Chapter 35: Meeting Xu Xian Again

The next day.

As the morning sun began to rise, Luo Zijun was already out of bed. He opened the window, feeling refreshed and invigorated. Although he had slept for only a little over two hours the night before, he felt no drowsiness at all; on the contrary, he felt exceptionally energetic and filled with strength. Martial arts practice truly had its benefits!

In the small courtyard, the sun shone brightly, and sparrows chirped incessantly on the branches. Xiao Huan had risen even earlier and was currently crouching in the courtyard, washing clothes. His elder sister had already prepared breakfast, while his brother-in-law had already left for his duties at the magistrate's office, as he always did, leaving early and returning late.

After finishing breakfast, Luo Zijun prepared to leave. Before he departed, Luo Jiaorong pressed three taels of silver into his hand, urging him, "Since it's your first time at the academy, you'll surely meet some friends. Treat them to a meal so you can get to know them. That way, if you run into any trouble at the academy, you'll have people to help you."

Luo Zijun looked at the silver in his palm and then at his sister’s loving eyes. A long-forgotten emotion suddenly surged in his heart. He knew that this silver was something his sister had taken a long time to save. She often took in sewing work for others, sometimes earning only a few copper coins at a time. These three taels of silver likely represented more than half a year of stitching and mending. He looked at his sister’s hands, which were covered in small scars, and his heart suddenly felt a sharp pang of bitterness.

But he knew he had to accept the money.

"Thank you, Sister."

He tucked the silver away and looked at the young woman before him. She was only in her early twenties, yet she had already shouldered responsibilities that should never have belonged to her. In his previous life, his sister would have been called a pitiful "brother-spoiling fool" for being stuck with someone like him.

His sister was pitiful, and his brother-in-law was even more so. Yet, neither of them had a single complaint; instead, they silently worked hard to earn money for his schooling and his future marriage. Was this what familial love was? No. He did not need it. He was destined to leave this place eventually. Of course, before he left, he would repay this kindness. He would definitely repay it!

Stepping out of the house and walking through the narrow alley, he quickly calmed his emotions and began to consider his mission. The first step had been taken: enter the academy and become friends with Xu Xian. If he could remain by Xu Xian's side, it would be best to prevent him from meeting Lady White. But that seemed unlikely. Since the two shared a predestined bond from a past life, they would meet regardless of his efforts.

Therefore, he had to follow his original plan: lead Xu Xian down a path of corruption, or ensure he married someone else as soon as possible. As for Lady White, if she appeared, he would have to find ways to make her impression of Xu Xian increasingly worse, or perhaps make her fall for someone else. Once Lady White married another, his task would be complete. Thus, he had to handle both Xu Xian and Lady White, keeping a close watch on both. A two-pronged approach was best. Dealing with Xu Xian should be simple enough—money and deception ought to suffice. As for Lady White... he would need more than just money and trickery; he needed real capability. If he could master his martial arts and solve some of her problems to earn her trust, it would be much easier.

Therefore, his top priority remained earning money and practicing martial arts.

Only by becoming powerful himself could he earn the trust of others, making his words and actions convincing enough to deceive them.

Thinking this, he soon arrived at the apothecary. Since he was going to report to the academy today, he naturally had to tell his master in person. And, incidentally, take his revenge!

Upon entering, Su Qingling was standing behind the counter in a daze. When she saw him, she silently reached out and grabbed a thick rolling pin. Clearly, she knew he had come for revenge. Luo Zijun’s mouth twitched, but he ignored her and walked toward the back, asking, "Is Master in?"

The back room was empty. Luo Zijun had no choice but to come back out and say, "Senior Sister, I’m going to the academy. You’re fine watching the shop alone, right?"

Su Qingling held the rolling pin, her beautiful face cold, her gaze wary as she looked at him, but she did not speak.

Luo Zijun sighed. "Senior Sister, when will this cycle of vengeance end? How about we call a truce? I’ll let go of what happened yesterday if you promise not to go complaining to my sister again. How about that?"

Su Qingling stared at him coldly for a moment before asking, "Will you pinch me again?"

Luo Zijun replied, "If you don't pinch me, I won't pinch you."

Su Qingling said coldly, "Then I’m still going to complain."

Luo Zijun was speechless. "So you mean you’re allowed to pinch me, but I’m not allowed to pinch you back?"

"Yes," Su Qingling said coldly.

"Heh..." Luo Zijun chuckled and turned to leave. Just as he reached the door, he stopped and turned back. "By the way, Senior Sister, didn't you say last night that if I told you about the ten thousand taels and the poetry, you’d let me touch your feet?"

"Did I say that?"

"Didn't you?"

"Did I say that?"

"..."

Luo Zijun snorted, feigning indifference. "Actually, I never had any such intention; I just wanted to remind you... Senior Sister, telling lies too often will bring karma."

With that, he walked out the door. Su Qingling watched him leave, and after a moment, she slowly lowered her head to look beneath her skirt.

*Smack!*

Just then, someone grabbed the ledger from the counter and tapped her on the head with it. Then, a few curved fingers knocked against her little head with a loud "thud."

Su Qingling looked up.

Luo Zijun had already sprinted out the door. He turned back and said, "See, Senior Sister? I told you karma would come! Remember not to lie next time; be an honest little girl!"

Saying this, he left in high spirits. Su Qingling remained behind the counter for a while before slowly raising her hand to rub her aching head.

The morning streets were quite busy. Luo Zijun walked slowly, and before long, he arrived at West Lake. West Lake Academy was nestled on a hillside north of the lake, surrounded by mountains and water in a beautiful setting. To get up there, one had to climb a flight of stone stairs a hundred feet high.

Luo Zijun walked along the lakeshore. As he approached the Broken Bridge, he glanced over and froze. A familiar figure stood on the bridge.

"Xu Xian?"

He stared, his heart skipping a beat! Wasn't this fellow supposed to be at home nursing his injuries? Why was he out today, and in such a sensitive location? Could something unexpected be happening? Not daring to be careless, he hurried over.

The lake breeze blew, rustling the young man's long hair and robes. Xu Xian stood by the Broken Bridge, hands behind his back, brow furrowed in deep thought as he gazed at the distant water, as if pondering some great mystery of life. However, his posture was a bit strange—his waist was slightly twisted, his backside slightly tilted, and his stance looked somewhat feminine.

Luo Zijun observed him closely for a while and scanned the others on the bridge. Seeing no beautiful women, he felt slightly relieved.

"Hey, isn't this Brother Xu?"

Just as Luo Zijun was about to approach, a passing youth greeted Xu Xian.

Xu Xian turned and bowed. "Brother Yan, what a coincidence."

The youth surnamed Yan looked at his bruised and swollen face and blinked. "Brother Xu, your face..."

Xu Xian sighed bitterly. "It is my own stupidity; I failed to judge the character of others." He explained, "A few days ago, I met two women here who were asking for directions. I kindly offered to guide them, but I was misunderstood by the men in their family and ended up getting a sound beating."

"How outrageous!" The youth exclaimed, indignant. "Did you report this to the magistrate, Brother Xu?"

Xu Xian shook his head. "It was a minor matter. If I reported it and they were arrested, wouldn't that ruin their family? I am fine now and will recover after a few days of rest, so I haven't taken it to heart."

"Brother Xu, you are truly a good man." The youth looked at him with admiration. "But why are you standing here all alone so early in the morning?"

Xu Xian hesitated. "To be honest, I had a dream last night. In it, someone guided me to come here, though I don't know why. I felt bored this morning, so I came."

The youth smiled, giving him a strange look—he likely thought the man's brain had been rattled by the beating. After a few more polite exchanges, the youth took his leave. Xu Xian glanced at a mother and daughter passing by on the bridge, then turned back to stare at the water.

*A dream?*

Luo Zijun listened from the sidelines, his heart filled with caution. Was it the White Snake, planting a dream to lure him here for a perfect encounter? That wouldn't do!

Luo Zijun walked over and tapped him on the shoulder. "Hey, isn't this Brother Xu?"

Xu Xian turned and was startled. "You are..."

*Damn it!* I showed you my anatomy for free, and your sister threatened me with a red-tasseled spear—and you’ve already forgotten me?

"Oh, oh, oh! You... you're that physician!" Xu Xian finally recognized him.

Luo Zijun said sternly, "Brother Xu, your illness hasn't healed yet, and you're out here catching the wind early in the morning. Do you not want your 'little brother' anymore?"

Xu Xian looked confused. "What little brother?"

Luo Zijun pointed at his crotch and bluffed, "Your injuries haven't healed. The damp, cold lake air will seep in, and your 'little brother' will be in great trouble. At best, you'll be impotent; at worst, you'll be ruined, and even the gods won't be able to save you!"

Xu Xian’s face changed. "Really?"

Luo Zijun said coldly, "Do you not believe the words of a physician? Let me tell you, you were nearly ruined last time. You were only saved because of my master's medicine. If you aren't careful and get injured again, no one will be able to save you."

Xu Xian was terrified and quickly covered his groin. "Ah, I’ll leave at once..."

Luo Zijun warned him seriously, "And stay away from here in the future. The Yin energy of West Lake is too heavy; it erodes the soul and bone. If you come here often, you will surely suffer. At best, an early death; at worst, you'll be castrated first, then die young."

Xu Xian trembled. "Is... is it that serious? But others..."

"You are different from others!" Luo Zijun said with a straight face. "Your constitution is too weak, your body is full of Yin energy, and you have suffered a severe injury there. Haven't you noticed? Whenever you come here, you have bad luck. I heard that your current injuries were caused by coming here a few days ago. This place clashes with your fortune; you must never come here again."

Xu Xian froze. When he thought about it carefully, it really did seem that way. He’d come here happily a few days ago, only to be beaten, lose money, and nearly be crippled. Before that, he’d come to the lake and inexplicably been beaten by his sister. Even earlier, he’d come to the lake and suddenly developed constipation afterward... Indeed, this place truly clashed with him!

"Oh my, thank you for the warning, little physician! I will never come here again!"

The more he thought, the more frightened he became. He stamped his feet like a woman, bowed, and hurried away.

"Brother Xu, my name is Luo Zijun. Not only am I a physician, but I am also studying at West Lake Academy. We are classmates." Luo Zijun added suddenly.

Xu Xian paused, looked back, and was surprised. "You are also studying at West Lake Academy?"

Luo Zijun nodded.

Xu Xian was stunned, bowed again, and said, "Brother Luo, once I have recovered and am at the academy, I will thank you in person."

With that, he held his groin and fled in a panic. Luo Zijun watched his back until he disappeared around a distant corner before retracting his gaze to look at the pedestrians on the Broken Bridge.

Was it a coincidence? Or was there truly a dream sent by the White Snake?