I apologise. You'll grow up to be a magnificent wolf, and you should get cleaned up too."

As he spoke, it seemed like he had thought of something amusing, murmuring softly to himself, "Actually, I really want to bring Yinbing over and tidy him up properly. It's been four years, the Wangfei is not here, and the Shizi is fourteen years old. He should take care of himself."

"But, let's wait until he's willing."

In that moment, Gu Tingshuang's face went from pale to white, then flushed red, his cheeks burning as if on fire.

Before he turned ten, he had always been the most handsome young lord in Xizhou. But after fourteen, no one was willing to care for him meticulously as his mother did, and he himself had lost interest in such matters.

Despite his love for cleanliness, diligently washing himself every day without fail, he still wore old clothes and simply combed through washed hair hastily, allowing it to tangle. His mobility issues meant that he always tied his hair up with a hairpin without much thought.

He knew he wasn't well-groomed, but he had never cared before.

However, Ning Shiting's words at this moment pierced his heart like a dagger, causing him to feel as if his blood had frozen in an instant.

"... Scram."

His voice was low and hoarse, barely recognisable as human speech.

But Ning Shiting had already left, and he wouldn't hear that word.

The chaotic sounds in the courtyard subsided, returning to silence once again.

After a long while, the gates opened.

Gu Tingshuang pushed open the door, and the servants, Hulu and Lingjiao, hurried over to serve him, offering him snacks and tea.

But the young man didn't accept them.

His gaze swept over them, and after a long while, he said, "You, come and attend to my bath and grooming."

He never allowed anyone to touch him, not even the hem of his clothes.

Hulu and Lingjiao were stunned for a moment, then delighted, quickly saying, "Yes, yes, Dianxia, please wait a moment, we'll prepare everything for you."

Gu Tingshuang added, "I will be meditating in seclusion. Pay no attention to external matters. Afterwards, you may help me change clothes and then leave. If there's even a hint of overstepping, the White Wolf pack will snap your necks."

The silver-white wolf under the wheelchair wagged its tail, seemingly understanding what he intended to do, preparing itself.

Sharp determination gleamed in Gu Tingshuang's eyes.

In an instant, their spirits intertwined again, and Gu Tingshuang once more occupied the body of the silver-white wolf.

The silver-white wolf pricked up its ears and dashed out of the mansion, following in the footsteps of the Jiaoren.

The Author has Something to Say

I'm launching a VIP section tonight at midnight. The subscriptions for the first three days are crucial, so I hope you all will support me! Love you all! (After the VIP section is live, updates will continue as usual at noon.)

The Translator has Something to Say

Idk what happened because the story was finished in 2022 and I didn’t read it back then, but none of the chapters are VIP. But it is interesting to know A’Dong intended to make them VIP and their other works do have VIP chapters.

Foot Notes

1. 狻猊 (suān ní) is a mythical Chinese beast which resembles a horned lion. It is the same creature you often see carved from stone, guarding places.