Chapter 24 Hatred—Part Two
Jiang Cheng added, “Lend me your dog.”
Jin Ling snapped out of his daze. He hesitated for a moment and only whistled after Jiang Cheng shot two lightning-sharp beams from his eyes. The dog sped away in just a few leaps. Wei WuXian, whose body was as stiff as an iron board, could only be dragged forward, walking step by step.
Jiang Cheng found an empty room and put Wei WuXian inside, then closed the door behind him. The dog followed them inside and sat down near the door. Wei WuXian kept staring at the door, afraid that the dog would pounce on him at the next moment. Remembering how he had been controlled in such a short time, he exclaimed in his heart that Jiang Cheng really knew the best way to deal with him.
Meanwhile, Jiang Cheng slowly sat down at the table and poured himself a cup of tea.
For a moment, no one spoke. His cup of tea was still steaming hot. Without taking a sip, he threw it to the ground.
Jiang Cheng had a brief smile on his face, “…Isn’t there anything you want to tell me?”
As a child, Jiang Cheng had witnessed Wei WuXian’s dire state countless times as he ran from dogs. Others might have believed him if he denied it, but in front of someone who knew him so well, it was impossible to deny it. This was a hurdle even more difficult to overcome than Zidian.
In a sincere tone, Wei WuXian replied: “I don’t know what to say to you.”
Jiang Cheng whispered: “You really don’t study, do you?”
Since then, their conversations had always been filled with arguments and debates. Wei WuXiang muttered thoughtfully, “And you haven’t made any progress either…”
Jiang Cheng laughed in anger, “Alright, then let’s see which one of us hasn’t made any progress.”
While still sitting at the table, he shouted in a commanding tone. The dog immediately stood up!
Just being in the same room like that made Wei WuXian sweat profusely. Watching the large, growling dog approach in less than a second, his ears filled with low howls, and his entire body went numb. He had forgotten most of his childhood spent wandering the streets. All he could remember was the fear he felt when chased by the dog and the piercing pain of its teeth and claws piercing his flesh. The fear that had been planted deep within his heart couldn’t be overcome or assuaged, no matter how hard he tried.
Suddenly Jiang Cheng glanced at him, “What name did you call?”
Wei WuXian was so depressed that he couldn’t remember whether he had called anyone’s name. He only managed to calm down after Jiang Cheng ordered the dog to retreat. After a moment of hesitation, he suddenly looked away. Jiang Cheng, on the other hand, had left his seat. A whip was tucked at his waist. With one hand on it, he bent down to look at Wei WuXian in the face. After a pause, he straightened up and asked, “Speaking of which, since when did you get this close to Lan WangJi?”
Wei WuXian immediately understood whose name he had subconsciously called out.
Jiang Cheng smiled menacingly, “It’s strange how far he went to protect you, on Dafan Mountain.”
A moment later, he corrected himself, “No. You’re not necessarily the one Lan WangJi is protecting. Besides, the GusuLan Sect definitely won’t forget what you did to that loyal dog of yours. How could someone so revered for his righteousness tolerate someone like you? Perhaps he even knows this body you stole.”
Her words were cruel and sinister. Every sentence seemed kind on the surface, but was actually condescending. Wei WuXian couldn’t take it anymore, “Watch your mouth.”
Jiang Cheng replied, “I never cared about such things, don’t you remember?”
Wei WuXian mocked, “Oh, that’s right.”
Jiang Cheng snorted, “So, you think you deserve to make me mind my language? Do you still remember? Last time, on Dafan Mountain, did you mind your language when talking to Jin Ling?”
Wei WuXian’s face stiffened.
Having regained control of the conversation, Jiang Cheng looked smug again. He sneered, “‘I thought you didn’t have a mother to teach you.’ Now, you really know where the pain lies, don’t you? The one who caused Jin Ling to be criticized behind her back like that was none other than you. You’re a forgetful old man, aren’t you? Have you forgotten your words and promises? And do you still remember how her parents died?!
Wei WuXian immediately raised his head, “I didn’t forget! It’s just…”
However, he couldn’t find the right words to write it.
Jiang Cheng interrupted, “Just what? You can’t say it? Don’t worry, you can go back to Lotus Pier and state your reasons while kneeling in front of my parents’ graves.”
Wei WuXian calmed himself down and searched for a way out as quickly as possible. Although he had always dreamed of returning to Lotus Pier, he didn’t want to return to that tattered Lotus Pier now!
Suddenly, a series of hurried footsteps approached, and there was a loud banging on the door. Jin Ling shouted from outside, “Uncle!”
Jiang Cheng raised his voice, “Didn’t I tell you to stay where you are? Why did you come here?”
Jin Ling, “Uncle, there is something very important I want to tell you.”
Jiang Cheng, “If there was something important, why didn’t you decide to speak up when I was scolding you?”
“I won’t say it because you keep scolding me! Are you going to listen or not? If not, I won’t say it!” Jin Ling replied angrily.
Jiang Cheng opened the door with an angry expression on his face, “Tell me, then get out!”
As soon as the wooden door opened, Jin Ling stepped in. He had changed into a new white uniform. “I really ran into something troublesome today. I think I ran into Wen Ning!”
Jiang Cheng’s eyebrows twitched. With a hostile expression, he immediately placed his hand on his sword, “Where? When?!”
Jin Ling told him, “It was this afternoon. There’s an old house about twelve miles south of here. I went because I heard something strange was going on there, but who would have thought there was a horrible corpse hiding inside?”
Jing Ling’s words sounded quite convincing. However, to Wei WuXian’s ears, they were all nonsense. He knew exactly where Jin Ling was this afternoon. Besides, if Wen Ning were hiding, unless he deliberately summoned him, it was impossible for a junior to find him easily.
Jiang Cheng, “Why didn’t you tell me earlier?!”
Jin Ling, “I’m not sure. The corpse moved very fast and ran away as soon as I entered. I only saw a vague outline. But I heard the sound of chains he made on Dafan Mountain, so I suspect it might be him. If you hadn’t scolded me like that, I would have told you after I got back. If he ran away and you couldn’t catch him, it would be because of your anger, not mine.” He still wanted to peek inside, but Jiang Cheng was so angry that he slammed the door right in his face. Through the tightly closed door, Jiang Cheng shouted, “I’ll deal with you later. Get lost!”
Jin Ling replied with an “oh,” and his footsteps faded into the distance. Seeing Jiang Cheng turn around, Wei WuXian immediately wore a mixed expression, “I’m so surprised,” “My secret’s out,” and “what should I do now that Wen Ning has been found.” Jin Ling was actually quite clever. Knowing that Jiang Cheng hated Wen Ning more than anything, he had fabricated such a subtle lie with the knowledge he had beforehand. Jiang Cheng knew that the YiLing Patriarch and the Ghost General often appeared together, so he already suspected Wen Ning was around. After hearing Jin Ling’s words, he was already certain, and Wei WuXian’s expression only further convinced him. Furthermore, he exploded with rage every time he heard Wen Ning’s name. With his eyes blinded by rage, how could he still hesitate? The hostility building up in his chest almost made him explode. He flicked his whip, struck the ground beside Wei WuXian, and spoke through gritted teeth, “You really carry your obedient dog around with you, huh?!”
Wei WuXian said, “He died a long time ago, and I died once too. What more do you want?!”
Jiang Cheng pointed his whip at him, “So what? My hatred will remain, even if he dies a thousand times over! He didn’t perish back then. Alright! I’ll destroy him today, with my own hands. I’ll burn him right now, and scatter his ashes right in front of your face!”
He slammed the door behind him and walked into the main hall, ordering Jin Ling, “Watch him closely. Don’t believe or listen to anything he says! Don’t let him make a sound. If he dares to whistle or play his flute, shut his mouth first. If that doesn’t work, just cut off his hands or cut out his tongue!”
Wei WuXian knew that Jiang Cheng was saying these words specifically for him to hear, threatening him not to do anything. The reason Jiang Cheng didn’t bring him along was so that he wouldn’t take advantage of the opportunity to control Wen Ning. Jin Ling replied indifferently, “I know. Of course I can keep an eye on him. Uncle, why are you shutting yourself inside with that damned bastard? What did he do this time?” Jiang Cheng replied, “This isn’t a question you should be asking. Remember to keep a close eye on him. If I come back and confirm he’s missing, I’ll definitely break your legs!” After a few more questions about his exact location, he left with half of his disciples and chased after the missing Wen Ning.
After waiting for a while, Jin Ling’s arrogant voice rang out, “You guys stand there. You guys, wait to the side. You all stand in front of the main entrance. I’ll go in and meet him.”
No student dared to resist. Soon, the door opened again and Jin Ling stuck his head out, his eyes scanning the room. Wei WuXian sat up straight. Jin Ling placed a finger in front of his lips, walked in quietly, touched Zidian, and whispered something.
Zidian could only function if it recognized its owner. Jiang Cheng had probably made it recognize Jin Ling. The electric current instantly went out, and it transformed into a silver ring studded with purple crystals, lying on Jin Ling’s white palm.
Jin Ling said in a low voice, “Let’s go.”
After that unreasonable order, the YunmengJiang Sect disciples scattered everywhere. The two of them silently jumped over the windows and walls. After leaving the shop, they ran silently. As they entered the forest, Wei WuXian heard something strange coming from behind him. Turning around, he nearly died of fright, “Why is he coming too?! Tell him to leave!”
Jin Ling whistled twice, and the dog stuck out its long tongue. It whimpered softly, its pointy ears twitching, and it ran away desperately. Jin Ling sneered contemptuously, “You loser. Fairies never bite. She just looks scary. She’s a spiritual dog trained solely to bite evil beings. Do you really think she’s just an ordinary dog?”
Wei WuXian, “Wait. What do you call it?”
Jin Ling, “Fairy. Her name is.”
Wei WuXian, “You named a dog like this?!”
Jing Ling replied confidently, “What’s with this name? When she was little, she was called Little Fairy. Now that she’s grown up, I can’t keep calling her that.”
Wei WuXian refused, “No. No. No. The point isn’t whether it’s small or not! …Who taught you to name it like that?!” Without a doubt, it was his uncle. Back then, Jiang Cheng had had a few puppies too. The names he chose were names like “Jasmine,” “Princess,” “Love,” and so on, which sounded like the names of expensive girls in brothels. Jin Ling continued, “Real men don’t care about such trivial matters. Why bother with such details? Okay! Stop. Since you’ve offended my uncle, you’re already half-dead. Now, I’ll let you go. We’re even.”
Wei WuXian asked, “Do you know why your uncle wants me?”
Jin Ling replied, “Yes. He doubts you are Wei WuXian.”
Wei WuXian thought, This time, it’s not just a “suspect” anymore. He’s found the right person. He asked again, “Then what about you? Aren’t you suspicious too?”
Jin Ling, “This isn’t the first time my uncle has done something like this. He never lets them go, even if he might have been mistaken. But if Zidian couldn’t retrieve your spirit, I believe you can’t. After all, he’s not a bad person, but you even dared to interfere…”
With a disgusted expression, he paused before mentioning who Wei WuXian had bullied and made a fanning motion as if he were swatting away a fly, “Anyway, from now on, you have nothing to do with the LanlingJin Sect anymore! If you ever do it again, don’t look for anyone from my sect! Otherwise, I won’t let you off the hook!”
After finishing speaking, Jin Ling turned to leave. After walking a few steps, he turned back again, “What are you still doing standing there? Go away. Are you waiting for my uncle to come pick you up? Let me tell you—don’t think I’ll thank you just because you saved me. Don’t expect me to say anything embarrassing.”
Wei WuXian put his hands behind his back and walked over, “Young man, there are two embarrassing sentences in one’s life that must be said, no matter what.”
Jin Ling asked, “Which two?”
Wei WuXian replied, “’Thank you’, and ‘Forgive me’.”
Jin Ling sneered, “What can others do to me if I don’t say so?”
Wei WuXian, “One day, you will say those words while crying.”
Jin Ling let out a spitting sound, just as Wei WuXian suddenly spoke to him, “I’m sorry.”
Jin Ling paused for a moment, “What?”
Wei WuXian, “I’m sorry for the words I said to you on Dafan Mountain.”
This wasn’t the first time Jin Ling had been told he “didn’t have a mother to teach him,” but it was the first time someone had apologized to him in such a serious manner. With “I’m sorry” thrown right in his face, he didn’t know why, but he suddenly felt a little uneasy.
He waved his hands wildly, “It’s nothing. Besides, you’re not the first person to say it. It’s true that I don’t have a mother to teach me. But, I won’t lose to anyone because of this! In fact, I’ll open your eyes and make you see that I’m much stronger than all of you!”
Wei WuXian smiled. Just as he was about to speak, his expression suddenly changed, “Jiang Cheng? You!”
Jin Ling had been feeling guilty ever since he stole Zidian and let Wei WuXian go. Hearing that name, he turned around to look. Seizing the opportunity, Wei WuXian struck Jin Ling’s neck, forming a sword with his hand. He laid Jin Ling on the ground, rolled up the hem of his pants, and examined the Curse Mark on his leg. He tried several methods, but none of them worked. After a while, he sighed, knowing it would be difficult.
Jin Ling slowly woke up after a while. He put his hand to his neck, the pain still lingering. He was so angry that he immediately jumped up and drew his sword, “How dare you hit me! My uncle has never even hit me before!”
Wei WuXian exclaimed, “Really? Didn’t he say he would break your legs over and over again?”
Jin Ling growled, “He’s just talking! You damn bastard, what do you want? I…”
Wei WuXian covered his face and shouted behind Jin Ling, “Ah! HanGuang-Jun!”
Jin Ling was more afraid of Lan WangJi than his uncle. After all, his uncle was from his own clan, while HanGuang-Jun was from a different clan. Frightened, he immediately ran away, shouting, “You damned bastard! You disgusting maniac! I’ll remember you! This isn’t over yet!”
Behind him, Wei WuXian was laughing so hard he couldn’t breathe. After Jin Ling disappeared into the distance, his chest felt tight and itchy, and he finally managed to stop laughing after coughing for a while. Only then did he have time to think.
Wei WuXian was taken home by Jiang FengMian when he was nine years old.
Most of her past memories are blurred. However, Jin Ling’s mother, Jiang Yanli, remembers them all, and even recounts some of them.
He said that, after his father heard that both his parents had died in battle, he had devoted himself to finding the child abandoned by his old friends. After searching for some time, he finally found the child in Yiling. The first time they met, Wei WuXian was kneeling on the ground, eating a fruit peel someone had thrown onto the ground.
The Yiling winter and spring were quite cold, but the child was only wearing thin clothing. His knees were already ragged, and on his feet were two different shoes that didn’t fit at all. As he bent down to look for fruit peels, Jiang FengMian called out to him. He still remembered the “Ying” in his name, so he raised his head. Although his cheeks were red and chapped from the cold, he still smiled.
Jiang Yanli said she was born with a smile on her face. No matter how bad things get, she won’t dwell on it; no matter the situation, she’ll always be happy. While that might sound a bit harsh, it’s actually not that bad.
Jiang FengMian gave him a piece of melon, and he let Jiang FengMian carry him back. At that time, Jiang Cheng was also around eight or nine years old. He raised a few puppies to play with at Lotus Pier. Knowing that Wei WuXian was very afraid of dogs, Jiang FengMian suggested that Jiang Cheng send the dogs away. Jiang Cheng was completely unwilling. After throwing a tantrum that involved breaking things, pouting, and sobbing, he finally sent the dogs away.
Although this caused him to be hostile towards Wei WuXian for a long time, after the two became close, they started causing trouble together. Whenever he encountered dogs, Jiang Cheng would always chase them away, then laugh at Wei WuXian for jumping into trees.
He always thought Jiang Cheng would be on his side, and Lan Wangji on the opposite side. He never imagined things would change so drastically.
Wei WuXian walked toward the meeting point where he and Lan WangJi were supposed to meet. Amidst the dim lights of the night, no one was around. Without looking around, the white-robed figure stood at the end of the street, motionless with his head bowed.
Before Wei WuXian could say anything, Lan WangJi looked up and saw him. After a moment of hesitation, he walked over with a grim expression.
Wei WuXian didn’t know why, but he subconsciously took a step back.
He could almost see the blood-red lines at the corners of Lan WangJi’s eyes. He had to admit… Lan WangJi’s face was indeed quite frightening.