Chapter Text
Shen Jiu didn’t know whether to laugh or cry as he held a child he had saved from dogs. To be honest it wasn’t his business but because of his past, he saved him. Shen jiu was not a saint but he had a soft spot for women or street children. Looking down at the child who was shivering, Shen jiu comforted.“Shhh, they are gone!”
Shen jiu brought the child to the inn where he was staying, he put the child on the bed. Letting him sleep on the bed, he took out a talisman and put a protective barrier before leaving for the bookstore that had been drawing him since he arrived at the town. He followed his instinct that was pulling him towards only to see four books with barriers around it. He reached out towards the books when his hand touched the barrier and it disappeared. With curiosity he took one of the books and read it.
“Ma Dou Zu Shi '' Reading this book made him speechless about everything but it was a good book with lots of plot twists! But then again he also felt sorry for the main character, and villains who were made by the society. Other than that he did not feel anything, expressionally he buyed the four books feeling it will be worth reading. After paying for the books he went to buy clothes for the kiddo he saved! He was not kind but looking at the child in the winter only wearing tattered clothes reminds him of himself. He buyed a lot of children's clothes with different sizes and for four seasons. He put everything he buyed inside the Qiankun bag that could store everything. With that he left the store, he passed by an ally.
“How dare you steal from this master!!!” Angry voice sounded from the alley with a muffled, hitting sound! Alerting Shen Jiu who as a cultivator had good hearing, he frowned, before walking into the alley with fast speed, following the voices he saw two adults hitting a child. Listening to the fat man cruising, Shen Jiu took out his fan and spun it towards the two men. The fan wide open as it swiftly cuts the throat of the mens. Shen jiu catched the fan that flew back to him with disgust as the blood dripped from the fan curve. Elegantly he held the fan and shook off the blood. Before he knelt on one foot, he reached out towards the boy, putting his hands on the forehead. Shen Jiu didn’t know whether to laugh or cry as he felt the boy was having a fever. He really wanted to swear at the gods but remembering they were divine began so he stopped.
He extended both of his hands and gently took hold of the unfortunate boy. He then placed the boy's chin on his left shoulder and supported him with one hand. With that he walked off towards the inn, not knowing there was someone watching him. A man walked out of the dark corner of the alley.
“Didn’t I tell you he was interesting!” Men's deep, intrigued voices rang through the alley. From behind him another person or perhaps it is better to say a demon came out. “Yes! Uncle”
Zhuzhi Lang had finally found master Shen after a long time searching! Zhuzhi Lang really wanted to roll his eyes at his uncle’s stupidities, they already knew master Shen’s name but his uncle seems to pretend not to know or just forgot about it because of reading too much of the book!
Before that two of them fell silent as their eyes shifted to the two corpses, a clean cut on the throat but very deep enough to the head fell off. They never saw a human using a fan as a weapon to murder, moreover it was a cultivator. Tianlang-Jun was intrigued by the human whose name he did not know. It began 4 days ago as he was passing by the human trading place when he saw a young man with emerald eyes, walking to an alley following street children. Tianlang-Jun saw amusement filling the emerald eyes. His curiosity piqued up, he followed after them. What greeted his eyes was the cultivator sitting with the children as he distributed food and clothes. Then the cultivator took out a token and gave it to the oldest in the group of children before he left. At that moment Tianlang-Jun thought the cultivator was a kind and naive person but reality slapped him in the face without mercy. He watched as the cultivator came under the tree he was sleeping with at least then men. (I’m telling you don’t be deceived by his fakeness!!! My uncle is trying to make it look like a romance book! -Zhuzhi)
Tianlang-Jun could see the lust and greed in the 10 mens, he was debating whether to help the kind cultivator when he saw the kind cultivator take out a fan and spread it open before spinning it in the direction of left to right. The fan looked harmless as it spun towards the one of men who scoffed at it before he was sliced. With that the rest were also sliced in the throat, blood spread everywhere, especially on the young cultivator his green robe dyed in red while his face was cold. He looked evil, indifference and his emerald eyes had no light in it as he looked at the corpse with no emotion at all like a demon.
From then his interest in the young cultivator doubled as much as he was interested in human culture and arts! Following him was like an adventure, it was entertaining to watch him be gentle with children and women. But not all children he was gentle with because he seems to loathe those who ain't a street child! Shen Jiu was his real name after following him for a long time, he finally found out his real name!
Shen Jiu was talented at everything!
Shen Jiu walked up to his room, still holding the child not realizing others were looking at him strangely! After all, they had witnessed the young cultivator bringing many street children everyday. Some were happy while others were questioning his brain.
Shen Jiu and the boy stare at each other for a second before Shen Jiu walks into the room and puts the other boy on the bed. Shen Jiu used his qi to lighten up the fever. “What is your name?” Boy seemed to be startled by his voice, Shen Jiu didn’t need to look at the boy to know he was startled but he was waiting for the boy to answer.
“Wei ying- My name is Wei Ying!" Shen Jiu passed for a second before continuing to transfer qi to the fevered boy. Similar name, the boy he saved had the same name as the main character of the book he read in the bookstore! Shen Jiu did not believe in coincidence or fate, he was a very doubtful person. “What is your parents name?”
“My parent’s name is Wei Changze and Cangse Sanren!” Wei ying exclaimed, with excitement! He titled his head as he looked at his savior who saved him from the dogs. Shen Jiu now was certain there was something wrong. He calmly stopped transferring his qi when he felt the feverish boy had gotten better. He looked at Wei Ying before coming to the conclusion that the boy in front of him was exactly the same as the book had described.
If it was any normal person they might just brush it off but instead it was Shen Jiu former peak lord, and an reborn-ed with blessed power. “I see! Where are your parents?”
“They are gone night hunting!” Wei ying explained, lowering his head. Shen Jiu with one glance could tell the boy knew what it means to go night hunting. Shen Jiu nodded his head in approval, not so innocent or only seeing the world black and White! If he were really the main character then Shen Jiu will teach the child to prevent future tragedy. “I see! Are you hungry?”
Shen Jiu asked as the child nodded his head eagerly, Shen Jiu went down to inform them that they needed food and bath water as he stood in front of the wooden board. When the worker brought out food, he took it and went up to his room and gave it to Wei ying. With that the water was soon prepared. Shen jiu hung his robes on the simple but long wooden screen. He sat inside the water, letting out a quiet sigh. He was reluctant to use that thing, because it was more of a curse for him than a blessing . Even if he has high pain tolerance, it was troublesome to cough up blood, have at least 100 cuts and become dizzy! He really hates it. He only likes painless death!
But thinking of the children, Shen Jiu will not admit it but he was worried and curious.
So he used that cursed ability of his, Shen jiu felt darkness envelop him as lot’s of images passed through his eyes. Opening his closed eye he gasped in pain, he could feel the cuts, Shen jiu coughed out a lot of blood. Waving his hand with spiritual power, the blood scent disappeared. Now he was sure that two children were really the characters of the book. With the fate of tragedy just like him but not exactly the same fate as him.
Shen Jiu wondered if those books were somehow a prophecy book or something else. But thanks to the book, he had learned the world was wide and vast just like it was for him to use it. Shen Jiu was going to leave this place to another continent for a journey, he had paid back his debt for the Cang Qiong in his past life! This time he wishes to live freely just like how he felt when he had murder entire Qiu family, But in this life he had not murder anyone in the Qiu family since it was the young miss wish wasn’t it? Shen Jiu smiled slightly.
****
When Shen Jiu woke up in the dark and familiar shed, he initially believed it was the work of the beast, but that turned out to be untrue. He had been reborn, and so had the young miss. It took him a day to fully grasp the situation he found himself in. Then, he overheard the former young miss mumbling about Lou Binghe. It suddenly dawned on him—how could the young miss know who Lou Binghe was when that beast hadn't even been born yet? With all his might, he made his escape from that family. This time, he neither killed the Qiu family members nor saved or warned anyone. Leaving was the easiest decision but hard to achieve, but he hadn't become a peak lord for nothing, and his cultivation remained intact, making it relatively easy for him to rebuild his golden core.
He took Qui Jianluo's money and used it to purchase new clothes. Although he had no desire for that scoundrel's money, he needed attire suitable for the cultivation world. Shen Jiu understood well that one's appearance meant everything when it came to survival, and he couldn't continue wearing his tattered and old garments. As for the remaining money, he gave it to the street children.
Taking a lot of jobs as a rogue cultivator he had earned some money there was a reason why he had not left the town he loathed,as he wanted to build a big house for the children to live in. Once the mansion was built he put lots of protection formation which will protect the children. He made some older children work and take care of the younger children with that he left but he had made people know that those children were under his protection.
With that he had been traveling around the world, taking work, helping street children. But one day he got this curse from the god he had not believed existed. At that moment he felt ironic at the fact that God had given him this power too late.
But after getting that power he felt something tugging on his soul, having become more curious as he traveled. Shen Jiu did not hesitate to follow it. But before leaving he had buyed his jiejies freedom and built an hidden but protective manor.
Getting out of the bathtub he dried himself, wore his clothes and left the screen.
Only to witness two children wolfing down the food. Xue yang a villain, who is just like himself, what a life for this child who shares the same fate as him. Shen Jiu scoffed at his own thoughts, and before approaching the two children, he sat down on the other side of the table. “I will give you two, two choices!”
Shen jiu says, while two children stopped eating and looked at him with confusion. “First choice to follow me or Other choice to stay here with other children in their house!”
Wei Ying and Xue Yang looked at each other for a moment before turning their heads to Shen Jiu with a bright face. “We want to follow you!!”
Shen jiu grimaced at the loudness of the two children in front of him, he had second thoughts of bringing them. Wei Ying, seeing Shen Jiu’s hesitation, quickly got down from his chair and hugged the older man's waist. “I want to follow gege!”
Xue Yang who was confused by Wei Ying’s action also hugged Shen jiu’s waist. Making him speechless, before patting their head. “Alright! Go back to your seats and eat!”
Hearing Shen Jiu's gentle voice, the two children released their hold on him and returned to their seats, resuming their meals. Shen Jiu rose from his chair, placing two sets of clothing neatly on the bed. He then summoned a servant, instructing them to bring fresh hot water. As soon as the water arrived, Shen Jiu bathed Wei Ying and Xue Yang, carefully patting them dry with a soft towel and helping them don the new clothes.
With the children now clean and dressed, Shen Jiu prepared to depart. On his way to the door, he settled the bill at the inn. With Wei Ying and Xue Yang in tow, Shen Jiu led them to a mountain. Together, they ventured deeper into the mountain until a majestic manor came into view.
Shen Jiu take out a token and threw it toward the manor, causing an invisible barrier to dissolve.
The door cracked open, revealing a female face peeking out from behind it. As soon as the woman spotted Shen Jiu, her expression brightened, and she eagerly opened the door wide.
"Everyone!! The immortal master is here!" she exclaimed loudly.
Upon this announcement, Shen Jiu found himself immediately surrounded by a crowd of children and women. Their faces beamed with joy as they welcomed him with warm smiles. They were overjoyed to see their benefactor, the one who had given them a home and their long-sought freedom.
Meanwhile, Wei Ying and Xue Yang watched the heartwarming scene before them, their expressions a mix of surprise and disbelief. The children they had encountered on the streets were there, and even the women from the brothels had found refuge in this place. It was a moment of unexpected reunions and newfound hope.
Shen Jiu exchanged warm greetings with the children and women, his presence radiating a sense of safety and reassurance. He had created a haven for those who had nowhere else to turn, and the gratitude in their eyes was palpable.
The children who had met Wei Ying and Xue Yang on the streets approached them one by one, their faces brightening with recognition. They realized that these two newcomers were once like them, living together in the same difficult circumstances, and that they had been separated due to an unexpected turn of events.
As the initial excitement settled, Shen Jiu addressed the gathered group once more. "I've brought some clothes for all of you," he announced. "Please take them, even if they're not of the highest quality. They're meant to keep you warm and comfortable."
With gratitude and enthusiasm, the children and women eagerly accepted the clothing, understanding that Shen Jiu's kind gestures extended not only to providing them with shelter but also to meeting their basic needs. The sense of unity and support in this newfound family continued to grow stronger. Shen Jiu made his way to the oldest woman, who stood at the entrance of the house. He reached into his robe and retrieved a pouch, which he handed to the old woman with a warm smile.
"Madam Qin, please take this," Shen Jiu said. "It may not be a grand gesture, but it will help ensure that this place can continue to provide a home for new lost souls."
Madam Qin's eyes widened as she examined the pouch, and her surprise was palpable. She opened it and discovered a Qiankun bag, an extraordinary item known for its capacity to hold a vast amount of items. The sight of the bag left her momentarily stunned, and she couldn't hide her astonishment.
Shen Jiu, observing her reaction, stepped forward and offered an explanation. "With this bag, you won't have to worry about anyone with ill intentions or thieves stealing the things inside."
Madam Qin was deeply moved by Shen Jiu's thoughtfulness. His generosity and care for the safety and well-being of the community were evident. As she peered inside the bag, her eyes were practically blinded by the glint of countless gold pieces. Additionally, she noticed land deeds and tea house ownership contracts, further securing the future of their haven.
Overwhelmed with gratitude, Madam Qin turned to Shen Jiu, her voice trembling with emotion. "Immortal Master, your support knows no bounds. You have secured our future and the future of those who come here seeking solace and shelter. We are truly blessed to have you among us."
Shen Jiu offered a humble smile in response to Madam Qin's heartfelt words. "It is my privilege to assist you and all those who find sanctuary here," he replied with sincerity. "This place provides hope and healing to those who need it, and I am delighted to contribute to that cause."
The children and women who had gathered around observed this exchange, their faces reflecting a mixture of awe and gratitude. The realization that their benefactor cared so deeply for their well-being filled their hearts with warmth.
With the newfound resources and Shen Jiu's unwavering support, the haven had been fortified and could continue its vital mission of offering refuge to those in need. Madam Qin carefully secured the Qiankun bag, knowing that its contents would serve as a lifeline for their community, ensuring that they could welcome more lost souls and help them rebuild their lives. Madam Qin's eyes welled up with tears as she remembered the day when the young immortal had come to their aid, paying off the prostitutes' debts and providing them with a new beginning in a freshly constructed manor. Those were times of uncertainty and fear about their future. However, upon arriving at the manor, they were greeted with open arms and warm smiles by the other women who had been in similar situations.
The pattern continued. The young immortal extended his kindness to the prostitutes and then brought more individuals—orphans, street children, and others who had experienced hardships. He always left them without a word, disappearing for a day, only to return with supplies of food, water, and everything they needed to survive.
Gradually, the residents of the manor realized that the young immortal was dedicated to helping those who had faced unfortunate life circumstances. He didn't just provide for them; he created a place where they could live freely and without worry. The older women eventually explained to the newcomers that this place was a sanctuary for people like them, a place to rebuild their lives and find solace, and it was all thanks to the benevolence of the young immortal.
Madam Qin's tears were a testament to the deep gratitude and admiration they all felt for the one who had given them a second chance at life. The day Shen Jiu left, he indeed provided them with wealth beyond their wildest dreams. Madam Qin was certain that every street child and orphan had eventually found their way to this sanctuary. As Shen Jiu prepared to depart, leaving behind a significant sum of money, the profound sense of gratitude in the hearts of those he had helped was overwhelming.
Unbeknownst to Madam Qin and the others, Shen Jiu had also left a hidden treasure—a library of books covering a wide range of subjects, including cultivation and calligraphy. In addition to the books, he had supplied them with an ample amount of papers and inks to facilitate their learning and writing.
The day they discovered this secret library, their hearts swelled with gratitude once again. With renewed determination, they vowed to learn diligently, acquiring knowledge and power that would transform their lives. Some of them would go on to achieve fame and renown, while others chose to follow in Shen Jiu's footsteps. Together, they would establish a sect that would leave a lasting mark on the future, a testament to the enduring impact of the young immortal's kindness and support.
Inside the carriage, Shen Jiu sat with Wei Ying and Xue Yang, who were diligently attempting to write with brushes on sheets of paper. It had been a week of intense learning, and both children were struggling to create elegant characters, their efforts showing the traces of their hard work. Shen Jiu, though he appeared composed on the outside, couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in their rapid progress. Their potential and determination had not gone unnoticed.
Shen Jiu realized that both children had a remarkable aptitude for various skills, and he couldn't help but smile at their dedication. Though he hadn't initially planned on taking them as his younger brothers, circumstances had led him to this decision. Furthermore, he wanted to avoid being called "shifu" as it brought back painful memories from his past life that he'd rather forget. In this life, he hoped to foster a different kind of relationship with Wei Ying and Xue Yang, one built on camaraderie, trust, and genuine brotherhood.
Shen Jiu had already settled the debts from his previous life with his disciples, but in this new life, he was driven by a different motivation. He had not experienced the warmth of family care, but he yearned to provide that to the two children before him. While Lou Binghe might have played a small part in this decision, it was not the sole reason.
Shen Jiu had glimpsed the fates that awaited his two younger brothers, and he wanted to offer them a sense of security and support, knowing that there was family they could rely on in times of difficulty. He understood that he couldn't alter the innocent and close bond between Wei Ying and Xue Yang, so he aimed to help them grow strong enough to face their fates. Shen Jiu was aware of Wei Ying's soulmate, a good match that gave him peace of mind. However, the situation was different for Xue Yang, who had two soulmates, a fate that mirrored Shen Jiu's own past. Shen Jiu couldn't prevent them from meeting their destined soulmates, but he hoped to help them navigate the challenges that lay ahead and find their own paths to happiness.
And thus began Ying-er and Yang-er's journey of study and learning, under Shen Jiu's watchful and guiding hand. It was a path filled with challenges and hardships, but also with the promise of growth, knowledge, and the forging of unbreakable bonds. Together, they faced the complexities of cultivation, calligraphy, and other essential skills, each day bringing them closer to a brighter and more promising future.
(The truth is it’s just a lot of homeworks.)
Shen Jiu sighed as he saw his didis were tired so he told them. “Take a break! We have reached our destination!”
Shen Jiu were amused as their faces brightened up, with very quick speed they put away everything in front of them as if Shen Jiu would tell them to study. Shaking his head, he slowly swiped his tea, as his didis tidied up themself.