In the moment he zoned out, a golden chain flew over and wrapped several times around Gu Changhuai’s waist. He bent down to dodge Xuan Yao’s reaching hand and said, “It was just a little verbal sparring. I wasn’t even mad—why are you?”
But Xuan Yao said nothing. He yanked on the golden chain, trying to drag him over.
The chain was no ordinary item; it was a top-grade immortal artifact brimming with dense spiritual energy. Gu Changhuai’s body was forced into the air. His eyes sharpened. Using the momentum, he spun once in midair, grabbed one end of the chain in a counter-move, and landed steadily, avoiding being pulled in.
He must be really pissed. Somewhat helpless, Gu Changhuai flicked his fingers. Two pearls appeared in his hand, and he hurled them at Xuan Yao. “Catch!”
The pearls flew straight at him. Xuan Yao’s brows furrowed. He raised his hand to catch them, his palm stinging on impact. When he opened it, there lay the red and green twin artifacts he had lost not long ago.
Xuan Yao’s expression changed drastically. He looked at Gu Changhuai. “You…”
Gu Changhuai said casually, “Picked them up. They’re yours now!”
Taking advantage of the moment, he shook off the chain around his waist and slipped away.
Can’t beat him? Then run.
He sent a transmission to Hua Mei: “Remember to clean up the trap’s traces.”
Hua Mei watched as Gu Changhuai vanished like a shooting star. He turned to flee too, but the golden chain whipped over and wrapped around his throat several times.
Hua Mei: “…”
The hostage is me.
Xuan Yao’s face was unpleasant. “Don’t move. I have a few questions.”
As he spoke, his expression flickered, his tone no longer as tense and hostile as before. He coughed lowly twice, a hint of inexplicable shyness creeping in. “That Gu attendant from earlier… does he have a dao companion?”
“?”
Hua Mei’s eyes changed instantly. A silky, enchanting flirtatious smile emerged. In a pinched voice, he said, “Brother, you should’ve said so earlier. Under heaven and earth, no one knows Gu Daren better than this humble one.”
After slipping away down a mountain path, Gu Changhuai first went to Zhao Shuzhai’s. The book pavilion in Ten Directions Garden had a prominent signboard, with crowds streaming in and out at the entrance.
He charged straight to the second floor and burst in on Zhao Shuzhai. The man was counting spirit stones until his hand cramped. Ignoring the clerks’ attempts to stop him, Gu Changhuai kicked the door open, slammed it shut, and got straight to the point. “I need a small favor.”
Seeing it was Gu Changhuai, Zhao Shuzhai—who had been about to bolt in panic—suddenly paused. He straightened his collar pretentiously. “I’m all ears.”
Gu Changhuai rubbed his chin. “Can you write an exciting fight scene? Make it bloody, evenly matched, and emphasize the hardship involved.”
His previous letter hadn’t been vivid enough. Zhao Shuzhai was a master at twisting truths, perfect for ghostwriting. Best to portray himself as struggling heroically… That way, the Demon Venerable would see he was diligently on the job and feel reassured.
Zhao Shuzhai clapped his hands. “Easy peasy. It’s just…” He rubbed his hands, his scholarly face taking on a merchant’s sly greed.
Gu Changhuai smiled shyly. “About you profiting big off me and the Qing Lian Immortal Lord—I think the Immortal Lord might want a cut of the proceeds. What do you think?”
Getting the implication, Zhao Shuzhai’s face changed. Very sensibly, he said, “No problem at all. How many pieces do you need, and when?”
Gu Changhuai thought for a moment. “One by tomorrow first, and I’ll let you know in advance for the rest.”
Zhao Shuzhai: “No problem, no problem. With our relationship, I’ll handle this task perfectly.”
He paused, then coughed. “…So the Immortal Lord won’t take a cut, right?”
Gu Changhuai’s expression turned serious. He made a zipping gesture over his mouth.
Zhao Shuzhai nodded solemnly too. “Good brother. Mum’s the word!”
…
After leaving Ten Directions Garden, Gu Changhuai handed the letter he’d written at Stone Long Platform to Han Ya. Three days for blood, and now blood had been seen—it was time to report progress.
As dusk fell in the west, the dying yellow sunlight made the lake’s fire lotuses glow even brighter than before. Walking along the shore felt like viewing a sea of fire ignited on the water. The lake shimmered, the fire lotuses blazed harmoniously.
Having resolved two major issues in a row, Gu Changhuai was in high spirits. He hummed a little tune, strolling leisurely back to Waterside Residence—only to come face-to-face with Rong Ye sitting in the courtyard.
Rong Ye’s deep, emotionless eyes flicked over. “Come here.”
The good mood shattered instantly. Gu Changhuai shuffled over reluctantly. “What orders does the Immortal Lord have?”
“Apply medicine.” Rong Ye’s voice was low and hoarse. He tilted his head slightly, revealing a thin scar on the side of his neck. In a low voice, he said, “Have you forgotten?”
His tone was as cold and detached as ever, yet it carried an indescribable sourness.
It instantly stirred a wave of guilt in Gu Changhuai. He stammered, “I haven’t forgotten, I haven’t.” He pulled out a bottle of wound salve and sidled up to Rong Ye. “Here, let me apply it for the Immortal Lord.”
He grabbed Rong Ye by the neck, pressing at the nape. He dipped his ring finger in some medicine and carefully dabbed it on the wound. Seeing the thin cut tinged with blood on his neck, Gu Changhuai paused.
But he quickly recovered and applied the medicine, though he found it odd. With Rong Ye’s cultivation, this superficial wound should have healed long ago. Yet it looked fresh, as if just made…
Weird.
Internal injury maybe?
Then I’d be adding insult to injury—sinful! Feeling guilty, Gu Changhuai eyed the wound like an enemy. His movements grew even gentler, applying it with utmost focus.
…
Rong Ye lifted his gaze.
They were so close he could see the fine white fuzz on Gu Changhuai’s face and the obediently lowered long lashes.
He was utterly focused on the wound, his handsome face full of seriousness, his actions gentle and careful.
Perhaps from strolling back from Stone Long Platform, a faint pink flush showed beneath his pale skin, and he carried the subtle cool fragrance of Waterside Residence.
Rong Ye’s gaze trailed down from Gu Changhuai’s superior lips. His collar was slightly loose, revealing the sharp, clear lines of his neck bones with each breath.
As if they could be crushed easily… Obedient to a fault.
A Demon Clan assassin sent to sow chaos, yet living leisurely in the sect.
Rong Ye’s eyes darkened.
…Wait a little longer.
He closed his eyes, hiding the murkiness within.
…
Unaware of Rong Ye’s thoughts, Gu Changhuai happily narrowed his eyes while applying the medicine, marveling inwardly. The Qing Lian Immortal Lord, who could sweep away the Demon Clan with one sword, was sitting obediently here letting him tend to such a sensitive spot as his vital artery. What face!
Something to brag about for the rest of his life back in the Demon Realm.
Twilight bathed the courtyard pair in fine golden light. The air was exceptionally still. Until Hua Mei burst in, panting and hugging packages large and small, his mood exhilarated. “Changhuai, Changhuai! We’re rich! Rich!”
The odd sight drew Gu Changhuai’s eyes. The medicine done, he stood and eyed the bundles Hua Mei had brought. “Did you go rag-picking?”
Hua Mei’s hands loosened on the bundles. The sacks spilled open, contents tumbling out—dazzling pearls and treasures in every color, impossible to look away from, along with bottles and jars piled together.
Gu Changhuai: “？!”
Gu Changhuai hesitated. “Did you rob someone? We don’t do that!”
“Of course not. It was the Flower Peacock who gave them. He said he didn’t bring much medicine or artifacts this time, so he swept through Pill Peak and bought up all their refined pills, saying…”
Hua Mei had been chattering away, but halfway through, he looked up and finally noticed Rong Ye behind Gu Changhuai.
Rong Ye suddenly glanced at him… The sense of danger made Hua Mei’s hair stand on end. His voice trailed off until he fell silent.
That faint glance spread an intangible pressure filled with endless destruction through the air. His eyes were coldly somber, the depths harboring irritation at the interruption, a flash of sinister murderous intent as if to tear him apart.
Hua Mei froze in place, holding his breath.
Gu Changhuai, oblivious, asked, “What’s wrong? What did the Flower Peacock say?”
Hua Mei snapped back. Rong Ye had withdrawn his gaze, turning to brew tea with his back to them, seemingly indifferent to everything around.
…As if that world-ending pressure was an illusion. And how could the righteous leader, an Immortal Lord, show such a sinister expression?
Hua Mei swallowed nervously, his little face pale as he turned back to Gu Changhuai. In a weak voice, he said, “…The Flower Peacock said these are greeting gifts for you.”
Gu Changhuai: “Ah?”
“He said you took the Betrothal Pearl. Whoever holds it is marked by their aura, and if the owner approves, it’s a betrothal.” Hua Mei pointed at the pile of spirit stones and treasures. “He also said he’ll bring the manor lord later for the formal betrothal gifts. These are just the greeting ones.”
Gu Changhuai frowned in confusion. “Just those two crappy pearls?” He paused, then turned to ask Rong Ye, “Has the Immortal Lord heard of this?”
Don’t tell me it’s nonsense.
Rong Ye didn’t move. His low voice came: “Red Feather Manor’s clan heirloom. Each person has one they never part with. The pearl takes on the holder’s aura. If the owner acknowledges it, it’s a betrothal. No need to mind.”
Gu Changhuai got it. Schrödinger’s Betrothal Pearl.
Whoever holds it, if the owner likes them, it’s a match.
He couldn’t describe his mood. “So Red Feather Manor’s tradition is to shove a pearl at whoever they fancy? What’s the difference from hooligans?”
What Betrothal Pearl! Should be called the Extortion Pearl!*
Rong Ye said, “Quite right.”
“Still more elegant than hooligans.” Hua Mei chimed in. “At least he gave greeting gifts. Quite generous.”
He eyed the pile of glowing treasures—wealth that dazzled the eyes. Gu Changhuai pondered. “Indeed generous. I’ve never been this rich.”
Hua Mei sighed. “And no one’s as easy to fool as the Flower Peacock. A couple lies and he empties his family coffers… Why not clean up and go along with it?”
Gu Changhuai shot him a glare. “So that’s your reason for selling me out?”
Just thinking about it, Xuan Yao wouldn’t hand over so much out of nowhere. Hua Mei must have exaggerated. Crucial contribution.
“Can’t put it that way…” Hua Mei looked everywhere but at him—sky, ground, anywhere.
Knowing Hua Mei’s character, Gu Changhuai disdainfully kicked him.
Hua Mei hung his head guiltily.
Unwilling to be extorted by Xuan Yao, but the pile was a hot potato too. Gu Changhuai didn’t dare have Hua Mei return it—that’d be like throwing meat to a dog. Who knows where it’d end up.
After thinking, he asked Rong Ye’s opinion. “In the Immortal Lord’s view, how should we handle these greeting gifts? Can you help me refuse?”
At that, Rong Ye stood. “Certainly.”
With a sweep of his long sleeve, the pile vanished clean.
Seeing the treasures he’d hustled so hard for disappear, Hua Mei opened his mouth but swallowed the words. Wary of Rong Ye, poor and timid, he forced a smile uglier than crying.
Gu Changhuai felt nothing, just blinked, relieved the issue was solved.
But the next moment, Rong Ye tossed him a jade seal. Gu Changhuai caught it and looked up puzzled, meeting Rong Ye’s unfathomably dark eyes.
Rong Ye’s expression was indifferent, saying nothing aloud, but Gu Changhuai heard his hoarse voice in his ear—a private transmission.
“If you like these, help yourself from the cave abode behind the mountain.”
![Hundreds of Assassination Attempts on the Immortal Venerable [Transmigration Book]](https://i1.wp.com/dobynovels.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/tr.jpg?resize=151,215 "Hundreds of Assassination Attempts on the Immortal Venerable [Transmigration Book]")
