Chapter 257: Few Friends
Chapter 257: Few Friends
Along the way, Qing Tianyou often took out his Bamboo Xiao to play. Sometimes, while playing, he would become lost in thought, drifting off for several moments at a time.
Chen Changsheng never disturbed him. When Qing Tianyou came back to himself, he would pick up the Bamboo Xiao and play a tune. The soothing melody always pulled listeners deep into its spell.
Chen Changsheng often sat cross-legged before him, drinking wine, admiring the scenery, and listening to the beautiful music of the Bamboo Xiao until he was totally lost.
Chen Changsheng laughed. “It’s a pity he never had the chance to make this journey.”
Instead, his External Incarnation got to enjoy it.
Qing Tianyou blended the variation notes — the Biangong and Bianzhi — into his music, making “Painting the Shadowy Valley” sound more complete.
After each tune, Qing Tianyou would ask Chen Changsheng, “What did you think?”
Chen Changsheng would answer, “You’ve truly become much more skilled with this Bamboo Xiao. Along this trip alone, you’ve changed the melody dozens of times, for better or worse. But relentlessly striving for perfection doesn’t always yield the best results. Sometimes, being slightly imperfect is actually best.”
Qing Tianyou thought carefully about Chen Changsheng’s words. “Slightly imperfect…”
Just these brief words sparked deep reflection within him.
It seemed nothing in this world was truly flawless…
From then on, Qing Tianyou spent more time in quiet consideration. His scattered thoughts seemed to find a direction.
Suddenly, Qing Tianyou snapped back to the present and looked ahead.
A small gleam flashed in his eyes as he said, “I know of a Sixth Realm Silkworm Demon whose Grotto-Abode is up ahead.”
Chen Changsheng looked at him. “Do you know her?”
Qing Tianyou shook his head. “Not really.”
Chen Changsheng said, “Then asking politely might not work.”
Qing Tianyou replied, “We can try for now. I heard this Silkworm Demon is usually quite agreeable.”
They walked onwards into a mulberry forest. Many silkworms were clinging to the mulberry leaves everywhere they looked.
Moving deeper for about ten miles, they suddenly saw a clearing. A large web woven entirely of silkworm silk hung high between the trees. Resting upon it was a flawless, pure white Silkworm Demon.
She had sensed them as soon as they entered. Instantly, she dropped from the web, shifting into human form.
She became a woman dressed in simple white robes. Upon seeing who had arrived, she spoke: “Can Yan of Sanggu Forest greets Your Majesty Green Demon King.”
Qing Tianyou was stunned. “You know me?”
Can Yan replied, “I often saw you pass overhead in the past. Later, other creatures spoke of you.”
Qing Tianyou chuckled. “So that’s how.”
Can Yan asked, “What brings Your Majesty Green Demon King here?”
Qing Tianyou explained, “Actually, I’m crafting something and need a rare material. I heard your silk is exceptionally strong, so…”
Hearing this, Can Yan said, “I see…”
Her expression turned troubled.
Chen Changsheng spoke. “Is it because you recently entered the Seventh Realm and it’s still unstable?”
Can Yan froze, looking at him. “That’s…”
Before she finished, her eyes widened in shock. “You’re human!?”
She took a step back, clear caution filling her eyes.
Qing Tianyou stepped forward. “Do not worry. This is my friend. He is different from most humans.”
Can Yan opened her mouth, looking from Qing Tianyou to Chen Changsheng and back.
She still seemed ill at ease.
Chen Changsheng noted her unease. “If it troubles you too much, I can leave for now.”
Can Yan watched him closely but did not speak.
Her meaning was clear enough.
Chen Changsheng understood. He turned to Qing Tianyou. “I’ll wait outside.”
“You—” Qing Tianyou started to stop him.
But Chen Changsheng walked away without looking back.
Only Qing Tianyou and Can Yan remained in the mulberry forest.
Can Yan stared at the retreating figure. “How did Your Majesty Green Demon King come to know this person?”
Qing Tianyou stayed silent, just looking at her.
When he didn’t answer, Can Yan continued, “Either way, Your Majesty must be cautious. Humans are cunning; their words and hearts rarely match. If this person has other intentions…”
“Enough.”
Qing Tianyou cut her off firmly. He faced Can Yan directly.
“Your warning may come from a good place. However, he is my true friend and confidant. If I tolerated such words about him, it would mean I have no loyalty or friendship. So, we’ll forget about the silk request. My apologies for troubling you today. Farewell.”
“Green Demon King…” Can Yan uttered, stunned.
Qing Tianyou waved in parting and hurried after Chen Changsheng.
Chen Changsheng, waiting outside, turned when he saw Qing Tianyou emerge.
“Why return so quickly?” he asked.
Qing Tianyou smiled. “There was no silk to get, so I came out.”
“No silk?” Chen Changsheng frowned. “She seemed respectful towards you. Though her realm is unstable, surely she could spare a little silk?”
Qing Tianyou said, “I realized I shouldn’t put her in a difficult position. Let’s go. We may not need her silk after all.”
Chen Changsheng looked at him questioningly. “Is that so?”
“Why would I lie? Let’s leave.” Qing Tianyou laughed lightly and nudged Chen Changsheng forward. Shooting him a doubtful glance, Chen Changsheng chose not to press further.
Scarcely had they walked away when a soft voice called from behind.
“Green Demon King!”
Qing Tianyou turned.
Can Yan had chased after them. She reached Qing Tianyou and thrust a bundle of silky thread into his hand.
“Please take this silk. Before… I should not have thought ill of your friend.” She glanced briefly at Chen Changsheng and gave a small, respectful nod of acknowledgment.
Qing Tianyou stood silent, taken aback.
Can Yan seemed to want to say more, but hesitated. Instead, she turned back towards the mulberry forest.
Reality sinking in, Qing Tianyou looked over at Chen Changsheng.
Chen Changsheng looked back. Neither spoke.
After a moment of quiet…
They smiled at each other.
Qing Tianyou just shrugged. “Lucky.”
Chen Changsheng nodded. “As you say. Let’s call it lucky.”
Qing Tianyou chuckled. “Let’s move.”
Neither named what transpired. This quiet understanding between them needed no explanation.
Chen Changsheng asked, “Do you truly consider me a friend?”
Qing Tianyou looked at him. “Why ask that?”
Chen Changsheng paused. He remembered someone once told him it would be better never to know him.
But after some thought, he said nothing more. He only shook his head. “It was nothing.”
Qing Tianyou found it strange, but didn’t inquire further.
Then Chen Changsheng said, “Should the day ever come that you can leave this place, I will show you the true Mortal World.”
Qing Tianyou nodded. “It’s a promise.”
Chen Changsheng echoed, “A promise.”
To Chen Changsheng, among the few things he valued, having one more true friend was rare and precious.