Everyone Says I’m Cold and Aloof, But I Just Have Social Anxiety! - Chapter 29

The smile on Yan Luochen’s face deepened, his eyes full of delight. “It would be my pleasure. Thank you, Senior Brother!”

“Senior Brother, are you… still angry with me?” Yan Luochen asked cautiously, his tone carrying a mix of trepidation and expectation.

Talk about poking a sore spot!

Being called out like that, the heart that Gu Qingzhi had just managed to calm—the heart that was about to forgive him was instantly reignited with anger.

[Crap, do you have to bring it up again? If you don’t find it awkward, I certainly do!]

[I really want to hit someone!!]

Gu Qingzhi pressed his lips thin and remained silent. His clenched fists and slightly trembling frame suggested he was forcibly suppressing the surging emotions within.

“Senior Brother?…” Yan Luochen called out again.

Gu Qingzhi couldn’t take it anymore. He suddenly raised his hand and threw a punch, landing a solid blow on Yan Luochen’s body. However, he didn’t use any spiritual power; it was a pure physical strike, so Yan Luochen didn’t feel much pain.

As for why he didn’t punch him in the face? Naturally, he couldn’t bear to leave even a single scratch on that handsome visage.

One punch wasn’t enough; Gu Qingzhi struck again, low-growling: “How dare you steal my first kiss!!”

“So that was Senior Brother’s first kiss? Then this Junior Brother has indeed committed a sin. My apologies, Senior Brother if you wish, I will take responsibility for you!”

Although Yan Luochen’s words were apologetic, there wasn’t a trace of regret on his face. Instead, he wore a half-smile, his eyes fixed on Gu Qingzhi with a meaningful, increasingly burning gaze.

Hearing that last sentence, Gu Qingzhi instinctively looked up. Their eyes met, and he couldn’t help but feel a sudden sense of fluster. He growled again: “Get lost! In your dreams!”

“Alright, Senior Brother. Let us head to the Great Hall to request permission from Master.” Yan Luochen’s smile widened. His dark hair lightly brushed his brow, and his eyes were bright and glowing. He chuckled inwardly: Senior Brother is gradually showing his true self to me. That’s wonderful.

Shortly after, Gu Qingzhi and Yan Luochen arrived outside the sect’s Great Hall. They walked in with steady steps, intending to inform Gu Yuan of their plan to go out for tempering.

Upon entering, they saw that the Peak Masters were all present. Xu Xingye and Chuwan were standing in the center of the hall, seemingly reporting something to the group. Seeing Gu Qingzhi and Yan Luochen enter, everyone’s gaze shifted toward them.

“Greetings, Master, and to all Martial Uncles and Aunts,” Yan Luochen spoke first, his voice crisp and loud, his face bearing a respectful smile.

“Father, Martial Uncles and Aunts!” Gu Qingzhi also performed a salute. Although he addressed them, his eyes never looked at them directly. Fortunately, most cultivators are informal; in such a setting, not looking directly at elders was seen as more polite, as it avoided unnecessary eye contact.

Gu Yuan frowned slightly, asking with a hint of confusion: “What brings you two here?”

“Master, Senior Brother and I wish to go out for a journey of tempering together. We ask for Master’s permission.” Yan Luochen took a step forward, his hands clasped in a cupped-fist salute, his tone sincere and firm.

Gu Yuan’s gaze shifted to his son. Gu Qingzhi remained calm and gave a slight nod, confirming Yan Luochen’s words.

Upon hearing this, the nearby Xu Xingye and Chuwan instantly looked excited. Xu Xingye couldn’t wait to speak: “Junior Brother Gu, Junior Brother Yan, you’re also going out for tempering? Why don’t you join Chuwan and me?”

To see Gu Qingzhi integrate with his fellow disciples was Gu Yuan’s greatest wish. Thus, hearing Xu Xingye’s words, he didn’t stop him; internally, he hoped Gu Qingzhi would agree.

Yan Luochen also turned his gaze toward Gu Qingzhi, his eyes full of inquiry, wanting to know his true wish.

[Would it be bad to refuse? But if we go together, I’m a bit nervous about the communication and interaction.]

[Oh well, I’ll just leave all the social stuff to this ‘cheap’ Junior Brother Yan!]

Gu Qingzhi remained silent, simply giving a slight nod to indicate his agreement. Hearing his inner voice, the words “cheap junior brother” made Yan Luochen between a laugh and a cry. However, he took it as a sign that his Senior Brother was willing to hide behind him, so he wasn’t displeased at all—on the contrary, he was more than happy to do it.

“Senior Brother Gu is willing to join us? That’s great! Senior Brothers, please give me your guidance!” Chuwan said excitedly, her face brimming with an expectant smile.

Xuan Ling looked back at the Youchuan behind him with an inquiring gaze: “Xiaochuan, do you wish to join the journey?”

Youchuan shook his head firmly. “I’m going to find Senior Brother Jian in a bit.” Xuan Ling nodded slightly and said no more.

He Lan Ci smiled and walked over to Xu Xingye, patting his shoulder. He said earnestly: “Xingye, of the four of you, you are the eldest and possess the highest cultivation. On this trip, you must look after your juniors.”

“Don’t worry, Master! I will never bring shame to you or Sunrise Peak!” Xu Xingye straightened his back and answered firmly.

Behind Su Bai Zhi, Chuyi looked at her sister Chuwan with eyes full of worry, terrified that since she wasn’t by her sister’s side, there would be no one to help if she got injured. Despite being several years younger than her sister, Chuyi always played the role of the worrier.

“Xu Xingye, take good care of my sister! Don’t let her get hurt, or I’ll show you what for!” Chuyi mustered her courage and shouted.

Hearing her sister’s childish words, Chuwan couldn’t help but giggle, her eyes full of doting affection. Xu Xingye nodded repeatedly: “Don’t worry, don’t worry!”

Gu Yuan stood up from his high seat, his posture tall and his voice steady and powerful: “Since everyone is ready, then go! Remember to return early; do not delay the upcoming Immortal Sect Assembly.”

“Yes, Sect Leader (Father)!”

The four answered in unison, their voices echoing through the hall.

After leaving the hall, the four headed toward the sect gates together. Along the way, Yan Luochen and Xu Xingye talked and laughed, while Chuwan listened quietly. Only Gu Qingzhi followed silently behind, occasionally glancing at his surroundings.

Once outside the gate, Chuwan asked excitedly: “Senior Brothers, which direction shall we head first?”

Xu Xingye thought for a moment and replied: “There is a Sunset Town to the east. Recently, there have been rumors of demonic creatures causing trouble. Shall we go check it out?”

“I think that’s feasible. What do Senior Brother Gu and Senior Brother Yan think?” Chuwan nodded in agreement and looked at the two.

Seeing that Gu Qingzhi had no objection and hearing no inner protest, Yan Luochen spoke: “Very well. Perhaps we’ll encounter something and can test the results of our recent cultivation.”

Gu Qingzhi remained silent but picked up his pace alongside Yan Luochen. The four of them headed together toward Sunset Town.

After watching the four walk away, Youchuan headed toward another part of the sect.

Jian Han stayed alone in his room, which was filled with a heavy, oppressive atmosphere. He sat cross-legged on his bed, trying to immerse himself in cultivation. However, at this moment, his mind seemed restless; a trace of irritability and anxiety was hidden between his brows.

His eyes were shut tight, the veins on his forehead bulging slightly, and sweat seeped out like fine pearls, slowly sliding down his cheeks. His breathing gradually became rapid and heavy, as if he were enduring immense pressure.

It was as if he were barely holding on. Before long, he snapped his eyes open, his gaze full of pain and unwillingness. A metallic taste suddenly surged in his throat; unable to suppress it any longer, he vomited a mouthful of fresh blood toward the bedside.

The blood splattered on the floor like a withered flower. He coughed violently several times, his body trembling uncontrollably.

“Why?”

He ashed his teeth, squeezing the word out from between them in a low, raspy voice.