Chapter 93: Guanzhu, My Love Gu Has Died Again…
“Did you come here to find Shishu or Mr. Bai?” No one else was yet aware of Yun Wuxiang’s return, so Shen Lanqing’s presence here could only be for the Chongming Bird or Bai Jiao.
Yun Wuxiang’s question pulled Shen Lanqing out of his daze. “I came to find the Taishang Zhanglao, but now that Shifu is back, speaking with you is the same”.
Shen Lanqing retrieved a scroll from his storage ring. With a sharp flick, it unfurled, cascading to the ground and rolling out for over a dozen meters.
As his gaze followed the movement of the scroll, Yun Wuxiang was instantly reminded of the years he spent as an Emperor in the small world. There were always endless memorials to review, refreshing every day—much like the unkillable Song Yilou, always popping up to occupy his time.
“Shifu, during this period, the Demon Race has engaged in a total of one hundred and thirty-five small-scale brawls involving fewer than five people, thirty medium-scale fights with more than ten people, and three large-scale chaotic battles involving over a hundred people. I have recorded the names of those involved, and the property damage and losses are as follows…”.
“During this same time, the Demon Race has excavated a total of one hundred and eight thousand, three hundred and fourteen jin of Demon Crystals. The number of low-grade Demon Beasts hunted has reached one-tenth of the entire secret realm; the Taishang Zhanglao has already forbidden them from continuing the hunt”.
“The people from the Immortal Realm have been harvesting spiritual plants in the Ancestor’s Daoist field. The specific quantities and species are recorded with Zhao Sihai”.
“The Tower Spirit of the Seventh Phantom Lightning Locking Tower has visited many times, asking if Shifu intends to abandon the artifact spirit. He wants to know if you still want the Sect-Protecting Grand Array. He also claims to be of the same generation as the Taishang Zhanglao and insists he should also be appointed as a Taishang Zhanglao”.
Listening to these matters pile up one after another, the barely perceptible curve of Yun Wuxiang’s lips flattened. A fleeting thought of leaving Qingdi Guan to wander the world alone surfaced in his mind.
He only had two disciples; how could there be so many people and complications?.
Shen Lanqing maintained a composed and dignified air, yet a subtle hint of seeking credit was hidden beneath it, like a puppy waiting for praise after finishing its chores.
Yun Wuxiang swept the scroll with his divine sense, taking in everything written on the long parchment at a glance.
It had to be said that Shen Lanqing had done a very good job. He was organized and methodical—exactly the kind of official Yun Wuxiang would have appreciated during his time as Emperor.
Yun Wuxiang reached out and ruffled his disciple’s hair. “Lanqing, if you weren’t my disciple, I would be very happy to have such a useful subordinate”.
“My disciple only needs to do what he enjoys, or focus on raising his cultivation. You shouldn’t have to waste your energy on any other people or matters. I didn’t leave Zhao Sihai behind just so he could eat for free”.
Shen Lanqing smiled. “Shifu, I know my limits. In the cultivation world, strength is respected. Naturally, I won’t waste time on trivialities and delay my cultivation. It’s just that Zhao Sihai cannot manage the high-ranking demons; I often have to ask Shishuzu to back me up when speaking to them”.
Yun Wuxiang replied, “Is that so? Then go raise your strength and beat the one with the highest cultivation into submission”.
“Mhm!” Shen Lanqing chirped.
Having not spent time alone with his master for a long while, Shen Lanqing’s chatter was ceaseless.
Yun Wuxiang listened quietly, occasionally offering a response. As for the black scorpion in the cage making constant noise, it was ignored by both master and disciple.
Thus, a short while later, a figure with a venomous snake draped around his neck appeared before them.
Shen Lanqing frowned, greeting the newcomer with an unwelcoming attitude. “Liu Huansi, what are you doing here?”.
Liu Huansi maintained a cold expression on his handsome, exotic face. “Guanzhu, my Master wishes for me to pass on a message”.
Yun Wuxiang looked down at the now-quiet black scorpion in the cage. “I actually forgot you still had subordinates outside”.
The black scorpion flicked its tail. Once Yun Wuxiang opened the cage, it crawled up his hand and onto his shoulder, instantly expanding into a mass of ghostly energy that shoved the standing Shen Lanqing to the side.
Amidst Shen Lanqing’s fuming glares, Song Yilou wrapped his arms around Yun Wuxiang’s waist and cast a triumphant look at the disciple.
The so-called “passing a message” was merely a “besiege Wei to rescue Zhao” tactic—an excuse to get Yun Wuxiang to release him.
Yun Wuxiang dismissed Shen Lanqing before he could erupt into curses.
Liu Huansi, possessing great situational awareness, proactively vanished as well.
After they left, Song Yilou patted the cage in Yun Wuxiang’s hand, the body of the cage swinging back and forth. “Guanzhu, next time you lock me up, you must come inside as well. That way, I’ll be willing to stay inside for a long time”.
“I don’t need you to be willing, nor will I confuse punishment with reward.” Yun Wuxiang reached out and hooked the chin of the person behind him, bringing that head and body together before his eyes. “Song Yilou, are you going to let others interfere in our game?”.
Song Yilou’s expression shifted slightly. From beneath the shadows of his hair, he stared at Yun Wuxiang. “Guanzhu is simply protecting them”.
Did he think saying that would stop him from moving against those fellows?.
“Song Yilou, as someone who wants to become my Daoist companion, you are very derelict in your duties,” Yun Wuxiang said abruptly.
“Derelict?” Song Yilou flatly denied it. “I have clearly cooperated well with the Guanzhu in Shuangxiu, and I’ve never made a mistake in circulating the techniques”.
It was just that a few times, when the mood was at its peak, he forgot that the techniques even existed.
Thud!
A fist landed on the crown of Song Yilou’s head. Yun Wuxiang retracted his hand amidst the man’s fake and exaggerated wails, gazing into the distance.
Since their Shuangxiu, Yun Wuxiang could occasionally sense Song Yilou’s thoughts—just like now.
That debt would be settled later.
Yun Wuxiang’s gaze landed on the plaque of Qingdi Guan as he continued his speech. “Qingdi Guan is mine. If you and I become Daoist companions, then Qingdi Guan will also be yours, and my disciples will also be your disciples”.
The wailing stopped instantly.
Yun Wuxiang added, “You heard everything Lanqing said just now”.
“I didn’t”.
Yun Wuxiang held down his head, which was shaking like a rattle, and gave a faint smile. “His Majesty, Emperor Song Xuan, you developed the Song Xuan State very well in the small world. Therefore, please continue to work hard”.
“Qingdi Guan shall be our second Song Xuan State”.
“Being an Emperor isn’t fun; I’ve played enough.” Song Yilou grabbed the hand atop his head and bit down on Yun Wuxiang’s wrist, his sharp canine teeth sinking deeper and deeper into the skin.
Yun Wuxiang retracted his hand but did not struggle; Song Yilou bit down too hard, as if he intended to snap the wrist.
A body condensed from Demon Qi had no blood. Even if Song Yilou bit until the wrist shattered, he would only get a mouthful of Demon Qi.
Yun Wuxiang only needed to blur his physical form into Demon Qi to escape Song Yilou’s mouth, yet neither of them moved.
A flicker of confusion passed through his red eyes. Yun Wuxiang quietly watched the person biting him. After a long while, he spoke, asking with a hint of surprise, “Song Yilou, are you angry?”.
Song Yilou released his grip. To Yun Wuxiang, the ghostly pupils—a mix of violence and hostility—looked unexpectedly pure. The flash of bewilderment within them seemed like an illusion.
“Hmm? I’m angry?”.
He was indeed angry. Yun Wuxiang pulled back his battered wrist and healed the tooth marks. “What are you angry about? Because I locked you up?”.
“No.” The curve of Song Yilou’s mouth widened, and a cheerful yet crazed smile returned to his face. “Guanzhu, another one of my Love Gu has died”.
The Gu ghost’s icy fingers pressed against Yun Wuxiang’s heart. His fingertips sank slightly while his palm remained hovering, as if in the next second, this hand would turn into a claw and plunge inside to dig out his heart.
The repeated words echoed in his ear: “Guanzhu, my Love Gu has died again”.
Yun Wuxiang understood what Song Yilou was angry about, and he realized why his words hadn’t calmed Song Yilou but had instead backfired.
“Is love that important? Even without that emotion, it doesn’t stop me from recognizing you as my sole Daoist companion”.
“Ha, hahahahahaha…” Song Yilou laughed until he clutched his stomach and trembled. Then, he suddenly pulled Yun Wuxiang into a hug and bit him fiercely on the neck. “Correct, it’s not important. So, Guanzhu, let’s Shuangxiu. Daoist companions are supposed to Shuangxiu frequently”.
…
Several days later.
“Wuxiang, you’ve finally shown your face. Lanqing and Mr. Bai have been looking for you.” Relying on the white mist to hide him, Yun Xinyang openly scrutinized the person opposite him.
Yun Wuxiang, who usually wore black and white, was draped in a red outer robe today. He looked like a sharp blade drawn from its scabbard, or a brilliant, scorching Fire Phoenix—step closer, and one would be burned to ash.
That red was a bit too vibrant on Yun Wuxiang.
Yun Wuxiang held a sphere wrapped in talisman paper. His gaze was fixed on the talisman ball. Yun Xinyang glanced at the ball, then moved his eyes to the empty birdcage nearby.
“Song Yilou isn’t here?”.
Yun Wuxiang: “Song Yilou has gone mad”.
“…Huh?” Yun Xinyang’s eyes widened in horror and confusion. “How much crazier can he get?”.
“Haven’t you two already… that? He’s still crazy?” Yun Xinyang made a bold guess, lowering his voice to ask, “Could it be that your ‘that’ isn’t very harmonious?”.
“What exactly is going on?”.
Yun Wuxiang spun the talisman ball between his fingers and said softly, “Song Yilou wants me to love him”.
Yun Xinyang was stunned. “You don’t love him?”.
“Ge, you don’t love him but you still went to bed with him? No, wait—how does he know? Did you let it slip?”.
Yun Wuxiang spoke with total sincerity. “I will treat him as my Daoist companion, Shuangxiu with him, indulge him, and restrain him. We will live together. Isn’t that enough?”.
At that moment, Yun Xinyang felt a surge of panic. He could practically see Song Yilou laughing maniacally as he held a torch to set Qingdi Guan ablaze, dragging everyone down to be buried with him. After finishing his mental imagery, Yun Xinyang’s voice trembled. “So you really don’t love him?”.
“I cannot manage a love that is equal to Song Yilou’s.” Song Yilou’s emotions were like the man himself—dangerous, extreme, unrestrained, aggressive, and lacking any sense of moderation.
Yun Wuxiang recalled the sensation when the Love Gu had previously taken effect. Back then, he wouldn’t have refused anything Song Yilou said.
“If I fell in love with him, I would indulge him too much. We would quickly march toward destruction together”.
Or they would break the entire world.
“Wait a minute, how do you know what would happen if you loved him? You’ve never loved him.” Yun Xinyang found the blind spot. “I get it! You love Song Yilou, but you’re afraid of indulging him too much, so you restrain yourself from loving him, right?!”.
Yun Wuxiang: “No”.
Yun Xinyang: [No!!!].
Yun Wuxiang thought for a moment and added, “I feel that love isn’t important. Whether it exists or not, Song Yilou won’t leave me, and I recognize him as my Daoist companion. Our current mode of interaction is good and it has always been this way. Why is he angry this time?”.
“It’s probably because you went to bed together.” Yun Xinyang spoke the truth. You’ve already slept with him and yet you don’t love him—how could someone like Song Yilou not go mad?.
Yun Wuxiang opened the talisman seal and tossed the black scorpion onto the ground. A black shadow instantly elongated, and demonic eyes reflected the other’s figure. “He was right?”.
“Correct.” Song Yilou pulled back the corners of his mouth, revealing a mouthful of forest-white teeth. “This is all the Guanzhu’s fault”.
Yun Wuxiang: “Hmm? What is my fault?”.
“You are indulging me.” Song Yilou leaned down, drawing close to Yun Wuxiang. “Indulging me to the point of being willing to Shuangxiu, and even sharing your temple and disciples with me”.
“Even with this level of indulgence, my Love Gu still died”.
Ghostly pupils, thick as tainted blood, stared into clear, rational red eyes, offering a malevolent spirit’s prayer: “Yun Wuxiang, indulge me a little more. How about letting me grow a single Love Gu?”.
Yun Wuxiang nodded. “Wait for me to make some preparations first”.
Now it was Song Yilou’s turn to look at him with a strange expression. Preparations? Can one succeed in such a thing just by preparing?.
“I suggest the two of you go to the Immortal Realm before making this attempt,” the white-tailed Merman suggested earnestly.
The Chongming Bird landed nearby. Yun Xinyang moved from the corner to its side, only feeling a sense of relief once he was hidden behind his teacher.
The moment Song Yilou was released, he had sent a call for help to these two. They had finally arrived.
Bai Jiao faced the two with a smile. “According to the deduction of the stars, the two of you can achieve a more perfect result in the Immortal Realm”.
“Coincidentally, Jin Hongqi should be coming out of the Qingdi Great Hall soon. It is never good for an Immortal cultivator to cross a tribulation in the Demon Realm. When the time comes, the Taishang Zhanglao and I will send him to the Guanzhu’s side. Please find a place suitable for a cultivator’s tribulation once you reach the Immortal Realm”.
The Chongming Bird said impatiently, “The Tower Spirit bothers me day and night; take him away as well”.
The two elders went back and forth, stuffing a pile of tasks and items into Yun Wuxiang’s hands before sending him and Song Yilou out of the secret realm.
Once they left, the Chongming Bird looked at the smiling Merman. “Aren’t you severely overextended? Didn’t you say you couldn’t perform divinations lately?”.
Bai Jiao: “Indeed. However, everything I needed to do was already done beforehand. Although it’s a bit early for the Guanzhu to head to the Immortal Realm, there is no real harm in it”.
“And their situation?” The Chongming Bird opened its eyes, and Bai Jiao’s inner thoughts were completely exposed.
Bai Jiao spoke with a sincere tone. “The marriage between those two is set. No matter the outcome, they are a match made in heaven”.
[Sending them to the Immortal Realm for a better result was, of course, a temporary lie. If I didn’t send them away, was I supposed to let those two run amok in our home base? One Song Yilou is enough trouble; if the Guanzhu joins in his chaos, how are we supposed to live?].
[My Daoist companion is almost here. What if they accidentally hurt him?!].
[Anyway, the Guanzhu was going to the Immortal Realm eventually. Isn’t letting them go there to plague the enemies better than staying here to plague their own people?].
[What, do you actually want to keep them here?].
The Chongming Bird silently closed its eyes.
Recommended Reads
