Chapter 28

Ning Shiting tilted his head, "Dianxia, are you saying my bones are beautiful?"

Gu Tingshuang did not reply, continuing to push his wheelchair forward. The little wolf in front of him tore apart the celestial barrier with a few bites. Blessed by the divine way, this creature could traverse any obstacle freely. This was why no one had been able to subdue the ancient white wolf until now.

From the moment Gu Tingshuang and the little wolf appeared, the atmosphere in the room subtly changed as if the air was freezing cùn by cùn.(1)

Gu Tingshuang's gaze was piercing, chilling to anyone who met it to their very spine.

The little wolf seemed very interested in the people inside—

It first wandered between Gu Tingshuang and A’Qing, noticing that the girl was also in a wheelchair like Gu Tingshuang. Curious, it sniffed around her.

A’Qing was terrified, her face paling, desperately shrinking back, her teeth clenched, and she was unable to say a word.

Seeing her trembling, the little wolf quickly lost interest and turned its attention to A’Qing's mother.

In its clear eyes, this plump person, making loud noises and moving a lot, was very intriguing.

It padded over, causing A Qing's mother to scream in terror: "Wolf! Wolf! Ah! Help, save me! Save me, ahhhhh!!!"

She was almost fainting from fear.

The few men behind exchanged glances and the Nascent Soul cultivator among them raised his magical weapon and stepped forward, but he froze after just one step.

He had locked eyes with Gu Tingshuang.

At that moment, he had only one thought, This Shizi's eyes are so damn bright!

As if they could ignite, his body was completely out of control, it was as if an invisible giant force was pressing him down cùn by cùn, forcing him to kneel on one knee.

From kneeling on one knee, he then knelt on both knees.

Finally, his head was forced down, hitting the ground heavily!

The light in Gu Tingshuang's eyes dimmed, and the tip of his sword rested on the man's spine. "There's no need for such grand courtesy."

It was a heavy basalt iron sword, exuding a cold air.

The room was so quiet that a pin drop could be heard.

Gu Tingshuang said in a deep voice, "Ning Shiting."

Ting Shu, who was beside him, was about to protest his direct address of Ning Shiting but was gently pulled aside by a maid.

Ning Shiting nodded slightly: "Dianxia, I am here."

"I instructed you to open a mansion to aid the people, and this is what you've done?"

Gu Tingshuang questioned.

Ning Shiting was momentarily stunned, realising Gu Tingshuang was providing an excuse for him but still unsure of his intentions.

After a brief hesitation, he said softly, "It was my incompetence."

"A favour granted with a handful of rice can turn into hatred over a bushel. There are many under heaven who would rather live disabled than die. Since they don't want to be disabled, it's better to end things quickly."

As he spoke, he threw the long sword in his hand, which slid to A’Qing's mother, "I'm not as tender-hearted as Ning Gongzi. Since you think your daughter is ruined and would rather have died than end up like this, I'll grant you a swift end."

A’Qing's mother froze, her face turning blue with fear. Thinking he was just trying to scare her, she trembled before angrily shouting, "Who do you think you are? Not even the Immortal Emperor dares to take lives so casually. Who are you, a disabled person—"

Her shrill outburst was cut off by a low wolf howl. The little wolf, seeing someone showing attitude towards Gu Tingshuang, flared up, its fur standing on end, its small body puffing up to several times its size, towering as tall as two people.

It leaned in close, baring its fangs, pressing a paw on A’Qing's mother's neck.

There were gasps all around, and many girls nearly fainted. No one knew if the person was still breathing after that paw strike.

Gu Tingshuang said coolly, "Disabled people tend to be a bit abnormal, with some unusual hobbies. Recently, I saw someone with good leg bones, perfect for making bone knives. You have two choices: kill your daughter to prove your point or leave your throat. I'll make use of it as bone dice."

His tone was icy, like a snake slithering and coiling around the ear.

The little wolf retreated at his signal but continued growling menacingly at A’Qing's mother.

The woman, now in a state of shock, her eyes blank, knelt down trembling under the wolf's intelligent and sharp gaze, struggling to pick up the sword.

A’Qing's eyes widened in despair and sorrow: "Mother—"

As A’Qing's mother approached step by step, her eyes filled with tears, shifting from sadness and pain to hopeless resignation.

The woman choked, "You, useless child, with your golden spiritual roots gone, you’re just a burden in the future. But your didi’s... they have a long road ahead. I can't be without a voice, A’Qing..."

She raised the sword, her hand trembling, but her thrust was steady!

At that moment, Ting Shu, prompted by Ning Shiting's signal, swiftly intercepted the blade.

The piercing sound of metal scraping made everyone cringe. The sword flew out of her hand and was caught by the little wolf.

With a tōng, A’Qing fell from her wheelchair, kneeling before everyone.

The frail, pale girl struggled to lift her tear-streaked face as she spoke, "Dianxia, Ning Gongzi, I didn't... I didn't want to come today. My mother, she insisted, saying we needed more Soul Returning incense so my siblings could cultivate without worries and repay the family's debt for my treatment. Please, Ning Gongzi, Dianxia, spare my life. I can do laundry, cook, feed spirit beasts, sew clothes. Please, save me, I don't want to die, I don't... want to die!"

She kowtowed heavily, her intense fear turning into a desperate plea for survival, ending in silent sobs.

Ning Shiting whispered for someone to take the girl back to the mansion.

The little wolf returned Gu Tingshuang's sword. Gu Tingshuang, seemingly disgusted by "others touching his sword," casually took a cup of goji tea from the table, poured it over the blade, and then called for a silk cloth to carefully wipe it.

He appeared indifferent again.

Ning Shiting watched him for a while, cleared his throat, and said, "So, today's family matter is settled. From now on, A’Qing belongs to Qing Wnag’s Mansion, and is no longer connected to you."

Before the woman could respond, Gu Tingshuang lazily added, "From now on, no Soul Returning incense will leave Qing Wang’s Mansion. No matter who asks."

"That..." Ning Shiting hesitated.

The young man raised an eyebrow as he said, "What, you, a member of Qing Wang Mansion, want to disobey me?"

Ning Shiting said, "I wouldn't dare. I am yours."

"..." Gu Tingshuang paused, then looked away. "You handle the remaining matters. I'm going to rest."

Immediately, servants came to push Gu Tingshuang's wheelchair, leading him to rest in the hall.

The little wolf smartly stayed behind, continuing to intimidate everyone.

From the back, Ning Shiting's calm voice could still be heard: "Causing such a scene is disgraceful. I've seen enough of those causing trouble for Soul Returning incense. Starting today, those causing a scene will be imprisoned and punished. Soul Returning incense will no longer be given out, under any circumstances."

Cries of despair erupted outside, mingled with accusations: "It's all this woman's fault! After finally getting someone to make Soul Returning incense to cure us for free, now one rotten apple has spoiled the whole bunch! What are we to do now!"

Someone else begged: "Please reconsider, Gongzi, please reconsider..."

Ning Shiting waved his hand, indicating the session was over for the day.

The guards and young immortals loudly declared: "Session dismissed!"

.𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟.

The crowd dispersed like a tide, murmuring among themselves.

A few lingered, reluctant to leave.

Ting Shu, noticing them, asked, "Gongzi, will there really be no more Soul Returning incense?"

Ning Shiting patted his head. "Of course not. The Shizi is kind, just saying this publicly. Those truly in dire need will still come to us. When that happens, we'll provide the incense."

Ting Shu understood immediately, "Oh, that's how it is!"

Ning Shiting nodded: "Alright, go rest now. I have something to discuss with the Shizi."

The boy ran off, and the other young immortals and maids also retreated.

The little wolf returned to its original size and leapt into Ning Shiting's arms.

Ning Shiting, smiling, caught it and walked to the room behind.

Gu Tingshuang sat by the table, holding a cup of tea, flipping through pages of a book.

It was the "Xizhou Chronicles" left by Ning Shiting.

"If you're just here to thank me, you can leave," Gu Tingshuang said without looking up as Ning Shiting approached.

Ning Shiting chuckled, "Just wanted to ask if the Shizi still need that person's throat bone?"

"Disgusting. Ugly people’s bones would make noisy, chattering dice." Gu Tingshuang glanced at him, squinting slightly, "Better to find someone like you, who doesn’t talk much."

Ning Shiting continued to smile: "Because I'm quiet?"

"It is not exactly that I want a quiet one, but it’s that I want one that doesn’t go around making a sound or causing trouble," Gu Tingshuang said. "Fortunately, its owner is a hypocrite. If yours were made into dice, it would probably emit some flattering sounds to please people."

After saying this, he looked at Ning Shiting's throat again, as if seriously considering whether to take out his throat bone.

The knot of Ning Shiting's throat was small, hidden within his pale, slender neck, and any slight curve appeared exceptionally perfect.

"... Also quite beautiful," he said softly.

Ning Shiting tilted his head, "Dianxia, are you saying my bones are beautiful?"

He laughed again as he spoke. This Jiaoren seemed very easy to please and amuse, "It's the first time I've been complimented like this."

Gu Tingshuang pursed his lips and remained silent.

The lines at the corners of his mouth were tight, and from a certain angle, he even had a bit of his father's demeanour. Proud, indifferent, and solitary.

However, Gu Tingshuang lacked the extreme ambition and desire of Gu Feiyin. Gu Tingshuang was very "calm" overall, with an air of a refined gentleman.

"By the way, Soul Returning incense, I remember there were originally three boxes. You've given so many away, why is there only half a box left now?"

Gu Tingshuang asked.

His hearing was good, having heard the conversation between Tingshu and Ning Shiting just now.

Ning Shiting said, "I... also have a bit of selfishness."

"What?" Gu Tingshuang didn't understand.

"Soul Returning incense indeed has no effect on already damaged spiritual roots and meridians, but its calming, tranquilising, and life-protecting effects are the best. Dianxia practices the Ninefold Spirit Mastry, which makes it easier for you to go astray in your cultivation compared to others."

Ning Shiting's eyes were clear as he looked at him, "I kept a box... for you, Shizi."

Foot Notes

1. 寸 (cùn) is approximately an inch.