Chapter 10: The Senior Brother Has Some Thoughts: How Could a Child Know How to Flirt

Xu Zhian couldn’t help but laugh from across the table.

Still laughing? the system couldn’t resist speaking up.

Xu Zhian genuinely found it amusing. Besides, judging Pei Chengyin as an easy pushover based solely on his appearance and behavior was foolish thinking. While Pei Chengyin was usually easygoing, once he made a decision, it was best not to try persuading him otherwise.

Why?

Xu Zhian replied to the system: Because when he’s in a bad mood, he’s truly terrifying.

Alright. Seeing that he couldn’t persuade Pei Chengyin, Xu Zhian decided not to waste any more time. He stood up and collected the bowls and chopsticks. Let’s go down the mountain together after you finish your work, Senior Brother.

Pei Chengyin wasn’t really listening to Xu Zhian, as he was completely absorbed in holding Shi Baoyue. If they weren’t still practically strangers, he would have loved to nuzzle his head against him. Shi Baoyue remained impassive, allowing himself to be held like a pet. Finally, as Xu Zhian’s footsteps faded and his figure disappeared, Shi Baoyue immediately stretched out his arms, struggling to free himself from Pei Chengyin’s embrace.

What’s wrong? Pei Chengyin looked up, his body going slack as he rested his chin on Shi Baoyue’s shoulder and gazed into his eyes.

Let’s eat. The food is getting cold. Shi Baoyue hadn’t expected him to be so clingy. Just holding hands with Pei Chengyin today had felt like reaching his limit for physical contact.

You’re right.

Fortunately, Pei Chengyin was easily appeased. Accepting Shi Baoyue’s words, he immediately turned back to continue his meal.

After finally finishing the meal, Shi Baoyue promptly returned to the courtyard with Pei Chengyin, seeking out Zhou Fuli in hopes of quickly retreating to his own room.

Zhou Fuli picked up a lantern and nodded to Shi Baoyue. Please follow me.

I’ll escort you, Pei Chengyin said, about to follow.

Shi Baoyue hastily reached out to stop him from coming along, though his words remained humble. Senior Brother, you’ve been busy and working hard all day. You should rest more. I’ll come pay my respects tomorrow.

If the two of them stayed together any longer, it felt like the day would never end.

Alright. Pei Chengyin indeed needed to bathe soon.

Shi Baoyue breathed a sigh of relief, allowing Zhou Fuli to lead him away. However, before he could fully exhale, his next breath nearly choked him.

Zhou Fuli brought him to the opposite side and said, Junior Brother, we’re here. I’ve already tidied up the room for you.

Shi Baoyue glanced at the courtyard in front of him, then quickly turned his head.

Pei Chengyin was still standing at the entrance of his own courtyard, not having had time to go back inside. Seeing Shi Baoyue turn around, he waved at him.

Shi Baoyue’s lips twitched involuntarily.

Actually, no one has been living opposite Senior Brother’s courtyard, Zhou Fuli informed him.

What Shi Baoyue wanted to complain about wasn’t that Pei Chengyin had dragged him around the Lingxu Immortal Sect all day only for the vacant room to be right across from his, but rather to question why he had been assigned here.

I specifically asked the Sect Leader, Zhou Fuli explained, sensing Shi Baoyue’s confusion. He said you prefer quiet, secluded places away from crowds. This is it. Although Senior Brother lives across the way, it’s indeed more secluded compared to other areas.

Is that so? Shi Baoyue asked casually before dropping the subject and stepping into the courtyard.

Seeing that he had no further objections, Zhou Fuli turned and left to prepare hot bathwater for Pei Chengyin.

That night, Pei Chengyin soaked in the hot water, his bare arms resting on the edges of the wooden tub. His jet-black hair was partially dampened by the steam, while the rest floated submerged in the water. His amber eyes grew hazy in the mist—a fitting reflection of his genuine exhaustion.

So, did the Sect Leader assign you to guide our junior brother in his cultivation practice? Zhou Fuli called from outside while tidying up clothes.

Do you think that’s likely? Pei Chengyin chuckled. I’m not a pure Yang-aligned sword cultivator. Most likely, our master will take charge with Zhi’an assisting.

You seemed quite happy today. If you truly wish to mentor him, it shouldn’t be difficult for you. Zhou Fuli was well aware of his capabilities.

Because I’ve always wanted a younger brother. Pei Chengyin shared everything with Zhou Fuli.

Zhou Fuli remained silent.

Alright, fine—I want to play the role of an elder brother. Pei Chengyin knew Zhou Fuli had detected the hidden meaning in his words and corrected himself.

Before Shi Baoyue arrived, whether facing Changsun Zexi or He Xiu, Pei Chengyin had tried acting authoritative, hoping to project a reliable senior brother image. Unfortunately, no one took the bait. Defeated, he could only retreat to his courtyard, grumbling as he resumed playing chess against himself.

Zhou Fuli asked, Shall I investigate our junior brother’s background?

Zhi’an and Yining exhausted all their resources and found nothing. Pei Chengyin lowered his hands, leaning back against the tub as he tilted his head upward. His dark tresses drifted lightly across the water’s surface.

If you require it, Senior Brother, I can contact the Madam and the Family Head. There’s no trace in this world that can remain completely hidden. Zhou Fuli held unwavering faith in this.

Pei Chengyin blinked slowly.

What are your thoughts, Senior Brother? Zhou Fuli was already eager to begin.

I think… it’s better not to. Can’t we allow others some privacy?

As you wish. Once Zhou Fuli understood his stance, his attitude shifted immediately. Unlike other disciples of the Lingxu Immortal Sect, his sole purpose here wasn’t cultivation—it was serving Pei Chengyin. Take your time bathing. I’ll return later to clean up.

A soft laugh escaped Pei Chengyin from within the room.

Silence settled heavily in the house.

Life is so dull—one must find some amusement, Pei Chengyin murmured to himself, hoping for a response that never came. Sometimes, a ridiculous thought crossed his mind: what if he was the only living person left in this world?

Of course not

Even his system couldn’t resist interrupting his wild imagination.

Step outside—people are everywhere

Really? Pei Chengyin gazed at the ceiling with a faint smile.

Certainly

What the system didn’t know was that Pei Chengyin resided in the most sparsely populated area of the Lingxu Immortal Sect. If he ventured out late at night, he could walk for long stretches without encountering a single soul.

It was originally an extraterrestrial object, so it was only natural for it to be unfamiliar with the situation here. Yet Pei Chengyin loved to prove others wrong through action. After bathing, he immediately draped his cloak over his shoulders, pushed open the door, and stepped out, wanting to demonstrate to the system that in the vastness of the world, humans were as lonely as a boat adrift on the sea.

As soon as he opened the door, he spotted someone sitting on the rooftop across from him.

Shi Baoyue sat on the roof, gazing at the moon as if looking beyond it to some distant place.

Pei Chengyin recalled the night they first met—how Shi Baoyue, despite being covered in wounds, had been determined to leave this place. It was clear he had never let go of past grievances. Pei Chengyin didn’t know how Yu Xuhuai had persuaded him, but it was obvious Shi Baoyue had not forgotten the hatred from his clan’s destruction.

Shi Baoyue blinked, his dark eyes refocusing before looking downward.

Their eyes met.

With a push of his hands, Shi Baoyue flew down from the roof.

Senior Brother, what are you doing?Shi Baoyue walked in through the courtyard gate.

He addressed him as Senior Brotherso naturally, as though he hadn’t just joined the sect that day.

After my bath, I felt stuffy, so I came out for some air.Pei Chengyin immediately began fanning himself, even though the breeze was already cool. His lying skills were clumsy at best, but he persisted in using them.

You might catch a cold,Shi Baoyue said disapprovingly.

Then I’ll head back inside.Pei Chengyin readily agreed and turned to return to his room.

Shi Baoyue watched his retreating figure and shook his head. Only after Pei Chengyin closed the door did he turn and leave.

Why do I feel like he acts more like the senior brother than I do?Pei Chengyin cracked open the window and peered out, watching Shi Baoyue depart.

How could that be?

Are you sure it’s not?

It really isn’t.

Pei Chengyin realized this system was oddly kind.

What I’m like doesn’t matter. Just remember—never fall for the tricks of that other system.

I feel like my junior brothers and sisters have been much quieter lately,Pei Chengyin chatted idly.

You’re quite the optimist.

Pei Chengyin raised his hand several times as if to wipe sweat, but the weather was cool, and he hadn’t actually broken a sweat.

Hmph.

It wasn’t that Pei Chengyin was optimistic—he had simply noticed something.

His junior brothers and sisters seemed interested in pursuing him, but unfortunately, aside from Xu Zhian, who had some awareness of how to court someone, the others were practically still children.

How could children know how to pursue someone?

That’s prejudice.

Alright, alright.Pei Chengyin laughed and brushed it off, not wanting to argue over such a matter. Unfortunately, he forgot the system resided in his mind and could clearly sense his dismissiveness.

The system didn’t press the issue.

The next morning, Pei Chengyin rose early and thoroughly read the Lingxu Immortal Sect’s beginner’s guide, intending to figure out how to quickly familiarize Shi Baoyue with the place.

Just as he was about to finish the booklet, a knock came at the door.

Thinking it was Shi Baoyue, Pei Chengyin said without hesitation, Come in.

The door opened, but the person who entered surprised him.

Changsun Zexi stood there holding a small wooden box—the first time in nearly two months he had taken the initiative.

Across the pathway, Shi Baoyue rested his arms on top of the wall, using a spell to float his feet off the ground, watching as Changsun Zexi went to find Pei Chengyin.

What are you thinking about? Zhou Fuli had seen Changsun Zexi coming to find Pei Chengyin and deliberately hid in Shi Baoyue’s courtyard to avoid disturbing them.

Eldest Senior Brother is really popular. Shi Baoyue’s lips curved upward, his tone purely teasing.

Yes, what do you think? Zhou Fuli didn’t understand why, after three years here, his young master had suddenly become so sought-after. Could it be that he hadn’t fully matured before? Impossible. His young master was just like the previous head of the family—his beauty had been evident since childhood and was visible at a glance. If one wasn’t careful, it might even become his only outstanding quality.

What do I think? Shi Baoyue was amused, letting out a soft hmph before using his magic to return to the ground. I look with my eyes.

Fair enough. Zhou Fuli completely understood this kind of thought without further reflection.

Since Eldest Senior Brother is busy, I’ll go ahead alone today. Please help me pass the message. Shi Baoyue decided not to disturb them further.

Oh, sure. Zhou Fuli watched him leave.

————————

Mini Theater

Pei Chengyin: How could a child know how to flirt?

Shi Baoyue: Hmph.

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