Chapter 6: The Eldest Senior Brother Holds Considerable Status Here: Gaining a New Junior Brother

Peach blossoms blaze brilliantly, vying for spring’s fragrance, appearing like clouds filling one’s vision.

Amidst the pink petals dancing and filling the sky, Pei Chengyin stepped forward, his expression calm as he walked into the pavilion. With just one glance, he had already guessed that this youth was the little brat he had fished up from the foot of the mountain over a month ago. During this time, Shi Baoyue had clearly been recuperating well, his complexion much improved. Though still thin, he was no longer as emaciated as before.

It’s you? Pei Chengyin deliberately feigned surprise, though he had recognized the other long ago.

His acting was too exaggerated. Shi Baoyue saw through it but didn’t call him out, instead raising a hand to prop his chin on his palm.

Pei Chengyin’s impression remained the same as when he first met him: this child was not the type he was good at dealing with.

Though Shi Baoyue didn’t look at him again, he sensed Pei Chengyin approaching and deliberately shifted aside to make space for him.

Pei Chengyin straightened his robes and sat down beside him.

Then, Pei Chengyin regretted entering this pavilion—the atmosphere was terribly awkward.

Once Pei Chengyin was settled, Shi Baoyue flipped his other hand and produced a plate of pastries that had been set aside earlier.

Pei Chengyin looked surprised, this time genuinely so.

A token of thanks, Shi Baoyue said, lifting his eyes to meet Pei Chengyin’s gaze, his pupils dark and gleaming like lacquer.

Pei Chengyin let his guard down, smiling as he reached out to take a pastry and immediately pop it into his mouth.

Shi Baoyue watched his reaction expressionlessly.

It’s delicious, but giving me pastries made by someone else—can that really be called a token of thanks? When Pei Chengyin was happy, he would forget his so-called mask and instinctively tease the person before him.

I made them, Shi Baoyue informed him.

For some reason, Pei Chengyin nearly choked on the pastry in his mouth.

Ignoring Pei Chengyin’s awkward state, Shi Baoyue resumed his chin-propping posture, gazing at the winding path beyond the two pavilions and the pink petals falling onto the lake’s surface. The water rippled with each falling blossom, circle after circle, forming a unique scenery within this courtyard.

It was precisely to savor this very view that he had slipped out of Miguang Palace.

Just as Shi Baoyue became immersed in the scene, a lock of curly black hair slipped into his line of sight.

Shi Baoyue snapped back to attention and turned his head once more. This time, Pei Chengyin had leaned in, his face magnified right before his eyes.

He was startled.

Did I scare you? Pei Chengyin smiled apologetically.

You’re not from the Central Plains? Shi Baoyue had been curious since their first meeting. Pei Chengyin possessed breathtaking beauty, but his features didn’t seem entirely Central Plains-like—with his long curly hair and amber eyes, he resembled people from the far northern tribes.

Ah, no. Both my parents are from the Central Plains. My father’s side has a family genealogy—you can trace names back ten generations. My mother is even a local of the imperial capital, Pei Chengyin explained, accustomed to such questions about his origins. But further up my father’s lineage, there was intermarriage with Northern Amber people. Probably because of that. But I myself am thoroughly Central Plains.

Oh~ Shi Baoyue smiled imperceptibly. A family genealogy with names traceable for ten generations—truly an aristocratic household.

Seeing that Shi Baoyue had no further questions, Pei Chengyin continued leaning closer to his face.

Shi Baoyue, mature beyond his years, instinctively felt this behavior was highly improper. He quickly raised his hand to block the other’s face, preventing him from coming closer.

I’m checking your True Qi. You seemed severely injured earlier. Even with his face pressed, Pei Chengyin still strained to reach out, attempting to pull Shi Baoyue closer. He often acted with good intentions, yet few seemed willing to accept his kindness.

Thank you for your concern, but I’m fine now. Shi Baoyue genuinely appreciated it yet sincerely wished he wouldn’t recklessly approach.

But… Pei Chengyin frowned worriedly, convinced the injuries were too severe to heal in just over a month.

Shi Baoyue could feel the force behind Pei Chengyin’s movement as he leaned fully forward. Temporarily overwhelmed, his defensive hand gave way, leaving him wide-eyed with alarm as Pei Chengyin drew near.

Just as the two reached an impasse, a third voice cut between them.

What are you doing? If you want to kiss, do it indoors. Don’t corrupt public morals out in the open. Yu Xuhuai happened to pass by and spotted suspicious activity in the pavilion.

Hearing his master’s voice, Pei Chengyin halted his movements and turned.

Oh, Little Yin. Yu Xuhuai found the scene unsurprising—his eldest disciple, though young, was exceptionally handsome, and youthful romance was to be expected.

At that moment, a slender hand emerged from behind Pei Chengyin, trembling as it gestured for help.

Noticing the vaguely familiar vermilion sleeve, Yu Xuhuai called uncertainly, Little Baoyue?

The hand immediately waved more frantically.

Yu Xuhuai confirmed it was Shi Baoyue with Pei Chengyin. He approached their side and saw Shi Baoyue trapped in Pei Chengyin’s grasp, wearing a terrified, pleading expression. He remarked wistfully, Have you two grown this close already?

Shi Baoyue: …

Master, you’ve left seclusion? Pei Chengyin showed no intention of releasing Shi Baoyue upon seeing others, casually conversing and updating Yu Xuhuai: Zhi’an and Yining have missed you lately.

Miss me? They probably wish I were dead. Yu Xuhuai scoffed, knowing his disciples too well.

Pei Chengyin smiled faintly but didn’t correct him.

Anyway, what are you doing? This child is only thirteen—don’t go too far. As their master, Yu Xuhuai felt obligated to remind his disciple of certain boundaries.

I just wanted to examine his injuries. Pei Chengyin recognized Yu Xuhuai’s dry humor but found no amusement in it this time and chose not to engage.

Oh, he’s likely fine now, but his previous injuries were grave. He’ll probably need a year or two of rest to fully recover. Yu Xuhuai dismissed the matter. Since we’ve met here, perfect. Get up—we need to gather your junior disciples.

Pei Chengyin’s hand twitched against Shi Baoyue.

He knew nothing good ever came from Yu Xuhuai summoning everyone.

A warm hand covered the back of Pei Chengyin’s.

He looked down to see Shi Baoyue gently removing his grip.

How long are you going to keep touching? Shi Baoyue wasn’t angry, just felt it was inappropriate.

Hearing this, Pei Chengyin hastily withdrew his hand and opened his mouth, wanting to explain that he truly wasn’t acting like a rogue.

Shi Baoyue directly hopped off the stool.

Once he stood on the floor, Pei Chengyin could more clearly see that the clothes he wore were indeed oversized and ill-fitting. Moreover, Shi Baoyue should be around the same age as Changsun Zexi, yet his height was closer to He Xiu, who was two years younger.

Pei Chengyin rested his hand under his chin, thought for a moment, and blurted out before his brain could catch up: So short.

Shi Baoyue glanced at him, frowning noticeably for the first time, and moved away.

Hey, wait! That’s not what I meant. Let me explain! Pei Chengyin quickly stood up and chased after him, the jade pendants at his waist clinking together with a crisp sound.

This was the first time Shi Baoyue noticed this person’s peculiarity—constantly insisting on explaining himself yet never actually saying a word.

Yu Xuhuai watched the two stand up and immediately stepped forward to lead the way.

Do you want me to hold your hand? Pei Chengyin looked at the child walking beside him and amiably extended his hand.

Shi Baoyue looked up at him, frowned directly, and asked, How old are you?

Fifteen. I’m your elder brother. Pei Chengyin inexplicably grew excited when mentioning this.

Xiao Yin is the youngest in his family, Yu Xuhuai timely explained Pei Chengyin’s unwarranted enthusiasm. He’s wanted to be an elder brother for a long time. Among the other disciples, Xiao Xi and Xiao Xiu are younger than him, but they’re too independent and never gave Xiao Yin any chance to play house.

Among all the disciples, Xu Zhian was the oldest at seventeen and exceptionally mature. Apart from not trying it with him, Pei Chengyin had wanted to put on airs in front of all his junior disciples. Unfortunately, after three years, no one had ever humored him!

Hearing Yu Xuhuai’s words, Shi Baoyue originally intended to ignore Pei Chengyin entirely—he had no interest in playing pretend games. But Pei Chengyin’s eyes were shining brightly, full of expectation as he stared at him. In the end, Shi Baoyue couldn’t bring himself to refuse and slowly raised his hand.

Pei Chengyin took his hand and immediately broke into a delighted smile, happily leading him forward.

The three arrived at the meeting hall.

Since Yu Xuhuai had long decided to hold this meeting, he had naturally informed the others in advance.

Xu Zhian sat casually on a wooden chair, sipping hot tea. Hearing footsteps outside, he glanced over and first noticed the unfamiliar Shi Baoyue among the three. Jiang Yining was holding a small bronze mirror, adjusting her newly purchased hairpin, paying no attention to the newcomers. Changsun Zexi immediately noticed Pei Chengyin dragging Shi Baoyue around. He Xiu’s eyes darted around, observing everyone, ultimately still worried about their master causing trouble.

Since everyone is here, I have an announcement to make, Yu Xuhuai began without preamble, pointing at Shi Baoyue. This is my new disciple.

Pfft— Although Xu Zhian had guessed what he was going to say, actually hearing it made him spit out his tea. You really have a death wish.

Have you thoroughly investigated this child’s background? Jiang Yining remained unmoved, seemingly still using the mirror to look at her own face while actually observing Xu Zhian behind her, ready to act according to his cues. I’ve sent people to investigate during this time, and there have been no reports of village massacres across the Divine Land. Such a major event being concealed with no one else knowing suggests there must be something unusual behind it.

Investigated clearly. Yu Xuhuai smiled triumphantly – was there anything in this world he couldn’t figure out?

Then you truly have no fear of death. Jiang Yining agreed with Xu Zhian’s assessment of him.

What does the senior brother think? Changsun Zexi glanced at Pei Chengyin, who was still holding Shi Baoyue’s hand.

Me? Pei Chengyin hadn’t expected to be suddenly called upon.

Changsun Zexi nodded helplessly.

Although he usually didn’t involve himself in affairs, as the sect’s senior brother, he should speak up when controversial situations arose.

Alright. Pei Chengyin took Shi Baoyue’s hand and walked directly before He Xiu, instructing her, Call him Fifth Senior Brother.

Fifth Senior Brother. Shi Baoyue called out clearly.

He Xiu felt dizzy for a moment.

Call him Fourth Senior Brother. Pei Chengyin then brought her before Changsun Zexi.

Fourth Senior Brother. Shi Baoyue spoke without any psychological barrier.

Changsun Zexi now understood Pei Chengyin’s stance.

Call her Third Senior Sister. Pei Chengyin said gently, reaching out to press down Jiang Yining’s mirror-holding hand, revealing her face.

Third Senior Sister. Shi Baoyue suddenly felt like she was visiting relatives.

Jiang Yining tried to raise her hand but found her right hand firmly pinned by Pei Chengyin.

This is your Second Senior Brother. He handles many of the sect’s affairs. Pei Chengyin finally brought Shi Baoyue before Xu Zhian. You two should get along well.

Second Senior Brother. Shi Baoyue quickly called out.

Xu Zhian’s hand rested on the teacup lid as he looked at Pei Chengyin and Shi Baoyue, feeling inexplicably helpless. Then, having to accept the situation, he retrieved a red envelope from his Cosmos Sack and directly handed it to Shi Baoyue, saying, Sixth Junior Brother.

Shi Baoyue received it with both hands.

Damn you. Jiang Yining gritted her teeth from behind Xu Zhian – you were the one who opposed this, and you’re also the one who betrayed us.

The muddle-headed master’s words can be ignored. Xu Zhian’s arm rested on the chair’s armrest as he suddenly sat upright, lifting his head to display an ingratiating smile on his handsome face, his eyes directly meeting Pei Chengyin’s who stood before him. But the senior brother’s words must be obeyed.

Pei Chengyin froze, meeting his gaze.

Just as Pei Chengyin was about to feel touched – wow, he really had status here – the system’s mechanical voice sounded opposite him, conversing with Xu Zhian.

[Good, your current actions are earning you points]

Pei Chengyin: …

His heart was broken, truly.

————————

Mini Theater

Pei Chengyin: I thought I was a highly authoritative senior brother here.

Shi Baoyue: You are.

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