Chapter 48: What is Expected

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Night follows day. Day follows night.

The march of time stops for no one, and only those who stand in the highest peaks of cultivation can ignore it.

Eventually, all things must pass.

Liu Jin felt great pride and relief upon defeating Xiao Fang. Yet, those positive feelings lasted only until he found his Master in poor health. The moment that happened, they were replaced by worry, fear, and guilt.

However, those too have faded away.

Old Jiang opens his eyes during the afternoon of the next day. From there, it only takes one more day before he is back on his feet.

His Master laughs and pretends he is as strong as ever, yet Liu Jin can see the differences. A slight slowness to his steps. The discomfort that appears on his face for a fraction of a second every now and then. The way tasks that seemed like second nature to him now force him to put a little effort into them. Other people would not be able to notice these things, but he can.

His Master is not well.

His Master is not well, and there is nothing he can do about it.

“I expected you to be happier.”

“Huh?”

Liu Jin looks up, startled. Xiao Nan stares back at him with slight concern.

Xiao Nan had shown up at his doorstep to deliver his new robes. For someone like Xiao Nan to lower himself to such a mundane task would normally be unthinkable. However, it’s clear to Liu Jin that Xiao Nan is just using it as an excuse to spend some time with him. The moment Liu Jin opened the door, Xiao Nan gave him the clothes and invited him out.

The two are now in a tea house located in one of the inner districts of Eastern Port City. As its location implies, it is a fancy place. The walls are decorated with gentle greens and gold ornaments. The lights and windows are all perfectly placed, so each table receives just the right amount of illumination.

If Liu Jin weren’t wearing his Inner Disciple robes, he’d feel woefully out of place.

“I apologize, Elder Brother,” Liu Jin says. “Obviously, I’m happy to have become an Inner Disciple. My mind is just… elsewhere right now. Master gave me a hard medical problem I have not been able to solve.”

It is not a lie.

Liu Jin has to repeat that to himself several times in his head. It is not a lie, so he’s not lying to Xiao Nan. If he isn’t telling Xiao Nan the full truth, it is because he does not feel comfortable doing so. Even if this is Xiao Nan, Old Jiang’s condition is not something he wants to talk about.

Certain things are best kept private.

Xiao Nan is his friend. His best friend.

Old Jiang is his Master.

“Ah, say no more, Little Brother.” Xiao Nan’s eyes are full of understanding. “I understand completely. Uncle is a harsh teacher who delights in tormenting his students. I have suffered plenty under his tutelage.”

A chuckle escapes Liu Jin’s mouth. The haunted look on Xiao Nan’s face at that moment is comical.

“I am serious, Little Brother! You have no idea how many tedious things Uncle has me running around doing,” Xiao Nan says, patting his chest for emphasis. “I am a fighter. If my life were as simple as just knowing who to beat next, I’d be happy. Instead, I get saddled with all sorts of complicated jobs. Old people truly have no consideration for those who are enjoying their youth.”

Xiao Nan sighs miserably and shakes his head, though Liu Jin can tell he’s exaggerating for his benefit.

“I guess that brings me to the reason I brought you here.”

Liu Jin blinks. He had assumed Xiao Nan was merely taking him out to celebrate. However, now that he thinks about it, this place is far too formal for Xiao Nan’s tastes.

“I’ll be leaving Eastern Port City for a while.”

Xiao Nan looks uncomfortable as he says it. It is a rare look on him. His Elder Brother is usually easy-going about everything, almost as if there is nothing that can faze him. The only time Liu Jin recalls seeing Xiao Nan being completely serious is in New Moon Town. The expression on his face right now is not at that level, yet it makes Liu Jin worry.

“How long?”

Even though he asks the question, he already has a pretty good idea of what type of answer he is going to receive.

“I am afraid I will not be able to watch you and Xiao Fang participate in the tournament.”

It is the answer he expects, and Liu Jin is surprised at how much it disappoints him that Xiao Nan won’t be there.

However, that is not what is truly important.

Xiao Nan’s presence has always been a source of safety for Liu Jin. Elder Hui’s appearance during his spar with Xiao Fang showed Liu Jin just how much he depends on Xiao Nan’s aid.

What would have happened if Xiao Nan had not arrived at that moment?

Certainly, Elder Hui would not be bold enough to attack him. No matter how much Xiao Fang dislikes him, it is not to the point where he would remain quiet after seeing something like that. However, Liu Jin has no doubt that Elder Hui is fully capable of doing many things without Xiao Fang noticing.

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Just what is that man up to?

Elder Hui was there when Xiao Fang challenged him. In fact, it may be that the idea of doing so came from Elder Hui. However, why would he do that? Does Elder Hui disapprove of him? If so, did the spar change his mind, or has it merely reinforced Elder Hui’s opinion?

There are too many unknowns. A man in the Heaven Realm is not someone Liu Jin wants as an enemy.

“There is no need for you to worry,” Xiao Nan says. Liu Jin’s emotions must have shown on his face. That or Xiao Nan is just really good at reading him.

It is probably both.

“You are Uncle’s son-in-law. You are not someone who has to worry about being attacked. You are better protected than you realize.”

You do not need to worry about Elder Hui.

That is what Xiao Nan’s eyes are telling him.

“If anything truly worries you, do not hesitate to go to Uncle. If he’s busy, Elder Gang is also an option.”

“The Elder in charge of Inner Disciples?” Liu Jin distantly remembers talking to the man once or twice while the preparations for the wedding were underway.

“He is trustworthy.”

Unlike Elder Hui. Xiao Nan does not say it, but there is no need for him to do so. Liu Jin wonders if maybe his promotion was to place him further away from Elder Hui’s influence.

“But enough of that!” Xiao Nan brings his palms together and puts a smile on his face. “It saddens me that I won’t see you two fight in the tournament, but I’ll be sure to congratulate you when I return. There is just one more thing I wanted to show you.”

Liu Jin blinks again. There is more?

Xiao Nan reaches into his sleeve and pulls out a piece of paper.

“Here,” he says, passing it to Liu Jin, who quickly starts reading.