After Saving the Immortal Sect, I Became a Heartthrob - Chapter 27

Gu Congxing embraced Zhong Ming for a long while before patting the youth’s back to release him. He then pulled the Vatican Sound Bell from his bosom.

“If you dare to return this to me again this time…”

“Rest assured, Senior Brother. I will never be parted from it again.”

Zhong Ming pulled a slender, extremely fine vine from somewhere. Its surface was incredibly smooth yet remarkably tough. With careful movements, he threaded it through the Vatican Sound Bell, turning it into a necklace.

He flashed a brilliant smile at Gu Congxing and fastened the Vatican Sound Bell around his neck.

“Senior Brother, look. The length is just perfect; the Vatican Sound Bell rests right over my heart.”

Zhong Ming clung to Gu Congxing’s arm, leaning against him: “This way, my heart will forever be able to hear the bell sound brought by Senior Brother.”

Listening to these words, ripples of emotion stirred within a corner of Gu Congxing’s heart.

He smiled and ruffled Zhong Ming’s hair: “You rascal.”

Just then, the system’s voice sounded slowly in his ear.

【Ding! Congratulations to the Host for completing the hidden mission: Save Zhong Ming and avoid the ending of suicide!】

【For this mission, the Host may choose to increase points, or redeem a mysterious item! This item will help Zhong Ming become immune to the Chaos Mantra!】

Gu Congxing’s eyes brightened.

He held Zhong Ming’s head, preventing the youth from seeing his facial expressions, and spoke silently to the system: “I want the item.”

【Ding! Choice confirmed! The “Divine Clarity Mantra” has been deposited into your storage ring.】

Gu Congxing heard a burst of cheerful, melodious music. The last time this melody had played was when he first made his pact with the system; it seemed even more pleasant to the ear now.

Could it be related to completing my missions?

He felt a mysterious intuition that the dark clouds of “fate” swirling around his Little Junior Brother had already faded significantly.

That’s great.

He felt genuinely grateful that he hadn’t arrived too late. He embraced Zhong Ming tightly, and the two listened silently to the rhythm of each other’s heartbeats.

“Little Junior Brother, there is a set of mantras that will be of great benefit to you. I will impart them to you now.”

Seeing Zhong Ming lift his head in confusion, Gu Congxing said slowly: “With this mantra, you won’t need to worry about being disturbed by the Chaos Mantra or having your bloodline forcibly awakened by others.”

If the bloodline wasn’t forcibly awakened, his dragon form would naturally remain hidden.

Zhong Ming’s expression invigorated, light bursting forth in his eyes.

“Alright!”

After being taught the Divine Clarity Mantra, Zhong Ming’s spiritual power stabilized, his mind was clear, and he showed signs of advancing once more.

In just a short span of time, he had crossed from the early to the mid-stage of the Foundation Establishment realm his talent was truly extraordinary.

Even knowing that his advancement within his own cave dwelling shouldn’t encounter any mishaps, Gu Congxing still set up a barrier outside to stand guard. Only when he sensed that Zhong Ming’s spiritual fluctuations had leveled off did he return to his own residence.

He regulated his breath and spirit in the bamboo forest, sorting through the visions of his past life over and over in his mind.

Though painful, he had indeed gained a great deal of information.

First, Master actually possessed the Forgetfulness Vine Pattern. Legend had it that this was a lost secret technique of the Jiang clan; why would it be on Master?

Gu Congxing’s eyes drifted. It would probably be inappropriate to ask Master directly, but I could probe around it indirectly.

Second, Little Junior Brother hadn’t fallen into demonic obsession to become a demonic cultivator; rather, he possessed an innate Dragon Clan bloodline. This explained how he had become a Demon Lord after being swept away by the Demon Flood Dragon.

Third, in his past life, Senior Brother had cast a blood curse upon himself to prevent forgetting his memories. He wondered if his eventual fall was related to this…

Finally, there was the matter of Xiao Wangyou’s methods and accomplices. The voice of that Exit Aperture-stage black-clad cultivator had sounded somewhat familiar. Could I have heard it somewhere before?

Gu Congxing pondered for a while, but still couldn’t grasp the thread. He tilted his head, gazing into the azure sky, and let out a long breath.

The further he went, the more new problems would arise, as if he were lost in a vast wilderness of thorns.

“…But no matter what, I must persist to the end. Not for atonement, but for the future.”

“So that we may have a future.”

Under his lashes, his ink-colored eyes drank in the sunlight, like obsidian, refracting a captivating brilliance.

Amidst the rustling bamboo leaves, Gu Congxing did not notice a moon-white figure lingering briefly before disappearing a moment later.

The next day, Gu Congxing went to the Cold Spring Xuanbing Palace but did not find Master’s presence.

Reluctantly, he searched the surrounding area and happened upon Lan Jue.

Lan Jue was wearing long, sky-blue robes. The moment he saw Gu Congxing, he raised a gentle smile and approached his side.

“Is Congxing also looking for Master?”

“Yes. But he doesn’t seem to be in the Ice Palace.”

“As far as I know, after Master sent the last message to the Tianlin Sect, the elders there were shocked and invited Master to discuss countermeasures. Perhaps Master has already set out.”

“…I see.”

Gu Congxing lowered his eyelids, unaware that his voice was filled with disappointment.

Lan Jue watched Gu Congxing’s expression in silence, his autumn-water eyes tracing the brows and lashes of the youth before him.

After a moment, he said softly: “Congxing, I often feel my sword forms are somewhat sluggish when I practice lately. If you have the time, would you mind sparing with me?”

Gu Congxing looked at Lan Jue in surprise.

He had never sparred with Lan Jue before; after all, there was a massive gap in their cultivation levels, and they weren’t exactly intimate.

However, seeing the earnestness in his expression, Gu Congxing agreed.

“Of course. Shall we spar right here?”

Lan Jue took his hand instead, chuckling: “Opportunities like this are rare; why not find a secluded place?”

He blinked mischievously, causing Gu Congxing to laugh despite himself.

The two rode the Forgetfulness Sword together, arriving at their destination shortly.

“This is… the summit of Zhuoguang Peak?”

Gu Congxing looked around; his vision was filled with vibrant green, and boundless maple leaves drifted slowly, paving a golden stream upon the ground.

Ahead lay a wide, level patch of land, seemingly carved out deliberately in the center of the peak.

“How about it? Not bad, right?” Lan Jue’s voice was crisp, carrying a hint of boastfulness.

“It seems this place is the result of Senior Brother’s handiwork.”

“Mm, Congxing is indeed perceptive.”

Lan Jue walked forward, sword in hand, until he reached the center of the clearing, then turned back to look at Gu Congxing.

His sleeves fluttered, his black hair danced in the wind, and his amber eyes locked onto Gu Congxing’s gaze.

“I have suppressed my cultivation to the early stage of the Golden Core realm. Congxing, do you think you can defeat me?”

Gu Congxing’s fighting spirit surged, and the Zhanjing Sword emitted a low hum.

“I’ll know once I try!”

Boom,

Golden sword intent met azure sword light; the clashing spiritual power swept away the fallen leaves in the vicinity!

After one sword move, Gu Congxing immediately pivoted and stepped forward, thrusting his sword toward his opponent!

Lan Jue knitted his brows, his sword flipping in his hand, holding it horizontally to block Gu Congxing’s offensive!

His spiritual power surged; water mist permeated the air, condensing into a water blade behind Gu Congxing.

Sensing the change behind him, Gu Congxing didn’t retreat; instead, a smile appeared on his face.

I haven’t tried the “Illusory Sword Infinite Art” in this life yet; this is the perfect opportunity!

Gold-element spiritual power surged around Gu Congxing, and shattered gold floated up, condensing into a sharp sword in the air!

Swish,

The gold sword and water blade clashed fiercely, kicking up a cloud of dust!

A trace of astonishment flashed in Lan Jue’s eyes as he moved even faster.

The two moved like flying swallows; one’s sword style was ethereal, the other’s intent was hard to resist, battling so intensely that neither could pull ahead.

Gu Congxing threw his entire mind into the duel, feeling a sense of utter exhilaration in his chest!

Fight! Fight! Fight!

No need to think about anything else, just follow your instincts and strike!

Sweat dripped down his forehead, yet golden light surged in his eyes, and his lips were curved in a dashing, carefree smile!

Bang!

A falling maple leaf was sliced into three petals. Gu Congxing and Lan Jue stood, swords in hand, both looking spirited and vibrant.

The Zhanjing Sword was less than an inch from Lan Jue’s heart, and the Forgetfulness Sword had also come close to Gu Congxing’s neck.

“Congxing, excellent sword technique.”

“Senior Brother is the same. It was a joy to witness the high-level moves of the Gentleman’s Sword today!”

Both retracted their swords simultaneously, and with a tacit understanding, they bumped fists.

It was already dusk; a massive red sun slanted westward, and the horizon burned like fire, appearing particularly majestic when viewed from the peak.

Lan Jue and Gu Congxing cast a cleansing spell, silently watching the afterglow fade from the horizon, changing from crimson to dark purple, and finally bleeding into ink-black.

Gu Congxing gazed at the boundless heavens, feeling his hand touched by something cold.

“In such a setting, how about a little wine?”

Lan Jue blinked, raising the plum wine he held in his hand.

Gu Congxing was taken aback, then laughed: “I couldn’t tell; it turns out the cool and refined Gentleman’s Sword also hides wine.”

“What refined gentleman could be without wine?”

Lan Jue summoned two small tables from his storage ring and produced wine cups, pouring half a cup for Gu Congxing.

“Senior Brother, your equipment is truly complete,” Gu Congxing teased.

The two sat on the ground, facing the overlapping mountains and the vast sky.

It was deep twilight; as the mountain breeze swept past, it rustled down a few maple leaves, startling two or three night birds.

The plum wine was crisp and clear, leaving a lingering sweetness. Gu Congxing found it delicious and helped himself to a few more cups.

As they tasted the wine, Lan Jue said leisurely:

“Congxing, this place used to be my sanctuary for retreat.”

“From now on, it is ours.”

Gu Congxing’s hand wavered slightly as he chuckled: “Senior Brother is still so young; why think of retiring?”

Lan Jue shook his head with an air of profound wisdom: “You don’t understand. Famous officials in the human world choose to retire regardless of their age. If it’s a retired person invited out by the emperor, they become great scholars whose reputation spreads across the world.”

“And if no one invites them?”

“Then it’s even better. Bamboo staff and straw sandals, wandering freely and at ease.”

Gu Congxing watched the bright smile on Lan Jue’s face, feeling his own heart grow a little brighter as he sipped the clear wine.

“How about Congxing? If it were you, would you choose to shoulder heavy responsibilities for the world’s peace, or live freely and unrestrainedly all alone?”

Hearing this question, Gu Congxing swirled his wine cup, his reflection mirrored within.

“Me? I don’t have the ability to save the world; I only hope to protect a few people—that is enough.”

Lan Jue lowered his eyes upon hearing this, saying softly: “So that is how it is.”

He rested his head on his hand and studied Gu Congxing for a moment, seeing that he was already somewhat intoxicated, yet his gaze remained bright.

“Congxing, you can also rely on me.”

Hearing this gentle, low whisper, Gu Congxing asked involuntarily: “What?”

“Congxing always shoulders heavy responsibilities; I cannot take them all on, but I hope… that you can also rely on me a little.”

Gu Congxing’s heart trembled slightly.

The scent of plum wine floated in the air, mixed with the faint, elusive fragrance of cold plums. The two remained silent and still, gazing into each other’s faces.

Lan Jue suddenly leaned closer to Gu Congxing.

Brilliant starlight was reflected in his eyes, like a pool of spring water, as he gazed face-to-face at Gu Congxing.

Gu Congxing involuntarily held his breath.

But Lan Jue didn’t move any closer; he curled his eyes and reached out to gently stroke Gu Congxing’s head.

Gu Congxing felt a weight in his hair, discovering that a hair ornament had been inserted. Even without seeing it, he could feel his mind suddenly becoming clear, his body becoming incredibly light, and his state of mind becoming increasingly luminous.

It was as if he were being moistened all over by the clearest living water in the world.

Lan Jue examined Gu Congxing’s appearance with great satisfaction and nodded.

Gu Congxing didn’t know why he felt a sense of relief, yet also a sense of loss. He opened his mouth to say: “Thank you, Senior Bro— eh?”

Before he could finish, he was pulled into a warm, broad embrace.

Warm breath fell against his ear, and Gu Congxing heard him whisper like a prayer.

“Congxing, may you henceforth follow your heart and live as you please.”

At that moment, the mountain breeze swept past, carrying the ghostly fragrance of green plums.

Gu Congxing raised his eyes, seeing the brilliant, boundless river of stars across the sky, and that silver radiance fell into his own eyes as well.

He had never seen such a moving starry sky.

Author’s Note: What is deeper than despair and more fervent than hope is love.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica