Ji Chun returned to Su Ran's side and sat quietly on the stool beside the bed. His eyes lingered on Su Ran's face, filled with an indescribable mix of obsession and heartache. Gently, he placed his hand over Su Ran's and slowly tightened his grip. What was it about this man that would make him so anxious, so consumed with worry? Seeing Su Ran collapse so helplessly had ignited a rage within him—a burning desire to destroy anyone who had ever harmed him. The intensity of that anger, that impulse, still frightened him when he thought back on it. But now, he reassured himself, Fortunately… he's all right.
Leaning closer, Ji Chun lifted Su Ran's hand and pressed it lightly against his own cheek. At that moment, his heart began to race, as if something buried deep within him was struggling to break free. Memories of their past interactions flooded his mind, leaving him both enlightened and confused. Why did he care so much about this man? He had told himself it was because of the child, because of his own need for atonement. But now, he wondered if something had changed. When he had heard that the child might not survive, his first thought hadn't been sorrow for the unborn life—it had been the fear that Su Ran would die. Did he truly care so deeply about this man's survival?
Why had he felt so uneasy when Su Ran didn't return that first night? Su Ran was, after all, a figure feared throughout the martial world—a man many called a demon. Why had Ji Chun broken his vows so many times for Su Ran's sake? Why did his emotions spiral out of control because of this one person? Could it be…?
An idea began to form in Ji Chun's mind, but before it could fully take shape, he shook his head violently, refusing to entertain it further. The implications were too overwhelming, too dangerous to confront.
"Hmm…" Su Ran let out a soft murmur in his sleep and pulled his hand away from Ji Chun's grasp. Startled, Ji Chun quickly withdrew his hand and stared at Su Ran's face, his heart pounding. When he realized Su Ran was still asleep, he exhaled in relief. What am I doing? he thought, clenching his fists in frustration. He couldn't understand why he was acting this way, why his emotions were so tangled. All he knew was that he couldn't bear the thought of anyone hurting Su Ran. Beyond that, he didn't want to think anymore.
The past two days had been exhausting. Ji Chun had barely slept, tirelessly tracking Su Ran's whereabouts with Yun Mushang. Now that Su Ran was finally by his side, the tension that had kept him alert seemed to dissolve, leaving him drained and heavy with fatigue. Still, he forced himself to stay awake, reminding himself of the old doctor's words: if Su Ran made it through the night without complications, he would recover. Ji Chun alternated between sitting and standing, his eyes never leaving Su Ran's face.
The long, silent night finally gave way to dawn. When the old doctor knocked and entered the room, Ji Chun was still sitting vigil by the bed. "Did he wake up at all last night?" the doctor asked softly.
Ji Chun stood quickly to make room for the doctor. "No, he slept soundly the entire time," he replied in a hushed voice.
The old doctor nodded and placed his fingers on Su Ran's wrist to check his pulse. After a moment, he said, "He's stable now. You don't need to worry anymore, Young Dashi"
Relieved but still curious, Ji Chun asked, "Doctor, can you tell me how he ended up in this condition?" The question had been on his mind since the beginning. Who could have done this to Su Ran?
The doctor stroked his gray beard thoughtfully. "Because he's carrying a child, his body is naturally weaker than before. Initially, he was drugged with a common sleeping pill, but the dosage was excessive, causing him to fall into a deep coma. After that, he was given a muscle-softening powder, which suppressed his internal strength. The scars on his body suggest he was also whipped. While the physical injuries alone weren't life-threatening, he tried to force his internal energy to counteract the effects of the powder. This caused his energy to backfire, resulting in severe internal injuries."
The doctor paused, then continued, "I don't know how he became pregnant, but through my examination, I found that his internal energy is deeply connected to the fetus. The backlash from his energy not only injured him but also threatened the child, which is why he was bleeding. Fortunately, the fetus has its own strong internal energy for protection. Combined with the pregnancy-stabilizing medicine and the energy you channeled into him, Young Dashi we were able to save them both."
Ji Chun nodded in acknowledgment. Reflecting on how his own internal energy had rebounded in his fury, nearly costing him his life, he had to admit that this man was truly strong-willed. With such pride, how could he allow himself to be captured by ordinary warriors and suffer such pain for nothing? When will this man learn to temper his impulsiveness?
"Thank you for clearing my doubts, Doctor. Would it be convenient for me to stay here for a few days?" Ji Chun asked respectfully.
Understanding the young monk's concern, the old doctor agreed. "You may both stay in this room. I'll be at the front gate attending to business. If you need anything, just call for me."
"Thank you for your kindness, Doctor," Ji Chun said, clasping his hands and bowing.
"The kitchen is over there—help yourself to food, Young Dashi. Once your friend wakes, give him the medicine simmering by the fire and ensure he rests well." The old doctor gestured toward the kitchen before turning and leaving.
Ji Chun glanced at Su Ran, still unconscious on the bed, then headed to the kitchen. He quickly ate a bowl of rice before returning to the room, shutting the door to muffle the outside noise. Exhausted from the past two days' ordeal, he sat on the stool beside the bed, intending only to rest for a moment. Yet, without realizing it, he drifted into sleep, his upper body slumped against the bed's edge—still seated, his fingers loosely curled around Su Ran's hand.
Some time later, Su Ran stirred awake. His head throbbed dully as he blinked away the lingering haze, his gaze settling on the plain bed curtains. Memories of the previous night surfaced, stirring something unnameable in his chest. He turned slightly and saw the monk dozing beside him—his stern black brows, the sharp line of his nose lending him an air of severity even in sleep. When his eyes were open, the intensity of his dark gaze carried an unspoken weight, imposing yet restrained.
Ji Chun… this strange monk.
Rumored to be from a righteous and prestigious sect, why was he so invested in whether Su Ran lived or died? I'll never repay what I owe him anything,Su Ran thought. Fate kept tangling them together, and after last night, he could no longer deny the monk's feelings. How should I even respond?
At first, he'd considered exploiting that attachment to secure Ji Chun's help in seizing the Di Mang. But somewhere along the way, that plan had slipped his mind. Perhaps the monk's sincerity had disarmed him.
He tried to push himself up, only to freeze when he realized Ji Chun was holding his hand. His pulse leapt inexplicably, warmth rising to his cheeks—a flicker of embarrassment, of something like shame.
This damned bald donkey—a lecher in holy robes! Su Ran cursed inwardly. All that righteous monk posturing, yet here he is, sneaking a hold of my hand!
Yet despite his irritation, an odd warmth flickered in his chest. Instead of pulling away, he studied Ji Chun's face—the furrowed brows, the exhaustion etched into his features. When he carefully slid his hand free, the monk didn't stir. A petty satisfaction curled through him at the sight of Ji Chun still deep in sleep, and his mood lifted inexplicably.
Gritting against the ache in his body, he shifted closer, propping himself up to scrutinize the monk properly for the first time. So stern, so devout… and yet, he mused, harboring such forbidden desires.Was it Buddhism's tragedy—or his own irresistible charm—that had ensnared the man? The thought coaxed a smirk to his lips. Fine. If you obey me from now on… maybe I'll indulge you.
Pleased with himself, he reached out, brushing a fingertip against Ji Chun's nose. His gaze lingered, possessive and amused, as if the monk were already his. The longer he stayed like this, though, the sharper the pain in his body grew. With a quiet huff, he started to ease back down—
Just as Ji Chun jolted awake.
The monk lurched forward, hovering over Su Ran with frantic concern—only to freeze when their eyes met. Embarrassment flashed across Ji Chun's face, and he jerked back, throat working. "You're—you're awake," he rasped. "I'll… fetch the medicine."
Su Ran merely nodded, delighting in the monk's flustered retreat. He kept his eyes locked on Ji Chun, who steadfastly avoided his gaze as he hurried out.
When Ji Chun returned, he set the medicine bowl on the bedside cabinet with a clatter. His voice was strained. "Can… can this humble monk assist you up?"
"Mm." Su Ran didn't lift a finger, waiting.
Ji Chun's expression remained solemn, but his breaths came quicker. He slid an arm beneath Su Ran's neck, half-lifting him with care, then adjusted the pillow behind him. As he reached for the medicine bowl, he hesitated. "Do you… need help drinking it?"
Su Ran's lips curled. "Mm."
Ji Chun's composure frayed visibly. Perched on the edge of the bed, he scooped a spoonful of the pale brown liquid, hand wavering—unsure whether to offer it or guide it to Su Ran's mouth.
Su Ran tipped his chin up, parting his lips with a silent Ah.
The spoon clinked against his teeth, the metal grazing his lower lip. A bead of moisture clung to the once-dry skin, glistening. Ji Chun's gaze snapped downward, his fingers trembling so badly the spoon nearly slipped.