Chapter 20: The Aftermath of Battle and a Banquet’s Revival

Upon returning to their quarters, the inner disciples, who had been holding themselves upright with sheer willpower, finally collapsed. Each of them clutched their blood-stained clothes, their faces ghastly pale.

The thought of so many lives lost by their own hands brought no joy. However, recalling the brutal murder of their parents in childhood, their hearts hardened instantly, casting aside the last vestiges of reluctance and weakness.

“Senior Brother, this is a dagger I found on a Tartar. Please accept it.” A disciple knocked on Shui Jingxuan’s door and handed him an exquisitely jeweled, seemingly valuable dagger.

Shui Jingxuan found himself unable to refuse and accepted it. No sooner had that disciple left than others arrived, bringing various items. Some even drew baths for him, serving him with exceptional thoughtfulness.

Though these children hailed from different elder factions, they all respectfully addressed Shui Jingxuan as “Senior Brother.”

This clearly demonstrated the immense prestige Shui Jingxuan had garnered during this trial. He was now regarded by the inner disciples as the sole ‘senior disciple,’ his brilliance completely overshadowing Wolf Girl.

This was precisely the effect Shui Jingxuan desired. If he intended to seize control of the Demonic Sect amidst the chaos, replacing the old guard with new blood was essential. These junior brothers would be his primary force.

Therefore, he treated every visitor with courtesy, engaging them in eloquent conversation without a hint of arrogance or impatience. He quickly integrated himself among his fellow disciples.

His approachable demeanor further won the hearts of his junior brothers, ensuring their unwavering loyalty and devotion in the future.

Having fought through the night, these children were utterly exhausted. After making their acquaintance with their senior brother, they bid their farewells and returned to their rooms to rest.

Shui Jingxuan smiled as he saw them to the door. Closing his own door, he waved a hand at Azhuang, who was brimming with fervent adoration and about to speak. “Save it for when you wake up. Wash up and go to sleep now.”

Azhuang’s torrent of admiration was cut short before it could even begin. Yet, his leader could not be defied. He merely clicked his tongue, climbed onto his bed, and closed his eyes.

The sensation of taking a life for the first time was far from pleasant.

Although the children had tried their utmost to suppress their inner terror, in their sleep, the deeply buried negative emotions still erupted, transforming into nightmares that tormented them relentlessly.

Consequently, when the disciples arrived at the Deliberation Hall for the banquet at noon, they all appeared pale-faced, with dark circles under their eyes, looking utterly haggard and listless.

The elders, accustomed to such sights, understood that this negative state was normal. In time, some children would overcome it on their own, while others would crumble, never again able to wield a weapon.

The trial was far from over; they saw no need to intervene now, choosing only to observe quietly.

The inner disciples sat at tables of nine within the Deliberation Hall, awaiting the Sect Master’s arrival.

The ten senior disciples, however, were summoned to accompany the elders, seating themselves around a large round table to dine with the Sect Master.

The brutality of the apocalypse was unimaginable to these ancient people, and killing had long become a habit. Thus, this trial, in Shui Jingxuan’s view, was nothing more than a minor skirmish.

After such intense exertion, he had, in fact, slept soundly. Upon waking, his pristine, fair face glowed with vitality, showing no trace of weariness.

He stood out conspicuously among the ghastly pale, exhausted disciples, drawing frequent glances from the elders.

“The Sect Master has not yet arrived, Master. Please have a cup of tea first.” As if oblivious to the elders’ scrutinizing gazes, Shui Jingxuan filled a cup of tea and respectfully handed it to Elder Mu.

As for the other nine elders, their respective senior disciples were already attending to them, so he had no need to overstep.

“Haha, my dear disciple!” Elder Mu patted his beloved disciple’s head, utterly delighted with his assertive performance today. The envious, jealous, and resentful glances shot his way by the other nine elders were perceived as supreme enjoyment.

“This Venerable One is here. The boy cannot show favoritism, can they? How about pouring a cup of tea for this Venerable One as well?” Before the person arrived, Ji Wushuang’s twin sister’s soaring voice preceded her.

Upon hearing this, everyone quickly rose from their seats and knelt in salute.

“Rise.” Ji Wushuang, accompanied by Wolf Girl, gracefully entered the Deliberation Hall. After settling into the main seat, he raised a hand, signaling them to stand.

“Sect Master, please have some tea.” Once everyone was seated, at Ji Wushuang’s twin sister’s request, Shui Jingxuan approached them and poured a cup of tea for each of them, respectfully offering it to their hands.

“Good boy!” Ji Wushuang’s twin sister patted his head, her voice gentle, her fondness for him growing even deeper. The boy’s character resembled her brother’s, making him utterly pleasing to her eyes.

“The boy, come here, let this Venerable One see.” Ji Wushuang slowly sipped his tea, his eyes crinkling with a smile, and beckoned Shui Jingxuan over.

Shui Jingxuan obeyed, standing beside him and lifting his face to meet his gaze. His eyes, bright as cold stars, looked directly into Ji Wushuang’s face, unafraid and unwavering.

Ji Wushuang curved his lips, reaching out to pinch Shui Jingxuan’s small, delicate jaw. He turned it from side to side, carefully examining his complexion. After a moment, he released him, his deep, resonant voice filled with pleasure. “Hmm, it seems you rested well! How do you feel now?”

Shui Jingxuan rubbed his reddened chin, his phoenix eyes narrowing slightly. He spoke calmly, “I feel quite ordinary.”

“Haha!” Ji Wushuang’s twin sister let out a sharp laugh, clapping her hands. “Well said! How wonderful, ‘I feel quite ordinary’!”

Ji Wushuang glanced at his visibly delighted twin sister, his own pleasure intensifying. He couldn’t help but chuckle softly, saying, “Hmm, remember this feeling. Do not dwell on last night’s events once you return. It will do you no good.”

“Thank you for the Sect Master’s guidance. Axi will remember.” Shui Jingxuan cupped his hands, obediently accepting, quite pleased by his concern.

“Hmm, return to your seat.” Ji Wushuang raised a hand, dismissing him back to his place, then surveyed everyone. “Everyone worked hard today. This Venerable One will not say much more. Let the banquet begin.”

Everyone responded in unison.

While the servants brought out the dishes, the ten elders pondered the Sect Master’s special affection for the boy. Many thoughts arose, and they mused in unison:

‘If the Sect Master truly values the boy, that would be a good thing. It’s far better than constantly favoring Wolf Girl. Wolf Girl is truly incapable of great responsibility!’

The dishes were served one by one, filling the tabletop to the brim. Delicacies from mountain and sea, usually unavailable, were now plentiful. Not only were the dishes dazzling, but the rich, enticing aromas alone made everyone’s mouths water and appetites stir.

Normally, faced with such a lavish feast, the disciples present would have eagerly begun eating. But today, the white meat, red sauces, and colorful side dishes made their stomachs churn and throats clench.

The gruesome scenes they had forcibly tried to forget resurfaced, relentlessly haunting their minds.

“Reporting to the Sect Master, all dishes have been served. Please begin.” The head servant presented the last dish and bowed.

“Hmm,” Ji Wushuang nodded. He was the first to pick up his chopsticks and take a piece of food, then looked at the elders, saying, “You all may eat too.” His gaze lingered on Shui Jingxuan, and he smiled faintly, gently instructing, “The boy, eat more. You’ll grow quickly.”

“Thank you, Sect Master. Axi understands. Sect Master, you should also eat more.” Shui Jingxuan replied politely, even giving Ji Wushuang a sweet smile.

Ji Wushuang and his twin sister were both quite pleased by his obedience, and the sternness in their brows softened considerably.

Wolf Girl secretly glanced at Ji Wushuang’s twin sister, who looked so amiable, then at the boy.

She couldn’t fathom what magic the boy possessed to make the Sect Master’s twin sister, who never showed her any warmth, so pleasant. Compared to the boy, she felt a profound sense of defeat, yet she couldn’t muster an ounce of jealousy towards him.

Lost in her thoughts, Wolf Girl slowly poked at the rice in her bowl with her chopsticks, but made no move to pick up dishes from the table.

She had suffered internal injuries and already had a belly full of medicine. Coupled with the vivid memory of last night’s bloody scenes, she had absolutely no appetite at the moment.

Shui Jingxuan, however, was different. So many delicacies! Not to mention this life, even in his previous life, it had been a long time since he had eaten such a feast.

Although his manners were elegant, his eating was not slow. In a short while, he had finished a bowl of rice, and during the meal, he did not forget to attend to his master, frequently serving him dishes.

Elder Mu, seeing his beloved disciple’s robust appetite, felt his lingering worries completely dissipate. Excellent! Sleeping soundly, eating well—his beloved disciple had easily passed this trial.

His mood brightened, and his own appetite returned. The two exchanged dishes, constantly urging each other to eat more, presenting a heartwarming scene of master-disciple affection that truly caught the eye.

Ji Wushuang’s cold gaze swept over them, his expression unconsciously tightening. ‘If not for what happened two years ago, surely, I would be the one enjoying such master-disciple affection.

Damn it! The boy should have been my disciple!’ Ji Wushuang inwardly cursed this thought for what felt like the hundredth time.

‘Forget it. If there’s no fate, dwelling on it is useless.’ He mused with reluctant resignation, then turned to see Wolf Girl’s lack of appetite. His face darkened, and he picked up a piece of salt-baked shrimp, intending to place it in her bowl.

Seeing his Master’s chopsticks extend, Wolf Girl instinctively moved her bowl away. She found Ji Wushuang’s closeness increasingly difficult to accept in recent years.

Ji Wushuang’s hand, holding the chopsticks, froze. His eyes darkened, countless gloomy emotions swirling within them.

Ji Wushuang’s twin sister let out a scoff, murmuring, “Self-important!”

The chill emanating from Ji Wushuang intensified. Wolf Girl, nearest to him, shivered slightly, finally slowly moving her rice bowl back and quietly saying, “Thank you, Master.”

Ji Wushuang placed the salt-baked shrimp in her bowl, giving her a deep, piercing look, the ice in his eyes showing no sign of melting.

Only when Wolf Girl’s face paled and she slightly lowered her head to avoid his gaze did he expressionlessly avert his eyes.

Their interaction was brief, and no one at the table seemed to notice the awkwardness between them.

Wolf Girl picked up the salt-baked shrimp and reluctantly put it in her mouth. A wave of fishy odor hit her nose, and her stomach violently churned.

She put down her bowl, covered her mouth, and leaned over the table, dry-heaving incessantly.

With Wolf Girl leading the way, the junior brothers in the Deliberation Hall, who had been holding back for a long time, also began to dry-heave one after another. The pleasant atmosphere of the meal was utterly destroyed.

Ji Wushuang slammed his bamboo chopsticks down on the table with a ‘smack,’ his face ashen. He glared at Wolf Girl, reprimanding her sharply, “If you don’t want to eat, get out!”

The ten elders also stopped eating, daring not to continue.

“Apologies, I was rude.” Wolf Girl stood up and bowed to everyone, then turned decisively and left the Deliberation Hall.

“Who else doesn’t want to eat? All of you, get out!” Ji Wushuang looked at the remaining disciples.

No one dared to respond. The disciples all sat upright and unmoving. Defy the Sect Master? Publicly leave the banquet? What a joke.

They weren’t like Wolf Girl, who understood nothing of social graces, nor did they have such a powerful backer. If they truly did that, their masters would surely flay them upon their return!

“Very well. Since you won’t leave, then eat! Don’t think about leaving until you’ve finished.” Ji Wushuang sneered, directing his anger at them.

The disciples below groaned inwardly but showed no outward sign. They all feigned hearty appetites, shoveling rice into their mouths.

Those who vomited midway quickly scooped it back into their bowls and ate it, suffering immensely. Their slight dissatisfaction with Wolf Girl instantly turned into resentment.

“Why are you angry? Don’t let that little hussy ruin a rare banquet!” Ji Wushuang’s twin sister cast a sideways glance at her younger brother, complaining. Then, she beckoned to Shui Jingxuan, who was still happily eating, “The boy, come here. Wolf Girl is gone, sit next to this Venerable One.”

“As you command.” Shui Jingxuan smiled and cupped his hands, then carried his bowl to sit beside Ji Wushuang, his demeanor natural and unhesitant.

After sitting down, he noticed Ji Wushuang’s gloomy expression and, with great tact, picked up a piece of chicken and placed it in his bowl.

He then spoke, “Sect Master, please try this braised chicken. It’s savory, sweet, and sour, with rich juices and delicious flavor. It’s truly appetizing.”

After speaking, he also picked a piece for Ji Wushuang’s twin sister. Since the two were seated sideways, Ji Wushuang’s twin sister was farther from him.

He had to stand up, extending his short arm over Ji Wushuang’s strong arms, and placed the chicken into her bowl.

Reaching out to steady the boy as he leaned against his arm, Ji Wushuang’s gloomy expression instantly cleared. The deep winter chill that had enveloped him melted like snow in the sun, transforming into a gentle spring current.

In this world, there was finally someone willing to approach him, to be close to him. His heart swelled with an indescribable joy.

He chuckled softly, embracing Shui Jingxuan and settling him comfortably. He reached out to affectionately pinch the tender flesh of his cheek, saying gently, “You described it so deliciously, it would be a shame for this Venerable One not to try it.”

With that, he picked up his bamboo chopsticks and resumed eating, carefully chewing the chicken piece the boy had served him. He mused contentedly: ‘Indeed, this braised chicken is exceptionally well made, more delicious than any I’ve had before.’

Having endured others avoiding him and his younger brother for so long, this was the first time someone had actively served him food.

Ji Wushuang’s twin sister’s narrow eyes reddened slightly. After gazing at the chicken piece for a long time, she spoke with a warm smile, “Good child, don’t just mind us. You eat too.”

“Mmm~ I am eating.” Shui Jingxuan replied, his cheeks puffed full of food, a truly amusing sight that made Ji Wushuang and his twin sister throw their heads back and laugh.

The banquet, which had been frozen to zero degrees, regained its initial warmth thanks to Shui Jingxuan’s intervention.

The ten elders secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Meanwhile, the junior brothers, who had been frantically stuffing themselves, finally recovered their senses and inwardly revered their senior brother even more.

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