Before he had time to say anything else, a swift figure suddenly leaped out from behind a tree and landed beside them, already running a hand down their shizun's back. It was Xiao. What is he doing here? Did he hear him cough? Was he nearby? Did he follow them? Was he looking for a master, or is it just a coincidence that he is at this pavilion?
In any case, his hand is firm and solid, like the rock he seems to be. He may be young, but he is already transferring some of his energy to restore his master to health. In fact, he gives Chuang an almost reproachful look, as if to say, "What exactly are you good for?" Chuang returns his hostile gaze but remains silent.
Unfortunately, this doesn't seem to have much effect on the master. Worse still, he apologizes profusely for the scene he is making in front of everyone.
"No, no... it's nothing... it'll pass, I just want to take a tour of the sect."
Climb all those steps and go see all those pavilions?
That's not reasonable. Even the master of the Amethyst Pavilion offers him a place to rest at his home, but he refuses.
Xiao looks at his own hand, confused, and frowns. He keeps his hand against him to support him, but stops diffusing his Qi, feeling that it will be useless and that, on the contrary, it would be disrespectful.
"Shizun, if it's for me, there's no need, my decision won't change," Chuang reiterated.
Xiao stares at him, coldly, and throws barbs at him with his haughty tone.
"You really never stop bothering Shizun. If you weren't such a killjoy and a complete idiot, he wouldn't need to show you around the sect. Can't you see that it's your fault?!"
"That's easy for you to say. Any shizun would suit you. All you aspire to is yourself," Chuang scowls, starting to get annoyed.
He runs his hand through his hair, mimicking L'Oréal's advertising campaign by batting his eyelashes and lifting his chin.
"I'm so exceptional. You bunch of losers, kneel before me, I'll become the best cultivator because that's the only way I feel alive."
"You—! And what about you, the dunce who does nothing all day? Aren't you ashamed to get up every day, eat, and sleep for free? You're dragging Shizun down with your reputation. If you want to be a piece of trash, don't drag others down with you!"
"At least I don't have a heart of stone that only thinks about my own interests!" criticized Chuang.
"That's the best one yet! You're just as interested as I am! It suits you just fine to be able to relax without someone lecturing you!" sneered Xiao.
Here we go again.
In general, a master always attracts the same type of disciples, but with Jia Jingzi, there seem to be no rules. These shidis are really very different.
The shizun watched them helplessly, especially since they were making a scene in front of the Amethyst Pavilion! He then placed his hands on their shoulders to gently push them back.
"Come now. As cultivation brothers, you shouldn't say such hurtful things to each other. We are a small family, there for each other, don't forget that."
Well, yes... he plans to give them to another master, so family... He realizes that his words are empty and takes another approach.
"Why don't you help me reach the other pavilions? Maybe we'll run into Ye on the way, I haven't seen him in a while."
The two pout and nod their heads, more obediently. Although behind the shizun's back, Chuang sticks his tongue out at Xiao, who royally ignores him, preferring to help Jia Jingzi.
Xiao can sense that his good shizun is hardly leaning on him at all. He seems to be feeling a little better now that they have resumed walking, no doubt because he doesn't dare to depend too much on his student.
"Did you see one you liked, Xiao?"
After a moment of silence, Xiao nods pensively.
"The Jade Pavilion is the most interesting one at the moment. But this disciple hasn't made up his mind yet."
He lowers his eyes, lost in thought. It's quite rare to see him so humble and unsure of himself. It seems he's taking this decision very seriously.
"Hmm, I see. What exactly do you like about the Jade Pavilion?" Jia Jingzi asked him.
You can sense that the young man is hesitant to speak, as if he is weighing the importance of his words.
"The cultivation techniques seem to be the most effective and powerful, and the cultivators there appear to be the most skilled in the sect. Some lack intelligence, but those who rest on their laurels are quickly removed from the pavilion. There is a strong sense of competition among the cultivators, but as long as you are the best, it's not a problem."
"But the master of this pavilion is very strict... you risk falling behind the other students, aren't you afraid?"
"I'll just have to work twice as hard."
Chuang puts his hand over his mouth, pretending he wants to vomit, and this time Xiao gives him a dark look, not liking his vulgarity. So Chuang adds another layer.
"Xiao-shixiong is going to feel pretty pathetic surrounded by people as competent as him. Maybe that will finally teach him humility. Nah, just kidding."
"You little brat!"
The other grinned at him and snickered as he rushed forward to dodge his attacks.