Chapter 9: Little Brother Turns into a Love Rival 《The Fugitive Little Delicate Husband…》

Days at Xinnan Immortal Sect passed peacefully, and Gu Changhuai took some time to wander around Ten Directions Garden twice.

Only after walking through did he realize why it was called Ten Directions Garden—it was divided into ten districts, with hundreds of people of all sizes managing not only sect affairs but also distributing personal and sect missions for disciples to earn Spirit Stones.

In the Cultivation World, Spirit Stones meant resources, and everything depended on one’s abilities.

Ten Directions Garden also had a special area for immortal sect disciples to trade privately, located near the sect gate. Inner and outer disciples often came to browse when they had time, and one could clearly see disciples from other immortal sects in their uniforms coming to join the fun. Scattered buildings stood like a bustling market.

The only strange thing was that Gu Changhuai had been strolling for less than a quarter of an hour when almost everyone passing by glanced at him. Their expressions varied—some frowned, some realized something, some glared angrily, and some shook their heads with sighs while looking back repeatedly even after passing.

It made Gu Changhuai doubt himself.

“?”

Gu Changhuai looked down at himself.

His clothes were neat, and he still looked elegant and dashing, so what exactly were they looking at?

“Hey.” Suddenly, a weight landed on his shoulder as it was patted. Gu Changhuai turned to face Pei Tianyi’s fair and youthful handsome face, though it looked rather sullen. “Come with me.”

The market in Ten Directions Garden had places to rest, and he led Gu Changhuai into a teahouse. As soon as they entered, it blocked out the external noise and gazes.

Gu Changhuai was still puzzled by those looks and asked in confusion, “Why were they all staring at me?”

“They weren’t looking at you—they were looking at the person whom the Immortal Venerable specifically named to go to Supreme Peak. And someone’s been spreading rumors behind the scenes!”

Mentioning this seemed to touch Pei Tianyi’s sore spot. Sitting across from Gu Changhuai, his expression twisted awkwardly, his eyes dodging, but his tone seethed with resentment. “They’re saying the Immortal Venerable lusts after beauty and only picked you to serve at Supreme Peak, making up all sorts of nonsense that’s downright insulting!”

“…Wait.” Gu Changhuai hesitated. “They? Who? How do they know what I look like, and what exactly did they say?”

Pei Tianyi was still fuming but handed over a jade token anyway. He swiped his finger across it, and a small crystal immediately appeared in the void. He said, “Put your divine sense into it to perceive.”

Gu Changhuai hesitated for a moment, then tentatively tapped it. His divine sense probed in, and instantly, he heard real-time voice transmissions from all directions—

Pill Peak: “Marrow Cleansing Pills at nine-fold discount from Pill Peak—opportunity doesn’t wait!”

Book Pavilion: “Extra, extra! The Gu surnamed attendant by the Immortal Venerable’s side, Gu Changhuai himself, has appeared at Ten Directions Garden market. Those interested can go for a chance encounter and viewing. Also, 《The Fugitive Little Delicate Husband: Immortal Venerable Begs for Release》 is on hot presale. Contact Ten Directions Garden Book Pavilion if interested—first edition only one mid-grade Spirit Stone. Stay tuned for more!”

After a pause, someone said, “Outdated news—Pei Minor Official just took Junior Brother Gu away!”

“I saw that too.”

“I deliberately walked back and forth several times just now. He’s an immortal-grade beauty, worthy of topping this year’s beauty rankings. Remember to reserve a portrait in the flower registry; I’ll pick it up another day.”

“But that’s not right—I saw him too. Why was he picked for Supreme Peak? Just because of his face?? I don’t believe the Immortal Venerable is that shallow!”

“If you don’t ship it, get out of the Tongtian Instrument.”

“Heresy! Get lost!”

…

Gu Changhuai felt a bit awkward and silently withdrew his divine sense, gaining a new understanding of the major immortal sects.

So the Cultivation World had developed to this point—no longer limited to one-on-one transmissions, but evolving into real-time group chat voice transmissions…

He asked, “Who usually uses the Tongtian Instrument?”

“It’s mostly inner and outer disciples from Xinnan Immortal Sect—no one from other sects.” Pei Tianyi said, “As soon as you came down the mountain, the news exploded in the Tongtian Instrument.”

It had blown up all the way to Ten Directions Garden market, then exploded again there.

Gu Changhuai was also puzzled. “It’s just being taken on as an attendant at Supreme Peak—not even as a disciple under the Immortal Lord. Why is it such a big deal?”

No sooner had he spoken than he felt Pei Tianyi’s gaze change. Emotions were written all over his face—jealousy and anger fused together. He gritted his teeth. “What do you mean ‘just an attendant’? Do you know how great an honor it is to receive even a single pointer from the Immortal Venerable? Huh?! You don’t know your blessings in the midst of fortune!”

Though he deliberately lowered his voice, he couldn’t suppress his anger.

Afraid he’d make himself sick with rage, Gu Changhuai soothed him gently. “Alright, alright, calm down first.” He paused, then smiled and looked up. “You like Qing Lian Immortal Lord, don’t you?”

He watched Pei Tianyi leisurely.

But the young man’s face changed instantly. He frowned and snapped in denial, “Who said that? I respect the Immortal Venerable as a teacher! I like…”

As he spoke, his tone suddenly softened, his ears turned bright red, and he hesitantly glanced at Gu Changhuai twice before flusteredly looking away. He snapped irritably, “It’s none of your business who I like!”

Yet Gu Changhuai couldn’t read the young man’s mind and said bafflingly, “Why glare at me? It was just a casual question. Who told you to follow the Immortal Lord to dangerous places without regard for your safety? Those in the know would say you respect your teacher; those who don’t would think you chased love for a thousand miles.”

“…” Pei Tianyi turned his head away and said nothing.

Gu Changhuai asked, “Where can I buy a Tongtian Instrument?”

Pei Tianyi shot him an incredulous look and emphasized, “I’m angry!”

Gu Changhuai replied matter-of-factly, “I know you’re angry, so where can I buy a Tongtian Instrument?”

Pei Tianyi’s eyes reddened, his breathing grew heavier, and he stood up, flinging his hand out in a huff. “Here, take it! You’re so annoying!”

With that, he turned and ran off, bumping into Kong Huai who was entering. Kong Huai let out an “ouch,” looked at the fleeing Pei Tianyi, then back at Gu Changhuai, and said curiously, “…What happened? What did you do to piss off Pei Minor Official so badly? He looked like he was about to cry. Usually, he’s the one bullying others.”

Gu Changhuai shrugged. “I just reminded him not to chase Qing Lian to dangerous places, and he got mad. I didn’t even scold him.”

He spun the Tongtian Instrument jade token in his hand and asked, “Is this Tongtian Instrument for sale?”

“This is managed by Enforcement Hall—not for sale. Inner and outer disciples need at least Foundation Establishment to claim one.” Kong Huai sat across from Gu Changhuai and said, “Enforcement Elder is incorruptible; you won’t get anywhere with him. But if you need one, just coax Pei Tianyi—he has extras and will give you one if you sweet-talk him.”

Gu Changhuai: “…”

Thinking of those reddened eyes, he felt a pang of guilt like he’d bullied a child.

He guiltily touched his nose. He should’ve been more tactful earlier. The young master had quite a temper; coaxing him wouldn’t be easy… Fortunately, he had a Tongtian Instrument now.

Pocketing the Tongtian Instrument, Gu Changhuai returned to Supreme Peak. Given how he was being watched everywhere in Xinnan Immortal Sect lately, it was best to stay indoors for now—after all, his purpose in joining the sect wasn’t exactly friendly.

Back in his room, he reconnected his divine sense to the Tongtian Instrument.

—

Book Pavilion: “Extra, extra! Pei Minor Official and Gu Attendant suspected of secret affair. Pei Minor Official leaves teahouse with reddened eyes in grievance, Gu Attendant returns alone to Supreme Peak looking weary—seems a love triangle has emerged! Follow 《Xinnan Tidbits》 for serialized updates: ‘Former Little Brother Follower Turns Love Rival—Does the Immortal Venerable Preparing the Heaven-Discussing Lecture Know?!’ Stay tuned!”

Gu Changhuai: “…”

Really, someone needed their mouth sewn shut.