Jianghu Demolition Squad

Savoring Life’s Hundred Flavors (Part Two)

In early spring, when all things grow, the Xuhuai Valley is filled with various flowers and medicinal herbs, creating a lush green vista on clear days, with butterflies dancing gracefully.

Bai Sang was seated on the porch, her gaze following a child chasing butterflies around the courtyard.

She rested her cheek on her hand and sighed lightly, muttering, “She doesn’t even seem human.”

The child in question had a pale purple skin, couldn’t speak coherently, and was still unsteady on her feet, mostly crawling on the ground and getting her clothes dirty.

A heavy iron collar was locked around her neck, previously attached to a chain that people used to tether her like a dog.

Although Xuan Shen had removed the chain, the collar, cast from refined iron, remained tightly clasped around her neck, impossible to remove.

Xuan Shen had brought her back after assisting the Gu Emperor of Miaojiang in quelling a rebellion.

Upon discovering that she was the legendary Living Gu, the residents of the valley unanimously shunned her.

The internal strife in Miaojiang was said to have been sparked by the Living Gu. The disciples of Xuhuai Valley who went to assist suffered heavy casualties, and with an already limited number of martial disciples, this loss further weakened their defensive capabilities.

Seeing this source of disaster, the disciples of Xuhuai Valley were naturally unhappy. Moreover, keeping such a creature in the valley could bring unknown future calamities.

The disciples of Xuhuai Valley advised Xuan Shen to cast this trouble away. He verbally agreed, promising to send her off “in a couple of days.”

However, those couple of days stretched on until he finally accepted her as a disciple and named her Mo Qingyan.

Bai Sang was lost in thought when she suddenly heard a rustling sound. She snapped back to reality and looked toward Mo Qingyan.

Mo Qingyan had, like an insect, crawled into a corner of the wall, her back turned to Bai Sang, engaged in some unknown activity.

“Qingyan,” Bai Sang called out.

Despite repeating her call, there was no response. Xuan Shen had suggested that her hearing might be impaired, or that she might only react to certain sounds, hence the need to call her loudly.

A sudden shout would make her body tremble, and she would turn her head to look around blankly.

Bai Sang rubbed her temples; she wasn’t cut out for this kind of thing. Everyone in the valley knew her gentle nature, her soft voice, always easy to talk to.

It was precisely because of her approachable manner that Xuan Shen had entrusted her with the responsibility of looking after Mo Qingyan.

As the valley master, Xuan Shen was overwhelmed with duties. Though he had taken Mo Qingyan as a disciple, he hardly had time to even see her, let alone instruct her.

The elders were eager to see Mo Qingyan leave, and none were willing to assist Xuan Shen in her training, ultimately pushing the responsibility onto Bai Sang.

Bai Sang stood up and walked towards Mo Qingyan, still calling her, “Qingyan.”

As Bai Sang approached her, she was startled, and even the tone of her calling Mo Qingyan twisted and changed.

In Mo Qingyan’s mouth was a snake. The snake was pitch black, its scales reflecting iridescent colors in the sunlight, clearly a venomous snake, likely used by the disciples for medicine, but somehow it had escaped.

Mo Qingyan was biting down on the snake’s head. It was unclear if the snake was dead, its body coiled around Mo Qingyan’s arm, its tail long and thin.

Mo Qingyan sucked a couple of times, trying to swallow the snake whole.

Bai Sang, in panic, cried out, “You can’t eat that!”

“Qingyan, spit it out!” Bai Sang pleaded urgently.

No matter how much she pleaded, Mo Qingyan ignored her. Bai Sang tried to grab the snake, but Mo Qingyan, despite her small size, had a surprising amount of strength. Even though Bai Sang was already an adult, she couldn’t overpower her.

Mo Qingyan gripped the snake tightly, refusing to let go, impervious to Bai Sang’s attempts to intervene, and seemingly unable to comprehend her words.

Bai Sang called out to her several times, but Mo Qingyan remained unresponsive.

Being a responsible person, Bai Sang had even advised Xuan Shen against keeping Mo Qingyan in Xuhuai Valley, but now that she was here under her care, Bai Sang was determined to protect her fully.

Unable to stop her and with Mo Qingyan not understanding her words, Bai Sang’s anxiety grew. Remembering Xuan Shen’s instructions on how to provoke a reaction, she, despite her gentle nature, had no choice but to raise her voice and sternly shout, “Mo Qingyan!”

Mo Qingyan’s body shuddered, and she slowly lifted her head to look at Bai Sang.

Bai Sang saw her eyes, moist and vacant, possibly devoid of any emotion, but she could discern a trace of confusion and fear.

Feeling remorseful, Bai Sang pulled the dead snake from her mouth.

The snake was dead, its head mangled by Mo Qingyan’s bite, its blood mingling with saliva.

Bai Sang tossed the snake aside and pried open Mo Qingyan’s mouth to check inside.

Mo Qingyan’s tongue, also a shade of purple, moved chaotically, licking her fingers as she checked for wounds.

Bai Sang gently slapped her, admonishing, “Stop moving.”

This time, it seemed Mo Qingyan understood, as her tongue retreated back into her mouth.

A thought struck Bai Sang, and she asked, “Are you hungry?”

Mo Qingyan uttered, “Ah…”

This meaningless sound stretched on, painfully loud to Bai Sang.

At the end, Mo Qingyan suddenly made a sound like “mo.”

Bai Sang, eyes lighting up as if she had discovered something fascinating, took hold of Mo Qingyan’s dirty little hands and instructed, “Qing Yan, call me – Master’s – Junior – Sister.”

She broke the words down, speaking clearly and slowly.

“Ah…”

“— Master’s – Junior – Sister.”

“Ah…”

Bai Sang tried several times without success, but she was quite satisfied as Mo Qingyan’s “Ah” began to fluctuate in tone. She took Mo Qingyan’s hand and headed to the kitchen.

Bai Sang was not skilled in cooking, and since it wasn’t mealtime yet and the kitchen disciple was nowhere to be found, she had to step in.

She tied back her long sleeves with an armband and pinned up her hair with a hair tie. She started the fire and washed the vegetables, handling the cooking quite adeptly. While stir-frying, she noticed Mo Qingyan approaching the stove.

The flickering firelight danced in her eyes, and she reached her hand towards the flames.

A vein throbbed on Bai Sang’s forehead as she realized that, if things continued this way, her temper might flare up as violently as the fire.

“Mo Qingyan!” she exclaimed, pulling her hand back just in time to see that it was already blistered from the heat. Bai Sang wanted to scold her, but then reconsidered, realizing that Mo Qingyan, ignorant of the world, wouldn’t know the fire could hurt her.

Bai Sang led her to running water to wash her hands repeatedly. Seeing that Mo Qingyan still showed no sign of discomfort, she asked, “Doesn’t it hurt?”

Mo Qingyan looked at Bai Sang, her gaze still clouded with confusion.

Bai Sang couldn’t help but pinch her cheek, eventually letting out a long sigh, “You don’t understand, why am I even asking you?”

Bai Sang treated and bandaged her hands, which were swollen like pig’s trotters, making it impossible for her to eat on her own. Bai Sang had no choice but to feed her.

She had wanted to teach her how to use chopsticks, but it seemed she would need to continue feeding her for a while.

Mo Qingyan’s appetite seemed bottomless. No matter how much she was fed, she always appeared hungry, eagerly awaiting the next spoonful.

Bai Sang had prepared three dishes and a soup, all of which Mo Qingyan devoured entirely. Bai Sang was pleased to see her enjoying the meal so much. She patted her head and seeing her still with her mouth open, said, “You can’t eat any more, it’s not good for your health.”

It was the time to cook meals, and as the disciple in charge of the kitchen came in, he saw Bai Sang and chuckled, “Junior Master Bai Sang, what brings you here?”

“She was hungry, so I borrowed the kitchen to make some food.”

“You could have just told us to do it.”

Mo Qingyan looked from the disciple to Bai Sang and began to vocalize again, “Ah…”

The disciple found it strange, “Is Junior Sister not satisfied with the food?”

Bai Sang wasn’t sure why Mo Qingyan suddenly started making noise; perhaps she was trying to imitate their speech, but it was too noisy, and she was about to ask her to stop.

At the end of her call, Mo Qingyan produced a sound that seemed to form the word “Sang” as if by accident when her tongue touched the roof of her mouth as she closed it.

Bai Sang paused, then resumed her previous instruction, “— Master’s – Junior – Sister.”

The disciple found it amusing and asked, “Junior Master Bai Sang, have you already taught her to speak?” Mo Qingyan again called out, “Ah… Sang… Sang…” This time the sounds were shorter, and the “Sang” was clear, no longer seeming like a mere illusion.

“- Master’s – Junior – Sister.”

“Ah… Sang.”

Despite several attempts by Bai Sang, Mo Qingyan could only manage to repeat ‘Ah’ and ‘Sang’ over and over. Bai Sang felt that this was like teasing a newborn child to speak, finding it funny and very interesting.

From that day on, she earnestly began to teach Mo Qingyan to speak and read.

‘Ah’ and ‘Sang’ became the first words Mo Qingyan learned, much like countless children whose first words are often ‘mama’ and ‘papa,’ because parents hope to be the first words their child speaks, thus they teach them so.

Bai Sang wasn’t her parent, but she too hoped to be the first one Mo Qingyan called, thus she taught her ‘Master’s Junior Sister.’ Perhaps these words were much harder, for Mo Qingyan continued to say only ‘Ah Sang.’

Bai Sang laughed it off and let it be.

Their days together flew by quickly, and two years passed in a blink.

Xuan Shen searched ancient texts for a method, letting Mo Qingyan take medicinal baths daily. Her purple skin lightened to a pale hue and then to a faint blush, making her look more like a normal person.

He also insisted she practice martial arts daily to improve her circulation, which improved markedly from the initial almost imperceptible state.

Xuan Shen taught her martial arts and how to conduct herself, while Bai Sang taught her reading and medicine.

Mo Qingyan could now speak in fits and starts, not only calling ‘Shishu’ but also ‘Shifu’ and ‘Shibo.’

Thanks to Bai Sang’s teaching and adjustments.

As a result, Mo Qingyan was somewhat afraid of her. She feared her, respected her, loved her, and depended on her.

Whenever Bai Sang frowned and spoke sternly, Mo Qingyan would shrink back, anxious and daring not to move or speak; but when Bai Sang called softly, “Qingyan, come here,” she would obediently approach, her face brushing against Bai Sang’s palm, expressing her affection straightforwardly and purely like an animal.

Beside the flower fields of Xuhuai Valley stood an ancient silk tree, robust and enduring, having witnessed the growth of several generations of disciples.

Bai Sang enjoyed sitting under this tree to read, and it was here that she often taught Mo Qingyan how to read.

One day, Bai Sang leaned against the tree and fell asleep, a gentle spring breeze fluttering her clothing, the leaves casting a dappled play of light and shadow over her, making her appear like a fairy amidst the blossoms, endearing to all who saw her.

Mo Qingyan stood amidst a patch of green vines under the scorching sun, with her hands clasped together and a blank expression on her face. But anyone who knew her well would recognize her unease.

A figure approached; Xuan Shen, dressed in a smoke-blue feathered robe, walked up to Mo Qingyan, placing his broad palm gently on her head. His voice was deep and warm, “I heard you upset her again?”

Mo Qingyan let out a low “mm.”

Xuan Shen, whose eyesight was sharp, squinted to see the title of the book in Bai Sang’s hand and asked, “She’s teaching you the Analects now? Which chapter are you on?”

Gazing at Bai Sang’s sleeping face from afar, Mo Qingyan replied, “The first.”

Xuan Shen crouched down to look into her eyes, his expression kind, “To be filial at home, respectful in public, cautious and trustworthy, and to love all universally. You’ve been taught to respect your elders and love your fellow disciples. She taught you this, why then did you hurt another disciple? Master taught you martial arts, firstly hoping you would strengthen your body, and secondly, if you had the ability, to protect your fellow disciples. It’s not to let you bully the weak.”

Mo Qingyan whimpered in her throat and lowered her head, nodding to indicate that she knew she was wrong.

Xuan Shen caressed her cheek, and she lightly rubbed against his hand.

Xuan Shen smiled, “This time, Master has also investigated the matter. It’s not entirely your fault. That disciple misspoke first, and you were defending your Shishu, right?”

“Mm. But… Shishu… is angry,” Mo Qingyan spoke, her voice still muddled, unable to say a complete sentence fluently.

“You meant well, defending your elder, but your method was wrong. You mustn’t act so recklessly in the future.”

Xuan Shen took Mo Qingyan’s hands in his, and she nodded again.

“However, since you were defending your Shishu and you know you were wrong, I’ll teach you a way to make her less angry.”

Mo Qingyan looked intently at him.

Xuan Shen plucked some of the nearby vine flowers, skillfully twisting them into a wreath and placing it on Mo Qingyan’s head, “I’ll show you, but you mustn’t use this trick all the time to get away with making her angry. Only use it when she’s truly upset and you realize your mistake.”

Mo Qingyan touched the flower wreath, her eyes lifting curiously to see what it was.

Xuan Shen had already pulled another length of vine, “Come, learn from your master.”

Mo Qingyan squatted next to Xuan Shen and pulled a piece of vine herself, mimicking his actions.

When Bai Sang woke up, she saw under the bright sun in the field of vine flowers, two figures, one large, one small, one white, one blue, huddled together with their backs to her, engaged in some unknown task.

It wasn’t until Mo Qingyan stood up straight, holding something, and suddenly turned around that she quickly closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep.

Peeking through her slightly open eyelids, she saw Mo Qingyan eagerly running toward her, only to trip over the vines and fall to the ground.

Her eyelids twitched, and she naturally opened her eyes fully. Mo Qingyan had already picked herself up and was hurrying over.

“Shi… Shishu, for you…” Mo Qingyan hesitated, afraid that Bai Sang might still be angry, her hand trembling slightly with the wreath she offered.

Bai Sang glanced at Xuan Shen, who was standing behind Mo Qingyan with a smile, his hands behind his back. Seeing Bai Sang looking over, he whispered, “Qingyan knows she was wrong. Accept this flower crown, and don’t be angry anymore.” He winked at her after speaking.

Bai Sang immediately understood the backstory of the flower crown and sighed at the unspoken understanding she had with her senior brother.

What a clever way to diffuse her anger. It was simply a gesture to help her move past the issue without holding a grudge.

Bai Sang sighed helplessly and lowered her head slightly.

Mo Qingyan approached and placed the flower crown on her head: “Shishu… not angry…”

Bai Sang brushed off the dust from her clothes and said, “If you behave better in the future, Shishu won’t get angry.”

Seeing her say this, Mo Qingyan knew that she was truly not angry anymore. She was happy in her heart and leaned over to hug her.

Bai Sang embraced her, letting her sit by her side.

The scenery was perfect, and Xuan Shen, having stolen a rare moment of leisure, leaned against the tree next to Mo Qingyan.

Mo Qing Yan thought of something and ran over again. She plucked a section of green vine flowers and made it into a messy flower wreath, putting it on Xuan Shen’s head.

Xuan Shen smoothed his hair that had been messed up by Mo Qingyan and laughingly asked the two, “How does it look?”

Bai Sang chuckled, “Senior Brother, wearing it makes you look a bit too flamboyant.”

Xuan Shen laughed heartily. Mo Qingyan squeezed between the two again, holding their arms and leaning against the tree trunk, resting under the shade of the tree.

The leaves swayed, and Mo Qingyan looked up at the sunlight leaking through the gaps, the warmth enveloping her entire body.

“Home is where the heart finds peace,” she thought, “I wish time would slow down.”

Translation note:

What Bai Sang really meant was to refer to her as ‘Shishu’ (Martial Uncle or Martial Aunt). ‘Shishu’ essentially means the Master’s Junior or Senior Brother or Sister.

A complete list:
https://immortalmountain.wordpress.com/glossary/terms-of-address/