Chapter 474 - A Man He Could Count on (1/2)

Leng Jin Yu cleared his throat. ”Master, I don't really think he would appreciate being addressed as Elder.”

Actually, he wasn't just guessing. If he hadn't heard wrong, then Longjun had wanted to call him 'ancestor' to ingratiate himself but Jinde hadn't taken nicely to it. He probably was quite conscious about his age.

Outside of the study, Jinde nodded. He naturally hadn't stayed in bed after Leng Jin Yu led Yuchi Bing Xia and Zhangsun Xun Yi away. Instead, he had waited a moment and followed them. He definitely couldn't allow Leng Jin Yu to get away with it if he said something wrong.

Ah, just where was Xin Lan? Normally, he would do something sneaky like this.

Jinde looked around but he couldn't see any traces of him. Well, it wasn't too unexpected. Xin Lan had often vanished for several weeks back when they had still been living in the dragon realm. If it was the same this time, then he would return with his clothes ripped and a myriad of little scratches all over his body. But he would just expressionlessly hand over something he had found for him and then sit still while he stitched him back together.

Jinde's expression clouded over. He really hoped he was wrong and that there was another explanation. Xin Lan was strong and didn't get easily injured, yes, but just the fact that he risked so much time and time again was worrying. It was as if Xin Lan didn't value his own life.

While Jinde was lost in his musings Yuchi Bing Xia finally found his voice again. ”What are you even talking about?! He is the benefactor of our sect. Doesn't he deserve at least that much respect?”

Leng Jin Yu took a deep breath. ”Naturally, he deserves respect and I'm willing to pay him this respect but I think he wouldn't be too happy about it if I really did. Look, Master, he's currently living in this house that he knew was originally occupied by me. He wasn't alright with me moving out probably because he felt he was imposing. He certainly doesn't have to feel this way but he will since he's a very courteous and conscientious person. I'm afraid if I start to call him Elder after he himself offered me to call him Jinde, he might misunderstand and feel that I feel forced to keep him here or even that he isn't welcome.”

Yuchi Bing Xia wanted to retort but Leng Jin Yu's explanation didn't really leave him any opportunity. What should he say? That he didn't see the beautiful god as a courteous person? That wouldn't just be wrong, it would even insult him. Then maybe he should argue that his disciple had inferred wrong and that calling the beautiful god Elder had nothing to do with how he would feel? But what if Yu Jin was right? They couldn't risk offending this person! In the end, Yuchi Bing Xia kept quiet and just drank his tea.

Outside, Jinde smiled. Ah, this was his lover! He really knew how to make people shut up. And it was an interesting change to see him do so with arguments instead of wild accusations or even some more … physical means.

Zhangsun Xun Yi didn't seem too interested in the conversation. When both Master and disciple had fallen silent he lifted the cup. ”This is a very nice painting. I believe this isn't the tea set the sect normally uses?”

”Ah? Oh, no. It was a gift from a friend.”

”Mn.” Zhangsun Xun Yi nodded and sipped his tea just as before as if all this had nothing to do with him.

Leng Jin Yu looked away. Was there any way to send those two out fast? He didn't want to let Jinde wait for too long.

Unfortunately, his Master wasn't even done. He might not be able to get him to call the beautiful god Elder but he certainly wouldn't budge on the rest! ”Well, whether or not you call him Elder isn't that important. But have you found an excuse to leave here yet?”