Everyone Says I’m Cold and Aloof, But I Just Have Social Anxiety! - Chapter 22

On the second night spent at the Danxia Sect, Yan Luochen finally failed to suppress the impulse within his heart. Draping his robes over his shoulders, he rose and walked toward Gu Qingzhi’s room.

He pushed the door open softly. At a single glance, he saw Gu Qingzhi’s face as he slept peacefully. In this quiet atmosphere, Yan Luochen’s heart suddenly accelerated, thumping like a drum. He lightened his steps and crept toward the bed, but just as he was about to lie down, a sudden child’s voice rang out: “Young Master.”

Gu Qingzhi, who had been sound asleep, also abruptly opened his eyes.

Yan Luochen was startled, his entire body freezing instantly. Dammit. He never expected that Candle Shadow would take the initiative to wake Gu Qingzhi.

He then stammered out an explanation: “Senior Brother, I… I couldn’t sleep. I wanted to sleep next to you.”

Gu Qingzhi glanced at him, his gaze seemingly carrying a profound understanding that saw through everything. Without a word, he simply shifted over slightly to make room. Seeing this, Yan Luochen was overjoyed; a brilliant smile bloomed on his face as he hurriedly lay down.

After lying down, Yan Luochen cautiously edged closer to Gu Qingzhi, the corners of his mouth curving upward uncontrollably. Gu Qingzhi felt his approach and frowned slightly, but ultimately said nothing.

As the night deepened, the wind outside howled against the window. Yan Luochen tossed and turned, unable to find sleep. He stole a glance at Gu Qingzhi and found the other man’s breathing steady; he seemed to have fallen into a deep sleep.

Thus, growing bolder, he gently rested his hand on Gu Qingzhi’s waist.

Gu Qingzhi’s body stiffened. He snapped his eyes open, his voice tinged with annoyance: “Yan Luochen, what are you doing?”

Yan Luochen withdrew his hand as if he had touched an electric current, saying in a panic: “Senior Brother, I… I just wanted to find a bit of a sense of security.”

Gu Qingzhi snorted coldly. “If you act up again, go back to your own room.”

Yan Luochen nodded repeatedly, not daring to move again. After a while, he whispered: “Senior Brother, actually I…”

Before he could finish, Gu Qingzhi interrupted: “Sleep. Whatever you have to say, say it tomorrow.”

Yan Luochen had no choice but to swallow the words at the tip of his tongue. Accompanied by a heart full of thoughts, he gradually drifted into the land of dreams.

The cycle of sun and moon turned until warm sunlight filtered through the window, leisurely spilling into the room. Gu Qingzhi was the first to wake. Looking at the naive sleeping posture of Yan Luochen beside him, he shook his head helplessly.

Yan Luochen also slowly woke up. Seeing Gu Qingzhi looking at him, his face instantly flushed, and he gave an embarrassed smile. “Senior Brother, morning!”

Just then, a knock sounded at the door: “Young Master Gu, Fellow Daoist Yan, breakfast has been prepared.”

The two exchanged a look, rose to tidy their clothes, and prepared to face the new day.

As the two walked out of the room together, they happened to encounter Lin Huan, who ran toward them excitedly like a cheerful butterfly. In her hand, she held an exquisite sachet; the embroidery was beautiful, and it emitted a faint fragrance.

However, when she saw Gu Qingzhi and Yan Luochen walking side-by-side out of the same room, her footsteps jerked to a halt. The smile on her face froze instantly. Her gaze flickered back and forth between Yan Luochen and Gu Qingzhi; her eyes were first full of confusion, then, as if a sudden realization had struck her, she seemed to understand something.

In her eyes, it wasn’t that Gu Qingzhi didn’t like her “type” it was that he didn’t like her gender at all!!

It’s over! There’s absolutely no hope left!

She squeezed the pouch she had been clutching, her fingers kneading it again and again until the silk threads on the sachet seemed ready to snap. Finally, like a deflated ball, she helplessly tucked the pouch away and forced a strained smile.

“Young Master Gu, Fellow Daoist Yan, I am very happy to have met you during this time.” “This time, I have come to say goodbye. I am returning to the Hundred Flowers Immortal Sect. We shall… meet again if fate allows.”

Gu Qingzhi gave a slight nod, his face still bearing that calm, unruffled expression, saying nothing.

“In that case, take care, Miss Lin,” Yan Luochen added politely.

He had taken in everything that just happened, feeling a secret joy in his heart. This was exactly the result he wanted. Therefore, he wouldn’t explain a thing; he was currently thankful that his Senior Brother was a man of few words.

Lin Huan’s eyes rimmed with red, tears welling within them. She forced them back, turned, and left in a hurry without looking back.

Watching Lin Huan’s departing back, Gu Qingzhi said softly: “This is for the best!”

Actually, he was well aware that Lin Huan had misunderstood the relationship between him and his Junior Brother, but he felt there was simply no need to explain. Even if she had asked to his face, he wouldn’t have said a word, let alone now when she hadn’t asked. He felt this outcome was quite fine.

Hearing Gu Qingzhi’s words, Yan Luochen was slightly taken aback. “Senior Brother, I’m afraid this Miss Lin will be sad for a while.”

Gu Qingzhi’s brow furrowed slightly as he snorted. “Whether she is sad or not, what does it have to do with us?”

“Senior Brother is right,” Yan Luochen hurriedly agreed. “However, with Senior Brother being so indifferent, could it be that you already have other thoughts in your heart?”

The two talked as they walked slowly forward, passing through a bamboo grove. A breeze blew past, making the bamboo leaves rustle. Gu Qingzhi suddenly stopped, saying pensively: “Matters of emotion in this world are inherently complex. If she can let go early, it might not be a bad thing for her.”

Yan Luochen nodded. “Senior Brother speaks reasonably. Then, does Senior Brother have someone in his heart that he favors?”

“No.”

“Then Senior Brother, do you have any requirements for a future Dao companion? For instance, a woman or… a man? Or perhaps family background and such…”

Hearing this, Gu Qingzhi actually fell into serious thought. In his original world, he hadn’t even possessed true friends, let alone a romantic partner. Furthermore, he had witnessed many couples and knew deeply that the emotion of “liking” was not restricted by gender.

Whether the gender is male or female doesn’t seem to be that important. As for other things like family background? That is even more inconsequential.

The only point that truly needs consideration is perhaps cultivation level. If the difference in cultivation is too great and lifespans differ, wouldn’t that leave behind only the bitterness of unrequited longing?

Thinking to this point, he shook his head, refusing to think further. At the same time, he didn’t forget to respond: “None.”

At this moment, he had subconsciously forgotten the fact that he still had to return to his original world. Yan Luochen pressed his lips together, opened his folding fan, and began to wave it gently. Having received the answer he wanted, he spoke no more. He was also thankful that his cultivation was nearly equal to his Senior Brother’s.

At that moment, several birds flew across the sky, chirping incessantly.

By evening, Lin Yun delivered the Nine-Yang Spirit-Restoring Pill ahead of schedule. Having obtained the antidote, they stayed no longer, descending the mountain under the cover of night. This time, Gu Qingzhi personally took Yan Luochen and traveled through the air.

Inside the imperial palace, the grand hall with its carved beams and painted rafters was filled with a solemn atmosphere.

Chang Zai, the Commander of the Imperial Guard, was clad in heavy armor. He wore a silver mask that reflected the cold glow of the candlelight. He clasped his fists and knelt half-way before Emperor Tai’an, reporting the information recently uncovered in a low, forceful voice:

“Your Majesty, I have confirmed that the murderer in this case is a member of the Yuqing Immortal Sect… Also, the person who released those imprisoned in the Prince of Anyang’s estate is named Gu Qingzhi. On the night following the incident, the Prince of Anyang passed away.”

Emperor Tai’an, who had been leaning lazily against the dragon throne, visibly stiffened upon hearing the name “Gu Qingzhi.” The expression on his face instantly became grave.

Seeing this, the Commander thought the Emperor was unfamiliar with the person and didn’t dare pause: “Your Majesty, this person is that genius who became famous for possessing a top-tier mutated Ice Spiritual Root, despite never having left his sect.”

Emperor Tai’an narrowed his eyes, appearing solemn and pensive. “Never left his sect… which is to say, upon his very first excursion, he directly caused the death of My own brother!”

“A-Rui’s child… I truly do not know whether I should punish his crime, or thank him for removing this thorn in My side… Ah, hahahahaha!”

As he spoke, he began to laugh wantonly. The laughter echoed through the empty palace, yet it carried a hint of desolation and helplessness.

After laughing, he turned his gaze toward an old eunuch standing nearby: “Eunuch Wei, what do you think?”

Eunuch Wei trembled, hurriedly bowing his head. He replied in a shrill, respectful voice: “Your Majesty, this old servant would not dare speak blindly. However, in my humble opinion, if there is no gesture made, it may be difficult to silence the gossiping tongues. But this matter requires careful deliberation. After all, Gu Qingzhi is the child of Sect Leader Gu…”