Rats

The next morning Xiao Kanque notified White about the sect leader's request. "My father said that he wanted to meet you… if you have the time?" Xiao Kanque furrowed his brows in confusion. 

"Thanks for the information, I'll try to remember." White patted Xiao Kanque's shoulder.

Adjusting to their life in the Qing Yang sect was not difficult. The environment was pleasant and the disciples were welcoming. It didn't take long for Nea to jump into the social circle. Her age and temperament made her easy to approach. Ruan Yanxi on the other hand stayed by himself. Although the sect also had older disciples, there were even those at middle age, Ruan Yanxi's detached and cold look warded off most approaching disciples. Those who still dared to engage would receive a monosyllabic response. White, who almost always hung around him, also received no new friends. 

White said, "You know your dashing look can't win against your frosty disposition. What will you do without me?"

"In peace." Ruan Yanxi tidied the scattered books on the table. They had accepted the job to clean the library today. The activity points provided by the sect had gotten concernedly low after buying many snacks, so White had to do some light chores to recharge it. Ruan Yanxi didn't protest as White included him when he took the task. Fighting against White was useless, Ruan Yanxi could only restrain his reaction to limit White's chance to annoy him. "Aren't you the one who needs the activity points?" 

White, who was lazing on the chair, grinned. "You look like you can handle it."

"Then all of the points will be mine."

"Aah, no, please, I need to have my daily snacks."

Ruan Yanxi suggested, "It would be cheaper if you buy the raw ingredients and make it yourself."

"I can't cook." White grinned and leaned toward Ruan Yanxi. "Unless you want to cook for me?"

"What makes you think I can cook?"

"You have no issue when doing alchemy, aren't they similar?" White shook Ruan Yanxi's arm. "Hey, cook for me. I'm not picky. You can make me whatever."

"What will I get in return?" 

"My eternal gratitude?" White's made a pitiful face that screams 'feed me'. It might convince others, but Ruan Yanxi had suffered enough under White's hands that he couldn't be fooled. 

"No."

"Pretty please." White draped himself on Ruan Yanxi.

"Shameless!" Ruan Yanxi tried to pry White off him but he was sticky like glue. 

"Not until you agree." White hugged harder.

"Um… should we leave?" 

Ruan Yanxi tensed and turned his head toward the entrance to the library. The library closed and there wasn't supposed to be anyone else besides them. However, Xiao Kanque and Nea were standing at the entrance, their eyes wide.

"What's going on here?" Nea glanced between White and Ruan Yanxi. Her expression getting more twisted and perplexed.

"Nothing." Ruan Yanxi shoved White away and escaped with the pile of books he had to organize. 

White chuckled and turned to their visitors. "The library is closed, please return tomorrow."

Nea said, "We know, Xiao Kanque want to remind you about your appointment. What's with that anyway?"

"We were just trying to deepen our relationship." 

"But he looked like he wanted to be anywhere but here. You know, you've changed compared to the first time I met you."

"I was still a bit sleepy when I first showed myself. I'm more awake now."

"Frankly, I prefer your previous self. You're less disgusting."

White laughed and looked at Xiao Kanque. "No need to worry, I'll go meet your sect leader right after this."

"What are you going to talk about?" Nea huffed. "That useless father, he would rather talk to you than his own daughter."

"It 's not out of malice, I believe he just doesn't know how to act around you."

Nea crossed her arms. "No wonder my mom dumped him. A man without emotional intelligence won't make a good spouse."

Xiao Kanque scratched his cheek, unsure of how to react over this slight toward his sect leader. He said to White, "You should go now. I can do your part tidying the library. This is not my first time so I can do it faster than you."

"As dependable as always, I'll treat you a snack tomorrow." White headed off and climbed to Han Bingde's dwelling. The upper part of the peak was silent. A contrast to the lively and bright lower part where disciples still roamed. The distant call of birds and the rustles of leaves accompanied White's walk. When he arrived, Han Bingde was sitting outside at a bamboo table, nursing a cup of tea. White didn't hesitate and sat down across Han Bingde.

Han Bingde poured him a cup of tea. The tea gave a soft and subtle scent. Its taste was mellow but refreshing. It not only warmed his body but also refilled a little of his spiritual energy. A far cry from the tea offered in the canteen. Even White who was blind about luxury knew that it was high-grade.

"What do you think of Qing Yang Sect?" Han Bingde asked, putting down his cup of tea.

"It has been enjoyable so far. I even dare to say that this is one of my favorite that I've ever visited."

"A high praise, but one such as you must have seen a more majestic sect than my humble sect."

"I have seen a handful of them. Strong in power but poor in character, yet I can't say that I like them."

Han Bingde hummed. "How's your friend?"

White said, "He's well. He has been getting flashes of memories but nothing solid."

"Perhaps, we can try to unlock the seal sooner than I thought."

"Is that so?" 

"Yes, as long as his body and mental condition are well, I don't see why we have to delay. I doubt that you wish to stay here longer than necessary."

"I am not in a hurry." White smiled.

Han Bingde said, "Saint Yulan was struck down in the war. There are some conflicting theories as to who did it but most attributed it to Seir."

"You need not question my grudge against that thing. I will kill Seir sooner or later. Sect leader, you seem anxious, did something happen?"

"The scout team has entered the Lucan kingdom's territory. The war between Da Yue and Lucan seems to be larger and fiercer than we estimated. There have also been whispers of a strange disease."

"Disease?" White arched an eyebrow.

"A sleeping sickness. Those who contract it cannot wake up, many die from starvation."

White was silent for a while, rubbing his lower lips. "Interesting. Anyway, instead of worrying about things far away, I suggest you pay attention to your own house first. There are rats scurrying around here."

"Rats?"

"Yes, they hide very cleverly but I have a very keen nose. Do be careful, Nea would be sad if this place is destroyed. If that's all then I shall take my leave." Whtie stood up, took a step, and stopped. "That reminds me, you should try to talk to your daughter. Leaving her alone will only make her more agitated." 

Han Bingde sighed.