Everyone Says I’m Cold and Aloof, But I Just Have Social Anxiety! - Chapter 17

Jian Han noticed his gaze and explained patiently with a smile: “Our Proclamation Disciples’ identity tablets are silver. Inner-sect disciples use bronze, while outer-sect and labor disciples use wood. White jade tablets are reserved only for the Peak Masters, the Sect Master, and their offspring.”

Yan Luochen nodded and asked curiously, “Big Senior Brother, what is the cultivation life like for everyone in this sect?”

As Jian Han led Yan Luochen forward, he said, “Every morning in the sect, there are morning lessons. Everyone practices heart methods together and exchanges insights. In the afternoons, some disciples choose to cultivate alone, while others go to the back mountains in groups for experience, or engage in sparring matches…”

Yan Luochen listened thoughtfully as Jian Han continued, “However, this path of cultivation is long and arduous. It requires a firm conviction and unremitting effort.”

“Thank you for your guidance, Big Senior Brother,” Yan Luochen responded.

The two continued on their way toward the Soul Lamp Pavilion. The pavilion was packed with the Soul Lamps of everyone in the sect; each spot corresponded to a different person’s identity so that the pavilion keepers could distinguish between them.

Once the task was complete, Jian Han led him back, bringing up Gu Qingzhi seemingly at random: “Speaking of which, Junior Brother Gu always keeps to himself aloof and solitary. One never knows what he is thinking. How does it feel for you to be living in the same courtyard as him now?”

Yan Luochen frowned and directly countered, “Senior Brother Gu is not aloof and solitary; he is simply not good at socializing.”

A flash of embarrassment crossed Jian Han’s face. He let out two dry laughs and said, “Haha, it seems I have misspoken.”

To alleviate the awkward atmosphere, Jian Han hurriedly changed the subject: “By the way, Junior Brother Yan, you are new here are you getting used to things?”

Yan Luochen replied, “Thank you for your concern, Big Senior Brother. I am adjusting well for the time being.”

Meanwhile, inside the main hall, Gu Qingzhi and Gu Yuan continued to discuss the matters regarding the Danxia Sect.

Gu Yuan had a serious expression as he cautioned, “Qingzhi, the Danxia Sect may not be as simple as it seems. You must be extra careful on this trip.”

Gu Qingzhi knit his brows slightly and asked, “Father, what do you mean?”

Gu Yuan shook his head gently. “I cannot say for certain; it is merely an intuition. If anything happens, consult with me before making a move.”

“Don’t worry, Father. I understand,” Gu Qingzhi nodded solemnly. Sunlight streamed through the window onto the two men, highlighting their resolute silhouettes.

When Yan Luochen and Jian Han returned to the hall, the conversation between Gu Qingzhi and Gu Yuan was nearing its end.

Gu Yuan said, “Since everything is prepared, you two should set out.”

Gu Qingzhi and Yan Luochen answered in unison, “Yes, Father (Master).”

Subsequently, the two turned and left the hall. They departed the sect and flew toward the Danxia Sect, their figures gradually receding into the distance amidst the blue sky and white clouds.

Later, Gu Qingzhi and Yan Luochen arrived at a prosperous city near the Danxia Sect, walking side-by-side along the streets. A gentle breeze brushed past, lifting the hems of their robes.

The city was bustling and extraordinary. Shouts and sounds of haggling rose and fell, filling the air with a thick atmosphere of daily life. There was also a faint scent of medicinal pills wafting from an unknown source likely from the apothecary shops opened nearby by the Danxia Sect.

Looking at the sky, it was already afternoon. They arrived before an inn that appeared quite elegant. Gu Qingzhi was the first to enter, with Yan Luochen following closely behind.

The former was dressed in white; his cold aura and outstanding appearance instantly drew many gazes. However, he seemed completely oblivious, heading straight for the counter. The latter was in fire-red robes, looking like jade, holding a folding fan that he swayed gently with an air of elegance. The contrast of their different styles of beauty appearing simultaneously made them even more eye-catching.

Gu Qingzhi looked back at Yan Luochen, his eyes revealing a hope that the other would step forward to communicate.

[Damn it, there are so many people!! Can I just not speak? Junior Brother, go!]

Yan Luochen could not only read Gu Qingzhi’s gaze but could even hear his internal thoughts. Yet, he purposefully did not comply, instead feigning a look of dazed confusion and staring innocently at Gu Qingzhi.

Gu Qingzhi sighed helplessly and was forced to muster the courage to speak: “Waiter, two superior rooms.”

The waiter beamed with smiles but spoke with a trace of apology: “Dear guests, I am truly sorry, but our shop has only one superior room left today.”

Gu Qingzhi knit his brows, feeling even more helpless. He turned back to look at Yan Luochen, thinking that it wouldn’t be right to let Yan Luochen stay in a room inferior to his own—though he himself certainly did not wish to stay in a poor room either. Gu Qingzhi thought for a moment, wondering if they should check elsewhere.

But before he could follow through, Yan Luochen smiled and said, “Then we shall take this one.”

Since it was so, Gu Qingzhi had no objection and gave a slight nod in agreement.

For a brief moment, the waiter’s gaze seemed a bit strange, though it quickly returned to normal. At this moment, Gu Qingzhi only wanted to escape this place filled with the noise of human voices as quickly as possible. He had no time to notice such details and didn’t even look anyone in the eye.

This resulted in many people’s first impression of him being that he was an arrogant fellow.

Yan Luochen, however, keenly noticed the waiter’s peculiar look, but he didn’t care in the slightest. Instead, he felt a secret joy in his heart. He wished everyone knew that his relationship with Gu Qingzhi was good enough for them to share a room.

Guided by the waiter, the two headed toward the room upstairs. The staircase was somewhat narrow; Gu Qingzhi walked in front with Yan Luochen following behind, the latter curiously observing the inn.

Upon arriving at the room, they pushed the door open to a faint scent of sandalwood. The room was decorated simply and elegantly, with a large carved bed in the center and a desk with two chairs by the window.

Gu Qingzhi walked to the bed and sat down lightly, rubbing the space between his brows. Yan Luochen walked excitedly to the window, pushed it open, and looked at the street scene outside. “Senior Brother, look at how lively it is out there!”

Gu Qingzhi glanced over. He had no desire to wander aimlessly in streets filled with so many people. Thus, he said flatly, “Don’t run around. Get some rest early.”

Yan Luochen smiled in response, “Understood!”

At the far end of the room, there was a bath barrel shielded by a folding screen. Gu Qingzhi looked at the barrel, wanting to call the waiter to prepare hot water, yet he was truly resistant to interacting with anyone. That conflicted emotion flashed across his face.

A moment later, he simply decided to manifest the power of his Mutated Ice Spirit Root.

Instantly, the temperature in the room dropped at a staggering speed. Even Yan Luochen couldn’t help but shiver, his arms instinctively wrapping around himself. In the next second, the bath barrel was suddenly filled to the brim with crystal-clear ice.

Then, Gu Qingzhi manifested his spiritual energy once more, causing the ice in the barrel to gradually melt into water. The water temperature slowly shifted to the suitable warmth he desired. Now, the water in the barrel was emitting traces of steam, as if a soft veil of mist shrouded it.

Seeing this, Yan Luochen was momentarily stunned. He couldn’t help but ask, “Does Senior Brother intend to bathe here?”

Gu Qingzhi nodded, “Mhm.”

Yan Luochen was stunned again. He subconsciously swallowed, a trace of fluster flickering in his gaze.

Only then did Gu Qingzhi remember that there was another living person—Yan Luochen—in the room. However, he then thought that since there was a folding screen for cover, it didn’t matter. They were both men, after all; there shouldn’t be any major issue.

Out of politeness, he still asked: “Are you going out, Junior Brother? I am about to go in and bathe now.”

Yan Luochen hurriedly shook his head and said with a straight face, “Rest assured, Senior Brother. I will sit right here and absolutely will not peek!”

Seeing this, Gu Qingzhi no longer hesitated and walked straight past the screen.