Everyone Says I’m Cold and Aloof, But I Just Have Social Anxiety! - Chapter 24

The towering Great Hall stood atop the mountain peak. Inside, Gu Yuan sat regally at the head, his expression solemn and dignified. Beside him sat He Lan Ci, Xuan Ling, and Su Bai Zhi in succession, representing their respective peaks. The last time all four had gathered like this was… the last time.

Gu Yuan’s gaze swept over the crowd as he spoke slowly: “Eldest Brother, Third Brother, Junior Sister—I have summoned you today because of the Immortal Sect Assembly in two years.”

He Lan Ci leaned in slightly, his expression puzzled. “Second Brother, has there been some change? Otherwise, why would you suddenly call us for a discussion?”

Su Bai Zhi let out a soft sigh and waved her hand. “Oh, I’m only responsible for managing my Medicinal Bamboo Peak. I won’t get involved in your fighting and killing. However, if there are any casualties, feel free to come find me.” As she spoke, she grabbed a handful of melon seeds and continued cracking them.

Xuan Ling sat up straight and said bluntly, “Just say it directly. What has happened?”

Gu Yuan took a deep breath and said in a heavy voice, “For the Immortal Sect Assembly in two years, the Imperial Family has become involved. Furthermore, they suggested to the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion that it be held in the Imperial City. The Master of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion stated he had no objections.”

Xuan Ling’s brow furrowed slightly. “Which is to say, the upcoming Immortal Sect Assembly will be co-hosted by the Imperial Family and the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion?”

Gu Yuan nodded. “Indeed.”

He Lan Ci stroked his chin, lost in thought. “Strange. Past assemblies have always been hosted solely by the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion; the Imperial Family never interfered excessively, acting as mere observers at most. To act in this manner now… what is their intent?”

At this point, Su Bai Zhi stopped contributing to the conversation. She was preoccupied with her melon seeds, the constant “kaka” sound of cracking shells punctuating the air as she occasionally spat out the husks.

Gu Yuan continued: “I do not know. Furthermore, the six disciples participating from each sect must be of the Golden Core Realm.”

“Since there are many newly ascended Golden Core disciples, I am thinking of having all Golden Core disciples participate in a sect trial, and then selecting the six representatives from among them. What do you all think?” Gu Yuan looked at the others, his eyes searching for their input.

He Lan Ci thought for a moment and then nodded. “I think it is feasible. In this way, we can not only select participants fairly, but also let the disciples know the gap between themselves and others, thereby motivating them.”

Xuan Ling also nodded in agreement.

Gu Yuan’s gaze flickered between Xuan Ling and He Lan Ci. “When the time comes, which of you will lead the disciples?”

He Lan Ci waved his hands hurriedly, laughing. “Count me out. If I liked making public appearances, I would have fought you for the position of Sect Leader back then. However, I can draw more talismans for them, just in case.”

Su Bai Zhi stopped her cracking long enough to interject: “Exactly. For this kind of thing, it’s either you or Third Brother. Since you asked like that, it means you aren’t going, so doesn’t it ultimately fall on Third Brother’s head?”

Gu Yuan started to speak but stopped, his gaze lingering on Xuan Ling. “Third Brother, this…”

Xuan Ling looked helpless but finally responded: “I understand. For now, let us arrange the matters for the disciples’ trials.”

Yan Luochen never intentionally broadcasted his current Golden Core strength; he felt there was no need for it and had no desire to show off. After all, strength is something that naturally reveals itself at critical moments there was no need for words.

In the courtyard, Gu Qingzhi and Yan Luochen stood opposite each other. A light breeze brushed past. The two were about to begin a sparring session, and the atmosphere instantly became tense yet full of anticipation.

Gu Qingzhi held his longsword firmly with both hands. The blade shimmered with a cold light, like a frost-serpent ready to strike. His gaze was sharp, filled with determination and focus as he stared at Yan Luochen, an incredibly piercing aura radiating from him.

Yan Luochen, on the other hand, was still lightly waving the folding fan that never left his hand; the pattern on the surface flickered in and out of view with the motion. He appeared leisurely and at ease, yet a trace of undetectable vigilance lingered in his eyes—like a seemingly lazy leopard ready to pounce on its prey at any second.

Yan Luochen was the first to break the silence. “Senior Brother, let us begin!” His voice was crisp and loud, ringing clearly in the quiet courtyard.

Gu Qingzhi did not respond. Instead, his figure flashed like a ghost, moving so fast he left only an afterimage. The sword in his hand danced, blooming into several brilliant sword-flowers. The sharp sword-intent felt almost tangible as it pressed directly toward Yan Luochen; wherever the intent passed, the air itself seemed to be sliced apart.

Yan Luochen did not panic, responding calmly. He snapped the fan shut and drifted backward like a light, fiery-red feather. Simultaneously, he swept the closed fan forward, and a powerful burst of energy surged out to meet the piercing sword-intent.

Boom!

A muffled explosion rang out as the energy and sword-intent collided, creating a massive impact. The surrounding air trembled as if a giant stone had been hurled into a calm lake, sending ripples in every direction. The tall sycamore tree was also buffeted by this powerful force; leaves rustled and drifted down in a flurry.

The corners of Yan Luochen’s mouth curled up as he laughed. “Senior Brother, you are truly formidable.” His voice carried a hint of admiration, but more than that, it held excitement and the thrill of the challenge.

Gu Qingzhi remained silent.

[Not enough. I want faster and stronger sword techniques.]

The moment the thought arose, his style shifted. His sword-momentum became even more rapid and violent, attacking Yan Luochen like a fierce storm. Every strike carried a powerful fluctuation of spiritual power, as if it would tear the very space in front of him apart. That aura was enough to strike fear into anyone’s heart.

Yan Luochen’s footwork was light and agile as he moved. He opened his fan, tracing elegant and mysterious arcs in front of him. Those arcs seemed to possess a magical power, skillfully neutralizing the incoming sword strikes one by one. It appeared effortless, but in reality, every step was filled with hidden intricacies.

After a series of intense exchanges, Gu Qingzhi suddenly changed his move.

[Now!]

He let out a silent shout in his heart. He used a feint it appeared piercingly sharp, but in reality, it hid a deeper trick. Yan Luochen was momentarily caught off guard, and Gu Qingzhi seized the opportunity. With a light tap of the blade, the point of the sword landed on Yan Luochen’s shoulder.

Gu Qingzhi sheathed his sword. He still didn’t speak, simply standing there with steady breathing. It seemed the intense battle just now was merely a small warm-up for him.

Yan Luochen shook his head helplessly and gave a bitter smile. “Senior Brother is still the superior one; I’ve let you win by half a move.”

However, in his heart, he was chuckling: Quiet on the outside, but you’ve certainly got plenty of thoughts on the inside!

After the sparring ended, Gu Qingzhi’s gaze remained fixed on the folding fan in the other man’s hand. The more he looked, the more he felt it was vastly different from an ordinary fan. He hadn’t paid much attention to it in his daily life, but examining it closely now, he increasingly felt the fan emitted an extraordinary aura.

“Senior Brother, what is it?” Yan Luochen noticed his focused stare.

Gu Qingzhi then asked, “Junior Brother, your folding fan… it seems somewhat different?” His eyes were full of curiosity and confusion.

Yan Luochen lowered his eyes, looking at the open fan in his hand. His fingers lightly traced the two characters for “Wind Spirit” on the fan handle, and the expression on his face looked as if he were immersed in memories of the past.