Chapter Eleven

Chu Rong stood poised beneath the corridor eave for a moment or two, then turned and went back inside, his flowing sleeves swaying as he moved, carrying with them a drifting trail of faint orchid fragrance.

Yun Zhi's legs were wounded, which slowed him down. By the time he caught up to the outer gate, there was already a scene of wailing and misery all around.

Those who shared his room had been brought to their knees outside Qingfeng Lodge, their faces the color of white paper, hair and clothes in disarray, expressions panicked and despairing — just as he himself had looked so many times before, like dogs cowering and begging to be spared.

The outer-gate administrator, who had always been high and mighty and turned a blind eye to everything, now looked like a gutter rat cornered by a cat — huddled over with trembling shoulders, head bowed before Cen Yan, barely daring to breathe.

So these people could feel fear after all.

Yun Zhi took in every humiliating detail of their faces, inch by inch, committing it all to memory. The fire swirling in his chest blazed hotter and hotter, burning until his blood boiled through his entire body, until his skin felt like it was scorching, until even the tips of his fingers trembled.

He had once believed he could never escape these people for the rest of his life.

But he had done it now.

And all of this was thanks to one person's single word. It was Chu Gongzi who had pointed out the way forward. It was Chu Gongzi who had pulled him out of this hell.

Yun Zhi pressed a hand to his chest, his rough and blood-stained palm feeling the hard, smooth shape of the medicine bottle through the fabric of his collar. His dark eyes gleamed with an astonishing brightness, and the flush spreading across his weathered face was almost glowing.

"Whatever you have to say — take it to the Discipline Hall!" Cen Yan's voice was ice cold, his expression so dark it looked like water was about to drip from it.

Remembering Chu Rong's accusation from the day before, which he had argued against, insisting Chu Rong was slandering his fellow disciples — and now, the scene before his eyes. It was like a slap across Cen Yan's face, sharp and burning.

Cen Yan sent a furious transmission to the Discipline Hall. Before long, several Discipline Hall disciples arrived at the outer gate and, without a word, dragged the administrator and the others away.

The Discipline Hall Head, Yan Zhan, enforced the rules with iron severity. Once inside, they could lose half their lives, and the several of them were terrified to the bone. Struggling wildly, they wept and wailed toward Cen Yan, begging for mercy: "I was wrong! I was wrong! Cen Shixiong, spare us! We won't ever dare again!"

One of them broke free and spotted Yun Zhi standing outside Qingfeng Lodge. His eyes lit up as though grasping at a lifeline. He scrambled on all fours, stumbling over to fall in front of Yun Zhi.

He grabbed the hem of Yun Zhi's robe, his voice frantic with desperation: "Yun Zhi... Yun Zhi, help us... We were just having a bit of fun, messing around with you — we really didn't mean to hurt you..."

Having a bit of fun?

Messing around?

Yun Zhi looked down into the eyes of the man before him. His face was expressionless. Little by little, bit by bit, he pulled his robe free — like pulling away these people's last remaining hope.

Safe travels. Don't bother seeing you off.

Yun Zhi said it to himself, in silence.

Cen Yan noticed the commotion at the doorway and barely managed to tamp down his fury. He walked over to Yun Zhi at a measured pace, stopped before him, and asked: "Would you be willing to come serve in Misty Pine Residence?"

Misty Pine Residence was Cen Yan's dwelling. Yun Zhi was taken aback, staring at Cen Yan in disbelief. Was it Cen Shixiong's intention to take him under his wing?

Even doing only sweeping and cleaning work, serving someone of Cen Yan's standing within the sect would put him in a far better position than any outer-gate disciple, let alone compared to outer-gate errand workers — it was the kind of fortune one couldn't find even with a lantern in hand. How could he possibly be unwilling?

And if he remembered correctly, Chu Gongzi also lived in Misty Pine Residence.

Thinking that he might be able to see that person, Yun Zhi's arms trembled with excitement. His expression lit up with emotion, and his knees were already bending to kneel in gratitude — but a firm arm blocked his way.

Xu Ziyang walked a few steps to Cen Yan's side, and with a slightly disapproving tone, though still warmly delivered, said: "You saw for yourself — the outer gate is a mixed lot. You don't know what kind of person he is. How can you bring him into Misty Pine Residence just like that?"

Did Cen Yan have any idea how many pairs of eyes within the sect were watching him at all times?

There were so many people in the sect he could have gone to for help, yet this particular person had chosen Cen Yan specifically. To say there was no ulterior motive, Xu Ziyang would be the first to disbelieve it.

Cen Yan pressed his thin lips together lightly, his voice cool and leaving no room for discussion: "Shixiong, I have my own considerations."

Xu Ziyang sighed lightly and said nothing more. He had always been unable to do anything with Cen Yan.

Very well.

Once the matter of the test was finished, he would just keep a closer eye on things. One outer-gate errand disciple — it was hard to imagine him stirring up much trouble.

Seeing that Xu Ziyang no longer objected, Cen Yan's gaze fell back on Yun Zhi. He took out a personal token and held it out to Yun Zhi: "With this token, Yun Zhi, you may now move freely between the inner and outer gates. Pack your things, and come find me in Misty Pine Residence later tonight."

Yun Zhi's eyes burned as they fixed on the token, his voice trembling as he agreed. He accepted it with reverence and tucked it carefully away close to his body.

After watching the two of them leave, Yun Zhi went back into Qingfeng Lodge to pack his things.

He had fled here as a refugee with nothing to his name, and in his years in the outer gate the sect had given him barely anything at all. Yun Zhi had almost nothing to pack. He simply folded up a few sets of coarse cloth clothing, and with token in hand made his way to the inner gate.

Cen Yan had informed the inner gate administrator in advance. The moment Yun Zhi entered, the administrator recognized him, and helpfully pointed out the way, personally leading him to Misty Pine Residence and thoughtfully telling him all along the way what tasks he would be responsible for in future, and various details about Cen Yan's daily life and habits.

Yun Zhi listened carefully, committing every word to heart.

Upon arriving at Misty Pine Residence, the administrator added a few more reminders and then took his leave.

The inner gate and the outer gate were worlds apart. Yun Zhi looked up at the tranquil mansion before him, and inevitably felt a touch of unease.

Chu Gongzi was inside?

Yun Zhi's chest felt hot. He nervously tugged at the hem of his robe and straightened his appearance, quickened his pace, and stepped into Misty Pine Residence.

The compound was as quiet inside as it was outside. The covered walkways wound around in countless turns, and lush trees and foliage surrounded everything on all sides. From the administrator's words along the way, Yun Zhi already knew where Cen Yan's room was located.

Then the room next to Cen Shixiong's — that must be...

Yun Zhi's brow twitched. He swallowed twice, his breathing quickening. He set down the bundle on his back, grabbed the corner of his robe and scrubbed his palms roughly against it, then tapped lightly on the door.

Chu Rong heard the knock, stood, and went to open the door.