Everyone Says I’m Cold and Aloof, But I Just Have Social Anxiety! - Chapter 11

Inside the main hall, Gu Qingzhi calmly informed Gu Yuan of the events that had transpired in Anyang City, keeping his account concise and to the point.

It was common knowledge that he was a man of few words, rarely speaking more than necessary. Consequently, many of the crucial details were supplemented by Zhuying.

After listening, Gu Yuan knit his brows in thought. After a long moment of silence, he spoke slowly: “The death of the Prince of Anyang will certainly draw the attention of the one in the Imperial Family. After all, they were biological brothers.”

On the surface, Gu Qingzhi remained silent.

[That one? Is he referring to the Emperor? The Prince of Anyang was in the Soul Transformation Stage; I wonder what cultivation level the Emperor has attained?]

Yan Luochen glanced at Gu Qingzhi. Upon hearing his internal voice, he realized they shared the exact same curiosity.

Seeing the two lost in thought, Gu Yuan assumed they were worried about the repercussions. He offered some comfort: “Regardless, it does not matter. Even if the Imperial Family refuses to let the matter rest, they cannot lay a finger on our Yuqing Immortal Sect.”

Following this, his gaze turned to Yan Luochen, signaling for him to head back first as he had important matters to discuss privately with his son.

Yan Luochen, being quick-witted, took his cue and immediately departed the hall.

“My son,” Gu Yuan began, “after these past two days of interaction, it seems young Yan Luochen has a decent character. Since you were a child, this is the first time I have seen you so close to someone. I suppose he could be considered your friend?”

Gu Qingzhi said nothing, but secretly muttered to himself: “A friend?”

In his original world, he had never possessed anyone he could truly call a friend. To him, the word “friend” was an utter luxury. Even so, deep down, he yearned for a genuine companion. Thus, he gave a slight nod in acknowledgement.

Seeing this, Gu Yuan continued: “Are you aware that he has been poisoned? Originally, he was in the early stage of the Golden Core Realm, just like you. Logically, he should have retained some spiritual energy. I suspect he used certain techniques later on, which led to the total exhaustion of his power.”

“Poisoned?”

A look of doubt flickered across Gu Qingzhi’s face. He knew Yan Luochen’s body was void of spiritual energy, but he truly hadn’t considered that poison was the cause. This reminded him of the cultivators in the basement of the Prince of Anyang’s manor, who also suffered from incomplete spiritual energy.

Gu Yuan explained methodically: “Yes, I had your Senior Aunt Baizhi examine him. The poison is Spirit-Consuming Powder. It is not fatal, but it disperses the majority of a person’s spiritual energy, rendering them unable to manifest their true strength.”

“Spirit-Consuming Powder is crafted from the Wicked Moon Spirit Lingzhi, petals of the Soul-Consuming Flower, and powder from Phantom Butterfly wings. As far as I know, the only person capable of refining such a poison is that old fogey from Phantom Gloom Valley. He was once a member of the Danxia Sect before he betrayed them to start his own faction.”

The Danxia Sect focused solely on the art of alchemy and was the only sect in the world that produced a vast array of spiritual pills and medicines. Conversely, those of Phantom Gloom Valley leaned toward the study of toxins. Because their paths were diametrically opposed, the members of Phantom Gloom Valley had defected from the original sect to go their separate ways.

Gu Qingzhi understood the situation now. The Prince of Anyang was inextricably linked to Phantom Gloom Valley, otherwise he wouldn’t have possessed such a poison. Since Phantom Gloom Valley originated from the Danxia Sect, perhaps the Danxia Sect would have an antidote.

“Father, I will visit the Danxia Sect later to see if I can request an antidote.”

Hearing this, Gu Yuan’s face filled with astonishment. He stared intently at his son, wondering if this was truly his own flesh and blood. To think he would take the initiative to visit another sect for the sake of someone else!

“My son, are you certain you wish to go personally? You…”

Only then did Gu Qingzhi snap back to reality. To visit the Danxia Sect… wouldn’t that mean having to deal with strangers constantly? Not only that, he might have to engage in superficial social pleasantries. The mere thought made him feel incredibly resistant.

Seeing him remain silent for so long, Gu Yuan added: “Actually, going out more and interacting with others is quite a good thing for you!”

“Father, allow me to go back and consider this carefully. At the very least, I must inform Yan Luochen first,” Gu Qingzhi said, cupping his hands in respect.

Gu Yuan nodded. “Very well. It is his business, after all. I am only this concerned for his sake because of you.”

“I understand. Thank you, Father. If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave.”

Gu Qingzhi bowed again and turned to depart.

Upon exiting the hall, the first thing that caught his eye was a strikingly prominent figure dressed in red. The youth leaned lazily against a stone pillar, gently swaying a folding fan. Seeing Gu Qingzhi approach, he watched him with a half-smile.

Gu Qingzhi truly could not understand how the boy could act so unbothered, as if nothing had happened. He was so optimistic and open-minded, one would think he wasn’t the one poisoned at all.

“Follow me back!”

Yan Luochen raised an eyebrow. “Where to?”

Gu Qingzhi replied tersely: “Yunshen Courtyard, my residence.”

Hearing this, Yan Luochen’s face lit up with joy. “Wonderful! Can I stay with you from now on? I wasn’t quite used to the guest room I stayed in last night. I didn’t sleep a wink and spent the whole night reading. I even learned some mortal ‘Lightness Skills’ from the books; it was quite interesting.”

Gu Qingzhi looked at him with a strange expression, thinking to himself:

[If you aren’t used to a guest room, would you be used to my place? What kind of twisted logic is that!]

Yan Luochen immediately put on a harmless, innocent front, blinking his large, watery eyes with fluttering lashes. Gu Qingzhi was momentarily dazed by the sight.

Yan Luochen broke into a wide grin and asked teasingly, “Qingzhi, do I look good?”

Gu Qingzhi snapped out of it instantly. Feeling a wave of embarrassment, he ignored the question entirely and turned to walk away.

Upon arriving at Gu Qingzhi’s residence, Yan Luochen looked around. Upon entering the courtyard, the first thing visible was a massive Wutong tree. Its foliage was lush and dense, acting like a natural umbrella that cast a pleasant shade.

Beneath the tree sat a stone table and several stools, the table’s surface engraved with mysterious runes. In a corner of the yard was a small pond with water so clear one could see the bottom. Spiritual fish swam leisurely within, beside a uniquely shaped rockery.

In a nearby pavilion, an ancient zither rested quietly, its body emitting a faint spiritual aura as if waiting for its master’s touch.

The main house was an ancient-style pavilion with flying eaves and carved beams. The vermillion doors and windows were tightly shut, sealing out the noise and chaos of the mortal world.

They did not enter the house but sat beneath the Wutong tree instead.

Gu Qingzhi skillfully poured two cups of tea, pushing one toward Yan Luochen. He took a light sip of his own before speaking slowly: “Tell me. Your background, and your grudge with the Prince of Anyang.”

Yan Luochen raised an eyebrow, the corners of his mouth curling into a playful smirk. “Qingzhi, is this your way of taking the initiative to care about me?”

Gu Qingzhi’s brow furrowed, his face showing slight discomfort and a hint of annoyance. “Can you please be serious?”

“I am being serious. I wonder what you were thinking, Qingzhi, to make you feel that my words were not serious?” Yan Luochen replied unhurriedly, the smile still lingering on his face.

Gu Qingzhi pursed his lips, his eyes revealing a touch of helplessness. Ultimately, he remained silent.

[What should I do? I really want to hit someone. Is he durable enough to take a punch right now?]

[Never mind. I shall endure!]

Yan Luochen thought to himself: “He really can’t take a joke.”

If he kept teasing, he figured he’d have more than he could bargain for. He quickly reined in his smile, and his expression turned solemn.