Chapter 33

He gently lifted the little wolf and placed it under his covers, wrapping it securely.

Ning Shiting hadn't come by for the past few days. Gu Tingshuang lay in his room for days and nights with his eyes closed, not leaving or eating.

Since the moment he lost control of his spiritual consciousness while controlling that little wolf, Gu Tingshuang had become keenly aware of something: ordinary activities wouldn't cause his spiritual consciousness to go out of control. However, when his mental focus sharpened and his fighting spirit surged—especially in violent and painful situations—his spiritual consciousness would grow stronger as it struggled to dominate and suppress his main consciousness.

For instance, that emaciated wolf, when it was under Gu Tingshuang’s control, fought until its entire body was torn apart. Although Gu Tingshuang bore the wolf’s pain, the wolf itself seemed to sense its impending doom. The fear and terror of his power, combined with its primal fear and survival instinct, clashed violently with Gu Tingshuang’s spiritual consciousness.

As the wolf’s consciousness tried to reclaim control, Gu Tingshuang’s spiritual consciousness strengthened under the accumulating pain. His cultivation level was roughly at the third level of the "Ninefold Spirit Mastery," but the explosive power and killing intent he exhibited during that brutal battle with the wolves required at least a fifth-level mastery to be handled safely. This was why he lost control of his spiritual consciousness afterwards.

Ning Shiting was right—this technique was more prone to causing one to go astray than other methods of cultivation.

At this time, Gu Tingshuang stayed in his room and fasted for three days. Including the time he spent unconscious, he had gone five days and nights without a drop of water or food, pushing his body to its limits.

Now, instead of controlling the wolf, he examined and controlled his own body from the perspective of his spiritual consciousness. He clearly felt that as his body approached the brink of collapse, his spiritual consciousness grew stronger. However, unlike with the wolf, there was no conflict, as his consciousness and spiritual awareness were perfectly aligned.

This broken body was the only place capable of nurturing and containing his out-of-control spiritual consciousness. While housed in the wolf’s body, his recovery was far slower than when he was within his own. Yet, each time he used his spiritual consciousness, his physical body was immobilised and unconscious—his most vulnerable state.

In the darkness, as the incense burned out, Gu Tingshuang opened his eyes. For a fleeting moment, a golden ember seemed to flicker in his gaze, unnoticed even by himself before it vanished.

The little wolf curled up at his bedside suddenly jolted awake, lifting its head to stare at him, a low growl rumbling in its throat.

Under the influence of the Soul Returning Incense, its injured paw was healing at an astonishing rate. However, the newly grown flesh, bone, and fur had all turned a shimmering gold. This was a unique trait of the ancient white wolf pack—a sign that only wolves who had been on the brink of death, saved by the blessing and protection of the White Wolf God’s spirit, would display. The regrown fur, now the colour of amber and glass, marked them as the bravest and wisest of wolves, those who had earned the honour of a near-second life.

Before Gu Tingshuang's arrival, the temporary leader of the white wolf pack was the golden-backed wolf. This wolf had once been skinned alive by hunters, yet it had returned, roaring in defiance against death.

On the day Gu Tingshuang first ventured to Spirit Mountain, the golden-backed wolf was leading the pack in a fierce territorial battle against another wolf faction. Amidst the brutal combat, the little wolf’s parents perished, and the pup was found by Gu Tingshuang, who was passing by. The two were then captured and taken to the opposing pack’s territory.

At that time, Gu Tingshuang hadn’t fully mastered control over his spiritual energy, but he was already able to use it to eavesdrop on the movements of all living things. On that day, the wolf pack intended to offer him and the little wolf as sacrifices to their leader.

Armed with only a small folding knife and a body frail from injuries, Gu Tingshuang managed to strangle the leader wolf’s throat and tumbled into a chasm that closed every new moon. In that instant, the earth quaked, and the sky darkened; the leader wolf’s massive spine was crushed by the impact of the closing mountains, while Gu Tingshuang, sheltered beneath the wolf’s body, emerged unscathed.

Covered in the blood of the wolf leader, he reappeared before the pack as if a deity had descended. From that moment, the golden-backed wolf and the entire pack submitted to him.

It might seem unbelievable that a pack of wolves would recognise a teenage boy as their leader. Yet, in the wolves' minds, there was no distinction between themselves and humans; they saw this as perfectly natural. The leader wolf had been crushed without resurrection, while Gu Tingshuang emerged unscathed—this was proof that he was blessed by the White Wolf God.

To the wolves, someone recognised by their deity was their new god.

Gu Tingshuang wasn’t aware of the changes in his eyes at that moment. He simply saw the little wolf struggling to drag its injured paw, trying to crawl toward him, and he stopped it with a command: "Stay still."

He gently lifted the little wolf and placed it under his covers, wrapping it securely.

The Soul Returning Incense was still burning on the incense stand. Gu Tingshuang exerted some effort to move closer to the edge of the bed, picked up the incense, and placed it next to the little wolf. The wolf crawled over, licked his fingers, and nuzzled against him affectionately, its eyes shining brightly.

Gu Tingshuang's silent response was one of approval and affection; he acknowledged the little wolf's efforts for him. Unlike Ning Shiting, Gu Tingshuang was a leader—a wolf. A ruler does not let the loss of soldiers shake their resolve, nor do they excessively indulge or favour any one side for the sake of their current achievements.

He would never try to placate anyone, nor would he seek to please anyone—never.

He then picked up the long golden hook resting against the bed curtain, used it to pull the wheelchair from beside the table, and dressed himself before sitting in it.

On the table were the materials Ning Shiting had been using to prepare incense. Unlike at the Immortal Chief’s Mansion, where everything needed for the incense-making competition was provided—amber, both pure and lapis-lazuli varieties, water-immersed amber prepared through specific processes, and any imaginable semi-finished materials—were all readily available. If some incense makers required more unique ingredients, they would inform the organisers in advance.

That day at the incense competition, all the materials Ning Shiting used to make the Soul Returning Incense were readily available. However, after returning to the palace, he refined the proportions of the ingredients, making the preparation process far more complex. It now took eight hours to produce just three grains of incense, with the final step being the immersion and refinement in his own blood.

Ning Shiting's blood was collected in a porcelain bowl, still vividly red despite having been there for some time. Unlike ordinary human blood, which darkened shortly after exposure to air, his would remain fresh. If one were to lean in close, there would indeed be a faint fragrance to it.

As for whether this Jiaoren’s blood was poisonous, Gu Tingshuang couldn’t say. But a small bowl of such blood, left out in the open, could easily be worth a fortune.

Gu Tingshuang gazed down at the bright red blood, yet what came to mind was the image of Ning Shiting’s pale, slender wrist. After it was cut, he hastily wrapped it with a strip of gauze, but the red had already begun to seep through, forming the only colour on that otherwise white canvas.

Gu Tingshuang moved his wheelchair, rolling it out of the room. He wasn’t entirely sure where he wanted to go—perhaps he simply needed to get out after being cooped up for so long, to breathe some fresh air.

Outside, as usual, Hulu and Lingjiao had left food for him, kept warm by a spell. He ate a few bites absentmindedly and noticed a small bowl of snowflake pastry at the bottom of the food box.

The pastry’s crisp layers were still perfectly intact. Snowflake pastry would usually soften and collapse if left out for more than half a shichen. Those who delivered food to him knew he loved snowflake pastries and would always place them at the top of the box for easy access. Only Ning Shiting, with his meticulous attention to detail, would place the pastries at the bottom, fearing that the warmth from the food would soften and ruin their texture.

Indeed, he had been ill for too long; he hadn’t even noticed that Ning Shiting had been by.

He thought that Ning Shiting would no longer care for him, but the Jiaoren continued to send things his way, just as before. However, this time, he no longer entered the inner chambers, no longer called him by his childhood name, and no longer showed his face.

What was this?

Was it just some childish spat, like kids playing house?

As his wheelchair turned past the red-lacquered gate, the maids on duty outside saw him and started to approach, but he waved them away. Today, the estate seemed unusually quiet. Ever since Ning Shiting had opened his mansion last month, the people in the estate had gradually begun helping with matters concerning the Immortals of the Continent. Ning Shiting had arranged for stewards to take turns handling affairs, and when they couldn't make decisions, they would come to him.

As a result, the mansion had become quite lively, and gradually, more and more Immortals began bringing gifts and greetings. The young girl Ning Shiting had taken in also started helping him with mixing fragrances and organising medicinal herbs after she recovered. Together with the beast tamers, they managed the Biacao Garden. They even set up their own apothecary near the garden.

It seemed that this Jiaoren, Ning Shiting, was planning to settle down and take charge here.

After so many days of noise, the sudden silence now felt almost unsettling to Gu Tingshuang.

As he passed the eastern corridor, he encountered Hulu, who was moving divine wood charcoal. After paying his respects, Hulu asked, "Dianxia, are you out for a stroll now that you're feeling better? Would you like me to accompany you?"

Gu Tingshuang replied, "No need to follow me. Why is it so quiet outside today?"

Hulu explained, "General Baili will arrive in Xizhou tomorrow. The estate is busy preparing for military matters, and Gongzi is also occupied with the departure of Ting Shu Xiaogongzi. So, the mansion's administrative affairs have been put on hold for the time being."

Gu Tingshuang remembered—it was that little rascal who was leaving. He asked, "Where are they now?"

Hulu answered, "I just passed by them. If Dianxia wishes to see him off, I can push you there. The road is not easy to navigate."

Gu Tingshuang replied lazily, "Yes, after all, he is part of my estate. I should see him off. Now that he's part of the Baili family, Ning Shiting will need to take extra care. Otherwise, my father wouldn't be able to explain it. This time, when he leaves the estate, he can't go as a servant of the Qing Wang Mansion."

Hulu thought for a moment and said, "Gongzi means to treat him as someone sent by the Baili family to recover from illness, who also has ties to the Qing Wang Mansion. This way, it sounds better and ensures he won't be bullied in the future."

Gu Tingshuang replied, "Since he's with the Baili family, no one would dare bully him. Ning Shiting, a Jiaoren, doesn't need to worry about it."

Hulu noticed that their Shizi seemed to harbor some strong resentment toward Ning Shiting. While others praised Jiaoren as rare and precious, Gu Tingshuang spoke of them as though they were something detestable.

Hulu pushed the wheelchair, guiding Gu Tingshuang to the outside of the medicinal garden. The place where herbs and fragrances were stored was as usual, with only two or three people guarding the entrance, ensuring no one else approached.

The last time he came, the maids and guards at the entrance had recognized him. They greeted him cautiously, saying, "Dianxia, Gongzi and Shu Xiao-Gongzi are inside talking."

Gu Tingshuang said, "I've come to see him off too."

The maids didn't dare ask further and invited him in.

He was still the small courtyard at dusk, filled with the scent of herbs, with golden light filtering through the leaves. But this time, the Jiaoren no longer sat cross-legged under the veranda. The courtyard was eerily quiet, with only voices coming from inside.

The voices were low and soft; Ning Shiting was speaking, and Ting Shu occasionally responded with sad "ng"s, his emotions evidently downcast.

Gu Tingshuang hadn't intended to eavesdrop on the conversation between this former master and servant, but a raised voice of complaint caught his attention.

Ting Shu, with a sob in his voice, cried out, "You're telling me all this, but you're still making me leave! What's the point of listening if I have to go anyway?"

The twelve-year-old boy, who had held back for days, finally couldn't suppress his tears, crying out, "I don't want to go! I just don't want to go! I don't even know my brother—he's like a stranger to me. I don't want to go anywhere but here. Why doesn't Gongzi want me?"

Ning Shiting was silent for a moment.

Gu Tingshuang's wheelchair rolled past the courtyard's obstruction, revealing two silhouettes through the window. Ning Shiting lifted his sleeve to wipe the boy's tears, but Ting Shu turned his head away and kept crying.

The Jiaoren bent down slightly, meeting the boy's gaze, and gently said, "It's not that I don't want you; it's for your own good. Remember everything I told you today. Once you leave, don't ever reveal your identity as an Ice Mayfly to anyone. Never inquire about me or try to find me. You can write to me, and I'll reply. When I have time, I'll come see you."

Ting Shu kept wiping his tears, his eyes and nose red, and still replied with a tearful "ng."

"Alright, go back and pack your things. Make sure you haven't forgotten anything. You're almost thirteen; don't throw a tantrum like a child. You don't want to make a fool of yourself at the General's place tomorrow, understand?"

Ning Shiting's tone was gentle.

Ting Shu clearly didn't want to listen anymore and didn't respond. He just pushed the door open and ran out, leaving through a side door.

Ning Shiting sighed softly.

A breeze blew in through the window, stirring his silver hair. When he turned to close the window, he caught sight of Gu Tingshuang outside and was momentarily stunned.

"Dianxia?"

Gu Tingshuang lifted his eyes, his expression calm, and said, "Come here. There's something wrong with my cultivation technique, and I need to test it on you."

Ning Shiting was confused.

They hadn't seen each other for days. On one hand, he had sensed Gu Tingshuang's anger that day and had kept his distance. On the other hand, he had been preoccupied with Ting Shu's departure.

He had expected Gu Tingshuang to mock him over Ting Shu's situation, but Gu Tingshuang hadn't done so.

Ning Shiting knew that Gu Tingshuang practised the Ninefold Spirit Mastery, but he didn't know the details of how it was cultivated. The materials he had compiled were only organised by sequence and annotation; he hadn't looked closely.

What did Gu Tingshuang need his help with?

Ning Shiting closed the window and stepped outside.

Gu Tingshuang looked at him and slightly tilted his chin, saying, "Come closer, bend down; I'll tell you how you can help me."

Ning Shiting obediently bent down, leaning in to hear what Gu Tingshuang wanted to say.

But in that instant, Gu Tingshuang flipped a short dagger from his sleeve, tapping the sheath against Ning Shiting's neck—not too hard, but not too soft either.

Spiritual energy surged like a wolf sweeping through the landscape, invading and consuming Ning Shiting's body, searching his mind for the roots of his suppressed emotions—buried beneath the calm and resignation were deep feelings of reluctance and sorrow.

He couldn't probe Ning Shiting's emotions and memories while he was conscious, as Ning Shiting would sense the intrusion of his spiritual energy.

Dizziness washed over him, and the Jiaoren closed his eyes, his body slumping forward.

Gu Tingshuang caught him, careful to avoid direct skin contact, and let Ning Shiting's head rest on his shoulder while securing his back.

As his spiritual energy delved deeper, Gu Tingshuang also began losing control of his own body.

In the courtyard, the young man lowered his eyes, holding the Jiaoren close, their postures almost like a pair of mandarin ducks with entwined necks.

"You really are a fool—how many times has it been, and you still trust me so much?"

At that moment, the thought flashed through Gu Tingshuang's mind. But he quickly stopped thinking, as Ning Shiting's thoughts were far more profound and complex, like a turbulent deep sea, pulling him into a long-standing nightmare.

Today's Comments:

Thanks to Cloverlees for the landmine~

Netizen: Lady Li

The stubborn Shizi is making a scene online… I’m so exhausted…

Netizen: Make Me Laugh

So stubborn, but also so cute—awsl.

Netizen: Eternal Tree

For Ting Shu, it’s a matter of life and death, but the Shizi is still too immature. I sense some help coming his way.

Netizen: Liu Ge

The Shizi is so tsundere and sharp-tongued!

Netizen: Fu Jin

Wow, seeing my name mentioned made me a bit excited haha 【This is the full acceptance speech of a person who’s not good with words】Tingting, listen to the Shizi and have a good talk with little Ting Shu.

Netizen: You Li Yu

The Shizi’s feelings are just starting to blossom, but it seems like the road to winning over his beloved will be long.

Netizen: (≧▼≦)

www, I feel so bad for the little wolf.

Netizen: Yan Si Qing

The Shizi is still the type who goes after what he wants, but some things are hard to attain, just like how he never confessed to Tingting in his past life, even until Tingting died.

Netizen: Mountains, Rivers, Sun, and Moon, All in Dreams

I rushed over after finishing my homework (not really).

User: Moon Embracing the Sun

Ah, you hot-tempered Shizi, you’ve broken Tingting’s heart! Anyone else would have already knocked your head off.

Netizen: Palulu’s Bell Pepper

So happy to see my comment in the selection! Shizi, hurry up and realize how good Ningning is, please!

User: Li

Should we name the little wolf "Wolf-dog"?

User: Christen

Wuuuuu, I want the little wolf’s paw to heal.

User: The Uncertain God

Ahhhhh, what a jerk (quietly muttering), even though there’s a reason, I still feel bad.

User: Adorable and Loves Fish

Haha, will the Shizi become a loyal dog? kikiki

User: Yurili

Ahhh

Netizen: Lantern Festival

Actually, Tingting still seems a bit naive. It feels like his feelings for the Shizi’s father are more about repaying kindness than genuine emotion, kind of silly.

Netizen: I’m Really Annoyed

Why? Our Ningning is so good.

Netizen: Young Master of the Zhou Family

Oh no, the paw hurts, I’m also feeling sorry.

Netizen: Yi

Throwing flowers, throwing flowers.

Netizen: Qing Xiao Yue

But the badge of honor is gone, it’s gone.

Netizen: Yuanyang Fei

You’re so cute, picking out comments like this (?? . ??)

Shizi, you…

Netizen: Passing Fairy

Don’t feed the one in bed, feed me.

Netizen: A Lifetime of Peace

In the future, the Shizi will say, "Oh no, I fell, Tingting needs to kiss me to make me get up."

Netizen: Fourteen Yi

Reader: Sarcasm feels great.

Shizi: Constant sarcasm feels even better.

Tingting: …

Netizen: Wei Sang

I didn’t know you could comment.

Netizen: 156

Awoo, I’m going to pet the little wolf to calm down.

Netizen: Miyazaki Da

Comment: "The White Moonlight of the Wheelchair Tyrant [Rebirth]"

Rating: 2

Posted on: 2019-09-20 13:40:38

Chapter Reviewed: 32

Still so stubborn!

Netizen: Tao Tao Yuan

The little wolf is so pitiful. It finally gained control of its body but didn’t even get a pat.

Netizen: Late Day

I want to bundle up the Shizi and stuff him into Ningning’s arms… Ningning, pluck this tsundere ghost bald for me!!

Netizen: Duoduo

Keep it up, keep it up!

Netizen: Yan Chi

It’s so hard not being able to see comments… Reading alone is so boring, tut.

Netizen: Beihai

Crying.

Netizen: Takano

Finally, the nutrient fluid is here.

Netizen: Monologue

Shizi, hurry up and grow up.

Netizen: Meow Meow Meow

Wuuu, it feels like the little wolf is in so much pain, hurry up and get better! The Shizi is so tsundere… The author’s operation in the comment section is amazing! I’m crying because I can’t see the comments from my fellow readers.

Netizen: Do You Know Me?

Ah, I read two chapters together, but it still doesn’t feel like enough!

Netizen: Scarlet Bride

≥﹏≤

Netizen: Panpan

Suddenly, I feel like he deserves the pain.

Netizen:

Reply: What is "steam roasting"?

Answer: It’s probably a sauna, steam bath, haha.

Netizen: Qin Banxia

What is "steam roasting"?… Even though I know Ningning has it tough, I still want to laugh.

Netizen: Stubborn as a Mule

Look at my name.

Netizen: Eldest Miss Jin

Ahhhh, Shizi, what nonsense are you talking about! Our Ningning is going to be sad.

Netizen: Don’t Stay Up Late Xiao Wei

I’m trying to figure out how to get my comment featured in the author’s note.

Netizen: 2Netizen

I can’t help but think of the Shizi lying in bed, refusing to succumb to Tingting’s gentleness, and then I can’t help but add: "Really fragrant." Red and fiery, dizzy and confused.

Netizen: Jiang Hai Nan Du

Pressing paws.

Netizen: Qian Qiu Sui Yin

Ahhhh, Shizi, please be more considerate, ahhhh.

Netizen: Piaopiao

Stubborn Shizi ('へ')

Netizen: Love Ushering In the Day

Shizi, let’s bet on some snowflake crisp; you’ll definitely regret losing Ningning’s embrace soon!