Chapter 24

"Dinner is served."

In the adjacent room, Ji Yan was setting the table. He had recently taken an interest in cooking spirit food and often assisted Gu Xinglan in the kitchen.

"Coming, coming!"

Hearing that the meal was ready, Gu Xingye responded immediately, neglecting even his business. He had been green with envy ever since Gu Xingdao had advanced his cultivation level. He was determined to eat more of this food; after all, where else could one find such a wonderful shortcut to advancement? Unlike medicinal pills, which often carried residual toxins, spirit food had no such drawbacks.

In the dining room, the table was spread with dishes that were as delicious and aromatic as anything served at the Zui Xian Pavilion.

"You really are a lucky lad," Third Great-Uncle said, digging in with gusto and praising Ji Yan without reservation. The compliments made Ji Yan blush a deep red. However, having heard them so often, he had gradually become accustomed to it; his earlobes would heat up for a moment, but he would soon regain his composure.

Third Great-Uncle shook his head with a sigh and glared at Gu Changqing. *What a blockhead,* he thought. *He deserves to sleep in separate rooms from his partner.* As someone with life experience, Third Great-Uncle had naturally noticed the subtle tension between the couple—their relationship was not as intimate as it appeared. Not only did they sleep in separate rooms at night, but they also maintained a polite, distant air toward one another.

*Useless,* Third Great-Uncle scolded silently. He had even created opportunities for the boy, yet Gu Changqing failed to cherish them, acting like a wooden statue with no initiative.

In truth, Gu Changqing quite enjoyed watching Ji Yan blush. Every time Third Great-Uncle teased him, Ji Yan would change expressions, then pretend as if nothing had happened; his forced composure was rather cute. Of course, Gu Changqing dared not show these thoughts. He was a master at playing the fool.

Ji Yan wanted to be angry, but he couldn't blame Third Great-Uncle. When he tried to vent his frustration on Gu Changqing, the latter would simply look innocent, acting as if he hadn't heard the teasing at all, leaving Ji Yan to stew in his own annoyance until he eventually calmed himself down. Whenever Gu Changqing recalled Ji Yan’s changing expressions, he would secretly smile. He had noticed, however, that since arriving in Beiling City—perhaps due to the change of environment or simply leaving behind the troubles of the Ji family—Ji Yan’s temper had improved significantly, and his dissociative symptoms had lessened.

"Thirteenth Uncle, is there any more of that meat from last time?" Gu Xingye asked, his mouth glistening with grease as he ate.

"Which kind?" Gu Changqing asked, glancing at him. There were too many types of demonic beast meat.

"The one that boosts cultivation," Gu Xingye said, his eyes filled with anticipation. He was desperate to improve his strength.

"Yes, there is." Gu Changqing thought to himself that there was as much demonic meat as one could want. Outside Beiling City, demonic beasts were rampant, and countless carcasses were being burned—what a waste.

"Thirteenth Uncle, what kind of meat is this? Tell us, please. We can't keep letting you spend your own money on us."

"That’s right, Thirteenth Uncle," Gu Xingdao agreed, nodding quickly. He, too, felt embarrassed to keep burdening his uncle.

Third Great-Uncle looked up. "Indeed, Changqing. You two have your own lives to lead; you shouldn't keep spending your wealth. What is this meat? We’ll buy it ourselves next time. I can still afford to feed you lot."

Gu Changqing remained silent. The conversation had circled back to this again. He smiled and said, "Don't worry about it, just eat. It's just demonic beast meat; it doesn't cost much in terms of spirit stones."

"You child," Third Great-Uncle said with a helpless glare, assuming Gu Changqing was just being modest to spare their feelings.

"Thirteenth Uncle, please stop lying to us." Gu Xingye felt a pang of gratitude. His uncle always gave the same answer, and he was so good to them. Meat with such potent effects couldn't be cheap; his uncle clearly didn't want to add to their mental burden. Gu Xingdao and Gu Xinglan felt the same.

Ji Yan was somewhat suspicious, though he couldn't pinpoint why. He just didn't feel that Gu Changqing was the type to make such selfless sacrifices without reason. Gu Changqing kept his face expressionless, thinking, *In a few days, you'll see that I truly wasn't lying.*

This was just laying the groundwork for later. Since they refused to believe the truth, he had already told them.

...

Once they were full, Gu Xingye’s attention turned to Gu Xingdao. "Seventh Brother, you seem a bit different today."

"How so?"

Gu Xingye frowned, looking him over. "I can't put my finger on it, but you just feel different."

Gu Changqing was slightly surprised; he hadn't expected the boy's perception to be so sharp. Of course, the aura of a sixth-level Qi practitioner was different from that of a seventh-level one.

Gu Xingdao smiled. "Thirteenth Uncle taught me a secret technique to conceal my cultivation."

"Concealment?" Gu Xingye’s eyes widened. *Could it be that Thirteenth Uncle’s own cultivation isn't what it seems?* Regardless, the technique sounded fascinating. He immediately clamored, "Thirteenth Uncle, you can't play favorites!"

"Indeed, Changqing, you shouldn't play favorites," Third Great-Uncle added, clearly interested in a technique that could even fool him.

Gu Changqing laughed helplessly. He hadn't intended to hide it anyway; they were all family, and he wanted to take care of them. He believed the "Void Concealment Art" was an essential skill for anyone traveling the world. With a flick of his finger, the information flowed into their minds.

Gu Xingye scratched his head, feeling as though it were too profound for him to grasp.

"This is..." Third Great-Uncle’s pupils constricted, his expression turning grave. As a Foundation Establishment cultivator, he recognized the value of the technique at a glance. He quickly warned them, "All of you, remember: this technique must never be leaked to outsiders."

"Yes!" the juniors replied respectfully.

Gu Changqing smiled. "I shall gift this technique to the family. Rest assured, it is not a secret teaching of the Lingxu Sect." All of the Lingxu Sect’s techniques were protected by oaths connected to the Heavenly Dao; leaking them would bring down divine retribution, which was why the sect didn't fear their loss.

Third Great-Uncle stroked his beard and smiled. "The family will not treat you unfairly. When we return, we will calculate your contribution points, and you shall receive your due."

Gu Changqing did not refuse. The family provided him with protection, and he would reciprocate; mutual exchange was the path to long-term stability.

"Thirteenth Uncle, what is your current cultivation level?" Gu Xingye asked, his eyes darting around with curiosity. Ji Yan was also curious, though he knew Gu Changqing wouldn't say. Several pairs of expectant eyes turned toward him.

Gu Changqing found it amusing. He tapped Gu Xingye on the head. "Uncle will teach you a lesson today: never ask about such things. Words leave traces, and a secret is only a secret if no one else knows it. I only hope you all learn to hide yourselves well."

"Sss—" Gu Xingye winced. "Thirteenth Uncle, take it easy."

"Haha! A well-deserved lesson. You’ve always been the most reckless one," Third Great-Uncle laughed.

After chatting for a while, Gu Changqing began guiding them in practicing the technique. Without guidance, an immortal-grade technique was just a string of incomprehensible text. Even with help, Gu Xingye found it particularly difficult. However, it varied from person to person; Ji Yan had the highest aptitude, learning the fastest and practicing with the most diligence.

"Take care of your health," Gu Changqing said, looking at him with disapproval.

"It is fine," Ji Yan smiled gently. The warmth radiating from him seemed even more pronounced. "I've been feeling much better lately, don't worry."

Gu Changqing nodded, choosing to believe him.

...

A few days passed in a flash.

One day, Gu Changqing was in the shop, teaching the "way of being steady." "Don't poke your nose into other people's business, don't be too curious, and if you see a pie falling from the sky, avoid it at all costs. The sky is full of traps, not just pies. Especially the Linglong Pavilion—you lot, keep this in mind: no funny business."

Gu Xinglan’s cheeks flushed. "Thirteenth Uncle, what are you talking about?"

"Hmph!" Gu Changqing snorted. He couldn't underestimate the allure of the Linglong Pavilion; both male and female cultivators chased after it, and young girls like Xinglan were easily deceived by matters of the heart.

"Young Master Suqing is truly peerless," a voice praised from outside. To promote their business, the Linglong Pavilion had been hosting music gatherings, winning the favor of countless people.

"Fairy Qinglan is so beautiful; I wonder what Lady Lianyue looks like."

"I heard she is choosing a companion, not based on cultivation, but on destiny. I wonder if I have that kind of luck."

Another dreamer.

"You coward, you dare to covet Lady Lianyue? I heard several Golden Core masters have arrived in the city recently."

"Aren't they here for the auction?"

"Pfft, who knows?"

As they spoke, they walked into the shop. "Shopkeeper, two bottles of Spirit Gathering Pills, three Purification Talismans, and ten Evil-Suppressing Talismans."

"Coming right up!" Gu Xingye hurried to serve them.

Upstairs, Third Great-Uncle’s face was grim. He was unconsciously releasing the pressure of a Foundation Establishment cultivator. The advantage was that everyone in Golden Laurel Ward knew the Gu family shop had a Foundation Establishment backer, so no one dared cause trouble. Golden Core masters were rare, and Foundation Establishment was enough to deter anyone from targeting a shop. The disadvantage was that Gu Xingdao was becoming worried, feeling that Third Great-Uncle was hiding something from him.

Ji Yan walked over. "Your uncle is angry again."

Gu Changqing shook his head. "He’s angry every day."

Ji Yan glared at him. "You are truly perverse. Do you really not need my help? The auction is tomorrow."

Gu Changqing smiled. "Don't worry. When I need help, I promise I won't hide it from you."

"I wasn't worried about you," Ji Yan said, stubbornly.

Gu Changqing laughed, knowing that Ji Yan simply wanted to give something back. Since eating the demonic meat, his body looked much healthier, his complexion was rosy, and the warmth on his body—wait, the warmth on Ji Yan’s body seemed to have been hidden away.

"Thirteenth Uncle, is Third Great-Uncle really alright?" Gu Xingdao interrupted his thoughts.

Gu Changqing smiled. "Don't worry. He'll get used to it if he keeps getting annoyed; it’ll help him stay clear-headed and stop daydreaming."

Gu Xingdao remained silent. He felt it was disrespectful to talk about his uncle like that, but Gu Changqing’s nonchalant attitude reassured him.

Gu Changqing shook his head, confirming his own resolve: he must not let the Ancestor join the so-called "Golden Core Alliance." They should stay out of those major affairs. Even the street-level cultivators knew the Golden Core masters' motives for coming to Beiling City were unclear; how could the Lingxu Sect not be aware?

Lady Lianyue’s charm was immense; it was common knowledge that she could help people advance to the Nascent Soul stage. No Golden Core master could resist that temptation. Once they arrived in Beiling City and set their sights on Lady Lianyue, the Lingxu Sect would naturally follow the vines to uproot the danger. There was no right or wrong here—only the law of the jungle.

That was why Third Great-Uncle looked so grim; he had clearly realized the consequences of exposure. In the end, the Golden Core Alliance was a fractured group, united only by their resistance to the Lingxu Sect. They were rivals, and once interests clashed...

Strength in numbers wasn't always a good thing; more often than not, it just meant being dragged down by others.