After Saving the Immortal Sect, I Became a Heartthrob - Chapter 7

“The ancient demon beast, Chi… Although most say it resembles a silver fox, I personally feel it looks more like a silver wolf~”

Lian Ji paced around the iron cage, scrutinizing the demon beast within.

The Chi’s long, pointed ears drooped powerlessly. Its silver-white fur was matted with blood and filth, with only the tail retaining its original pristine white. Even crouched in injury, its body stretched two meters long; it was easy to imagine that, if unhurt, its stature would far exceed that of ordinary demon beasts.

Feeling the gazes boring into it from all sides, the Chi actually extended its front claws and stood up. Its blood-colored demonic pupils flickered with a cold light as it bared its teeth in a defiant display.

However, in the next instant, the formation within the black profound-iron cage activated. A burst of lightning suddenly struck the Chi, followed by a continuous, crackling electrical discharge.

The Chi let out a bone-chilling wail of agony and collapsed weakly.

“To think even a cub possesses such spirit…”

“As expected of an ancient demon beast!”

“I never imagined Luofu Villa would have such skill—or such a treasure!”

Lian Ji listened to the crowd’s exclamations with a beaming smile, her voice blooming with charm:

“Luofu Villa does not claim the skill to capture an ancient demon beast; even a cub is incredibly formidable. This was achieved by a young hero. We are merely acting on his behalf to present this treasure to all of you.”

Gu Congxing’s brow was tightly furrowed, his eyes filled with an anxious heartache he hadn’t even noticed himself.

That was right this demon beast named Chi was Tiaotiao, the beast that had constantly accompanied Si Junjian in his previous life!

From the moment Gu Congxing first met Si Junjian, the boy and the beast had been together.

It was during the Great Immortal Sect Competition. The disciples of the Tianlin Sect were crowded around that youth…

Dressed in red robes patterned with麟 (Lin) scales, he sat atop a silver-maned demon beast. His dark hair was tied high, his jaw slightly uptilted, and his face was arrogant yet exquisite. As he looked down upon the Cloud Steps of the Nine Heavens, his clear phoenix-eyes were brimming with dashing spirit.

“What a magnificent and awe-inspiring young man!” someone beside him exclaimed.

At that time, Gu Congxing stood to the side, his gaze drawn to the youth just like everyone else present; he felt as though his very soul was being captured.

For some reason, Si Junjian, despite being surrounded by so many people, seemed to sense something and turned his head.

His gaze met Gu Congxing’s. Four eyes locked; both were startled, yet neither looked away.

Amidst the clamor and cheers, they gazed at each other silently from afar—

“Tiaotiao…”

Gu Congxing forced himself back from his memories, his gaze falling once more on the demon beast below.

During his time with Si Junjian in his past life, Gu Congxing discovered that Si Junjian cared for this contracted demon beast, “Tiaotiao,” far more than one would a typical spirit familiar.

When asked, Si Junjian said he felt an extraordinary kinship the first moment he saw Tiaotiao, and Tiaotiao—who bared its fangs at everyone else—was incredibly well-behaved only in his presence.

In fact, toward the end of their time together, Tiaotiao had grown gentle toward Gu Congxing as well. Sometimes Tiaotiao would release its true form, and Gu Congxing and Si Junjian would lean together against Tiaotiao’s soft belly, pillowed by its fluffy white fur.

Tiaotiao would lie on its side, feeling the two of them idling against it, and would curl its bushy tail around them both.

Si Junjian said he had a profound feeling that Tiaotiao was his Companion Beast.

A Companion Beast is a demon or spirit beast entrusted by a previous master to protect an infant newly arrived in the world, binding themselves to the child with a blood pact and growing alongside their master.

To protect its master, a Companion Beast will give everything—even its life.

“As an ancient demon beast, the Chi’s combat power goes without saying. If raised to maturity, it can rival Nascent Soul cultivators, or even masters at the Soul Emergence or Spirit Severing stages.”

Lian Ji’s voice remained soft, yet it took on a lower, weightier tone.

“Even if you do not wish to raise it, this Chi is a hoard of treasures. Its fur is impervious to blades, its demonic blood is a raw material for top-grade spirit pills, and its inner core is an ultimate treasure. It is said to have the effect of ‘Cleansing the Marrow and Refining the Essence,’ allowing those without spiritual roots to gain them, and those with multiple roots to transform into a single spiritual root!”

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire audience was shocked!

One must understand that on the path of seeking immortality, talent is a massive chasm. Even with diligent daily cultivation and a constant supply of heavenly treasures, if one’s talent is mediocre and their spiritual roots are cluttered, they are destined to have no hope of ascension.

How many cultivators plot for years, killing and stealing treasures just to refine their spiritual roots and meridians? And now, such a golden opportunity was right before their eyes!

“The starting bid for the demon beast Chi is one hundred thousand spirit stones!”

Following Lian Ji’s declaration, everyone immediately began bidding!

One hundred thousand spirit stones was nearly the annual income of a small sect. However, for such a treasure, many cultivators had only one thought: What does it matter if I bankrupt my family!

“One hundred and ten thousand!”

“One hundred and twenty thousand.”

“One hundred and fifty thousand!”

The bids continued incessantly until a clear, cold voice came from above: “Three hundred thousand.”

Everyone looked up indignantly, but it was difficult to see the person behind the pearl-beaded curtains.

Damn it, we’ve run into a rich second-generation cultivator!

One cultivator tremulously raised the stakes: “Three hundred and ten thousand.”

Any more would empty his family’s spiritual treasury!

However, at that moment, another somewhat raspy voice rang out with conviction.

“Four hundred thousand.”

It was actually someone from another private box!

Gu Congxing was also surprised, but he immediately countered: “Four hundred and fifty thousand.”

The person in the box directly opposite him calmly raised the price: “Five hundred and fifty thousand.”

Gu Congxing grinned: “Seven hundred thousand.”

By now, no other cultivators were participating in the bidding.

Listening to the contest between the two private boxes on the top floor, they realized this was no longer an auction for ordinary cultivators.

“Eight hundred thousand,” the man opposite said.

Gu Congxing hadn’t expected the person across from him to be so lavish. Estimating the spirit stones and magical artifacts in his storage bag, he continued to bid.

“Eight hundred and fifty thousand.”

“Eight hundred and seventy thousand.”

Gu Congxing: “Nine hundred thousand.”

“Nine hundred and fifty thousand.” The other person’s voice hesitated slightly but still placed the bet.

Gu Congxing began to break into a cold sweat. Even though the Gu family’s wealth was substantial, he had mostly brought spirit pills and magical treasures when he left home; he didn’t have many spirit stones—about eight hundred thousand. Adding the monthly stipend and bounty missions from the Qingxuan Sword Sect over the past three years, he had at most about nine hundred and eighty thousand.

If the bidding continued, he feared he would have to sell his own spiritual weapons.

But the person opposite was no longer as firm as before, indicating they were also reaching their limit.

“Nine hundred and sixty thousand.” Despite the worry in his heart, his voice remained calm.

Nine hundred and eighty thousand.” The opponent’s voice grew even more hesitant.

Gu Congxing looked once more at Tiaotiao huddled in the cage. The image of Si Junjian hugging Tiaotiao’s neck as they slept together flashed through his mind.

He gritted his teeth and finally said with iron resolution: “One million spirit stones!”

The person opposite fell into silence.

A collective gasp rose from the audience below.

One million spirit stones! That was the income of a medium-sized sect for several years!

Even for those famous great sects and noble families, one million spirit stones would be like tearing off a large piece of flesh.

They wondered who exactly was in that private box to be so domineeringly wealthy!

“One million once! One million twice…”

Lian Ji was also incredibly excited, her cheeks flushed pink.

“One million three times! Sold!”

“Congratulations to this guest for obtaining the ancient demon beast cub, Chi!”

Having finally achieved his goal, Gu Congxing breathed a sigh of relief.

But immediately thinking of the one million spirit stones he had just spent, he couldn’t help but feel a bit of a “flesh wound” to his wallet, and he let out a bitter smile.

“Congratulations, Senior Brother. It seems this demon beast is indeed very important to you,” Zhong Ming, who had been quietly observing Gu Congxing’s expression, said softly.

“Yes, indeed it is.”

As they spoke, a young attendant from the Qianfang Tower approached and said respectfully: “Honored guest, as the amount is quite large this time, please proceed to the top of the tower for the transaction. The cultivator who provided the Chi is also there and wishes to have an exchange with you.”

“Of course, if you do not wish to meet, you may leave directly after the transaction is complete.”

Gu Congxing chuckled and agreed.

Naturally, he wanted to meet them. He was also very curious to see which fellow had captured Tiaotiao and injured it so severely.

When Gu Congxing and Zhong Ming reached the top floor of the Qianfang Tower, two people were already waiting.

A middle-aged man in green brocade robes with a goatee rose with a smile the moment he saw them, ushering them to elegant seats.

“I am Yao Tiande, the Sect Leader of Luofu Villa. Please, honored guests, take a seat.”

Another man in black robes did not rise eagerly; he merely gave a slight nod. His face was fair and delicate, his stature tall and slender, giving off a somewhat feminine impression.

Once the four were seated, Sect Leader Yao introduced: “This is the hero who provided the demon beast Chi.”

“Yan Wujian,” the man said with a slight smile. “And who might you two be?”

Gu Congxing and Zhong Ming exchanged a glance and both announced their names.

Sect Leader Yao’s smile deepened upon hearing them, while Yan Wujian’s expression remained indifferent.

“No need for pleasantries; this is merely a transaction,” Gu Congxing’s elegant face held no smile. “I came here only because I have something to ask this Senior Yan.”

“Oh? Please speak, Daoist Gu,” Yan Wujian’s voice was gentle.

“When you captured the Chi, what state was it in? Were there other cultivators with it?”

Gu Congxing didn’t know when Tiaotiao and Si Junjian had signed their contract in the previous life, but if this person had forcibly abducted Tiaotiao from Si Junjian’s side, a person with the Evil-Slaying Sword’s violent temperament would certainly not let the matter rest.

“When I captured the Chi, it was already injured. After being wounded by someone, it fled all the way to the border of Central Yu Continent and West Luo Continent, where it then encountered me. I did not see any other cultivators.”

As Yan Wujian answered, he pulled out a white silk folding fan and leisurely fanned himself.

“Rest assured, honored guest, we have already investigated—this demon beast has not yet formed a bond with anyone,” Sect Leader Yao added hurriedly, seemingly afraid Gu Congxing would misunderstand that the Chi already had a master.

Gu Congxing now understood and asked no further.

“I currently have nine hundred and eighty thousand spirit stones on me, as well as several magical artifacts and spirit pills. I…”

“Senior Brother, surely you haven’t forgotten? You still have some spirit stones with me,” Zhong Ming softly interrupted Gu Congxing. Taking Gu Congxing’s hand, he handed over twenty thousand spirit stones.

Gu Congxing blinked, about to speak, but heard his Junior Brother’s voice transmitted directly into his ear: “What Senior Brother has given me is already worth thousands of times more than ten thousand spirit stones. This time, let Zhong Ming also lend Senior Brother a helping hand.”

“Being able to help Senior Brother is what makes me happiest.”

Gu Congxing gazed into the young man’s sincere golden eyes and slowly nodded.

“In that case, we at Qianfang Tower shall accept these one million spirit stones.” Sect Leader Yao took the heavy spirit stones, beaming with joy. He immediately had someone bring out the black iron cage and release the restraints on the Chi.

“To prevent it from lashing out at its master, we have placed a lightning brand on its body. Simply recite the incantation to subject it to electric shocks,” Sect Leader Yao said, passing the incantation to Gu Congxing.

Gu Congxing listened silently, reaching out to gently stroke the silver-white demon beast’s head.

The Chi seemed to sense something and tiredly opened its eyes; its blood-red pupils reflected Gu Congxing’s face.

Seeing this, Zhong Ming stepped forward and cast a healing spell on the demon beast, allowing its wounds to slowly mend.

Gu Congxing gave Zhong Ming an appreciative look. He summoned a golden Mustard Seed from his storage ring, drew the Chi into it, and turned to take his leave. Zhong Ming followed behind him, bowing to the two men before turning to follow.

Only once he was certain the two had gone far away did Sect Leader Yao stroke his beard and sigh: “To pull out a Mustard Seed space capable of holding living beings at will—the Gu family truly lives up to its reputation.”

Yan Wujian fanned himself and laughed: “A pity we didn’t manage to trick a magical treasure out of him. That Junior Brother really dotes on his Senior Brother.”

“That kid isn’t simple either. When he bowed to us at the end, his gaze clearly glanced behind the screen… Hall Master Yan, surely your concealment barrier wasn’t discovered?”

With a “snap,” Yan Wujian closed his folding fan and squinted behind him.

“That barrier wouldn’t be noticed by anyone below the Nascent Soul stage. If it wasn’t that the curly-haired kid’s intuition is too sharp, then it means someone couldn’t hold back.”

As soon as he finished speaking, ripples appeared in the calm air behind the glass screen, like a stone thrown into a pool. From the center of the ripples, a slender, fair hand reached out.

“This person, Zhong Ming, indeed has sharp intuition. He must be guarded against in the future.”

A youth in black robes with gold patterns stepped out. His jade-like face was exceptionally handsome, yet it was as if covered in frost, his eyes filled with a chilling coldness.

Beneath his dark hair, golden feather and red-patterned earrings swayed gently.

If Gu Congxing were here, he would be shocked—the youth before them was the protagonist of the storybook world, Xiao Wangyou!

“Wangyou, you’ve already fleeced Gu Congxing of a million spirit stones; why do you still look so unhappy?”

“What does a mere pittance of spirit stones matter?” Xiao Wangyou stroked the black iron cage, his pitch-black eyes gazing at the Luofu Villa outside the tower.

The crowd was bustling, and the world seemed peaceful.

It was nothing like the barren desolation of Biu Island.

“When you were bidding against him, even I broke a sweat, fearing he would back out at the last moment and we’d lose a million spirit stones for nothing,” Yan Wujian spoke with a leisurely and relaxed tone. “Fortunately, this kid is rich.”

“Would the Hall Master of the Thousand Swallows Hall care about a million spirit stones?” Xiao Wangyou asked.

Hearing this, Yan Wujian masked his face with his fan and slowly curled his lips.

The “Thousand Swallows Hall” the largest intelligence organization across the Five Continents. It had hundreds of branches spread throughout the land, gathering the world’s secrets. Cultivators needing information had to pay the corresponding spirit stones, and providing information earned ample rewards.

The Hall Master of the Thousand Swallows Hall held the most comprehensive intelligence network, yet his true identity always remained hidden behind the scenes, unknown to the world.

Who could have guessed that this black-robed man was precisely the Hall Master of the Thousand Swallows Hall whom so many sought after?

Sect Leader Yao had quietly retreated at some point. Yan Wujian came up behind Xiao Wangyou, scrutinizing his expression.

After a moment, he said slowly: “Wangyou, your ambitions are vast. Remember, you must not act rashly. Otherwise… if you are detected, all will be lost.”

“Yes, I know.”

The cold-looking youth withdrew his gaze, dark shadows churning in his eyes.

“Junior Brother, why have you been somewhat distracted since we left the Qianfang Tower?”

Gu Congxing and Zhong Ming walked side by side. The boy seemed to have grown a bit taller; he was now level with Gu Congxing’s ear.

Zhong Ming shook his head: “It’s nothing. I just felt the presence of someone else at the top of the tower, but I must have been overthinking it.”

Gu Congxing thought back carefully when suddenly a dark shadow flashed in his peripheral vision.

That was…

“Junior Brother, look at that pastry shop over there. The business is so bustling; do you think it might be delicious?”

Following Gu Congxing’s gaze, Zhong Ming smiled: “It should be good. Shall we go take a look together?”

Gu Congxing, however, shook his head.

“I don’t like squeezing through crowds. You go buy some; I’ll wait for you here.”

“Alright! I’ll be back soon!”

Rarely asked for a favor by his Second Senior Brother, Zhong Ming was full of drive and ran toward the shop like the wind.

Watching his Junior Brother’s figure disappear into the distance, the smile on Gu Congxing’s face cooled. He released his spiritual power to sense the surroundings, leaped over eaves and walls, and arrived at a secluded forest.

Sure enough, the dark shadow appeared.

The opponent was tightly wrapped, appearing as a particularly dense patch of black amidst the greenery. Even so, Gu Congxing saw the vertical pupils beneath his mask.

“A demon cultivator… As I thought, that hint of demonic energy I sensed earlier wasn’t an illusion.”

“Heh, enough nonsense. Hand over the demon beast and I shall spare your life.”

The demon cultivator’s voice was grating. He drew two crimson scimitars.

Gu Congxing’s face was as calm as water as he summoned the Zhanjing (Whale-Slayer) Sword, watching the demon cultivator’s every move.

So his target was Tiaotiao. Being from the same demon race, why this action?

“It seems the demon race is quite united; I just bought it, and a fellow clansman is already eager to rescue it.”

Gu Congxing spoke while observing the other’s expression. Capturing the mocking glint in the opponent’s eyes, his heart sank.

It seemed this demon cultivator harbored ill intentions toward Tiaotiao. In that case, he had lost the possibility of using Tiaotiao as a bargaining chip.

In the blink of an eye, Gu Congxing made his judgment. In the next instant, he struck with his sword!

On the other side, Zhong Ming held the fragrant, glutinous pastries, feeling elated.

“Senior Brother! I’m back!”

But when he returned to the original spot, that moon-white figure was nowhere to be seen. The street was still bustling with people, but in Zhong Ming’s eyes, it was a total blank.

Senior Brother?”

He looked around, and thinking of Gu Congxing’s abrupt request, he finally understood Senior Brother had intentionally lured him away!

Where exactly did Senior Brother go? If he wasn’t allowed to participate, was there some danger?

Anxious and frantic, Zhong Ming suddenly remembered Gu Congxing’s method of releasing spiritual power to sense surroundings. He forced himself to calm down, following the method from his memory, and released spiritual energy from his position toward the outskirts.

Someone is fighting in the distance!

It’s to the west!

Zhong Ming snapped his eyes open and sped away on his sword.

In the desolate forest of the western suburbs of Luofu Villa, two shadows—one black, one white—collided like lightning. Spiritual energy and demonic energy clashed, uprooting several tung trees.

The demon cultivator lunged with his sharp blades; the blood-colored tips tore through the hem of Gu Congxing’s clothes, leaving several bloody gashes.

Gu Congxing shifted his form, employing the Floating Cloud Sword Style. He flipped to avoid the incoming scimitars and suddenly stabbed back, striking the demon cultivator squarely in the abdomen!

“Pfft!”

The demon cultivator spat out a mouthful of blood and retreated several paces to open the distance, his gaze growing even more somber.

“To be able to wound me without having formed a Golden Core—you have some skill, kid.”

He spoke in a low voice, his tone growing increasingly excited, even letting out a few snorts of laughter.

Sensing an unusual atmosphere, Gu Congxing took a defensive sword stance, his brow tightly knit.

“What a pity, what a pity…” His voice suddenly amplified, accompanied by bursts of wild laughter.

“Today, you must die here!”

The tightly wrapped black robes suddenly burst open, revealing flowing crimson hair. The burly demon cultivator showed his full form, his red vertical pupils flashing with the cold light of excited cruelty!

“Kid, when you reach the Yellow Springs, don’t forget that the one who killed you was me, the Blood Demon Chong Yuan!”

Blade light, several times sharper than before, reached him in the blink of an eye. Gu Congxing quickly raised his sword to block, but was vibrated until his whole body felt numb!

This demon cultivator had hidden his true strength before!

Chong Yuan’s mouth split into a grin as he released his pressure without reservation!

It was the Nascent Soul realm!

Gu Congxing’s soul was severely shaken. He gathered all his spiritual power to resist the crushing weight of the cross-realm pressure, yet blood continued to pour from the corners of his mouth.

Damn it! I can’t hold on!

The protective spiritual artifact, the Square Shield, sensed the fatal crisis and activated automatically, projecting a golden circular shield. Gu Congxing immediately retreated, only to see the Blood Demon raise his arms and, in a matter of moments, cleave the shield in two!

The cold, sharp blades didn’t stop for an instant, and in the next second, they were directly in front of Gu Congxing!

“Senior Brother”

A hoarse cry came from the distance; Gu Congxing’s heart turned ice-cold.

However, at that very moment, a blue light flashed!

An azure sword light roared across, striking directly at the Blood Demon’s heart!

The Blood Demon Chong Yuan was caught off guard, hastily withdrawing his move to retreat. He saw the sword light following him closely; he cursed and flipped to counter it. The scimitars and the longsword let out a thunderous clang!

Chong Yuan used his full strength to repel the longsword, but his blood was already churning and his ears were ringing.

“Dammit! Which piece of trash dares to ambush me!”

Following his curse, a drift of ethereal white mist rose in the air. The scent of morning dew filled the nose, calming the frenzied bloodlust.

Gu Congxing’s heart drummed like a ritual; he looked up in disbelief, gazing into the air—

Standing atop the crown of a phoenix tree was a figure dressed in white.

Delicate features like a painting beneath a jade crown, as if a transcendent immortal had descended.

“The First Disciple of Zhuoguang Peak under the Qingxuan Sword Sect.”

The person held a longsword, the autumn-water eyes reflecting the Blood Demon’s panicked expression.

“Lan Jue.”