Chapter 58: Today is Jiang An'an's Birthday

Regarding the bestowal of Dao Xun reaped from the Three Cities Debate, scarce a soul understood Jiang Wang's actions, save for Ling He.

Yet, none dared interfere.

Jiang Wang was beholden to no one, and save for Jiang An'an, owed responsibility to none.

However, in conversation with Zhao Rucheng, Jiang Wang still offered a note of apology: "Rucheng, originally, your third brother intended to help you amass enough for an Opening Meridian Pill, but..."

Zhao Rucheng merely chuckled in response: "The world teems with hardship and suffering; can one truly aid them all?"

"I harbor no grand ambition to mend the world or succor the common folk. But certain events unfolded, making it impossible to avert my gaze. You saw not the crimson in their eyes, those who shed blood and fought without flinching..." Jiang Wang sighed, "It recalled to me our senior brothers, who, upon returning from Little Forest Town, closeted themselves away and wept in secret."

"My third brother! I would rather you possessed some grand ambition!" Zhao Rucheng laughed, his tone a blend of earnestness and jest, "It is enough to have an honest soul like Eldest Brother."

Jiang Wang fell silent for a moment, then spoke: "I merely wish for you to know, your third brother is not unconcerned with your future. It was merely a moment of tender heart. We brothers, undertaking missions together, accumulate Dao Xun swiftly. Those commoners in Three Mountains City may not have the luxury of time to wait."

Zhao Rucheng met his gaze: "And I too, merely wish for you to know. I truly have no need of it."

"Your talent is exceptional, it should not be squandered."

"Who was it who spoke of happiness always being linked to 'waste'?" Zhao Rucheng smiled, "Is it a waste to purchase a smile with a thousand pieces of gold? Yet I find joy in it. Is it a waste to idle away time? Yet I find joy in it. I possess wealth, I possess talent, but what of it? I simply wish to squander them, for that brings me happiness!"

"..." Jiang Wang said, "This is what Eldest Brother did not hear, else he would have lectured you for half a day."

"Hahahaha." Zhao Rucheng roared with laughter, "Thus, each time he begins a lecture, I immediately declare, 'I am returning home to cultivate diligently!' and then make my escape."

The two jested as they walked past the gates of the Dao Academy.

Only then did they espy a man, bare-chested, suspended in the air above the jade lion on the left side of the entrance.

His hands were bound to a horizontal branch, a branch born of a peculiar tree growing from the courtyard wall—undoubtedly manifested through Dao techniques.

The man's head hung low, his long hair a disordered shroud. His exposed skin was pale, though lean, lacking in significant musculature.

A wooden board was affixed about his neck, bearing the inscription: "Deceiving teacher and exterminating ancestors, sin unforgivable. Air-dried for three days, a warning to all."

Jiang Wang's gaze lingered, growing increasingly familiar, until at last he confirmed the identity of the suspended man: Huang Azhan.

"What has transpired?" he inquired of Zhao Rucheng.

Zhao Rucheng suppressed his laughter: "Last night, under the cloak of darkness, he attempted to vandalize Xiao Tiemian's door, and was caught red-handed. Thus, he is personally demonstrating the fate of those who deceive their teacher and exterminate their ancestors."

"Why did he act so?" Jiang Wang was perplexed, "Why provoke none other, but target Xiao Tiemian?"

The Three Things Not to Provoke within the Maple Forest City Dao Academy: the Art Academy's Xiao Tiemian, the canteen chef, and Dean Dong in the morning.

It was said that Dean Dong possessed a volatile temper upon waking, and the morning hours were when his ire was most likely to ignite. During this time, all avoided him if possible.

The Dao Academy's canteen, in truth, boasted a rich variety of dishes, no less than an ordinary eatery. The sole vexation was the inability to choose one's fare, dependent solely on the chef's disposition. Thus, his unprovoked status was naturally assured.

The first, the Art Academy's Xiao Tiemian, spoke volumes of the deep shadow he had cast upon the disciples of the Dao Academy...

And Huang Azhan, who dared to prod the tiger's underbelly. One could only say he was audacious.

"Hahahaha." Zhao Rucheng burst into laughter, "Did we not previously handle the reception of the cultivators from Three Mountains City? A teaching assistant deemed his image unsuitable, and therefore forbade him from leading the group, bestowing the task upon Eldest Ling. That teaching assistant was Xiao Tiemian. Following the Three Cities Debate, Huang Azhan's resentment festered. Last night, having imbibed some wine, he resolved to give Xiao Tiemian a taste of his displeasure."

Jiang Wang: "..."

You are a living being, why court death.

Huang Azhan had initially lowered his head and draped his hair, in an attempt to conceal his identity. But he could not withstand Zhao Rucheng's enthusiastic explanation and gleeful laughter.

Huang Azhan heard it all, and his fury ignited.

"Brother Rucheng." Bound as he was, he could do little, but he still flung aside his long hair, revealing an exceedingly friendly smile: "Aid your brother."

"Eh!" Zhao Rucheng readily agreed, then abruptly spun around, "Oh, I have forgotten something of great importance!"

He rushed away in haste.

Huang Azhan bared his teeth, then slowly turned his gaze towards Jiang Wang.

Jiang Wang pointed in the direction Zhao Rucheng had fled, "I shall go and see what he is about."

And vanished in a flash.

Without even pondering, one would know Huang Azhan's intent. But even if granted a hundredfold their courage, they would not dare to release the one suspended by Xiao Tiemian.

One knew Huang Azhan possessed a multitude of friends, but where was a single one to be seen at this moment? They avoided passing through the gate altogether, resolving to use the back entrance in the coming days.

...

Speaking of matters of importance, Zhao Rucheng had not, in truth, lied.

Today was the twelfth day of October, the second day after the Three Cities Debate, and also Jiang An'an's birthday.

Jiang Wang had made preparations for this day long ago.

Cai Ji's mutton shop's white cut mutton and mutton soup, Gui Xiang Zhai's pastries, Du Dewang's charcoal pot... Jiang Wang had placed his orders long ago, and they would be delivered directly to their residence.

He had also visited the market early that morning to procure numerous fresh ingredients, ready to showcase his culinary skills for his beloved sister—as it was still in the clandestine stage, he had not been thwarted by Zhao Rucheng's desperate efforts.

Ling He had mysteriously left the city last night, claiming to be preparing a surprise for Jiang An'an.

And Zhao Rucheng had instructed someone to purchase a new set of garments from Yun Xiang Zhai, and was now returning to fetch them.

Jiang Wang had not informed the others, lest it be construed as a plea for gifts.

Huang Azhan could have been invited to join the gathering, An'an was also quite familiar with him... but being suspended from a tree was a rather amusing spectacle in itself.

It could be said that all was prepared, only An'an's return from school was awaited.

Jiang Wang calculated the time, parted ways with Zhao Rucheng for the moment, and headed alone to Mingde Hall. He intended to retrieve Jiang An'an and bring her home, and if An'an had other close companions, such as the young lass named Qingzhi, he planned to invite her to their home as well.

Today was Jiang An'an's birthday, her first without her mother's presence. It could also be considered a culmination of his and An'an's lives during this recent period.

He wished for An'an to experience a joyous and cheerful birthday, devoid of any hint of sorrow.

This was the most significant arrangement for Jiang Wang in these recent days.

...

Zhao Rucheng carried a box containing a full set of garments tailored by Yun Xiang Zhai in his left hand, and in his right, a resplendent brocade box. Within lay a piece of smoky jade, a material of exceptional quality for crafting magical artifacts. Wearing it close to the body possessed the effect of nurturing the blood.

The garments from Yun Xiang Zhai were already valuable, and smoky jade was even more priceless. But for Young Master Zhao, wealth was of little consequence.

Upon arriving at the Jiang residence in Feima Lane, the gate was tightly shut.

Zhao Rucheng paid it no mind, leaping directly over, placing the gifts down, locating a reclining chair in the courtyard, and leaning back in comfort.

After a while, Ling He hurried into the outer courtyard, panting, the mud on his clothes uncleaned.

In his hands, he held a massive tortoise, which appeared to be at least three hundred years old.

This large tortoise had long roamed freely in the Green Willow River. Ling He had discovered it long ago, but only now had he expended considerable effort to capture it. He planned to present it to An'an as a pet, to ensure her longevity.

If not, boiling it into a soup would also be exceedingly nourishing.

He was far more forthright, seeing that the gate was locked, he resolved to wait outside.

Zhao Rucheng heard the movement, shattered the lock from within, and permitted him entry.

Then, the one delivering the mutton arrived, followed by the one delivering the charcoal pot, and then the one delivering the pastries.

Time elapsed, little by little.

Finally, Jiang An'an returned home and discovered the broken lock.

She opened the courtyard gate and beheld the table laden with delectable food, and Ling He and Zhao Rucheng bearing gifts.

"Where is your brother?" Ling He asked.

"Where is my brother?" Jiang An'an inquired.

In unison.

...

Today was Jiang An'an's birthday.

Ling He and Zhao Rucheng both arrived with gifts.

Jiang An'an herself returned home.

Jiang Wang did not return.