It was a long night, but an even longer morning.
\n<\/p>\n
The two juniors came downstairs with dark circles under their eyes. They sat at a table and waved Xie Li over.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019d like to order three breakfast sets,\u201d said Jianjin, the younger of the two.<\/p>\n
\u201cOkay,\u201d replied Xie Li, walking to the kitchen.<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, Ah-Li, come here,\u201d says Auntie Ma, the innkeeper. She tugged on his sleeve and pulled him aside behind the counter and spoke in a hushed voice.<\/p>\n
\u201cI saw their senior earlier this morning when I was delivering hot water to the rooms. And you wouldn\u2019t believe it, but it\u2019s the Fallen Leaves Valley Lord, Di Mie! I wish I could just get a glimpse of what he looks like under the veil…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh?\u201d said Xie Li.<\/p>\n
\u201cHeheh,\u201d grinned Auntie Ma. \u201cI\u2019ve heard that he\u2019s the most handsome man in town right now. Ahh! Auntie is so excited!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYou didn\u2019t seem interested when Uncle Niu was talking about him yesterday.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cAiyo, that Old Niu would just make fun of me if he knew,\u201d said Auntie Ma. \u201cI wonder what sir Di Mie looks like now he’s all grown up. Especially if he\u2019s as good-looking as all the rumours say\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cI saw a glimpse of his face last night when I was showing him to his room,\u201d said Xie Li.<\/p>\n
Auntie Ma put a hand to her mouth in surprise. \u201cOh my! What did he look like? Is he super handsome as the gossip says?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201c…\u2019super handsome\u2019?\u201d blinked Xie Li, tapping a finger against his chin in thought. \u201cHmm. His facial features are all in the right place, so I suppose by most people\u2019s standards he is considered handsome…\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBut of course you couldn\u2019t tell if he\u2019s good-looking. You hardly look at people’s faces when they\u2019re talking to you,\u201d sighed Auntie Ma.<\/p>\n
With a sudden realisation, Auntie Ma clapped her hands together and exclaimed, \u201cAh-Li, you stayed at the Hermit Peak before, didn\u2019t you? Did you get to train with him?\u201d<\/p>\n
Xie Li, not knowing how to respond, just shrugged.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh right,\u201d realised Auntie Ma. \u201cI\u2019ve heard how the disciples who’ve stayed at the Hermit Moon Peak can’t speak about their time there. I\u2019ll stop asking then. From now on, you follow Auntie Ma and learn how to appreciate beauty.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHm,\u201d said Xie Li. \u201cI think I appreciate good-looking things just fine.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh right,\u201d said Auntie Ma. \u201cI shouldn\u2019t mention Hermit Moon Peak in front of them as well in case they get offended.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBy the way, they\u2019ve ordered three breakfast sets,\u201d said Xie Li, steering her back to the work at hand.<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, that means the Valley Lord will be joining them! I\u2019ll bring the food to their table,\u201d volunteered Auntie Ma.<\/p>\n
She was in luck as Di Mie was at the table as she served them but quickly came back looking disappointed.<\/p>\n
\u201cI couldn\u2019t see the face behind his veil. Still, he has a really handsome figure,\u201d admired Auntie Ma. \u201cJust like our Ah-Li.* Except he\u2019s taller. And his shoulders are broader and more dependable. And he\u2019s so accomplished at his young age. Also, did I mention those nice, dependable-looking shoulders of his? Clothes can\u2019t hide those shoulders, heheh…\u201d<\/p>\n
*Ah-Li = Xie Li<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cYou are amusing, Auntie Ma,\u201d said Xie Li. He remembered he was at work and put on his practised smile as he felt a murderous aura aimed at him from across the room.<\/p>\n \u201cWaiter, please come here,\u201d called the dark-dressed Di Mie, his voice low and even. Jianshi and Jianjin visibly stiffened at their Shibo using his extra-gentle voice. It meant he was probably ready to kill someone…<\/p>\n \u201cYes, coming over now,\u201d said Xie Li, knowing Auntie Ma\u2019s eyes were following him all the way to the table.<\/p>\n \u201cSit here,\u201d said Di Mie, gesturing to the stool next to him at the table.<\/p>\n The two juniors stared at the waiter, then at each other in confusion.<\/p>\n \u201cI have to work,\u201d said Xie Li.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease. Sit. Down.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAs you wish,\u201d said Xie Li, his tone so bland and casual that the two brothers started to fear for the waiter\u2019s life.<\/p>\n The two juniors watched as this waiter took his time to sit, not the least unperturbed by their Shibo\u2019s firm, unmoving posture. Xie Li smiled at the two disciples, which only served to make them feel more uneasy.<\/p>\n \u201cYou two, introduce yourselves,\u201d ordered Di Mie.<\/p>\n Who would dare disobey their Shibo, who earned the nickname \u2018Demon King\u2019 among the Mad Tiger disciples? They wished they could tell the world that their Di Shibo wasn\u2019t the friendly, charming hero the public thought he was.<\/p>\n Trying his best not to care how ridiculous the situation looked, the older of the two quickly stood up and saluted.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m Chen Jianshi. This is my younger brother, Chen Jianjin. We are both from the Border Mountain Sect and are disciples of the Mad Tiger Peak.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd I\u2019m Di Mie of the Fallen Leaves Valley,\u201d said Di Mie. He looked at Xie Li. \u201cYour turn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh, me?\u201d said Xie Li, smiling and pointing at himself, his motions a little slow. \u201cI\u2019m Xie Li. I work here for Auntie Ma who owns this inn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cXie\u2014” He stopped, and tried again. “Mister Xie, is it? Have you heard anything about some townsfolk who went missing lately?\u201d said Di Mie.<\/p>\n The juniors were suddenly relieved.<\/p>\n It seemed that their Shibo was just being friendly to the waiter to gather information, even if his initial approach seemed rather…eccentric. They had asked the innkeeper the other day but she didn\u2019t know much. Perhaps this waiter, being a young man, knew more?<\/p>\n \u201cHmm. I haven\u2019t,\u201d said Xie Li.<\/p>\n The juniors blinked.<\/p>\n \u201cHave you talked to the town guards?\u201d he suggested.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ve asked the ones at the gates, but there\u2019s no new information,\u201d said Jianshi.<\/p>\n \u201cHmm, maybe Uncle Niu might know something. He keeps up with the latest news,\u201d said Xie Li.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere is this Uncle Niu?\u201d asked Jianjin.<\/p>\n \u201cHe should be at the cosmetics shop down the street.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHm,\u201d said Di Mie. \u201cBring us there.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut I have work,\u201d said Xie Li.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll talk to the innkeeper,\u201d said Di Mie, and he did.<\/p>\n Jianshi and Jianjin watched as their Shibo suddenly became an auntie-killer<\/em>, his voice a charming baritone, teasing and playful even behind the veil.<\/p>\n They shuddered when they heard him say\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cYou were that older sister working at the canteen? No wonder the food always tasted so good.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAiyo, why are you so charming?\u201d gushed Auntie Ma. \u201cAuntie is your fan!\u201d<\/p>\n A gust of wind even came in from nowhere to lift his veil from his face just so<\/em> for Auntie Ma to catch a glimpse of his lips and his jawline.<\/p>\n Auntie Ma couldn\u2019t help a squee that came from her lips from seeing that demonically well-shaped bit of chin.<\/p>\n Di Mie skillfully pretended not to hear her reaction and after warming her up with all that small talk, dove into the real request.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, we are hoping you could lend us your nephew for the rest of the day to help us with our investigation since we could use a guide,\u201d said Di Mie.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, of course! Our Ah-Li would love to help,\u201d exclaimed the innkeeper. Then, as if remembering to ask Xie Li for his opinion, quickly turned to said nephew. \u201cAh-Li, are you free to help young master Di?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWow, \u2018young master Di\u2019,\u201d whispered Jianjin to Jianshi.<\/p>\n \u201cAuntie Ma, you\u2019re the boss of this inn,\u201d smiled Xie Li. \u201cIf you say I\u2019m free, then I am.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh, right!\u201d giggled Auntie Ma. \u201cToday\u2019s not a busy day, so Xie Li should go ahead and have fun in town with these fine young masters!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll make sure he\u2019ll have a fun time,\u201d said Di Mie, his voice dripping with potent charm.<\/p>\n The juniors felt their skin crawl.<\/p>\n \u201cPlease be mindful of Ah-Li,\u201d said Auntie Ma. \u201cThis nephew of mine is in poor health.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry, Auntie Ma. I\u2019ll take good<\/em> care of him,\u201d said Di Mie, his voice extra sweet.<\/p>\n \u201cAiyo, you have such a way with words,\u201d she gushed.<\/p>\n The juniors looked ready to turn into stone statues right then and there.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll clean him right up while you continue your meal,\u201d said Auntie Ma to the table of cultivators, pulling Xie Li aside by his sleeve.<\/p>\n \u201cClean up?\u201d asked Xie Li.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t go out looking like that, not with these handsome fellows!\u201d scolded Auntie Ma. \u201cYou need to dress up a little. It\u2019s just good manners to be presentable.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAuntie Ma, there\u2019s really no need to,\u201d said Xie Li.<\/p>\n \u201cHeheh, I got a little carried away last night and sewed a sash to go with that blue robe I altered,\u201d she said, her eyes sparkling in contrast to the eyebags below.<\/p>\n Xie Li sighed and obliged, letting her pull him into a backroom and pile him with clothes.<\/p>\n \u201cChange quickly! And wash your face too!\u201d she added as she closed the door behind her and giggled in anticipation.<\/p>\n *<\/p>\n \u201cAuntie Ma, where is Mister Xie?\u201d asked Jianshi, now they were done with their breakfast.<\/p>\n \u201cComing, coming,\u201d said the innkeeper, going into the backroom to fetch Xie Li.<\/p>\n \u201cWait,\u201d said Xie Li, a blood-stained undertunic and some rags bundled in his arms. \u201cLet me get these soaked first.\u201d<\/p>\n She grabbed the clothes from him and tossed them aside. \u201cLeave the dirty clothes for your Auntie Ma to handle. Oh, your sash is crooked. Wait, you can\u2019t go out with your hair like this,\u201d she said as she untied his full bun, pursed her lips and pondered.<\/p>\n Xie Li shook his hair out, letting the dark locks flow down to his hips.<\/p>\n Auntie Ma took out a ribbon and gathered some of his hair into a top-bun.<\/p>\n There was a mild frown on Xie Li\u2019s face and his eyes were slightly narrowed.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, yes, I know you don\u2019t like people touching you. I\u2019ll do this quickly,\u201d said Auntie Ma as she deftly fixed a blue ribbon around his hair. While at it, she quickly straightened his clothes.<\/p>\n \u201cNow you at least look like a handsome school teacher from some rural village,\u201d she said, standing back to admire her handiwork.<\/p>\n \u201cYou are very specific…\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWith this, you don\u2019t have to hide your jade bangle,\u201d said Auntie Ma. \u201cIt does look too expensive to be worn about this humble inn\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI should hide it,\u201d said Xie Li. He took a roll of cloth bandages and wrapped it over his wrist.<\/p>\n \u201cAh, let me,\u201d said Auntie Ma, deftly tying the bandages for him.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe you need another prop, like a fan or a book, maybe even a flute. Come, turn around and give Auntie a smile!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou are enjoying this, aren\u2019t you?\u201d said Xie Li, turning one round for her to examine and appreciate. He gave her a well-trained smile, and she clapped in joy.<\/p>\n \u201cYou look heavenly when you smile like that,\u201d squeed Auntie Ma. \u201cAh, right. Mustn\u2019t keep them waiting. Quick, go to them!\u201d<\/p>\n The two juniors blinked when they saw Xie Li approach them.<\/p>\n \u201cMister…Xie?\u201d said Jianshi, not anticipating the change of clothes at all.<\/p>\n Jianjin pulled his brother out of the inn and beckoned Xie Li to follow, whispering, \u201cHurry up, we can\u2019t keep Di Shibo waiting.\u201d<\/p>\n No one could see what kind of face Di Mie made because of his veil, but he was silent for a moment when he saw Xie Li step out of the inn, dressed in a neat, blue robe.<\/p>\n And then he spoke up.<\/p>\n \u201cYou look ridiculous,\u201d said Di Mie.<\/p>\n \u201cAre these clothes that strange?\u201d said Xie Li, smiling.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m referring to your smile.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIs that so?\u201d<\/p>\n The two juniors blinked, shocked at what Di Mie was saying to the waiter. More surprising was how the waiter seemed immune to Di Mie\u2019s natural charm or rudeness.<\/p>\n \u201cUm, Mister Xie, please lead the way to this Uncle Niu,\u201d said Jianshi.<\/p>\n Jianjin nudged his brother, mouthing a \u201cNice save!\u201d to him.<\/p>\n The two boys could feel their Shibo staring at Xie Li\u2019s back the whole time as they walked down the street like a tiger eyeing a rabbit. Xie Li seemed not to sense any of that at all, leading them to a shop selling cosmetics.<\/p>\n Two young women were busy minding customers while a middle-aged man sat on a stool in a corner just outside the shop, reading the latest gossip leaflet.<\/p>\n \u201cUncle Niu,\u201d greeted Xie Li.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, Xie Li! Heard said you were unwell again. How are you today?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMm,\u201d shrugged Xie Li.<\/p>\n \u201cShy as usual, huh? Anyway, you look good in my old robe. Your Auntie Ma did a great job,\u201d chuckled Old Niu. \u201cSo, have you come to borrow another issue?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI haven\u2019t finished reading the ones you left behind,\u201d said Xie Li.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have to tell this old man what you think of it when you finish reading them, haha!\u201d said Old Niu. \u201cSo, where have you read up to\u2014\u201d he stopped, noticing the men behind Xie Li.<\/p>\n \u201cHmm? Who are these young masters from the Border Mountains Sect with\u2014oh my! Is this the Fallen Leaves Valley Lord himself?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m here to supervise our sect juniors. Please ignore my presence so they can learn well,\u201d said Di Mie, sounding every bit a charming gentleman.<\/p>\n \u201cIs that the Fallen Leaves Valley Lord?\u201d came a woman\u2019s voice nearby.<\/p>\n \u201cHere we go again,\u201d said Jianjin, shuffling away from them.<\/p>\n \u201cAhhhh!!\u201d A woman screamed. She pointed at Di Mie and slapped the arm of a friend next to her. \u201cIt\u2019s him! It\u2019s Di Mie! The Lord of the Fallen Leaves Valley, Di Mie!\u201d<\/p>\n Her friend turned around and her eyes widened at the discovery.<\/p>\n \u201cOh my heavens, this dark veil and silver hair peeking out from beneath,\u201d gasped the woman. \u201cIt\u2019s as the booklet says\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know, right??\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUm, Di Shibo,\u201d suggested Jianshi. \u201cWe can handle it from here, so please\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll right,\u201d said Di Mie. He took a step towards the ladies and they followed him with their eyes.<\/p>\n He raised a finger to his lips and hushed them. A gentle gust of wind came from nowhere and made his veil flutter slightly. He went into the shop, away from the gaze of the passers-by.<\/p>\n The two women nodded their heads vigorously and hushed themselves, looking around and muttering \u2018nothing to see, nothing is happening\u2019 to any curious passer-by.<\/p>\n \u201cYou have some interesting combs,\u201d commented Di Mie.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, we do!\u201d said one of Old Niu\u2019s daughters. \u201cThese are combs made of a rare black wood\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The other daughter chimed in. \u201cWould you like to touch them? You can try them all for free. Please touch them\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Mysterious hunks be damned, Old Niu\u2019s daughters had a seriously sharp business sense.<\/p>\n \u201cPssh,\u201d said Old Niu. \u201cThey\u2019ll be selling these \u2018touched combs\u2019 to the fangirls later. These two shrews are more interested in money than men.\u201d<\/p>\n As more hushed squeals came in from the women inside, Old Niu himself gazed longingly after Di Mie, wishing he could catch a glimpse of what was under the veil too.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s get back on topic,\u201d coughed Jianshi, turning Old Niu\u2019s attention back to them.<\/p>\n \u201cSure, sure. This Old Niu here will help Border Mountain disciples in any way I can. I am a retired disciple myself after all.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat a friendly uncle you are,\u201d chirped Jianjin, buttering up the old man. \u201cHave you heard anything of the people who went missing just outside of town?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh, that,\u201d said the old man, scratching his chin. \u201cI was talking about that with the gossip gang at the tea house not long ago. It started with a woodcutter that went missing. And some old hunters. And a few guards who went looking for them.\u201d<\/p>\n The more serious Jianshi took out some notes from his sleeve and flipped through them.<\/p>\n \u201cIt matches what the mayor said. The guards were sent to search for the missing people, but a few of them went missing and the search was cancelled.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes,\u201d said Old Niu. \u201cThe guards themselves are too spooked to even talk about it, lest they get spirited away themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo wonder we can\u2019t seem to get more out of the guards,\u201d said Jianshi.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about Uncle Niu?\u201d said Jianjin, in a concerned voice. \u201cAre you also afraid to talk about it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, are you trying to test me, child?\u201d chuckled Old Niu. \u201cAsk away! This old man has nothing to lose but his old bones.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAww, Uncle Niu, you don\u2019t look old at all,\u201d buttered up Jianjin. \u201cYou\u2019re what? Twenty?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHahaha, you glib talker,\u201d laughed Old Niu.<\/p>\n \u201cSo, do you know the exact spots where the people went missing?\u201d asked Jianshi.<\/p>\n \u201cThe guards won\u2019t tell you, I\u2019m sure,\u201d said Old Niu, stroking his nonexistent beard. \u201cI know it\u2019s somewhere along the footpaths out of town. Maybe the missing woodcutter\u2019s friend might have seen something.\u201d<\/p>\n Once they got the information of the whereabouts of the possible witness, Jianjin nudged Jianshi.<\/p>\n \u201cQuickly, while Di Shibo\u2019s still busy,\u201d he whispered.<\/p>\n Jianshi nodded. He may be the sensible brother between them, but he agreed with Jianjin on this one.<\/p>\n Jianjin took a peek in the shop, seeing Di Mie still preoccupied with shopping, he pulled Xie Li aside and instructed him.<\/p>\n \u201cMister Xie, when our Di Shibo comes out, tell him that we\u2019ve gone on ahead to gather information,\u201d said Jianjin.<\/p>\n \u201cOkay,\u201d said Xie Li.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can just tell him to wait for us back at the inn,\u201d added Jianshi, looking apologetic.<\/p>\n \u201cGo, go,\u201d hurried Jianjin. \u201cLet\u2019s move before the demon king catches up to us.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDemon king?\u201d repeated Xie Li.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s sprouting nonsense, don\u2019t listen to him,\u201d said Jianshi, shushing his brother.<\/p>\n \u201cBye!\u201d whispered Jianjin as the two of them walked off briskly.<\/p>\n Shortly after, Di Mie emerged from the shop.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere did those two go?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey told me to tell you that they\u2019ve gone on ahead to gather information,\u201d said Xie Li in a flat voice. \u201cOh, and they said I could just tell you to wait for them back at the inn.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThose two brats,\u201d sighed Di Mie. \u201cWhen I get back, I\u2019m going to tell their master to discipline them.\u201d<\/p>\n He got Old Niu to tell him where they went, and the old man diligently gave him as much detail as he could. For his enthusiasm, Di Mie thanked him and also \u2018accidentally\u2019 blessed Old Niu with a strategic glimpse of his side profile under the veil.<\/p>\n \u201cBlessed day!\u201d said Old Niu.<\/p>\n \u201cThat gust of wind was precise,\u201d observed Xie Li.<\/p>\n \u201cYou come with me, we\u2019ll go after them.\u201d<\/p>\n Xie Li nodded and followed, but Di Mie pulled him to his side and made him walk where he could see him.<\/p>\n \u201cYou look better when you\u2019re not smiling.\u201d<\/p>\n Xie Li blinked and brought a hand up to touch his face. His cheeks and jaw were sore and he\u2019d stopped smiling for a while now.<\/p>\n \u201cFace cramp,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n \u201cServes you right,\u201d muttered Di Mie.<\/p>\n They walked out of town, following the directions of Old Niu.<\/p>\n \u201cUh, Valley Lord Di,\u201d said Xie Li. \u201cAre you sure you want to bring me along? I don\u2019t think I can keep up with you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t feel a hint of spirit aura in you. Is your cultivation ruined or something?\u201d said Di Mie.<\/p>\n \u201cHmm,\u201d shrugged Xie Li, looking elsewhere and flapping a hand out of habit. \u201cIt got lost.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGot lost\u2014” echoed Di Mie, shaking his head in mirth. “Anyway, these two juniors\u2014Jianshi and Jianjin, what do you think of them?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey feel familiar. Have I met them before?\u201d<\/p>\n “I don’t believe so.”<\/p>\n \u201cSo\u2026\u201d said Xie Li. \u201cValley Lord Di is very popular. I wasn\u2019t aware of that until today.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow long were you out of town?\u201d said Di Mie.<\/p>\n \u201cI never left this town.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat did you do all this time? Hibernate for seven years?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHmm,\u201d Xie Li shrugged.<\/p>\n Di Mie groaned, feeling a headache coming on.<\/p>\n \u201cI really want to give you a tight slap right now.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know you are angry with me, but I would prefer not to be slapped,\u201d replied Xie Li.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, if you don\u2019t like to be slapped, how about a punch?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPunch where?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPfft,\u201d Di Mie snorted a laugh. \u201cIt\u2019s been so long since I\u2019ve talked to someone as odd as you.\u201d<\/p>\n Xie Li sighed. \u201cI try so hard and still I\u2019m \u2018odd\u2019, huh.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy even bother trying? Your smiles are so fake.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAuntie Ma says I should look people in the eye and smile more,\u201d said Xie Li.<\/p>\n \u201cI prefer you don\u2019t do that,\u201d said Di Mie. \u201cAt least not to me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOkay,\u201d said Xie Li, nodding. \u201cSo, I assume you brought me along for your entertainment?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019re so smart,\u201d said Di Mie.<\/p>\n *<\/p>\n The woodcutter stared at them glumly as he told the two young men his account.<\/p>\n \u201cIt started last month, you know? I was with my friend walking down the footpath when he disappeared. Some hunters went to investigate soon after, but they disappeared. So I reported it to the guards, who went to look for them, but they also disappeared!\u201d said the woodcutter. “So many have disappeared…did I curse them? Oh, woe is me!”<\/p>\n So you didn\u2019t see anything before your friend disappeared?\u201d asked Jianshi, ignoring the woodcutter’s lament.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was a straight path down, but I turned around and he was gone,\u201d said the woodcutter. \u201cI thought he might have fallen down somewhere, so I went looking for him, but he disappeared. I thought I saw a large beast, so I quickly went back to town to tell the guards about it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo wild beasts appear around here?\u201d asked Jianjin.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, from your colours, you two boys are from the Wild Tiger Peak, aren\u2019t you?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you mean ‘Mad Tiger Peak’, then yes,\u201d said Jianshi.<\/p>\n \u201cI thought the Peak only accepts female disciples,\u201d said the woodcutter. \u201cI suppose times have changed, huh\u2026Anyway, it\u2019s good that Wild Tiger Peak disciples are here. If it\u2019s a wild beast, you boys should be specialists.\u201d<\/p>\n “Mad Tiger, not Wild Tiger,” muttered Jianjin.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll find out what happened to your friend, uncle woodcutter,\u201d assured Jianshi.<\/p>\n \u201cMay Lord Divine Retribution have mercy upon my old friend,\u201d prayed the old woodcutter.<\/p>\n \u201cUm, uncle woodcutter, what does Lord Divine Retribution have to do with this case?\u201d asked Jianshi.<\/p>\n \u201cIt’s just in case,” said the woodcutter. “I\u2019ve already prayed to all the other gods. Better to add an extra prayer than not.\u201d<\/p>\n “Heavens, this old man’s sentences don\u2019t make sense,” Jianjin said in an aside to his brother.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll investigate this thoroughly, uncle,\u201d assured Jianshi. \u201cWhere did you last see your friend?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe footpath up to the abandoned temple was where my friend disappeared,\u201d said the woodcutter.<\/p>\n Thank you for reading this translation of \u2018My Hermit Master\u2019!<\/p>\n The opening chapters might be a little tough to understand at first with all the names, so please give the following chapters a chance! I promise it gets easier to read!<\/p>\n Below are the names in Chinese (again!) if you’re interested!<\/p>\n Xie Li = \u8c22\u79bb \u2018Ah-\u2019 is a prefix sometimes used as endearment for close friends or relatives, hence Auntie Ma calling him \u2018Ah-Li\u2019 and Jianshi calling his brother \u2018Ah-Jin\u2019.<\/p>\n Di Mie = \u72c4\u706d Chen Jianshi (older brother) and Chen Jianjin (younger) = \u9648\u6361\u77f3 and \u9648\u6361\u91d1 There\u2019s a lot of puns in this series using homonyms and names stating the obvious. I\u2019ve chosen to translate most of it into English instead of using pinyin (pronunciation) for easier comprehension.<\/p>\n Calling unrelated elders \u2018uncle\u2019 and \u2018auntie\u2019 is common, and sometimes used as a casual name too. There\u2019s a little joke as well on Old Niu and Auntie Ma\u2019s names – their surnames mean Cow and Horse.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" It was a long night, but an even longer morning.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-62","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-my-hermit-master"],"yoast_head":"\n
\n
\nTranslator\u2019s Notes<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nXie is a surname, meaning \u2018grateful\u2019 or \u2018wilting (flowers). Li means \u2018to leave\u2019. It probably means something like \u2018Grateful Departure\u2019. But it\u2019s funnier to translate it as \u201cThanks Bye\u201d \ud83d\ude00<\/p>\n
\nDi is just a surname. \u2018Mie\u2019 means \u2018eliminate\u2019. His name is a homonym of \u2018\u5730\u706d\u2018, meaning \u2018earth destruction\u2019.<\/p>\n
\n\u2018Chen\u2019 is a surname meaning \u2018old\/past\u2019. Their names literally mean \u2018pick up stone\u2019 and \u2018pick up gold\u2019.<\/p>\n