"We should be asking you that." Zhengyong says with a smile.
"You all first. You were in danger." Chu Wanning points out. To the others it came out condescending, making them hang their heads low. Mo Ran catches the worry in his tone, making him blink. It's amazing what he notices when he's not jumping to conclusions, blinded by his bias. His uncle must have heard it too because his smile grows.
"They were following us since the last town. We came upon some travelers," Zhengyong says motioning towards the civilians, "they needed help so we did. They were still following so I send someone to get help. Is he safe?" he asks.
"Yes." Wanning nods.
"Do you know who they were?" Mo Ran wonders. Wanning turns a bit to Mo Ran. Keeping his emotions in check as he observes his disciple. He's grown. Of course he has, it's been five years, and he's young. He was just a teen the last time he saw him. He hasn't just grown in height but also muscle. His shoulders are wider. His feature are sharper. He doesn't look like a boy, a still growing boy, now he's a man. A man with experience. His eyes are brighter. He seems happy.
"They must be bandits. Recently more and more people are turning to robbing people on roads." One of the civilians answers.
"Really?" Xue Meng asks loudly. Wanning takes a look at his other disciple. Xue Meng has also grown. Not as much as Mo Ran but Wanning can see the difference. It's settling how much time has past.
"With the demons that escaped, they are causing trouble in towns. People are going homeless. There are only so many cultivators that can be sent, and even going as fast as they can some don't get there fast enough." Sect leader explains.
"Has it gotten bad?" Wanning asks. Mo Ran turns his attention to him, forgetting the change that has happened. He can see and hear the worry, though it's not obvious to others.
"Not bad per say... just not good. There's only so much we can do at the moment." Zhengyong answers.
If that's the case they can talk more later, they should focus on the civilians with them. "We can talk more later first should be them. Is any one hurt?" Wanning asks, though, it came out as a demand. The disciples and civilians looking at each other. They all shake their heads.
"Not too bad."
"Just a few scratches."
"Only a bruise."
"Thank you for helping."
"Umm..." a young looking girl raises her hand, all heads turning to her. Laying against her is the woman Zhengyong carried. "She's not with us." the girl points to the woman leaning against her.
"What do you mean?" Wanning asks, eyes narrowing. The girl swallows, a bit afraid at the look on Wannings face.
"Before you all joined us we stumbled upon her. She said she was traveling here in search for help from a sect. Since we were heading the same way we suggested she joins us." An older man explains.
"She must be hungry and tired." Xue Meng points out.
"Yes, we didn't have enough rations but we tried to share." a man on the younger side adds.
"In that case we'll take her." Xue Zhengyong says. "Why don't you two," he points to two disciples, "get some soldiers to come and arrest them," he points to the pile of bodies Wanning had created.
One of the disciples moves to carry the woman. The two Zhengyong pointed to rush off to do the task they were given. The last two decide to stay with the group until they feel ready to move and to watch the pile of bodies. Make sure none try to escape, but after seeing Wanning's harsh beat down they doubt any of them will heal fast enough.
Mo Ran watches Wanning watch them. He catches a small smile on his face, and the way his eyes soften. He couldn't help but wonder if he's always missed seeing expressions like that because of his hate. Would he have missed it if he still hated him, if he was still mad? He's glad he doesn't, happy that's all gone because he's beautiful. That look is shining. Mo Ran wants more. It's a wonder no one else has seen the look.
It's why Wanning decided to come to Shisheng peak. The kindness everyone so easily shows, that everyone has for one another. If this were any other sect they would have left the woman with the civilian group until she woke up. Seeing this he knows he chose right.
Wanning starts walking with them. Heading back to the peak with mostly everyone. He takes a look at the woman. Her clothes are caked in dirt, from traveling, she must have come far. She must also have money, if her clothes weren't messy one can tell she came from a more than wealthy family. The fact she got her clothes messy must mean it's important. That thought makes Wanning curious. What could be so important that she traveled here for?
"Now, Yuheng, are you going to explain what happen?" Zhengyong wonders, eyes on Wanning.
"Mm?" He hums questioningly, eyes to the sect leader.
"Your new form." Mo Ran coughs from behind. Wanning looks down. He had forgotten. Ears turning red at the sight of his own breasts. Mo Ran smirks, noticing the red tips of his ears.
"Oh, I'm not a hundred percent sure. Madam Wang and Tanlang Elder might be able to help." he says, hoping that's enough for sect leader to drop it. He did not want to talk more about it with two of his disciples, a random disciple and an unconscious civilian around.
"I see. We'll talk more later then." Zhengyong smiles. Wanning nods, grateful the older man knows him so well.
"Shi Mei!" Xue Meng yell catches their attention. Right at the bottom of the steps to Shisheng stood Shi Mei. He must have just gotten down. He smiles at them. Eyes pausing at Chu Wanning. Especially as they get closer.
Now in front of all of his disciples Wanning can see just how much they have changed. All of them, are taller, more muscular and have grown into themselves. Especially Mo Ran and Shi Mei. He's grown even more beautiful than before. That face can put any woman or goddess to shame. "You've all grown." is what comes out Wanning mouth, soft and sweet. The three blink in surprise. Shi Mei and Xue Meng smile.
"Shizun I have so much to tell you." Xue Meng happily announces. Wanning turns to see the disciple and Zhengyong start ascending the stairs.
"We should get moving." Is what Wanning answers.
"What happened?" Shi Mei asks, getting one look at Wanning before joining in going back up the stairs after having just gotten down. Xue Meng joins him, animatedly explaining what is going on and what he saw.
Wanning takes a step pausing when something catches his eye. Dried blood.
Mo Ran watches Wanning staring at his own dried blood. He must remember. Mo Ran wonders if his teacher loathes him.
Only time will tell.