Everyone Says I’m Cold and Aloof, But I Just Have Social Anxiety! - Chapter 21

He took out his communication disc and established contact with his father.

The holographic image of Gu Yuan slowly emerged from the disc once again. The two disciples held nothing back, recounting every detail the unreasonable demands made by the Danxia Sect and the various suspicious points they had discovered to Gu Yuan.

Yan Luochen complained indignantly, “Master, I truly don’t know where they got wind of the spirit stone mine, but for them to open their mouths so wide and demand a third of our share just to give us the Nine-Yang Spirit-Restoring Pill is outrageous.”

Gu Yuan’s brow furrowed. After a moment of deep thought, he said, “Perhaps your suspicions are correct; this undoubtedly has countless ties to the Phantom Gloom Valley, though that is currently just a guess.”

“We can go along with their plan for now. Our Yuqing Immortal Sect is not lacking that one-third share of the mine. We can use this opportunity to engage with them deeply and dig up their secrets!”

Hearing this, Gu Qingzhi nodded solemnly. “Father, I understand.”

After finishing the conversation, Gu Qingzhi returned to the room next door.

As night fell, the buildings within the Danxia Sect stood in orderly rows, their upturned eaves tracing elegant lines against the night sky. In a few alchemy rooms, the faint glow of furnace fires peeked through window paper, adding a touch of warmth and mystery to the tranquil night.

Inside the dim room, Gu Qingzhi was sleeping peacefully, his even breathing exceptionally clear in the silence. Several pots of exotic immortal herbs sat by the windowsill; under the moonlight, the dewdrops on their leaves sparkled like crystals. In the center of the room, a bronze incense burner emitted curls of smoke, releasing a delicate fragrance that calmed the mind.

In the adjacent room, however, the person on the bed tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep no matter what.

Images of the previous night of holding his Senior Brother in his arms—kept surfacing in his mind. The sensation of that supple waist beneath his hands seemed to linger still. At the thought of it, a powerful urge surged within him, a desire to rush next door immediately and sleep with his Senior Brother.

However, he could only forcibly suppress this uncontrollable desire. He was afraid—afraid that his Senior Brother would get angry. After all, they had only shared a room the previous night out of necessity. Now that they had two rooms specifically arranged for them, he truly had no excuse to go and share a bed with him again.

He let out a long sigh. Having tasted a bit of sweetness, one only ends up wanting more…

The next day, Gu Qingzhi and Yan Luochen rose early and dispatched a Danxia Sect attendant to invite Lin Yun for a talk.

Before long, Lin Yun arrived, with his younger sister, Lin Huan, following closely behind. This wasn’t surprising in the least; Lin Huan had already developed a crush on Gu Qingzhi. After all, who wouldn’t be moved by such a transcendent, cold beauty who seemed untainted by the mortal world—and a brilliant cultivation genius at that?

Furthermore, he was the one who had played the role of the “hero saving the damsel in distress” for her.

However, a certain Yan “Jealous-Exacting” Luochen found the young girl in front of him particularly an eyesore! Consequently, his expression soured, and jealousy churned in his heart.

Opposite them, the siblings Lin Yun and Lin Huan remained oblivious, their faces full of smiles.

“Benefactor~” Lin Huan called out sweetly, her eyes full of joy.

“Young Master Gu, Fellow Daoist Yan,” Lin Yun greeted them politely with a cupped-fist salute.

Gu Qingzhi had originally intended to let Yan Luochen handle the communication, but seeing him standing aside with pressed lips and no intention of responding, Gu Qingzhi had no choice but to give a slight nod to the siblings in return.

Lin Yun didn’t beat around the bush and got straight to the point. “Have you two sought me out because your sect has agreed to our sect’s requirements?”

Lin Huan stood by with a dazed expression, completely unaware of what they were discussing. However, she didn’t intend to ask, choosing instead to simply stare infatuatedly at Gu Qingzhi.

Gu Qingzhi directly ignored her gaze, exchanged a look with Yan Luochen, and gave a nod of confirmation.

Only then did Yan Luochen speak: “Yes, my Master has agreed. Your sect can directly send someone to our Yuqing Immortal Sect to handle the handover.”

Lin Yun seemed taken aback that they had agreed so easily. He froze for a second, but then realized he had completed the mission the sect had tasked him with and let out a sigh of relief.

“That is excellent. I will have someone look into it immediately. As for the Nine-Yang Spirit-Restoring Pill you seek, please stay at our sect for two more days.”

“Much obliged!” Yan Luochen said, clasping his hands.

Lin Yun nodded and turned to leave.

“Brother Qingzhi~ goodbye!” Lin Huan blew a flirtatious (if somewhat clumsy) wink at Gu Qingzhi, then swayed her hips and cheerfully chased after her brother.

Hearing this, Lin Yun couldn’t help but frown. He stopped a short distance away and turned back to look at his sister. Once she caught up, he said seriously, “Xiao Huan, it’s time for you to return to the Hundred Flowers Immortal Sect.”

Lin Huan hugged Lin Yun’s arm, acting coy. “Oh, Brother! Meeting my benefactor here is fate. Just let me stay for two more days!”

Lin Yun looked helpless and said earnestly, “Xiao Huan, I know Young Master Gu saved you, and it’s right to be grateful. But do not entertain other thoughts; he is someone you cannot hope to reach.”

Lin Huan curled her lip, somewhat dissatisfied. “Brother, how can you belittle your own sister like that? I know I’m not worthy of Young Master Gu, but what if… what if he just happens to like my type!”

Seeing his sister’s stubbornness, Lin Yun knew further talk was futile. He shook his head helplessly, thinking that she wouldn’t listen to anything he said. Everyone knew that the Young Master of the Yuqing Immortal Sect possessed a mutated Ice Spiritual Root and had a cold, eccentric personality, keeping everyone at a distance except, it seemed, for that Junior Brother of his.

Once his sister hit a wall, she would learn what it meant to “not turn back until hitting the southern wall.”

Seeing the siblings walk away, Yan Luochen mimicked her sarcastically: “Brother Qingzhi~ goodbye!” After saying it, he rolled his eyes toward the sky.

“Senior Brother, since when did you become so close to her? You aren’t even ‘Benefactor’ anymore? Her brother at least calls you ‘Young Master Gu’ with every breath. She, on the other hand, has gained another ‘Brother’ one from a different father and mother at that.” He spoke sourly, his face full of discontent.

“Mm, she was indeed somewhat lacking in propriety.” Gu Qingzhi patted Yan Luochen’s shoulder to soothe him. “Alright, don’t get upset over such a small matter.”

Only then did Yan Luochen’s mood settle slightly as he followed Gu Qingzhi back to their quarters.

Once back in the room, Yan Luochen couldn’t help but ask, “Senior Brother, Lin Huan is clearly interested in you. Are you truly not moved at all?”

Gu Qingzhi frowned slightly and actually thought about it for a moment before shaking his head seriously. “No.”

Hearing this, a smile instantly broke out on Yan Luochen’s face. “I knew it.”

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

“Who is it?” Yan Luochen asked warily.

“It’s me, Lin Huan,” came her delicate voice from outside.

Yan Luochen’s face darkened. He looked at Gu Qingzhi. “Why is she here again?”

Gu Qingzhi shook his head helplessly and gestured for Yan Luochen to open the door. When the door opened, Lin Huan walked in with a beaming smile, holding a plate of exquisite pastries.

“Brother Qingzhi, I made some pastries specially and brought them for you… and Fellow Daoist Yan to taste.” As Lin Huan spoke, she shot a glance at Yan Luochen, whose expression was clearly unfriendly, and prepared to hand the pastries to Gu Qingzhi.

Yan Luochen took a step forward, blocking Gu Qingzhi. “Miss Lin, we aren’t hungry. Furthermore, my Senior Brother long ago lost interest in the desires of the palate. Please take them back.”

Gu Qingzhi was taken aback. Desires of the palate… but I do like them. As a soul from the 21st century, how could he not like delicious food? However, he wouldn’t say anything, letting them handle it.

Lin Huan’s face stiffened, a flash of grievance appearing in her eyes. “I only wanted to thank Young Master Gu for saving my life.”

Gu Qingzhi, who had been silent, spoke up: “Miss Lin, the sentiment is appreciated, but you should take the pastries back.”

Lin Huan bit her lip, set the pastries down, and ran out. Yan Luochen watched her back and snorted. “See? I told you she had ulterior motives.”

Gu Qingzhi let out a sigh. “Forget it, let’s not mention it again.”