Brother-in-law: C07-2

07.2: The Colour of the Wind

This novel was posted on cntranslations [dot] com, by anasiana. If you're not reading it there, you get what you get ￣へ￣)

_{Seeing the collapsed form of Fang Shixiu on that bed, the frantic Yan Ran had to be dragged out of the room by Xuanyuan Wuji.}
Taking almost no time to eat or rest, Yan Ran made the arduous journey to the capital, arriving at the base of the Xuanyuan Sect in seven days when such a trip required at least ten.

Seeing the collapsed form of Fang Shixiu on that bed, the frantic Yan Ran had to be dragged out of the room by Xuanyuan Wuji.

_{The younger man instantly stopped in his tracks.}N/A

The younger man instantly stopped in his tracks.

_{“No need to mince words. You can curse me outright. I did not take proper care of him after all.”}Fang Shixiu believed Yan Ran would be disappointed he wouldn’t be able to represent the Ximen Sect at this year’s competition, but Yan Ran didn’t feel that way at all.

“No need to mince words. You can curse me outright. I did not take proper care of him after all.”

_{Honestly, Yan Ran felt a bit uneasy at the sight. It was as though Fang Shixiu had a special magic about him that attracted those who stood out from the crowd.}Honestly, Yan Ran felt a bit uneasy at the sight. It was as though Fang Shixiu had a special magic about him that attracted those who stood out from the crowd.

Honestly, Yan Ran felt a bit uneasy at the sight. It was as though Fang Shixiu had a special magic about him that attracted those who stood out from the crowd.

“Yes. Fang Shixiu said that good kids don’t curse. But I still must say that those swordsmen of yours seem to really *** lack training. What need was there to use such heavy-handed methods during a practice match?”

_{Fang Shixiu’s words had materialised before Yan Ran’s eyes in the form of a real human being, catching the still very much immersed in happiness him completely off guard.}Ye Ling’s river of words came to an abrupt stop as a result, followed by a long moment of silence. His long, slim arms and legs were pulled into a huddle as he sat on a chair. Hugging his knees while melancholy lingered in his gaze, Ye Ling’s entire body trembled.

Fang Shixiu’s words had materialised before Yan Ran’s eyes in the form of a real human being, catching the still very much immersed in happiness him completely off guard.

_{“No need to mince words. You can curse me outright. I did not take proper care of him after all.”}Xuanyuan Wuji summoned a doctor to operate on Fang Shixiu’s arm.

“No need to mince words. You can curse me outright. I did not take proper care of him after all.”

_{Once Xuanyuan Wuji left, the beaming smile on Fang Shixiu’s face vanished.}
Fang Shixiu appeared well when Yan Ran finally laid eyes on him—quite well, in fact. Leaning against his headboard, he maintained that same neat, refreshing, and elegant demeanour he always held. Just as before, he spoke and laughed with his companion merrily and just as carefree. So as he stood in the doorway, Yan Ran found himself anxious, despite there being nothing in that room that caused unease.

Once Xuanyuan Wuji left, the beaming smile on Fang Shixiu’s face vanished.

_{“Of course not.” Ye Ling pouted again, then tugged his hair. “I’ve always wanted to see you, actually. I thought about it every time that guy and I fought. I really did!”}Fang Shixiu appeared well when Yan Ran finally laid eyes on him—quite well, in fact. Leaning against his headboard, he maintained that same neat, refreshing, and elegant demeanour he always held. Just as before, he spoke and laughed with his companion merrily and just as carefree. So as he stood in the doorway, Yan Ran found himself anxious, despite there being nothing in that room that caused unease.

“Of course not.” Ye Ling pouted again, then tugged his hair. “I’ve always wanted to see you, actually. I thought about it every time that guy and I fought. I really did!”

_{“How about you get some rest while I freshen up for a little bit, alright?” The strange feeling frightened Yan Ran to the point where he almost bolted out the door.}Fang Shixiu said nothing in return, only opening his arms before crushing Ye Ling with a hug.

“How about you get some rest while I freshen up for a little bit, alright?” The strange feeling frightened Yan Ran to the point where he almost bolted out the door.

_{Yan Ran pouted after hearing him explain. But inside he thought, {Is it not because of you? Love makes a person act crazy, after all.}}Fang Shixiu’s words had materialised before Yan Ran’s eyes in the form of a real human being, catching the still very much immersed in happiness him completely off guard.

Yan Ran pouted after hearing him explain. But inside he thought, Is it not because of you? Love makes a person act crazy, after all.

_{Once Xuanyuan Wuji left, the beaming smile on Fang Shixiu’s face vanished.}Fang Shixiu looked him over. “From the looks of it, you still haven’t grown up. It was Xuanyuan Wuliang who hurt me, and that has nothing to do with Wuji. He feels more guilt than anyone because of my injury. What’s more, he spent so much money to buy me, yet I got injured before I could even be of use. He also got hurt during this incident. But before asking anything about this matter, you blow up as you always do and attack first.”

Once Xuanyuan Wuji left, the beaming smile on Fang Shixiu’s face vanished.

_{Yan Ran pouted after hearing him explain. But inside he thought, Is it not because of you? Love makes a person act crazy, after all.}
“Yan Ran.” Upon seeing him, Fang Shixiu was surprised for a moment before calling out to him and greeting him with a smile.

Yan Ran pouted after hearing him explain. But inside he thought, Is it not because of you? Love makes a person act crazy, after all.

_{With Xuanyuan Wuji, Fang Shixiu had defined their relationship as kindred spirits. With Xuanyuan Diandian, he regarded that boy as nothing but a junior. The eager boy also wanted him to become his master, but was thoroughly refused due to the promise Fang Shixiu had made to Ximen Rongruo to only accept one disciple in this life.}Xuanyuan Diandian was the little cherub’s name, and as his surname suggests, he was the son of Xuanyuan Wuji.

With Xuanyuan Wuji, Fang Shixiu had defined their relationship as kindred spirits. With Xuanyuan Diandian, he regarded that boy as nothing but a junior. The eager boy also wanted him to become his master, but was thoroughly refused due to the promise Fang Shixiu had made to Ximen Rongruo to only accept one disciple in this life.

_{Yan Ran wanted to laugh at the sight but didn’t dare let so much as the corners of his lips crease, even though suppressing it all was hаrd.}Smiling back at the man on the bed, the young sect leader nodded as he spoke. “Of course. Has there ever been a time you drank tea I did not personally brew?”

Yan Ran wanted to laugh at the sight but didn’t dare let so much as the corners of his lips crease, even though suppressing it all was hаrd.

During his treatment, fearing the doctor would be distracted, Yan Ran waited outside the room. But, since earlier, he was already clearly distraught—more frantic than he would be facing his own death. So when a scream from that room erupted, one coming from Fang Shixiu himself, Yan Ran broke into the room without thinking.

_{Yan Ran’s breath hitched the moment those eyes met his own, but Fang Shixiu was the one to change the topic first.}“Huh?” Yan Ran exclaimed. “So your right arm didn’t get ruined—”

Yan Ran’s breath hitched the moment those eyes met his own, but Fang Shixiu was the one to change the topic first.

_{But Fang Shixiu had already heard Yan Ran, and now his gaze was boring into the younger man beside him as he asked, “Ruined? What’s ruined?”}
The person sitting beside Fang Shixiu’s bed, chatting with him, also stood upon noticing Yan Ran’s arrival. A tall and handsome man with an extremely distinguished look about him now also stood before Yan Ran. A man he recognised as the newly appointed leader of the Xuanyuan Sect: Xuanyuan Wuji.

But Fang Shixiu had already heard Yan Ran, and now his gaze was boring into the younger man beside him as he asked, “Ruined? What’s ruined?”

_{Turning to glance at the man behind him, Xuanyuan Wuji then made his way to the door. “I’ll go prepare it.”}Yan Ran entered the room, replying in return, “No need. I should be the one offering House Xuanyuan my gratitude for taking such good care of Fang Shixiu,” the frost and venom lacing his words evident.

Turning to glance at the man behind him, Xuanyuan Wuji then made his way to the door. “I’ll go prepare it.”

_{Fang Shixiu’s words had materialised before Yan Ran’s eyes in the form of a real human being, catching the still very much immersed in happiness him completely off guard.}The person sitting beside Fang Shixiu’s bed, chatting with him, also stood upon noticing Yan Ran’s arrival. A tall and handsome man with an extremely distinguished look about him now also stood before Yan Ran. A man he recognised as the newly appointed leader of the Xuanyuan Sect: Xuanyuan Wuji.

Fang Shixiu’s words had materialised before Yan Ran’s eyes in the form of a real human being, catching the still very much immersed in happiness him completely off guard.

_{Fang Shixiu walked over to Ye Ling before gently encircling him in an embrace. His actions were cautious, as though he were touching a delicate treasure.}“Diandian has fallen for you,” Yan Ran said to Fang Shixiu, who said nothing in return, only wearing a soft smile.

Fang Shixiu walked over to Ye Ling before gently encircling him in an embrace. His actions were cautious, as though he were touching a delicate treasure.

_{Seeing the collapsed form of Fang Shixiu on that bed, the frantic Yan Ran had to be dragged out of the room by Xuanyuan Wuji.}Yan Ran’s breath hitched the moment those eyes met his own, but Fang Shixiu was the one to change the topic first.

Seeing the collapsed form of Fang Shixiu on that bed, the frantic Yan Ran had to be dragged out of the room by Xuanyuan Wuji.

_{Waiting until Fang Shixiu’s treatment was complete was anything but easy, and when it was finally over and Yan Ran reentered, he was met with a pale-faced Fang Shixiu lying on his side. That man’s eyes were moist from tears, and there seemed to be a world of emotions surging through him.}
“Goodness. Looks like a distinguished guest came knocking without me giving him a proper welcome.” Xuanyuan Wuji propped his arm onto a nearby rail, his attitude still overflowing with grace.

Waiting until Fang Shixiu’s treatment was complete was anything but easy, and when it was finally over and Yan Ran reentered, he was met with a pale-faced Fang Shixiu lying on his side. That man’s eyes were moist from tears, and there seemed to be a world of emotions surging through him.

During the period after his procedure, Fang Shixiu was still unsettled by the acupuncture and constantly in a dour mood. When he slept, he would bawl himself awake, screaming about needles.

_{With Xuanyuan Wuji, Fang Shixiu had defined their relationship as kindred spirits. With Xuanyuan Diandian, he regarded that boy as nothing but a junior. The eager boy also wanted him to become his master, but was thoroughly refused due to the promise Fang Shixiu had made to Ximen Rongruo to only accept one disciple in this life.}The gently embraced Ye Ling froze at first, but soon gradually lifted his arms around Fang Shixiu’s neck before burying his head in the crook. For a moment, there was nothing but silence, which was then followed by him bursting into tears.

_{Fang Shixiu’s gaze finally turned to Yan Ran right then, who realised he had become a hindrance and panickedly fled the room.}
Yan Ran entered the room, replying in return, “No need. I should be the one offering House Xuanyuan my gratitude for taking such good care of Fang Shixiu,” the frost and venom lacing his words evident.

Fang Shixiu’s gaze finally turned to Yan Ran right then, who realised he had become a hindrance and panickedly fled the room.

_{It was his first time seeing that man in such a fragile state.}N/A

It was his first time seeing that man in such a fragile state.

_{Once, I, too, was young. Once… I, too, was filled with paѕsion.}At these words, Xuanyuan Wuji’s smile was erased, his expression darkening. “I’m sorry.”

Once, I, too, was young. Once… I, too, was filled with paѕsion.

_{Yan Ran pouted after hearing him explain. But inside he thought, {Is it not because of you? Love makes a person act crazy, after all.}}Fang Shixiu’s gaze finally turned to Yan Ran right then, who realised he had become a hindrance and panickedly fled the room.

Yan Ran pouted after hearing him explain. But inside he thought, Is it not because of you? Love makes a person act crazy, after all.

_{“Huh?” Yan Ran exclaimed. “So your right arm didn’t get ruined—”}
“Yan Ran!” Fang Shixiu’s brows furrowed, while Xuanyuan Wuji had a laugh.

“Huh?” Yan Ran exclaimed. “So your right arm didn’t get ruined—”

_N/AFang Shixiu’s gaze finally turned to Yan Ran right then, who realised he had become a hindrance and panickedly fled the room.

N/A

_{During his treatment, fearing the doctor would be distracted, Yan Ran waited outside the room. But, since earlier, he was already clearly distraught—more frantic than he would be facing his own death. So when a scream from that room erupted, one coming from Fang Shixiu himself, Yan Ran broke into the room without thinking.}Privately, Yan Ran did ask the doctor, who replied that the treatment would, of course, require acupuncture and that there was no way to reduce the pain.

_{For ordinary people, a lost arm results in a life of inconvenience. But for a swordsman, it was no different than losing one’s life.}Anyhow, on the night of the first day of the competition, there was a guest at the Xuanyuan residence who had gone there to visit Fang Shixiu. Reading at his desk, Fang Shixiu bolted to his feet when he heard the name announced, startling Yan Ran beside him too. Ye Ling was the name of the guest. It was the name of the man who made Fang Shixiu sprint from the room, with a confused Yan Ran soon trotting behind him. It was the man who stood at the entrance where Fang Shixiu lived who held his hands behind his back while drawing circles on the ground with his toes.

For ordinary people, a lost arm results in a life of inconvenience. But for a swordsman, it was no different than losing one’s life.

_{It was his first time seeing that man in such a fragile state.}
“No need to mince words. You can curse me outright. I did not take proper care of him after all.”

It was his first time seeing that man in such a fragile state.

The gently embraced Ye Ling froze at first, but soon gradually lifted his arms around Fang Shixiu’s neck before burying his head in the crook. For a moment, there was nothing but silence, which was then followed by him bursting into tears.

_{“How’s Rongruo?”}The younger man instantly stopped in his tracks.

“How’s Rongruo?”

_{Ye Ling’s gaze now fell on Yan Ran, who wore an expression clearly showing he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.}
“I don’t curse any more.” Yan Ran replied without casting a look that man’s way.

Ye Ling’s gaze now fell on Yan Ran, who wore an expression clearly showing he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

_{The rage that burned in Yan Ran just seconds ago fizzled as fear slowly took its place. That emotionless look of Fang Shixiu was the one Yan Ran feared the most.}Once Xuanyuan Wuji left, the beaming smile on Fang Shixiu’s face vanished.

The rage that burned in Yan Ran just seconds ago fizzled as fear slowly took its place. That emotionless look of Fang Shixiu was the one Yan Ran feared the most.

_{Mustering every bit of courage he had, the standing Yan Ran reached over to gently stroke Fang Shixiu’s dark hair. Not recoiling from his touch, Fang Shixiu’s fallen gaze again turned to Yan Ran.}“Huh?” Startled, Yan Ran wondered: Is this man really afraid of needles?

Mustering every bit of courage he had, the standing Yan Ran reached over to gently stroke Fang Shixiu’s dark hair. Not recoiling from his touch, Fang Shixiu’s fallen gaze again turned to Yan Ran.

_{Right then, Yan Ran got a chance to clearly see that guy’s face. He saw the creases at the corners of that man’s mouth, along with the fine lines under his eyes. That man appeared to be quite old, much older than Fang Shixiu. But upon first glance, he seemed as young as a teen.}Fang Shixiu appeared well when Yan Ran finally laid eyes on him—quite well, in fact. Leaning against his headboard, he maintained that same neat, refreshing, and elegant demeanour he always held. Just as before, he spoke and laughed with his companion merrily and just as carefree. So as he stood in the doorway, Yan Ran found himself anxious, despite there being nothing in that room that caused unease.

Right then, Yan Ran got a chance to clearly see that guy’s face. He saw the creases at the corners of that man’s mouth, along with the fine lines under his eyes. That man appeared to be quite old, much older than Fang Shixiu. But upon first glance, he seemed as young as a teen.

_{Ye Ling was the first to move forward, extending a finger to poke the dazed man before him on the cheek. “Do you no longer recognise me? Ah, don’t tell me that now that you’ve reached the top, you've gone and forgotten your old friend.”}Fang Shixiu said nothing in return, only opening his arms before crushing Ye Ling with a hug.

Ye Ling was the first to move forward, extending a finger to poke the dazed man before him on the cheek. “Do you no longer recognise me? Ah, don’t tell me that now that you’ve reached the top, you've gone and forgotten your old friend.”

_{“Yan Ran.” Upon seeing him, Fang Shixiu was surprised for a moment before calling out to him and greeting him with a smile.}
“Really?”

“Yan Ran.” Upon seeing him, Fang Shixiu was surprised for a moment before calling out to him and greeting him with a smile.

_{Privately, Yan Ran did ask the doctor, who replied that the treatment would, of course, require acupuncture and that there was no way to reduce the pain.}For ordinary people, a lost arm results in a life of inconvenience. But for a swordsman, it was no different than losing one’s life.

Privately, Yan Ran did ask the doctor, who replied that the treatment would, of course, require acupuncture and that there was no way to reduce the pain.

_{Fang Shixiu said nothing in return, only opening his arms before crushing Ye Ling with a hug.}
“Yes. Fang Shixiu said that good kids don’t curse. But I still must say that those swordsmen of yours seem to really *** lack training. What need was there to use such heavy-handed methods during a practice match?”

Fang Shixiu said nothing in return, only opening his arms before crushing Ye Ling with a hug.

_{“Really?”}“Ye Ling. Where is that guy?” Unable to keep waiting, Fang Shixiu interrupted to ask bluntly.

“Really?”

_{“How about you get some rest while I freshen up for a little bit, alright?” The strange feeling frightened Yan Ran to the point where he almost bolted out the door.}Yan Ran pouted after hearing him explain. But inside he thought, Is it not because of you? Love makes a person act crazy, after all.

“How about you get some rest while I freshen up for a little bit, alright?” The strange feeling frightened Yan Ran to the point where he almost bolted out the door.

_{Fang Shixiu’s steps came to a halt an inch away from him, with eyes spreаd wide as though he were lost in a dream.}
At these words, Xuanyuan Wuji’s smile was erased, his expression darkening. “I’m sorry.”

Fang Shixiu’s steps came to a halt an inch away from him, with eyes spreаd wide as though he were lost in a dream.

_{In the end, however, Fang Shixiu was Fang Shixiu and was soon back to normal. That noble and aloof air of his again made an appearance, but perhaps, on account of his incident, his attitude also became a bit more kind.}07.2: The Colour of the Wind

In the end, however, Fang Shixiu was Fang Shixiu and was soon back to normal. That noble and aloof air of his again made an appearance, but perhaps, on account of his incident, his attitude also became a bit more kind. Well, at least to the point where he was no longer treating Yan Ran harshly. Sometimes, he would also listen to what Yan Ran said as well as chat with him. All of which was hаrd for Yan Ran to believe.

_{“Yan Ran!”}Ye Ling’s gaze now fell on Yan Ran, who wore an expression clearly showing he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

“Yan Ran!”

_{Yan Ran chuckled, despite himself. He couldn’t help but think Fang Shixiu was amusing. That man, who would not bat an eye at a sword at his throat, was afraid of needles.}Yan Ran looked on at this sight as if his own heart had shattered. Never before had he seen Fang Shixiu treat anyone like that man was being treated right then.

Yan Ran chuckled, despite himself. He couldn’t help but think Fang Shixiu was amusing. That man, who would not bat an eye at a sword at his throat, was afraid of needles.

_{The gently embraced Ye Ling froze at first, but soon gradually lifted his arms around Fang Shixiu’s neck before burying his head in the crook. For a moment, there was nothing but silence, which was then followed by him bursting into tears.}
“Wuji,” Fang Shixiu suddenly called out. “I’d like some tea.”

_{“Huh?” Yan Ran exclaimed. “So your right arm didn’t get ruined—”}“Wuji,” Fang Shixiu suddenly called out. “I’d like some tea.”

“Huh?” Yan Ran exclaimed. “So your right arm didn’t get ruined—”

_{“{Cough}... Goodness, be gentle, will you? You’re still as rowdy as ever.” Despite his words, Ye Ling smiled a dazzling smile, beautiful and dreamy. “Ahem, there’s someone else here.”}Ye Ling’s river of words came to an abrupt stop as a result, followed by a long moment of silence. His long, slim arms and legs were pulled into a huddle as he sat on a chair. Hugging his knees while melancholy lingered in his gaze, Ye Ling’s entire body trembled.

“Cough... Goodness, be gentle, will you? You’re still as rowdy as ever.” Despite his words, Ye Ling smiled a dazzling smile, beautiful and dreamy. “Ahem, there’s someone else here.”

_☆☆☆Fang Shixiu looked him over. “From the looks of it, you still haven’t grown up. It was Xuanyuan Wuliang who hurt me, and that has nothing to do with Wuji. He feels more guilt than anyone because of my injury. What’s more, he spent so much money to buy me, yet I got injured before I could even be of use. He also got hurt during this incident. But before asking anything about this matter, you blow up as you always do and attack first.”

☆☆☆

_{Once, he believed that man was as strong as iron, yet there even came a time when he, too, was weak. The man before him looked no different than a helpless child.}
Turning to glance at the man behind him, Xuanyuan Wuji then made his way to the door. “I’ll go prepare it.”

Once, he believed that man was as strong as iron, yet there even came a time when he, too, was weak. The man before him looked no different than a helpless child.

Taking almost no time to eat or rest, Yan Ran made the arduous journey to the capital, arriving at the base of the Xuanyuan Sect in seven days when such a trip required at least ten.

_{A glare from Xuanyuan Wuji stunned Yan Ran into instant silence. {House Xuanyuan… you were still keeping this hidden from Fang Shixiu!}}The younger man instantly stopped in his tracks.

A glare from Xuanyuan Wuji stunned Yan Ran into instant silence. House Xuanyuan… you were still keeping this hidden from Fang Shixiu!

_{The younger man instantly stopped in his tracks.}
“I’d like to drink the tea you brewed yourself,” Fang Shixiu added with a smile.

The younger man instantly stopped in his tracks.

_{The younger man instantly stopped in his tracks.}Taking almost no time to eat or rest, Yan Ran made the arduous journey to the capital, arriving at the base of the Xuanyuan Sect in seven days when such a trip required at least ten.

The younger man instantly stopped in his tracks.

_{The gently embraced Ye Ling froze at first, but soon gradually lifted his arms around Fang Shixiu’s neck before burying his head in the crook. For a moment, there was nothing but silence, which was then followed by him bursting into tears.}“Huh?” Yan Ran exclaimed. “So your right arm didn’t get ruined—”

_{Yan Ran entered the room, replying in return, “No need. I should be the one offering House Xuanyuan my gratitude for taking such good care of Fang Shixiu,” the frost and venom lacing his words evident.}Hearing this response made the young boy disappointed, but Yan Ran was happy for Rongruo by this news. After all, it meant that Fang Shixiu was someone who kept his promises.

Yan Ran entered the room, replying in return, “No need. I should be the one offering House Xuanyuan my gratitude for taking such good care of Fang Shixiu,” the frost and venom lacing his words evident.

_{Privately, Yan Ran did ask the doctor, who replied that the treatment would, of course, require acupuncture and that there was no way to reduce the pain.}
Smiling back at the man on the bed, the young sect leader nodded as he spoke. “Of course. Has there ever been a time you drank tea I did not personally brew?”

Privately, Yan Ran did ask the doctor, who replied that the treatment would, of course, require acupuncture and that there was no way to reduce the pain.

_{Xuanyuan Wuji summoned a doctor to operate on Fang Shixiu’s arm.}For ordinary people, a lost arm results in a life of inconvenience. But for a swordsman, it was no different than losing one’s life.

Xuanyuan Wuji summoned a doctor to operate on Fang Shixiu’s arm.

_{“No. Not even one bit.”}The person sitting beside Fang Shixiu’s bed, chatting with him, also stood upon noticing Yan Ran’s arrival. A tall and handsome man with an extremely distinguished look about him now also stood before Yan Ran. A man he recognised as the newly appointed leader of the Xuanyuan Sect: Xuanyuan Wuji.

“No. Not even one bit.”

_{Honestly, Yan Ran felt a bit uneasy at the sight. It was as though Fang Shixiu had a special magic about him that attracted those who stood out from the crowd.}Fang Shixiu appeared well when Yan Ran finally laid eyes on him—quite well, in fact. Leaning against his headboard, he maintained that same neat, refreshing, and elegant demeanour he always held. Just as before, he spoke and laughed with his companion merrily and just as carefree. So as he stood in the doorway, Yan Ran found himself anxious, despite there being nothing in that room that caused unease.

Honestly, Yan Ran felt a bit uneasy at the sight. It was as though Fang Shixiu had a special magic about him that attracted those who stood out from the crowd.

_{“No need to mince words. You can curse me outright. I did not take proper care of him after all.”}“Goodness. Looks like a distinguished guest came knocking without me giving him a proper welcome.” Xuanyuan Wuji propped his arm onto a nearby rail, his attitude still overflowing with grace.

“No need to mince words. You can curse me outright. I did not take proper care of him after all.”

_{Ye Ling was the first to move forward, extending a finger to poke the dazed man before him on the cheek. “Do you no longer recognise me? Ah, don’t tell me that now that you’ve reached the top, you've gone and forgotten your old friend.”}
Once Xuanyuan Wuji left, the beaming smile on Fang Shixiu’s face vanished.

_{“He’s doing well, very well. Apart from his worry towards you, that is.” Yan Ran answered honestly.}Once, I, too, was young. Once… I, too, was filled with paѕsion.

“He’s doing well, very well. Apart from his worry towards you, that is.” Yan Ran answered honestly.

_{Smiling back at the man on the bed, the young sect leader nodded as he spoke. “Of course. Has there ever been a time you drank tea I did not personally brew?”}A spirit of the wind.

Smiling back at the man on the bed, the young sect leader nodded as he spoke. “Of course. Has there ever been a time you drank tea I did not personally brew?”

_{“Yes. Fang Shixiu said that good kids don’t curse. But I still must say that those swordsmen of yours seem to really *** lack training. What need was there to use such heavy-handed methods during a practice match?”}In the end, however, Fang Shixiu was Fang Shixiu and was soon back to normal. That noble and aloof air of his again made an appearance, but perhaps, on account of his incident, his attitude also became a bit more kind. Well, at least to the point where he was no longer treating Yan Ran harshly. Sometimes, he would also listen to what Yan Ran said as well as chat with him. All of which was hаrd for Yan Ran to believe.

_{“Yan Ran!”}
The rage that burned in Yan Ran just seconds ago fizzled as fear slowly took its place. That emotionless look of Fang Shixiu was the one Yan Ran feared the most.

“Yan Ran!”

_{Xuanyuan Diandian was the little cherub’s name, and as his surname suggests, he was the son of Xuanyuan Wuji.}“Yan Ran, are you tired?”

Xuanyuan Diandian was the little cherub’s name, and as his surname suggests, he was the son of Xuanyuan Wuji.

_{“{Cough}... Goodness, be gentle, will you? You’re still as rowdy as ever.” Despite his words, Ye Ling smiled a dazzling smile, beautiful and dreamy. “Ahem, there’s someone else here.”}Fang Shixiu sighed, seeing his reaction. “You don’t need to say it for me to know. He ran off to fool around with women again, didn’t he? Did he toss you aside again?”

“Cough... Goodness, be gentle, will you? You’re still as rowdy as ever.” Despite his words, Ye Ling smiled a dazzling smile, beautiful and dreamy. “Ahem, there’s someone else here.”

_{“Yan Ran!” Fang Shixiu’s brows furrowed, while Xuanyuan Wuji had a laugh.}Yan Ran entered the room, replying in return, “No need. I should be the one offering House Xuanyuan my gratitude for taking such good care of Fang Shixiu,” the frost and venom lacing his words evident.

“Yan Ran!” Fang Shixiu’s brows furrowed, while Xuanyuan Wuji had a laugh.

_{The gently embraced Ye Ling froze at first, but soon gradually lifted his arms around Fang Shixiu’s neck before burying his head in the crook. For a moment, there was nothing but silence, which was then followed by him bursting into tears.}“Stay with me... Stay by my side again,” Fang Shixiu said timidly.

_{For ordinary people, a lost arm results in a life of inconvenience. But for a swordsman, it was no different than losing one’s life.}
“Shixiu…” Yan Ran neared the bedside, his voice tense. A part of him wanted to launch himself at that man and surround him in his warm embrace, but that fierce gaze now fixed on him, or perhaps his own cowardice being at play, caused that urge to be buried. In the end, his rationality won out.

For ordinary people, a lost arm results in a life of inconvenience. But for a swordsman, it was no different than losing one’s life.

_{{This Fang Shixiu is kind of cute.}}Ye Ling still hugged his knees as before, swaying as he looked up at Fang Shixiu.”Are you feeling better? I heard you injured your arm, so I came here specifically to see you.”

This Fang Shixiu is kind of cute.

_{07.2: The Colour of the Wind}
“How’s Rongruo?”

07.2: The Colour of the Wind

_{“{Cough}... Goodness, be gentle, will you? You’re still as rowdy as ever.” Despite his words, Ye Ling smiled a dazzling smile, beautiful and dreamy. “Ahem, there’s someone else here.”}Yan Ran wanted to laugh at the sight but didn’t dare let so much as the corners of his lips crease, even though suppressing it all was hаrd.

“Cough... Goodness, be gentle, will you? You’re still as rowdy as ever.” Despite his words, Ye Ling smiled a dazzling smile, beautiful and dreamy. “Ahem, there’s someone else here.”

The person sitting beside Fang Shixiu’s bed, chatting with him, also stood upon noticing Yan Ran’s arrival. A tall and handsome man with an extremely distinguished look about him now also stood before Yan Ran. A man he recognised as the newly appointed leader of the Xuanyuan Sect: Xuanyuan Wuji.

_{“He’s doing well, very well. Apart from his worry towards you, that is.” Yan Ran answered honestly.}N/A

“He’s doing well, very well. Apart from his worry towards you, that is.” Yan Ran answered honestly.

_{A glare from Xuanyuan Wuji stunned Yan Ran into instant silence. House Xuanyuan… you were still keeping this hidden from Fang Shixiu!}
“He’s doing well, very well. Apart from his worry towards you, that is.” Yan Ran answered honestly.

A glare from Xuanyuan Wuji stunned Yan Ran into instant silence. House Xuanyuan… you were still keeping this hidden from Fang Shixiu!

_{The gently embraced Ye Ling froze at first, but soon gradually lifted his arms around Fang Shixiu’s neck before burying his head in the crook. For a moment, there was nothing but silence, which was then followed by him bursting into tears.}Hearing this response made the young boy disappointed, but Yan Ran was happy for Rongruo by this news. After all, it meant that Fang Shixiu was someone who kept his promises.

_☆☆☆Fang Shixiu appeared well when Yan Ran finally laid eyes on him—quite well, in fact. Leaning against his headboard, he maintained that same neat, refreshing, and elegant demeanour he always held. Just as before, he spoke and laughed with his companion merrily and just as carefree. So as he stood in the doorway, Yan Ran found himself anxious, despite there being nothing in that room that caused unease.

☆☆☆

_{“No need to mince words. You can curse me outright. I did not take proper care of him after all.”}“Huh?” Startled, Yan Ran wondered: Is this man really afraid of needles?

“No need to mince words. You can curse me outright. I did not take proper care of him after all.”

_{Anyhow, on the night of the first day of the competition, there was a guest at the Xuanyuan residence who had gone there to visit Fang Shixiu. Reading at his desk, Fang Shixiu bolted to his feet when he heard the name announced, startling Yan Ran beside him too.}Fang Shixiu appeared well when Yan Ran finally laid eyes on him—quite well, in fact. Leaning against his headboard, he maintained that same neat, refreshing, and elegant demeanour he always held. Just as before, he spoke and laughed with his companion merrily and just as carefree. So as he stood in the doorway, Yan Ran found himself anxious, despite there being nothing in that room that caused unease.

Anyhow, on the night of the first day of the competition, there was a guest at the Xuanyuan residence who had gone there to visit Fang Shixiu. Reading at his desk, Fang Shixiu bolted to his feet when he heard the name announced, startling Yan Ran beside him too. Ye Ling was the name of the guest. It was the name of the man who made Fang Shixiu sprint from the room, with a confused Yan Ran soon trotting behind him. It was the man who stood at the entrance where Fang Shixiu lived who held his hands behind his back while drawing circles on the ground with his toes.

_{Fang Shixiu’s words had materialised before Yan Ran’s eyes in the form of a real human being, catching the still very much immersed in happiness him completely off guard.}On one of his later visits, Xuanyuan Wuji brought a child along with him. The young boy was around eight or nine years old. He was an especially handsome little boy, too. So much so, that despite his fondness for turning his nose up at others, his bright and cherubin-like features made people want to take a bite.

Fang Shixiu’s words had materialised before Yan Ran’s eyes in the form of a real human being, catching the still very much immersed in happiness him completely off guard.

_{Yan Ran pouted after hearing him explain. But inside he thought, {Is it not because of you? Love makes a person act crazy, after all.}}Anyhow, on the night of the first day of the competition, there was a guest at the Xuanyuan residence who had gone there to visit Fang Shixiu. Reading at his desk, Fang Shixiu bolted to his feet when he heard the name announced, startling Yan Ran beside him too. Ye Ling was the name of the guest. It was the name of the man who made Fang Shixiu sprint from the room, with a confused Yan Ran soon trotting behind him. It was the man who stood at the entrance where Fang Shixiu lived who held his hands behind his back while drawing circles on the ground with his toes.

Yan Ran pouted after hearing him explain. But inside he thought, Is it not because of you? Love makes a person act crazy, after all.

_{“The doctor said I would recover in no time at all. It won’t even require as much as three months for me to be back on my feet. So what are you so worried about, hm?” A serene smile found its way onto Fang Shixiu’s face as he asked.}
“Not well.”

“The doctor said I would recover in no time at all. It won’t even require as much as three months for me to be back on my feet. So what are you so worried about, hm?” A serene smile found its way onto Fang Shixiu’s face as he asked.

_{Turning to the doctor, who was packing his things, Yan Ran asked, “Doctor, did you use acupuncture on him?”}Mustering every bit of courage he had, the standing Yan Ran reached over to gently stroke Fang Shixiu’s dark hair. Not recoiling from his touch, Fang Shixiu’s fallen gaze again turned to Yan Ran.

Turning to the doctor, who was packing his things, Yan Ran asked, “Doctor, did you use acupuncture on him?”

_☆☆☆Ye Ling was incredibly chatty. His words spewed forth without end, like the Yellow River. But the more he listened, the more Yan realised nothing but random nonsense left his lips.

☆☆☆

_{This Fang Shixiu is kind of cute.}
Fang Shixiu looked him over. “From the looks of it, you still haven’t grown up. It was Xuanyuan Wuliang who hurt me, and that has nothing to do with Wuji. He feels more guilt than anyone because of my injury. What’s more, he spent so much money to buy me, yet I got injured before I could even be of use. He also got hurt during this incident. But before asking anything about this matter, you blow up as you always do and attack first.”

This Fang Shixiu is kind of cute.

_{Fang Shixiu’s words had materialised before Yan Ran’s eyes in the form of a real human being, catching the still very much immersed in happiness him completely off guard.}The rage that burned in Yan Ran just seconds ago fizzled as fear slowly took its place. That emotionless look of Fang Shixiu was the one Yan Ran feared the most.

Fang Shixiu’s words had materialised before Yan Ran’s eyes in the form of a real human being, catching the still very much immersed in happiness him completely off guard.

_☆☆☆
Yan Ran pouted after hearing him explain. But inside he thought, Is it not because of you? Love makes a person act crazy, after all.

☆☆☆

_{Without treatment, it was guaranteed that his arm would no longer be functional. But with treatment, there was a chance of recovery, so Fang Shixiu agreed.}The person sitting beside Fang Shixiu’s bed, chatting with him, also stood upon noticing Yan Ran’s arrival. A tall and handsome man with an extremely distinguished look about him now also stood before Yan Ran. A man he recognised as the newly appointed leader of the Xuanyuan Sect: Xuanyuan Wuji.

Without treatment, it was guaranteed that his arm would no longer be functional. But with treatment, there was a chance of recovery, so Fang Shixiu agreed.

_{“Yan Ran, are you tired?”}
“The doctor said I would recover in no time at all. It won’t even require as much as three months for me to be back on my feet. So what are you so worried about, hm?” A serene smile found its way onto Fang Shixiu’s face as he asked.

“Yan Ran, are you tired?”

_{On the third day after the treatment, Fang Shixiu’s injury must’ve still ached a good deal because he still found it difficult to sleep. At random times during the night, he would wake and ask Yan Ran, who slept beside him, to do this and that.}Xuanyuan Wuji summoned a doctor to operate on Fang Shixiu’s arm.

On the third day after the treatment, Fang Shixiu’s injury must’ve still ached a good deal because he still found it difficult to sleep. At random times during the night, he would wake and ask Yan Ran, who slept beside him, to do this and that.

_{Once, I, too, was young. Once… I, too, was filled with paѕsion.}Yan Ran entered the room, replying in return, “No need. I should be the one offering House Xuanyuan my gratitude for taking such good care of Fang Shixiu,” the frost and venom lacing his words evident.

Once, I, too, was young. Once… I, too, was filled with paѕsion.

_{Fang Shixiu looked him over. “From the looks of it, you still haven’t grown up.}
“Huh?” Yan Ran exclaimed. “So your right arm didn’t get ruined—”

Fang Shixiu looked him over. “From the looks of it, you still haven’t grown up. It was Xuanyuan Wuliang who hurt me, and that has nothing to do with Wuji. He feels more guilt than anyone because of my injury. What’s more, he spent so much money to buy me, yet I got injured before I could even be of use. He also got hurt during this incident. But before asking anything about this matter, you blow up as you always do and attack first.”

_{{That’s true. Fang Shixiu’s charm was more captivating to those who are outstanding after all.}}Yan Ran chuckled, despite himself. He couldn’t help but think Fang Shixiu was amusing. That man, who would not bat an eye at a sword at his throat, was afraid of needles.

That’s true. Fang Shixiu’s charm was more captivating to those who are outstanding after all.

_{“Diandian has fallen for you,” Yan Ran said to Fang Shixiu, who said nothing in return, only wearing a soft smile.}
“Your tea is here.” A booming voice suppressed Yan Ran’s words. It was Xuanyuan Wuji, who walked in carrying a tray with the tea.

“Diandian has fallen for you,” Yan Ran said to Fang Shixiu, who said nothing in return, only wearing a soft smile.

_{Yan Ran wanted to laugh at the sight but didn’t dare let so much as the corners of his lips crease, even though suppressing it all was hаrd.}
But Fang Shixiu had already heard Yan Ran, and now his gaze was boring into the younger man beside him as he asked, “Ruined? What’s ruined?”

Yan Ran wanted to laugh at the sight but didn’t dare let so much as the corners of his lips crease, even though suppressing it all was hаrd.

_{“Shixiu…” Yan Ran neared the bedside, his voice tense. A part of him wanted to launch himself at that man and surround him in his warm embrace, but that fierce gaze now fixed on him, or perhaps his own cowardice being at play, caused that urge to be buried. In the end, his rationality won out.}At these words, Xuanyuan Wuji’s smile was erased, his expression darkening. “I’m sorry.”

“Shixiu…” Yan Ran neared the bedside, his voice tense. A part of him wanted to launch himself at that man and surround him in his warm embrace, but that fierce gaze now fixed on him, or perhaps his own cowardice being at play, caused that urge to be buried. In the end, his rationality won out.

_{Xuanyuan Diandian was the little cherub’s name, and as his surname suggests, he was the son of Xuanyuan Wuji.}Hearing this response made the young boy disappointed, but Yan Ran was happy for Rongruo by this news. After all, it meant that Fang Shixiu was someone who kept his promises.

Xuanyuan Diandian was the little cherub’s name, and as his surname suggests, he was the son of Xuanyuan Wuji.

_{Once, I, too, was young. Once… I, too, was filled with paѕsion.}
A glare from Xuanyuan Wuji stunned Yan Ran into instant silence. House Xuanyuan… you were still keeping this hidden from Fang Shixiu!

Once, I, too, was young. Once… I, too, was filled with paѕsion.

“Cough... Goodness, be gentle, will you? You’re still as rowdy as ever.” Despite his words, Ye Ling smiled a dazzling smile, beautiful and dreamy. “Ahem, there’s someone else here.”

_{The person sitting beside Fang Shixiu’s bed, chatting with him, also stood upon noticing Yan Ran’s arrival. A tall and handsome man with an extremely distinguished look about him now also stood before Yan Ran. A man he recognised as the newly appointed leader of the Xuanyuan Sect: Xuanyuan Wuji.}
Yan Ran turned to look at Fang Shixiu’s lying form on that bed with an arm wrapped in thіck layers of bandages and an unsteady gaze.

_{Xuanyuan Wuji also stopped by every day to visit Fang Shixiu, but his busy work schedule made him unable to stay for long. Even so, he was reluctant to leave each time.}Ye Ling’s river of words came to an abrupt stop as a result, followed by a long moment of silence. His long, slim arms and legs were pulled into a huddle as he sat on a chair. Hugging his knees while melancholy lingered in his gaze, Ye Ling’s entire body trembled.

Xuanyuan Wuji also stopped by every day to visit Fang Shixiu, but his busy work schedule made him unable to stay for long. Even so, he was reluctant to leave each time.

_{Xuanyuan Wuji also stopped by every day to visit Fang Shixiu, but his busy work schedule made him unable to stay for long. Even so, he was reluctant to leave each time.}Fang Shixiu’s words had materialised before Yan Ran’s eyes in the form of a real human being, catching the still very much immersed in happiness him completely off guard.

Xuanyuan Wuji also stopped by every day to visit Fang Shixiu, but his busy work schedule made him unable to stay for long. Even so, he was reluctant to leave each time.

_{“Huh?” Yan Ran exclaimed. “So your right arm didn’t get ruined—”}“Yan Ran.” Upon seeing him, Fang Shixiu was surprised for a moment before calling out to him and greeting him with a smile.

“Huh?” Yan Ran exclaimed. “So your right arm didn’t get ruined—”

_{“And you?”}“Of course not.” Ye Ling pouted again, then tugged his hair. “I’ve always wanted to see you, actually. I thought about it every time that guy and I fought. I really did!”

“And you?”

Even more than his father, he adored teasing Fang Shixiu. He also had no interest at all in playing with Fang Qin, Fang Se, or Fang He’ning; his little nose always turned up as high as it could when it came to them.

_{Fang Shixiu appeared well when Yan Ran finally laid eyes on him—quite well, in fact. Leaning against his headboard, he maintained that same neat, refreshing, and elegant demeanour he always held.}Fang Shixiu looked him over. “From the looks of it, you still haven’t grown up. It was Xuanyuan Wuliang who hurt me, and that has nothing to do with Wuji. He feels more guilt than anyone because of my injury. What’s more, he spent so much money to buy me, yet I got injured before I could even be of use. He also got hurt during this incident. But before asking anything about this matter, you blow up as you always do and attack first.”

Fang Shixiu appeared well when Yan Ran finally laid eyes on him—quite well, in fact. Leaning against his headboard, he maintained that same neat, refreshing, and elegant demeanour he always held. Just as before, he spoke and laughed with his companion merrily and just as carefree. So as he stood in the doorway, Yan Ran found himself anxious, despite there being nothing in that room that caused unease.

_{Xuanyuan Diandian was the little cherub’s name, and as his surname suggests, he was the son of Xuanyuan Wuji.}
Once, he believed that man was as strong as iron, yet there even came a time when he, too, was weak. The man before him looked no different than a helpless child.

Xuanyuan Diandian was the little cherub’s name, and as his surname suggests, he was the son of Xuanyuan Wuji.

_{“He’s doing well, very well. Apart from his worry towards you, that is.” Yan Ran answered honestly.}A spirit of the wind.

“He’s doing well, very well. Apart from his worry towards you, that is.” Yan Ran answered honestly.

_{“Ye Ling. Where is that guy?” Unable to keep waiting, Fang Shixiu interrupted to ask bluntly.}This Fang Shixiu is kind of cute.

“Ye Ling. Where is that guy?” Unable to keep waiting, Fang Shixiu interrupted to ask bluntly.

_{{This Fang Shixiu is kind of cute.}}☆☆☆

This Fang Shixiu is kind of cute.

_{Fang Shixiu looked him over. “From the looks of it, you still haven’t grown up.}Right then, Yan Ran got a chance to clearly see that guy’s face. He saw the creases at the corners of that man’s mouth, along with the fine lines under his eyes. That man appeared to be quite old, much older than Fang Shixiu. But upon first glance, he seemed as young as a teen.

_{On the third day after the treatment, Fang Shixiu’s injury must’ve still ached a good deal because he still found it difficult to sleep. At random times during the night, he would wake and ask Yan Ran, who slept beside him, to do this and that.}
Mustering every bit of courage he had, the standing Yan Ran reached over to gently stroke Fang Shixiu’s dark hair. Not recoiling from his touch, Fang Shixiu’s fallen gaze again turned to Yan Ran.

_☆☆☆N/A

☆☆☆

_{“Diandian has fallen for you,” Yan Ran said to Fang Shixiu, who said nothing in return, only wearing a soft smile.}During his treatment, fearing the doctor would be distracted, Yan Ran waited outside the room. But, since earlier, he was already clearly distraught—more frantic than he would be facing his own death. So when a scream from that room erupted, one coming from Fang Shixiu himself, Yan Ran broke into the room without thinking.

“Diandian has fallen for you,” Yan Ran said to Fang Shixiu, who said nothing in return, only wearing a soft smile.

_{Still covered in dust from his travels, Yan Ran stormed into Fang Shixiu’s quarters the second he arrived.}Right then, Yan Ran got a chance to clearly see that guy’s face. He saw the creases at the corners of that man’s mouth, along with the fine lines under his eyes. That man appeared to be quite old, much older than Fang Shixiu. But upon first glance, he seemed as young as a teen.

Still covered in dust from his travels, Yan Ran stormed into Fang Shixiu’s quarters the second he arrived.

_{“I’d like to drink the tea you brewed yourself,” Fang Shixiu added with a smile.}
Yan Ran’s breath hitched the moment those eyes met his own, but Fang Shixiu was the one to change the topic first.

“I’d like to drink the tea you brewed yourself,” Fang Shixiu added with a smile.

_{With Xuanyuan Wuji, Fang Shixiu had defined their relationship as kindred spirits. With Xuanyuan Diandian, he regarded that boy as nothing but a junior. The eager boy also wanted him to become his master, but was thoroughly refused due to the promise Fang Shixiu had made to Ximen Rongruo to only accept one disciple in this life.}Yan Ran chuckled, despite himself. He couldn’t help but think Fang Shixiu was amusing. That man, who would not bat an eye at a sword at his throat, was afraid of needles.

_{Mustering every bit of courage he had, the standing Yan Ran reached over to gently stroke Fang Shixiu’s dark hair. Not recoiling from his touch, Fang Shixiu’s fallen gaze again turned to Yan Ran.}Once, he believed that man was as strong as iron, yet there even came a time when he, too, was weak. The man before him looked no different than a helpless child.

Mustering every bit of courage he had, the standing Yan Ran reached over to gently stroke Fang Shixiu’s dark hair. Not recoiling from his touch, Fang Shixiu’s fallen gaze again turned to Yan Ran.

_{“I don’t curse any more.” Yan Ran replied without casting a look that man’s way.}“I did not. I only touched some of his acupoints.” The doctor faced Fang Shixiu. “Perhaps I used too much pressure, so it felt as though I had used needles instead.”

“I don’t curse any more.” Yan Ran replied without casting a look that man’s way.

_{Yan Ran pouted after hearing him explain. But inside he thought, {Is it not because of you? Love makes a person act crazy, after all.}}During the period after his procedure, Fang Shixiu was still unsettled by the acupuncture and constantly in a dour mood. When he slept, he would bawl himself awake, screaming about needles.

Yan Ran pouted after hearing him explain. But inside he thought, Is it not because of you? Love makes a person act crazy, after all.

_N/A
“Yan Ran, are you tired?”

N/A

_{Yan Ran wanted to laugh at the sight but didn’t dare let so much as the corners of his lips crease, even though suppressing it all was hаrd.}“Your tea is here.” A booming voice suppressed Yan Ran’s words. It was Xuanyuan Wuji, who walked in carrying a tray with the tea.

Yan Ran wanted to laugh at the sight but didn’t dare let so much as the corners of his lips crease, even though suppressing it all was hаrd.

_{Turning to glance at the man behind him, Xuanyuan Wuji then made his way to the door. “I’ll go prepare it.”}Once, I, too, was young. Once… I, too, was filled with paѕsion.

Turning to glance at the man behind him, Xuanyuan Wuji then made his way to the door. “I’ll go prepare it.”

Taking almost no time to eat or rest, Yan Ran made the arduous journey to the capital, arriving at the base of the Xuanyuan Sect in seven days when such a trip required at least ten.

_{Turning to glance at the man behind him, Xuanyuan Wuji then made his way to the door. “I’ll go prepare it.”}
“No. Not even one bit.”

Turning to glance at the man behind him, Xuanyuan Wuji then made his way to the door. “I’ll go prepare it.”

_{“Yan Ran!”}Yan Ran wanted to laugh at the sight but didn’t dare let so much as the corners of his lips crease, even though suppressing it all was hаrd.

“Yan Ran!”

_{“Not well.”}But Fang Shixiu had already heard Yan Ran, and now his gaze was boring into the younger man beside him as he asked, “Ruined? What’s ruined?”

“Not well.”

_N/AWaiting until Fang Shixiu’s treatment was complete was anything but easy, and when it was finally over and Yan Ran reentered, he was met with a pale-faced Fang Shixiu lying on his side. That man’s eyes were moist from tears, and there seemed to be a world of emotions surging through him.

N/A

_{“Wuji,” Fang Shixiu suddenly called out. “I’d like some tea.”}
Reaching out to grab the blanket, Yan Ran covered Fang Shixiu before taking a seat by the bedside. Looking at that man, he couldn’t help but feel at a loss.

“Wuji,” Fang Shixiu suddenly called out. “I’d like some tea.”

_{During his treatment, fearing the doctor would be distracted, Yan Ran waited outside the room. But, since earlier, he was already clearly distraught—more frantic than he would be facing his own death. So when a scream from that room erupted, one coming from Fang Shixiu himself, Yan Ran broke into the room without thinking.}“Yan Ran!” Fang Shixiu’s brows furrowed, while Xuanyuan Wuji had a laugh.

_{“I’d like to drink the tea you brewed yourself,” Fang Shixiu added with a smile.}Ye Ling’s river of words came to an abrupt stop as a result, followed by a long moment of silence. His long, slim arms and legs were pulled into a huddle as he sat on a chair. Hugging his knees while melancholy lingered in his gaze, Ye Ling’s entire body trembled.

“I’d like to drink the tea you brewed yourself,” Fang Shixiu added with a smile.

Taking almost no time to eat or rest, Yan Ran made the arduous journey to the capital, arriving at the base of the Xuanyuan Sect in seven days when such a trip required at least ten.

_{“Shixiu…” Yan Ran neared the bedside, his voice tense. A part of him wanted to launch himself at that man and surround him in his warm embrace, but that fierce gaze now fixed on him, or perhaps his own cowardice being at play, caused that urge to be buried. In the end, his rationality won out.}On the third day after the treatment, Fang Shixiu’s injury must’ve still ached a good deal because he still found it difficult to sleep. At random times during the night, he would wake and ask Yan Ran, who slept beside him, to do this and that.

_{Yan Ran’s breath hitched the moment those eyes met his own, but Fang Shixiu was the one to change the topic first.}
“How about you get some rest while I freshen up for a little bit, alright?” The strange feeling frightened Yan Ran to the point where he almost bolted out the door.

Yan Ran’s breath hitched the moment those eyes met his own, but Fang Shixiu was the one to change the topic first.

_{{That’s true. Fang Shixiu’s charm was more captivating to those who are outstanding after all.}}Turning to glance at the man behind him, Xuanyuan Wuji then made his way to the door. “I’ll go prepare it.”

That’s true. Fang Shixiu’s charm was more captivating to those who are outstanding after all.

_{Seeing the collapsed form of Fang Shixiu on that bed, the frantic Yan Ran had to be dragged out of the room by Xuanyuan Wuji.}Yan Ran looked on at this sight as if his own heart had shattered. Never before had he seen Fang Shixiu treat anyone like that man was being treated right then.

Seeing the collapsed form of Fang Shixiu on that bed, the frantic Yan Ran had to be dragged out of the room by Xuanyuan Wuji.

_{Fang Shixiu sighed, seeing his reaction. “You don’t need to say it for me to know. He ran off to fool around with women again, didn’t he? Did he toss you aside again?”}
“Yan Ran!”

Fang Shixiu sighed, seeing his reaction. “You don’t need to say it for me to know. He ran off to fool around with women again, didn’t he? Did he toss you aside again?”

_{Because he had no trust in others to care for Fang Shixiu properly, Yan Ran had made his bed in Fang Shixiu’s room. The bed in question was nothing more than a spreаd blanket, but it was enough for him as he spent the entire night waiting on Fang Shixiu.}Once, he believed that man was as strong as iron, yet there even came a time when he, too, was weak. The man before him looked no different than a helpless child.

Because he had no trust in others to care for Fang Shixiu properly, Yan Ran had made his bed in Fang Shixiu’s room. The bed in question was nothing more than a spreаd blanket, but it was enough for him as he spent the entire night waiting on Fang Shixiu.

_{Xuanyuan Wuji also stopped by every day to visit Fang Shixiu, but his busy work schedule made him unable to stay for long. Even so, he was reluctant to leave each time.}“Wuji,” Fang Shixiu suddenly called out. “I’d like some tea.”

Xuanyuan Wuji also stopped by every day to visit Fang Shixiu, but his busy work schedule made him unable to stay for long. Even so, he was reluctant to leave each time.

_{The younger man instantly stopped in his tracks.}Smiling back at the man on the bed, the young sect leader nodded as he spoke. “Of course. Has there ever been a time you drank tea I did not personally brew?”

The younger man instantly stopped in his tracks.

_{After all, it was rare for that man to selfishly give in to his emotions, and Yan Ran had offered to indulge him willingly.}
The younger man instantly stopped in his tracks.

After all, it was rare for that man to selfishly give in to his emotions, and Yan Ran had offered to indulge him willingly.

_{“Huh?” Yan Ran exclaimed. “So your right arm didn’t get ruined—”}Privately, Yan Ran did ask the doctor, who replied that the treatment would, of course, require acupuncture and that there was no way to reduce the pain.

“Huh?” Yan Ran exclaimed. “So your right arm didn’t get ruined—”

_{“I did not. I only touched some of his acupoints.” The doctor faced Fang Shixiu. “Perhaps I used too much pressure, so it felt as though I had used needles instead.”}“Cough... Goodness, be gentle, will you? You’re still as rowdy as ever.” Despite his words, Ye Ling smiled a dazzling smile, beautiful and dreamy. “Ahem, there’s someone else here.”

“I did not. I only touched some of his acupoints.” The doctor faced Fang Shixiu. “Perhaps I used too much pressure, so it felt as though I had used needles instead.”

_{“Wuji,” Fang Shixiu suddenly called out. “I’d like some tea.”}Xuanyuan Wuji summoned a doctor to operate on Fang Shixiu’s arm.

“Wuji,” Fang Shixiu suddenly called out. “I’d like some tea.”

_{Once, I, too, was young. Once… I, too, was filled with paѕsion.}“How about you get some rest while I freshen up for a little bit, alright?” The strange feeling frightened Yan Ran to the point where he almost bolted out the door.

Once, I, too, was young. Once… I, too, was filled with paѕsion.

_{Fang Shixiu walked over to Ye Ling before gently encircling him in an embrace. His actions were cautious, as though he were touching a delicate treasure.}Anyhow, on the night of the first day of the competition, there was a guest at the Xuanyuan residence who had gone there to visit Fang Shixiu. Reading at his desk, Fang Shixiu bolted to his feet when he heard the name announced, startling Yan Ran beside him too. Ye Ling was the name of the guest. It was the name of the man who made Fang Shixiu sprint from the room, with a confused Yan Ran soon trotting behind him. It was the man who stood at the entrance where Fang Shixiu lived who held his hands behind his back while drawing circles on the ground with his toes.

Fang Shixiu walked over to Ye Ling before gently encircling him in an embrace. His actions were cautious, as though he were touching a delicate treasure.

_{Anyhow, on the night of the first day of the competition, there was a guest at the Xuanyuan residence who had gone there to visit Fang Shixiu. Reading at his desk, Fang Shixiu bolted to his feet when he heard the name announced, startling Yan Ran beside him too.}“Cough... Goodness, be gentle, will you? You’re still as rowdy as ever.” Despite his words, Ye Ling smiled a dazzling smile, beautiful and dreamy. “Ahem, there’s someone else here.”

☆☆☆

_{Ye Ling was incredibly chatty. His words spewed forth without end, like the Yellow River. But the more he listened, the more Yan realised nothing but random nonsense left his lips.}
Xuanyuan Wuji summoned a doctor to operate on Fang Shixiu’s arm.

Ye Ling was incredibly chatty. His words spewed forth without end, like the Yellow River. But the more he listened, the more Yan realised nothing but random nonsense left his lips.

_{Yan Ran pouted after hearing him explain. But inside he thought, {Is it not because of you? Love makes a person act crazy, after all.}}At these words, Xuanyuan Wuji’s smile was erased, his expression darkening. “I’m sorry.”

Yan Ran pouted after hearing him explain. But inside he thought, Is it not because of you? Love makes a person act crazy, after all.

_{Waiting until Fang Shixiu’s treatment was complete was anything but easy, and when it was finally over and Yan Ran reentered, he was met with a pale-faced Fang Shixiu lying on his side. That man’s eyes were moist from tears, and there seemed to be a world of emotions surging through him.}Right then, Yan Ran got a chance to clearly see that guy’s face. He saw the creases at the corners of that man’s mouth, along with the fine lines under his eyes. That man appeared to be quite old, much older than Fang Shixiu. But upon first glance, he seemed as young as a teen.

_{“He’s doing well, very well. Apart from his worry towards you, that is.” Yan Ran answered honestly.}
Without treatment, it was guaranteed that his arm would no longer be functional. But with treatment, there was a chance of recovery, so Fang Shixiu agreed.

“He’s doing well, very well. Apart from his worry towards you, that is.” Yan Ran answered honestly.

_{Yan Ran pouted after hearing him explain. But inside he thought, {Is it not because of you? Love makes a person act crazy, after all.}}Yan Ran turned to look at Fang Shixiu’s lying form on that bed with an arm wrapped in thіck layers of bandages and an unsteady gaze.

Yan Ran pouted after hearing him explain. But inside he thought, Is it not because of you? Love makes a person act crazy, after all.

_{“Really?”}“I did not. I only touched some of his acupoints.” The doctor faced Fang Shixiu. “Perhaps I used too much pressure, so it felt as though I had used needles instead.”

“Really?”

_{Without treatment, it was guaranteed that his arm would no longer be functional. But with treatment, there was a chance of recovery, so Fang Shixiu agreed.}Ye Ling was the first to move forward, extending a finger to poke the dazed man before him on the cheek. “Do you no longer recognise me? Ah, don’t tell me that now that you’ve reached the top, you've gone and forgotten your old friend.”

Without treatment, it was guaranteed that his arm would no longer be functional. But with treatment, there was a chance of recovery, so Fang Shixiu agreed.

_{Hearing this response made the young boy disappointed, but Yan Ran was happy for Rongruo by this news. After all, it meant that Fang Shixiu was someone who kept his promises.}
During his treatment, fearing the doctor would be distracted, Yan Ran waited outside the room. But, since earlier, he was already clearly distraught—more frantic than he would be facing his own death. So when a scream from that room erupted, one coming from Fang Shixiu himself, Yan Ran broke into the room without thinking.

Hearing this response made the young boy disappointed, but Yan Ran was happy for Rongruo by this news. After all, it meant that Fang Shixiu was someone who kept his promises.

_{Fang Shixiu said nothing in return, only opening his arms before crushing Ye Ling with a hug.}In the end, however, Fang Shixiu was Fang Shixiu and was soon back to normal. That noble and aloof air of his again made an appearance, but perhaps, on account of his incident, his attitude also became a bit more kind. Well, at least to the point where he was no longer treating Yan Ran harshly. Sometimes, he would also listen to what Yan Ran said as well as chat with him. All of which was hаrd for Yan Ran to believe.

Fang Shixiu said nothing in return, only opening his arms before crushing Ye Ling with a hug.

_{“Stay with me... Stay by my side again,” Fang Shixiu said timidly.}“No need to mince words. You can curse me outright. I did not take proper care of him after all.”

“Stay with me... Stay by my side again,” Fang Shixiu said timidly.

_{“No need to mince words. You can curse me outright. I did not take proper care of him after all.”}Yan Ran’s breath hitched the moment those eyes met his own, but Fang Shixiu was the one to change the topic first.

“No need to mince words. You can curse me outright. I did not take proper care of him after all.”

_{Because he had no trust in others to care for Fang Shixiu properly, Yan Ran had made his bed in Fang Shixiu’s room. The bed in question was nothing more than a spreаd blanket, but it was enough for him as he spent the entire night waiting on Fang Shixiu.}
Seeing the collapsed form of Fang Shixiu on that bed, the frantic Yan Ran had to be dragged out of the room by Xuanyuan Wuji.

_{“Wuji,” Fang Shixiu suddenly called out. “I’d like some tea.”}“Ye Ling. Where is that guy?” Unable to keep waiting, Fang Shixiu interrupted to ask bluntly.

“Wuji,” Fang Shixiu suddenly called out. “I’d like some tea.”

_{Seeing the collapsed form of Fang Shixiu on that bed, the frantic Yan Ran had to be dragged out of the room by Xuanyuan Wuji.}☆☆☆

Seeing the collapsed form of Fang Shixiu on that bed, the frantic Yan Ran had to be dragged out of the room by Xuanyuan Wuji.

_{“Ye Ling. Where is that guy?” Unable to keep waiting, Fang Shixiu interrupted to ask bluntly.}
Waiting until Fang Shixiu’s treatment was complete was anything but easy, and when it was finally over and Yan Ran reentered, he was met with a pale-faced Fang Shixiu lying on his side. That man’s eyes were moist from tears, and there seemed to be a world of emotions surging through him.

“Ye Ling. Where is that guy?” Unable to keep waiting, Fang Shixiu interrupted to ask bluntly.

_{Privately, Yan Ran did ask the doctor, who replied that the treatment would, of course, require acupuncture and that there was no way to reduce the pain.}07.2: The Colour of the Wind

Privately, Yan Ran did ask the doctor, who replied that the treatment would, of course, require acupuncture and that there was no way to reduce the pain.

_{Fang Shixiu said nothing in return, only opening his arms before crushing Ye Ling with a hug.}“Of course not.” Ye Ling pouted again, then tugged his hair. “I’ve always wanted to see you, actually. I thought about it every time that guy and I fought. I really did!”

Fang Shixiu said nothing in return, only opening his arms before crushing Ye Ling with a hug.

_{“Stay with me... Stay by my side again,” Fang Shixiu said timidly.}
For ordinary people, a lost arm results in a life of inconvenience. But for a swordsman, it was no different than losing one’s life.

“Stay with me... Stay by my side again,” Fang Shixiu said timidly.

_{“Shixiu…” Yan Ran neared the bedside, his voice tense. A part of him wanted to launch himself at that man and surround him in his warm embrace, but that fierce gaze now fixed on him, or perhaps his own cowardice being at play, caused that urge to be buried. In the end, his rationality won out.}During the period after his procedure, Fang Shixiu was still unsettled by the acupuncture and constantly in a dour mood. When he slept, he would bawl himself awake, screaming about needles.

_{“I did not. I only touched some of his acupoints.” The doctor faced Fang Shixiu. “Perhaps I used too much pressure, so it felt as though I had used needles instead.”}Privately, Yan Ran did ask the doctor, who replied that the treatment would, of course, require acupuncture and that there was no way to reduce the pain.

“I did not. I only touched some of his acupoints.” The doctor faced Fang Shixiu. “Perhaps I used too much pressure, so it felt as though I had used needles instead.”

_{Back then, there was once a peculiar young man. One who had golden locks that shone and who was quite fond of running. Whenever he ran, he was unlike anyone in this world. He was as beautiful as the wind. I adored calling him Jingling…}
Out of breath, Fang Shixiu huffed to Yan Ran, “He used acupuncture on me!”

Back then, there was once a peculiar young man. One who had golden locks that shone and who was quite fond of running. Whenever he ran, he was unlike anyone in this world. He was as beautiful as the wind. I adored calling him Jingling…

_{07.2: The Colour of the Wind}The younger man instantly stopped in his tracks.

07.2: The Colour of the Wind

_{Taking almost no time to eat or rest, Yan Ran made the arduous journey to the capital, arriving at the base of the Xuanyuan Sect in seven days when such a trip required at least ten.}Fang Shixiu’s words had materialised before Yan Ran’s eyes in the form of a real human being, catching the still very much immersed in happiness him completely off guard.

Taking almost no time to eat or rest, Yan Ran made the arduous journey to the capital, arriving at the base of the Xuanyuan Sect in seven days when such a trip required at least ten.

_{“No need to mince words. You can curse me outright. I did not take proper care of him after all.”}
“Huh?” Startled, Yan Ran wondered: Is this man really afraid of needles?

“No need to mince words. You can curse me outright. I did not take proper care of him after all.”

_{Yan Ran wanted to laugh at the sight but didn’t dare let so much as the corners of his lips crease, even though suppressing it all was hаrd.}“No. Not even one bit.”

Yan Ran wanted to laugh at the sight but didn’t dare let so much as the corners of his lips crease, even though suppressing it all was hаrd.

_{Ye Ling still hugged his knees as before, swaying as he looked up at Fang Shixiu.”Are you feeling better? I heard you injured your arm, so I came here specifically to see you.”}
Turning to the doctor, who was packing his things, Yan Ran asked, “Doctor, did you use acupuncture on him?”

Ye Ling still hugged his knees as before, swaying as he looked up at Fang Shixiu.”Are you feeling better? I heard you injured your arm, so I came here specifically to see you.”

_{Fang Shixiu walked over to Ye Ling before gently encircling him in an embrace. His actions were cautious, as though he were touching a delicate treasure.}“The doctor said I would recover in no time at all. It won’t even require as much as three months for me to be back on my feet. So what are you so worried about, hm?” A serene smile found its way onto Fang Shixiu’s face as he asked.

Fang Shixiu walked over to Ye Ling before gently encircling him in an embrace. His actions were cautious, as though he were touching a delicate treasure.

_{Yan Ran chuckled, despite himself. He couldn’t help but think Fang Shixiu was amusing. That man, who would not bat an eye at a sword at his throat, was afraid of needles.}
“I did not. I only touched some of his acupoints.” The doctor faced Fang Shixiu. “Perhaps I used too much pressure, so it felt as though I had used needles instead.”

Yan Ran chuckled, despite himself. He couldn’t help but think Fang Shixiu was amusing. That man, who would not bat an eye at a sword at his throat, was afraid of needles.

_{Turning to glance at the man behind him, Xuanyuan Wuji then made his way to the door. “I’ll go prepare it.”}“Your tea is here.” A booming voice suppressed Yan Ran’s words. It was Xuanyuan Wuji, who walked in carrying a tray with the tea.

Turning to glance at the man behind him, Xuanyuan Wuji then made his way to the door. “I’ll go prepare it.”

_{“How’s Rongruo?”}
Privately, Yan Ran did ask the doctor, who replied that the treatment would, of course, require acupuncture and that there was no way to reduce the pain.

“How’s Rongruo?”

_☆☆☆The person sitting beside Fang Shixiu’s bed, chatting with him, also stood upon noticing Yan Ran’s arrival. A tall and handsome man with an extremely distinguished look about him now also stood before Yan Ran. A man he recognised as the newly appointed leader of the Xuanyuan Sect: Xuanyuan Wuji.

☆☆☆

_{Ye Ling’s gaze now fell on Yan Ran, who wore an expression clearly showing he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.}Yan Ran turned to look at Fang Shixiu’s lying form on that bed with an arm wrapped in thіck layers of bandages and an unsteady gaze.

Ye Ling’s gaze now fell on Yan Ran, who wore an expression clearly showing he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

_{With Xuanyuan Wuji, Fang Shixiu had defined their relationship as kindred spirits. With Xuanyuan Diandian, he regarded that boy as nothing but a junior. The eager boy also wanted him to become his master, but was thoroughly refused due to the promise Fang Shixiu had made to Ximen Rongruo to only accept one disciple in this life.}
Yan Ran chuckled, despite himself. He couldn’t help but think Fang Shixiu was amusing. That man, who would not bat an eye at a sword at his throat, was afraid of needles.

_{During his treatment, fearing the doctor would be distracted, Yan Ran waited outside the room. But, since earlier, he was already clearly distraught—more frantic than he would be facing his own death. So when a scream from that room erupted, one coming from Fang Shixiu himself, Yan Ran broke into the room without thinking.}It was his first time seeing that man in such a fragile state.

_{Fang Shixiu walked over to Ye Ling before gently encircling him in an embrace. His actions were cautious, as though he were touching a delicate treasure.}Mustering every bit of courage he had, the standing Yan Ran reached over to gently stroke Fang Shixiu’s dark hair. Not recoiling from his touch, Fang Shixiu’s fallen gaze again turned to Yan Ran.

Fang Shixiu walked over to Ye Ling before gently encircling him in an embrace. His actions were cautious, as though he were touching a delicate treasure.

_{“Yan Ran, are you tired?”}The gently embraced Ye Ling froze at first, but soon gradually lifted his arms around Fang Shixiu’s neck before burying his head in the crook. For a moment, there was nothing but silence, which was then followed by him bursting into tears.

“Yan Ran, are you tired?”

_{Xuanyuan Wuji summoned a doctor to operate on Fang Shixiu’s arm.}
This Fang Shixiu is kind of cute.

Xuanyuan Wuji summoned a doctor to operate on Fang Shixiu’s arm.

_{Fang Shixiu believed Yan Ran would be disappointed he wouldn’t be able to represent the Ximen Sect at this year’s competition, but Yan Ran didn’t feel that way at all.}The younger man instantly stopped in his tracks.

Fang Shixiu believed Yan Ran would be disappointed he wouldn’t be able to represent the Ximen Sect at this year’s competition, but Yan Ran didn’t feel that way at all.

_{“Stay with me... Stay by my side again,” Fang Shixiu said timidly.}The person sitting beside Fang Shixiu’s bed, chatting with him, also stood upon noticing Yan Ran’s arrival. A tall and handsome man with an extremely distinguished look about him now also stood before Yan Ran. A man he recognised as the newly appointed leader of the Xuanyuan Sect: Xuanyuan Wuji.

“Stay with me... Stay by my side again,” Fang Shixiu said timidly.

_{“I knew there’d come a day you wouldn’t be able to bear it. Why did you do such a thing to begin with?”}
During the period after his procedure, Fang Shixiu was still unsettled by the acupuncture and constantly in a dour mood. When he slept, he would bawl himself awake, screaming about needles.

“I knew there’d come a day you wouldn’t be able to bear it. Why did you do such a thing to begin with?”

_{Turning to glance at the man behind him, Xuanyuan Wuji then made his way to the door. “I’ll go prepare it.”}Fang Shixiu sighed, seeing his reaction. “You don’t need to say it for me to know. He ran off to fool around with women again, didn’t he? Did he toss you aside again?”

Turning to glance at the man behind him, Xuanyuan Wuji then made his way to the door. “I’ll go prepare it.”

_{Hearing this response made the young boy disappointed, but Yan Ran was happy for Rongruo by this news. After all, it meant that Fang Shixiu was someone who kept his promises.}Mustering every bit of courage he had, the standing Yan Ran reached over to gently stroke Fang Shixiu’s dark hair. Not recoiling from his touch, Fang Shixiu’s fallen gaze again turned to Yan Ran.

Hearing this response made the young boy disappointed, but Yan Ran was happy for Rongruo by this news. After all, it meant that Fang Shixiu was someone who kept his promises.

_{A spirit of the wind.}
Yan Ran wanted to laugh at the sight but didn’t dare let so much as the corners of his lips crease, even though suppressing it all was hаrd.

A spirit of the wind.

_{Fang Shixiu’s gaze finally turned to Yan Ran right then, who realised he had become a hindrance and panickedly fled the room.}Ye Ling still hugged his knees as before, swaying as he looked up at Fang Shixiu.”Are you feeling better? I heard you injured your arm, so I came here specifically to see you.”

Fang Shixiu’s gaze finally turned to Yan Ran right then, who realised he had become a hindrance and panickedly fled the room.

_{Still covered in dust from his travels, Yan Ran stormed into Fang Shixiu’s quarters the second he arrived.}It was his first time seeing that man in such a fragile state.

Still covered in dust from his travels, Yan Ran stormed into Fang Shixiu’s quarters the second he arrived.

_{Xuanyuan Wuji also stopped by every day to visit Fang Shixiu, but his busy work schedule made him unable to stay for long. Even so, he was reluctant to leave each time.}
On the third day after the treatment, Fang Shixiu’s injury must’ve still ached a good deal because he still found it difficult to sleep. At random times during the night, he would wake and ask Yan Ran, who slept beside him, to do this and that.

Xuanyuan Wuji also stopped by every day to visit Fang Shixiu, but his busy work schedule made him unable to stay for long. Even so, he was reluctant to leave each time.

_{Fang Shixiu’s words had materialised before Yan Ran’s eyes in the form of a real human being, catching the still very much immersed in happiness him completely off guard.}Waiting until Fang Shixiu’s treatment was complete was anything but easy, and when it was finally over and Yan Ran reentered, he was met with a pale-faced Fang Shixiu lying on his side. That man’s eyes were moist from tears, and there seemed to be a world of emotions surging through him.

Fang Shixiu’s words had materialised before Yan Ran’s eyes in the form of a real human being, catching the still very much immersed in happiness him completely off guard.

_{“Ye Ling. Where is that guy?” Unable to keep waiting, Fang Shixiu interrupted to ask bluntly.}Fang Shixiu believed Yan Ran would be disappointed he wouldn’t be able to represent the Ximen Sect at this year’s competition, but Yan Ran didn’t feel that way at all.

“Ye Ling. Where is that guy?” Unable to keep waiting, Fang Shixiu interrupted to ask bluntly.

_☆☆☆The rage that burned in Yan Ran just seconds ago fizzled as fear slowly took its place. That emotionless look of Fang Shixiu was the one Yan Ran feared the most.

☆☆☆

_{“Yan Ran!”}“I’d like to drink the tea you brewed yourself,” Fang Shixiu added with a smile.

“Yan Ran!”

_{One month after Fang Shixiu’s procedure, the National Swordsmanship Competition had begun. As this year’s official host, countless swordsmen flocked to the capital city of Tianshu.}
Because he had no trust in others to care for Fang Shixiu properly, Yan Ran had made his bed in Fang Shixiu’s room. The bed in question was nothing more than a spreаd blanket, but it was enough for him as he spent the entire night waiting on Fang Shixiu.

One month after Fang Shixiu’s procedure, the National Swordsmanship Competition had begun. As this year’s official host, countless swordsmen flocked to the capital city of Tianshu.

_{Hearing this response made the young boy disappointed, but Yan Ran was happy for Rongruo by this news. After all, it meant that Fang Shixiu was someone who kept his promises.}“How about you get some rest while I freshen up for a little bit, alright?” The strange feeling frightened Yan Ran to the point where he almost bolted out the door.

Hearing this response made the young boy disappointed, but Yan Ran was happy for Rongruo by this news. After all, it meant that Fang Shixiu was someone who kept his promises.

_{Hearing the hurried footsteps heading his way, Ye Ling turned his head in their direction. Blond hair radiating with an otherworldly hue under the moonlight frаmed a set of clear-blue eyes that seemed to ripple as he smiled.}“Of course not.” Ye Ling pouted again, then tugged his hair. “I’ve always wanted to see you, actually. I thought about it every time that guy and I fought. I really did!”

Hearing the hurried footsteps heading his way, Ye Ling turned his head in their direction. Blond hair radiating with an otherworldly hue under the moonlight frаmed a set of clear-blue eyes that seemed to ripple as he smiled.

_{“Yan Ran!” Fang Shixiu’s brows furrowed, while Xuanyuan Wuji had a laugh.}“How’s Rongruo?”

“Yan Ran!” Fang Shixiu’s brows furrowed, while Xuanyuan Wuji had a laugh.

_{Privately, Yan Ran did ask the doctor, who replied that the treatment would, of course, require acupuncture and that there was no way to reduce the pain.}Ye Ling was the first to move forward, extending a finger to poke the dazed man before him on the cheek. “Do you no longer recognise me? Ah, don’t tell me that now that you’ve reached the top, you've gone and forgotten your old friend.”

Privately, Yan Ran did ask the doctor, who replied that the treatment would, of course, require acupuncture and that there was no way to reduce the pain.

_{“How about you get some rest while I freshen up for a little bit, alright?” The strange feeling frightened Yan Ran to the point where he almost bolted out the door.}
After all, it was rare for that man to selfishly give in to his emotions, and Yan Ran had offered to indulge him willingly.

“How about you get some rest while I freshen up for a little bit, alright?” The strange feeling frightened Yan Ran to the point where he almost bolted out the door.

_{Ye Ling still hugged his knees as before, swaying as he looked up at Fang Shixiu.”Are you feeling better? I heard you injured your arm, so I came here specifically to see you.”}“Wuji,” Fang Shixiu suddenly called out. “I’d like some tea.”

Ye Ling still hugged his knees as before, swaying as he looked up at Fang Shixiu.”Are you feeling better? I heard you injured your arm, so I came here specifically to see you.”

_{“Diandian has fallen for you,” Yan Ran said to Fang Shixiu, who said nothing in return, only wearing a soft smile.}Waiting until Fang Shixiu’s treatment was complete was anything but easy, and when it was finally over and Yan Ran reentered, he was met with a pale-faced Fang Shixiu lying on his side. That man’s eyes were moist from tears, and there seemed to be a world of emotions surging through him.

“Diandian has fallen for you,” Yan Ran said to Fang Shixiu, who said nothing in return, only wearing a soft smile.

_{“And you?”}“I’d like to drink the tea you brewed yourself,” Fang Shixiu added with a smile.

“And you?”

_{Hearing the hurried footsteps heading his way, Ye Ling turned his head in their direction. Blond hair radiating with an otherworldly hue under the moonlight frаmed a set of clear-blue eyes that seemed to ripple as he smiled.}
In the end, however, Fang Shixiu was Fang Shixiu and was soon back to normal. That noble and aloof air of his again made an appearance, but perhaps, on account of his incident, his attitude also became a bit more kind. Well, at least to the point where he was no longer treating Yan Ran harshly. Sometimes, he would also listen to what Yan Ran said as well as chat with him. All of which was hаrd for Yan Ran to believe.

_{Ye Ling’s gaze now fell on Yan Ran, who wore an expression clearly showing he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.}Yan Ran pouted after hearing him explain. But inside he thought, Is it not because of you? Love makes a person act crazy, after all.

Ye Ling’s gaze now fell on Yan Ran, who wore an expression clearly showing he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

_{“I knew there’d come a day you wouldn’t be able to bear it. Why did you do such a thing to begin with?”}Still covered in dust from his travels, Yan Ran stormed into Fang Shixiu’s quarters the second he arrived.

“I knew there’d come a day you wouldn’t be able to bear it. Why did you do such a thing to begin with?”

_{“And you?”}
Such an occurrence had the effect of making that lovelorn youth all the more infatuated with Fang Shixiu.

“And you?”

_{Yan Ran looked on at this sight as if his own heart had shattered. Never before had he seen Fang Shixiu treat anyone like that man was being treated right then.}Fang Shixiu’s gaze finally turned to Yan Ran right then, who realised he had become a hindrance and panickedly fled the room.

Yan Ran looked on at this sight as if his own heart had shattered. Never before had he seen Fang Shixiu treat anyone like that man was being treated right then.

_{Privately, Yan Ran did ask the doctor, who replied that the treatment would, of course, require acupuncture and that there was no way to reduce the pain.}Turning to the doctor, who was packing his things, Yan Ran asked, “Doctor, did you use acupuncture on him?”

Privately, Yan Ran did ask the doctor, who replied that the treatment would, of course, require acupuncture and that there was no way to reduce the pain.

_{“Yan Ran.” Upon seeing him, Fang Shixiu was surprised for a moment before calling out to him and greeting him with a smile.}The gently embraced Ye Ling froze at first, but soon gradually lifted his arms around Fang Shixiu’s neck before burying his head in the crook. For a moment, there was nothing but silence, which was then followed by him bursting into tears.

“Yan Ran.” Upon seeing him, Fang Shixiu was surprised for a moment before calling out to him and greeting him with a smile.

_{“Of course not.” Ye Ling pouted again, then tugged his hair. “I’ve always wanted to see you, actually. I thought about it every time that guy and I fought. I really did!”}
Xuanyuan Wuji also stopped by every day to visit Fang Shixiu, but his busy work schedule made him unable to stay for long. Even so, he was reluctant to leave each time.

“Of course not.” Ye Ling pouted again, then tugged his hair. “I’ve always wanted to see you, actually. I thought about it every time that guy and I fought. I really did!”

_{Once, I, too, was young. Once… I, too, was filled with paѕsion.}During his treatment, fearing the doctor would be distracted, Yan Ran waited outside the room. But, since earlier, he was already clearly distraught—more frantic than he would be facing his own death. So when a scream from that room erupted, one coming from Fang Shixiu himself, Yan Ran broke into the room without thinking.

Once, I, too, was young. Once… I, too, was filled with paѕsion.

_{“Huh?” Startled, Yan Ran wondered: Is this man really afraid of needles?}
On one of his later visits, Xuanyuan Wuji brought a child along with him. The young boy was around eight or nine years old. He was an especially handsome little boy, too. So much so, that despite his fondness for turning his nose up at others, his bright and cherubin-like features made people want to take a bite.

“Huh?” Startled, Yan Ran wondered: Is this man really afraid of needles?

_{Turning to glance at the man behind him, Xuanyuan Wuji then made his way to the door. “I’ll go prepare it.”}“Diandian has fallen for you,” Yan Ran said to Fang Shixiu, who said nothing in return, only wearing a soft smile.

Turning to glance at the man behind him, Xuanyuan Wuji then made his way to the door. “I’ll go prepare it.”

_{On the third day after the treatment, Fang Shixiu’s injury must’ve still ached a good deal because he still found it difficult to sleep. At random times during the night, he would wake and ask Yan Ran, who slept beside him, to do this and that.}Fang Shixiu sighed, seeing his reaction. “You don’t need to say it for me to know. He ran off to fool around with women again, didn’t he? Did he toss you aside again?”

_{07.2: The Colour of the Wind}Ye Ling still hugged his knees as before, swaying as he looked up at Fang Shixiu.”Are you feeling better? I heard you injured your arm, so I came here specifically to see you.”

07.2: The Colour of the Wind

Taking almost no time to eat or rest, Yan Ran made the arduous journey to the capital, arriving at the base of the Xuanyuan Sect in seven days when such a trip required at least ten.

_{A glare from Xuanyuan Wuji stunned Yan Ran into instant silence. {House Xuanyuan… you were still keeping this hidden from Fang Shixiu!}}“Your tea is here.” A booming voice suppressed Yan Ran’s words. It was Xuanyuan Wuji, who walked in carrying a tray with the tea.

A glare from Xuanyuan Wuji stunned Yan Ran into instant silence. House Xuanyuan… you were still keeping this hidden from Fang Shixiu!

_{Fang Shixiu looked him over. “From the looks of it, you still haven’t grown up.}Still covered in dust from his travels, Yan Ran stormed into Fang Shixiu’s quarters the second he arrived.

_{Fang Shixiu walked over to Ye Ling before gently encircling him in an embrace. His actions were cautious, as though he were touching a delicate treasure.}
Even more than his father, he adored teasing Fang Shixiu. He also had no interest at all in playing with Fang Qin, Fang Se, or Fang He’ning; his little nose always turned up as high as it could when it came to them.

Fang Shixiu walked over to Ye Ling before gently encircling him in an embrace. His actions were cautious, as though he were touching a delicate treasure.

_{The rage that burned in Yan Ran just seconds ago fizzled as fear slowly took its place. That emotionless look of Fang Shixiu was the one Yan Ran feared the most.}Yan Ran entered the room, replying in return, “No need. I should be the one offering House Xuanyuan my gratitude for taking such good care of Fang Shixiu,” the frost and venom lacing his words evident.

The rage that burned in Yan Ran just seconds ago fizzled as fear slowly took its place. That emotionless look of Fang Shixiu was the one Yan Ran feared the most.

_{Fang Shixiu said nothing in return, only opening his arms before crushing Ye Ling with a hug.}The rage that burned in Yan Ran just seconds ago fizzled as fear slowly took its place. That emotionless look of Fang Shixiu was the one Yan Ran feared the most.

Fang Shixiu said nothing in return, only opening his arms before crushing Ye Ling with a hug.

_{Reaching out to grab the blanket, Yan Ran covered Fang Shixiu before taking a seat by the bedside. Looking at that man, he couldn’t help but feel at a loss.}Turning to the doctor, who was packing his things, Yan Ran asked, “Doctor, did you use acupuncture on him?”

Reaching out to grab the blanket, Yan Ran covered Fang Shixiu before taking a seat by the bedside. Looking at that man, he couldn’t help but feel at a loss.

_{Even more than his father, he adored teasing Fang Shixiu. He also had no interest at all in playing with Fang Qin, Fang Se, or Fang He’ning; his little nose always turned up as high as it could when it came to them.}Fang Shixiu appeared well when Yan Ran finally laid eyes on him—quite well, in fact. Leaning against his headboard, he maintained that same neat, refreshing, and elegant demeanour he always held. Just as before, he spoke and laughed with his companion merrily and just as carefree. So as he stood in the doorway, Yan Ran found himself anxious, despite there being nothing in that room that caused unease.

_{“No. Not even one bit.”}
“Diandian has fallen for you,” Yan Ran said to Fang Shixiu, who said nothing in return, only wearing a soft smile.

“No. Not even one bit.”

_{Fang Shixiu’s gaze finally turned to Yan Ran right then, who realised he had become a hindrance and panickedly fled the room.}“Yan Ran!”

Fang Shixiu’s gaze finally turned to Yan Ran right then, who realised he had become a hindrance and panickedly fled the room.

_{At these words, Xuanyuan Wuji’s smile was erased, his expression darkening. “I’m sorry.”}This Fang Shixiu is kind of cute.

At these words, Xuanyuan Wuji’s smile was erased, his expression darkening. “I’m sorry.”

_{Fang Shixiu believed Yan Ran would be disappointed he wouldn’t be able to represent the Ximen Sect at this year’s competition, but Yan Ran didn’t feel that way at all.}Fang Shixiu sighed, seeing his reaction. “You don’t need to say it for me to know. He ran off to fool around with women again, didn’t he? Did he toss you aside again?”

Fang Shixiu believed Yan Ran would be disappointed he wouldn’t be able to represent the Ximen Sect at this year’s competition, but Yan Ran didn’t feel that way at all.

_{Out of breath, Fang Shixiu huffed to Yan Ran, “He used acupuncture on me!”}Once, he believed that man was as strong as iron, yet there even came a time when he, too, was weak. The man before him looked no different than a helpless child.

Out of breath, Fang Shixiu huffed to Yan Ran, “He used acupuncture on me!”

_{“No. Not even one bit.”}Once, he believed that man was as strong as iron, yet there even came a time when he, too, was weak. The man before him looked no different than a helpless child.

“No. Not even one bit.”

_{Ye Ling pouted.}“Wuji,” Fang Shixiu suddenly called out. “I’d like some tea.”

Ye Ling pouted.

_{Honestly, Yan Ran felt a bit uneasy at the sight. It was as though Fang Shixiu had a special magic about him that attracted those who stood out from the crowd.}
That’s true. Fang Shixiu’s charm was more captivating to those who are outstanding after all.

Honestly, Yan Ran felt a bit uneasy at the sight. It was as though Fang Shixiu had a special magic about him that attracted those who stood out from the crowd.

_{“Diandian has fallen for you,” Yan Ran said to Fang Shixiu, who said nothing in return, only wearing a soft smile.}“The doctor said I would recover in no time at all. It won’t even require as much as three months for me to be back on my feet. So what are you so worried about, hm?” A serene smile found its way onto Fang Shixiu’s face as he asked.

“Diandian has fallen for you,” Yan Ran said to Fang Shixiu, who said nothing in return, only wearing a soft smile.

_{“I don’t curse any more.” Yan Ran replied without casting a look that man’s way.}
With Xuanyuan Wuji, Fang Shixiu had defined their relationship as kindred spirits. With Xuanyuan Diandian, he regarded that boy as nothing but a junior. The eager boy also wanted him to become his master, but was thoroughly refused due to the promise Fang Shixiu had made to Ximen Rongruo to only accept one disciple in this life.

“I don’t curse any more.” Yan Ran replied without casting a look that man’s way.

_{“No need to mince words. You can curse me outright. I did not take proper care of him after all.”}Yan Ran wanted to laugh at the sight but didn’t dare let so much as the corners of his lips crease, even though suppressing it all was hаrd.

“No need to mince words. You can curse me outright. I did not take proper care of him after all.”

_{That’s true. Fang Shixiu’s charm was more captivating to those who are outstanding after all.}
Hearing this response made the young boy disappointed, but Yan Ran was happy for Rongruo by this news. After all, it meant that Fang Shixiu was someone who kept his promises.

That’s true. Fang Shixiu’s charm was more captivating to those who are outstanding after all.

_{“No need to mince words. You can curse me outright. I did not take proper care of him after all.”}“So if I hadn't gotten into an accident, would you have avoided me for the rest of your life?” Fang Shixiu asked with a bitter smile.

“No need to mince words. You can curse me outright. I did not take proper care of him after all.”

☆☆☆

_{Reaching out to grab the blanket, Yan Ran covered Fang Shixiu before taking a seat by the bedside. Looking at that man, he couldn’t help but feel at a loss.}
One month after Fang Shixiu’s procedure, the National Swordsmanship Competition had begun. As this year’s official host, countless swordsmen flocked to the capital city of Tianshu.

Reaching out to grab the blanket, Yan Ran covered Fang Shixiu before taking a seat by the bedside. Looking at that man, he couldn’t help but feel at a loss.

_☆☆☆Xuanyuan Diandian was the little cherub’s name, and as his surname suggests, he was the son of Xuanyuan Wuji.

☆☆☆

_{Privately, Yan Ran did ask the doctor, who replied that the treatment would, of course, require acupuncture and that there was no way to reduce the pain.}Xuanyuan Diandian was the little cherub’s name, and as his surname suggests, he was the son of Xuanyuan Wuji.

Privately, Yan Ran did ask the doctor, who replied that the treatment would, of course, require acupuncture and that there was no way to reduce the pain.

_{On one of his later visits, Xuanyuan Wuji brought a child along with him. The young boy was around eight or nine years old. He was an especially handsome little boy, too. So much so, that despite his fondness for turning his nose up at others, his bright and cherubin-like features made people want to take a bite.}
Fang Shixiu believed Yan Ran would be disappointed he wouldn’t be able to represent the Ximen Sect at this year’s competition, but Yan Ran didn’t feel that way at all.

On one of his later visits, Xuanyuan Wuji brought a child along with him. The young boy was around eight or nine years old. He was an especially handsome little boy, too. So much so, that despite his fondness for turning his nose up at others, his bright and cherubin-like features made people want to take a bite.

_{Once Xuanyuan Wuji left, the beaming smile on Fang Shixiu’s face vanished.}N/A

Once Xuanyuan Wuji left, the beaming smile on Fang Shixiu’s face vanished.

_{During the period after his procedure, Fang Shixiu was still unsettled by the acupuncture and constantly in a dour mood. When he slept, he would bawl himself awake, screaming about needles.}
Anyhow, on the night of the first day of the competition, there was a guest at the Xuanyuan residence who had gone there to visit Fang Shixiu. Reading at his desk, Fang Shixiu bolted to his feet when he heard the name announced, startling Yan Ran beside him too. Ye Ling was the name of the guest. It was the name of the man who made Fang Shixiu sprint from the room, with a confused Yan Ran soon trotting behind him. It was the man who stood at the entrance where Fang Shixiu lived who held his hands behind his back while drawing circles on the ground with his toes.

During the period after his procedure, Fang Shixiu was still unsettled by the acupuncture and constantly in a dour mood. When he slept, he would bawl himself awake, screaming about needles.

_{Waiting until Fang Shixiu’s treatment was complete was anything but easy, and when it was finally over and Yan Ran reentered, he was met with a pale-faced Fang Shixiu lying on his side. That man’s eyes were moist from tears, and there seemed to be a world of emotions surging through him.}One month after Fang Shixiu’s procedure, the National Swordsmanship Competition had begun. As this year’s official host, countless swordsmen flocked to the capital city of Tianshu.

_{“How about you get some rest while I freshen up for a little bit, alright?” The strange feeling frightened Yan Ran to the point where he almost bolted out the door.}Once Xuanyuan Wuji left, the beaming smile on Fang Shixiu’s face vanished.

“How about you get some rest while I freshen up for a little bit, alright?” The strange feeling frightened Yan Ran to the point where he almost bolted out the door.

_{Turning to the doctor, who was packing his things, Yan Ran asked, “Doctor, did you use acupuncture on him?”}
Hearing the hurried footsteps heading his way, Ye Ling turned his head in their direction. Blond hair radiating with an otherworldly hue under the moonlight frаmed a set of clear-blue eyes that seemed to ripple as he smiled.

Turning to the doctor, who was packing his things, Yan Ran asked, “Doctor, did you use acupuncture on him?”

_{Reaching out to grab the blanket, Yan Ran covered Fang Shixiu before taking a seat by the bedside. Looking at that man, he couldn’t help but feel at a loss.}Without treatment, it was guaranteed that his arm would no longer be functional. But with treatment, there was a chance of recovery, so Fang Shixiu agreed.

Reaching out to grab the blanket, Yan Ran covered Fang Shixiu before taking a seat by the bedside. Looking at that man, he couldn’t help but feel at a loss.

_{Yan Ran looked on at this sight as if his own heart had shattered. Never before had he seen Fang Shixiu treat anyone like that man was being treated right then.}Ye Ling still hugged his knees as before, swaying as he looked up at Fang Shixiu.”Are you feeling better? I heard you injured your arm, so I came here specifically to see you.”

Yan Ran looked on at this sight as if his own heart had shattered. Never before had he seen Fang Shixiu treat anyone like that man was being treated right then.

_{The rage that burned in Yan Ran just seconds ago fizzled as fear slowly took its place. That emotionless look of Fang Shixiu was the one Yan Ran feared the most.}In the end, however, Fang Shixiu was Fang Shixiu and was soon back to normal. That noble and aloof air of his again made an appearance, but perhaps, on account of his incident, his attitude also became a bit more kind. Well, at least to the point where he was no longer treating Yan Ran harshly. Sometimes, he would also listen to what Yan Ran said as well as chat with him. All of which was hаrd for Yan Ran to believe.

The rage that burned in Yan Ran just seconds ago fizzled as fear slowly took its place. That emotionless look of Fang Shixiu was the one Yan Ran feared the most.

_{Fang Shixiu’s words had materialised before Yan Ran’s eyes in the form of a real human being, catching the still very much immersed in happiness him completely off guard.}
Fang Shixiu’s steps came to a halt an inch away from him, with eyes spreаd wide as though he were lost in a dream.

Fang Shixiu’s words had materialised before Yan Ran’s eyes in the form of a real human being, catching the still very much immersed in happiness him completely off guard.

_{“He’s doing well, very well. Apart from his worry towards you, that is.” Yan Ran answered honestly.}Right then, Yan Ran got a chance to clearly see that guy’s face. He saw the creases at the corners of that man’s mouth, along with the fine lines under his eyes. That man appeared to be quite old, much older than Fang Shixiu. But upon first glance, he seemed as young as a teen.

“He’s doing well, very well. Apart from his worry towards you, that is.” Yan Ran answered honestly.

_{The rage that burned in Yan Ran just seconds ago fizzled as fear slowly took its place. That emotionless look of Fang Shixiu was the one Yan Ran feared the most.}
Ye Ling was the first to move forward, extending a finger to poke the dazed man before him on the cheek. “Do you no longer recognise me? Ah, don’t tell me that now that you’ve reached the top, you've gone and forgotten your old friend.”

The rage that burned in Yan Ran just seconds ago fizzled as fear slowly took its place. That emotionless look of Fang Shixiu was the one Yan Ran feared the most.

_{Yan Ran wanted to laugh at the sight but didn’t dare let so much as the corners of his lips crease, even though suppressing it all was hаrd.}☆☆☆

Yan Ran wanted to laugh at the sight but didn’t dare let so much as the corners of his lips crease, even though suppressing it all was hаrd.

_{“I did not. I only touched some of his acupoints.” The doctor faced Fang Shixiu. “Perhaps I used too much pressure, so it felt as though I had used needles instead.”}The person sitting beside Fang Shixiu’s bed, chatting with him, also stood upon noticing Yan Ran’s arrival. A tall and handsome man with an extremely distinguished look about him now also stood before Yan Ran. A man he recognised as the newly appointed leader of the Xuanyuan Sect: Xuanyuan Wuji.

“I did not. I only touched some of his acupoints.” The doctor faced Fang Shixiu. “Perhaps I used too much pressure, so it felt as though I had used needles instead.”

_{“Cough... Goodness, be gentle, will you? You’re still as rowdy as ever.” Despite his words, Ye Ling smiled a dazzling smile, beautiful and dreamy. “Ahem, there’s someone else here.”}
Fang Shixiu said nothing in return, only opening his arms before crushing Ye Ling with a hug.

“Cough... Goodness, be gentle, will you? You’re still as rowdy as ever.” Despite his words, Ye Ling smiled a dazzling smile, beautiful and dreamy. “Ahem, there’s someone else here.”

_{Honestly, Yan Ran felt a bit uneasy at the sight. It was as though Fang Shixiu had a special magic about him that attracted those who stood out from the crowd.}During the period after his procedure, Fang Shixiu was still unsettled by the acupuncture and constantly in a dour mood. When he slept, he would bawl himself awake, screaming about needles.

Honestly, Yan Ran felt a bit uneasy at the sight. It was as though Fang Shixiu had a special magic about him that attracted those who stood out from the crowd.

_{Fang Shixiu said nothing in return, only opening his arms before crushing Ye Ling with a hug.}“Not well.”

Fang Shixiu said nothing in return, only opening his arms before crushing Ye Ling with a hug.

_{With Xuanyuan Wuji, Fang Shixiu had defined their relationship as kindred spirits. With Xuanyuan Diandian, he regarded that boy as nothing but a junior. The eager boy also wanted him to become his master, but was thoroughly refused due to the promise Fang Shixiu had made to Ximen Rongruo to only accept one disciple in this life.}Back then, there was once a peculiar young man. One who had golden locks that shone and who was quite fond of running. Whenever he ran, he was unlike anyone in this world. He was as beautiful as the wind. I adored calling him Jingling…

_{At these words, Xuanyuan Wuji’s smile was erased, his expression darkening. “I’m sorry.”}
“Cough... Goodness, be gentle, will you? You’re still as rowdy as ever.” Despite his words, Ye Ling smiled a dazzling smile, beautiful and dreamy. “Ahem, there’s someone else here.”

At these words, Xuanyuan Wuji’s smile was erased, his expression darkening. “I’m sorry.”

_{Yan Ran turned to look at Fang Shixiu’s lying form on that bed with an arm wrapped in thіck layers of bandages and an unsteady gaze.}“Huh?” Yan Ran exclaimed. “So your right arm didn’t get ruined—”

Yan Ran turned to look at Fang Shixiu’s lying form on that bed with an arm wrapped in thіck layers of bandages and an unsteady gaze.

_{Ye Ling still hugged his knees as before, swaying as he looked up at Fang Shixiu.”Are you feeling better? I heard you injured your arm, so I came here specifically to see you.”}Fang Shixiu’s steps came to a halt an inch away from him, with eyes spreаd wide as though he were lost in a dream.

Ye Ling still hugged his knees as before, swaying as he looked up at Fang Shixiu.”Are you feeling better? I heard you injured your arm, so I came here specifically to see you.”

_{“Yan Ran.” Upon seeing him, Fang Shixiu was surprised for a moment before calling out to him and greeting him with a smile.}At these words, Xuanyuan Wuji’s smile was erased, his expression darkening. “I’m sorry.”

“Yan Ran.” Upon seeing him, Fang Shixiu was surprised for a moment before calling out to him and greeting him with a smile.

_{It was his first time seeing that man in such a fragile state.}“He’s doing well, very well. Apart from his worry towards you, that is.” Yan Ran answered honestly.

It was his first time seeing that man in such a fragile state.

_{Out of breath, Fang Shixiu huffed to Yan Ran, “He used acupuncture on me!”}
Ye Ling’s gaze now fell on Yan Ran, who wore an expression clearly showing he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

Out of breath, Fang Shixiu huffed to Yan Ran, “He used acupuncture on me!”

_{“Wuji,” Fang Shixiu suddenly called out. “I’d like some tea.”}During his treatment, fearing the doctor would be distracted, Yan Ran waited outside the room. But, since earlier, he was already clearly distraught—more frantic than he would be facing his own death. So when a scream from that room erupted, one coming from Fang Shixiu himself, Yan Ran broke into the room without thinking.

“Wuji,” Fang Shixiu suddenly called out. “I’d like some tea.”

_{Taking almost no time to eat or rest, Yan Ran made the arduous journey to the capital, arriving at the base of the Xuanyuan Sect in seven days when such a trip required at least ten.}Right then, Yan Ran got a chance to clearly see that guy’s face. He saw the creases at the corners of that man’s mouth, along with the fine lines under his eyes. That man appeared to be quite old, much older than Fang Shixiu. But upon first glance, he seemed as young as a teen.

Taking almost no time to eat or rest, Yan Ran made the arduous journey to the capital, arriving at the base of the Xuanyuan Sect in seven days when such a trip required at least ten.

_{Ye Ling pouted.}
Back then, there was once a peculiar young man. One who had golden locks that shone and who was quite fond of running. Whenever he ran, he was unlike anyone in this world. He was as beautiful as the wind. I adored calling him Jingling…

Ye Ling pouted.

_{Still covered in dust from his travels, Yan Ran stormed into Fang Shixiu’s quarters the second he arrived.}“Your tea is here.” A booming voice suppressed Yan Ran’s words. It was Xuanyuan Wuji, who walked in carrying a tray with the tea.

Still covered in dust from his travels, Yan Ran stormed into Fang Shixiu’s quarters the second he arrived.

_N/A
A spirit of the wind.

N/A

☆☆☆

_{“Your tea is here.” A booming voice suppressed Yan Ran’s words. It was Xuanyuan Wuji, who walked in carrying a tray with the tea.}
Fang Shixiu’s words had materialised before Yan Ran’s eyes in the form of a real human being, catching the still very much immersed in happiness him completely off guard.

“Your tea is here.” A booming voice suppressed Yan Ran’s words. It was Xuanyuan Wuji, who walked in carrying a tray with the tea.

_{During his treatment, fearing the doctor would be distracted, Yan Ran waited outside the room. But, since earlier, he was already clearly distraught—more frantic than he would be facing his own death. So when a scream from that room erupted, one coming from Fang Shixiu himself, Yan Ran broke into the room without thinking.}
Ye Ling was incredibly chatty. His words spewed forth without end, like the Yellow River. But the more he listened, the more Yan realised nothing but random nonsense left his lips.

_{Still covered in dust from his travels, Yan Ran stormed into Fang Shixiu’s quarters the second he arrived.}Yan Ran entered the room, replying in return, “No need. I should be the one offering House Xuanyuan my gratitude for taking such good care of Fang Shixiu,” the frost and venom lacing his words evident.

Still covered in dust from his travels, Yan Ran stormed into Fang Shixiu’s quarters the second he arrived.

_{Fang Shixiu’s steps came to a halt an inch away from him, with eyes spreаd wide as though he were lost in a dream.}Such an occurrence had the effect of making that lovelorn youth all the more infatuated with Fang Shixiu.

Fang Shixiu’s steps came to a halt an inch away from him, with eyes spreаd wide as though he were lost in a dream.

_☆☆☆
“Ye Ling. Where is that guy?” Unable to keep waiting, Fang Shixiu interrupted to ask bluntly.

☆☆☆

_{“Yes. Fang Shixiu said that good kids don’t curse. But I still must say that those swordsmen of yours seem to really *** lack training. What need was there to use such heavy-handed methods during a practice match?”}“How about you get some rest while I freshen up for a little bit, alright?” The strange feeling frightened Yan Ran to the point where he almost bolted out the door.

Hearing this response made the young boy disappointed, but Yan Ran was happy for Rongruo by this news. After all, it meant that Fang Shixiu was someone who kept his promises.

_{Yan Ran looked on at this sight as if his own heart had shattered. Never before had he seen Fang Shixiu treat anyone like that man was being treated right then.}
Ye Ling’s river of words came to an abrupt stop as a result, followed by a long moment of silence. His long, slim arms and legs were pulled into a huddle as he sat on a chair. Hugging his knees while melancholy lingered in his gaze, Ye Ling’s entire body trembled.

Yan Ran looked on at this sight as if his own heart had shattered. Never before had he seen Fang Shixiu treat anyone like that man was being treated right then.

_{Seeing the collapsed form of Fang Shixiu on that bed, the frantic Yan Ran had to be dragged out of the room by Xuanyuan Wuji.}Ye Ling pouted.

Seeing the collapsed form of Fang Shixiu on that bed, the frantic Yan Ran had to be dragged out of the room by Xuanyuan Wuji.

_{“Huh?” Yan Ran exclaimed. “So your right arm didn’t get ruined—”}Yan Ran turned to look at Fang Shixiu’s lying form on that bed with an arm wrapped in thіck layers of bandages and an unsteady gaze.

“Huh?” Yan Ran exclaimed. “So your right arm didn’t get ruined—”

_{During his treatment, fearing the doctor would be distracted, Yan Ran waited outside the room. But, since earlier, he was already clearly distraught—more frantic than he would be facing his own death. So when a scream from that room erupted, one coming from Fang Shixiu himself, Yan Ran broke into the room without thinking.}Fang Shixiu’s words had materialised before Yan Ran’s eyes in the form of a real human being, catching the still very much immersed in happiness him completely off guard.

_{Xuanyuan Wuji also stopped by every day to visit Fang Shixiu, but his busy work schedule made him unable to stay for long. Even so, he was reluctant to leave each time.}Such an occurrence had the effect of making that lovelorn youth all the more infatuated with Fang Shixiu.

Xuanyuan Wuji also stopped by every day to visit Fang Shixiu, but his busy work schedule made him unable to stay for long. Even so, he was reluctant to leave each time.

_{“So if I hadn't gotten into an accident, would you have avoided me for the rest of your life?” Fang Shixiu asked with a bitter smile.}
Fang Shixiu sighed, seeing his reaction. “You don’t need to say it for me to know. He ran off to fool around with women again, didn’t he? Did he toss you aside again?”

“So if I hadn't gotten into an accident, would you have avoided me for the rest of your life?” Fang Shixiu asked with a bitter smile.

Ye Ling’s river of words came to an abrupt stop as a result, followed by a long moment of silence. His long, slim arms and legs were pulled into a huddle as he sat on a chair. Hugging his knees while melancholy lingered in his gaze, Ye Ling’s entire body trembled.

_{It was his first time seeing that man in such a fragile state.}Fang Shixiu believed Yan Ran would be disappointed he wouldn’t be able to represent the Ximen Sect at this year’s competition, but Yan Ran didn’t feel that way at all.

It was his first time seeing that man in such a fragile state.

_{At these words, Xuanyuan Wuji’s smile was erased, his expression darkening. “I’m sorry.”}Ye Ling was the first to move forward, extending a finger to poke the dazed man before him on the cheek. “Do you no longer recognise me? Ah, don’t tell me that now that you’ve reached the top, you've gone and forgotten your old friend.”

At these words, Xuanyuan Wuji’s smile was erased, his expression darkening. “I’m sorry.”

_☆☆☆On one of his later visits, Xuanyuan Wuji brought a child along with him. The young boy was around eight or nine years old. He was an especially handsome little boy, too. So much so, that despite his fondness for turning his nose up at others, his bright and cherubin-like features made people want to take a bite.

☆☆☆

_{“Really?”}
Ye Ling pouted.

“Really?”

_{Yan Ran’s breath hitched the moment those eyes met his own, but Fang Shixiu was the one to change the topic first.}“How about you get some rest while I freshen up for a little bit, alright?” The strange feeling frightened Yan Ran to the point where he almost bolted out the door.

Yan Ran’s breath hitched the moment those eyes met his own, but Fang Shixiu was the one to change the topic first.

_{“How’s Rongruo?”}Hearing this response made the young boy disappointed, but Yan Ran was happy for Rongruo by this news. After all, it meant that Fang Shixiu was someone who kept his promises.

“How’s Rongruo?”

_{“Really?”}“Yan Ran!” Fang Shixiu’s brows furrowed, while Xuanyuan Wuji had a laugh.

“Really?”

_{Ye Ling’s river of words came to an abrupt stop as a result, followed by a long moment of silence. His long, slim arms and legs were pulled into a huddle as he sat on a chair. Hugging his knees while melancholy lingered in his gaze, Ye Ling’s entire body trembled.}
Right then, Yan Ran got a chance to clearly see that guy’s face. He saw the creases at the corners of that man’s mouth, along with the fine lines under his eyes. That man appeared to be quite old, much older than Fang Shixiu. But upon first glance, he seemed as young as a teen.

_{Smiling back at the man on the bed, the young sect leader nodded as he spoke. “Of course. Has there ever been a time you drank tea I did not personally brew?”}“I’d like to drink the tea you brewed yourself,” Fang Shixiu added with a smile.

Smiling back at the man on the bed, the young sect leader nodded as he spoke. “Of course. Has there ever been a time you drank tea I did not personally brew?”

_{“Yan Ran.” Upon seeing him, Fang Shixiu was surprised for a moment before calling out to him and greeting him with a smile.}Because he had no trust in others to care for Fang Shixiu properly, Yan Ran had made his bed in Fang Shixiu’s room. The bed in question was nothing more than a spreаd blanket, but it was enough for him as he spent the entire night waiting on Fang Shixiu.

“Yan Ran.” Upon seeing him, Fang Shixiu was surprised for a moment before calling out to him and greeting him with a smile.

_{Fang Shixiu looked him over. “From the looks of it, you still haven’t grown up.}Mustering every bit of courage he had, the standing Yan Ran reached over to gently stroke Fang Shixiu’s dark hair. Not recoiling from his touch, Fang Shixiu’s fallen gaze again turned to Yan Ran.

_{Smiling back at the man on the bed, the young sect leader nodded as he spoke. “Of course. Has there ever been a time you drank tea I did not personally brew?”}
“I knew there’d come a day you wouldn’t be able to bear it. Why did you do such a thing to begin with?”

Smiling back at the man on the bed, the young sect leader nodded as he spoke. “Of course. Has there ever been a time you drank tea I did not personally brew?”

_{Yan Ran turned to look at Fang Shixiu’s lying form on that bed with an arm wrapped in thіck layers of bandages and an unsteady gaze.}Fang Shixiu appeared well when Yan Ran finally laid eyes on him—quite well, in fact. Leaning against his headboard, he maintained that same neat, refreshing, and elegant demeanour he always held. Just as before, he spoke and laughed with his companion merrily and just as carefree. So as he stood in the doorway, Yan Ran found himself anxious, despite there being nothing in that room that caused unease.

Yan Ran turned to look at Fang Shixiu’s lying form on that bed with an arm wrapped in thіck layers of bandages and an unsteady gaze.

_{“I did not. I only touched some of his acupoints.” The doctor faced Fang Shixiu. “Perhaps I used too much pressure, so it felt as though I had used needles instead.”}
Ye Ling still hugged his knees as before, swaying as he looked up at Fang Shixiu.”Are you feeling better? I heard you injured your arm, so I came here specifically to see you.”

“I did not. I only touched some of his acupoints.” The doctor faced Fang Shixiu. “Perhaps I used too much pressure, so it felt as though I had used needles instead.”

_{The person sitting beside Fang Shixiu’s bed, chatting with him, also stood upon noticing Yan Ran’s arrival. A tall and handsome man with an extremely distinguished look about him now also stood before Yan Ran. A man he recognised as the newly appointed leader of the Xuanyuan Sect: Xuanyuan Wuji.}Because he had no trust in others to care for Fang Shixiu properly, Yan Ran had made his bed in Fang Shixiu’s room. The bed in question was nothing more than a spreаd blanket, but it was enough for him as he spent the entire night waiting on Fang Shixiu.

_{Mustering every bit of courage he had, the standing Yan Ran reached over to gently stroke Fang Shixiu’s dark hair. Not recoiling from his touch, Fang Shixiu’s fallen gaze again turned to Yan Ran.}For ordinary people, a lost arm results in a life of inconvenience. But for a swordsman, it was no different than losing one’s life.

Mustering every bit of courage he had, the standing Yan Ran reached over to gently stroke Fang Shixiu’s dark hair. Not recoiling from his touch, Fang Shixiu’s fallen gaze again turned to Yan Ran.

_{Fang Shixiu looked him over. “From the looks of it, you still haven’t grown up.}Yan Ran turned to look at Fang Shixiu’s lying form on that bed with an arm wrapped in thіck layers of bandages and an unsteady gaze.

_{Yan Ran wanted to laugh at the sight but didn’t dare let so much as the corners of his lips crease, even though suppressing it all was hаrd.}Fang Shixiu’s gaze finally turned to Yan Ran right then, who realised he had become a hindrance and panickedly fled the room.

Yan Ran wanted to laugh at the sight but didn’t dare let so much as the corners of his lips crease, even though suppressing it all was hаrd.

_{Fang Shixiu appeared well when Yan Ran finally laid eyes on him—quite well, in fact. Leaning against his headboard, he maintained that same neat, refreshing, and elegant demeanour he always held.}
“So if I hadn't gotten into an accident, would you have avoided me for the rest of your life?” Fang Shixiu asked with a bitter smile.

Yan Ran pouted after hearing him explain. But inside he thought, Is it not because of you? Love makes a person act crazy, after all.

_{Ye Ling pouted.}07.2: The Colour of the Wind

Ye Ling pouted.

_{Smiling back at the man on the bed, the young sect leader nodded as he spoke. “Of course. Has there ever been a time you drank tea I did not personally brew?”}Back then, there was once a peculiar young man. One who had golden locks that shone and who was quite fond of running. Whenever he ran, he was unlike anyone in this world. He was as beautiful as the wind. I adored calling him Jingling…

Smiling back at the man on the bed, the young sect leader nodded as he spoke. “Of course. Has there ever been a time you drank tea I did not personally brew?”

_{Mustering every bit of courage he had, the standing Yan Ran reached over to gently stroke Fang Shixiu’s dark hair. Not recoiling from his touch, Fang Shixiu’s fallen gaze again turned to Yan Ran.}
“Of course not.” Ye Ling pouted again, then tugged his hair. “I’ve always wanted to see you, actually. I thought about it every time that guy and I fought. I really did!”

Mustering every bit of courage he had, the standing Yan Ran reached over to gently stroke Fang Shixiu’s dark hair. Not recoiling from his touch, Fang Shixiu’s fallen gaze again turned to Yan Ran.

_{07.2: The Colour of the Wind}Fang Shixiu sighed, seeing his reaction. “You don’t need to say it for me to know. He ran off to fool around with women again, didn’t he? Did he toss you aside again?”

07.2: The Colour of the Wind

_{“Wuji,” Fang Shixiu suddenly called out. “I’d like some tea.”}In the end, however, Fang Shixiu was Fang Shixiu and was soon back to normal. That noble and aloof air of his again made an appearance, but perhaps, on account of his incident, his attitude also became a bit more kind. Well, at least to the point where he was no longer treating Yan Ran harshly. Sometimes, he would also listen to what Yan Ran said as well as chat with him. All of which was hаrd for Yan Ran to believe.

“Wuji,” Fang Shixiu suddenly called out. “I’d like some tea.”

_{“Of course not.” Ye Ling pouted again, then tugged his hair. “I’ve always wanted to see you, actually. I thought about it every time that guy and I fought. I really did!”}Seeing the collapsed form of Fang Shixiu on that bed, the frantic Yan Ran had to be dragged out of the room by Xuanyuan Wuji.

“Of course not.” Ye Ling pouted again, then tugged his hair. “I’ve always wanted to see you, actually. I thought about it every time that guy and I fought. I really did!”

_{Fang Shixiu believed Yan Ran would be disappointed he wouldn’t be able to represent the Ximen Sect at this year’s competition, but Yan Ran didn’t feel that way at all.}
Fang Shixiu walked over to Ye Ling before gently encircling him in an embrace. His actions were cautious, as though he were touching a delicate treasure.

Fang Shixiu believed Yan Ran would be disappointed he wouldn’t be able to represent the Ximen Sect at this year’s competition, but Yan Ran didn’t feel that way at all.

_{Yan Ran pouted after hearing him explain. But inside he thought, {Is it not because of you? Love makes a person act crazy, after all.}}Yan Ran chuckled, despite himself. He couldn’t help but think Fang Shixiu was amusing. That man, who would not bat an eye at a sword at his throat, was afraid of needles.

Yan Ran pouted after hearing him explain. But inside he thought, Is it not because of you? Love makes a person act crazy, after all.

Taking almost no time to eat or rest, Yan Ran made the arduous journey to the capital, arriving at the base of the Xuanyuan Sect in seven days when such a trip required at least ten.

_{Yan Ran entered the room, replying in return, “No need. I should be the one offering House Xuanyuan my gratitude for taking such good care of Fang Shixiu,” the frost and venom lacing his words evident.}
Yan Ran looked on at this sight as if his own heart had shattered. Never before had he seen Fang Shixiu treat anyone like that man was being treated right then.

_{“So if I hadn't gotten into an accident, would you have avoided me for the rest of your life?” Fang Shixiu asked with a bitter smile.}Yan Ran entered the room, replying in return, “No need. I should be the one offering House Xuanyuan my gratitude for taking such good care of Fang Shixiu,” the frost and venom lacing his words evident.

“So if I hadn't gotten into an accident, would you have avoided me for the rest of your life?” Fang Shixiu asked with a bitter smile.

_{“He’s doing well, very well. Apart from his worry towards you, that is.” Yan Ran answered honestly.}“Really?”

“He’s doing well, very well. Apart from his worry towards you, that is.” Yan Ran answered honestly.

_{“Goodness. Looks like a distinguished guest came knocking without me giving him a proper welcome.” Xuanyuan Wuji propped his arm onto a nearby rail, his attitude still overflowing with grace.}
The gently embraced Ye Ling froze at first, but soon gradually lifted his arms around Fang Shixiu’s neck before burying his head in the crook. For a moment, there was nothing but silence, which was then followed by him bursting into tears.

“Goodness. Looks like a distinguished guest came knocking without me giving him a proper welcome.” Xuanyuan Wuji propped his arm onto a nearby rail, his attitude still overflowing with grace.

Still covered in dust from his travels, Yan Ran stormed into Fang Shixiu’s quarters the second he arrived.

_{“Huh?” Yan Ran exclaimed. “So your right arm didn’t get ruined—”}Taking almost no time to eat or rest, Yan Ran made the arduous journey to the capital, arriving at the base of the Xuanyuan Sect in seven days when such a trip required at least ten.

“Huh?” Yan Ran exclaimed. “So your right arm didn’t get ruined—”

_{Yan Ran turned to look at Fang Shixiu’s lying form on that bed with an arm wrapped in thіck layers of bandages and an unsteady gaze.}
Fang Shixiu’s gaze finally turned to Yan Ran right then, who realised he had become a hindrance and panickedly fled the room.

Yan Ran turned to look at Fang Shixiu’s lying form on that bed with an arm wrapped in thіck layers of bandages and an unsteady gaze.

_{“Ye Ling. Where is that guy?” Unable to keep waiting, Fang Shixiu interrupted to ask bluntly.}A glare from Xuanyuan Wuji stunned Yan Ran into instant silence. House Xuanyuan… you were still keeping this hidden from Fang Shixiu!

“Ye Ling. Where is that guy?” Unable to keep waiting, Fang Shixiu interrupted to ask bluntly.

_{“So if I hadn't gotten into an accident, would you have avoided me for the rest of your life?” Fang Shixiu asked with a bitter smile.}After all, it was rare for that man to selfishly give in to his emotions, and Yan Ran had offered to indulge him willingly.

“So if I hadn't gotten into an accident, would you have avoided me for the rest of your life?” Fang Shixiu asked with a bitter smile.

_{“No need to mince words. You can curse me outright. I did not take proper care of him after all.”}Fang Shixiu said nothing in return, only opening his arms before crushing Ye Ling with a hug.

“No need to mince words. You can curse me outright. I did not take proper care of him after all.”

_{Turning to glance at the man behind him, Xuanyuan Wuji then made his way to the door. “I’ll go prepare it.”}“Yan Ran!”

Turning to glance at the man behind him, Xuanyuan Wuji then made his way to the door. “I’ll go prepare it.”

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Updated every Friday. Raws: Kobo

Brother-in-law: C07-2

07.2: The Colour of the Wind

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