The moment the words left Song Xingkui’s mouth, her eyes sparkled as she looked at them, the corners of her mouth about to split open. She wasn’t pretending at all.
Although Gu Baiqing knew what kind of situation she had been in before, suddenly hearing such a question still made his heart twitch from the shock. What was this sense of déjà vu… it felt like some cute group in the modern world. Could it be that the xianxia world also had this kind of thing? Was Sect Leader Senior Sister also this kind of cute attribute? It seemed eight or nine times out of ten that she was.
Mo Xuanli’s mind, on the other hand, seemed to have gone completely blank. He even thought he was hallucinating.
“What? No?” Song Xingkui’s willow brows were about to stand on end.
Mo Xuanli immediately felt his heart tighten under the questioning. He didn’t know how the sect leader had guessed this. After entering Zixiao Sect, he had never made any intimate moves toward his Master. Outsiders hadn’t noticed anything, and what did the sect leader mean by this? From her tone, it sounded as if she hoped they were together.
But how could that be?
Leaving aside the fact that they were master and disciple, just his current mixed-blood identity alone, even if the sect leader chose not to pursue it, she wouldn’t allow her junior brother to be with a mixed-blood.
Because he knew all these points, when Mo Xuanli and Gu Baiqing had confirmed their relationship, he had already prepared himself mentally. As long as he could be with his Master, it didn’t matter even if others never knew they were dao companions.
But now that he was suddenly being questioned, he naturally didn’t dare say anything over Gu Baiqing’s head, and could only look at his Master’s back.
Gu Baiqing awkwardly touched his cheek, then turned and beckoned to Mo Xuanli behind him.
Mo Xuanli was startled and stepped forward. Just as he took his place beside his Master, his hand was taken and held.
Two sharp intakes of breath instantly sounded out in the space.
One was Mo Xuanli’s. He was staring somewhat incredulously at their hands clasped together.
The other was Song Xingkui’s. Her eyes widened directly, her breath held in anticipation.
Gu Baiqing raised their interlocked hands, and sure enough saw Song Xingkui’s gorgeous cheeks unconsciously flush red.
“Senior Sister, Xuanli and I have already formed a dao companion bond. In the future… if everything goes smoothly, we would also like to hold a wedding banquet. At that time, we would like to invite you to be the officiant.”
Mo Xuanli stiffened instantly, his voice somewhat unsteady as he said, “Master…”
Gu Baiqing turned his head and said, “Didn’t you previously want to hold it at Luofeng Pavilion?”
That was… that misunderstanding back then, and Master still remembered it.
Mo Xuanli’s expression was moved deeply. He tightly grasped Gu Baiqing’s hand, his nose turning sore with emotion. They clearly hadn’t said anything before, yet plans had already been made. Just how lucky was he to be able to meet Gu Baiqing,
“However, at present it’s not completely certain where it will be held. In any case… if we’re talking about someone who could be our officiant, it could only be the sect leader. If the sect leader is willing,” Gu Baiqing looked toward Song Xingkui.
“I’m willing!” Song Xingkui immediately raised her hand excitedly, looking on the verge of tears from joy. “You’re my junior brother, of course I have to watch you get married off!”
“What?!” The corner of Gu Baiqing’s mouth twitched at once. “Getting married, there’s no who marries whom or who’s given away. Don’t make that kind of distinction.”
Song Xingkui immediately narrowed her eyes and said with a mischievous grin, “I get it. You really are the one being married off. Only the one being married off would fuss over this kind of thing. Just as I expected, heheh.”
Gu Baiqing was instantly choked to the point of heart palpitations. Fine, a small scene, he had long since gotten used to this kind of thing in the modern world.
And seeing the sect leader in such a style, Mo Xuanli was also a bit frightened, not knowing what reaction to have. He could only follow his Master around, like a little daughter-in-law meeting the in-laws for the first time.
“Alright, anyway, that’s how it is. I’ve answered you. About Lou Zixiao’s matter?”
“Do it the way you said.” Song Xingkui had completely stopped caring about that, and instead happily took out a cultivation manual from her storage pouch and directly tossed it to Mo Xuanli. “Sending you your congratulatory gift in advance. When you get married, there’ll be a whole box more.”
Before Mo Xuanli even had time to look, it was instantly snatched away by Gu Baiqing.
Mo Xuanli looked at Gu Baiqing’s lightning-fast movement in confusion.
Gu Baiqing, however, recalled what his senior sister had said before, as well as her… attributes, and had a premonition that this was not something good. Better to put it away and review it first. “Why aren’t you thanking her?”
Mo Xuanli was obedient and politely performed a salute.
Song Xingkui looked at Gu Baiqing with dissatisfaction and said, “That was for your disciple. What are you doing snatching it away? This technique is only suitable for your disciple to cultivate.”
Gu Baiqing didn’t believe her, raised an eyebrow and said, “What’s Xuanli’s is mine. If I want it, would he dare not give it to me?” After saying that, he looked at Mo Xuanli.
Mo Xuanli immediately expressed his wholehearted willingness to give it to his Master, but he was also genuinely curious. What the sect leader gave definitely wouldn’t be something bad, so why did his Master look as if he were facing a great enemy?
Song Xingkui gave a light snort, then couldn’t help but curl her lips again, smiling oddly as she said, “So you really are the household steward. Xuanli, you need to straighten up. If you’re managed too tightly, you’ll suffer a loss when it comes to dual cultivation in the future.”
Facing his Master being a bit rogue was something Mo Xuanli yearned for and found hard to restrain, but facing an elder’s teasing like this still made him somewhat uncomfortable.
Not to mention Mo Xuanli, even Gu Baiqing couldn’t withstand Song Xingkui’s kind of teasing, and quickly changed the subject to get back to business.
Regarding Mo Xuanli’s demonic transformation situation, Gu Baiqing hoped to discuss it with his senior sister.
Song Xingkui also examined Mo Xuanli’s body, thought for a moment, and said, “It’s not that serious. It might be related to your inner demons. Sometimes when cultivators advance, they’re also disturbed by inner demons and experience a loss of control into demonic deviation. At those times it’s somewhat similar to your situation. The fact that you can steady yourself proves that you yourself don’t want to demonize, so you naturally won’t truly become a demon race. Mixed-bloods falling into demonic cultivation isn’t such a simple matter. However, the idea you just mentioned of using Lou Xuan’s notes to regulate things, I think it’s feasible. But this matter can’t be found out by others. Do it behind closed doors in your own Luofeng Pavilion. You can only rely on yourselves.”
Gu Baiqing and Mo Xuanli nodded.
Song Xingkui continued her analysis in a serious tone, “I also have another idea. I see that your cultivation has been improving quite well recently, and Taixu Hall has sent over some useful pills and magical artifacts. I noticed there are Soul-Transformation Pills. I think you can advance once here.”
As soon as these words were spoken, the two of them were stunned.
Suddenly, a system prompt appeared in Gu Baiqing’s mind.
【Fourth Quest, Task 1: Successfully complete Soul-Transformation, begin early-stage Soul-Transformation cultivation. Reminder: At this stage, the Nascent Soul will evolve into a Primordial Spirit. Pay attention that when the Primordial Spirit leaves the body and wanders, will must be firm to prevent getting lost; there is a risk of demonization.】
Song Xingkui continued, “Since there’s a risk of demonization every time you advance, and now Mo Xuanli’s constitution has changed, then advance once within Zixiao Sect. We’ll then observe the specific situation. If there’s no harm, that’s naturally best. If there is harm, we’ll think of ways to deal with it. This also prevents encountering accidents after you go out. And after reaching the Soul-Transformation stage, with a Primordial Spirit within the body, it will be more conducive to restraining demonic qi.”
Gu Baiqing nodded, agreeing with Song Xingkui’s suggestion. In any case, the system had already given a prompt, this was definitely how it had to be done.
Mo Xuanli, however, was somewhat worried and said, “I’ve only just entered late Nascent Soul. Isn’t this too early? And our task hasn’t been completed yet. This would probably be hard to explain to Taixu Hall.”
“You don’t need to worry about Taixu Hall. I’ll go speak to them,” Song Xingkui said. “Without stable strength, rushing tasks has no meaning. As for your advancement, Junior Brother and I will accompany you in cultivation during this period. With your talent, you’re about on par with Baiqing. Reaching great perfection won’t take too long. And I’ve discovered a place that’s extremely suitable for you to advance when you reach great perfection.”
“Isn’t it Star Spirit Cave?” Gu Baiqing asked.
Song Xingkui smiled mysteriously and said, “It’s the forbidden ground.”
Both Gu Baiqing and Mo Xuanli were puzzled. Wasn’t the forbidden ground the place where demons were imprisoned?
Gu Baiqing raised his doubts.
Song Xingkui said, “I’ve been there a few times and discovered that not only is the spiritual qi abundant there, because there are spatial rifts, there’s also demonic qi leaking out. Under the combined effect of the formations in the forbidden ground, it forms an illusion realm very suitable for mixed-bloods to live in. It might still need some fine-tuning. Mo Xuanli, haven’t you gone through it? What did it feel like inside?”
Mo Xuanli was taken aback. If Song Xingkui hadn’t mentioned it, he wouldn’t have recalled it. Back then, it really did feel more comfortable than other places with abundant spiritual qi.
In principle, it was probably similar to Lou Xuan’s secret chamber.
Mo Xuanli nodded and said, “It’s indeed more suitable for me. But isn’t the forbidden ground not open to others…”
“So what about that? It’s just a single order from me,” Song Xingkui said casually. “And there are many formations inside. If you accidentally fall into demonic transformation, the formations will directly trap you. You won’t be able to leave even if you want to. At that time, with Baiqing and me guarding you, it also eliminates any danger.”
Mo Xuanli looked at Gu Baiqing. He was always willing to let his Master make decisions for him.
Gu Baiqing nodded and said, “I think it’s appropriate. What about you?”
Mo Xuanli nodded in agreement as well.
By this point in the discussion, both Gu Baiqing and Mo Xuanli already trusted Song Xingkui quite a bit. As expected of the sect leader of an immortal sect, when it came to handling serious matters, she truly had resolve.
Just as Gu Baiqing was sighing over this, Song Xingkui suddenly let out an “Eh,” then looked at Gu Baiqing with a pair of eyes filled with concern and confusion.
“What’s wrong?” Gu Baiqing asked in confusion.
Song Xingkui said, “Could it be that your lightning attribute can automatically expel the demonic qi in your body?”
“Huh?” Gu Baiqing didn’t react for a moment.
Song Xingkui then raised an eyebrow and said, “Otherwise how did you dual cultivate? His body carries demonic qi, and you dual cultivate, wouldn’t it…”
Gu Baiqing hurriedly called for a stop, his head practically smoking from what Song Xingkui was saying. Mo Xuanli was also made awkward by it and couldn’t help wanting to explain that he would never disregard his Master’s body while Song Xingkui was just waiting for him to explain. In the end, he was stopped by Gu Baiqing, who directly snapped back, “Is this something you… can ask about?”
“Aren’t I just concerned about you two?” Song Xingkui said with an innocent expression. After saying that, she even looked like she wanted to ask more. Gu Baiqing directly said, “Anyway, no need for your concern.”
Song Xingkui had no choice and could only warn them, “Then that cultivation manual I gave you is best not practiced. Take it easy. Otherwise, if you end up covered in demonic qi and someone notices, they’ll definitely suspect little Xuanli.”
Gu Baiqing no longer wanted to listen and hurriedly pulled Mo Xuanli along to take his leave.
After that, they safely sent Lou Zixiao to Feihe Pavilion and also mentioned the matter of taking her in as a disciple. Lou Zixiao didn’t really mind; she was naturally optimistic, and for places that accepted her kindly, she adapted very quickly.
Luo Nianyi was a bit baffled by the sudden appearance of a new disciple, but since both the sect leader and Gu Baiqing said for her to take her in, she would keep her as an ordinary disciple for now, and if she showed talent someday, then take her as a personal disciple.
But at this moment, Lou Zixiao spoke up, “I heard that I originally had a Master. Although he has already passed away, I think that since I already had a Master, it’s best not to formally acknowledge another senior, so please allow me to remain an ordinary disciple.”
Hearing this, Luo Nianyi regarded Lou Zixiao a bit more highly and said, “Alright, as long as you’re willing yourself. But here, no matter what kind of disciple you are, cultivation is the same, you can’t be lazy.”
Lou Zixiao immediately happily knelt down to thank her for the kindness.
Afterwards, seeing that no matter how Luo Nianyi examined her she couldn’t find anything wrong with Lou Zixiao’s true condition, the two of them were finally reassured.
When they returned to Luofeng Pavilion, they saw a gigantic black dragon circling above the maple forest. Three Bean was happily running from one end of the dragon’s body to the other, chasing the long dragon whiskers, while Ao Hang was using his own whiskers as a teasing stick.
The cold and quiet Luofeng Pavilion had gained another presence, becoming even more lively.
Looking at home, Mo Xuanli’s eyes were full of nostalgia. The two held hands, passed through the maple forest, and returned to the residence.
“Master, I’m back,” Mo Xuanli couldn’t help saying. “This time you won’t drive me away again, right.”
Gu Baiqing also thought of past events and smiled, “Even if I wanted to drive you away, I couldn’t.”
The two exchanged smiles.
Only, when night came, Gu Baiqing lay alone on the bamboo bed, somewhat unable to figure things out.
If he wasn’t driven away, did someone leave on his own initiative?
Gu Baiqing turned over in some frustration. In the end, he still got up, put on his clothes, and went to the neighboring disciple residence.
That’s right, they were living separately.
Originally, Gu Baiqing had thought that if he didn’t bring it up, Mo Xuanli would move in directly anyway. After all, they were already dao companions, and there was no need to be so affected and live separately.
Could it be that during the days before returning, when he was unwilling to share a room with Mo Xuanli, it made him think they couldn’t live in the same room at all?
Then at least let him rest a bit. But after coming back, his own room should, no matter what, count as their room.
So why did they end up sleeping separately? Even if he was worried he’d be rejected, he should at least mention it. He didn’t mention it at all…
Gu Baiqing walked to Mo Xuanli’s courtyard but stopped his steps, hesitating awkwardly. Coming to knock on the door in the middle of the night, wouldn’t that look like he was taking the initiative to send himself to one’s door? Why did it feel like this scene had appeared in fanfiction before?
Gu Baiqing thought it over, then worried that his little disciple might be acting unreasonably because of overthinking. After all, little Mo-dog had a glass heart, so he still walked closer to the door.
The door wasn’t shut tightly, leaving a crack. Gu Baiqing saw the scene inside at a glance and was immediately startled.
It turned out Mo Xuanli hadn’t rested at all, but was instead in meditation cultivating within a formation he had set up himself.
In an instant, Gu Baiqing understood. The corners of his mouth lifted slightly, filled with pride. This, that was Mo Xuanli.
Earlier in the day, when they talked about helping him advance as soon as possible, Mo Xuanli’s nature was very obedient and considerate. In order not to cause trouble for others, he would definitely work even harder than what everyone had planned for him.
He probably wasn’t planning to rest at all during this period.
Seeing Mo Xuanli working so hard, Gu Baiqing naturally wouldn’t disturb him, and silently retreated.
The next day, when Gu Baiqing got up, he heard movement in the small courtyard outside.
Going out, he saw Mo Xuanli bringing out breakfast.
Gu Baiqing walked over helplessly and said, “Since you’re eager to cultivate, don’t spend time on this kind of trivial matter. I don’t have to eat.”
Mo Xuanli froze, then suddenly reacted. “You came to look for me last night?”
Gu Baiqing sat down and the hand reaching for the food instantly stiffened, giving an awkward, vague sound in response.
Suddenly, the person standing beside him turned around, his chin was seized and lifted, and a suffocatingly hot kiss fell down.
No one knew how long they kissed. Gu Baiqing really couldn’t take it anymore before pushing the person away. The moment he pushed him away, he saw the restrained emotion in Mo Xuanli’s eyes. Mo Xuanli pressed his forehead against Gu Baiqing’s, his voice strained as he said, “I also wanted to go to your room, and then… never come out, but I… I was just afraid I wouldn’t be able to hold back… that was your room, I…”
Mo Xuanli was already a bit incoherent, but Gu Baiqing understood it all. He patted Mo Xuanli’s back and said, “Alright. I went to look for you last night because I was worried you might be overthinking. Knowing that you were handling serious matters makes me very happy.”
Mo Xuanli kissed Gu Baiqing’s forehead again. Just as he was about to say something, the two of them suddenly looked warily toward the distance.
“Who’s there?”
They saw Song Xingkui walk out from behind a tree, one hand covering her nose with red liquid flowing out, the other hand giving a thumbs-up.
“I just came to mooch breakfast. I heard little Xuanli’s cooking is good, but… thanks for the hospitality, I’m full. Do I need to take my leave?”
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