Junior Brother Pays Respect to You: Chapter 29 - Uwilling to Suffer a Loss
Chapter 29: Uwilling to Suffer a Loss
Qin Zheng stood at the entrance of the cave, leaning lazily against the wall, glancing outside every so often while slowly nibbling on a piece of fruit in his hand.
Inside the cave, a small white figure was busily running back and forth, picking up bamboo sticks scattered across the ground.
These past few days, a bored Qin Zheng had invented a little game to pass the time.
A bamboo tube, a bunch of bamboo sticks, and the two of them would take turns standing at a distance, trying to throw the sticks into the tube.
Xiao Bai was having a blast playing it.
Originally, Qin Zheng had planned to go down the mountain to buy some essentials since most of the snow had melted. But on his way back from Tianque Temple that day, it unexpectedly snowed again—and even longer than the first time.
With snow piled up to his knees, he was completely snowed into the cave.
Three days had passed since the intended visit to Tianque Temple, and since he didn’t make it out in time, Qin Zheng could only keep eating the fruits Xiao Bai brought back.
Every day, Qin Zheng ate, slept, played with Xiao Bai, and waited at the cave entrance, but there was still no sign of Qin Su from Tianque Temple.
He glanced up at the hazy sky and felt like he was about to turn into one of those legendary "waiting-for-my-husband" statues.
Even though the cave now felt like spring with its warmth, making a trip to the temple for shelter unnecessary, Qin Zheng was still very unhappy.
It was that kind of frustration one gets after putting in effort but receiving no reward.
Just like how he had trained so hard back then but could never make progress in his cultivation—it was infuriating.
He, Qin Zheng, was never the type to willingly suffer a loss.
Especially not a loss this big—he hadn’t even treated himself this well in his whole life.
He bit down hard into the fruit, then flung the leftover pit far into the woods.
This loss? He wasn’t taking it!
Qin Zheng turned back to his bed, dug through the blankets, and finally pulled out the time scroll he’d been ignoring for days.
Originally, he hadn’t planned to mess with any more risky time travel after coming back to good food and shelter—but now he felt the need to go back and have a proper conversation with Qin Su.
Besides, he still had plenty of time jumps left. No reason to let them go to waste.
At the very least, he was going to get that house—he had earned it, after all.
One reassuring thing this time was that if he went back, he probably wouldn’t have to experience Qin Su turning hostile again because of past bullying. After all, he had been training and hadn’t had the time to mess with him.
Maybe he could ask for that promise outright this time.
Qin Zheng spread out the time scroll and turned to Xiao Bai, who was still picking up bamboo sticks: “I’m going to sleep for a bit. Once you’ve cleaned everything up, go play in the snow if you want.”
With that said, Qin Zheng picked up the brush.
As he bent down, ready to write the time for six months later, he suddenly paused and let out a nervous breath.
He had nearly forgotten about Qin Su’s injury and coma.
Given how serious his condition seemed this time, six months might not be enough for a full recovery. After some thought, Qin Zheng decided to set the time for three years later.
That should be long enough.
***
Before even opening his eyes, Qin Zheng could already guess he was in the first-tier training room.
Back then, the results of the spiritual root test had hit him hard, leading to a long period of determined cultivation in this very room.
Thinking back, that might have been the most focused and disciplined time of his life.
Qin Zheng got up from the meditation cushion, stretched, and opened the door to the training room.
The sunlight, fresh air, and temperature outside were all pleasantly comfortable.
But right now, the only thing on Qin Zheng’s mind was finding Qin Su. Nothing else mattered.
He was also just a bit angry.
Qin Zheng stormed off toward Qin Su’s residence.
Qin Zheng passed a few junior disciples heading in the opposite direction. Strangely, he noticed that all of them looked at him with odd expressions—different from what he remembered.
Frowning, Qin Zheng stopped walking, leaned against the corridor railing, looked around to make sure no one was watching, then quickly leaned over and looked into the water’s reflection.
From the reflection, he confirmed that there was nothing strange on his face.
“Senior Brother?”
Qin Zheng quickly looked up. That voice—it sounded like Qin Shuang?
He straightened up and tilted his head toward the corridor.
It was him.
Qin Shuang had matured into a calm and composed man.
Seeing an old familiar face, Qin Zheng immediately waved. “Come over here!”
Qin Shuang quickly jogged over.
Once he was close, Qin Zheng threw an arm around his shoulder and lowered his voice, asking, “Do you know where Qin Su is?”
Qin Shuang looked at him strangely, a little disappointed. “Why is it that every time you look for me, it’s to ask about Junior Brother Qin Su?”
Qin Zheng impatiently slapped his back. “Quit whining and just tell me—do you know or not?”
Qin Shuang thought for a moment and said, “I’m not totally sure, but he’s most likely in Sanqing Hall.”
“Master is assigning tasks today and summoned all the disciples there.”
He pointed ahead and asked, “Senior Brother, are you coming?”
Qin Zheng gave him a look and answered with his actions.
Seeing his senior stride off, Qin Shuang quickly followed behind.
As the two of them stepped into Sanqing Hall, Qin Zheng noticed that many of the disciples inside were all turning to look at him with the same strange expressions.
Thinking back to what had just happened in the corridor, Qin Zheng nudged Qin Shuang beside him with his elbow and asked in a low voice, “Are they all looking at me?”
Qin Shuang nodded. “Yeah, because it’s been three years since you’ve shown up. Seeing you suddenly appear again is bound to surprise people.”
Qin Zheng raised an eyebrow—so that’s what it was.
Now that he understood the reason, he no longer minded the stares. He straightened his back and confidently walked to his designated spot.
Suddenly, a distinctive figure came into view.
The person standing at the very front on the right side stood alone, as if everything around him had nothing to do with him.
Qin Zheng immediately recognized him—it was Qin Su.
It looked like he had grown quite a bit taller.
Qin Zheng’s gaze stayed fixed on Qin Su’s back as he steadily made his way to his place.
Just as he was about to pass by, the previously still Qin Su shifted slightly, suddenly turning his head and casting him a calm glance.
Their eyes met.
Qin Zheng didn’t even have time to look away, and they simply stared at each other as he walked by.
Qin Su had grown more mature. Although he was only fifteen, all traces of childishness were gone from his face. He was becoming more and more like that junior sect leader.
The anger Qin Zheng had just felt seemed to have vanished without him realizing it, and a thought popped into his mind: Maybe Qin Su never saw the letter I left him?
Thinking about it, this was something he should ask about in private later.
Qin Zheng walked to his spot and stood there.
Qin Ke, standing nearby, had already noticed him. He shot a mocking glance at Qin Xuan behind him, then lifted his foot, clearly about to walk over and say something.
But just then— “Looks like everyone’s quite interested in this outing for training.”
Their master’s voice rang out from outside the hall.
Qin Ke silently withdrew his foot.
Qing Yuan strolled in at a relaxed pace. When he saw Qin Zheng, his eyes lingered for a moment in surprise.
Once the sect leader took his place on the platform, he finally announced, “Now that all of you disciples are of age and capable of taking on responsibilities, I believe it’s time for you to descend the mountain and gain some real-world experience.”
The disciples below the platform buzzed with excitement.
Helping the weak and fighting evil was something every Tianque Sect disciple longed to do.
With a hand gesture, the sect leader quickly silenced the crowd.
“I’m sure you’ve all heard the rumors. Lately, things have been quite unsettled at Mount Yuqing.”
“You all know the mountain god of Yuqing Mountain has a habit of sealing dangerous things within the mountain for easier management.”
“Now, it seems someone has taken advantage of the mountain god’s absence and is using special gates—‘Sealing Array Portals’—to search for these seals.”
“The problem with these portals is this: once they locate a seal, it will be automatically broken.”
Qin Zheng thought immediately of his previous experience.
“Several seals have already been broken by unknown individuals, causing malevolent beings to escape and harm the people.”
“I want each of you to form groups of two and descend the mountain. Patrol Yuqing Mountain. If you encounter any of these escaped entities—eliminate them. If you see suspicious individuals, do your best to bring them back.”
All the disciples below cupped their fists in unison and replied, “Yes!”
“Now, I’ll assign the most suitable groupings based on your abilities.”
The sect leader glanced down at the disciples and began, “Qin Ke and Qin Pei. Qin Xuan and Qin Yi…”
Those whose names were called went to meet their teammates and began getting acquainted.
As each group was announced, Qin Zheng noticed a clear pattern: each pair was made up of one stronger and one weaker member.
He couldn’t help but glance over at Qin Su.
Looks like he was destined to be paired with him.
Sure enough, before long, Qin Zheng heard his master’s voice: “Qin Su and Qin Zheng will form a team.”
As the final pairing was announced, all eyes turned to Qin Su again. Many of them were filled with dissatisfaction, but since it was the master’s arrangement, no one dared say a word.
Once the pairings were finished, the sect leader gave a final reminder: “Although these malevolent beings have been sealed in the mountains for a long time and their strength has diminished, all of you must still be cautious. If you’re outmatched, don’t force a fight—seek help from nearby disciples.”
Though Qin Zheng kept a neutral expression on his face, his heart was soaring with joy.
This… this is practically heaven-sent!
From the reflection, he confirmed that there was nothing strange on his face.
“Senior Brother?”
Qin Zheng quickly looked up. That voice—it sounded like Qin Shuang?
He straightened up and tilted his head toward the corridor.
It was him.
Qin Shuang had matured into a calm and composed man.
Seeing an old familiar face, Qin Zheng immediately waved. “Come over here!”
Qin Shuang quickly jogged over.
Once he was close, Qin Zheng threw an arm around his shoulder and lowered his voice, asking, “Do you know where Qin Su is?”
Qin Shuang looked at him strangely, a little disappointed. “Why is it that every time you look for me, it’s to ask about Junior Brother Qin Su?”
Qin Zheng impatiently slapped his back. “Quit whining and just tell me—do you know or not?”
Qin Shuang thought for a moment and said, “I’m not totally sure, but he’s most likely in Sanqing Hall.”
“Master is assigning tasks today and summoned all the disciples there.”
He pointed ahead and asked, “Senior Brother, are you coming?”
Qin Zheng gave him a look and answered with his actions.
Seeing his senior stride off, Qin Shuang quickly followed behind.
As the two of them stepped into Sanqing Hall, Qin Zheng noticed that many of the disciples inside were all turning to look at him with the same strange expressions.
Thinking back to what had just happened in the corridor, Qin Zheng nudged Qin Shuang beside him with his elbow and asked in a low voice, “Are they all looking at me?”
Qin Shuang nodded. “Yeah, because it’s been three years since you’ve shown up. Seeing you suddenly appear again is bound to surprise people.”
Qin Zheng raised an eyebrow—so that’s what it was.
Now that he understood the reason, he no longer minded the stares. He straightened his back and confidently walked to his designated spot.
Suddenly, a distinctive figure came into view.
The person standing at the very front on the right side stood alone, as if everything around him had nothing to do with him.
Qin Zheng immediately recognized him—it was Qin Su.
It looked like he had grown quite a bit taller.
Qin Zheng’s gaze stayed fixed on Qin Su’s back as he steadily made his way to his place.
Just as he was about to pass by, the previously still Qin Su shifted slightly, suddenly turning his head and casting him a calm glance.
Their eyes met.
Qin Zheng didn’t even have time to look away, and they simply stared at each other as he walked by.
Qin Su had grown more mature. Although he was only fifteen, all traces of childishness were gone from his face. He was becoming more and more like that junior sect leader.
The anger Qin Zheng had just felt seemed to have vanished without him realizing it, and a thought popped into his mind: Maybe Qin Su never saw the letter I left him?
Thinking about it, this was something he should ask about in private later.
Qin Zheng walked to his spot and stood there.
Qin Ke, standing nearby, had already noticed him. He shot a mocking glance at Qin Xuan behind him, then lifted his foot, clearly about to walk over and say something.
But just then— “Looks like everyone’s quite interested in this outing for training.”
Their master’s voice rang out from outside the hall.
Qin Ke silently withdrew his foot.
Qing Yuan strolled in at a relaxed pace. When he saw Qin Zheng, his eyes lingered for a moment in surprise.
Once the sect leader took his place on the platform, he finally announced, “Now that all of you disciples are of age and capable of taking on responsibilities, I believe it’s time for you to descend the mountain and gain some real-world experience.”
The disciples below the platform buzzed with excitement.
Helping the weak and fighting evil was something every Tianque Sect disciple longed to do.
With a hand gesture, the sect leader quickly silenced the crowd.
“I’m sure you’ve all heard the rumors. Lately, things have been quite unsettled at Mount Yuqing.”
“You all know the mountain god of Yuqing Mountain has a habit of sealing dangerous things within the mountain for easier management.”
“Now, it seems someone has taken advantage of the mountain god’s absence and is using special gates—‘Sealing Array Portals’—to search for these seals.”
“The problem with these portals is this: once they locate a seal, it will be automatically broken.”
Qin Zheng thought immediately of his previous experience.
“Several seals have already been broken by unknown individuals, causing malevolent beings to escape and harm the people.”
“I want each of you to form groups of two and descend the mountain. Patrol Yuqing Mountain. If you encounter any of these escaped entities—eliminate them. If you see suspicious individuals, do your best to bring them back.”
All the disciples below cupped their fists in unison and replied, “Yes!”
“Now, I’ll assign the most suitable groupings based on your abilities.”
The sect leader glanced down at the disciples and began, “Qin Ke and Qin Pei. Qin Xuan and Qin Yi…”
Those whose names were called went to meet their teammates and began getting acquainted.
As each group was announced, Qin Zheng noticed a clear pattern: each pair was made up of one stronger and one weaker member.
He couldn’t help but glance over at Qin Su.
Looks like he was destined to be paired with him.
Sure enough, before long, Qin Zheng heard his master’s voice: “Qin Su and Qin Zheng will form a team.”
As the final pairing was announced, all eyes turned to Qin Su again. Many of them were filled with dissatisfaction, but since it was the master’s arrangement, no one dared say a word.
Once the pairings were finished, the sect leader gave a final reminder: “Although these malevolent beings have been sealed in the mountains for a long time and their strength has diminished, all of you must still be cautious. If you’re outmatched, don’t force a fight—seek help from nearby disciples.”
Though Qin Zheng kept a neutral expression on his face, his heart was soaring with joy.
This… this is practically heaven-sent!
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