Under the moonlight his looked like a celestial being banished from heaven. Each strike of his sword was powerful yet elegant. His hands moved like a flowing river, each movement filled with grace. His jet black haired flowed with each movement as if in unison. Even after hours of practice he looked pristine without a single drop of sweat. In the shadows a figure was watching him in awe as his eyes darkened mischievously.
"Shifu what are you doing out this late?"
"I should be asking you that. What do you need me for?" Fei dabbed his non-existent sweat, It's as if he had just came back after a relaxing stroll on the beach not an intense sword practice.
"Could you give this disciple some *insight. I am stuck on something with the manual you gave me."
*Insight (参悟 cānwù) (顿悟 dùnwù) – related to . Cultivators usually gain insights by meditating, engaging in life-or-death battles, or going out into the world to experience new things.
After explaining what Cheng asked for Fei noticed his students mind seem to be absent minded. He grew a little irritated after he went through efforts to recite what he asked for.
"Did you even listen to what I said Cheng?"
"Yes I did shifu. If you like I can recite it from line to line perfectly."
Fei held out his hand as he massaged his temples.
"No need, it will not affect me whether you have listened or not. It is late go to sleep."
"Can I sleep with you shifu?"
The feared villain stared at Fei with puppy dog eyes. At first he didn't know whether to laugh or cry when this exact situation happened. Even when he said no in the middle of the night there lay next to him his disciple. When this first happened this first happened this
*Laozi was scared s***less that he almost rolled out of his bed and onto the cold wooden floored.
But after it happened again and again he gave in with a *heavy heart as it was not suitable with a disciple. But the damn system said it was a good thing which confused Fei.
* Laozi means Old Master or old man
*heavy heart, with a. In a sad or miserable
state, unhappily
~Flash back~
"System why is the villain in my bed."
[That's a good sign host. Snuggling with the wifey means they are loved and thus making a good husband. Host you are a natural talent. (ง°ل͜°)ง]
"Does that mean I just let him do it. But I am not his wifey."
[You are just a replacement for the moment host. You are just training him. It's only been 2 years and there is such progress, it makes me want to cry. As long as no one finds out about it then it okie dokey. If someone peeps just whoop them in the face and it's all fixed]
Fei Hong began to sweat drop at the last sentence. How did he get such a dumb system.
[I can hear your thoughts host. You so mean. Hmph]
"Why does it feel like your pouting. So this is progress. *sigh*. I guess I can only give in and let my disciple do what he likes."
~Flashback End~
"Even if I said no you would still come. Fine you may come in. Go to bed before me."
The villain skipped happily into his master's bedroom. Fei tailed behind pondering what he had done to get here. Fei had thought the villain would have been much harder to deal with then this. Since he was only a mere child it was understandable. There was no use thinking about it so hard.
But it was strange at first the child tried to avoid Fei at all cost, not daring to come near him unless ordered too. But it seems after seeing Fei meant no harm he started opening up. Fei provided him with the best materials for cultivation.
Whenever Cheng was about to break through Fei would waste no time concocting a pill for him or lending him some spiritual qi.
He neither forced the villain to do anything he disliked and listened to his request. So now that Fei thought about it, the outcome of his efforts were not surprising and in vain.
Fei sat in the lotus position on the bamboo mat located on his floor. The sound of the rustling bed, rustling of leaves and occasion crickets is all that could be heard. For some reason he couldn't concentrate on meditation, so he pulled out the Guqin that sat in the corner collecting dust. As if it were a natural feeling, he plucked the string with ease creating a soft melodic tune that seem to fade into the night.
He couldn't help but hum a tune beneath his breath forgetting about his disciple behind him. The moon outside was humongous and hung amongst the stars. All the worries in Fei's mind flowed out like the tunes of the guqin. He strums the thin strings with his delicate long fingers. With the moonlight shining on his body he seemed like a lone God singing his song of love.
A pair of ruby red eyes stared at his back entranced, thinking that this man belonged to him solely. Only he could see this side of his master. He was already caught in his master's web, not even wanting to escape. He felt a feeling inside his chest he never felt before, it wasn't unpleasant though.
This man is the only one who cared enough about his wellbeing. The only one who look didn't look down and belittle him. The only one who made his heart beat erraticly, feeling him with warmth. He was slowly getting addicted to it, like a drug. The smell of faint cherry blossoms that lingered on his body was intoxicating.
Fei stopped the melodic tune, a yawn escaping his rosy lips. He stood up and put the instrument awake. He looked at his disciple that seem to be asleep. He swore this man was going to be the death of him. He sat on the bed deciding to chat with the system a little to cure him of his boredom, after he didn't need to sleep.
[Host! I suggest host be careful, the relationship between a master and diciple is always so ambiguous. If the diciple turns out bad it is always the masters fault. I did careful research in your world's novel]
"I see some truth in your answer. But my job is to raise these children then scooch."
[Host, the protagonist of our story will be arriving in a few months. Are you prepared!]
"Time goes to fast. Honestly I don't know if I'm ready. These children are such a hastle, but I do feel connection between them. I feel I might feel reluctant to leave them when it comes my time to go."
[You could always stay here host. Problem solved! I am so smart, now praise me and pat my head.]
"*rolls eyes* I don't think you deserve a praise. I don't even know where the last child I'm suppose to raise is. I need to find them quickly. The older they get the harder it is to tame them. Chen's already 12, so I need to find the protagonist and this hidden character quickly before they become 18 years old. What a head ache. I need more time, or for them to stay young."
[Don't be such a poopie pants. Look on the bright side. Fight on! (ง ͠° ͟ل͜ ͡°)ง]
"Easier said then done. Now imma hit the bed."
[Nighty night host.]
With that Fei blew out the single candle lit on his beside before climbing into the sheets. Immediately a pair of arms wrapped around his waist Fei tried to gently pry the hands off without waking up Cheng but to no avail. He could only sigh and resign to his fate. He closed his eyes, quickly falling into a sleep slumber.
Cheng stared at his sleeping face for what seemed like eternity before putting his face intp his shifu's nape and falling asleep.
-------------------------------------------
Fei arose early in the morning and went towards the edge of the cliff. Closing his eyes and moving with the sword. He was able to read the manuals, more like listen to what the content was inside by asking his disciple who didn't question why he asked him to as it was obvious. He could also ask the system for tips and to read it but sometimes it would be quite moody.
Clouds swirled around him in an icy greeting and snow coated the mountain top. The wind whipped the hair across his face. But he didn't mind it at all, finding it quite refreshing. He heard footsteps coming his direction, slowly getting louder.
"This disciple greets shifu."
"We shall begin today's lesson. I shall teach you a technique which I have noticed you have been doing incorrectly. I will teach you the proper way and give you insight."
"The ephemeral dew technique should not be used in this way. Think of it as the swordsman stepping out in the early morning on a cliff staring into the horizon to see the mayfly soaring past in a single motion. All that is ephemeral is always fleeting. As a result, the sword techniques must be smart and fast, just like the passing mayfly..."
Fei Hong lifted the sword and swung it down, the blade emitting a sharp sound as the sword cut through the air. His posture remained straight and steady as he closed his eyes feeling the senses.
Cheng Jian was taken back and stunned. He took a step forward and stared closely at the blade.
"The wind blows gracefully pass the swordsman and the darkening sky brought enlightenment. As dusk arrives, the dead leaves reflects the dying sun and the west wind rolls bleakly pass. Meeting a rival, feeling doubtful and irresolute, only to find that death is still so distant."
A vague figure flickered in Cheng Jian's mind as he listened to his master's insightful words, coalescing into the fuzzy image of a high-spirited man dressed in white, demonstrating his sword techniques while saying something similar. But, at that time, he was holding a dead branch instead of a sword.
Fei Hong grabbed a dead branch and used it like a sword.
"You are not only limited to using a sword, anything can be used as one. As long as you have the knowledge and insight to do it. Now go and practice. I want to see how far you have gone. If I am not pleased with your results you shall have to practice till I am satisfied."
Fei Hong left leaving his disciples in the dust. He sat at the white circular table pouring himself a cup of steaming tea as he enjoyed some rice cakes. He bit into the soft delicacy, a small smile forming on his face. It went as soon as it came.
Fei mind started to wonder, he felt something was definitely off. This villain seems to know a little to much. At first he was weak in the novel and found it hard to understand anything in the manuals he was given. It wasn't until he had suffered much bullying did he find his resolve.
But when I took him from the sect-disciples selection he immediately grasped all the content. Not only that but his cultivation is increasing by leaps and bounds. Which is quite unnatural. All the rumours I heard said he was weak and pathetic and only did chores like a servant not outer disciple. That could only mean one thing.
.
.
.
The villain was reborn.
That might mean the protagonist is also reborn and if they meet each other it could be a catastrophe. If my theory is true the hatred they have for each other runs deep. I mean they did try to kill each other even though they were once brothers.
Fei Hong's eyes widened at the realisation and began to curse his luck. The situation was getting more complicate. It's not like he could say "Hey the protagonist, the person you hate will be your brother so get along." I mean the protagonist might be fine with it since he still tries to coax the villain into going back to the good side in the novel. But the villain doesn't feel the same way as the protagonist did something to ruin his trust for him.
This is only a theory but I have a feeling that it's true. Why couldn't they just be born without their past memories then this wouldn't be such a head ache and how come it took me so long to realise it.
I need a plan pronto. Cause this s*** is about to go downhill real quick.
"Shifu I finished and done the technique properly this time. Is something wrong."
Fei snapped out of his thoughts and was brought back to reality. A pair of red eyes stared at him, as if staring into his soul. Although he couldn't see it he felt it, a shiver ran down his spine.
"Nothing of your concern. Good job. Let me see it."
Cheng's eyes darkened when he heard the answer, not seeming satisfied with it but let it go.
Well these problems are for later, I shouldn't worry about it or I might get a massive migraine from it. I'm going to get white hair at this rate.
Fei had much planning ahead to do or things might not go too great for him. He could only wish for it to go easy. But it's never that easy.