Slag Shou Cultivating Manual - Chapter 105

Chapter 105: Audacity

Seeing Kong Huai devastated and his eyes hollow, He Lang delivered his final judgment, casting him into a depth of despair he had never imagined.

“The day Huo Yiyang had his accident coincides with the day you emerged from seclusion, which is too much of a coincidence. His injuries are extraordinary, beyond the capability of an ordinary disciple. Other than Zheng’er, only you possess such power. Moreover, you admitted it just now, so there is no doubt. Huo Yiyang is the beloved disciple of Wu Ding Zhenren, with a distinguished status, and harming a fellow disciple is strictly forbidden. The sect leader, considering your potential, was reluctant to mete out severe punishment. After my deliberation, I sentence you to reflect on your actions at the rear mountain for a hundred years.”

This decision by He Lang was somewhat impulsive and not without bias, but he sincerely believed that Kong Huai needed time to settle and reflect. Without the former halo of adulation, this setback could be a blessing in disguise if he endured it and grew from the experience.

“Master…” Kong Huai took a deep breath and, for the first time, called out with hesitation. His usual composure and grace before Jiang Hanzheng had crumbled entirely. His voice trembled as he said, “Do you truly not believe me? Do you not know that by sending me away, you are killing my heart? Must all feelings between us be severed completely?”

He Lang remained unwavering. “The feelings you speak of are improper; severing them is for the best. The rear mountain may be desolate, but it is a place rich in spiritual energy. With time, I hope to see a more mature and composed you.”

“Improper? Then what about Jiang Hanzheng? What about him?!” Kong Huai’s voice rose, his usually gentle tone now hoarse.

He Lang refused to argue further and turned to leave. Jiang Hanzheng, full of smiles, followed after him, casting a final glance around.

The room closest to the master would now be his. Or perhaps it was unnecessary; he would directly move into the master’s chambers.

…

Having just framed someone else, Jiang Hanzheng was in high spirits. Though he had briefly worried about Kong Huai’s words, seeing his master remain calm reassured him. He chalked it up to Kong Huai being emotional and spouting nonsense.

However, his delight quickly evaporated with the arrival of Wu Ding Shishu. Gritting his teeth, Jiang Hanzheng thickened his skin and stayed by the side.

He held a grudge against Wu Ding. If it weren’t for him, where would the rumors about his master finding a dao companion have come from? Let alone the idea of taking a furnace. Remembering the scene he had once spied on, Jiang Hanzheng wanted nothing more than to send Huo Yiyang straight to the King of Hell.

Yet Wu Ding, oblivious, asked He Lang outright how the experience had been.

Though nothing had happened, He Lang’s face still burned with embarrassment, especially with his disciple glaring at him. Under the intense scrutiny, he could only keep silent.

Wu Ding, sipping his tea, sighed as he thought of the critically injured Huo Yiyang. “It seems my disciple is truly unlucky. How about I find you another one, Senior Brother?”

Jiang Hanzheng’s hand trembled slightly as he poured tea, his eyes darkening. He discreetly observed his master’s expression, only relaxing after confirming he had no intention of finding another. Smiling, he filled a cup and innocently asked, “Master’s first furnace suffered such misfortune. What about the next one? Will they meet the same fate?”

“Pfft—get out, get out!” Wu Ding spat out his tea, waving his hand in mock anger. “You’re such a jinx! Your words are getting worse!”

Jiang Hanzheng’s words left a sour taste, and He Lang’s temples throbbed. He immediately declined, “Thank you for your kindness, Junior Brother, but I think I’m better suited to focus on cultivation. Furnaces are not for me.”

Wu Ding looked disappointed but nodded. Deep down, he had already sensed this would be difficult. Senior Brother’s matters were fraught with trouble, and he dared not press further.

After some idle chatter, He Lang showed signs of fatigue. Wu Ding remained lively, but Jiang Hanzheng, noticing the time, placed the teapot heavily on the table with a crisp sound, interrupting their conversation.

“Master’s rest time is approaching, Shishu. If there’s nothing urgent, please take your leave. And do pass along my regards to Huo Yiyang Shixiong on your way.”

Wu Ding swallowed his tea, glaring at him in disbelief. Was this brat trying to chase him away? What kind of disciple speaks to a Zhenren like this?

Yet He Lang made no effort to reprimand him and instead nodded in agreement. “Junior Brother, you’ve been out for half a day. Your disciples are likely searching for you. Unlike us solitary folks, it’s better for you to return earlier.”

Wu Ding clicked his tongue, muttering grievances about his senior brother’s increasingly spoiled disciple, before reluctantly setting down his teacup and leaving with a sigh.

Once Wu Ding was gone, Jiang Hanzheng relaxed, his dissatisfaction showing as he leaned against He Lang’s shoulder and softly said, “How can Master be solitary when he has me?”

He Lang patted his head fondly, as though petting a rabbit. “What brings you so much free time today? Watching me and your Shishu talk for an hour?”

A hint of grievance flashed in Jiang Hanzheng’s eyes, but he suppressed it and replied with a faintly mocking tone, “Shishu has been working tirelessly for Master’s sake. Naturally, as a disciple, I must personally serve him to express my gratitude.”

He Lang raised a brow, amused. “How thoughtful of you.”

Though his words said one thing, Jiang Hanzheng’s earlier behavior suggested otherwise. His attitude toward Wu Ding made it clear he would have thrown him out if not for their relationship.

After some hesitation, Jiang Hanzheng brewed a new pot of tea. With lowered lashes and a casual tone, he finally voiced his true thoughts. “Why did Master choose that furnace? If he dies… will you grieve?”

“This tea is good—aromatic, slightly bitter, yet endlessly sweet. Just right,” He Lang praised, gazing leisurely at the spring scenery outside as he sipped his tea.

Of course, he wouldn’t tell his disciple that Huo Yiyang’s resemblance to Zhen Puyang had momentarily softened his heart.

Receiving no answer, Jiang Hanzheng’s good mood soured. His inner core heated as his emotions surged. Staring at the calm figure before him, he bit his lip and demanded, “If Master truly needs a furnace to advance his cultivation, why not choose me? I’m confident I can serve you better than anyone else!”

His cultivation was the highest among his peers, and he shared the closest bond with his master. Surely, he was better than any outsider. Why did his master ignore him and seek others?

If Master genuinely needed help breaking through, Jiang Hanzheng would offer himself without hesitation.

He Lang glanced at him, tapping his forehead in reproach, his expression disapproving.

A furnace would deplete one’s vital energy. His disciple should focus on cultivation and achieving ascension, not worrying about such matters.

Jiang Hanzheng understood his master’s meaning but remained unwilling to yield. He stubbornly pressed on, “But Master! I can do it. I want to be closer to you. I’m willing!”

He Lang’s reasoning seemed like an excuse to avoid intimacy with him. Loss of energy? Depletion? None of it mattered to him.

Jiang Hanzheng rarely spoke with such intensity. His quickened breaths echoed in the silence. He Lang paused mid-sip, studying his flustered disciple.

His disciple had always been composed. Since reaching adulthood, he had never shown such panic—not even when besieged by beasts in secret realms. Yet now, he was clearly off balance.

Could this furnace matter truly affect him so deeply?

On second thought, if his disciple truly wished to… it wasn’t impossible. Not as his furnace, but the other way around.

He Lang suddenly saw the possibility. His cultivation was profound; finding a suitable furnace was difficult. But if he became his disciple’s dual cultivation partner, transferring his spiritual energy, it could greatly enhance his disciple’s growth.

Jiang Hanzheng sensed his master’s gaze but couldn’t decipher his thoughts. His pale face flushed from his impulsive confession. Lowering his head, he let his master scrutinize him, heart pounding with anxiety.

He had been too rash, exposing his intentions. If rejected, and his master grew angry, what would he do?

After what felt like an eternity, He Lang finally spoke.

“Very well.”

The unexpected agreement fell like a heavenly melody into Jiang Hanzheng’s ears. He froze in disbelief before staring wide-eyed at his master.

“Master? Are you serious? You truly agree…?” Jiang Hanzheng stammered, clutching his robe nervously.

Amused, He Lang nodded again.

“Then…” Jiang Hanzheng bit his lip, his ears burning. His spiritual energy surged uncontrollably, and his mind went blank. His longing had been intense, but now that his master had agreed, he felt lost.

Recalling Huo Yiyang’s actions that day, he felt both sour and expectant. Mimicking them, he shakily unfastened his robe and reached for his master’s.

He Lang, seeing his disciple’s hesitant and bashful demeanor, caught his hand before he could proceed.

Jiang Hanzheng’s heart skipped a beat, his anticipation abruptly halted. He couldn’t understand his master’s intentions.

“You… are truly audacious, though your face is burning.”

He Lang touched his disciple’s flushed cheek, his palm warmed by the heat.

Author’s note: No one’s getting off this train.