[CHAPTER 1] — WHO ARE THEY?

"Shidi[1], you have awaken"

"Hao shixiong[2]!"

The figure in bed slowly opening his eyes. His moonlight colored eyes darted everywhere before landing on the three people beside his bed. Liang Gengxin distress grown more after the person in bed stare silent at him. "Shidi, how are you feeling?" He gave reassuring smile and only feel relieved after the person confirm his well-being.

"Feels like I fell from the cliff"

"That's because you were" Liang Gengxin helped Hao Xinyue sat up. "Physician Mo said there are no internal injury and you only need to rest couple of days to cure the soreness."

Said Physician Mo had already took Hao Xinyue wrist to check his condition. Liang Gengxin walked to the table opposite the bed. "Here, drink this first. Shao Liang will bring your dinner here later." He handed the medicine and went to pour himself a cup of tea.

"Hao shixiong, what happen to you? I don't believe you could fall like that" Shao Liang couldn't stop worrying. He always admire Hao shixiong, being the second most promising disciple in this HuangHun Peak, Hao Xinyue look after all his shidi and doesn't even forget to cultivate himself sometimes even going on mission for Shizun. Seems like he is the most busy and hardworking disciple, more than Liang shixiong. That compensate his personality. He is, after all, a man with a few words. Shao Liang afraid that Hao Xinyue fell because he was too tired.

"Do you remember how you fell?" Liang Gengxin sat down beside the bed. He watched the child and praising his luck.

Bai Xue Cliff is such a magical place, not because of the scenery but because even in summer the cliff is never lack of snow, hence the name. The ground is covered by who knows how high of snow, some are knee length and some are as tall as an adult person. Being able to stand there is a tough struggle already, not to mention wanting to go through. It is a place that contradict the nature therefore most cultivators avoid that place. Hao Xinyue was found just below the cliff, unconscious and battered out. Whatever happened, there was definitely a fight and the opponent got away.

"I…I was pushed…?" Disbelief shown on Hao Xinyue face. Liang Gengxin saw Hao Xinyue pale face started to sweat. He has expected that but what Hao Xinyue said next, was unexpected. "I can't remember who" Liang Gengxin turned towards physician Mo, his expression asking questions.

Physician Mo had already released Hao Xinyue hand and wrote down his prescription. He handed it to Shao Liang "You managed to minimize the injury from the fall. Your head didn't even suffer any bump. Your memory might still be hazy cause of the shock. Shao Liang, make sure he drinks his medicine three times a day"

"Yes, Physician Mo. Then I will take my leave" Shao Liang bows and exits himself out.

Liang Gengxin "Whether you remember or not, the fact that you were at Bai Xue Cliff is already alarming. Whatever were you doing there? There was a demonic cultivator wandering few days ago, don't know what for. I even warned you…"

"Shixiong" Hao Xinyue didn't wait until Liang Gengxin finished. Realizing he was flustered, Liang Gengxin straightened his back and stood up. "I will inform Shizun that you are awake. In the meantime, rest"

"Then, this old man retreat for today. Although there aren't anything serious still, avoid doing heavy training these two days. Your complexion is truly pale while there are no physical injury, not the same can be said with your subconscious. Try not to think too hard." Physician Mo said as he stood up.

"Old man? Heh…you are barely 30" Liang Gengxin sized him up.

Truth to be told, Physician Mo named Mo Yao, appearance is unlike other HuangHun Peak disciple. His black robe itself is in contrast with their yellow one and, since he always at his workshop to tamper with drugs and herbs, he rarely go out, hence his scruffy clothes and whiskers. That make him looks old while he is only 25, the same age as Liang Gengxin.

It didn't show when he was examine Hao Xinyue, but now that he has finished his work, his postures get more relaxed that some might say it was unbecoming for his age, like some thug young master. All in all, even though he has disheveled appearance, his hair is tied in low ponytail that hang to the side. That is the only thing on his body that is tidy.

Mo Yao sigh hopelessly "Liang Gengxin…you should quickly accept your age"

Liang Gengxin, himself, is more like wine. His looks get better with age. The dandy appearance and his soft yellow robe make a refreshing atmosphere around him. Liang Gengxin is a person with rich expression, so he is very approachable. This helps a lot when training the disciples.

"Doesn't mean it is old!" Liang Gengxin flicked his sleeve and walked away.

"it will be!" Mo Yao followed him. Soon, both voices drown down in the distance.

After sometime, Hao Xinyue breath a heavy sigh "Oh, shit…what is this character name?!?!"

___________________

Notes:

[1] Shidi : Junior martial brother

[2] Shixiong: Senior martial brother