31 Day 30: The Scum Is A Treasure (1/2)

”Did you have a good talk with them?” Xi Ling asked as Xia Di flew beside them.

”Expecting something 'good' after they knew the truth... you're hopeful.” Chen Sheng told him.

Xi Ling grimaced. ”Sorry.” he said. ”But... they should know the truth.”

”I didn't say I don't want them to know the truth, or that we shouldn't tell them...” Chen Sheng said. ”In fact, I want them to know of this ASAP.” He said as he laid down on Xia Di's back, feeling the air on his face.

Fei Lin and Xi Ling looked at each other, then concentrated on flying. Silence can be heard after that.

Chen Sheng stared at the endless blue sky. The sky is cloudless, yet the sun doesn't hurt on the skin.

Feeling this world through my five senses make this feel real. He thought. Yet... the feeling isn't deep enough making this feel like a dream.

Having been to countless dreams (worlds)... Chen Sheng doesn't know or remember anymore where he came from or what the reality is. He also doesn't know why did he stop in this dream and can't move on further. This has been the longest dream he's been in. To say if this is a good thing or a bad thing... Chen Sheng can't tell.

Since... this world is mysterious yet that makes this interesting.

He closed his eyes as his consciousness drifted to 15 years ago... continuing the previous flashback.

Chen Sheng sighed and a vein popped in his forehead as he listened to the brocon's (Chen Han) cries. ”Did you tell him that I am here?” he asked and turned to the two.

”If we did, then we wouldn't be hiding here together with you now.” Feng Mo answered as he curiously peeked at Chen Han who's been tied in the mouth of the cave.

Chen Sheng grimaced.

”We didn't tell him.” Li Tian said. ”Even though he said his last name is Chen, same as yours, we can't just disclose your whereabouts. Who knows that guy is after your life, just acting as a caring brother, but actually is here to harm you.” He said, his face serious as he glared at Chen Han who's still struggling with the rope.

Chen Sheng looked at Chen Han. ”Thanks.” He told the two and went out. ”He's really my brother. I'll go and talk to him.” He told them.

The two nodded, though still vigilant.

Hearing footsteps, Chen Han turned. His eyes went wide and his tears fell when he saw Chen Sheng. ”Ah Shen!” he called and sobbed. ”Ah Shen! How are you? Elder brother is here - !” he told him and sniffed. ”So don't worry. I'll help you and rescue you from them – ” he told him, referring to Li Tian and Feng Mo.

Shouldn't you help yourself first? Chen Sheng thought, but stopped himself form asking that. ”Elder brother.” he called. ”They're my friends, as well as my fellow disciples.” He told him and helped Chen Han remove the ropes tied to him. ”Also... they're of the same age as me, so they're harmless.” He added.

Chen Han rubbed his red, swelling wrists. Just how tight did Li Tian and Feng Mo tie him? He thought.

”Even so.” Chen Han just said, then turned to Chen Sheng. ”I'll be taking you back. Mom and dad and grandma and grandpa are worried, as well as me.” He told him. ”We were shocked to see you're not in your room and no matter where we find you, we can't. So you really ran away from home...” he said and sighed, his face and eyes sad. He leaned on the cold wall of the cave. ”Why?” he asked and looked at Chen Sheng.

Chen Sheng looked at him. He gave him a meat bun when Chen Han's stomach grumbled. He remembered they were going here to feed Chen Han. ”Brother. I'm already at the age that I should stand on my own two feet.” He answered.

Chen Han looked at him.

He continued. ”I don't want to rely on our family and continue relying until I grow up. I... want to do things on my own and without help from others.” He said and lowered his head, hiding his grimace.

Damn. This Chen family drama is really too cringe. He thought.

When Chen Han didn't answer, Chen Sheng looked at him. Only to find him crying again while sniffing.

Chen Sheng held himself not to frown. ”Brother...” he called.

Chen Han wiped his eyes. ”Alright.” He finally said. ”I won't force you to go back. But – ” he said and looked at Chen Sheng. ” – I want to make sure you're doing fine here. I want to meet your shifu and founder.” He told him.

Chen Sheng nodded. ”I understand.” He answered, then turned to Li Tian and Feng Mo who are still hiding. ”Come out now.” He called.

The two came out with different expressions. Feng Mo's face is blank, while Li Tian is frowning at Chen Han, glaring.

”You...” Li Tian said, glaring.

Chen Han just raised his brows, his face indifferent.

Chen Sheng turned to Feng Mo. ”What happened between these two?” he whispered as he looks at Li Tian and Chen Han.

”I only heard this from the people when I went back to Brother Li that day.” Feng Mo said. ”Your brother fell from the sky due to exhaustion.” He answered.

”Then why is Brother Li mad?” Chen Sheng asked.

”... because on him where your brother fell to.” Feng Mo answered.

”...” Chen Sheng looked at the two, not sure if Feng Mo meant literally or figuratively.

Chen Han, though his face is indifferent, but his eyes are shining and teasing as he looks at the frowning Li Tian.

Could it be...? He thought.

”Promising Sect?!” Li Tian reacted and sprang up from his seat after he heard Fang Wen.

They're now back at their sect. But, it was only Fang Wen that's here since Xie Lan is still out somewhere.

Fang Wen turned to him. ”He is a disciple of the Promising Sect.” he said and looked at Chen Han drinking tea with Chen Sheng and Feng Mo. ”So it seems like he's here for Sheng – er... I'm glad you took care of his stay while I was still in closed – door cultivation.” He told Li Tian and smiled. He's finally finished cultivating.

Li Tian's fell went pale and he forced a smile. ”Y – yes... shifu...” he told Fang Wen and glanced at Chen Han, his eyes narrowed.

Chen Han's lip curved up seeing Li Tian is glaring at him. He then turned to Fang Wen. ”Elder Fang.” He called and bowed. ”It seems like I can be assured of my little brother's stay here.” He said and looked at Fang Wen. ”Even though your sect is just new, but I am sure it'll do great in the future.” He said and bowed. ”Please continue taking care of my brother.” He told him.

Fang Wen nodded and smiled. ”Of course.” He answered.

Chen Han smiled and thanked Fang Wen. They then continued drinking tea, while Li Tian's face looked like he's drinking vinegar.

The cloudless night sky is dark, but the billions of stars together with the moon lit it up. The wind blew like a whistle, it gives chills to the skin yet its caress is gentle.

A young man wearing red robe noiselessly walked out and gazed at the night sky.

”Loudly arriving yet silently leaving... ” a voice said behind him.

”... miss me already?” the young man wearing red robe asked and turned, his dark eyes shining as he gaze upon the youth standing not far from him.

The youth automatically frowned and his brows knotted. ”Why would I miss you?” Li Tian asked and glared at Chen Han.

Chen Han grinned. ”Your flushed face tells me.” He answered and looked at Li Tian's red face.

”This is because I'm angry!” Li Tian said.

Chen Han chuckled. ”No need to deny. Don't worry. I'll see you again – ” he told him as he mounted on his sword.

Li Tian's eyes went wide and he gritted his teeth. ”It's better if you'll not come here again - !” he told him and closed the door loudly.

Chen Han's laugh echoed on the courtyard. ”I came to find a family treasure.” He muttered, referring to Chen Sheng. ”Who would've thought I'd also find a life treasure (wife)?” he asked and smiled, referring to Li Tian.

He laughed and flew away, crossing the cloudless night sky illuminated by the moon and stars.

Li Tian sighed as he leaned on the back of the door. ”Damn that guy...” he muttered, pissed, as he held his chest tight. His heart is beating loudly and his face is flushed.

He remembered what happened that day.

He was strolling around the residential area, waiting for Feng Mo, when a shadow hung over his head. He looked up.

He held his breath when he saw a man, the sun on his back makes it look like the man is glowing. When the man's face is getting closer to him, his eyes went wide.

White, smooth skin. Sharp eyes and chiseled nose. Thin, red lips...

The moment he realized the man is falling on him, the man already crushed him down the ground. Li Tian's face went red, not angry but embarrassed.

I was caught up by my admiration I forgot... he thought, then lowered his head and sighed.

”Brother Li?” Chen Sheng called when he saw Li Tian standing by the door. ”What are you doing here?” he asked.

Li Tian's eyes went wide, surprised. He almost jumped if he had not held himself back. ”B – Brother... C – Chen...” he said.

”Have you seen my brother?” Chen Sheng asked.

Li Tian's face went red. ”H – he... he just left.” He answered, his voice small and low. He lowered his head.