Chapter Thirteen: Rising to the Clouds

Following the man and the bear, they arrived at the cave where the Ma siblings lived.

The cave was spacious—if it were built into a house, it could easily accommodate six or seven rooms. In front of the cave stood two bamboo sheds, one for firewood and the other serving as a makeshift kitchen.

The cave was well-lit and ventilated. On each side sat a stone bed covered with brocade quilts, clearly belonging one to the brother and one to the sister. Between them stood several large jars, storing grain, clothing, and daily necessities.

In a corner was the great clumsy bear’s nest. At this moment, a plump, dusty gray rabbit lay there, barely glancing at the newcomers, neither curious nor afraid of these strangers.

“My brother isn’t back yet… Oh, it’s almost time for dinner. Why don’t you cook? My brother is a glutton too; you could win him over through his stomach, and then he won’t dislike you.”

The more Ma Xue’e spoke, the prouder she felt of her own cleverness—what a perfect plan, both a delicious meal and a way to get her brother to accept Luo Changning; two birds with one stone.

Watching Ma Xue’e beam with excitement, Luo Changning could only smile helplessly and went off to cook as asked.

Though there was nearly a whole hour before dark, and they had only just finished eating grilled fish, the available ingredients were limited. Luo Changning could only make a few simple dishes. His culinary skills were honed in childhood to please his mother, though Su Qinqin never showed any unusual reaction to his cooking.

He prepared braised bird eggs, fried fish pieces, spicy boiled fish, dried green beans stewed with cured meat, steamed egg custard, rice with cured meats, and a lotus millet porridge.

Gazing at the feast on the table, Ma Xue’e decided she must cling tightly to Luo Changning’s “thick thigh”—her chance at good food. The big clumsy bear nodded to itself as well; I too must hold on to this “little leg.”

“Who are you?” The voice was cold as ice. A handsome youth in a blue jacket appeared silently at the entrance, his face dark and somber.

The temperature in the cave plummeted. A murderous aura swept straight toward Luo Changning’s face.

Unperturbed, Luo Changning tilted his head and dodged; the killing intent struck the stone wall, splitting open a crack two fingers wide and a foot deep, scattering stone chips everywhere.

Witnessing this, Luo Changning’s thoughts raced: So this is innate true energy—remarkable indeed. If I hadn’t trained in the Childlike Body Technique to be so agile, and if he hadn’t held back, I’d likely already be dead.

Ma Qingyun is only at the minor accomplishment stage of Innate, yet still wields such power. Who knows how terrifying the “Connection to Heaven” stage would be? I’ve clearly underestimated the martial arts of this world. Without venturing into the wider world to broaden my experience, I’ll forever be a frog at the bottom of a well, my hopes of revenge in vain.

“Brother, he’s my friend. Why did you try to kill him the moment you arrived?” Ma Xue’e said with a coquettish complaint.

Ma Qingyun snorted coldly, “People’s hearts are no longer what they were, and the world is unpredictable. Little sister, don’t trust others so easily. If you meet someone with ill intentions, even I might not be able to save you.”

Luo Changning arched his brow and smiled, “I’m afraid Xue’e’s martial arts are above mine, and with a big clumsy bear at her side, how could I hurt her? Besides, I’ve never thought of harming her—after all, she’s a Ma, and I’m a Luo. Both our names carry the character for ‘horse’—in a sense, we’re like family.”

In a flash, Ma Qingyun appeared before him, grabbing his collar, his gaze sharp as a blade. “I’ll ask you again—who are you, and what are you doing here?”

Luo Changning frowned, puzzled by the youth’s hostility.

“My name is Luo Changning, heir to the Su family’s medical clinic in Qingyang County. I came to Mount Mo Hui today just to try my luck, to see if I could find something useful. As for plotting—what could someone whose meridians aren’t even all open possibly plot?”

“Brother, you’re being unreasonable! Brother Luo treats me well—he even gave me meat buns! And if Brother Luo were a bad person, the big clumsy bear would have sent him flying long ago.”

Ma Xue’e pouted, finding her brother irrational and quick-tempered. If he angered Luo Changning and drove him away, who would cook for them then?

“Brother Ma, please believe me—I truly wish to be friends with you both.”

Their eyes met—one open and frank, the other deep and reserved. After a long pause, Ma Qingyun said, “This friendship, I’ll accept. Because I see in your eyes the same hatred as in mine.”

Luo Changning was taken aback. He thought he’d hidden his emotions well, yet the youth saw through him in an instant. He silently resolved to better control his hatred and not let it show.

“Thank you for the warning, Brother Ma,” Luo Changning replied with a smile and a clasped fist.

Friendship between men often blossoms swiftly, especially when they recognize a kindred spirit in each other.

Ma Xue’e’s bright eyes darted between them. “Brother, Luo Changning, what are you talking about? I don’t understand a thing.”

Ma Qingyun’s face remained stern and expressionless. “With your intelligence, little sister, it’s no wonder. But if we keep standing here chatting, I’m afraid Brother Luo will have to cook again soon.”

Luo Changning couldn’t help but chuckle—Ma Qingyun was certainly sly.

Just as Xue’e was about to ask why, she caught sight of the big clumsy bear’s oily paw stealthily reaching for the plate on the table. Most of the fried fish pieces were already gone, leaving only a few pitiful morsels.

The brown bear was happily gobbling them up when suddenly it realized everyone was staring, especially Ma Xue’e, whose eyes seemed to blaze with fire.

With a gulp, and in the blink of an eye, the bear snatched the plate up to its mouth and swallowed the remaining fish pieces in one gulp.

“You greedy fat bear! You’re done for—no cooked food for you for half a month—no, a whole month!”

The bear let out a mournful howl, tears glistening in its eyes, but Ma Xue’e’s heart was as hard as stone.

“All right, enough. The food’s getting cold,” Ma Qingyun stepped in to mediate the quarrel.

They all sat down and began to eat.

Throughout the meal, Ma Xue’e couldn’t stop exclaiming, “Mmm, this is delicious! That’s even better…”

Even the stoic Ma Qingyun started picking up food faster and faster. Having grown up in the deep mountains without elders or servants, they were used to fending for themselves. Aside from the rare treats Ma Qingyun brought back from his monthly trips to town, their daily meals were simple and haphazard. With no guidance and little talent for cooking, the food they made was barely edible.

After the meal, Luo Changning washed the dishes and returned to the cave.

“I don’t know why you two are hiding away in these mountains, but it’s no way to live in the long run. Xue’e is still young—she can’t spend her whole life wasting her youth here with you. Girls her age outside are all dressed up, visiting temple fairs, and releasing lanterns.

Hiding here, you’ll never have your revenge. Why not come down the mountain with me? My family’s place is rarely visited by outsiders—you won’t have to worry about being found. And if Xue’e wants to go out, my aunt can disguise her. My aunt’s skills are top-notch—she won’t let your enemies recognize you.”

Ma Qingyun was silent for a long time before finally nodding. “All right.”

He could bear hardship, but he couldn’t let his sister suffer. And only by killing that man could they wash away the sins that haunted them.

Ma Xue’e was half-lying on the big clumsy bear. At these words, she turned to look at the two of them, her face lit with surprise. “Really? Brother, we can go live at Luo Changning’s house? Is it big enough for the big clumsy bear?”

The bear looked at them too, as if pleading: Wherever the little girl goes, I’ll follow. As long as there’s good food…

Seeing the hope in his sister’s eyes, Ma Qingyun felt even more ashamed. His heart might be cold, but he could never harden it against Ma Xue’e.

When Luo Changning nodded with a smile and said, “Of course, the big clumsy bear and Gray Rabbit will come with us,”

“Yay, wonderful! Luo Changning, my brother has lots of money. He’ll buy the ingredients, and you’ll cook delicious food for us, won’t you?” Ma Xue’e leapt up excitedly and rushed to Luo Changning.

“All right.” Faced with such a radiant smile, he could not refuse.