Chapter Seventy-One: Refusing Charity Food

The large rabbit hopped over to the crooked old pine, nibbling at the weeds by the tree, while Yutu raised his head to look at Zhong Ming. He made no move to act, clearly not here to provoke trouble. Zhong Ming, crouching in the tree, cupped his hands and greeted him, “Honored Immortal Officer, to what do I owe your visit?”

Yutu did not respond, merely flicked his hand, and a giant hand appeared before Zhong Ming, gently pushing him from the tree. If not for Zhong Ming’s agility, he would have landed disgracefully on the ground. Though his tumble was far from elegant and tinged with urgency, he managed to land steadily. Zhong Ming’s brow twitched as he looked up at Yutu, sneering, “Is the Immortal Officer here to amuse himself at the expense of a useless man like me?”

Yutu smiled, “Not at all. I simply dislike anyone standing higher than me, and I dislike speaking to people with my head raised even more.”

Such domineering behavior—dismissing someone’s place simply for a minor dislike. Now Zhong Ming also understood why Yutu stood atop the large rabbit: so that everyone would have to look up at him. Gazing up at a true immortal—was that not the very intention behind Yutu’s inscription, ‘Looking Up to Immortals’?

Yutu paid no mind to Zhong Ming’s reaction and continued with a smile, “I find you rather interesting. The other day, after I froze your core, you still come spiritedly to listen to my sermons. Do you perhaps yearn for my White Jade Capital?”

‘Core’ was a term cultivators used for their dantian, and Zhong Ming understood as much. Yutu’s words rang true—he was accustomed to mortals bowing before him, but rarely saw someone like Zhong Ming, who, after suffering a great loss, still showed no fear. Yutu found himself intrigued.

“I do not yearn for it. I simply passed by and wanted to see what was happening.”

The more obstinate Zhong Ming was, the more Yutu’s interest grew. For Yutu, who had lived through centuries, the longer he lived, the more respect he received, and the more tedious the world of mortals became—even less entertaining than the wildflowers and grass in the mountains. This stubborn youth roused his curiosity, much like the chess set he had seen days before. Novelty always stirred desire.

Still smiling, Yutu said, “If you still begrudge me freezing your core, I can give you a chance today. Though you lack talent, your mind is lively. Why not come to my White Jade Capital? Serve me as a page, pour my tea and water, and I shall unseal your dantian.”

The offer to unfreeze Zhong Ming’s core was a great enticement. But to serve Yutu, to wait upon him, was no real temptation—it sounded more like an insult. Zhong Ming was not lacking in backbone. He sneered, “Thank you for your kindness, Immortal Officer, but perhaps you’ve heard the saying, ‘A gentleman does not eat the bread of humiliation.’”

“Oh? You refuse? Truly stubborn.” Yutu pointed at Zhong Ming’s nose and said, “That temperament of yours is just like the single-minded sword cultivators of Sword Cliff, and also like those pedantic scholars of Hidden Fortune Manor. If you wish to seek immortality, you may be better suited to their company.” Without waiting for Zhong Ming’s reply, he continued, “Yet, I prefer people like you as my pages. If you change your mind, come find me in the city. My word is law.”

Such humiliating words—Zhong Ming did not even deign to answer. This air of superiority—who knows how many admirers Yutu had accumulated to cultivate such a nature.

Turning, Yutu glanced at Fei Dacheng and said, “You mortal, your whistling is truly grating. Cease at once.” Fei Dacheng, who had been pretending to whistle, stopped immediately, cursing quietly: “Damn Immortal Officer, always meddling.”

But after a glance at Fei Dacheng, Yutu could not look away. He circled Fei Dacheng curiously, pinched the fat on his belly, and asked, “Little fellow, were you always this fat as a child?”

“Yes, Immortal Officer,” Fei Dacheng stammered, his voice trembling, cold sweat beading on his brow and back. Was it possible the Immortal had heard his curses and intended to eat him?

Yutu seemed pleased, nodding repeatedly. “Good! Very good! You’re coming with me!” Without waiting for a reply, Yutu leapt onto the rabbit, swept his sleeve, and Fei Dacheng was pulled up onto the rabbit’s back as well.

The long-eared rabbit’s eyes bulged in shock, nearly fainting on the spot. Fei Dacheng was so heavy he pressed the rabbit’s spine down with his weight. Yutu cared nothing for the rabbit’s suffering, urging it onward as it bounded toward the city.

“Immortal Officer, you can’t just take someone away without reason!” This time Zhong Ming was genuinely panicked. He stretched out his hand and shouted, but Yutu paid him no heed.

On the rabbit’s back, Fei Dacheng clung tightly to its short fur, eyes squeezed shut, shouting, “Sir, my flesh is not tasty, it’s all rancid—please, spare me!” “Silence!” With another wave, Yutu froze Fei Dacheng’s lips, stopping his cries.

The big rabbit hopped away, but clearly lower than before—Fei Dacheng’s weight was a true burden. Watching Yutu’s figure recede, Zhong Ming still waved, wanting to shout, wanting to give chase. But reason told him it was useless—in front of Yutu, he was but a child, powerless in word and deed.

He pounded the trunk of the old pine in frustration, then, his mind racing, turned and hurried back toward the village.

…

Upon returning to the village, Zhong Ming sought out Liang Yu, Toothless, and others, sending them into the city to gather news, while he himself rushed anxiously to the carpenter Li’s house.

Fei Dacheng had just been taken by Yutu—he had to be saved, but how? It was a daunting task; daunting was an understatement—impossible was more like it. As far as Zhong Ming knew, not a single person could rival Yutu, save perhaps the archer, Hu Su. If he wanted Hu Su’s help, it was better to ask the carpenter Li than to ask himself.

So Zhong Ming went straight to Li’s house, begging him to save Fei Dacheng.

When Zhong Ming entered, Lady Li was soothing the children. The eldest, Li Guangling, sat at the table reading a treatise by Master Chen on the governance of rivers. The second son, Li Wangye, rushed over to greet Zhong Ming, calling out sweetly, “Brother Zhong!”

Zhong Ming responded absently to Li Wangye, then quickly turned to Lady Li, “Auntie, is Uncle Li at home?”

Before she could reply, the carpenter Li emerged from the inner room, robe draped over his shoulders, eyes still heavy with sleep. “Zhong, what brings you here today with so much time on your hands?”

Zhong Ming hurriedly said, “Uncle Li, I need your help—it's urgent!”

Seeing Zhong Ming’s anxious expression, Li immediately knew it was serious. He frowned, gestured for Zhong Ming to sit, while Lady Li took Li Wangye into the inner room and Li Guangling paused in his reading, listening closely.

Once seated, Zhong Ming recounted all that had happened. Li’s expression grew grave. After a long silence, he sighed, “Zhong, I cannot help you in this matter. I’ll be frank—I don’t want Hu Su to get involved. Even if he could help, it would be a death sentence, and the rescue would fail, costing you all your lives.”

Hearing this, Zhong Ming’s eyes dimmed—he had expected as much.

Li drummed his fingers on the table, the crisp tapping only increasing the tension. After a while, he said, “Zhong, I advise you to let this go. Don’t throw your life away. Yutu is no ordinary Immortal Officer—you cannot contend with him.”

Zhong Ming forced a bitter smile and cupped his hands, “Thank you for your advice, Uncle Li. I understand.”

He rose and left at once, harboring no resentment. In such dire matters, help would be a great favor; to refuse was only natural. There was no blame to be had.

As he exited, Li Guangling asked, “Father, why won’t you help Brother Zhong? He truly cares for the village.”

Li sighed, “I wish I could, but my hands are tied. I’ve already discussed this with your Uncle Hu. Against Fairy E Chan, he has less than a ten percent chance. Against Yutu, not even thirty. Besides, there are many disciples of White Jade Capital in the city, some of whom match your Uncle Hu in skill. Sending him would be a gamble with almost no chance of winning. Your Uncle Hu is our family’s foundation—without him, how could I protect you and your mother? I cannot risk your lives for another’s chance at salvation.”

Li Guangling, wise beyond his years, frowned in thought, remembering Zhong Ming’s desolate figure as he left. He murmured, “Father, if I had Uncle Hu’s skill, I would help Brother Zhong with all my might. He is a true gentleman, worthy of aid. Our ancestors taught us: a gentleman values others above himself, puts others before himself. Father, perhaps you are wrong…”

Li smiled and patted his son’s shoulder, “Guangling, I’m glad you have such selfless righteousness. But let me tell you this: from your position, I am wrong. But if you ever stand in my place, you will know that I am right.”

Father and son exchanged helpless glances, sighing across the table.

…

Zhong Ming left the Li household, fists clenched tight. He glanced at Hu the hunter’s house, pounded his own palm in frustration, and strode away quickly.

At the house next door, Sun Luolian was standing in the courtyard, having been watching the Li house, clearly waiting to speak to Zhong Ming. As he left, she smoothed her hair and called softly, “Brother Zhong, where are you going?”

“Lian, I have urgent business. We’ll talk another day!”

Without looking back, Zhong Ming hurried off into the village. Disappointment welled up in Sun Luolian’s heart, but soon worry replaced it—what could have happened to make the usually calm Brother Zhong so frantic?

Watching Zhong Ming’s retreating figure, she clung to the fence and called out, “Brother Zhong, take care of the charm I gave you—it will keep you safe!”

“Don’t worry, Lian. It’s nothing serious. I always carry your charm with me!”

From afar, Zhong Ming waved and ran quickly toward the home of Zhang Daozhen and his apprentice.

In the courtyard, Sun Luolian felt a sweetness in her heart, murmuring, “Let nothing happen to him…”