After Accidentally Entering the Forbidden Land and Forming a Bond with the Grandmaster - Chapter 31

The Darling of Qianshan, Chu Lanci

Fortunately, this was not something Chu Lanci had to fret over. Even if Xie Zhuo had certain intentions, or rather, every time he had them, something would inevitably come up.

This time, it was not the Immortal Alliance but Elder Yuhua of Qianshan, the former Sect Master. He requested that Xie Zhuo, along with himself and several other elders, convene to discuss the strategy for a demon slaying mission, specifically deciding who Qianshan should dispatch. As the Sect Master, Xie Zhuo had no choice but to attend the elders’ meeting.

“Something has come up,” Xie Zhuo said, looking quite apologetic.

Chu Lanci shook his head quickly. “Master, go ahead and attend to your business. It is no problem at all, hahaha. There will be plenty of other opportunities.”

Xie Zhuo did not know whether to laugh or cry. “Are you chasing me away or asking me to stay?”

Before Chu Lanci could answer, Xie Zhuo took a step forward, trapping him in his embrace. “I will take that as you asking me to stay. Master will remember this.”

“Mhm?” Chu Lanci’s mouth parted slightly.

The look on his face was practically an invitation to go deeper. Xie Zhuo chuckled and leaned down, kissing him several times before finally pulling away. “As you wish,” he whispered. After the kiss, Xie Zhuo, as if still unsatisfied, reached out and wiped a trace of moisture from his own lips onto Chu Lanci’s. Only then did he depart reluctantly.

Chu Lanci’s heart trembled at that final gesture. During the kiss, his body had reacted as if struck by an electric current. He had felt himself sliding down, kept upright only by Xie Zhuo’s support. He could not quite parse his own feelings. His eyelids fluttered, and a tiny hint of regret flickered in his heart, thinking it might have been nice if Master had stayed.

The moment that thought appeared, he immediately reined it in. Xie Zhuo seemed to have woven a dense web of desire around him, a web where the Master shamelessly doted on and adored him. He found that he did not actually resist it.

This feeling was entirely different from the affection he received from the villagers and students back home. It was scorching, intense, and filled with possessiveness. He could feel Xie Zhuo’s passion. No one had ever told him how to handle such things. Chu Lanci was a simple person. From childhood to adulthood, his life consisted of planting flowers, selling lanterns, and village affairs. This new sensation made him feel flustered and clumsy, so he simply decided not to think about it.

Once Xie Zhuo had gone, he ran to the newly planted patch of Night Orchid flowers. While magic was useful, the delicate stems still required manual care. He tended to them meticulously, removing insects and pruning branches. When he finished, he plucked a large bouquet of Night Orchids. He set some aside for his Master, intended to give some to his senior brothers, and prepared a portion for Manager Qian Bugou. These were all people who had looked after him.

Finally, Chu Lanci carried a bundle of flowers to the Repentance Cliff he had visited before and successfully found the Guardian of the Cliff. He walked through the wind and snow to stand before the Guardian, offering him the orchids.

“Martial Uncle,” he called out.

Master Wujiu remained as motionless as a statue, but his attention was clearly drawn to Chu Lanci.

“I brought these Night Orchids for you. I just grew them myself. Thank you for the things you said to Master last time.” Chu Lanci added, “Also, I have something to tell you. Master said you are no longer in the wrong, yet you still stay here. I feel like that is a bit of a waste of talent. Actually, there are many things waiting for you to do outside.” He pointed to his flowers. “For example, my flowers can be made into pills or medicine. They are beautiful and useful, even if they look a bit weak.”

He rattled off a long string of words until Master Wujiu asked, “What exactly are you trying to say?”

Seeing an opening, Chu Lanci continued, “Last time you asked if there were fish in the abyss. I think regardless of whether there are, we should try first. What if there are fish after all? Haha! Do you not agree? So, Master Wujiu, I want to hire you as the protector of our Tingfeng Village. Guarding this cliff is not as good as guarding Tingfeng Village. There are over a dozen people there now, and I will even pay you in spiritual stones. Think about how great that would be.”

The Great Ascension stage Master Wujiu fell silent.

Without waiting for a reply, Chu Lanci set the flowers down. “Martial Uncle, you can think about it. The salary probably will not be much. I can only afford one thousand a month. You can mention any other requirements, and I will consider them. If there is nothing else, I will head out. These flowers are not worth much, so they are a gift for you.”

Chu Lanci chattered away and finally left, feeling satisfied. He felt it had been a perfect day. Tomorrow, he would sell all the newly grown Night Orchids and strike it rich sooner or later.

The next morning, Chu Lanci dressed neatly and headed to the Academy with a bouquet of fresh flowers, ready for class. He knew his status was unique, but he felt that not everyone would be as cynical as those three cultivators from before. As expected, after two days of Basic Theory of Cultivation and Pill Refinement classes, he made a few friends.

As for the course content, Chu Lanci did not understand a single word. He tried his best to listen, but the lecturers were all middle stage Nascent Soul cultivators whose teaching styles were dense and difficult to grasp. Chu Lanci had not even reached the Foundation Establishment stage. Previously, Xie Zhuo and the others had to break everything down bit by bit for him to memorize.

Even if he did not understand, he still received spiritual stones and supplies just for attending. On that merit alone, Chu Lanci felt he had to persevere and complete all his studies. If he ever returned to his village, he could say he had trained at Qianshan. It would sound impressive and be good for business.

Furthermore, thanks to his friendly rapport with his classmates, his flower selling business was exceptionally smooth. He knew many people bought the orchids because of Xie Zhuo, as if buying the flowers brought them closer to their Sect Master. Chu Lanci turned a blind eye to this, as his orchids were genuinely good and priced very low. Later, many people became repeat customers, which surely had nothing to do with Xie Zhuo.

Selling flowers was one way to make money; the Hall of Meritorious Deeds was another. Perhaps because of that bouquet of flowers, he had actually become friends with Manager Qian. He learned from Manager Qian that the Hall indeed housed many treasures, but they could only be exchanged for Qianshan Merit Points. Chu Lanci did not even consider participating in trials to earn them. As for the managerial positions, those were naturally out of his reach.

By chance, the Hall needed a young attendant to assist Qian Bugou. In truth, Qian Bugou regularly recruited attendants, but few could get along with him harmoniously. When Chu Lanci heard this, his spirits lifted. This job was practically made for him. Because it was considered working for Qianshan, he could earn merit points and a monthly salary of one thousand spiritual stones. Back when he delivered food to the Forbidden Area, he only made five hundred a month and nearly lost himself in the process.

He immediately recommended himself to Manager Qian, who unexpectedly agreed. He could tell that Manager Qian genuinely liked him in a pure way, as if they were two of a kind. Manager Qian explained the rules: no being late or leaving early, he had to be at his post every day, and no stealing or hiding inventory. Chu Lanci noted them all down. Thus, Little Chu officially started his job at the Hall of Meritorious Deeds.

At the beginning, the scene looked like this: people wanted to approach but did not dare, whispering among themselves with eyes full of disdain and curiosity. Later, the atmosphere shifted completely.

“Lanci, let me tell you, my heart is so bitter,” one senior brother said, clutching Chu Lanci’s sleeve with reddened eyes. “But I cannot say it. Qianshan is just too competitive. I lost another fight, but I do not think I am worse than them. Really, why do I still lose after working so hard? It is not fair.”

“Heh, what is so great about him?” another person leaned in, whispering indignantly. “Just because his Master is powerful, he shows off everywhere? I really want to ask him: no matter how powerful you are, can you be more powerful than our Sect Master? I think not! Let his Master come and trade blows with our Sect Master and see if he still dares to be so arrogant!”

“Lanci, it is just nice to talk to you. And honestly, you are so beautiful. I think you are the most beautiful man in Qianshan!” a junior brother said, his ears turning pink.

A junior sister nearby held her face in her hands. “Senior Brother Chu, you are so cute. How can you be this cute even when you are daydreaming? I want to be your friend!”

Chu Lanci was puzzled as to why his popularity had reached such heights. He could sense the anxiety of these senior brothers and sisters, but he felt they should not be anxious. After all, they were at least stronger than him. They were already at the Nascent Soul stage; what was there to be anxious about?

Whether it was comparing Masters, resources, or opportunities, it all seemed to be a source of stress. Chu Lanci’s universal method of comfort was to hold their hands and tell them, “You are truly excellent already. You must believe in yourselves!”

Believe it or not, after Chu Lanci started working, complaints at the Hall of Meritorious Deeds decreased significantly. He was able to handle Qian Bugou’s stubbornness and the various conflicts with the cultivators.

The first reason was that while Chu Lanci had few standout talents, he had an excellent temperament. He looked approachable and was young. Although he held the title of the Sect Master’s spouse, he had no air of self importance. His abilities were average, he occasionally made mistakes, and he was slower than others at memorizing things.

Secondly, Qianshan was a place of elites. These cultivators were afraid of being mocked by those better than them, so they did not communicate. They looked down on those equal to them, and they ignored those beneath them. Consequently, despite their power, many had psychological burdens and pent up resentment with no one to talk to. In short, they needed someone like Chu Lanci.

The final point was still related to Xie Zhuo. No one in Qianshan did not want to be near Sect Master Xie. Everyone knew how Chu Lanci had entered the Sect. Because he had relied on connections and lacked strength, he was seen as a “decorative pillow” and posed zero threat. Yet, he was the Sect Master’s wife, and it was impossible for them to surpass his status. Since Chu Lanci was so easy to talk to, every cultivator who came to the Hall to collect items enjoyed chatting with him.

Due to all these factors, Chu Lanci inadvertently became the darling of Qianshan. People who might have been dissatisfied with him before now liked him after meeting him. The Sect Master? What was the Sect Master compared to him? Would the Sect Master ask about their well being? Would he praise them for being powerful the moment he saw them? No, his wife Chu Lanci was much better!

Among those who liked Chu Lanci was, naturally, Qian Bugou. Setting aside ability and looks, Chu Lanci provided excellent emotional support. He was warm hearted and caring. While the “Iron Accountant” did not say it aloud, he practically treated Chu Lanci like a son.

“The kid is indeed good, just a bit slow.” Or rather, that bit of slowness made him exceptionally cute. Everyone seemed to understand why the Sect Master liked him.

Xie Zhuo returned from the mortal realm after slaying a Great Demon. He had been away for nearly a month. He had not intended to be gone so long, but the demon had been quite troublesome, necessitating a prolonged struggle. Once the Great Demon was dealt with, the remaining lesser demons were left to the other sects.

To his surprise, upon his return, he received all sorts of news about Chu Lanci. He listened as his disciple, Wei Daoping, detailed everything Chu Lanci had done over the past month. Now, everyone in Qianshan knew Chu Lanci, and not because of Xie Zhuo, but because of Chu Lanci himself.

Being popular was one thing, but he even had many romantic prospects. Xie Zhuo understood this well. Chu Lanci was charming without realizing it, often showing care to people indiscriminately. He did not realize that such care could easily be misinterpreted. He had even won over Qian Bugou! It seemed he was treating the greatest sect in Qianshan like his own Tingfeng Village. Furthermore, in over a month, he had only sent one transmission asking when Xie Zhuo would return, and nothing else.

While Xie Zhuo was thinking, Wei Daoping hesitated. “There is one more thing, Sect Master.”

“Speak,” Xie Zhuo said.

“We will likely need a new Guardian for the Cliff. Master Wujiu has left the Repentance Cliff, saying he is going to guard a village. No matter how I tried to persuade him, I could not stop him. He even asked me: since there are no fish in the abyss, why should he continue his fruitless efforts? He said he would rather do something practical.”

The Repentance Cliff truly did not require a Great Ascension cultivator; Wujiu had indeed been overqualified. But who would have dared to try and persuade a man who had imprisoned himself by choice?

Xie Zhuo pondered for a moment. “Did Chu Lanci go to see him?”

Wei Daoping replied, “It should be him, because I saw him heading toward Tingfeng Village.”

Xie Zhuo fell silent. The boy really had a trick or two up his sleeve, or perhaps three.

Chu Lanci had just finished organizing the shelves at the Hall of Meritorious Deeds with Qian Bugou. Lacking spiritual energy, he relied entirely on his own hands, but he did not feel tired. On the contrary, he found this kind of work much easier than practicing cultivation or memorizing incantations. He had to admit that people have ceilings to their abilities. What was suitable and what was not was already predetermined.

Besides, his workload was not heavy. Most of the labor was done by puppets. There was no need for him to do much. He only had to direct them. Earning so many spiritual stones for such simple work made Chu Lanci feel incredibly happy. Plus, Xie Zhuo had been away.

As he finished his inventory and prepared to leave, Qian Bugou called out to him. “Little Chu, take these things with you. You do not need to use merit points.”

Chu Lanci looked and saw they were various daily necessities, items that were being phased out of the Hall. Qian Bugou had the duty to clear them out periodically. Previously, they were destroyed, but after learning Chu Lanci needed them, he gave them to him as a favor.

“Wow! This is so much, Manager Qian, I cannot accept this.” He had already received his spiritual stones.

Qian Bugou said kindly, “Take them. Did you not say you wanted to give things to the people of Tingfeng Village? Consider these a gift from Qianshan. They are not worth much. You have helped this old man solve many problems lately, and I have not thanked you yet.”

Since Chu Lanci arrived, he had been angry far less often. Otherwise, he would have spent hours arguing with the cultivators every time. Chu Lanci smiled and said, “It was no big deal. Since they are for the village, I will take them!” He felt like it was a reward for his hard work.

As they were talking, a voice called from outside the hall: “Chu Lanci.”

Chu Lanci turned and saw a familiar figure at the door. If the man did not speak, he was the epitome of refined elegance and calm authority. Perhaps due to his travels, his face looked slightly weary, but he was still strikingly handsome. Chu Lanci had heard from Qian Bugou that Xie Zhuo’s Daoist name was Jingyuan.

Jingyuan, Jingyuan. Although Chu Lanci did not fully understand Xie Zhuo’s inner thoughts, he felt the name suited him perfectly. As the saying goes: “Beneath still waters lies a dark abyss that devours men.” He appeared calm but was turbulent within. He was humble on the outside but fierce and domineering when it came to that business, like a tiger or a giant crocodile swallowing a little rabbit like him whole.

When Xie Zhuo reached him, Chu Lanci greeted him with a smile. “Master.”

The corners of Xie Zhuo’s lips turned up at the sight of that smile. He reached out his hand, and Chu Lanci obediently placed his own into it. Xie Zhuo wrapped his fingers around the boy’s cold hand. Qian Bugou also came forward and bowed respectfully. Xie Zhuo said, “No need for formalities. I have just returned from slaying a demon and am quite exhausted. I will go and rest.” He paused and added, “I am taking him with me.”

Qian Bugou had heard of their affection for each other and, seeing it with his own eyes, hurriedly agreed.

Affection? In Chu Lanci’s eyes, there was no such thing. Affection was for couples with feelings. He and his Master were more like Master and disciple. Once they were behind closed doors, the first thing Xie Zhuo asked was whether he had memorized the Fate Reversal Incantation.

Chu Lanci knew he would ask. He nodded vigorously. “I have, I have!” He had truly been serious about memorizing it, especially since it was simple, only a dozen lines. Fortunately, Xie Zhuo only asked about that. He had forgotten much of the basic theoretical knowledge taught previously.

“Get on the bed.”

Chu Lanci’s eyes widened. This was not good. It was broad daylight, the sun had not even set, and he was quite loud. How should he tell Master not to do things during the day?

Xie Zhuo approached slowly and tapped Chu Lanci’s forehead. “I am going to teach you how to use the Fate Reversal Incantation. While slaying the demon these past few days, I happened upon a treasure that can help you finish your jade transformation quickly.”

Chu Lanci realized he had misinterpreted things. “Did the Body Soaking not count as jade transformation? I still have to do it?”

Xie Zhuo explained patiently, “It is different. Last time was just preparation. The point of jade transformation is to allow you to better accept pills. While you practice the incantation to learn how to turn medicinal properties into spiritual power, you will take pills daily. This allows your bones and flesh to become a furnace that stores spiritual energy, refining the medicinal power on its own. We must be cautious in the early stages; if something goes wrong, all our efforts will be in vain.”

He produced a small round tripod carved from white jade, decorated with clouds, dragons, and phoenixes. A faint white spiritual light swirled around it. “This is the Jade Marrow Tripod. Keep it with you, and I will teach you how to refine, line by line.”

Seeing Xie Zhuo so serious, Chu Lanci did not dare to be careless. He sat on the bed as instructed, regulating his breathing under Xie Zhuo’s guidance. Using the Jade Marrow Tripod, he attempted to refine a Blood-Qi Pill into his own spiritual energy. Even if Chu Lanci was not particularly capable, with a powerful figure like Xie Zhuo providing full support, any problem became manageable. The Jade Marrow Tripod was a high level magical artifact. Ordinary cultivators could only dream of obtaining one, but to Xie Zhuo, it was a mere trifle. His peak cultivation certainly had its rewards.

Under this hands on guidance, a flicker of ice blue spiritual fire condensed at Chu Lanci’s fingertips. Seeing this, Xie Zhuo frowned and immediately grabbed Chu Lanci’s hand to ensure the flow of energy did not break. Chu Lanci had not expected Xie Zhuo’s hand to be so warm. Not only was it warm, but it was also large, completely enveloping his own. His fingers were long and often did very embarrassing things to him. Random images flashed through Chu Lanci’s mind as he looked back at Xie Zhuo’s sharp profile.

Xie Zhuo seemed not to notice. He guided Chu Lanci’s hand to draw a line in the air. Before long, it transformed into a shimmering river of stars, like a cluster of fireflies.

“So beautiful,” Chu Lanci whispered.

Xie Zhuo drew a few more lines in silence. With a few casual strokes, he outlined Chu Lanci’s face. He gave it a gentle push, and the river of stars turned into brilliant points of light, falling slowly like a rain of celestial flowers.

“Master, you can paint as well?”

Xie Zhuo said nonchalantly, “I told you, your husband can do anything.” Though it was a narcissistic comment, it did not feel like boasting; it sounded like he was stating a simple fact.

Remembering Chu Lanci’s activities over the past month, Xie Zhuo asked, “Are you short on spiritual stones?” Before Chu Lanci could answer, Xie Zhuo handed him a token. “Take this.”

Chu Lanci took it curiously. “What is this?” It was a jade token, similar to an immortal token but thin as a cicada’s wing yet indestructible.

“The Tongbao Spiritual Contract.”

“Mhm?”

“Within Qianshan, you can use my merit points. Outside Qianshan, you can withdraw spiritual stones from it. I did not give it to you before because you lacked cultivation, but now that you are undergoing jade transformation, you can use it.”

Chu Lanci accepted the contract without a word and thanked his Master as usual. The jade transformation was underway, and the gifts had been given. Chu Lanci felt he should not be ungrateful. It was better to start early and finish early so he would not be unable to get up the next morning. He still had to rush to class and work.

He put the items away and took the initiative to approach. Xie Zhuo was busy studying the Fate Reversal Incantation for him when he felt a pair of hands wrap around him from behind. He set down the jade slip, turned around, and pulled Chu Lanci into his arms.

“How proactive,” he said with a smile. He gently pinched Chu Lanci’s chin, his smile fading as he leaned down to kiss him.

Support