Chapter 5: Senior Brother Successfully Picks Up Someone – We Can’t Say We’re Complete Strangers

Pei Chengyin rarely left Lingxu Immortal Sect alone, and since it was nighttime, he was completely unfamiliar with the path.

Watching him wander aimlessly in this place, the system in his mind sighed again and had no choice but to communicate with him.

【Left, still left, go straight, don’t stray from the path, watch your step】

Following the system’s directions, Pei Chengyin arrived at a large moonlit clearing surrounded by dense trees. The leaves had all fallen, and the tree trunks pushed the thick darkness inward, concealing equally intense demonic energy within the unnoticed air.

They lay in wait, ready to crush and slaughter the oblivious youth.

Holding ignited spell paper, Pei Chengyin turned in place, searching for the next direction to proceed.

He even hoped the system in his mind would remind him which way to go, but the system fell silent once again.

Pei Chengyin scratched his head, then decided to randomly choose a direction to continue forward.

As he approached, a distinct sound of crushed branches and leaves suddenly came from a dark area. Pei Chengyin’s expression remained unchanged as he calmly held his spell paper, changed direction, and walked toward that spot.

The creatures in the darkness grew excited watching him approach.

The moment Pei Chengyin stepped into the darkness, the long-ambushing demons immediately swarmed him, trying to capture him.

They bared their fangs and brandished their claws, ferociously pouncing forward—only to find empty air.

Pei Chengyin had vanished from the spot.

The demons looked around in confusion, completely baffled.

A space-constructing Spell. You’re quite skilled.A light laugh sounded from within the same darkness, its voice like a murmuring clear spring, refreshing to the heart. But could you first get off me? The weather is too cold, and I don’t want to lie on the ground.

Same forest, same earth, same moon—the difference was that there wasn’t a single demon here. The young man was lying on top of Pei Chengyin, pressing down on him in the same position as when they first met. The difference was that this time, the young man’s hands were resting on him without any intention to attack.

I came down the mountain to this place and found groups of demons traveling together. I’m injured now and no match for them, so I drew a Formation to hide temporarily, not daring to leave,the young man explained while getting off him and sitting to the side. Why are you here?

Pei Chengyin noticed his assertive tone—exactly the type he had the most trouble dealing with—and could only silently climb up from the ground, ruffling his naturally curly hair before bluntly explaining the reason for his presence: It’s the Yin Tide Moon recently. Master was worried you might encounter trouble traveling at night, so he sent me to escort you out.

The young man turned his head to glance at him, his dark eyes revealing no emotion.

Pei Chengyin blinked, momentarily afraid to speak.

We can’t leave now. We can only wait for the night to pass,the young man showed no reaction to his words, simply continuing to describe their current predicament. The temperature inside the barrier is comfortable, but our movement range is limited. Be careful not to wander outside.

Okay.Pei Chengyin drew up his knees and hugged them, obedient and docile without any objections, long accustomed to being directed by others.

The young man couldn’t help but turn his head to glance at him several times.

What’s wrong?Pei Chengyin noticed his gaze.

Your complexion looks pale.The young man frowned, studying him for a long moment before determining whether Pei Chengyin was naturally fair-skinned or actually unwell.

I haven’t eaten anything since evening and stayed too long in the cold wind.Pei Chengyin patted his stomach with a pitiful expression, but soon reached an optimistic conclusion based on past experience. It’s fine. Once you’re hungry long enough, you stop feeling hungry.

Hearing this, the young man turned around and handed him a package wrapped in oiled paper.

It was the food Jiang Yining had given him earlier.

Pei Chengyin rested his head on his knees, tilting it sideways without immediately accepting the package. He simply watched the young man, his amber-clear eyes seeming to see right through people.

Didn’t you go to the kitchen in the middle of the night specifically for this?The young man offered the package again, unable to understand his hesitation.

Can I really eat this?Wasn’t this his travel rations?

The young man fell silent upon hearing this, directly unwrapping the oiled paper to reveal the pastries inside before handing them to Pei Chengyin.

Pei Chengyin’s face lit up with joy. He immediately sat up straight and took one piece. Opening his mouth, he quickly finished the first pastry, then turned to find the young man offering the oiled paper package to him once more. Beaming, Pei Chengyin reached out and began eating the second piece.

For a fleeting moment, the young man’s eyes narrowed as if smiling.

Pei Chengyin wanted to investigate further, but that smiling expression vanished as quickly as it appeared.

You should have some too. They won’t taste good after tonight,Pei Chengyin sincerely recommended.

I’m not hungry.The young man simply stuffed the oiled paper package into his hands, then seemed unwilling to speak further. Sitting cross-legged, he propped his head with one hand and gazed elsewhere.

Pei Chengyin observed his round back head, noticing his hair quality was actually quite good, though it appeared messy from recent lack of care.

Something else?The young man sensed the gaze from behind and turned to look at him.

Pei Chengyin shook his head.

I’m going to rest. Do as you please.The young man stood up, walked to the nearest tree, leaned against the trunk to sit down, and closed his eyes.

Pei Chengyin started chewing on the third pastry while asking anxiously, Are you going to sleep? Will the noise from my eating disturb you?

No.After speaking, the young man seemed to remember something and opened his eyes again. He took out a water pouch from his Cosmos Sack and tossed it to Pei Chengyin.

Pei Chengyin fumbled to catch it.

The young man closed his eyes once more, this time truly ignoring him as he fell into steady-breathing sleep.

After finishing the third pastry, Pei Chengyin stopped eating. He carefully tried to rewrap the oiled paper, attempting to restore it to its original form. However, being unskilled at such tasks, the wrapping remained crooked despite multiple attempts. His greatest virtue was self-awareness, so he ultimately gave up. Holding the oiled paper package in both hands, he approached the young man.

He simply squatted down beside the young man.

The young man slept deeply with arms crossed against the tree, completely unaware of his presence.

Above the stark upright tree trunks hung a brilliant full moon, immense like an otherworldly spectacle that evoked feelings of awe and fear.

Pei Chengyin held his breath and cautiously moved closer to him.

The young man remained completely unresponsive.

Thin strands of True Qi emanated from his body. When a cultivator couldn’t control their aura, it usually meant they had sustained severe injuries beyond self-repair. The youth wasn’t actually asleep but attempting to enter meditation to restore his Primordial Spirit. However, his efforts proved futile—as he began channeling energy, a trickle of blood escaped his lips, and his brow furrowed tightly.

Soon, both his body and consciousness reached their limits. The youth completely lost consciousness, slumping weakly against the tree trunk before collapsing sideways.

His head came to rest upon someone’s shoulder.

Pei Chengyin, seated beside him, had just removed his cloak and was shaking it out when he noticed the youth leaning against him. Generously, he shared half of the garment, draping it over both of them.

The moon lingered in the sky, its light spilling across the land.

Night passed swiftly, and as the sun rose again, the forest grew thick with mist.

When the youth regained awareness, he found himself lying against a warm back, draped in faintly scented clothing. Struggling to open his eyes and focus through the light, he finally beheld a scene he would never forget for the rest of his life.

Pei Chengyin was carrying him expressionlessly through the woods.

The youth wasn’t one for abundant expressions—when his face was neutral, others often perceived him as cold and unfeeling. Yet Pei Chengyin, even with his features perfectly still, exuded an air of gentle refinement. The longer one looked, the more it felt like a spring breeze washing over them.

Beyond the cloak, the air was bitingly cold.

Only this person radiated warmth.

His presence felt so harmless that the youth momentarily forgot where he was. His eyelids slowly closed, and before losing consciousness again, his only desire was to hold onto him tightly.

Pei Chengyin was walking along the forest path, bored out of his mind, when he suddenly felt the arms around his neck tighten. He immediately snapped to attention and glanced back.

The youth remained with closed eyes, leaning against his back, breathing steadily—clearly still unconscious, merely holding onto him instinctively.

Realizing this, Pei Chengyin turned forward again and continued on the path toward the Lingxu Immortal Sect.

He trudged onward, numb and listless. Abruptly, an intrusive voice echoed in his mind.

【He’s going to fall in love with you】

Pei Chengyin’s heart jolted, nearly stumbling.

The system’s timing was terrifying, and its words were even more so.

Stop talking nonsense,Pei Chengyin retorted.

The system fell silent.

Assuming it had spoken out of boredom, Pei Chengyin pressed ahead.

The sun hadn’t fully risen yet—using the Flight Spell recklessly would attract lingering Demons and invite ambushes. He only needed to reach the base of the sect’s stairs to fly directly back.

Encouraging himself internally, Pei Chengyin steadily carried the frail youth onward.

When they appeared below Lingxu Palace, Zhou Fuli hurried down the steps in a fluster to meet Pei Chengyin.

Young master, young master!Zhou Fuli stamtered, nearly losing his balance. To him, returning to the Lingxu Immortal Sect in the morning only to find Pei Chengyin missing and his bed untouched was the most terrifying scenario imaginable.

Seeing the person who had cared for him since childhood, Pei Chengyin felt tears welling up.

If he had to fall in love with someone, why not Zhou Fuli? At least life would be comfortable that way.

【Hmph】

Zhou Fuli rushed to Pei Chengyin, took the child he was carrying on his back, and flew back with him to the Lingxu Immortal Sect.

The disciples gathered at the entrance grew tense the moment they saw Pei Chengyin return, immediately swarming toward him.

Eldest Senior Brother, are you alright?Changsun Zexi anxiously ran ahead, grabbing Pei Chengyin’s arm.

You didn’t come back all night! We searched everywhere for you, but your trail vanished at the mountain’s base. We thought you’d been kidnapped by demons, waaah!He Xiu burst into loud sobs and threw herself at Pei Chengyin.

Quick, send someone to notify Second Senior Brother and Third Senior Sister that we’ve found Eldest Senior Brother. Tell them to return.Seeing Pei Chengyin back, the others immediately sprang into action.

I’m fine,Pei Chengyin gently patted He Xiu and Changsun Zexi’s heads.

But it’s the Yin Tide Moon season—it’s too dangerous!Changsun Zexi spoke rapidly, looking up at Pei Chengyin with lingering fear in his eyes.

Pei Chengyin smiled faintly, soothing their frayed nerves.

Though he didn’t know what deal that so-called systemhad struck with his junior disciples, he knew with certainty they would never harm him.

Give the child to me.Yu Xuhuai, observing the unconscious youth nearby, frowned deeply, realizing the gravity of the situation.

Pei Chengyin promptly briefed him: His Primordial Spirit is severely damaged, and his True Qi is in complete disarray. If we don’t treat him soon, his foundation may be ruined, making future cultivation progress difficult.

Understood. I’ll handle this.Yu Xuhuai shed his usual playful demeanor, cradling the youth while winking his right eye at Pei Chengyin.

You’ve worked hard, my disciple.

Pei Chengyin returned a resigned look.

He wasn’t the one who’d worked hard—but he feared his master would soon be beaten to a pulp.

Yu Xuhuai seemed equally aware that Xu Zhian and Jiang Yining would undoubtedly drag him out for a brutal pounding upon their return. Thus, using the youth’s treatment as an excuse, he retreated into Miguang Palace and didn’t emerge for a full month.

The disciples of Lingxu Immortal Sect had long grown accustomed to their Sect Leader’s absence, carrying on with daily life as usual. The only notable incidents were Xu Zhian and Jiang Yining’s repeated—and failed—attempts to breach Miguang Palace’s defenses to thrash their master, eventually forcing them to abandon the endeavor.

Peace settled over the sect like a gentle blanket. Yet Pei Chengyin’s four junior disciples, reminded of their pacts with the system, began devising various strategies to win his affection.

Though Pei Chengyin remained unmoved romantically, his nature made refusal difficult. One day he’d accompany a junior brother on a walk, the next he’d be dragged by a junior sister to admire flowers—keeping him constantly occupied.

The system sighed repeatedly, whether lamenting its crumbling mission or despairing at their hopeless efforts.

Hearing the system’s incessant sighs, Pei Chengyin guiltily slipped away to a remote courtyard beneath Miguang Palace during an early spring day, evading his juniors’ pursuits.

It was March—peach blossom season. Pink flowers adorned the branches, scattering like confetti in the wind before settling on wooden eaves. A winding path overlooked a lake of crystalline water.

As Pei Chengyin strolled into this sanctuary, he discovered his hidden refuge had already been claimed by another.

In the pavilion sat a boy who appeared to be around thirteen years old. His hair was half-tied with a simple bamboo hairpin, its color slightly lighter than most people’s, yet soft and glossy. He wore a slightly oversized black round-collar robe with narrow sleeves, revealing a matching vermilion inner garment collar. He was very thin, with distinctly visible knuckles on his hands resting on the stone bench, and his face was lean. Yet his features seemed meticulously carved, radiating a spirited handsomeness.

With his hands braced on either side of his body, he had been lost in thought initially. Noticing someone’s gaze, he slowly turned his head.

Their eyes met.

Pei Chengyin awkwardly turned away, glanced at the flowering tree above, and then nonchalantly turned his head back.

The boy was still staring at him, his dark pupils like thick ink.

Curious, Pei Chengyin pointed at himself uncertainly, wondering if he had truly caught the other’s attention.

The boy nodded expressionlessly.

Yes, I’m looking at you.

Given Pei Chengyin’s appearance, it would be unusual for him not to be stared at.

Pei Chengyin was well aware of this. He stepped forward and approached the boy, but being not one to revel in vanity, even if he suspected the other was staring due to his looks, he asked in an almost naive tone, Who are you? How come I’ve never seen you before?

Hearing this question, the boy seemed amused. A faint smile flickered across his face before he replied smoothly, My name is Shi Baoyue.

The voice sounded familiar. Pei Chengyin halted in surprise, his eyes widening as peach blossom petals drifted before his vision.

We can’t really say we’ve never met before,Shi Baoyue’s tone held a hint of teasing, but his overly serious expression made it completely undetectable.

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Mini Theater

Shi Baoyue: How heartless, young master, to forget me the moment you turned away.

Pei Chengyin: You were definitely being sarcastic back then, weren’t you…

Shi Baoyue: Misunderstanding, senior brother.

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