“Yes, Master.”
Ye Qianjue, who had been hiding outside the main hall, poked his head out and walked into the hall, looking a bit uneasy.
Hearing the voice, Xuanyuan Xinbei looked over in surprise it was the little immortal friend from earlier!
How did he get here? Judging by the tone of the Immortal Venerable Gu, they seemed quite familiar. Under Xuanyuan Xinbei’s gaze, Ye Qianjue strolled leisurely over to Gu Qingyun’s side.
Seeing this, Xuanyuan Xinbei’s sword-like brows furrowed slightly.
Could it be that everything Ye Qianjue said before was true? Had he really wronged Ye Qianjue?
Xuanyuan Xinbei fell into a state of annoyance. If he had known, he wouldn’t have been so anxious to blame Ye Qianjue. But upon deeper thought, could the “Immortal Venerable Gu” in Ye Qianjue’s mouth truly be such a quick-tempered, biased person?
It seemed unbelievable no matter how he looked at it.
Looking up, Xuanyuan Xinbei shook his head slightly. He would rather die than believe that the magnificent and noble Gu Qingyun could be so worldly!
Distressed, Xuanyuan Xinbei returned to his seat.
Looking at the worried-looking Xuanyuan Xinbei, Ye Qianjue raised an eyebrow. He sat down beside Gu Qingyun, pillowing his head on his arms, and muttered, “He wouldn’t still be angry at me, would he? Why is this Fourth Prince so petty? I don’t even know what I did wrong to displease him…”
“What are you saying?” Gu Qingyun asked.
Ye Qianjue shook his head, full of thoughts, and continued to secretly observe Xuanyuan Xinbei.
Noticing Ye Qianjue’s eyes shifting toward the man below the platform from time to time, Gu Qingyun began asking questions to divert Ye Qianjue’s attention.
“Any gains from going down the mountain today?”
“No”
The words were on the tip of his tongue, but Ye Qianjue stopped. He thought for a moment and put on a fawning expression.
“Master~ Can I go down the mountain every three days from now on? By ‘down the mountain,’ I mean going to the market and the Imperial City!”
Ye Qianjue looked at Gu Qingyun with eager eyes, like a pitiful puppy begging for its master’s affection.
I’m acting like this; I don’t believe Master won’t agree, Ye Qianjue thought.
Just as Gu Qingyun hesitated, Xuanyuan Xinbei, having overheard their conversation, said loudly, “Going down the mountain? It is indeed interesting down there; with smoke-like willows and painted bridges, pavilions and towers, and countless treasures from the Western Regions. If you don’t know where to go, you can come and find me at any time.”
Ye Qianjue let out a “Wow,” his eyes shining with stars and filled with adoration.
This enthusiastic gaze made Xuanyuan Xinbei proudly puff out his chest.
However, no one noticed that Gu Qingyun, sitting in his seat, was looking at him coldly with an expressionless face.
At this moment, Ye Qianjue placed his hands on Gu Qingyun’s legs, kneading them continuously, his voice soft: “Master~ Can I?”
The vast main hall was empty, lacking any vitality.
Gu Qingyun put down his cup, his voice clear and resonant as he looked toward the hall entrance with a dignified gaze: “We shall discuss it later.”
“Hmph!” Ye Qianjue pouted, sulking to himself. He grumbled, “This won’t do, that won’t do, why not just lock me in a tiny house…”
Ye Qianjue shifted his gaze and happened to meet Xuanyuan Xinbei’s roaming eyes.
He’s smiling at me? Ye Qianjue felt puzzled.
Since Xuanyuan Xinbei had smiled at him, he would return the smile. Ye Qianjue raised the corners of his mouth slightly and gave Xuanyuan Xinbei a charming smile.
That smile was not only innocent and filled with pure kindness, but paired with that gorgeous little face, it added a touch of vibrant charm.
Having long lived deep in the palace, this was Xuanyuan Xinbei’s first time seeing such stunning beauty.
Gu Qingyun’s eyes narrowed as he cast a cold glance at Xuanyuan Xinbei. Then, he stood up, grabbed Ye Qianjue by the wrist, and lifted him up like a little chick.
“Since that is the case, leave the affairs of the Immortal Alliance Conference to Yan Yi.” Gu Qingyun deliberately walked up to Xuanyuan Xinbei and said softly: “Suit yourself.”
Then, he took Ye Qianjue and left directly.
Yan Yi watched this scene awkwardly. Sometimes, Yan Yi even had an unfilial illusion that the person in charge of Feixian Peak wasn’t Gu Qingyun, but him!
“Sinful…” Yan Yi muttered silently.
“This immortal friend, didn’t you just say Immortal Venerable Gu was poor with words? Why… I feel it is not so,” Xuanyuan Xinbei said, shaking his folding fan, unable to hide his smile.
Yan Yi looked embarrassedly at the direction Gu Qingyun had left in and then explained apologetically, “My Master is like this. Only when it concerns the Little Junior Brother does he take it to heart; for everything else, Master doesn’t care at all.”
“So that’s how it is. No wonder I vaguely felt that Immortal Venerable Gu seemed to have hostility toward me…” Xuanyuan Xinbei muttered.
“Hmm? What did you say, Fourth Prince?” Yan Yi asked, puzzled.
Xuanyuan Xinbei shook his head as if nothing had happened and gestured for him to lead the way, “I’ll trouble you to lead us to familiarize ourselves with the route.”
“Please follow me.”
Yan Yi took Xuanyuan Xinbei and his personal attendant, Mo Yan, to wander around Feixian Peak.
“The main hall from earlier is on the east side, and the trial platform is on the west side. The Immortal Alliance Conference will be held there. The north side is the residence for Feixian Peak’s disciples.” Yan Yi stopped and gave a friendly reminder, “Except for the south side, where you must not go, you can visit anywhere else.”
Hearing this, Xuanyuan Xinbei became very curious. He frowned and asked, “Why not the south side?”
Yan Yi pointed to the south and explained softly, “The south side is Master’s activity area; ordinary people must not venture there rashly.”
Following Yan Yi’s gesture, Xuanyuan Xinbei was dumbfounded.
Wasn’t that direction the two small bamboo houses Ye Qianjue had told him about?
So, he had underestimated Ye Qianjue! He never imagined that Ye Qianjue would be the most favored disciple under Immortal Venerable Gu!
It was truly mind-boggling!
Xuanyuan Xinbei shook his head and continued to follow the tour.
Ye Qianjue returned to the bamboo house with Gu Qingyun. In the courtyard, Gu Qingyun closed his eyes to meditate, Ye Qianjue wove toys with bamboo leaves, and Yeyuan lay in a pile of dead leaves, sleeping soundly.
Everything was so peaceful.
Bored, Ye Qianjue threw the bamboo grasshopper in his hand, which happened to hit Yeyuan, causing Yeyuan to let out a grumbling sound.
“Sigh”
Ye Qianjue let out a long sigh, seeing that Gu Qingyun had no reaction.
“Sigh~ Sigh~ Sigh!” His voice grew louder.
The Cangyuan sword by his feet was kicked aside, and a look of worry appeared on Ye Qianjue’s beautiful face. He lay on the stone table in boredom, quietly watching Gu Qingyun.
Master’s eyelashes are so long, as beautiful as a spider web~
With such a beautiful person, why is he so stiff?
Ye Qianjue looked at the motionless Gu Qingyun and silently reached out to hold Gu Qingyun’s powerful hands.
In an instant, a chill reached Ye Qianjue’s fingertips.
He hissed and let go of Gu Qingyun.
“Master!” Ye Qianjue called out in dissatisfaction.
Gu Qingyun opened his eyes and looked at the angry-looking Ye Qianjue: “What is it?”
His voice was like a cold spring hitting the blue slate stone in a mountain stream, pleasant and lingering.
Ye Qianjue grumbled dissatisfiedly: “Master clearly knows what I am talking about… yet you pretend not to hear~” Ye Qianjue hummed softly, looking down at Gu Qingyun with drooping eyes.
“Master, just let Qianjue go down the mountain, okay? Now Senior Brother Bai, Senior Sister Bai, and even Senior Brother Yan Yi can go down the mountain often. Only I… only I am left here on this cold Feixian Peak!”
Ye Qianjue kicked his feet and lay down on the stone table.
He gazed at the starry night sky and let out a long sigh.
Ye Qianjue pointed at Yeyuan and said, “Maybe even he has been down the mountain to play!”
“Woof?”
Yeyuan: What does this have to do with me?
Probably finding it too noisy, Yeyuan simply buried his head in the pile of dead leaves, ignoring everything.
Ye Qianjue lay on the stone table, spreading out his arms, revealing his slender waist.
“You—” Gu Qingyun stood up, wanting to persuade Ye Qianjue, but discovered someone peeking from the corner. His eyes narrowed, and he rested his hands on either side of Ye Qianjue’s waist, shielding that slender waist.
Suddenly, white hair spilled over Ye Qianjue’s chest.
Xuanyuan Xinbei in the corner widened his eyes at this sight and quickly fled the scene.
He kept fanning himself with his folding fan all the way, trying to cool down!
“Your Highness! Your Highness, where are you going?”
Mo Yan followed behind, looking at his master in confusion, “What did you see? To actually run so fast…”
After confirming that Xuanyuan Xinbei had left, Gu Qingyun pulled the lazy Ye Qianjue up from the stone table and asked softly, “Why do you always think about life down the mountain? Do you like it very much?”
Ye Qianjue could not hide his excitement, his face blushing as he said, “It’s not that I like it, I’m just curious~ Master, did you hear what Brother Xuanyuan said? Qianjue really wants to go and see~” Ye Qianjue looked at Gu Qingyun and smiled: “Of course, go see it with Master!”
Ye Qianjue hugged Gu Qingyun. This sudden hug threw Gu Qingyun into a state of confusion; he didn’t know where to put his hands.
“Master, can we go live down the mountain in the future?”
As long as it’s not this boring Feixian Peak, anything is fine! Ye Qianjue ranted frantically in his heart!
Gu Qingyun did not respond, but looked thoughtfully at the night sky. He did not know how to respond.
Perhaps in the future, there will be that day…
Early the next morning, Xuanyuan Xinbei was the first to leave the bamboo house. He had dark circles under his eyes, his whites were bloodshot, and he stood on the Wind-Watching Terrace, blowing in the cool breeze.
He looked haggard and full of evil spirits.
Yan Yi was tidying up the Library Pavilion early as usual and saw Xuanyuan Xinbei with his tired face when he stepped out.
“Fourth Prince?” Yan Yi stepped forward.
“Morning, Immortal Friend~”
Xuanyuan Xinbei yawned, his eyes weak, feeling as if he were about to faint in the next second.
Afraid that his guest house had neglected Xuanyuan Xinbei, Yan Yi asked anxiously, “Did you not sleep well last night? Shall I seek Master’s advice and arrange for you to be placed with Master Wu?”
Upon hearing Gu Qingyun’s name, Xuanyuan Xinbei hurriedly waved his hands.
“No need for trouble, it’s my own problem…” Seeing Yan Yi’s concerned face, Xuanyuan Xinbei asked, “Does Immortal Venerable Gu like Ye Qianjue very much?”
Yan Yi shook his head with indulgence and smiled, “It’s more than just liking. The Little Junior Brother is lovable and recognized by all three peaks. Master Gu has kept the Little Junior Brother by his side since he was a child. For these fifteen years, he has never left Feixian Peak.”
Seeing Xuanyuan Xinbei lower his head in thought, Yan Yi frowned, “Is there a problem?”
“No problem, sorry to trouble you, Immortal Friend, go do your work! I’ll clear my head by myself…”
Yan Yi left, confused.
On the Wind-Watching Terrace, Xuanyuan Xinbei’s mind kept flashing back to that absurd scene. He had just been curious and wanted to go see where Immortal Venerable Gu lived, but who would have thought he would crash into it!
He had crashed into the master and disciple doing indecent things!
That position… did not look like something that could appear between a normal master and disciple.
The well-informed Xuanyuan Xinbei let out a long sigh, his brain buzzing.
“It seems the Master sent the wrong person this time. Just thinking about last night’s scene makes me…” Xuanyuan Xinbei exhaled a breath of hot air, tapped his head with his fan, and looked troubled: “The upcoming Immortal Alliance Conference, the title of champion is not for me…”
On the eve of the Immortal Alliance Conference, the bamboo shadows were wide under the moon.
Gu Qingyun handed Ye Qianjue a brocade pouch in the courtyard, exhorting, “You are clamoring to fight for first place. Whatever happens, remember to protect yourself. I cannot enter the arena to assist you, for fear of being gossiped about.”
Taking the pouch, Ye Qianjue opened it impatiently. When he saw what was inside, he jumped up in excitement.
“Master! This is too amazing! Master is great! Master is the best in the world!”
Ye Qianjue opened the pouch with both hands, wishing he could stuff himself inside. He excitedly leaned against Gu Qingyun, pulling on his arm, and acted like a spoiled child: “Master is so good~”
Looking at the ingenious strategy in his hand, Ye Qianjue let out a sigh of relief. Thinking of tomorrow, he would be able to hold his head high and show off his skills at the Immortal Alliance Conference!
Just thinking about it was exciting!
Maybe he could take the opportunity to ask Master for a reward!
What a great deal~
Watching the jubilant Ye Qianjue, Yeyuan showed disdain, “What a crappy pouch, so happy over nothing. I don’t believe Gu Qingyun has any way to make this blockhead win first place…”
The Immortal Alliance Conference arrived as scheduled. That day, the three immortal peaks lifted the barrier, and people from all walks of life could enter and leave freely.
The testing grounds of Feixian Peak were already filled with gongs and drums, and a sea of cultivators had gathered there, all waiting to take first place!
Ye Qianjue put on a slim-fitting black outfit, dressed all in cyan, looking very appetizing, like a fresh, green bamboo~
Gu Qingyun took his seat early with the leaders of the other two peaks. Elegant seats were set up on both sides of the trial platform, belonging to Jing Yiluo, Sect Leader of the Hehuan Sect; Cheng Shuangtian, Master of Snake Mountain; and Xuanyuan Gu, Emperor of the Tianqi Kingdom.
All kinds of sects and factions were bustling with people.
Gu Qingyun closed his eyes slightly and silently recited the Clear Heart Mantra.
Wu Hengmu turned his head wanting to chat with him, but found Gu Qingyun was meditating again, so he turned to chat with Cheng Shuangtian instead.
Before the competition, the three immortal peaks all gathered in front of the main hall. Bai Xiuzhu was practicing his sword desperately, and the Longyue in his hand was already one with the sword.
Bai Fulan was not to be outdone. Her swordsmanship gave people an illusion; the Xueyan in her hand seemed to turn into a piece of silk, twisting and stabbing toward people.
Putting the sword back into its sheath, Bai Xiuzhu asked strangely, “Where is Ye Qianjue? He hasn’t been seen since early this morning. He really isn’t worried about the competition at all. No wonder~ He has self-knowledge and knows he will definitely lose!”
Bai Xiuzhu said with a face full of pride and confidence.
Just as he was proclaiming his intention to take first place and win glory for the three peaks, Ye Qianjue, who had arrived late, spoke up.
“Who is bad-mouthing me again?”
“Little Junior Brother, you’re here!” Bai Fulan pushed Bai Xiuzhu aside and ran up.
Ye Qianjue raised his head with a proud face. He held his precious sword, Canglan, high and boasted, “This time, the first place is mine! Senior brothers and sisters should not waste your efforts~”
As soon as this was said, the audience was silent. Two seconds later, thundering laughter erupted.
“Little Junior Brother, don’t tease the Senior Sisters~ Senior Sister put on powder today, and I’m about to crack from laughing~ Hahaha~”
“Junior Brother! Did you get your brain muddled by Master’s scolding? First place?”
Everyone thought they were watching a play, laughing as they left the main hall and walked toward the testing platform.
Ye Qianjue held his breath and stamped his feet on the spot. He looked at Bai Fulan, sulking.
“Senior Sister! You believe me, right?”
“Ah? I…” Bai Fulan patted Ye Qianjue’s head, comforting him, “Senior Sister knows, Little Junior Brother just needs to work hard! Senior Sister won’t laugh at you!”
Bai Fulan left, holding back her laughter.
Ye Qianjue frowned, looking at Bai Xiuzhu with displeasure.
Bai Xiuzhu did not mince words. He laughed loudly and mocked, “Ye Qianjue~ Are you talking in your sleep? Your genius Senior Brother right in front of you hasn’t spoken yet, what are you fighting for first place for? Go wash up and sleep! Have you forgotten the糗 incident three years ago when you were chased and pecked in the butt by low-level birds and beasts?”
Bai Xiuzhu flicked Ye Qianjue on the forehead and left, laughing wantonly.
“I’m so angry! Nobody believes I can win!” Ye Qianjue lowered his head and looked at Yeyuan, “What about you!”
Yeyuan: “Woof woof!”