Reborn As The Short-Lived White Moonlight of the Tragic, Powerful Male Lead - Chapter 18

Chapter 18

I Just Gave It to You Randomly

Xie Lanting smiled but remained silent, offering no explanation. At this moment, in their eyes, any explanation would just be seen as a cover-up, making things even messier. He led Gu Yunqi all the way out of the Yuhua Platform, and Tong’er followed closely behind.

Once they had put the Dafeng Platform—which lay south of Yuhua—far behind them and were out of everyone’s sight, Xie Lanting released his grip and looked at Gu Yunqi with a serious expression.

Gu Yunqi’s throat moved. Feeling that Xie Lanting was about to settle scores, he immediately stood still, waiting for his sentence.

They had both fled the wedding; they had both used fake names. Neither was purely right or wrong. However, he had recognized Xie Lanting at first glance, yet had stayed to listen to so many of the Immortal Lord’s comments about his “fiancé”… Emotionally speaking, if Xie Lanting had complaints, he was prepared to accept them.

But what Xie Lanting actually said was: “Lead the way.”

…Oh, right. The Immortal Lord couldn’t possibly know the layout of the Gu estate.

Gu Yunqi’s heart settled back into his chest slightly. Was he planning to wait until they reached a quieter room to settle the score? Well, some things were indeed better discussed behind closed doors. Gu Yunqi took the lead.

The original novel contained descriptions of how poorly Gu Yunqi was treated within the Gu family, but reading it as a story and witnessing it firsthand were two entirely different concepts.

Gu Yunqi led them across several peaks to a hollowed-out depression. The environment was secluded—too secluded, actually. It was overgrown with weeds and littered with withered petals and fallen leaves. Xie Lanting stared in silence for a long time at the dilapidated house draped with red silk and lanterns.

The cultivation world did not have a tradition of “raiding the bridal chamber,” so outsiders wouldn’t come to the new couple’s quarters. Gu Bu didn’t need to keep up appearances here. On the Yuhua Platform, the ceremony was magnificent; in this desolate courtyard, the shadows of the lanterns were solitary and cold. The same wind blew through both, never ceasing.

Tong’er’s mouth dropped open in surprise. Despite his young age, he was very sensible; he swallowed the words “Is this place even livable?” and gently tugged on Xie Lanting’s sleeve.

The place was overgrown with weeds and featured a small pond. The area wasn’t particularly small, but there was only one house, and from the outside, it looked tiny. And there were three of them.

Three people, one room—how were they supposed to stay?

He had just witnessed the Gu family’s extravagance—a pavilion every five steps, each one exquisite and elegant. It must have actually been difficult for them to pick out a house this old and broken.

Gu Yunqi said, “This is a small cabin my parents once built on a whim for the view. It has fallen into disrepair over the years. Please excuse the sight, Immortal Lord.”

Xie Lanting’s eyes were sharp. He scanned the sword marks on the outdoor pillars. “It doesn’t look like it just fell into disrepair.”

Someone had clearly been busy destroying it.

Gu Yunqi gazed at the house, his eyes dark and unreadable. “I used to live with my fellow disciples. Now that I’m starting a family, my uncle gave me this house.”

Gu Bu’s son, Gu Jingping, occupied the best living quarters, with a training field in front and the famous Purple Bamboo Sea of Nanlin behind. Meanwhile, if it weren’t for the wedding, Gu Yunqi wouldn’t have even been able to reclaim this tiny, broken shack.

The difference in treatment was like heaven and earth.

Even when Xie Lanting had fallen from grace and lived unhappily in the Sword Sect, he had never suffered like this in terms of food, clothing, or shelter. Compared to him, Gu Yunqi had endured much more hardship.

No wonder he said that day that he liked eating sweets.

Xie Lanting felt a bit of a lump in his throat.

“I won’t let the Immortal Lord be mistreated here,” Gu Yunqi said, producing a key. “I have already rented a house within Nanlin City. Though it certainly cannot compare to your past residences, it is comfortable and fully furnished. Once the guests have all left, I will take you there.”

Xie Lanting looked at the key but didn’t reach out for it. He only asked, “And you?”

Gu Yunqi’s gaze slowly swept across the weed-choked courtyard, his expression showing a hint of nostalgia. “I, of course, must remain.”

To seek his revenge, Gu Yunqi naturally had to stay in the Gu family. Xie Lanting’s question was just a formality. He nodded, took the key from Gu Yunqi—and placed it into Tong’er’s hand.

He asked, “Tong’er, I remember you were originally from Nanlin?”

Tong’er nodded. “But all my family ties are severed.”

“Are you familiar with Nanlin?”

“Yes,” Tong’er nodded vigorously. “Couldn’t be more familiar.”

“Good,” Xie Lanting smiled. “Gu Yunqi, tell him where the rented house is and how to get there. Tong’er, you go stay there first.”

Tong’er stopped halfway through a nod, surprised. “You’re not coming with me?”

Gu Yunqi was also startled, but Xie Lanting said, “Mhm. You go ahead. I still have some things to discuss with him.”

Tong’er took the key. “Alright, I’ll go tidy up first.”

Xie Lanting: “Mhm. Get some rest once you’re done tidying.”

These words felt a bit off, but Tong’er didn’t overthink it, assuming Xie Lanting meant he would join him after the talk. Gu Yunqi gave the address, and Tong’er left on his own without needing a guide.

If Tong’er had thought about it a bit more, he would have realized a possibility: that Xie Lanting was sending him to stay there alone, while he himself intended to spend the night at the Gu residence.

But let alone the boy, even Gu Yunqi didn’t think that far.

…

After Tong’er left, only the two of them remained in the small courtyard… well, and perhaps some secret guards hidden in the shadows.

If he hadn’t read the original novel, Xie Lanting wouldn’t have been able to sense the Gu family’s secret guards with his current cultivation. All the strange things he had felt in Dongyang City could now be explained. Gu Yunqi… the Gu Yunqi…

Xie Lanting followed Gu Yunqi with a complex expression. He watched as the man pushed open the door to the cabin. Unlike the explosion of dust he had expected, the interior was simple but clean; Gu Yunqi must have tidied it beforehand.

There was one table, several chairs, a bed, a low couch, and two empty display shelves. There were likely things on those shelves once, but they had all been taken away.

The room had no red curtains, no auspicious bedding, and no ceremonial wine. All the liveliness was left in the distance; this cold solitude was Gu Yunqi’s daily reality.

Outside the house was a thatched shed with a stone stove for boiling water. Gu Yunqi managed to produce two cups of hot tea, pouring for Xie Lanting and himself. “I apologize to the Immortal Lord.”

“No need.” Xie Lanting picked up the tea. After a moment of silence, he spoke slowly, “I was shocked, but I’ve made my peace with it. After all, the two of us back then…” Xie Lanting thought of their simultaneous attempts to flee the wedding and couldn’t help but chuckle. “We really were on the same wavelength.”

Remembering their first meeting, Gu Yunqi also couldn’t help but curl his lips into a smile. The atmosphere between them instantly lightened.

Gu Yunqi had not missed the flicker of pity in Xie Lanting’s eyes when he saw the house. Some people feel offended by pity, but not Gu Yunqi. He was a low person who would seize any opportunity he could. If Xie Lanting turned the page because of pity, he wouldn’t mind.

What Gu Yunqi didn’t know was that, having made his peace with the situation, Xie Lanting was actually in a very good mood.

Because their positions had reversed.

Before, Xie Lanting had been the one whose disguise fell off without him knowing. Now, Gu Yunqi had only shed one layer of his disguise, thinking the rest was well-hidden—unaware that Xie Lanting, the transmigrator, already knew everything about him.

I know you are Gu Yunqi, but you will never know exactly what kind of Xie Lanting I am.

Xie Lanting felt a sudden surge of satisfaction from turning the tables, though he couldn’t share it with anyone. Alas, life is as lonely as the snow.

“When the Immortal Lord praised me on the roof of the bookstore that day, someone must have been feeding you nonsense. In the Gu family, I am no ‘young master’; I am just an ordinary disciple.” Having said this, Gu Yunqi felt a sense of release. “What did the Immortal Lord wish to discuss?”

Xie Lanting set down his teacup. “Two things.”

Gu Yunqi listened intently.

“First—” Xie Lanting drew out the word. Seeing Gu Yunqi’s solemn stance, he took a mysterious turn in his tone. However, the words that finally came out weren’t in a businesslike tone at all. With a smile in his eyes, he said to Gu Yunqi: “Happy Birthday.”

Gu Yunqi had imagined many possibilities, but never this one. For a moment, his face went blank, and he froze on the spot.

“Hey,” Xie Lanting waved a hand in front of his eyes. “Earth to Yunqi.”

Gu Yunqi’s fingertips trembled. He moved his lips, his voice dry. “How did you…”

“Wasn’t your birthdate on the marriage certificate just now?” Xie Lanting also felt it was a coincidence. “To think it’s today. The third day of the third month—an auspicious day.”

The book said that Gu Yunqi never celebrated his birthday, but every year he would commemorate their wedding day. No one was allowed to disturb him that night; he would set out a jar of wine and two cups to drink alone. Who would have known it was also his birthday?

Xie Lanting had signed the marriage certificate so quickly that Gu Yunqi thought he didn’t want to spare it a second glance. He hadn’t expected Xie Lanting to actually pay attention.

“A birthday is also a joyful occasion. I’ve already given my blessings at the ceremony, so now I’ll give you a gift.”

Xie Lanting raised his hand, and a longsword appeared. The scabbard was dark and ancient. With a gentle pull, a silver-white blade slid out of the black sheath, the sharp edge radiating a daunting brilliance.

With one glance, Gu Yunqi knew it was a rare and precious sword.

Xie Lanting performed a sword flourish. “This sword was forged in the same kiln as my soul-bound sword, Tingxue. It is made of thousand-year profound iron and infused with the essence of Vermilion Bird blood during forging. It can slice through gold and jade. Once your cultivation improves, splitting mountains and calming seas will be child’s play. I give it to you today.”

Xie Lanting sheathed the sword and presented it to Gu Yunqi with both hands.

According to the persona Gu Yunqi presented to outsiders, he should have repeatedly declined while acting profoundly grateful. But as Gu Yunqi’s gaze shifted from Xie Lanting’s hands to the sword, for some reason, he reached out his hand.

The cool sensation touched his palm as the sword changed masters. Xie Lanting said, “Give it a name.”

Gu Yunqi ran his hand over the scabbard. The scene of the blade’s brilliance being revealed just now was still circling in his mind. He stopped his hand, having decided on a name.

“Since it is a gift from the Immortal Lord, it shall have the character for ‘Moon’ (Yue). A sword that hides its brilliance to slash through gloom and break the darkness—I take the liberty of naming it: Cangyue (The Hidden Moon).”

Gu Yunqi held the immortal sword: “What does the Immortal Lord think?”

Xie Lanting: “…A good name.”

He hadn’t expected that just giving a birthday gift would link back to the plot again.

Gu Yunqi’s soul-bound sword was indeed named Cangyue. After all this time, it turned out Xie Lanting was the one who gave it to him!

The book never mentioned this. Xie Lanting swore he only thought this sword suited Gu Yunqi well, so he chose it as a gift.

Whether it was the marriage or the soul-bound sword, through various coincidences, hadn’t everything aligned with the original novel?

Xie Lanting’s heart tightened. He really didn’t want to play through the entire plot. Although he didn’t want to throw cold water on Gu Yunqi’s excitement over the gift, a sense of unease prompted him to speak quickly: “The second thing is—”

It’s that I want to talk to you about an amicable divorce.

Unfortunately, a sound from the window interrupted the words Xie Lanting was about to say.

Someone knocked on the open window. Who would knock on a window instead of a door? Well, someone would—for instance, Xiao Qingfeng, who was currently standing by the window.

Having finished knocking, Xiao Qingfeng snapped his folding fan open and said with a beaming smile: “You two, am I arriving at the right time?”