Immortal Mortal Chapter 2: Living is Difficult

Mo Wuji offered no assistance to Yan'Er, leaving her to rise on her own. He sensed the immense burden and suffering Yan'Er had endured since Mo Xinghe's descent into madness. For now, he simply observed the distant silhouettes of towering structures, his fist clenching in secret. "Even if I must embark on a new path, what is truly wrong with that?"

While it appeared to be a monarchy in this world, the technological advancements mirrored those of Earth. A public transportation system and electronic devices were commonplace. How could he possibly harbor fears of failing to survive here?

"Yan'Er, let's return first," Mo Wuji instructed, his gaze fixed on the imposing buildings as he gently pulled Yan'Er, who remained lost in thought, along with him.

Even with his rebirth from Earth, recapturing the Northern Qin Prefecture seemed an improbable dream.

He might not achieve the status of a king, yet Mo Wuji harbored the conviction that he could establish a firm presence here. After all, possessing past expertise as a leading figure in biology and botany, it was his ability to extract the core essence from various plants and formulate a solution capable of opening meridians that led to his lover's betrayal. This very act, consequently, precipitated his rebirth in this very location.

He remained uncertain about the true value of his concoction. The concept of meridians had always existed in a nebulous state, despite their frequent mention in traditional Chinese medicine. In reality, how many individuals could concretely demonstrate the existence of meridians or even pen a research paper on the subject?

But, one could hardly fathom: what if the meridians could be expanded to such a degree that their presence became palpable? How much more formidable would a person become? Such enhanced capabilities might even grant victory in Olympic long-distance running or weightlifting competitions.

The sole aspect that remained an inexplicable shock, however, was the treachery of his beloved, the one with whom he had envisioned a lifetime together. To this day, he struggled to comprehend her motives for plunging a dagger into him precisely at the apex of his accomplishment.

"Yes, Master..." Yan'Er finally regained her composure, a flicker of understanding dawning in her eyes.

Mo Wuji spoke with a hint of helplessness, "Yan'Er, do I truly resemble a young master? From this moment forth, please address me by my name. The past is concluded. Today marks a fresh start. My name shall no longer be Mo Xinghe; it is now Mo Wuji."

"Yes, Master," Yan'Er responded swiftly.

Mo Wuji chose not to press the matter further; certain habits proved exceptionally difficult to relinquish. "The sky is darkening, let us head back. I will seek employment tomorrow."

Although Mo Wuji had not yet returned to his former residence, he had formed certain notions. With his parents' demise and the complete depletion of his family's assets, the Mo Family had long since faced bankruptcy. Following this, Mo Xinghe's mental state deteriorated drastically. In addition to labor, Yan'Er was compelled to participate in this charade with Mo Wuji. Their continued survival was, in itself, a testament to their resilience.

"Master, there is no need for you to seek employment. From now on, you need only refrain from venturing out daily. I can secure another job; that would be sufficient." Upon hearing Mo Wuji's intention to find work, Yan'Er urgently implored him to reconsider.

Mo Wuji simply observed Yan'Er's faded attire and the simple adornment in her hair, his expression unreadable. Some sentiments transcended mere words. Until his final moments, Mo Xinghe had failed to grasp the profound hardships Yan'Er faced alongside him.

...

Despite the presence of castle-like gates and walls surrounding Rao Zhou City, no guards were observable. Whether it was day or night, unrestricted entry and exit were permitted for all individuals.

In essence, the city gates and walls of Rao Zhou City served more as a symbolic representation of status rather than a practical defense against military conflict.

Mo Xinghe remained resolute in his ambition to restore his nation, paying little heed to the internal affairs of Rao Zhou City. Mo Wuji could only glean from Mo Xinghe's fragmented recollections that Rao Zhou City was a place of immense activity.

Following Yan'Er into the city, Mo Wuji was immediately enveloped by the raw, vibrant energy of Rao Zhou City. The expansive thoroughfares teemed with a dense throng of people, flanked by shops adorned with brilliant illumination. Mo Wuji found himself suspecting that this might indeed be a modern metropolis reminiscent of Earth.

Naturally, this bustling urban center was not an area accessible to Mo Wuji's limited means. After the pair navigated through the crowded streets for nearly an hour, they arrived at a dilapidated residential district, where the illumination appeared muted and sparse.

From a distance, Mo Wuji could perceive the disarray of their living quarters. Even though the rent was practically negligible, it still represented a sum beyond their current capacity. Were it not for the landlord's compassion, they might have been left without even a place to sleep.

"Aiyo, the esteemed king has returned. We ought to swiftly clear the path for this one," a sharp voice abruptly broke through Mo Wuji's reflections.

"Hu Fei, get out of the way!" Yan'Er, who had been trailing slightly behind Mo Wuji, suddenly surged forward. Like an enraged miniature leopard, she positioned herself protectively in front of Mo Wuji.

Beneath the dim illumination, Mo Wuji observed a youth whose hair was styled with an excessive amount of gel. Despite his words about making way, the youth remained rooted in the middle of the thoroughfare, showing no inclination to move.

“Little Yan’Er, Big Brother Hu specifically procured half a catty of pork for you. Your actions towards me are truly disheartening,” Hu Fei lamented, preoccupied with the lotus leaf packet clutched in his hands. (TL: In Chinese culinary traditions, food is often presented wrapped in lotus, pandan, or banana leaves.)

A dismally loud rumble emanated from Mo Wuji’s stomach, a testament to his hunger. Yan’Er, who had initially intended to urge Hu Fei aside, faltered upon noticing the lotus leaf packet.

“Isn’t this amicable? You and Big Brother Hu are hardly strangers...” Hu Fei remarked, advancing and attempting to place an arm around Yan’Er’s shoulders. Despite the scar marring Yan’Er’s face and her underdeveloped physique stemming from inadequate nutrition, her facial features possessed an undeniable prettiness.

A flicker of hesitation crossed Yan’Er’s eyes. If she were by herself, Hu Fei’s presence would not have concerned her. However, today, the young master had endured a full day without sustenance, his stomach growling incessantly. Moreover, their home was utterly devoid of even a grain of rice. What recourse would she have upon returning?

Unaware of Yan’Er’s inner turmoil, Mo Wuji acted before Hu Fei’s hand could reach her shoulders, launching a swift kick.

Hu Fei seemed entirely unprepared for Mo Wuji’s sudden aggression. Mo Wuji’s foot connected squarely with his chest.

The impact felt akin to striking solid steel; Mo Wuji was forced to retreat several steps due to the intense recoil.

“Master, are you unharmed?” Yan’Er rushed forward, lending Mo Wuji support.

Mo Wuji gazed at Hu Fei, who had only been pushed back a single step, and couldn’t suppress his astonishment. His current body was undeniably frail, insufficient to even knock Hu Fei down. Could Hu Fei be a practitioner of martial arts?

“You court death...” Hu Fei, astonished by the unexpected defiance from the usually docile Mo Xinghe, who merely harbored dreams of kingship, flew into a rage. He drew a foot-long blade from his waist and charged ferociously at Mo Wuji.

A few onlookers witnessed Hu Fei’s menacing advance toward Mo Wuji, yet not a single soul intervened. Not a word of concern was uttered.

“Hu Fei, cease this instant! How dare you attempt murder in broad daylight?” Yan’Er’s face drained of its color, her senses failing to register that night had already fallen.

“Ha ha, I’ve long wished to rid myself of this simpleton. Today, he dared to provoke me first; even if I were to kill him, the most I’d face is a paltry fine. Yan’Er, I’m doing this for you. If you join me, you’ll want for neither food nor clothing...” Hu Fei showed no intention of halting his assault.

Yan’Er grew frantic. With no other option, she resolved to shield Mo Wuji with her own body.

In that critical moment, Mo Wuji’s mind became utterly calm. Recalling the laws of Cheng Yu State, he remembered a peculiar statute: regardless of fault, if one retaliated after being attacked first and caused the assailant's death, the penalty was typically a minor fine.

Recognizing the futility of regret, Mo Wuji rapidly pulled Yan’Er aside. He then fixed his gaze upon Hu Fei, declaring with measured composure, “Hu Fei, should you dare to lay even a single hair upon me, you shall meet a truly ghastly end.”