Everyone Says I’m Cold and Aloof, But I Just Have Social Anxiety! - Chapter 28

Inside the final pocket-world, the atmosphere was heavy and tense. Jian Han and Xu Xingye stood opposite each other, the aura radiating from both surging like a torrential tide.

Xu Xingye spoke sheepishly: “Senior Brother Jian, you must show some mercy! Although we are both late-stage Golden Core cultivators, I am not particularly good at close-quarters combat.”

Jian Han’s mouth curled into a reckless grin. “No matter. Junior Brother Xu, feel free to cast your spells; just do your best!”

Hearing this, Xu Xingye hesitated no longer. His hands quickly formed incantations, and talismans appeared out of thin air, flickering with a mysterious light. He gave a sharp shout: “Go!”

The talismans shot toward Jian Han like lightning. Jian Han’s gaze narrowed; he swung his longsword, and a piercing blade of sword-energy swept out, colliding with the incoming talismans. With a massive “bang,” light splattered everywhere, and both the talismans and the sword-energy dissipated simultaneously.

Xu Xingye did not stop, throwing out a series of talismans some transformed into raging fireballs, some into sharp ice-spikes, and others into howling gales blanketing the sky as they rushed toward Jian Han. Jian Han’s figure flickered, moving through the onslaught as gracefully as a ghost. His sword danced continuously, neutralizing every attack that came close. Every collision between blade and talisman triggered a fluctuation of energy.

“Junior Brother Xu, be careful!” Jian Han shouted, suddenly taking the initiative to attack. He moved like a bolt of lightning, closing the distance to Xu Xingye in an instant, his sword lunging forward with an unstoppable momentum.

Xu Xingye retreated hurriedly, his hands forming a seal to summon a sturdy talisman-shield. Jian Han’s sword struck the shield, emitting a sharp grinding sound. Seeing this, Jian Han gave his wrist a flick, and the power behind the blade intensified abruptly. Xu Xingye felt a massive pressure, sweat seeping from his forehead, but he bit his lip and persisted, continuously pouring spiritual energy into the shield.

Suddenly, Jian Han shifted his technique. With a flick of his sword, a clever force traveled down the blade into the talisman-shield. Xu Xingye was momentarily caught off guard, and a tiny crack appeared in the shield. Seizing the opportunity, Jian Han exerted his strength once more; the sword broke through the shield, the tip stopping half an inch from Xu Xingye’s throat.

“Junior Brother Xu, I accept the win!” Jian Han sheathed his sword and stood tall, speaking with a smile.

Xu Xingye shook his head helplessly. “Senior Brother Jian is indeed formidable. This Junior Brother admires you; I am fully convinced of your victory.”

A slight curve appeared on Jian Han’s lips, and he let out a light laugh—one that carried a hint of self-mockery and helplessness. He thought to himself that even so, he still couldn’t compare to those two “personal” junior brothers of his. They were incredibly gifted, like children favored by the heavens, whereas he was indeed inferior in terms of talent. Since he lacked such extraordinary talent, he could only work diligently and tirelessly, putting in more sweat and blood than others just to ensure he didn’t fall behind.

Outside the Void Spirit Valley, Gu Yuan and the Peak Masters waited quietly. They were solemn, their gazes occasionally drifting toward the valley, their hearts full of expectation for the disciples’ performance. A light breeze brushed past their robes, but it couldn’t disperse the gravity on their faces.

Finally, the long and intense combat trial concluded. Jian Han, Xu Xingye, Gu Qingzhi, Yan Luochen, Youchuan, and Chuwan emerged from the valley in succession. Their clothes were somewhat disarrayed and their faces showed fatigue, yet their eyes shone with the joy and satisfaction of victory.

Only Gu Qingzhi’s lips were pressed into a thin line, his expression as indifferent as ice, as if everything around him had nothing to do with him. However, the crimson on his cheeks had not yet fully faded, like a trace of sunset lingering on a snowy field—a subtle hint of the inner turmoil that had yet to settle.

Yan Luochen attempted to quietly observe his expression from behind, wanting to discover his true emotions. Yet Gu Qingzhi, as if sensing it, quickly turned his head away and ignored him entirely. He was clearly still immersed in the earlier frustration and unwilling to communicate.

Youchuan turned to the girl behind him, a smile blooming on his face as he teased: “Chuwan, not bad! I didn’t expect you to be among the final winners.”

Chuwan gave him a glare. “Senior Brother You, it’s true I lost to you, but don’t look down on people. I am, at the very least, the Eldest Sister of the inner disciples!” Her voice was crisp and forceful, full of confidence.

Hearing her voice, the busy Chuyi looked over excitedly and shouted: “Big Sister, you’re amazing! I knew you could do it!” Her voice was full of pride and joy.

Gu Yuan’s gaze was full of approval as he gave a relieved smile. “This result was also within expectations!” The Peak Masters nodded in agreement, their eyes also full of praise.

Afterward, Gu Yuan solemnly announced the decision. In the high-profile Immortal Sect Assembly in two years, these six disciples including his son, Gu Qingzhi would represent the Yuqing Immortal Sect as outstanding disciples, showcasing the sect’s elegance.

He gazed at the transformation currently taking place in his son, his heart full of relief and emotion. Reflecting on the past, he couldn’t help but feel thankful that he had decisively accepted Yan Luochen as a disciple to keep his son company. It was Yan Luochen’s companionship that had prompted his son to continuously accept the presence of others, leading to this heartening change.

Gu Yuan continued: “In this trial, everyone’s performance was commendable. However, the competition at the Immortal Sect Assembly will be even more intense. You must not grow lax.”

Everyone replied in unison: “Yes!”

Back at the Cloud-Deep Courtyard, Gu Qingzhi first had a large tub of steaming water prepared, then stripped and immersed his entire body in the warmth. The hot water enveloped him, allowing him to relax completely and enjoy this rare bathing time.

However, although his body was eased, his heart remained restless. He felt that his combat experience was still far from enough and wanted to leave the sect for a journey of tempering—to broaden his horizons and accumulate experience—and furthermore, he wanted to see this alternative cultivation world. Yet, the moment he thought of dealing with numerous strangers, his socially anxious heart made him want to retreat, leaving him to struggle with his frustration.

Walking out of the room, Yan Luochen saw at a glance that he seemed preoccupied. He asked with concern: “Senior Brother, is there something on your mind?”

Gu Qingzhi raised his eyes to look at him, his lips moving slightly, but he ultimately said nothing. Thinking of the scene where the other had behaved frivolously toward him in the Void Spirit Valley made him angry! That was the man  who had literally stolen his first kiss! Every time he thought of it, the indignation in his heart was difficult to suppress.

But living in this complex world, how could one avoid dealing with others? He knew his own condition only too well; if Yan Luochen weren’t by his side, he feared he would repeat the original owner’s mistakes—becoming isolated and cold, unable to integrate into this world, just like the original.

Looking at Yan Luochen’s handsome face once more, he thought carefully; actually, he hadn’t exactly lost out, yet a trace of unwillingness lingered in his heart like a tiny thorn that occasionally pricked him.

[Sigh. Not enough combat experience. I want to go out for tempering, but I’m socially anxious and afraid of dealing with people.]

[How irritating!]

Yan Luochen watched Gu Qingzhi’s hesitant appearance and gave a light laugh, saying without a second thought: “Senior Brother, I feel that cultivating within the sect for too long isn’t very beneficial. Why don’t we go out for a journey of tempering? We can see the scenery outside; perhaps it will help our cultivation!”

Hearing this, Gu Qingzhi was startled. It turned out his Junior Brother was thinking exactly the same thing. In that case, there was nothing left to struggle over. He selectively erased the shameful memory of being kissed from his mind; after a bout of inner conflict, he decided to forgive the other.

At worst, I’ll just find an opportunity to kiss him back next time!!

“In that case, if Junior Brother wishes to go out for tempering, as your Senior Brother, I should naturally accompany you.”