Chapter 7: Making Porridge for the Immortal Lord – It Took Effect

The massive immortal boat sped across the sea of clouds at an incredible pace, yet it still took a full three days to reach the Xinnan Immortal Sect.

As an attendant, Gu Changhuai was supposed to serve at Rong Ye’s side.

But he was unilaterally burning with rage, plotting an assassination scheme, so on the immortal boat, he only went if Rong Ye summoned him—which he never did the entire journey.

Once the boat landed, everyone dispersed to their positions. Gu Changhuai got off with the crowd of disciples, mulling over how to set a trap once he settled in.

Unexpectedly, amid the throng, Kong Huai spotted him at a glance. He approached with a complicated expression. “I had planned to ask Master to transfer you to serve in the inner sect, but I never imagined Qing Lian Immortal Lord would take you to Supreme Peak. That’s quite the stroke of fortune.”

With that, he handed over a small wooden plaque. “I still carry some weight in Ten Directions Garden. If you run into trouble later, or if the underlings slack off, bring this token to Ten Directions Garden and find me, Junior Brother.”

Ten Directions Garden oversaw miscellaneous affairs in the Xinnan Immortal Sect, from major events like organizing sect competitions and itineraries for visiting sects, to minor ones like distributing spirit stones or food to outer and inner disciples.

The bigger the immortal sect, the messier the business. There were always those who curried favor with the high and trampled the low, shifting with the winds. Kong Huai worried that Gu Changhuai’s transfer to Supreme Peak would make others jealous, leading to trouble and hidden losses.

“Thank you, Senior Brother Kong.” Gu Changhuai thought for a moment before asking, “Can I bring someone else to Supreme Peak with me?”

Kong Huai’s expression turned troubled for an instant. “Supreme Peak isn’t on Ten Directions Garden’s roster. The Immortal Lord dislikes excessive visitors, so peak affairs are handled by Senior Brother Jin from the inner sect.”

Gu Changhuai hesitated. “Senior Brother Jin? Jin Shuang?”

Kong Huai chuckled. “It seems you’ve already met Senior Brother Jin.”

The boat had landed at the sect gate, now bustling with people coming and going. Gu Changhuai scanned around but didn’t spot Jin Shuang. His gaze paused as it met the eyes of a handsome youth who had just stepped down from the cabin.

This was Pei Tianyi, the boy they had dug out from the spider cocoon.

Pei Tianyi stared back, stunned at first, then sized him up.

Gu Changhuai smiled in return. But at his smile, the youth’s brows furrowed sharply. His face soured as he shot a glare at Kong Huai, then at Gu Changhuai. He tugged at the corner of his mouth, let out a heavy huff, and strode past them.

What a temper.

“Last time, it was just the three of us trapped in the spider cocoon. He feels embarrassed about losing face—childish temperament. Don’t take it to heart,” Kong Huai explained quietly.

Gu Changhuai tucked his sleeves. “No wonder.”

The youth must have thought he was being mocked, hence the sudden change.

Kong Huai reminded him, “No need to look for people here. Senior Brother Jin probably went back to the hall to turn in the commission first. The Immortal Lord has already returned to Supreme Peak. If you want to bring someone to live on Supreme Peak, you’ll need the Immortal Lord’s approval.”

Gu Changhuai sighed. “Alright, thank you for the guidance, Senior Brother Kong.”

As he parted from Kong Huai, the surrounding crowd had mostly dispersed. Only then did Hua Mei slowly make his way down from the boat. Gu Changhuai stood in place, watching him silently.

Hua Mei was wrapped up tight, every inch of skin bound in cloth strips, leaving only his facial features exposed. Even so, the black on his eyelids was visible when he blinked.

“You look really strange like that,” Gu Changhuai said.

“No problem—someone will understand.” Perhaps from the tight bindings, Hua Mei moved with difficulty, struggling along as he spoke. “I heard everything just now. You go first; don’t worry about me.”

Gu Changhuai was at a loss for words. “I’m not worried about you—I’m worried about the others.”

No one who survived in the Demon Realm with any reputation was easy to deal with. Sending Hua Mei to the Xinnan Immortal Sect’s outer sect was like a weasel raiding a chicken coop. But if it drew the attention of sect elders, things could go south.

“Watch your step—don’t give yourself away,” Gu Changhuai cautioned uneasily.

Mid-conversation, a sudden sense of being stalked by a ferocious beast washed over him. He subtly glanced over without moving. The gaze came from the distant rooftop eaves. A flash of red light flickered at the eave’s edge before vanishing. A pitch-black crow appeared, perched brazenly in the sect gate, flapping its wings arrogantly.

Gu Changhuai: “…”

So that stone hadn’t killed it after all. But how had it gotten into the Xinnan Immortal Sect?

As a renowned great sect in the Cultivation World, the Xinnan Immortal Sect’s protective grand array was no joke—it barred all Demon Clan members. Without a Disciple Token bound by blood pact, it wouldn’t have been easy for him and Hua Mei to sneak in.

Following Gu Changhuai’s gaze, Hua Mei turned and spotted Han Ya too. He sized it up and tsked. “Whoa, it looks so smug.”

“That’s no good thing—it’s a harbinger of doom,” Gu Changhuai said, nudging Hua Mei. “Wait here. I’ll go get Qing Lian Immortal Lord’s approval to bring you to Supreme Peak.”

Hua Mei: “…You make it sound like we’re meeting in the next life.”

Gu Changhuai waved it off. “Then we’ll make him agree passively.”

*

Supreme Peak lay to the north of the Xinnan Immortal Sect. The peak towered majestically, surrounded by an invisible aura that deterred accidental intruders.

Climbing the long stairs led to several forks in the path. Spiritual lights flitted about like fireflies amid the surroundings, and the spiritual energy was plentiful.

With no guide, Gu Changhuai wandered Supreme Peak freely, observing the terrain and scenery. Midway up the mountain, he finally spotted several pavilions and towers—guest quarters, with shadows of people moving inside, tidying up.

Perhaps because Supreme Peak rarely saw outsiders, Gu Changhuai was noticed immediately. Before he even approached, the sweeping disciples kept glancing his way.

Someone bold asked, “Are you the attendant the Immortal Lord specifically requested?”

In the Cultivation World, where strength reigned supreme, many eyed the spots under Qing Lian Immortal Lord. Even an attendant position was coveted, so news spread fast in the Xinnan Immortal Sect.

Gu Changhuai wasn’t surprised they knew. “That’s me.”

Another called from afar, pointing the way. “You’re going the wrong way—turn back, go left, and keep climbing. The Immortal Lord is at Waterside Residence; it’s at the end of the path.” He paused, curious. “But how did an outer sect disciple catch the Immortal Lord’s eye? It’s the first time he’s ever named an attendant.”

Gu Changhuai smiled and spread his hands helplessly. “Maybe I’m just that impressive? He admires me?”

The words earned him a chorus of eye-rolls. They waved him off. “Pfft, cut the act—you got lucky and now you’re bragging. Get lost, scram.”

Gu Changhuai shrugged and bid them farewell. With directions, he wouldn’t get lost on Supreme Peak. Soon, he reached Waterside Residence.

A thin, cool mist blanketed the summit. Cranes soared through the fog over the mirror-like lake surface, rippling the water slightly. Pavilions and courtyards ringed the lakeside, connected by winding bridges. Clusters of vibrant Hundred-Year Fire Lotuses floated on the lake, countless blooms swaying together, making the water glow brilliantly.

Quite the extravagance.

Gu Changhuai raised a brow. As far as he knew, Hundred-Year Fire Lotuses were rare spiritual items in the Cultivation World—one was worth at least five hundred high-grade spirit stones, half the value of that Night Luminous Pearl. Yet they were planted casually in the lake to anchor the mountain’s spiritual power, unafraid of theft.

…Maybe he could sneak one later?

Harboring thoughts of turning thief, Gu Changhuai skirted the lake and crossed the courtyard gate. The moment his front foot stepped inside, a sword wind slashed toward him. The sword intent was fierce and unrelenting, sending a chill through his body. It felt like being targeted by a savage beast, instantly tensing his nerves and prompting him to draw his blade instinctively.

No.

Gu Changhuai’s eyes flickered. He pretended not to notice and continued forward. The sword wind, which had been aimed straight at him, silently veered away. As the wind died, Rong Ye sheathed his sword and looked over. “You’ve arrived.”

Gu Changhuai, still shaken, replied, “Yeah… I have.” After a pause, he asked, “Immortal Lord, where should I stay? Can I not live down the mountain? Climbing is exhausting.”

Seeing Gu Changhuai on the verge of bristling but forcing calm, Rong Ye’s eyes shifted slightly. He pointed to the adjacent courtyard. “If you want convenience, stay there.”

“You’re a good man, Immortal Lord.” Gu Changhuai rolled up his sleeves eagerly. “It’s getting late—let me make you a bowl of porridge. Wait for me.”

Without waiting for a reply, he dashed to the neighboring kitchen. Supreme Peak was serviced every few days, so everything was stocked: spiritual rice, meat, oil, salt.

Gu Changhuai shut the kitchen door and smiled as he pulled a handful of colorful mushrooms from his storage pouch.

Obedient Mushrooms. Ordinary cultivators needed one to take effect, but with Rong Ye’s cultivation… a handful wasn’t excessive.

The mushrooms weren’t pretty—variously shaped and colored—but their flavor was top-notch. Some in the Demon Realm even stir-fried them. The poison was just a bit rude: one night’s sleep and it wore off.

…

Cultivators abstained from grains and didn’t need food. Rong Ye was curious what this Shadow Demon planned, so he sat in the pavilion and waited quietly.

Night fell silently, the mountaintop offering a view of the starry sky.

Soon.

Gu Changhuai returned carrying a steaming pot, set it before Rong Ye, and lifted the lid expectantly. “Immortal Lord, have a taste.”

Rong Ye tapped the table lightly and glanced at the porridge.

The five-colored porridge swirled in a vortex, emitting a tantalizing rice aroma, with bubbles still rising.

Rong Ye: “…”

Gu Changhuai ladled a bowl and placed it before him, urging, “Immortal Lord, dig in. It’s especially delicious!” He’d drooled while cooking. After tormenting Rong Ye with the Obedient Mushrooms, he could eat the rest.

Rong Ye met Gu Changhuai’s bright, clear eyes and nodded silently. “Alright.”

Gu Changhuai watched tensely as Rong Ye took the spoon. Sword cultivators had beautiful hands—pale, slender, with a chill aura.

As the spoon neared Rong Ye’s lips, he paused, set it down, and said, “Now that you’re on Supreme Peak, don’t neglect your studies.”

Gu Changhuai nodded indifferently. “Got it, got it.”

Rong Ye picked up the spoon again.

Gu Changhuai pursed his lips in tension.

Rong Ye set it down.

Gu Changhuai frowned anxiously.

Rong Ye picked it up.

Gu Changhuai pursed his lips in tension.

Rong Ye set it down.

Gu Changhuai frowned anxiously.

After a couple rounds, Gu Changhuai eyed Rong Ye suspiciously.

Had he noticed? The Obedient Mushroom’s poison was odd, but he’d crushed them into juice—it shouldn’t be detectable.

Fortunately, Rong Ye finally took the spoon to his mouth next time. Gu Changhuai watched two spoonfuls enter.

True to his word, Rong Ye only tasted two bites before setting the bowl down. He dabbed his lips with a cloth and looked at Gu Changhuai. “Not bad.”

Gu Changhuai grinned. “I think so too.”

He peered into Rong Ye’s eyes. The calm amber pupils were slowly turning purple. The Obedient Mushroom took effect quickly, turning the pupils a glassy purple.

Gu Changhuai’s smile grew more genuine. He stood and raised his hand.

He snapped his fingers.

The crisp sound echoed sharply in the empty courtyard. Rong Ye closed his eyes at the sound. Gu Changhuai commanded, “Open your eyes.”

Rong Ye’s eyelids lifted. He raised his head, eyes fixed on Gu Changhuai—deep pools like stagnant water, ready to swallow a man whole. Gu Changhuai’s scalp prickled for an instant, but on closer look, Rong Ye’s gaze lacked focus or spirit.

It had taken effect.