Chapter Text
As the deafening laughter of joy fades out and the audience began to calm down, especially the younger Mei Hanxue and Taxian-jun, the array started to glow a faint light. Indicating that the showing is about to start again.
[ The DanXin Lounge was lit up.
Shi Mei separated from them a while ago. Mo Ran entered the room after Xue Meng, perplexed, but he suddenly understood the situation when he saw the scene inside.
Rong Jiu, this bastard
Mo Ran stole money from him before he left and, in fact, he had the courage to come and complain at Peak SiSheng.
Rong Jiu was crying miserably as he snuggled into the arms of a big, stocky man. When Mo Ran and Xue Meng entered the room, his sobs grew three times more, as if he might foam at the mouth and pass out if not for the arms that held him.
On the dais, behind the curtain of pearls, a delicate lady sat, completely lost.
Mo Ran doesn't cast a single glance at the repulsive couple, but greets the lady: "Auntie, I'm back."
It was the Pico SiSheng master, Madame Wang. ]
Many of the people had grimaced at the loud cry of a very delicate man.
"Ugh, what kind of ugly loud, fake as fuck crying is that? Does he think he'll look more miserable if he cries louder?" Xue Meng 2.0 complained.
No one reprimanded him for his foul mouth. Not even his aid, the older Mei Hanxue, his Shizun, who can only shake his head, nor his mother. Why bother when he's right?
No one will take pity on that person. Rong Jiu is just making them feel annoyed.
"He just looks more pathetic. I could behead him right there and then." Taxian-jun agreed. Even forgetting to address himself as this venerable one.
[ Unlike the heroines who were rivals with her male counterparts, she was a humble housewife who didn't get into outside affairs. Without her husband here, she really didn't know how to handle it, saying shyly, "A-Ran, you've finally come back."
Mo Ran acted as if he hadn't seen the couple there to complain, and smiled at her, "Auntie woke up so late, do you need me for something?"
"Come in. See, this Rong-gongzi says you... that you took his money?"
She had a thin face, too embarrassed to say that Mo Ran went to a brothel, so she opted to face the smallest offense. ]
Remembering this event, Madam Wang's eyes widened. Even though she had her suspicions, this is still.. very hard to process..
"Ah! I remember this!" Xue Meng 1.0 suddenly exclaimed as some of the audience turned to look at him, the people who has no idea on what was happening. What does he mean by he remembers this?
Did it happen in their timeline already?! Nangong Si and Ye Wangxi 1.0 exclaimed internally.
This made Mo Ran 1.0 even more anxious than he already was. He wordlessly looked down, already planning out how he would explain himself, as Xue Meng 1.0 finally started to put the little pieces together.
".. wait–" Xue Meng 1.0 whipped his head toward the bowing Mo Ran 1.0 but didn't say anything else.
Meanwhile, Xia Sini only cast a quick worried glance at Mo Ran 1.0.
[ Mo Ran's eyes curved into a smile, "Really? It's not like I need money, why would I have to take theirs? Besides, they're unfamiliar to me, do I know you?"
The burly man scoffed, "My last name is Chang, the eldest in my family. As a businessman, small formalities don't matter; you can call me Chang Da."
Mo Ran smiled and purposely turned the name around: "Ah, so it's Da Chang gongzi, it's an honor to finally meet you, excuse my rudeness. And this other gentleman is..."
Da Chang gongzi: "Ah, Mo-gongzi sure likes to act like a fool. It's the first time we've met, but in the thirty days of this month, you spent fifteen nights in Jiu-er's room. Did you go blind? don't you recognize him?" ]
"Woah, wait hold up right there–" The younger Mei Hanxue wants to comment but Xue Meng 0.5 beat him to it.
"Fifteen nights?!" He yelled. "How– how could you?! He's a man!"
The adult and teen Xue Mengs only looked at their youngest counterpart with a look that says, I know right?
Meanwhile, the Older Mei Hanxue mused at how young Mo-zongshi started doing such lecherous acts. With these thoughts, he became a little bit concerned and started contemplating things with a slight frown on his handsome face. Maybe he can create a law on their sect about forbidding young teens from brothels? With that, the responsible one of the twins made up his mind.
[ Mo Ran was completely calm, still smiling as he looked at Rong Jiu: "What is this, are you trying to slander me? I'm a decent and honorable person, of course I've never slept with any San-er or Jiu-er." ]
"Decent and honorable person?! How can you lie with such a straight face?!" Xue Meng 0.5 questioned. Seemingly disgusted by the idea of putting the word decent and honorable in the same sentence with Mo Ran.
The audience can't really blame him for his reaction. They just witnessed Mo Ran's inner thoughts and caught a glimpse of his past actions, and none of it is near enough to the word decent and honorable.
[ Rong Jiu's face was red with anger, but he was still huddled against Da Chang's chest, sobbing, "Mo, Mo-gongzi, I know my status is low and unseemly... if I hadn't exploded so much cruelty, I wouldn't have come looking for him, but to be treated like that, I... I... I..."
Mo Ran's tone was as if he was suffering: "I don't really know you, I can't even tell if you're male or female, how could we know each other?"
"You were my client last night, how can you be so cold? Chang gongzi, Chang gongzi, you have to do me justice." He entered even more into Da Chang's arms, crying louder than before.
On one side, Xue Meng's entire face was pale, frowning as he listened to this absurd case. If not for his self-control as a young master, he would have taken this repulsive mountain couple long ago. ]
Now that his secret is out in the open for the few people in the room who put the pieces together, Mo Ran 1.0 blatantly showed his disgust upon hearing Rong Jiu's pathetic crying again. There's no use hiding his true face after all.
Not far from him, Mo Ran 2.0 and Taxian-jun are doing the same as him.
"Can we mute his ear-piercing cries?" Taxian-jun said.
"What significance in the future does this event in Mo-gongzi's life hold anyway?" Nangong Si added, becoming really irritated at the loud fraudulent cries of the man.
There was no response to the young master's question. Even the Mo Rans was internally questioning themselves. Just what did they see in Rong Jiu for their messed up mind to stoop so low to his level?
Nangong Si is right. I don't see any reason for this man, Rong Jiu, to be significant either. Chu Wanning 0.5 and Xia Sini thought.
Upon hearing the questioning and silent reactions of the audience. The screen once again turned blank before texts started appearing.
[ Does the guests wish to skip this part? ]
Slightly taken aback by the question and consideration of their host, no one said a word for a minute. Seriously weighing the benefits, if there are any, of continuing watching this part.
Xue Zhengyong started to speak, "mm, I don't think this holds much importance to our future. If it does, we can just ask the people present at that scene as that already happened in our world."
He glanced at his nephew, whom he suspects is the same person on the screen or is currently in the same predicament. If he’s wrong, he can at least find comfort that it happened to their world. He badly wants to ask Mo Ran 1.0 right now but it doesn't seem like the time yet.
"I agree with the Sect Leader, I think we can move on to the next part." Chu Wanning 0.5 said to which the others nodded in agreement as well. Honestly speaking, most of them just don't want to hear and see Rong Jiu anymore. Annoyed by the man's presence alone.
With that, no more texts appeared. But the scene on the screen changed.
[ Xue Meng was silent for a moment, before asking, "You really didn't sleep with the whore?"
"No"
"And you really didn't steal it?"
"I really didn't do it."
Xue Meng: "Humph, I don't believe you."
Mo Ran raised his hand, laughing: "May the sky strike me with lightning if I'm lying." ]
Seeing that none of the noisy prostitute is present on the screen, a few of the people inside sighed in relief.
"Who would believe your lying face?" Xue Meng 0.5 said.
"Humph! See? I'm right all along!" Xue Meng 1.0 added.
"I wonder why the lightning did not strike." Xue Meng 2.0 can't help but speak his thoughts hearing his counterparts.
The Xue Mengs seem to be ganging up on all of the Mo Rans present.
[ Xue Meng suddenly raised his hand, gripping Mo Ran's arm in a tight grip. Mo Ran looked at him: "What are you doing?" Xue Meng spoke again and quickly cast a spell. There were scattered sounds as a handful of pearls, each the size of a soy bean, slipped from Mo Ran's sleeve and fell to the ground.
Xue Meng gathered spiritual energy in his hand and pointed to the pearls. The pearls began to glow and grow in size, becoming a pile of jewelry and valuables, plum blossom bracelets and jade earrings, golden and glittering on the floor.
Mo Ran: "... We are disciples of the same sect, don't make things difficult."
Xue Meng frowned: "Mo WeiYu, you are not ashamed."
"Hehe"
Xue Meng roared, "No one is laughing with you!" ]
"Tsk. Just how thick-skinned can you be?" Nangong Si asked. It appears Mo-gongzi's shamelessness knows no bounds. Especially now that he was reborn.
Chu Wanning 0.5 can't help but gaze a cold look at Mo Ran 0.5 upon seeing how their Sect's spell was being used. Their Sect's spell was being used for lies and deception like this!
Mo Ran 0.5 who saw it panicked. "Ah, ah. Shizun, I won't do it! I– This disciple promises to change ways!"
Hearing his disciple's answer, Chu Wanning 0.5 looked away. It's not like this Mo Ran has done anything bad yet. Not that he knows of.
Seeing his Shizun's slightly satisfied reaction to his promise, Mo Ran 0.5 internally heaved a breath of relief. He doesn't want to garner unnecessary and unpleasant thoughts and emotions from his Shizun anymore.
Mo Ran 0.5 frowned. Just the things he has seen, and will see, his future self has done is enough. He doesn't want to add more.
[ Xue Meng's anger returned: "That salt merchant was an annoying dog, so I didn't roast you in front of him. But that dog shit was right about one thing: violating the warrants against theft and lust like you did, never mind which sect you are in, you deserve it!"
Mo Ran smiled without dismay: "And what are you going to do about it? Wait for your uncle to come back and tell him?"
He wasn't even worried; his uncle spoiled him to exhaustion, the most he could do was scold him a little, he would never have the courage to spank him.
Xue Meng turned away, brushing his hair, a pair of eyes gleaming with contempt in the night's darkness.
"Father? No, he's in KunLun and won't be back in a month or two."
Mo Ran's smile froze, an ominous feeling came over him. Suddenly he remembered a certain person.
]
Xue Zhengyong coughed in his hand, trying to hide his embarrassment. Seeing how even his own nephew pointed out how he spoiled him, he can't help but feel embarrassed. Maybe.. Maybe he'll lessen his spoiling from this point onward?
Meanwhile, Mo Ran 1.0 felt goosebumps as he saw the bright gleam in Xue Meng's eyes, despite already experiencing it once.. How cruel of his own cousin!
In one corner of the room, Ye Wangxi 1.0 wants to ask just who that person was but didn't. Still feeling uncomfortable that Mo Ran lied, robbed another person, but still got away unscathed.. not knowing that the young man will not be unscathed anymore soon enough.
[ This person... shouldn't be here... right...?
Seeing the glint in his eyes, Xue Meng's air of disdain became even more obvious.
"Daddy spoils you a lot, but here at SiSheng peak, isn't there someone who doesn't spoil you?"
Mo Ran slowly backed up a few steps, with a forced smile on his face: "My dear cousin, it's too late, let's not disturb the old man's peace and silence, I was wrong, there won't be a next time, what do you think? Why? please rest, hehe, you look so tired."
And immediately fled. ]
"You coward!" Said Xue Meng 0.5 upon seeing Mo Ran run away after feeling scared.
Ye Wangxi 1.0 seems to realize just who was the person Mo Ran thought of earlier. She curiously glanced at Chu Wanning 0.5 in front of her and she kinda understands why Mo Ran was so afraid.
Just the presence alone of Chu Wanning could bring the temperature of the place down to great degrees. Looking at the stoic expression on the man's beautiful face will bring cold sweats to one's back. And being on the receiving end of his icy gaze will bring fear to any man.
So really, it's so understandable.
Once more, Xue Zhengyong found himself coughing in his hands with a tinge of red on his face. It's one thing if his nephew pointed out his spoilings but it's another if his own son says it too!
Concomitantly, the Mei twins and Xue Meng 2.0 find entertainment in seeing Mo Ran run away in horror. Their eyes gleamed in joy and their lips stretched so wide that it reached their ears.
[ You must be kidding! This Xue Meng is very cruel!
At the moment, not TaXian-Jun, ruler of the human world, how could he risk falling into that person's hands? If that person found out that he had stolen and hooked up with a prostitute, he would probably break both his legs! If he doesn't run away now, he won't have a chance to do it again
After all, Xue Meng had grown up on SiSheng Peak, and knew all its shortcuts, and finally managed to capture Mo Ran.
After trapping him and dragging him, they reached the bottom of the mountain
… ]
"Cruel? Ha! You shouldn't have done it in the first place! You deserve it." Said Xue Meng 1.0.
Mo Ran 1.0 doesn't know what to feel upon hearing his cousin so he decided to look down again instead. As his eyes stare down, he caught a glimpse of Xia Sini's unreadable expression and cursed internally.
Fuck! His shidi just witnessed his crimes and failed attempt at running away!
Conversely enough, the child Chu Wanning was thinking of a completely different thing. Does.. Does Mo Ran really see him as this cruel? Sure, he'll give rightful punishment for his disciple's sins but maybe he.. went too hard on him.
With these thoughts, Xia Sini frowned.
Seeing the child’s lips that were just lifted in amusement earlier cast downwards, Mo Ran 1.0 suddenly felt the need to show his good side. Though, maybe.. not now. He’ll spoil his shidi with a lot of sweets later.
[ At that moment, at the entrance to the ghost realm, on the green stone staircase, stood a man, his robes white as snow swaying, his long sleeves flying in the wind, the aura of the sword that enveloped him, its golden light shining, and with only his powers, he was sweeping away those menacing spirits, clearing those evil ghosts, repairing the crack in the barrier.
This man was thin and elegant, with the aura of transcendent holiness, an elaborate face of immense beauty. From a distance, it would be easy to imagine that he is a worthy scholar, with an otherworldly air studying under a flowering tree. Up close, his expression was sword-sharp, the phoenix eyes slanted upward, the nose thin and elegant, the very appearance of sophistication and refined manners, but with harshness in the eyes, looking particularly distant and cold.
Mo Ran watched him from a distance. Although he was sincerely prepared to see that person safe and sound again, every fragment of his bones trembled incessantly.
Half was scared, the other half was...emotion.
His Shizun.
Chu WanNing. ]
Most of the watchers let out a low gasp. All a mixture of appreciation, and surprise, at the ethereal view of Chu Wanning's cold beauty.
Mo Ran 0.5 felt a bitter taste in his mouth. He can somewhat understand why his other self feels that way upon seeing his Shizun once more.
Of course, even if he feels scared of being punished by his Shizun, anyone will, but he knows he won't take it to the heart too deeply. However, it's a different thing if he saw his supposedly deceased Shizun alive and healthy again after being alone for several years. Mo Ran 0.5 can't even imagine losing his Shizun.
That's why he can't fathom how that Mo Ran was so hateful of their Shizun. He just can’t picture himself feeling the same.
[ In the previous life, the person Xue Meng wept for and begged to see when he arrived at WuShang Hall was him.
It was this man who ruined Mo Ran's grand plans. He ruined Mo Ran's ambitious ideals and was arrested and tortured to death by Mo Ran in the end.
Technically, by defeating an opponent and being able to get revenge, Mo Ran should have been happy.
The ocean was free for fish to swim, the sky was open for birds to fly, and no one could stop it. Originally, Mo Ran also thought he thought so.
But, it didn't look like it. ]
Nangong Si hummed. Should have been happy? Was Taxian-jun not feeling joy after killing his Shizun he oh-so-hate?
Unquestionably, he condemned Taxian-jun's actions but it ticks him off that Taxian-jun somehow still feels unsatisfied even after his Shizun's death, at least that's how it seems to him.
Both Chu Wannings of the past and present stiffened, not that anyone noticed. They can’t help but question whether their death was not enough to satisfy Mo Ran’s grievances.
However, their question was answered quickly by the next words that echoed in the room.
[ After Shizun's death, it seemed that there was something else that was buried along with the hatred.
Mo Ran was not a man of culture, and he did not know that this feeling was what they called "combined with a worthy opponent".
He only knew that from that moment on in the world there were no more archenemies against him.
When his Shizun was alive, he was always scared, scared and anxious. The moment he saw the willow vine in his Shizun's hands, the hairs on his back stood up like that of a defeated dog that was used to being disciplined, the mere sound of a wooden stick knocking made his teeth wither, his legs gave way and drool ran from the corners of his lips. His guts twisted with nerves.
After his Shizun's death, the person Mo Ran feared most died. Suddenly, Mo Ran felt that he had grown up, matured, and could finally commit the sin of killing his mentor. ]
With that remark, Xia Sini and Chu Wanning 0.5 felt an understanding and pity towards their disciple. What was constant in their ponderings was their inadequacy as Mo Ran’s master. They had not been enough..
"Ahh, really. What a dumb fool I used to be." Mo Ran 2.0 groaned seeing his past musings.
"You're still an idiot until now." Taxian-jun retorted, which earned him a disapproving look from the former.
"We're the same person so technically, you're calling yourself a dumb fool too!" Mo Ran 2.0 countered. The audacity of this tyrant!
"And you were the one who did most of those absurdities!" He added. Taxian-jun huffed because how dare this hypocrite fool Mo-zongshi!
The others were rendered speechless by the childish banters of two adults who are very much the same person. Despite being wordless, they can’t help but feel amused. This made the two people who were drowning earlier in self-pity temporarily halt their persistent self-deprecating thoughts.
[ After that, as his eyes roamed the mortal world, no one dared to force him to his knees. There was never anyone else who dared to slap him.
To celebrate, he opened a pot of white wine with pear blossoms and sat on the roof to drink it all night.
That night, due to the influence of alcohol, the scars on his back caused by Shizun in his youth seemed to burn once more, painful from the burns.
Now, at this time and place, to see Shizun with his own eyes appear before him once more, Mo Ran looked at him, startled and resentful. However, there also seemed to be a twisted and maddening trail of joy.
Having regained an opponent after losing him, how could he not delight? ]
The people who have mature minds only watched this scene and look at the Mo Ran on the screen with pity and sorrow, instead of the displeasure of seeing Mo Ran’s ruthless resentment towards his Shizun.
For some reason, they feel, know, that Mo Ran was actually not immersed in his bitter resentment towards Chu Wanning anymore.
[ Chu WanNing ignored the two disciples who entered the back mountain and was still completely focused on fighting the scattered souls of the dead…
It didn't take Chu WanNing long to annihilate all the ghosts and fill the hole in the ghost realm. After completing his task, he descended from the sky lightly and languidly, landing in front of Mo Ran and Xue Meng.
He first looked at Mo Ran kneeling on the floor before looking at Xue Meng, his phoenix eyes a little frosty.
"Again causing trouble?"
Mo Ran admitted.
Shizun possessed the ability to instantly discern anything with precision.
"Shizun, Mo Ran came down from the mountain and committed the crimes of theft and debauchery, I pray that Shizun will grant the punishment." said Xue Meng.
Chu WanNing was silent with a blank expression and then coldly said, "I see."
Mo Ran: "......"
Xue Meng: "........."
Both were a little confused. And then? Was that all? ]
The young Xue Meng and Mo Ran of 0.5 timeline both felt the same confusion that their counterparts were feeling. Their heads tilted to the side. It can’t be that Mo Ran was forgiven that easily, right?
Xue Meng 0.5 a little bit more disappointed. He knows his Shizun somewhat felt soft towards his cousin, and sometimes, just a little bit, tiny tiny bit, favors that rascal cousin of his but he didn’t expect his Shizun to let Mo Ran go that easily.
[ But just as Mo Ran started to feel lucky, when he looked at Chu WanNing, he saw a glimmer of golden light, which streaked through the air violently, and a crack like the screams of lightning was thrown directly into Mo Ran's cheek.
Blood splashed!
The speed of that golden light was too shocking; Never mind dodging, even closing his eyes, Mo Ran hadn't had time before the skin on his face split open, the wound burning painfully. ]
The viewers who are not familiar with Chu Wanning’s harshness visibly flinched in surprise at his sudden ruthless action.
In that scene, Xue Meng 0.5 as well as Mo Rans 0.5 and 1.0 openly grimaced. Well, there goes being let unscathed went flying by the window. The young Mo Rans placed a hand on their cheeks on instinct. As though they, too, felt the cutting pain on it. Mo Ran 0.5 felt as though the ghost of that whip is still there even after quite a bit of time has passed.
“That..” Ye Wangxi 0.5 muttered with her eyes blown wide. She was not new to seeing punishments being enacted but the heavy slash of Chu Wanning’s whip still caught her off guard. Maybe this is one of Mo-zongshi’s tiny hatreds he brought to his heart. She thought.
[ Chu WanNing was standing with his fists clenched, standing coldly in the deadly breeze of the deep night, the air still foul and thick with the scent of evil spirits, and now he was mixed with the stench of human blood, causing the ground. Forbidden on the back mountain looked frightening and horrible.
What impressed Mo Ran was the willow vine that appeared out of nowhere in Chu WanNing's hands. That vine was thin and long, with tender green leaves that still sprouted, hanging by her boots.
Though it was an elegant object and should make people think of sonic verses that described a lady's beautiful, delicate hands.
What a pity. Chu WanNing wasn't cute or had a lover. ]
“Ah! Shizun, that was a lie! You’re cute! The cutest in the world!” Mo Ran 2.0 suddenly said out loud which startled quite a number of the audience, their attention suddenly going to him. Knowing he got their eyes on him, Mo Ran 2.0 grinned in mischief before dropping a bomb. “Moreover, you have a lover now!”
The earlier tension immediately left the room. Eyes blown, mouths agape, the audience was rendered speechless. Chu Wanning 2.0 being one of them. His face starts to be painted in hues of pink.
Forget Mo Ran shamelessly calling Chu Wanning cute, he just said the winter-cold immortal grandmaster of the mortal realm has a lover!
Meanwhile, Xue Zhengyong began to think of who might that person be. He just realized that Chu Wanning might have harbored romantic feelings toward his nephew earlier! As illegal as it sounds, because of the age difference, he at least wants to support the Yuheng of their sect as a friend.
Mo Ran 0.5 find himself on the same predicament as his uncle, questioning just who was the person who caught his Shizun’s heart. He felt his heart ache. Confused, he placed a hand over it.
On the other hand, Madam Wang started to piece together the subtle hints that the two adult Mo Rans were giving out earlier. Contrary to her husband and nephew, she knows exactly who it is.
It didn’t take long to realize who it was. Just by seeing Chu Wanning’s interaction with the two glued Mo Rans on his side. If they didn’t have a much closer relationship, Chu Wanning would have whipped those two already. That’s how she knows the Yuheng.
However, Chu Wanning 2.0 was tolerating both of the Mo Rans’ skinship and affections quite fairly. Sometimes even initiating it himself, so really. Only the oblivious people won’t get this.
Naturally, Mo Ran 1.0 was not one of those people as he has already long realized it too. His older counterparts made it painfully obvious to him. That’s why he was so upset, why Chu Wanning?! Why not Shi Mei?!
“Hm, wait.. that’s not right..” Mo Ran 2.0 furrowed his eyebrows and placed a hand on his chin as if thinking really hard.
This made the audience more confused than they were. The young Xue Mengs thinking that maybe the adult Mo Ran was just wrong about his Shizun finding a lover. That’s right! He’s just kidding around-
“Actually, you have a very nice and handsome husband!”
The Xue Mengs’ denial was quickly cut off as Mo Ran 2.0 excitedly exclaimed, eyes shining brightly and his smile almost ripping his face by how wide it was. Taixan-jun mirrored his other self, adding fuel to the fire.
Xia Sini and Chu Wanning 0.5 both choked on nothing. Their ears burning hot, they looked like they were hearing something incredulous. “How outrageous!” They both cried out.
At the same time, their oldest counterpart isn’t much different from them. Even worse, maybe. Chu Wanning 2.0’s face was as red as a tomato and illusionary steams might’ve been coming out of it if someone has enough imagination.
“Hu.. HUSBAND?!” The teenager Xue Mengs screamed. Their eyes shook in both horror and surprise.
Sure enough, their Shizun is very beautiful and kind and perfect! And maybe… someday find himself a l-l-lover. It’s not impossible after all, but, husband?! They didn’t even know their Shizun was swinging that way!
They want to ask more about this news but were interrupted by the cold voice on the screen. With that, they decided to question them, the people of the future, about it later.
Xue Meng 2.0 could only send a pitying gaze on his younger counterparts for what they’re surely feeling about this.
[ Chu WanNing's lips pursed and he said coldly, "Mo WeiYu, you have courage. Do you really think I won't discipline you?"
If it really was sixteen-year-old Mo Ran, he might not have taken his words seriously, thinking Shizun was just bluffing to scare him.
However, the reborn Mo WeiYu had already paid in blood and was fully educated in Shizun's "discipline" ways in his previous life. In an instant, he felt that even the roots of his teeth ached. Blood rushed to his head and he began to aggressively deny everything, hoping to clarify on his own.
"Shizun..." His cheek was bleeding, Mo Ran looked up, filling them with a sheen of mist. He knew that his current disposition was extremely pathetic and pitiful: "This disciple never stole... and was never shameless... how is it that Shizun hit me first without asking me anything, after hearing only the story's version of Xue Meng?"
"............" ]
“……”
Chu Wanning 0.5 and the majority of the audience found themselves in the same wordless predicament. The earlier bomb that was dropped was slowly dying out.
However, Chu Wanning 2.0 was the first to break the silence despite his face still having a tad bit of pink hues. “Mn, Mo Ran is.. indeed right.. Perhaps I— “
“NoNo, Shizun. It was my fault here! You were right, Shizun is always right.” Mo Ran 2.0 immediately interrupted him. Feeling guilty as to make his Shizun feel as if they were wrong.
Chu Wanning 2.0 only hummed and looked away, not really believing his lover. Maybe he should have asked Mo Ran first in the past before enacting punishments.
The audience watching them and the screen once again felt conflicted. It was true that maybe Chu Wanning should’ve asks for his disciple’s side first but they saw that Mo Ran did those deeds with no remorse so…
[ Against his uncle, Mo Ran had two fundamental tricks: first, be cute, second, be pitiful. Now he was using both movements in Chu WanNing, looking so anguished that his tears were falling: "Is this disciple really so useless in your eyes?
How come Shizun doesn't even give me a chance to explain myself?"
Beside them, Xue Meng was stomping in rage: "MO RAN! You piece of dog paw! You, you're a bastard! Shizun, don't listen to him! Don't let that bastard confuse you! He really stole it! All loot is still here! "
Chu WanNing lowered his eyes, his expression cold and distant: "Mo Ran, have you really never stolen?
"Never"
"...You must know what the consequences of lying to me are."
Mo Ran felt goosebumps all over his body. How could you not forget? However, he remained stubborn as a mule: "I ask Shizun to investigate!" ]
“You liar! I already caught you red-handed yet you still dare lie to Shizun!” Xue Meng 0.5 loudly said, not letting Mo Ran live it down.
Mo Ran 1.0 can’t help but roll his eyes. He can still feel the ruthless willow vine that cuts his body, that heartless whip and Shizun that made him bleed and suffer so much, so how could he forget?
[ Chu WanNing raised his hand and the glowing vine swept again, but this time it wasn't to lash Mo Ran's face, but instead enveloped Mo Ran in a firm grip.
This feeling was all too familiar. In addition to whipping people daily, the 'TianWen' willow had another use...
Chu WanNing looked at Mo Ran, who was mortally detained by TianWen and asked again, "Haven't you ever stolen?"
Mo Ran could only feel a familiar agony sinking straight into his heart, as if a small snake with sharp teeth had suddenly slithered into his chest and wreaked havoc on his organs.
Keeping up with the pain was a temptation hard to dismiss, and Mo Ran opened his mouth, despite everything, in a choked voice: "I... NEVER... NEVER... OH...!"
As if he sensed he was lying, TianWen's golden light was growing wilder, but even though the cold sweat soaked Mo Ran, he still fought this torture with everything he had.
This was TianWen's second use after flogging: interrogation.
Once arrested by TianWen, there was no one who could lie to him. It doesn't matter if it's human or ghost, alive or dead, TianWen had the ability to force them to speak, giving the answers that Chu WanNing demanded.
There was only one person in the previous life who, with his strong cultivation, finally managed to hide secrets from TianWen.
That person was Mo WeiYu, who became the emperor of the mortal world.
After the rebirth, Mo Ran still maintained a sense of good luck, thinking he should still be the way he was before and fight off TianWen's powerful interrogation. However, after biting his lip for a while, great drops of sweat ran down his inky brows, his whole body trembling; in the end, he still collapsed in pain in front of Chu WanNing's boots, breathing big breaths of air with difficulty.
"I... I... stole..."
The pain abruptly disappeared. ]
The majority of the viewers only watched in perplexed silence.
“You already know but still made the mistake of lying to me. You’ve become arrogant, Mo Ran.” Chu Wanning 0.5 said in a low voice. He did not indicate which of the Mo Ran he was pertaining but Mo Ran 1.0 wants to huff, thinking that the arrogant one was Chu Wanning and not him.
Contrary to Mo Ran 1.0, the bright and youthful Mo Ran 0.5 responded. “This disciple apologizes, Shizun. I will not lie to Shizun! Well.. uhm, not anymore, ever!”
How promising. Mo Ran 1.0 internally mocked that younger version of himself.
Meanwhile, Chu Wanning 0.5 only left out a small “hmph!” seemingly satisfied even though he didn’t really pertain that remark of his to their version of Mo Ran. That disciple of his was still innocent after all.
[ Mo Ran didn't even catch his breath before hearing Chu WanNing's next question, which sounded colder than before.
"You committed 'debauchery'?"
Smart men don't do stupid things. Since he couldn't stand it before, then it was even more impossible now. This time Mo Ran didn't even bother to object; the moment the pain hit, he yelled, "I did it! I did it! I did it! SHIZUN PLEASE! NO MORE!"
Xue Meng's face turned blue, his eyes completely stunned: "How could you...? Rong Jiu is a man, and you..."
No one cared about him, and TianWen's golden light slowly dimmed. Mo Ran sucked in great gulps of air, his whole body drenched as if he'd been pulled out of the water, his face white as a sheet and his lips still quivering incessantly, lying on the floor, unable to move. ]
The Xue Mengs can no longer find it in themselves to say the same as their counterpart on the screen. For they now know that their beloved Shizun is with a man too.
The others didn’t even comment on Mo Ran’s admission.
[ A wave of strong hatred suddenly spilled into his heart: CHU WANNING! This venerable one was not mistaken in treating him as he did in the past life! Even if I live once more, you're a nuisance no matter how much I look at you. I WILL FUCK THE EIGHTEEN GENERATIONS OF YOUR ANCESTRYS!
Chu WanNing didn't know that his animal disciple was going to fuck the eighteen generations of his ancestors, and he stayed where he was at the moment, his face grim. ]
“Well…” The younger Mei Hanxue started, “Now he definitely knows.” He peeked at Chu Wanning 0.5 on the other side of the room who was now red in anger.
“Utterly disgraceful. Shameless bastard.” Nangong Si muttered.
[ So he said, "Xue Meng".
Although Xue Meng knew that it was currently fashionable for wealthy houses to find pleasure in male form, many enjoyed playing with prostitute boys because it was refreshing, but that didn't mean they actually liked men, but it was still quite hard to swallow, and he froze for a moment before replying, "Shizun, this disciple is present."
"Mo Ran has transgressed the three mandates against greedy theft, debauchery, and fraud. Take him to Yanluo Hall for his penance. Bring him to the Platform of Sin and Virtue tomorrow to be punished before all."
Xue Meng was surprised: "What? To be punished before everyone?"
To be punished before everyone meant that the disciple who had committed serious sins would be dragged before all the disciples of the sect, even the kitchen ladies would be brought in, to see him sentenced and punished in front of everyone.
Be embarrassed and humiliated.
Mo Ran was a young master of SiSheng Peak! Although it could be said that the sect's rules are strict, but as Mo Ran's status was special, his uncle mourned the loss of his parents since he was very young and imprisoned for fourteen years, he always defended Mo Ran with indulgence. and even though Mo Ran made mistakes, he kept giving lectures in private, without hitting him once.
But Shizun didn't even save the cult leader's face and actually dragged his precious nephew to the Platform of Sin and Virtue to punish and shame Mo-Gongzi before the entire cult. This was something Xue Meng never expected. ]
Mo Ran 2.0 felt his heart clenched, touched that his cousin felt a tiny bit of compassion towards him even way back then. Xue Meng’s slight hesitation upon agreeing to his Shizun’s punishment was enough. It may not be a big deal to others, but to him, and to his other counterparts too who probably noticed, it was enough.
So, he whispered, with glassy eyes. “Mengmeng, you..”
“Oh, shut up you big moron.” Xue Meng 2.0 retorded. A small smile plastered on his face despite his harsh remark.
Seeing this interaction between Mo Ran and Xue Meng 2.0, Shi Mei 2.0 can’t help but mirror the gentle smile on his beautiful face. Affection going towards both his friends.
[ However, Mo Ran was not surprised.
He was lying on the floor, his lips curled in a sneer.
See how Shizun was fair, so full of justice.
Chu WanNing's blood was cold. In the previous life, Shi Mei died before him and Mo Ran cried and begged, pulling at the hem of his tunic, kneeling on the ground asking for his help.
But Chu WanNing ignored them as if he hadn't heard anything.
Thus, his disciple's breathing slowed in front of him as Mo Ran wept loudly beside him, and yet he paid no attention, turning his back in disdain.
Right now, he was just dragging him to the Platform of Sin and Virtue to sentence him in public, nothing out of the ordinary.
Mo Ran could only resent his own weak cultivation; that he could not peel Chu WanNing's skin, irritate his nerves, drink his blood; that he couldn't pull his hair back to take it and corrupt it to his heart's taste, that he couldn't desecrate his honor by torturing him, making him live a life worse than death... ]
The soft atmosphere that was created by the people of 2.0 timeline was immediately wiped out as the viewers watched in horror as they see Shi Mei die in Mo Ran’s arms as he beg Chu Wanning to come help, to come save, Shi Mei.
Chu Wanning and Mo Ran 2.0 only bowed their heads. Mo Ran 2.0 whispering as softly as he could to his lover who most certainly is feeling guilty, “It’s not your fault, Shizun”
Taixan-jun, who’s probably the only one who heard his foolish counterpart, only nodded his head and wordlessly rubbed his Wanning’s back in a circular motion, trying to comfort him.
However, despite being in the future, Xue Meng 2.0 and the Mei twins had their eyes blown wide in surprise. This is the first time they had known this.
Ye Wangxi 1.0 placed her hands on her agape mouth. “What..”
Madam wang reflected the young lady’s, who looked like a boy, actions. “Oh, dear..”
“Shi.. Shi Mei d-died?! It can’t be! Shizun won’t! He won’t-” Xue Meng 0.5 stood up from his seat as he practically shouted his fellow disciple’s name in a stuttering mess.
Mo Ran 1.0 felt joy in the fact that this was revealed pretty early and is not censored. They will finally be able to see just how righteous, fair, and full of justice their beloved Shizun is!
Despite predicting this future, the future of Shi Mei dying, Chu Wanning 0.5 and Xia Sini still felt their minds shake. Their self-loathe intensified. Just how could they let this happen? Why didn’t he turn back to help his disciple?!
In a distracted state, Xia Sini let out a soft mumble, “I..”
Hearing the child beside him whisper in pain, Mo Ran 1.0 gazed at him. Confused as to why his shidi said “I..”
Conversely, someone in the room has their pupils shake and blown wide for a different reason. Despite seeing their counterpart dying on the screen, there was a dark yet bright gleam in their eyes.
Everything was going according to plan!
[ The bestial wildness in his eyes didn't immediately hide, and Chu WanNing noticed.
He looked silently into Mo Ran's face, that elegant scholar's face that didn't have an ounce of feeling.
"What are you thinking?"
Shit!
TianWen was still wrapped around him!
Mo Ran could feel once more the vine that bound him, squeezing and twisting, and his organs seemed to tear. He screamed in agony, trying to roar all the anger in his mind.
"CHU WANNING! DO YOU BELIEVE YOURE SO REFINED!? WATCH ME FUCK YOU TO DEATH!"
No one made a sound.
Chu WanNing: "... ....."
Even Xue Meng was speechless, "............" ]
“…..”
For the nth time during the duration of their viewing, they are once again whipped lashed of their emotions.
Mo Ran 2.0 only grunted, his hand plastered on his face in embarrassment. “Ugh, I forgot about this.”
A few numbers of the watchers can’t help but internally scream. How come the emotional atmosphere of these projections keeps changing so easily?! At least let us calm down properly or let the information we saw sink in?! The emotional aspect of this viewing is rockier than a disciple’s first time riding their sword!
“Hmm, well. In one ways or another, that happened..” The younger of the Mei twins off-handedly commented, obviously teasing. Too entertained by the words of the young Mo Ran on the screen.
It was now Mo Ran 1.0’s turn to choke. It’s not like the younger Mei twin is lying, he did fuck his Shizun in his past life to death. But that was because he was defiling him! He was giving Chu Wanning pain, humiliation, and suffering! For the Mei young master to say and imply it in a different reason and manner, he felt conflicted. His stomach once again churning with emotions he can’t name.
The very much innocent and pure Xue Meng 1.0 and 0.5 only tilted their head in confusion. Not understanding that statement.
“hm?! HM?!” Xue Zhengyong can’t find the right words to say as he was now seeing the crystal clear, very much evident, answer to his earlier question regarding his Yuheng friend’s lover.
Meanwhile, Chu Wanning 0.5 and Xia Sini are now once more being painted in pink hues upon hearing the young Mei twin’s comment.
Both Xue Meng 2.0 and the older Mei twin smacked the prankster’s head. Real hard. “You, shut up.” The older twin coldly reprimanding his twin, to which the said twin only pouted with his hand on his head.
[ TianWen suddenly returned to Chu WanNing's palm, turning into flashes of golden light and disappearing from view. TianWen was part of Chu WanNing's bones and blood, appearing exactly when called upon and disappearing at will.
Xue Meng's face was pale and he even stammered, "Shi-Shi-Shi-Shizun..."
Chu WanNing did not respond. With his long, luscious black lashes falling, he seemed lost in thought as he stared down at his own hand. It was a good moment before he lifted the curtain from his eyes, his face still intact, only his expression was cooler than before. With eyes that said "This disciple deserves death," he looked at Mo Ran for a moment before saying softly,
"TianWen is broken. I'll fix it."
After uttering these words, Chu WanNing turned and left.
Xue Meng was not a brilliant child: "How can a holy weapon like TianWen be broken?"
Chu WanNing heard him and once again used the eyes of "Your stupid disciple deserves death" to look at him again. Xue Meng shivered.
Mo Ran lay on the ground half dead, his expression blank.
What he had been thinking really was looking for a way to fuck Chu Wanning to death. He knew that the Master Chu, who held titles like "Yuheng of the Night Sky, Beidou Immortal", had always paid attention to elegance and correctness, and he couldn't stand being stepped on by others, defiling him.
But he didn't want Chu Wanning to know that he was thinking that!
Mo Ran howled pathetically like an abandoned dog, covering his face.
Remembering Chu WanNing's eyes when he left, he felt that he probably didn't have much time left.. ]
“How embarrassing” Both Mo Ran 2.0 and 1.0 whispered, ashamed of their past actions.
On the side, Taxian-jun and the playful Mei twin were happily snickering at their embarrassment.
“Xue Meng, please always stay the way you are.” Madam Wang said whilst patting his son on the head.
Xue Meng 1.0, who still didn’t get what really happened on the screen and the earlier comment of the younger Mei twin, only delighted in his mother’s affectionate pettings before responding happily. “Of course, mother!”
Madam Wang gently smiled at her son and replied, “good..”
[ Encompassed: Chapters 5 to 6 ]