Sitting on the small stairwell outside the study, Deming wept openly, his shoulders shaking with silent sobs while Weici sat beside him, a comforting presence, her hand gently rubbing his back. Seeing his raw grief, the group of hunters exchanged worried glances, their faces etched with concern. It was Lee Nianzu who stepped forward, a quiet strength in his gaze, a calm amidst the storm.
He gently touched Deming's left shoulder, his voice soft yet steady. "Don't worry, Senior Brother will be fine, Deming. He's strong." He sat down, a silent offer of solidarity, a comforting presence.
Tam Kun, ever the pragmatist, tried to offer a practical comfort, his voice a little awkward. "It's not going to kill him, Deming. He's been through worse."
The other ten hunters murmured in agreement, their nods a collective reassurance, trying to ease Deming's pain.
Tam Liang added, "Besides, the one taking care of Senior Brother is First Master. He's the best."
Tian Xiang chimed in, "He's the best doctor in the world. He's saved so many, even our Shimu. Zhiqiang is in good hands."
Just then, a ripple went through the waiting group as Zhao Renshu and Ping'an approached, their presence bringing a sense of calm.
Zhao Renshu's smile was warm, his eyes twinkling with a mischievous light. "Don't be too sad, young man, just be happy." He scratched his chin, a familiar gesture. "Zhiqiang will be fine."
Lim Junjie, always eager, darted forward, grabbing Ping'an's arm, his face bright with excitement. "Aunty Ping'an!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with affection.
Ping'an's smile broadened, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "Are you behaving yourself, Junjie?" she teased gently.
"I'm behaving myself very well, Aunty Ping'an," Lim Junjie assured her, then, a hopeful note in his voice, "Is Grandfather here? Can I see him?"
"He's resting inside with Zhiqiang," Zhao Renshu confirmed, his gaze softening.
The rest of the hunters were about to bow in greeting, but Zhao Renshu waved a dismissive hand, a playful arrogance in his gesture. "I don't need it. I don't like people bowing their heads to me." He glanced up, his eyes catching sight of Guo Baiyu and Guozhao Zhiqiang standing behind the students, a smirk playing on his lips. "Only your First Master, who likes people to bow to him, enjoys such formalities." He chuckled, and the students, released from their tension, joined in his laughter, a ripple of mirth.
Guo Baiyu's stern voice cut through the mirth, sharp and clear. "What's so funny, Renshu?"
The laughter died instantly. The students snapped to attention, standing straighter to greet Guo Baiyu. Their eyes, however, were fixed on Guozhao Zhiqiang, a collective sigh of relief escaping them as they saw him standing on his own, looking much better.
Guozhao Zhiqiang walked directly to Deming, his brow furrowed with concern, reaching out a hand. "You've been crying?" he asked softly, his voice filled with tenderness.
Deming, still wiping at his cheeks, replied calmly, though his voice was a little shaky, "No, just a little tired."
Tian Xiang, ever the direct one, pointed. "Yes, he was crying! Look him in the eyes! They're still swollen and red!"
As the ten brothers teased Deming, Yang Bao, Xiao Mei, and Tam Qiu walked in, having just arrived.
Guo Baiyu turned to them, his expression serious. "How was he, Yang Bao? How is Gen?" he asked, his voice laced with unspoken worry.
"Everything went well, First Master," Yang Bao reported, his voice calm and professional. "Gen is resting at the medicine shop. Third Master and Teacher Lee went to Dragon Inn to check on the Fang and Tang families, to ensure peace."
Lim Junjie, still buzzing with energy, asked, "Uncle Guo, can I go in and see Grandfather?"
"Yes, but don't say too much, Junjie," Guo Baiyu cautioned. "He's resting and recovering his spiritual energy. Be quiet." Lim Junjie nodded vigorously, practically bounding into Guozhao Zhiqiang's bedroom, eager to see his grandfather. Guo Baiyu then turned to Xiao Mei. "Xiao Mei, boil a bowl of medicine for Chief Lang. He used too much spiritual energy helping Zhiqiang. He needs to recover."
"I'll handle it, First Master," Xiao Mei affirmed, her expression serene, already moving to the kitchen.
Guo Baiyu looked at Yang Bao. "Ah Bao, go back to the medicine shop. If you're there, no one will dare make trouble for Gen and his family. Your presence will deter them." Then, his gaze hardened as he looked at Guozhao Zhiqiang, a silent command. "Come with me to my study. We need to talk."
Yang Bao lightly patted Guozhao Zhiqiang's left shoulder, his eyes warm with support. "Don't worry, Senior Brother. I'm right behind you. We all are."
Guozhao Zhiqiang looked at Yang Bao, his voice quiet. "Take Deming back with you, Ah Bao. Keep him safe."
Yang Bao smiled, a knowing glint in his eye, understanding the unspoken request. "I will, Senior Brother."
Zhao Renshu beamed at his disciple, a proud glint in his eye. "Okay, kid, let's go back and buy me something delicious to celebrate." He turned to Yang Bao. "Tell the Xiao sisters to behave themselves, Ah Bao. No more scaring people." Then, with Ping'an by his side, he followed Guo Baiyu and Guozhao Zhiqiang toward Guo Baiyu's study, their steps purposeful.
Fu Yongrui frowned, his worry evident, watching them go. "Is your Senior Brother going to be alright, Brother Yaozu? What will they do to him?"
Zheng Yaozu shrugged, a hint of resignation in his expression. "It's hard to say, Brother Yongrui. The First Master is unpredictable."
Guozhao Zhaohui spoke slowly, thoughtfully, trying to offer reassurance. "They might just want to talk to him, or ask him for an explanation for what happened. It's not necessarily a punishment."
Tian Xiang clapped Fu Yongrui on the back. "Don't worry, Brother Yongrui. If he's to be punished, he'll kneel for two days without eating or drinking, but with his injury, I believe Shimu won't let First Master punish him too harshly. She's too kind."
Deming, still haunted by his guilt, whispered sadly, his voice filled with remorse, "I'm not good. It's my fault. I should have listened to Zhiqiang. I caused this trouble."
Xiao Mei, her voice calm and understanding, tried to soothe him, placing a comforting hand on his arm. "It's not your fault, Brother Deming. We can't stop it. Trouble will always come; it's just a matter of when it decides to knock on the door. It just so happened that today is the day it knocked on our door, so don't think too much. You did what you had to do."
But Deming was unconvinced, the weight of his perceived responsibility heavy on his shoulders. "It was my fault. I created a problem for Zhiqiang, and I have no evidence to prove my story, only my words."
Weici's eyes flashed with anger, her voice sharp. "The only person who is at fault is Hu Dingxiang! Not you, Brother Deming!"
"I should be like before," Deming mumbled, a longing for his past self, his unburdened existence.
"Like before?!" Weici scoffed, her voice rising in frustration, a hint of desperation. "You ran when you saw him! That's unacceptable, Brother Deming! Do you understand? You've been running, that's why he killed you. The first time he tried to kill you; he didn't succeed because I was there to help you. The second time he tried to kill you; we ran away together. Later, because of Zhiqiang's negligence, Hu Dingxiang successfully killed you! You can't run anymore!"
Deming's voice was quiet, laced with a familiar fear, a deep-seated anxiety. "I don't want Zhiqiang to get into trouble because of me. I'm a burden."
Weici's lip curled into a sneer, a harsh truth. "As far as I know, Deming, he signed up to be held accountable for your actions. He chose this. He loves you."
Inside the austere study, Guo Baiyu rose, his presence commanding, his gaze fixed on Guozhao Zhiqiang. "They didn't actually kill the fire demon back then," he stated, his voice flat, a simple truth.
Zhao Renshu sighed, a weary expression on his face. "I believe the little fellow, Baiyu. But beyond what he said, we have no actual evidence. The Hu can easily claim no involvement with Huang Wei's death. They blamed it on the dead servant, and it's their word against a boy who was supposedly in a coma."
Guo Baiyu's jaw tightened, his eyes cold. "They can easily twist the situation and say that Hu Dingxiang had a personal feud with that young fellow, Student Dong. Even with evidence, the Huang family won't destroy the relationship between the two sectors. Guzheng Sector made it clear that the young man was a student, not a disciple. This shows that Guzheng Sector doesn't wish to associate themselves with the young man. Moreover, it also shows that the Guzheng Sector doesn't want to burn bridges with Snow Sector. It's a political game."
Zhao Renshu frowned, a look of profound disgust on his face. "These despicable clansmen always claim to be tall and upright. But when it comes to facing reality, no one wants to cause trouble. They stand on the side of the larger number. If the young man agrees, it is best if he no longer seeks revenge. It's too dangerous."
Guozhao Zhiqiang, without a moment's hesitation, knelt before his two masters and his Shimu, his head bowed, his resolve firm.
Zhao Renshu's expression softened, a rare tenderness. "You did nothing wrong, Zhiqiang; we will not punish you." He then shot Guo Baiyu a fierce look, a silent warning. "Are you going to punish him, Baiyu? If you do, I'll fight you. I swear."
Guo Baiyu shook his head, ignoring the threat, his gaze fixed on Guozhao Zhiqiang. "What do you want, Zhiqiang? Speak your mind."
Guozhao Zhiqiang's voice was earnest, filled with a desperate plea, a profound hope. "I would like Masters and Shimu to accept Deming. To accept our relationship."
Guo Baiyu's eyes turned cold, his voice sharp, a test. "Why should we, Zhiqiang? He's not a Guozhao hunter."
"I..." Guozhao Zhiqiang faltered, lowering his head, searching for the words, his heart pounding.
Ping'an's gentle voice cut through the tension, a soft, warm light. "Do you love him, Zhiqiang?" she asked softly, her eyes full of warmth and understanding.
Guozhao Zhiqiang nodded, a silent, profound affirmation, his gaze unwavering.
Zhao Renshu grumbled, a half-hearted complaint, a playful sigh. "I guess no grandchildren for me, then."
Ping'an frowned, a gentle rebuke. "Renshu, be serious."
Zhao Renshu's lips curled into a mischievous smile. "Unless..."
"Unless what, Renshu?" Guo Baiyu asked, a flicker of curiosity, a rare hint of amusement.
Zhao Renshu giggled, a childlike sound. "Unless you promise to marry a woman, like your Third Master, Baiyu! Then we can have grandchildren!"
Guo Baiyu scoffed, a rare display of exasperation. "You are so ridiculous, Renshu." He looked back at Guozhao Zhiqiang, his face serious once more. "Are you sure this is what you really want, Zhiqiang? This is a big decision."
"I have already lost him once, and I don't want to lose him again," Guozhao Zhiqiang stated, his voice unwavering, filled with raw determination, his eyes fixed on his masters. "He is my life."
Guo Baiyu acknowledged this with a nod, a silent acceptance. "Whether or not to become our disciple is his choice, Zhiqiang, not yours. We cannot force him."
"I understand, First Master," Guozhao Zhiqiang replied, his voice firm, accepting the condition.
Ping'an gestured for him to rise, her smile warm. "Get up, Zhiqiang. We understand."
Guo Baiyu concluded, "We will stay for two more days. If the matter is resolved, we will leave here and go meet the twelve fairy clans' leaders. There are other matters to attend to."
Zhao Renshu's face hardened, a fierce resolve in his eyes. "I won't back down if they dare to do anything, Baiyu. They'll face my wrath."
Guo Baiyu turned to them. "You go rest. We still have to discuss this issue with your Third Master and Teacher Lee. There are many layers to this."
Ping'an walked Guozhao Zhiqiang to the door, her smile warm and comforting, her hand on his arm. "Bring him over for a meal before we leave, Zhiqiang," she urged, a gentle invitation.
Guozhao Zhiqiang looked at Ping'an, then, overcome with gratitude, pulled her into a tight hug, burying his face in her shoulder. "Thank you, Shimu," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion, tears in his eyes.
Ping'an patted his back gently. "You did a great job, and I'm so proud of you. You've grown into a fine man."
Zhao Renshu, ever the playful one, called out, "Hey, kid! How many times have I told you to not hold my wife for too long! She's mine!"
Guozhao Zhiqiang released Ping'an, a soft chuckle escaping him. Ping'an shook her head, a fond exasperation on her face. "Are you still jealous, Renshu?"
Zhao Renshu frowned, staring pointedly at Ping'an. "Whoever hugs you, I will be jealous, Ping'an. You're too beautiful."
"What about him?" Ping'an asked, pointing at Guo Baiyu.
Zhao Renshu's face split into a wide grin. "Except him, Ping'an. He's family."
Guo Baiyu, impatient to continue their discussion, interjected, "No foolish talks, you two. Let's get going. We have serious matters."
Guozhao Zhiqiang watched, a wave of affection washing over him, as his three masters walked towards the back door of the school, their forms disappearing into the distance. He then turned and walked back to his room.
Guozhao Shaquan spotted him first, his face lighting up with relief. "Senior Brother is here! He's alright!" He pointed.
Lim Junjie, oblivious to the gravity of the meeting, piped up, "What punishment did they give you, Senior Brother? How many whips?"
Zheng Tingfeng rolled his eyes dramatically. "You're an idiot for asking that question, Junjie."
"I'm not!" Lim Junjie protested, crossing his arms. "I'm a caring person! I'm concerned!"
Zheng Tingfeng scoffed. "A person with a brain wouldn't ask such a stupid question, especially after what happened to Weisheng."
"I don't think my question is stupid," Lim Junjie insisted, crossing his arms, a pout on his face.
Yang Bao, his concern etched on his face, looked at Guozhao Zhiqiang. "Are you alright, Senior Brother? You look pale." he asked gently.
Guozhao Zhiqiang nodded, a faint smile on his lips, reassuring them.
Guozhao Zhaohui asked slowly, his voice hesitant, "So, there's no punishment, Senior Brother?"
Guozhao Zhiqiang nodded again, confirming their relief, a collective sigh escaping the group.
Tian Xiang sighed, a sound of profound relief. "We were so worried, Senior Brother. We thought the First Master would be furious."
Tam Qiu also sighed, a burden lifted. "Everything seems to be going well. We worried for nothing."
Tam Liang, always ready for merriment, declared, "We should celebrate! No punishment for Senior Brother!"
Guozhao Bolin, however, reminded them, "As you all know, when Masters and Shimu are home, they don't like welcome parties. It's too much fuss."
Guozhao Shaquan looked at his brothers. "I wonder where Masters and Shimu will go next, after they leave here?"
Guozhao Zhiqiang informed them, "They'll be here for two days, then go to meet with the twelve clans' fairies. It's an important meeting."
Xiao Mei, sensing the long day's emotional toll, took charge. "Alright, it's been a long day, everyone please go rest. You all deserve it."
After the group dispersed, Guozhao Zhiqiang's gaze settled on Deming, who had stood silently throughout, his face still etched with lingering sadness and worry. "Are you staying or going home with me?" He asked softly, his voice full of tenderness, an invitation.
Deming looked at Guozhao Zhiqiang, his eyes unwavering, filled with profound love. "Go home with you. Always."
Guozhao Zhiqiang's smile deepened, a profound relief washing over him, a sense of peace. "Okay, let's go home."