Chapter 6

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Gu Changqing cast a sympathetic glance at Ji Yan. Once again, Master Ji was acting under the delusion that he was doing what was best for him. The Ji family was not a prestigious clan. Master Ji was simply fortunate to have apprenticed under a Golden Core True Immortal, who later became one of the three Nascent Soul elders of the sect. The Ji family’s fortunes rose accordingly.

As a result, Master Ji was rather casual in his demeanor. Otherwise, how could a single Golden Core True Immortal cause so much trouble and still be tolerated by the sect leader? Especially considering the taboo of fratricidal conflict within the sect.

Gu Changqing had only just learned today that Ji Yan’s spiritual root had been destroyed under suspicious circumstances. However, since the matter had not become public, it was likely protected by Master Ji. He heard that Master Ji had severely punished Ji Yan’s grandson, ordering him to reflect on his mistakes at the Cliff of Contemplation. Because of this, Ji Li had caused a commotion. Shortly after, Master Ji changed his stance and agreed to let his grandson marry.

It was probably around that time Ji Yan uncovered the truth about the conspiracy. A deadly enmity had been established between the two sides. Naturally, the Ji family could no longer tolerate Ji Yan. For the sake of the family’s stability, to eliminate future troubles, and to ease the minds of those who hated Ji Yan, they decided to marry him off to a man, severing his bloodline, compensating him with a large dowry, and allowing him to live out his remaining years in peace. This, presumably, was what Master Ji meant by “doing it for his own good.”

After all, marrying and producing heirs would continue the bloodline and, potentially, the cycle of hatred. In such a case, the Ji family might not even allow Ji Yan to live. Ultimately, it was because Ji Yan had been crippled. Had he retained a single spiritual root, even if Master Ji shielded the culprit, the sect leader would have helped him seek revenge and protected his growth. A single spiritual root was a valuable asset to the sect.

Looking at Ji Yan’s smiling face, Gu Changqing felt a twinge of regret. He shouldn’t have wasted the Void Treasure Mirror today; he ought to have examined Ji Yan to understand his true mindset. How could he still be smiling?

...

Leaving the Lingxu Peak, Gu Changqing was in good spirits. The sect leader had made the decision; his master had transferred a second-tier spiritual vein into his name. It was located on Mount Evening Mist, near the northern city. He hesitated for a moment, feeling uneasy about being outside the city, but the second-tier spiritual vein was too tempting to pass up.

A second-tier spiritual vein could cultivate a hundred acres of superior spiritual fields, establish a Foundation Establishment family, and accelerate cultivation speed—simply irresistible! He resolved to begin studying the third-level array formation upon his return.

Mount Evening Mist was not far from the marketplace. With a third-level protective mountain array, his safety would be guaranteed.

"Uncle Thirteen."

"Uncle Thirteen."

Just as he returned to his cave dwelling, a frantic voice called out. "Are you really going to marry a man?"

The messenger’s face was anxious, sweat dripping down his forehead. He was Gu Changqing’s nephew, who had joined the sect two years prior. The family’s resources were limited, so some of the less gifted and ordinary spiritual root members, eager to strive, often joined the sect, since it was a path forward. As long as they earned enough contribution points, they could exchange them for Foundation Establishment pills—though the price was significantly higher than for inner sect disciples.

Gu Changqing glanced at him. “What’s the rush, little—”

Before he could finish, there was a sudden thud. Gu Xing’an stumbled headlong into the formation, his figure swaying as if nearly knocked prone by the array’s force.

Gu Changqing frowned slightly. “I told you to be careful, and yet you still rushed in.”

“Uncle Thirteen,” Gu Xing’an gave him a pitiful look. “Your cave dwelling is more dangerous than a dragon’s den or tiger’s lair.”

“You’ve been to a dragon’s den or tiger’s lair?”

“Of course,” Gu Xing’an brightened. “Back when the Black Dragon rebelled, the clan leader sent people to suppress it. I was part of the vanguard exploring the dragon’s den.”

“Any gains?”

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“Alas!” Gu Xing’an sighed. “I was knocked unconscious by a shockwave and woke up back at the clan.”

“Haha!” Gu Changqing chuckled lightly and beckoned him inside.

Gu Xing’an followed him into the dwelling. Seeing the spiritual fruit trees inside, his eyes widened with envy. He thought to himself, Granduncle Seven had real foresight to send Uncle Thirteen into the sect at a young age.

“Sit down.”

Gu Changqing invited him to sit and brewed two bowls of spirit tea.

“Uncle Thirteen, your tea here is the best.”

Gu Changqing smiled at him. “You should take some back with you later.”

“Don’t be shy about it.”

Though he said this, his eyes were already twinkling with a smile. Gu Changqing and he got along well. In the past, whenever something came up, Gu Xing’an would help handle it.

After a few light-hearted exchanges, Gu Xing’an became serious.

“Uncle Thirteen, are you really going to marry Ji Yan?”

Gu Changqing nodded. “The auspicious day is the eighteenth of next month.”

“So soon?”

Gu Xing’an was surprised, then grew anxious.

“You’re only twenty-six, already at the sixth level of Qi Refinement, with a good chance to reach Foundation Establishment before sixty. Why ruin your prospects? Contract backlash isn’t something to take lightly.”

Gu Changqing smiled. “No need to worry. I know what I’m doing.”

“But…”

Gu Xing’an wanted to say more.

Gu Changqing produced the deed to Mount Evening Mist and smiled faintly. “Besides that, I have a shop, a residence, three hundred spirit stones monthly, and also longevity pills.”

Gu Xing’an immediately fell silent, his entire demeanor souring like he had just bitten into a lemon. He was jealous. Such good fortune—he wanted it too. He no longer worried about Uncle Thirteen; now he envied him. If contract backlash came with such assets, he would gladly bear it.

A single longevity pill could extend life by thirty years—ample time to nurture descendants.

Gu Xing’an’s eyes darkened. “Uncle Thirteen, congratulations on your newfound wealth and fortune.”

Gu Changqing shook his head. People were just so practical.

They chatted a while longer before Gu Xing’an took his leave. Gu Changqing packed some spirit tea and fruit for him and reminded, “Don’t forget to pass the word to the family.”

“Got it, got it.” He was still sour.

...

Joining the sect did not mean cutting ties with the family. Gu Changqing’s comfortable life, despite his master’s indifference, was mainly due to family support. It was an investment: his success in the sect would, in turn, benefit the family.

Thus, such a major event as marriage had to be reported to the family.

In the following days, Gu Changqing lived leisurely—tending flowers, planting herbs, drawing talismans, staying home and awaiting summons. As the groom, the sect handled all wedding arrangements, making him feel somewhat unreal. He was actually getting married.

“Such a pity,” Gu Changqing murmured. It was his first marriage in two lifetimes, yet under these circumstances. He felt a twinge of regret, though not deep sorrow.

After all, he was confident he could achieve longevity; Ji Yan would age and die. If they ever formed genuine feelings, the survivor would be the one left grieving.

Gu Changqing harbored a strange confidence: as long as he could endure, he would be a winner in life.

Yet, the future winner found himself powerless against the third-level array formations; his cultivation level was a limitation.

After days of struggle, Gu Changqing gave up. His Qi Refinement stage cultivation simply couldn’t sustain a third-level protective mountain array.

“Senior Brother Gu!”

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“Senior Brother Gu!”

Someone came to the cave dwelling. Gu Changqing ignored it.

Since news of his marriage to Ji Yan spread, visitors came frequently. At first, he entertained them, but after hearing too many snide remarks, he grew numb and stopped responding.

In the past two years, Master Ji had caused too much trouble. The sect leader, to maintain appearances, published the dowry list—a mere fig leaf. But the effect was good: everyone’s attention shifted to the substantial wealth, and Gu Changqing became the lucky chosen one.

Some envied him, others jealously resented him, but all their bitterness seemed incomplete without a few sour remarks.

Even Bing Ning had visited, though that woman was somewhat comical—expressing disapproval that he accepted his master’s second-tier spiritual vein. Who did she think she was?

...

Several more days passed.

With a sudden rustle, the once-withered spiritual peach sapling trembled, its tender green leaves unfurling as if dancing gracefully.

The Little Vermilion Flame Array burned fiercely, tightly enveloping the branches.

After a while, calm returned.

The Little Vermilion Flame Array shattered.

The spiritual peach sapling emitted a faint fire elemental spiritual force.

Gu Changqing’s heart leapt with joy. “It’s done.”

His meticulous care had paid off.

The spiritual peach sapling had finally advanced to a Red Sun Spiritual Peach.

Foundation Establishment pills were rare due to scarce materials, and the sect only refined them once a year. The exchange was costly and required queuing for a chance.

Though the Red Sun Spiritual Peach’s effect was not as strong as a Foundation Establishment pill, it was still a hope.

Gu Changqing felt elated. His frustration at being confined indoors dissipated somewhat.

Recently, he had been the center of attention wherever he went. He admitted to being a homebody, but voluntary seclusion and forced confinement were entirely different.

“I knew Ji Yan was trouble,” he complained.

If only he had known earlier.

“Alas,” Gu Changqing sighed deeply. Even so, he could not refuse this marriage—unless he was willing to leave the Lingxu Sect. But if he left, where else could he go?

“Forget it,” he shook his head, quickly gathering his thoughts. He only hoped to complete the marriage soon. Once the attention faded, no one would gossip anymore.

Time flew.

Three days before the wedding, Gu Changqing finally grew busy. His master sent someone to teach him proper etiquette and the wedding procedures.

To restore the lost face of the two peaks, the sect leader planned a grand banquet, dubbed a union between the two peaks.

Ji Yan represented the Fire-Controlling Peak and the Nascent Soul True Immortal; Gu Changqing represented the Little Spring Peak and the Gu family of Cloud City. They were a well-matched, destined couple.

However, those who knew the truth understood the two peaks were on the verge of enmity; Yu Jinghua was exhausted with the Fire-Controlling Peak.

“Congratulations, Junior Brother Gu,” Fang Yaowen dropped by, occasionally bringing him tidbits of news. Including the fact that the second-tier spiritual vein was originally reserved for Gu Changqing’s junior fellow disciple but was intercepted by him. The junior disciple was reportedly aggrieved.

That was why Bing Ning had visited to offer counsel—urging kindness and magnanimity.

Gu Changqing scoffed at this, which was why he distanced himself from Bing Ning. He disliked her self-righteous, fate-driven attitude.