Chapter 9: The Eldest Senior Brother’s Dilemma – Pei Chengyin’s Stomach Ache

A gust of wind blew by, and the cat nestled in Shi Baoyue’s arms suddenly yawned before struggling to break free.

Sensing its vigorous movements, Shi Baoyue immediately loosened his grip, allowing the cat to leap from his embrace and saunter away with an air of nonchalance.

That’s the Grandmaster Ancestor, Pei Chengyin spoke abruptly, one hand resting on Shi Baoyue’s shoulder.

Ah? Shi Baoyue didn’t know how to respond.

This cat has lived here for over a decade. He’s very old, so everyone calls him Grandmaster Ancestor, Pei Chengyin explained before rubbing his stomach as he remembered something. It’s time for dinner.

Shi Baoyue found the situation both amusing and exasperating, and actually let out a laugh.

Though his laughter sounded rather bitter.

Well then, Eldest Senior Brother, you go ahead and eat. I’ll return to find our master. Shi Baoyue had long given up hope on him, only staying because he hadn’t properly taken his leave. Now that Pei Chengyin was awake and they’d spoken, he could depart. Having made up his mind, he brushed off his sleeves and stood up from the steps.

Just as Shi Baoyue lifted his foot, before he could descend to the next step, his swinging hand was caught by the person behind him. With a slight tug, the unprepared young man was pulled backward. Shi Baoyue’s body spun sideways until he found himself facing Pei Chengyin.

Pei Chengyin was naturally taller than him, and standing on the steps gave him an almost absolute advantage as he looked down at Shi Baoyue. He held onto Shi Baoyue just as the latter had held the black cat earlier.

Don’t say that. Let’s eat together, Pei Chengyin said with an upturned corner of his mouth, his eyebrows and eyes radiating spring-like delight. He appeared utterly carefree, his familiar tone suggesting they’d known each other for a long time.

If I eat any more, your junior brother will be sleeping at your doorstep tonight, Shi Baoyue retorted smoothly. Contrary to his appearance, he was actually quite witty with his comebacks.

Hearing his refusal, Pei Chengyin’s smile didn’t fade but instead deepened.

Little Senior Brother. A voice came from the doorway.

Belatedly realizing the person was calling him, Shi Baoyue turned his head.

I’ve already tidied up your room for you, Zhou Fuli had arrived, as if he’d long known about the situation here and came specifically to clean up the mess.

Thank you. Shi Baoyue moved to approach Zhou Fuli.

But the moment he took a step, Pei Chengyin pulled him back again.

Then let’s go eat together. Your living quarters are all prepared anyway, Pei Chengyin looked at Shi Baoyue with concern. You must have suffered greatly outside. When I was thirteen, I was much taller than you.

Pei Chengyin had already imagined in his mind how Shi Baoyue’s family had been wiped out, forcing him to flee constantly, unable to sleep properly or eat well, resulting in his current thin and short appearance.

The more he thought about it, the more pitiful the person before him seemed.

Shi Baoyue gritted his teeth secretly, suppressing the urge to lash out. He had indeed endured considerable hardship outside, which explained his initially sallow and emaciated appearance, but his height issue truly had nothing to do with that.

I’m a quintuplet, that’s why I appear small, Shi Baoyue told him directly, wanting to end the discussion about his height.

Quintuplets?! Pei Chengyin stared at him in disbelief, leaning closer with an expression full of curiosity.

Shi Baoyue raised her hand to block his face, her brows tightly furrowed.

Alright, I’ll accompany you to eat. Shi Baoyue finally understood that further delay would only bring more trouble.

Excellent, I’ll take you to the dining hall. Pei Chengyin glanced at the sky, knowing it was the busiest time there.

Shi Baoyue had no objections, fearing that even one more word from her would prolong things further.

Pei Chengyin smiled and crooked a finger at him, signaling to follow.

Shi Baoyue took a few quick steps and fell in stride beside him.

As they exited, Zhou Fuli watched Shi Baoyue with sympathetic eyes.

Noticing his expression, Shi Baoyue met his gaze calmly before turning away to leave with Pei Chengyin. For someone like Shi Baoyue, nothing in this world was unbearable unless it pierced the heart. Besides, he didn’t find Pei Chengyin troublesome—he simply wasn’t accustomed to being around others.

Nightfall gradually descended, and lanterns began illuminating various parts of Lingxu Immortal Sect.

Observing the lit structures, Shi Baoyue remarked, How majestic these buildings are.

He dared say even renowned major sects might lack such grandeur.

Indeed. Pei Chengyin tucked his hands into his sleeves and explained, Lingxu Immortal Sect was founded a millennium ago with imperial connections—commissioned and funded by the emperor of that era. Thus, it once rivaled palace splendor in design. Yet, as with all great sects, prosperity inevitably wanes. Over history, Lingxu Immortal Sect declined, its treasures sold off until only these immovable structures remained.

Hearing this, Shi Baoyue looked up.

The sky blazed with purple clouds, brimming with spring vitality. A thousand years ago, who might have walked beneath these very eaves?

While describing Lingxu Immortal Sect’s landmarks, Pei Chengyin led them to the dining hall.

Inside, crowds of disciples were settling down to eat amidst harmonious chatter and laughter. Shi Baoyue was slightly surprised—though Lingxu Immortal Sect appeared destitute, it housed no small number of disciples, even a considerable multitude.

Senior Brother! occasional voices greeted Pei Chengyin.

No formalities, go eat. Pei Chengyin nodded casually before naturally pulling Shi Baoyue closer. What would you like?

In all his years, this was the first time Shi Baoyue had been cared for like this.

After collecting their meals, Pei Chengyin sought seating when suddenly, from a certain direction, the system’s voice echoed again.

[He’s here. Act now.]

Pei Chengyin’s head throbbed at the emotionless, otherworldly sound.

Senior Brother, over here. A smiling voice called out.

Pei Chengyin followed the sound and, unsurprisingly, saw Xu Zhian.

Xu Zhian beamed amiably, yet no one dared sit near him—proof of the terror lurking beneath his cheerful facade.

Pei Chengyin’s lips twitched before he instinctively shifted closer to Shi Baoyue.

Having already noticed his movement from the corner of her eye, Shi Baoyue stood firm, remaining unmoved even as Pei Chengyin pressed against her.

What’s wrong? Shi Baoyue asked him.

My stomach suddenly hurts so much. Pei Chengyin was genuinely in pain, his face scrunched up.

Senior Brother. Xu Zhi’an continued calling him, his tone seemingly gentle yet firm in attitude.

Truthfully, he only needed to call Pei Chengyin normally for him to come over, because Pei Chengyin simply wasn’t good at refusing others.

Xu Zhi’an smiled as he watched Pei Chengyin push Shi Baoyue along as they walked toward him together. When they arrived, Shi Baoyue sat opposite him while Pei Chengyin took the seat beside him.

It seemed this oblivious senior brother had finally noticed something was amiss – he’d been batting his eyelashes at a blind man for over a month.

Strangely enough, Xu Zhi’an actually felt relieved.

[You’re insane]

Hearing the system’s judgment, Xu Zhi’an shed invisible tears.

This mission was utterly absurd from the start. Pei Chengyin was fifteen years old both in age and mental maturity. Although he knew that according to official regulations, men could marry at fifteen, fundamentally, Pei Chengyin’s temperament remained that of an immature youth. His apparent maturity compared to peers didn’t stem from social adeptness but rather early intelligence.

Thus, in Xu Zhi’an’s heart, Pei Chengyin was truly positioned as a younger brother.

Being asked to pursue his own brother? Frankly, Xu Zhi’an found it somewhat perverted.

[If you don’t do it, he dies]

The system began threatening again.

Xu Zhi’an immediately reached up to adjust his hair, assuming a lovesick expression as he gazed tenderly at Pei Chengyin, asking softly: You’re not used to the food here, are you? Should I take you down the mountain to find something tastier?

I’ve been quite busy lately. Pei Chengyin refused quietly but firmly. I have many matters to attend to.

What’s keeping you occupied? Found interesting storybooks or studying new chess strategies? Xu Zhi’an knew perfectly well what everyone in the Lingxu Immortal Sect was doing.

Pei Chengyin reached out and draped an arm over Shi Baoyue’s shoulder in a protective gesture.

Shi Baoyue froze, nearly dropping the food he was holding with his chopsticks.

I need to help my junior brother familiarize himself with the sect lately. Pei Chengyin finally found an excuse.

You? Xu Zhi’an almost couldn’t suppress his laughter. Did Fuli give you the map?

Hearing this, Pei Chengyin knew he was in the wrong but stubbornly kept his eyes fixed on the ceiling.

Indeed, I’ve been troubling Senior Brother. Shi Baoyue, who had remained silent until now, spoke up, indirectly corroborating Pei Chengyin’s words.

Pei Chengyin slowly turned to look at Shi Baoyue.

Shi Baoyue naturally picked up another bite from his bowl and ate it.

Oh. Realizing he was deliberately covering for Pei Chengyin, Xu Zhi’an shifted his attention to him, getting straight to the point: Before, I thought you’d chase after your enemies seeking death without hesitation even if your body was shattered to pieces. How did Master manage to turn you around with just a few words?

Sometimes, Xu Zhi’an genuinely admired Yu Xuhuai – where did he get such capabilities?

Pei Chengyin frowned, thinking this topic shouldn’t be brought up in front of Shi Baoyue, and opened his mouth to interrupt Xu Zhi’an.

My master said I’m no match for the enemy right now, and going over there would be suicide. That makes sense, I took it to heart. Shi Baoyue spoke before Pei Chengyin could. Actually, being alone here still frightens me quite a bit. Fortunately, Big Brother has been taking good care of me. I just feel deeply sorry for disrupting your subsequent plans because of this.

Wow. Xu Zhian marveled. Turns out you’re so articulate.

He had thought Shi Baoyue would be another inarticulate person who disliked talking.

Not at all. Shi Baoyue replied modestly.

Hey. Xu Zhian leaned forward with interest, placing his hands on the table and leaning closer to Shi Baoyue, his eyes curved in a smile.

Shi Baoyue looked up at him while chewing something in his mouth.

How about I mentor you instead? Xu Zhian absolutely loved training people who looked particularly difficult to handle.

Pei Chengyin, standing nearby, raised a finger to point at himself, his expression full of disbelief. Could they at least glance his way? Was he really being poached right in front of him?

Hard to refuse such generous offer. Shi Baoyue glanced at Xu Zhian and smiled politely, though unfortunately his eyes remained unmoved, making the goodwill seem unable to reach people’s hearts.

Hearing him speak like this, Pei Chengyin anxiously leaned his body toward Shi Baoyue’s side.

But I must state upfront – I’ll study with Big Brother first, and will definitely seek guidance from Second Brother another time. Shi Baoyue finished his statement.

He had actually noticed Pei Chengyin’s reluctance to agree with Xu Zhian, which was why he helped defuse the situation. In truth, he needed neither Xu Zhian nor Pei Chengyin.

Having done what he felt was necessary, Shi Baoyue prepared to quickly finish his meal and leave this place immediately. If he didn’t get some alone time soon, he felt he would go mad.

Just as he raised his chopsticks, someone cautiously extended a hand from beside him, resting it on his shoulder. After another moment, as if unable to contain their emotions, that person simply threw themselves over and hugged him tightly.

The impact made Shi Baoyue’s body tilt sideways.

Little Baoyue. Pei Chengyin held him tightly, his voice sounding somewhat choked up as he buried his face in the crook of Shi Baoyue’s shoulder.

This sudden display of emotion left Shi Baoyue completely bewildered.

————————

Mini Theater

Pei Chengyin: Sigh

Shi Baoyue: What are you sighing about?

Pei Chengyin: Can they please stop hitting on me?

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