Chapter 4.9
No matter how much effort Sui Yuan wastes to try contacting He Linayu again, he only gets one sentence in reply each time - "I’m very clear about what I want, no need to continue negotiations."
Sui Yuan really wants to fall on his knees before him! Wanting to obtain the female lead is impossible, and wanting another supporting male lead is illogical! Comrade, please wake up ah!
He is unable to make sense of why besides the unreliable male lead, even the other supporting male leads are beginning to run around in all directions and frantically messing up everything in their path. Presently, the only thing he can do is conscientiously play his role and fulfil all his scenes until the end.
Therefore, even though He Lianyu refuses to contact him again, Sui Yuan does everything according to the plot and invites Shen Jiayi down the mountain to participate in the Cultivator Convention. At the same time, he notifies his villain compatriot that everything will proceed as planned.
While the Cultivator Convention might sound grand, it is, in fact, simply an auction where fellow cultivators can sell any items they crafted or gained. This particular convention opens once every ten years, and only cultivators who got a personal invitation are entitled to enter. However, each card allows the holder to bring a companion or two in.
Although Shen Jiayi is already a Core Formation stage cultivator, she hasn’t yet made a name for herself within the cultivation world, so naturally, she did not receive an invitation. On the other hand, Sui Yuan’s current character, Liu Minghui, is a well-known genius, a young talent within his sect. Even if Shao Peiyuan has entered the Nascent Soul stage a step before him, he is still thought of well enough to receive an invitation.
When Sui Yuan raised the issue of going down the mountain with him, Shen Jiayi’s initial reaction is one of pleasant surprise, followed by shyness. With the rumours regarding them circulating around the sect, she is naturally privy to them. Although Sui Yuan has always been an upright gentleman whenever they interact, and has never shown more than friendly regard towards her, Shen Jiayi is still somewhat touched.
In the premise before she discovers Sui Yuan’s ’true identity’, his status, strength and so on all appeal to the realistic Shen Jiayi. Similarly, she has a rather good opinion of this Senior Marital Brother who is always taking good care of her, which is why she doesn’t loathe the gossip going around. Only, these rumours also involve her master whom she deeply respects, causing her to feel a little downcast under all the happiness.
Being his succeeding disciple, Shen Jiayi knows better than anyone else that while Master Xuan Ling does treat her well, he doesn’t see her as a friend. All the concern he shows is the responsibility of a master towards his disciple, that’s it. Most importantly, who will treat a woman they like so icily? In her opinion, this master of hers is even more affectionate towards Senior Brother Liu. After all, he has never taken the time to check on her every day without fail whenever she is injured!
Shen Jiayi is still unclear where the rumours pertaining to Master Xuan Ling’s intentions towards her came from, and was rather astonished to discover even the sect leader and several other Elders apparently believe it wholeheartedly. She really doesn’t know whether to laugh or cry ah. Still, she is incapable of taking the initiative to explain everything in public. Shen Jiayi can only hope for these baseless gossips to fade away as quickly as possible and return her Master’s clean reputation.
In order to prevent others continuously mistaking her master and her being a couple, Shen Jiayi gradually becomes closer to Sui Yuan, immediately accepting the invitation when Sui Yuan brings it up. Truth be told, she is also very curious about the Cultivator Convention, and wants to take this great opportunity to check it out.
This subplot regarding the convention is actually pretty peaceful. Sui Yuan only needs to follow the script to purchase a few relatively inexpensive materials for charm-making. As for Shen Jiayi, her natural charisma snags her the favour of a young master from an influential cultivator family, who proceeds to stake a thousand pieces of gold in one throw just to win a single smile from the beauty. In a world where some characters have bent out of shape and are causing him despair, this scene gives Sui Yuan a sliver of confidence.
Sure enough, this is the way of BG worlds!
This young master is distinguished, attractive and intelligent, somewhat arrogant but not malicious. Inwardly pleased but outwardly unmoved, Sui Yuan savours this feeling of finally being treated as a love rival by another male character. At the same time, he also witnesses a handful of supporting male leads hovering around the female lead, enamoured by her.
This convention scene can also be considered the very first stage where all the supporting male leads are gathered in one place. After all, those worthy of this title should have at least some sort of status. Therefore, as one of the ’predestined supporting male lead’, Shao Peiyuan naturally appears.
However, when the others flock towards the female lead, Shao Peiyuan doesn’t conform to the norm. As soon as he catches sight of Sui Yuan and Shen Jiayi, he hurries over and directly occupies the seat next to Sui Yuan before inquiring about his health.
Needing to pay close attention to the female lead and her unofficial harem while the other half of his brain is constantly worrying about whether or not He Lianyu will act accordingly, Sui Yuan’s heart is extremely stressed! Therefore, he inevitably becomes a tad absent-minded with conversing with Shao Peiyuan.
"Minghui, you..." Seeing Sui Yuan’s eyes travel back to Shen Jiayi for the seventh time in as many minutes, Shao Peiyuan eventually cannot resist asking. "Do you have some intentions towards Junior Sister Shen?"
Sui Yuan stiffens, turning to look at him. "Why do you ask?"
"I just heard a few rumours pertaining to the both of you immediately after emerging from closed-door cultivation..." Shao Peiyuan admits somewhat awkwardly.
A small smile troubled curving his lips, Sui Yuan replies, "I didn’t expect it to spread all the way to the Heavenly Element sect..."
An indescribable itch in his heart, Shao Peiyuan presses on. "Are the rumours true?"
Eyes dropping down to his lap, Sui Yuan recites one of Liu Minghui’s lines concerning the female lead, "Wise, virtuous, sweet and graceful. A nobleman will naturally pursue."
"......You are right, I suppose." Shao Peiyuan laughs, sounding a little strained and less cheerful. Even he himself also feels that his reaction is a little strange. Subconsciously pondering over the sudden gloominess that settles in his heart, he quickly returns his attention back to the items on the auction stage.
Sui Yuan secretly exhales in relief. A moment ago, he was so afraid that he will hear "but the one I love will always be you" or something cringe-worthy and melodramatic along those lines. Thank god that he was proven to be merely overthinking.
Everything has not fallen to such a terrible state! Shao Peiyuan is still a good comrade walking down the BG path!
Cultivators are actually rather busy people too, so once the convention concludes, the female lead bids farewell to the group of supporting male leads, preparing to return to the Heavenly Cosmos sect with Sui Yuan. Shao Peiyuan will also be returning to his own sect, but seeing as the Heavenly Element sect is on the same Distant Heavens mountain range, he decides to tag along.
The plot is making headway according to the original text. Thus, the villainous plan formed between Sui Yuan and He Lianyu slowly comes to fruition.
Following their agreement, Sui Yuan leads Shen Jiayi - and the additional Shao Peiyuan - to the pre-arranged location. Afterwards, he will only have to disappear from the female lead’s side and allow He Lianyu the perfect opportunity to strike. Since the Demon Cultivator has reached Solid Aspect stage, which is the equivalent of Nascent Soul stage in Righteous Cultivators, dealing with an initial-level Core Formation Shen Jiayi will be a piece of cake.
A pity that no matter how strong he is, He Lianyu is no match for Shen Jiayi’s master. After receiving information that his disciple has suffered losses in his hands, Xuan Ling immediately exacts revenge on her behalf, chasing this villain with the intention to kill until the Demon Cultivator’s face turns blue. He only manages to save his little life when he eventually succeeds in returning to the safety of his sect. Having been beaten to a near-death state, the arrogant He Lianyu develops a deep resentment for this master and disciple pair, and his feelings towards Shen Jiayi becomes exceedingly complicated.
Scanning through the small slip of paper from He Lianyu confirming all preparation is completed - and ignoring the last line of "will you hand over Shen Jiayi or give yourself in exchange" - Sui Yuan pushes the guestroom’s door open, walking out to the hallway. Lifting his head to stare at the full moon above, he remains motionless, guarding the room to ensure the female lead does not go anywhere without his knowledge.
This is the scene Shen Jiayi chances upon when she exits the room a while later. A trace of worry rises in her heart as she beholds the faint, bleak aura clinging to him. She takes a step forward with the intention to approach, only to realise Shao Peiyuan is already beside Sui Yuan, asking in a low tone, "What’s the matter? Couldn’t sleep?"
Glancing at the man next to him, Sui Yuan deeply wishes he can toss the other away and watch him disappear amongst the clouds. "Cultivators like us don’t need much rest. The moonlight is brilliant tonight, so I decided to come out and admire it."
Compared to Liu Minghui, Shao Peiyuan is less appreciative of nature and art. Following Sui Yuan’s gaze, he stares out the window at the moon above, but doesn’t feel anything at all. However, he doesn’t spoil the other’s enjoyment and agrees. "Indeed, clear and cleansing. Since you don’t feel tired, how about accompanying me for a walk under the moonlight?"
Sui Yuan chokes, nearly grabbing Shao Peiyuan by the shoulders and shaking him vigorously until this person spits out blood!
The lines being exchanged during this conversation is without a doubt according to the script, but Shao Peiyuan’s last sentence is what Liu Minghui says to woo the female lead ah! You shamelessly steal my lines and say it to the wrong target, is this really all right?!
In his peripheral vision, he notices the female lead smiling lightly and exhale. A second later, she quietly retreats, turns around and goes back into the room. Luckily, Sui Yuan’s hands are clamped on the window sill, or else he would have fallen to the ground on all fours in anguish.
"...Sure." Swallowing a mouthful of blood, Sui Yuan reckons that if he can’t get the female lead to go out for a walk with him, then he should adapt to the situation and bring Shao Peiyuan away. For better or for worse...he just needs to ensure Shen Jiayi is alone, right?
"As long as you have Ah Q’s[1] mentality, we will always be victorious." 5237 hovers by his side, subtly roasting its partner.
Flinging his sleeve, Sui Yuan knocks the mouthy system away and shoots Shao Peiyuan a smile. "Let’s go, then."
Brought out of his slight daze by the sound of Sui Yuan’s voice, Shao Peiyuan quickly realises he has forgotten his manners. A strained smile on his face, he catches up to Sui Yuan and falls into step beside him.
Inwardly weeping, Sui Yuan employs a ’honey trap (?)’ method to lure Shao Peiyuan away, leaving the female lead alone at the inn. Unknowingly, the two men leave the city walls, a short stroll turning into a rather long walk. Due to his solemn mood, Sui Yuan can’t be bothered to converse with Shao Peiyuan - in any case, the person he likes is Liu Minghui, not the actor wearing his face. Seemingly able to detect his desires, Shao Peiyuan is content to accompany him in silence. Beneath the brilliant moonlight, the quiet atmosphere is not the least bit awkward. On the contrary, the taciturn air is rather harmonious, allowing a person’s heart to relax.
Suddenly, dark clouds begin to draw towards the centre of the city as an indistinct, demonic roar breaks the night’s silence. Sui Yuan’s heart leaps in cheer, but he quickly plasters on a look of fear. "Not good, it’s the Demonic sect!"
"Junior Sister Shen is still in the city!" Shao Peiyuan exclaims, inwardly annoyed at himself for proposing Sui Yuan to go for a walk and completely forgetting about the Junior Martial Sister who possesses the weakest cultivation amongst this group of three. Grabbing Sui Yuan’s wrist, he is just about to haul the other away and rush back when the two of them are abruptly surrounded by Demonic Cultivators.
Although Demonic and Righteous Cultivators are of two different paths and cannot work together, they are not completely incompatible. Under ordinary circumstances, both sides will not war with each other. As long as they stay courteous, they can exchange conventional greetings civilly. At present, however, even an idiot will be able to tell these guys are not out for a moonlight walk. Immediately unsheathing his sword, Shao Peiyuan pushes Sui Yuan behind his back in a protective gesture just as the latter pulls out a few charms.
This short skirmish is not at all intense as Shao Peiyuan is not aiming to thrash them all. His goal is breaking away from the enemies and quickly return to the inn to help Shen Jiayi. On the other side, the Demonic Cultivators’ orders are not to kill them, but to delay. Adding on Sui Yuan’s subtle impediment, the two youths wasted quite a lot of time and effort fending the group off. By the time the Demonic Cultivators retreat and the dark clouds scatter, it is already deep into the night.
Shao Peiyuan watches them go, expression hard and filled with self-blame. A step behind him, Sui Yuan is rejoicing over the fact that He Lianyu did not let him down at the crucial moment. But is also equally worried about the off-chance he might kidnap the female lead and carry her off to who knows where.
Hastily making their way back to the tavern, Shao Peiyuan jerks in shock as soon as he lands on the roof of the inn. Peeking over his shoulder, Sui Yuan too, cannot help the furious glare seeping through his calm façade.
Because the very person who should have snatched away Shen Jiayi’s possessions and fled is still lingering here. Sitting nonchalantly on the tiled roof with one hand pressing the female lead down and a jug of wine in the other, He Lianyu still has the cheek to greet them cheerfully as soon as he notices their presence.
"Let go of Junior Sister Shen!" Shao Peiyuan growls in anger, charging towards the smug, purple-robed man with sword swinging down.
Leaping to his feet, the Demonic Cultivator merely smirks wider, leaving behind a single sentence, "Hand Liu Minghui over if you wish to save Shen Jiayi," before disappearing without a trace. Failing to land a hit on He Lianyu, Shao Peiyuan takes out his rage on the now-vacant roof tiles.
"It was merely a phantom image. He Lianyu has most probably left with Junior Sister Shen. By now, he would already be more than a thousand miles away," Sui Yuan states in a low voice, expression dark.
Shao Peiyuan snaps around immediately, clamping a hand on his shoulder, tone earnest as he speaks. "The words of a Demonic Cultivator are untrustworthy. He is using Junior Sister Shen as a bait, but there are no guarantees he will let her go after getting his hands on you. Minghui, you must not do something as foolish as exchanging your life for Junior Sister Shen!"
Shao Peiyuan can’t help spurning himself right this moment. Although he is naturally worried about Shen Jiayi, a human’s heart will always be biased. For Liu Minghui to risk his life in order to ensure Shen Jiayi’s safe return is something Shao Peiyuan is absolutely unwilling to allow.
Forcing a small smile on his face, Sui Yuan’s gaze drops to the roof beneath his feet, eyelashes trembling slightly. Acute sorrow rushes through his being.
A pig teammate. Yet another pig teammate! Even if he is oppressed and crushed to dust, it wouldn’t be able to fully express the full despondency in his heart right now!!
Footnotes:
[1] Ah Q: The antihero of a popular satirical text called "The True Story of Ah Q". It follows the first-person recount of his fellow villagers and as such, is an unreliable narrator. Ah Q is always thinking everything has/is/will unfold according to his wishes because he stubbornly chooses to view things this way.
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