After Saving the Immortal Sect, I Became a Heartthrob - Chapter 10

Gu Congxing frowned secretly. This mission was no longer hiding its nature; the danger within was self-evident.

He suspected that the previous side mission had only used the “He Xu Da Huang Records” as a pretext to lure him into meeting Tiaotiao.

As if in response to the system mission, the silver light on the stone slab faded just as a tall, slender figure in azure drifted over.

The newcomer was actually his Eldest Senior Brother, Lan Jue.

“Second Junior Brother, the Hall of Myriad Affairs has issued a demon-extermination mission. Would you like to come with me?”

Gu Congxing raised an eyebrow in surprise at this question.

Simply put, his Eldest Senior Brother had never asked him to perform a mission together before.

Reflecting on his two lives, Gu Congxing was used to being a loner; even within the Zhuoguang lineage, which held great weight in his heart, he wasn’t particularly close to others.

Lan Jue was always upright, gentle, and approachable, enjoying immense popularity within the sect. Gu Congxing was merely one of the many.

Thus, in his previous life when his practice of forbidden arts was exposed and his Senior Brother expelled him from the sect, Gu Congxing hadn’t been surprised—nor had he been unhappy.

“Why did Senior Brother come to find me?”

“Several newly admitted inner disciples have signed up for this Xuan-grade mission. Elder Shen believes it is a suitable first experience for them, so he has sent this entire batch of disciples to participate…”

Missions in the Hall of Myriad Affairs were divided into four grades: Heaven, Earth, Xuan, and Huang. Heaven-grade missions were extremely perilous, requiring Nascent Soul cultivators, while Huang-grade missions were safe enough for Qi Refining disciples.

A Xuan-grade mission was indeed the most suitable for Foundation Establishment disciples who had just entered the inner sect.

Gu Congxing pondered. Elder Shen of Wendo Peak was rigorous by nature and shouldn’t be letting many disciples take unnecessary risks.

However, according to the system’s prompt, this mission clearly carried a risk to life. How could it be merely Xuan-grade?

“Although Elder Shen designated me to lead the team, there are ten people in total. I fear I might not be able to handle it alone, so I wanted to find you as a helper.”

Lan Jue spoke easily, with no hint of coercion, his amber eyes full of sincerity. Few could refuse such a person and Gu Congxing was no exception.

He was going to perform the system mission anyway.

Thinking this, he averted his gaze, no longer looking directly at Lan Jue.

“Understood. When do we depart?”

“In ten days. You still have time to prepare,” Lan Jue said warmly. “I hope that after this experience, you will have a breakthrough and successfully form your Golden Core.”

Gu Congxing was startled.

His cultivation had recently stalled at the Great Perfection of the Foundation Establishment stage. With the right opportunity, he could form his Core. Could it be that his Eldest Senior Brother had sought him out specifically for this reason?

“Are my two Senior Brothers going somewhere together? Would it be alright to take me along?”

A brisk voice came through. Both Gu Congxing and Lan Jue turned to see Zhong Ming standing under the shadow of a nearby tree, his small face partially hidden in the gloom.

The moment his eyes met Gu Congxing’s, they lit up, and he dashed forward to throw himself into his Second Senior Brother’s arms.

“Second Senior Brother, it’s been so many days! I missed you so much!”

Embracing that familiar warmth, Gu Congxing smiled happily. However, just as he was about to pat Zhong Ming’s back as usual, he caught sight of Lan Jue’s meaningful smile out of the corner of his eye.

“Ahem!”

Gu Congxing abruptly withdrew his hand and cleared his throat, pulling Zhong Ming out of the embrace. Facing Zhong Ming’s dissatisfied gaze, he feigned a serious tone: “Junior Brother, do not act without decorum. Why haven’t you greeted Eldest Senior Brother?”

Zhong Ming pouted, looking quite disgruntled, but he still turned to bow respectfully to Lan Jue.

Lan Jue didn’t mind at all. Instead, he blinked and let out a mischievous smile: “There’s an old poem that says, ‘One day apart feels like three autumns.’ I didn’t understand it before, but today I truly know its meaning.”

Zhong Ming turned beet-red at those words, and Gu Congxing felt his face heating up as well, clearing his throat again.

“Eldest Senior Brother, please don’t tease him. Junior Brother isn’t even fifteen yet…”

But Zhong Ming immediately countered: “Senior Brother, I’ve already turned fifteen! I’ll be sixteen soon!” He was no longer a child!

“What?! When?” Gu Congxing’s voice rose in surprise.

“I think it was before we went to the auction? It wasn’t a big deal, so I didn’t mention it.”

“But…”

Just as Gu Congxing was about to speak further, Lan Jue received a voice transmission jade. After listening intently, he took his leave from the two Junior Brothers.

“Elder Shen is looking for me; it must be to discuss the details of this demon-extermination mission. Junior Brother, I will make up for your birthday gift later. In the mortal world, this is the year of hair-binding; it is a significant milestone.”

He then turned to Gu Congxing: “Second Junior Brother, whether Little Junior Brother participates in this mission is up to you to decide.”

Without waiting for a response, he flew toward the Wendo Peak on his sword.

“Oh, right, the demon-extermination mission.”

Having been interrupted, Zhong Ming’s original question hadn’t been answered. He leaned toward Gu Congxing, his dark-gold eyes blinking.

“Senior Brother, can I go with you?”

Faced with such a look, Gu Congxing was on the verge of nodding, but his logic took over, and he swallowed the word “yes.”

That was close. When did his Junior Brother learn such a skill for acting spoiled?

“Although this mission seems ordinary, it is actually dangerous.” Thinking of the system’s prompt, Gu Congxing felt this trip would not be simple.

“But I’m already at the Foundation Establishment stage and have learned Wood-system techniques. I won’t be a burden.”

“Naturally. You have always practiced diligently and are a standout among this batch of disciples.”

Seeing Zhong Ming beam at the praise, Gu Congxing shifted the topic: “Therefore, rather than this mission, I hope you will participate in the Great Sect Competition in one month.”

“Setting aside how long this mission might take, traveling isn’t conducive to preparing for a competition. Wouldn’t it be a pity if you missed the chance to stand out in the sect competition?”

“Moreover, the Great Immortal Sect Competition is in a year, and I will be participating then as well. Don’t you want to stand on the stage with me and fight to your heart’s content against the rising stars of the various sects?”

These words successfully diverted Zhong Ming’s attention. He thought for a moment and revealed a satisfied, vibrant smile.

“I understand! Senior Brother, then you must come back early to see how I win!”

“Of course.”

Gu Congxing smiled and rubbed Zhong Ming’s head. Then, as if by magic, he produced a profound-gold bell and shook it in front of him.

Ring, ring,

It wasn’t the crisp tinkling one might expect; instead, it sounded like the deep tolling of a temple’s Sanskrit bell.

Zhong Ming took it. The object was brilliantly radiant, with fish-scale light patterns on its surface, and felt warm to the touch clearly no ordinary item.

“Senior Brother, what treasure is this?”

“This is the Sanqing Bell I refined, combined with Buddhist artifacts. Perhaps calling it the ‘Sanskrit Bell’ is more appropriate,” Gu Congxing laughed. “But the name doesn’t matter; just know it’s a birthday gift for you.”

Zhong Ming looked up suddenly, his eyes filled with disbelief.

“For me?!”

In all his years, he had never received such a precious gift… no, rather, he had never received any birthday gift before.

Overjoyed and startled, Zhong Ming held the Sanskrit Bell with both hands, not knowing what to do. Seeing him like this, Gu Congxing couldn’t help but rub his head again.

“This item has been refined to resist high-level illusions and demonic obstacles. If you ever feel unstable during an illusion attack, just shake this bell; it will bring you back to reality.”

Gu Congxing finished and expected a shy thank-you, but the youth before him kept his head down, clutching the bell in silence.

Wait… does he not like it? Is he sad?

Gu Congxing knew his gift-giving was often awkward, so he asked softly: “Junior Brother, this Sanskrit Bell isn’t very pretty. If you don’t like it—huh?!”

Before he could finish, the youth threw himself forward, his cheek pressing against Gu Congxing’s neck, his voice trembling.

“I like it! I like it very much!”

Whether it was the Sanskrit Bell or his Second Senior Brother he liked them both to death.

Gu Congxing breathed a sigh of relief and gently embraced the young man.

Neither noticed a silver figure standing in the distance, his ice-blue eyes reflecting their tight embrace. He brushed his palm over an ice crystal and left silently with closed eyes.

Lan Jue drafted the list of participants and submitted it to the Hall of Myriad Affairs, only to receive a message from his Master.

It was rare. His Master didn’t often summon him. Was there an emergency?

Arriving at the Ice Palace, he saw only that single white figure in the empty hall—Shen Mu disliked being served, and the disciples responsible for cleaning had long since been sent away.

“Master, why have you summoned me?”

Shen Mu was playing with his sword tassel, his slender fingers rubbing the constellation jade, making his fingertips look even fairer.

Lan Jue noticed that his Master’s sword tassel had been changed. Seeing that radiant artifact encased in profound ice, his eyes shifted.

Shen Mu asked: “Do you feel that your two Junior Brothers are different from before?”

“Indeed, they are vastly different. Both have improved significantly in their cultivation, and their relationship is very close.”

“Mm. During this journey, do not forget to teach your Junior Brothers the principles of Supreme Emotional Detachment.”

Hearing this, Lan Jue stumbled and looked up abruptly.

Master’s words made him sound like an old father worried his good son would be lured away. Was he trying to break up the pair?

Lan Jue struggled to hold back his laughter, but it burst out anyway. He said to his indifferent Master:

“Master, in my opinion, Little Junior Brother is just displaying a sense of reliance. They are both still innocent youths; how would they know what love is?”

Shen Mu remained silent, seemingly accepting his words.

He then asked: “Do you think Congxing is different from before?”

Lan Jue stroked his chin and thought: “Indeed. The way Second Junior Brother looks at people has changed; there seems to be a very deep train of thought hidden within…”

Looking into his eyes made one instinctively feel pity.

“He might have encountered something but is unwilling to speak of it. During this journey, you should offer some guidance.”

“Your disciple obeys.”

Shen Mu nodded, staring at his disciple for a moment, then condensed a longsword made of ice crystals: “I will suppress my cultivation to the late Golden Core stage. Can you defeat me?”

The shift in topic was quite fast, but Lan Jue was accustomed to it. He drew his sword and held it across his chest.

“Please guide me, Master!”

In the blink of an eye, ten days had passed. Gu Congxing and ten inner disciples gathered at the sect gate, waiting for Eldest Senior Brother Lan Jue.

The disciples were gathered in small groups, whispering. But when Gu Congxing looked their way, they all trembled and dared not speak further.

Is there a need to be so afraid?

Looking at these disciples who were like shivering quails, Gu Congxing couldn’t help but miss Zhong Ming.

When he left, the boy had come to see him off, acting strong despite his reluctance—it was quite adorable.

He had left the boy some cultivation manuals and secret techniques, hoping to help him take the top spot in the inner sect competition.

“My apologies for the wait, Junior Brothers.”

A gentle voice rang out, and Lan Jue flew down, landing naturally beside Gu Congxing.

Having someone suddenly beside him brought the faint, subtle scent of cold plum blossoms. Gu Congxing indifferently turned his head away, seeming a bit uncomfortable.

However, he didn’t move an inch away.

“This time, we are going to the border of the Central Continent to clear out Dream Tapirs. Although it’s a Xuan-grade mission, you must not be careless. If you encounter danger, do not try to be a hero alone.”

The disciples all nodded in agreement. Lan Jue looked around and stepped onto his flying sword.

“Depart! Follow me to Qingsang Village!”

Gu Congxing immediately followed on his sword. Lan Jue seemed to unintentionally slow down, gradually moving alongside Gu Congxing. The two talked in low voices, unaware of the surprised looks from the disciples behind them.

—The rumors that Gu Congxing was fierce and had a cold relationship with Lan Jue seemed to be false.

“Congxing, do you remember the Blood Demon that attacked you?”

“I remember. Does Senior Brother have a lead?”

“I don’t know where he went, but I found out something else…”

Lan Jue’s expression turned serious: “The one that appeared in the Central Continent was only a clone. The Blood Demon Chong Yuan is actually one of the Five Great Demons of the demon race.”

“The Five Great Demons?!”

The demon race was different from the devil race; they were transformed from the world’s living beings. Even though the demon realm was in the Western Wilderness, there were still many demons within the cultivation world. Depending on their tribe, they could be good or evil, with varying temperaments.

For ordinary demons, the cultivation world didn’t mind much, letting them grow freely as long as they didn’t do evil. But for the Five Great Demons, cultivators mandated they not leave the Western Wilderness, with the Tianlin Sect overseeing them.

Simply put, the Five Great Demons were too powerful, and many were violent and bloodthirsty. If they were released, it would likely cause a bloodbath.

A strong wind blew past, Lan Jue’s dark hair fluttering, his amber eyes looking ahead.

“Among the Five Great Demons, the Plague Demon was executed long ago. It’s said the Lord of the Underworld and the Marquess of Sound guard the Western Wilderness. The Dream Demon is next, while the Blood Demon is relatively obscure by comparison.”

Gu Congxing knew Lan Jue was well-read, but he hadn’t expected him to be so knowledgeable about demon race affairs. Knowing that the Blood Demon was just a clone yet had a Nascent Soul cultivation, he couldn’t help but feel a bit alarmed.

“Does Senior Brother think that Blood Demon will return?”

“His clone was severely injured by me. He shouldn’t risk coming out again in the short term. However, you still need to be on your guard.”

Gu Congxing nodded, wondering what the Blood Demon intended by attacking Tiaotiao.

With a thought, he released it from the Mustard Seed.

Suddenly pulled out of the space, the Chi realized it was in Gu Congxing’s arms just as it was about to jump down out of habit, only to find they were high in the air.

It paused for a few seconds before loftily raising its head and ceasing its movement.

Its fluffy tail swept around, wrapping around Gu Congxing’s arm.

Gu Congxing: Tiaotiao is actually letting me hold it!

He felt somewhat overwhelmed by the favor and held the Chi a bit tighter, nuzzling his cheek against its soft head it was just as comforting as he remembered.

Lan Jue blinked and couldn’t help but laugh out loud.

“This demon beast is quite interesting. I wonder who it takes after.”

Before Gu Congxing could respond, Lan Jue added teasingly:

“If Little Junior Brother saw this, he’d probably pounce on it to pull it away, then beg for a hug with teary eyes.”

Gu Congxing: “…”

On the other side, Zhong Ming was in Gu Congxing’s room and suddenly sneezed.

He rubbed his nose and looked around the room, his eyes downcast and a bit sad.

He had been here many times before, but always with his Senior Brother. They leaned on each other, sometimes tasting tea, sometimes reading secret manuals together; time always passed quickly.

With his Senior Brother gone, this large room felt quite lonely.

Following what Gu Congxing had said before leaving, he found the cultivation books left for him on the lacquered wooden shelf. Just as he was about to leave, a familiar touch of yellow caught his eye.

The He Xu Da Huang Records?

His Senior Brother had been holding this book when he was watching from the side…

With a thought, he reached for it. But just as he touched the book, the yellowed pages were suddenly blown open by the wind, rustling loudly. Zhong Ming’s finger touched the corner of a page and was actually cut, a drop of blood merging into the black characters.

“This!” Zhong Ming was startled and hurriedly took a step back, accidentally tripping over the desk.

With a loud crash, the objects and books on the desk scattered all over the floor in a mess.

Zhong Ming hurriedly crouched to pick them up, only to see a line of particularly conspicuous handwriting. Where Can Eldest Senior Brother Escape?

Zhong Ming frowned in confusion: “What is this?”

He picked up the book and saw another one beneath it. The cover only had eight large words: The Little Junior Brother Has an Extraordinary Physique.

Zhong Ming: “…?” Could it be a body-tempering manual?

Thinking this, although something felt off, he began to read.

How did this Little Junior Brother pin down the Senior Brother?

He’s cultivating?

What? He actually has the “Furnace” physique! A cultivation technique for a Furnace—

The next page was actually an illustration. Two pale figures were overlapping, their clothes half-removed, the action captured vividly and jumping off the page…

“!!! This, this is”

Zhong Ming’s cheeks turned scarlet. He was about to hurl the book away when he heard a loud bang. The door was suddenly broken open, and a figure like frost and snow stepped inside.

Shen Mu looked around, appearing a bit confused when he saw the panicked Zhong Ming. Then his gaze fixed on a certain novel.

Secret Night with the Master.