Chapter 222: Severe punishment for the warmth, the childish heart gradually repents
At noon on the fifth day, when the cane landed on him, Sizhui had lost his initial struggle. He simply bit his lower lip tightly, letting the cold sweat soak the strands of hair on his forehead. After the caning ended, he tried to stand up by holding onto the wall, but his legs gave way and he nearly fell. The days of punishment had left him so sore that even walking was difficult.
"Don't leave in such a hurry." Mei Nianqing's voice suddenly rang out, his tone a little softer than usual. He handed over a small jade bottle, "The ointment in this is more effective than the one you're using. Apply it gently and don't break the wound."
Si Zhui was stunned for a moment, then looked up at Mei Nianqing. His master's expression remained calm, but without the coldness of before. A subtle concern seemed to linger in his eyes. He carefully took the jade bottle and whispered, "Thank you, Master."
"Go and give Lingjun the Dharma Protector. His soul is more stable today. You can take this with you." Mei Nianqing handed over another food box with warm lotus seed soup inside. "He is weak and needs nourishment."
Sizhui, clutching the food box and jade bottle, walked out of the monastery. The sunlight fell on him, bringing a touch of warmth, and he suddenly felt that his master wasn't so scary after all.
Arriving at Lingjun's residence, Sizhui had just handed over the lotus seed soup when Lingjun smiled and said, "Sizhui, I heard from the immortal doctor that you come to help me protect the law every day and secretly bring me immortal fruits. Thank you."
Si Zhui's cheeks flushed slightly, and he whispered, "It's my fault. I hurt you before. This is what I should do."
"It's all in the past. I don't blame you." Ling Jun patted his shoulder. "Besides, Mr. Mei told me yesterday that you're very serious about learning the method, but you're just too anxious. If you practice slowly in the future, you'll definitely learn it well."
Sizhui's heart skipped a beat – it turns out his master still mentioned him to others, even praised him. He suddenly remembered that these past few days, when he was copying the precepts, a fairy child would quietly bring him warm tea; when it was cold at night, a thick blanket would appear by the window. Could all this be arranged by his master?
Back at the monastery in the evening, Sizhui had just sat down to copy the precepts when Mei Nianqing walked in. He quickly stood up, nervously clutching the corner of his clothes.
"Sit down, don't be nervous." Mei Nianqing sat down opposite him and picked up the half-copied rules. "The handwriting is neater than before. It seems you put a lot of effort into it."
Si Zhui nodded and whispered, "Master, I know I was wrong. From now on, I will never use my magical powers to play mischievously or hurt others again."
Mei Nianqing looked at the seriousness in his eyes and sighed softly: "I'm punishing you not to make you afraid of me, but to make you understand that immortal power is used to protect yourself and those around you, not to cause trouble. Your father and grandfather love you so much, and Lin Yan always protects you. If you get into an accident, how sad will they be?"
Si Zhui couldn't help but shed tears again, but it wasn't because of fear, but because of guilt: "Master, I will study the Fa well in the future, protect my family well, and never let you worry again."
"Okay, I believe you." Mei Nianqing ruffled his hair, her tone finally returning to its usual gentleness. "In two days, the punishment will be over, and then you'll be able to see your family. Take good care of your injuries these two days, and don't tire yourself out."
Si Zhui nodded vigorously, his heart filled with warmth. He finally understood that his master's previous strictness was all for his own good. The care hidden in the details moved him more than any gentle words.
At night, Sizhui applied the ointment his master had given him, and the pain from his wounds eased considerably. He hunched over his desk, diligently copying the precepts, a faint smile playing on his lips. He began to look forward to the day his punishment would end, to seeing his father, his father, and Brother Lin. Even more, he looked forward to continuing to follow his master, studying the Fa diligently, and growing into someone who could protect everyone.
Outside the window, in the corridor, Mei Nianqing looked at the earnest little figure in the house, his eyes filled with a gentle smile. He knew that this child had finally truly understood the weight of the word "responsibility," and that his efforts over the past few days had finally paid off.
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