Chapter 13 – I Also Want To Spiritually Cultivate With Shizun Today

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Night fell. The town was sparsely populated, and due to recent demonic disturbances, every household had tightly closed its doors, creating a rather desolate atmosphere.

On the empty streets, a carriage arrived under the cover of night, stopping in front of the inn.

The coachman jumped down from the carriage, lifted the curtain at the front, and helped down a woman in white.

The innkeeper, who had been dozing off leaning on the counter, did not even get up upon seeing the carriage stop in front of his establishment. His inn was the only one in town, so travelers had no choice but to stay there if they wanted lodging. Therefore, there was no need for him to greet guests with the same eagerness as other inns. However, at this moment, he took a glance outside and was suddenly stunned. He quickly put on a smile and hurried out.

He rushed too fast, almost knocking over the items on the counter.

“Miss, are you looking for lodging? We happen to have one elegant room available tonight,” the innkeeper greeted as he approached the carriage, smiling.

The woman glanced at him faintly but did not answer. Instead, the coachman spoke for her, “No need to trouble. We just want to feed the horse and continue our journey.”

“It’s so late, yet you still want to travel?” The innkeeper quickly advised, “Miss, you may not be aware, but there have been recent demonic disturbances around here. It’s not safe to travel at night, especially…”

He paused and his gaze swept over the woman’s delicate figure before settling on her face. “Especially for a beauty like yourself, who stands out.”

The look in his eyes was somewhat offensive, but the woman seemed indifferent and only said softly, “Feed the horse.”

The innkeeper didn’t get the response he hoped for and sighed in regret, then said to the coachman, “Come with me.”

With that, he led the coachman to the stable.

Before leaving, he couldn’t help but steal a few more glances at the woman.

On the second floor of the inn, Qi Shu couldn’t help but snort coldly.

What kind of person was that innkeeper? His eyes hadn’t left his Shizun’s figure. If it weren’t for Kunlun’s rules forbidding harm to mortals, he would have gouged out that bastard’s eyes!

Qi Shu thought angrily, and when he turned around, he saw Lu Chengyuan still leaning by the window, his eyes fixed downstairs.

It seemed he was already entranced.

“What are you looking at!” Qi Shu slapped him hard on the back of his head.

Lu Chengyuan let out a yelp and raised his head. “Why did you hit me?”

Qi Shu said, “I told you to watch for any signs of a demonic presence nearby, but where are you staring?”

“I’m watching, I’m watching,” Lu Chengyuan said. “With an Immortal Venerable present, are you afraid the demons will escape? If I don’t watch, I might never have another chance to see…”

Heavenly Venerable Immortal was extremely beautiful, but he was usually too stern. The disciples were too frightened to appreciate his appearance. But now, he had changed his appearance with Daoist magic, and his original features were faintly visible. However, the familiar oppressive aura was gone.”

Lu Chengyuan said the last sentence in a very low voice. Qi Shu frowned, “What nonsense are you talking about?”

“Where did I talk nonsense? Have you ever seen Immortal Venerable dressed like this?” Lu Chengyuan stroked his chin, “But speaking of it, Heavenly Venerable Immortal is special to you. He even agreed to such a request.”

Qi Shu said, “Isn’t this for demon-slaying?”

Lu Chengyuan looked at him in disbelief, “Heavenly Venerable Immortal, transforming into a female form to slay demons. Do you believe that?”

Qi Shu remained silent.

“Have you ever considered that no matter how formidable the demon is, it’s no match for the number one swordsman in the world, Heavenly Venerable Immortal? He was able to effortlessly retrieve you from the illusion at Misty Shadow Mountain last night. Why can’t he directly attack the dragon’s lair today and instead play this disguise game with you?”

Qi Shu couldn’t come up with an answer.

Lu Chengyuan was right. With the cultivation level of Heavenly Venerable Immortal, even if he were to flatten Misty Shadow Mountain, it would be a matter of moments. Why would he need to resort to these little tricks?

“Wake up, he’s doing this for you,” Lu Chengyuan concluded leisurely, “He doesn’t want to interfere with your mission. He wants to give you a chance to act on your own, so he’d rather not take action, only assist you in completing the plan.”

“Could you go to such lengths to slay demons in someone else’s place?”

“I couldn’t. If it weren’t for the trouble I caused yesterday, I would never have agreed to this plan in the afternoon.”

Qi Shu fell silent.

Yes, his Shizun had always been like this. Always considering him, always doting on him, never refusing any of his requests, from childhood to now.

If not for this, how could he have become so deeply entangled?

Without Qi Shu’s interruption, Lu Chengyuan continued to openly admire the Heavenly Venerable Immortal’s female appearance. In addition to admiring, he occasionally sighed.

He had heard that after ascending, one could freely change their appearance, and it wouldn’t be bad for Immortal Venerable to appear as female in the future. What was even more audacious was the fantasy that if he could marry someone like her in the future, no, a woman with one-thousandth of her beauty, it would be wonderful beyond imagination.

Qi Shu almost threw him out at hearing this.

“If you say one more word…” Qi Shu gritted his teeth and said coldly, “I’ll tell the Sect Leader everything you said tonight, and let him decide how to deal with you.”

Lu Chengyuan quickly restrained his joking expression, “No no no, I was just joking. I know you respect your master the most. I won’t talk nonsense anymore, alright? Don’t report me. If my master finds out I’ve been talking nonsense, he’ll break my legs in an instant.”

Qi Shu gave him a disdainful look.

“Are you really angry?” Lu Chengyuan looked at his expression and advised, “It’s just a joke, don’t take it so seriously. Everyone has a love for beauty, don’t you think Immortal Venerable looks good in this attire?”

Qi Shu turned his head without answering.

Lu Chengyuan chuckled lightly and said, “Stop pretending, Qi Shu. If this person below wasn’t your Shizun, would you not be moved? I don’t believe it.”

Qi Shu didn’t even believe it himself. How could he not be moved?

From childhood to adulthood, there had never been a shortage of people who liked him, both men and women, but he had no interest in any of them. As he grew older, he became wholeheartedly devoted to his Shizun. He always thought he only liked men, but now he understood that he only liked this person. No matter what appearance he took on, he liked him desperately.

Qi Shu hid behind the window, peeking through the crack at the person standing in the courtyard. Heavenly Venerable Immortal, in his female form, was tall and elegant. Even just standing quietly in the humble courtyard, he exuded an air of otherworldly independence. Perhaps sensing something, Gu Hanjiang suddenly looked up, his gaze coincidentally landing in the direction where Qi Shu was.

Qi Shu quickly averted his eyes.

He liked it so much that he didn’t want anyone to see it.

According to Lu Chengyuan’s information, the demon originally only abducted young women who were alone at night. It wasn’t until recently, when more and more incidents occurred, that the townspeople started to stay indoors at night. That’s when the demon began to intrude into homes at night. Therefore, their original plan was for Gu Hanjiang to disguise himself as a woman, roam around the town, and lure the demon out. Qi Shu and Lu Chengyuan would then be hidden nearby to support him.

However, Gu Hanjiang stood alone in front of the inn for quite a while. The two horses he brought had eaten their fill in the stable, but the demon still didn’t appear.

“What’s going on? Is that monster not coming today?” Lu Chengyuan became a bit impatient.

In front of the inn, the coachman tied the two well-fed horses back to the carriage. He went over to Gu Hanjiang and said something to “her.” Gu Hanjiang nodded, got on the carriage, and then the coachman drove away.

The direction they were heading was towards Misty Shadow Mountain.

Qi Shu and Lu Chengyuan exchanged a glance, their figures turning into two silent streaks that disappeared into the night.

The carriage moved slowly through the forest.

After leaving the small town, there was a dense forest. Once through this forest, the road would split into two. One led to the mountain path leading to Misty Shadow Mountain, while the other was the official road built to bypass the mountain.

Qi Shu and Lu Chengyuan suppressed their breath, following not too far behind the carriage, quiet as shadows in the night.

After walking for about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, they were nearing the fork in the road. Suddenly, the neighing of a horse echoed from ahead.

Lu Chengyuan, who had been waiting all night, didn’t think twice and advanced with his sword.

Sword intent swept through the dark forest. Qi Shu rushed forward a step behind, and Lu Chengyuan was already locked in combat with a figure on the open ground in front of the carriage.

The opponent was completely covered in a black robe, their face completely obscured by a dark mist, making it impossible to discern.

Qi Shu only glanced once, seeing that Lu Chengyuan could still hold his own for the moment. He turned back to check on his Shizun’s situation.

He happened to see the coachman helping his Shizun out of the carriage.

Qi Shu: “…”

The coachman was someone Gu Hanjiang had hired on the spot today. He had no knowledge of their identities or plans. However, he was a decent person. Despite being trembling with fear, he was still holding on to protect his employer in the carriage.

“Miss, we need to go!” The coachman supported Gu Hanjiang’s arm and was about to leave, but their way was blocked.

Qi Shu snatched his Shizun back from the coachman’s hands, saying, “What are you touching?”

“Y-y-yo-you—who are you?” 

“Hurry up.” Qi Shu had been holding his anger all night, and his words were now tinged with a fiery edge. “Are you waiting to be eaten by a demon?”

The coachman stammered, “But she…”

Qi Shu took a step forward, placing his Shizun behind him. “She has me.”

Though the coachman had doubts, his safety was the top priority. He hurriedly fled.

In the distance, Lu Chengyuan was still locked in a fierce battle with the demon. The sounds of their struggle grew more distant.

In the forest here, Gu Hanjiang spoke in a low voice, “Don’t grip so tightly.”

Qi Shu suddenly realized that he was still holding his Shizun’s hand.

After transforming into a female form, Gu Hanjiang’s hands had also become soft and delicate. They felt tender in his grip as if they might break with even a little pressure.

Qi Shu was reluctant to let go, but he still released his hand. “But just now, Shizun allowed that coachman to touch you.”

“It’s all an act,” Gu Hanjiang explained calmly.

Qi Shu muttered, “Oh.”

His attitude was indeed a bit unreasonable, but Gu Hanjiang wasn’t angry. Instead, he asked patiently, “Who has upset you?”

Qi Shu turned his head, “I’m not upset.”

Of course, he was upset.

This whole night, whether it was the undisguised looks from the innkeeper, Lu Chengyuan’s unfiltered words, or even the coachman just now, who had stolen several glances at his Shizun in town, their intentions were definitely not pure.

The usual lofty status of Heavenly Venerable Immortal left no room for any blasphemy. How could it be that after assuming a female form… he was so captivating?

Qi Shu was jealous. Very jealous.

Gu Hanjiang let out a gentle sigh. He reached out, tucking the stray strands of Qi Shu’s hair behind his ear. Due to the change in form, he was notably shorter, even having to slightly tip-toe to make the gesture.

“Don’t be angry. This won’t happen again,” Gu Hanjiang assured.

Qi Shu was momentarily caught off guard. “Huh?”

“I’m trying to comfort you,” Gu Hanjiang explained. He looked up at Qi Shu, his face ethereally beautiful, his expression sincere, his eyes clear and bright. “Don’t be angry. I won’t do it again in the future.”

Since taking on a female form, Gu Hanjiang’s voice had become even more delicate and tender. Qi Shu suddenly recalled that a long time ago, Gu Hanjiang had comforted him in the same way.

He remembered a time when a disciple came to seek apprenticeship. The disciple came from a prominent family, and his talent was commendable. Their parents were old acquaintances of the Heavenly Venerable Immortal. After witnessing a sword technique, Qi Shu saw a rare appreciation in his Shizun’s eyes.

That day, his Shizun chatted with that disciple for a long time.

Qi Shu was unhappy, but he didn’t dare to voice it. He could only sulk in a corner in silence.

In the end, his Shizun came to comfort him.

He explained that he had no intention of taking in the disciple, but only agreed to a few casual remarks as a favor to the disciple’s parents.

“Don’t be angry. I won’t do it again in the future.”

He had said similar words back then.

Even the tone was strikingly similar.

It was as if his Shizun was still treating him like a child.

Suddenly, Qi Shu’s heart felt a bit uncomfortable. His Shizun, even now, still regarded him as a child, his possessiveness over his quirks akin to that of a child.

He grabbed Gu Hanjiang’s wrist. “Shizun, I have grown up.”

He was no longer the Qi Shu from the past, who would be delighted for days just because his Shizun wouldn’t accept other disciples. He wanted more than back then, so much more that… he didn’t dare to think about it.

Gu Hanjiang didn’t respond. He lowered his eyes, showing no expression, but radiating a cold aura.

Then, a brilliant light enveloped him. His figure continuously stretched and transformed within the radiance, ultimately reverting to his original appearance.

The soft touch in his palm turned back to the familiar coldness. Gu Hanjiang lowered his gaze to his wrist, then after a moment, shifted his gaze away.

In the silent darkness of the forest, there were only occasional flashes of sword light and distant thunderous roars.

Gu Hanjiang said, “Lu Chengyuan won’t hold on for much longer. You should go help him.”

Once again, he changed the subject.

Qi Shu didn’t understand. After all this time, did his Shizun truly not understand what he meant? Or did he actually know long ago but was unwilling to accept it?

“Shizun…” Qi Shu licked his lips, his fingers a bit stiff from nervousness. “Shizun, there’s something I want to ask you.”

Gu Hanjiang asked, “What is it?”

“Do you know why I was angry just now?”

Gu Hanjiang fell silent.

Qi Shu was struggling to keep himself together. He believed he had grown a lot in these three years and was no longer the impulsive person he used to be. But today, he just wanted to be willful. He didn’t care about testing or grand plans. He just wanted an answer from this person’s mouth.

Qi Shu didn’t know where he got the courage. Suddenly, he took a step forward, closing the distance between them.

He gazed deeply into those familiar eyes, his heart pounding rapidly. When he spoke, his voice was clear and composed, “Shizun, what do you truly feel about me—”

Before he could finish, a loud boom echoed from the distance. Qi Shu felt a rush of energy sending leaves cascading down. Lu Chengyuan rapidly retreated, his long sword forcefully embedding itself into the ground, landing not far from where they stood.

Leaves fell in a tumultuous rustle. Lu Chengyuan raised his head, shouting at Qi Shu with evident frustration, “Qi Shu, what are you spacing out for? Hurry up and come help!”

Qi Shu: “…”

********

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Reika’s Notes:

• This chapter is by Reika (me).
• Thank you for your patience. I’ve been very busy, as I said previously, my father died.
• It was probably due to the stress that I also got sick.
• I tried to get a translator or at least an editor several times, but failed.
• That just means I’ll have to continue this project solo.
• Please let me know if there are any errors. Thanks for reading!

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