86: Chapter 86 The Tragic Young Master's Benefactor 8
Since that day, everything had been proceeding as usual.
However, whenever the deep night arrived, that strange, illusory figure would still appear in the inner chamber of the main hall, only to dissipate when the sky began to brighten.
Mo Yun would prepare three meals a day for Lu Zhan every day and personally deliver them into the hall.
Lu Zhan had also gradually grown accustomed to this, even giving him enough Face by basically finishing the meals almost every time.
Bi Qing had been by Senior Brother's side for so many years; ever since Senior Brother had achieved inedia, he rarely ate, and the meals he ate the most were those made by Mo Yun.
But apart from Mo Yun, Senior Brother had never treated any other Disciple with such special attention. That the newcomer, Yun Lu, could make Senior Brother act this way truly left Bi Qing shocked.
Furthermore, Yun Lu had moved into that side hall, and among the three young Disciples, Bi Qing also noticed that Senior Brother's attitude toward Yun Lu was clearly different.
Bi Qing believed that Yun Lu would very likely become the next Mo Yun, receiving Senior Brother's special regard and care.
Lu Zhan was not one to play favorites too excessively; in these past few days, he had also selected high-level Cultivate methods suitable for Wang Ruoxin's and Xiao Chen's Spiritual Roots, though he still needed to deliberate a bit on the accompanying sword techniques.
As a Sword Cultivator, although Lu Zhan had dabbled in other Domains, he was, after all, not as proficient as those Cultivators who specialized in those paths.
Therefore, he mainly taught sword techniques, and as for how much they could learn, that depended on their talent and Aptitude.
At noon ten days later, the sun was shining brightly in the sky, and the sunlight spilled over the Sect in the mountains, as if draping the entire Sect in a layer of dazzling radiance.
Mo Yun carried a tray and walked with a light step into the main hall where Lu Zhan resided.
The interior of the hall was furnished simply, with a desk and a few chairs; an ancient painting hung on the wall, and in front of the window was the long couch that Senior Brother sat on most often.
Bi Qing was tidying up some scattered books on one side of the hall.
Lu Zhan was sitting at the desk, focused on reading a scroll of secret methods, occasionally picking up a brush to write or sketch.
He wore a jade-green robe, looking cold and unworldly, with an elegant temperament, just like an Immortal.
Mo Yun's eyes narrowed slightly, revealing a hint of infatuation and love, which then quickly receded and vanished, leaving only the sincere fervor of a young man.
Placing the food from the tray onto the table, Mo Yun said softly,
"Senior Brother, read later. Let's have lunch first."
Lu Zhan put down the ancient book in his hand, his eyes softening, the corners of his mouth curling up into a faint smile.
"Yun Lu, you've gone to a lot of trouble these past few days!"
Mo Yun handed the chopsticks to Lu Zhan and sat obediently by Lu Zhan's side.
"Senior Brother, that you enjoy the food I make is my greatest honor!"
Hearing this, Lu Zhan, just as usual, gently ruffled the youth's fluffy head, then took the chopsticks and ate elegantly.
Mo Yun knew all of Senior Brother's habits, so he didn't speak at this moment, just watched quietly with sincere, fervent eyes.
Bi Qing stood to the side, watching the scene before him; he was already accustomed to it, his heart having gone from the initial shock to now being calm and without a ripple.
Before long, Bi Qing finished tidying the books and left the hall.
Just as Lu Zhan felt he had eaten enough, Yun Lu, as if sensing it, handed over a handkerchief.
Lu Zhan's eyes held a hint of a smile, and he seemed to be in a good mood as he took the handkerchief to wipe his mouth.
"Yun Lu, you are so thoughtful; it was not in vain for Senior Brother to teach you."
These words seemed to be spoken to Yun Lu, yet also seemed to be spoken to Mo Yun.
Mo Yun had a feeling that Senior Brother should have already recognized him, but since he hadn't confessed, Senior Brother wouldn't expose him either.
"Senior Brother, if one day, Yun Lu had the Bloodline you loathe flowing through his body, would you despise and drive Yun Lu away?"
The words carried a cautious probe.
"Yun Lu, a Bloodline is innate; it is not what you wished for, nor is it your fault. Senior Brother will not despise you, but you must absolutely not commit evil; do not let Senior Brother be disappointed."
Lu Zhan's eyes were somewhat profound, his gaze sharp and earnest, as if piercing through the youth's surface to reach his heart.
As the words fell upon his ears, Mo Yun looked at Senior Brother before him and already understood the meaning within.
The cage that had imprisoned him for many years seemed to be effortlessly shattered by Senior Brother in an instant. His heart felt relieved and relaxed, and he felt excited and joyful, but more than anything, there was an endlessly churning love.
"Senior Brother, why are you so good!"
His words were filled with deep attachment.
As Mo Yun spoke, he took Lu Zhan's large hand and placed it against his cheek, rubbing against it gently, just like a ragdoll cat waiting for its master to pet it!
Mo Yun had been by his side being taught for many years; he had always been somewhat doting and indulgent toward him, and only after feeling it was enough did he withdraw his hand.
"Have you been Cultivating properly lately?"
Mo Yun gathered the bowls and dishes onto the tray, a fervent smile on his Face.
"Senior Brother, don't worry, Yun Lu is working very hard!"
Lu Zhan nodded slightly, picked up the ancient book he had just put down to continue his research, then, as if suddenly remembering something, called out to the youth who was about to exit the hall door.
"Yun Lu, have Wang Ruoxin and Xiao Chen come over; I have something for them."
Upon hearing this, Mo Yun felt a faint rejection in his heart; he didn't like Senior Brother paying too much attention to other Disciples at all, but he still turned around and replied obediently.
"Understood, Senior Brother. What is it that you want to give them?"
His eyes revealed simple confusion and curiosity.
"Cultivate methods and sword techniques suitable for them. I already gave you yours a long time ago; they were carefully selected for you by Senior Brother."
The gentle words carried a hint of teasing and banter.
Mo Yun's expression remained as usual, but a flush of crimson spread to the roots of his ears, showing a hint of shyness.
"Thank you, Senior Brother!"
Lu Zhan nodded slightly, his eyes filled with a smile, signaling the youth to withdraw, and then lowered his eyes to continue researching the secret method recorded in the ancient book in his hand.
A moment later, Wang Ruoxin and Xiao Chen arrived in the hall and bowed to Lu Zhan.
"Greetings, Senior Brother. Is there something you need us for, Senior Brother?"
Lu Zhan nodded and said,
"I have recently selected high-level Cultivate methods and accompanying sword techniques suitable for your Spiritual Roots."
As he spoke, he took four Jade Slips from the brocade box on the desk and handed them to Wang Ruoxin and Xiao Chen respectively.
"This is the 'Water Cloud Art' and 'Clear Water Sword Technique,' suitable for Cultivators with Water-attribute Spiritual Roots. This is the 'Star Universe Art' and 'Golden Star Sword Technique,' suitable for Cultivators with Metal-attribute Spiritual Roots. You must Cultivate well and strive to reach a Breakthrough for your Bottleneck soon."
Wang Ruoxin and Xiao Chen took the Secret Manuals, their hearts filled with gratitude and excitement; both of them had long envied Yun Lu for receiving Senior Brother's favor so early on.
"Thank you, Senior Brother! We will definitely work hard to Cultivate and not fail Senior Brother's expectations."
Lu Zhan's expression was cold, and he merely nodded slightly.
"You must remember, the path of Cultivate lies in persistence. The path of sword techniques requires constant tempering; if there is anything you do not understand, you may come and ask me."
"Although I can provide you with some assistance, whether you can truly achieve anything depends on your own comprehension and efforts."
Wang Ruoxin and Xiao Chen said in unison,
"Thank you, Senior Brother, for your teachings; we will certainly keep them in mind!"
Lu Zhan gave a slight grunt of acknowledgment and waved his hand, signaling them to withdraw.
Wang Ruoxin and Xiao Chen then respectfully withdrew, and the hall immediately fell silent, with only the occasional sound of pages turning.