Chapter 68

Shen Qingqiu’s first instinct told him it was Luo Binghe.

But as the visitor stepped inside, he realized he’d overestimated his own importance this time.

It was Liu Qingge who walked in.

Since when did Liu Qingge, who usually preferred kicking down doors and striding over the wreckage, learn to knock?!

A straight man—safe to let in! Shen Qingqiu stepped aside to allow him entry, then closed the door. Casually, he asked, “What brings you here so late, Junior Brother? Where’s Binghe?”

Liu Qingge’s face was stiff. “Don’t know!”

His expression clearly stated he’d rather sleep on the roof than share a room with that little beast.

Shen Qingqiu was laughing inwardly. Liu Qingge shot him a glare, reached into his robe, and pulled something out before tossing it over. Catching it, Shen Qingqiu looked down. It was his old folding fan, the one he’d left back in his bamboo cottage on Qing Jing Peak.

Without thinking, Shen Qingqiu flicked it open with a snap. A cool breeze wafted past, instantly clearing his mind.

Truly, a fan was the ultimate tool for looking cool—his style points had just skyrocketed!

Touched, he said, “Junior Brother… you actually remembered to bring this for me?”

Of course, Liu Qingge hadn’t come all this way just to deliver a fan. He pulled out a stool, sat upright with perfect posture, one arm resting on the table, and said solemnly, “I need to speak with you.”

Infected by his serious mood, Shen Qingqiu straightened his back as well.

Liu Qingge said, “What exactly is going on between you and Luo Binghe?”

The Lord of Bai Zhan Peak wasn’t asking out of gossipy curiosity. Shen Qingqiu thought it over before answering honestly, “I don’t really know either. By the time I realized it, things had already become… like this.”

“Do you truly believe he’s turned over a new leaf?”

“It’s not about turning over a new leaf. It seems I’ve misunderstood him all along.”

Liu Qingge sneered. “Misunderstood? Forcing you to self-destruct, poisoning the Illusory Flower Palace, besieging Cang Qiong Mountain, burning and smashing the Summit Hall, injuring our Sect Leader—all of that was a misunderstanding?”

At the last part, Shen Qingqiu immediately pressed, “Is Senior Brother Yue alright? He seemed injured last time—did Mu-shidi treat him? Was it really Luo Binghe who did it?”

Liu Qingge said angrily, “Who else could it be? Are you still trying to make excuses for him? How can you be so blind?”

No. He wasn’t making excuses. He genuinely couldn’t believe Luo Binghe had managed to injure Yue Qingyuan so easily.

After all, in the original story, Luo Binghe and Yue Qingyuan had clashed directly several times, yet the Sect Leader had never given him an advantage. It was only by using the original Shen Qingqiu that Luo Binghe had managed to bring about that tragic, arrow-riddled death for the leader of the sect.

Come to think of it, whether in the book or this world, Yue Qingyuan’s treatment of “Shen Qingqiu” was exceptionally kind. Reading it back then, he’d always been frustrated—why should such a good Sect Leader pour his heart out for a despicable scumbag? Was there some undiscovered history between them? Could this be one of the plot holes that needed filling?

Lost in thought, Shen Qingqiu missed the way Liu Qingge’s expression softened, mistaking his silence for shame. His tone became less severe. “None of our fellow disciples understand why you’re so good to him.”

… Honestly, Shen Qingqiu didn’t think he’d been particularly good to Luo Binghe. Really!

Liu Qingge leaned forward slightly, the candlelight casting a warm glow over his pale face.

He asked tightly, “Or are those rumors… all true?”

How naive he’d been to think Liu Qingge would scoff at gossip!

Shen Qingqiu gripped his fan tighter and let out a strained laugh. “I’m surprised Junior Brother Liu would lend credence to such baseless rumors.”

Liu Qingge sat back straight. “I don’t believe them. But you keep defending that ungrateful wolf.”

“I’m not defending him,” Shen Qingqiu said helplessly. “I just don’t want to misunderstand him anymore.”

Liu Qingge said coldly, “I don’t understand what’s between you two. A leopard cannot change its spots. Luo Binghe is no good man. Take care of yourself.”

With that, he stood and left.

Shen Qingqiu, of course, also knew Luo Binghe was no saint. But he couldn’t definitively label him as evil either, leaving him with a headache. As Liu Qingge reached the door, he passed by a small side table, glanced at it as if seeing something shocking, and nearly stumbled.

Shen Qingqiu looked up, noticing Liu Qingge hadn’t left yet. “What’s wrong?”

Liu Qingge turned stiffly, looking Shen Qingqiu up and down with a newly complicated gaze.

After a long moment, he shook his head, then finally opened the door and left. In those few steps, he seemed to trip over the threshold.

What in the world was that about?!

Shen Qingqiu slept fitfully through the night.

Early the next morning, hovering between sleep and wakefulness, he sensed someone entering the room.

The person moved quietly, shuffling about. Shen Qingqiu cracked an eyelid open and froze.

The only person who’d take an interest in sneaking into his room at dawn was, of course, Luo Binghe.

But this was a very different Luo Binghe.

He had changed into a set of white robes, his black hair neatly tied back with a light-colored ribbon. He moved about the room with relaxed, cheerful efficiency.

This attire and demeanor were identical to the Luo Binghe from before the Immortal Alliance Conference. The image of a standard, pure and flawless disciple of a renowned sect (scratch that) diligent and capable little wife (scratch that) was…

It was utterly deceptive!

Luo Binghe turned, saw him propped up on one elbow, and smiled. “Shizun, you’re awake? Breakfast is on the table.”

Shen Qingqiu pressed a hand to his forehead, but his body moved on its own, taking Luo Binghe’s offered hand to get out of bed.

The strangest part was, this kind of morning had been the standard service package back on Qing Jing Peak. Getting out of bed, having his outer robe draped over his shoulders, washing up, sitting at the table, eating—it all happened naturally under Luo Binghe’s attentive care.

If the setting were the bamboo cottage on Qing Jing Peak, it would truly feel like a terrifying reversal of time!

Luo Binghe remarked, “The food at this inn is terrible. I’ve wronged you, Shizun.”

Compared to Luo Binghe’s own cooking, that assessment was extremely objective.

Shen Qingqiu took a deep breath. “Where’s your shishu?”

Luo Binghe smiled. “Don’t know.”

These two, whenever the other was mentioned, responded with the same blunt three words. Shen Qingqiu had figured out the pattern by now—asking was pointless.

In the blink of an eye, Luo Binghe was already making his bed.

The scourge of the three realms… making his bed! The image was too beautiful; Shen Qingqiu couldn’t bear to look!

Suddenly, Luo Binghe’s voice came from across the room. “But since Shizun told me to call Liu Qingge ‘shishu,’ that means you still acknowledge me as a disciple of Qing Jing Peak.”

Wasn’t that obvious?

How many times have you been chasing after me, calling me ‘Shizun’?

Shen Qingqiu said, “When did I ever say you weren’t my disciple?”

Luo Binghe said softly, “I thought Shizun had long since tacitly expelled me from the sect. I kept calling you Shizun, but I was afraid it was just my own wishful thinking.”

… Unbearable.

Shen Qingqiu covered his face.

Where’s your backbone?! Bing-ge!!!

You’re the ultimate harem protagonist who coldly told your women, “I have this many women, and there will only be more. Either endure it or get out.” Such domineering declarations!

Who is this pure-hearted youth, serving tea, washing clothes, folding quilts, and speaking only after shyly twisting his back?!

Huh?

Who has possessed your body?!

Shen Qingqiu finally had a chance to lecture his disciple again. He took a sip of tea. “It’s good that you think this way. Since you know you’re still a disciple of Qing Jing Peak, you can’t continue being so disrespectful to your various shishu and shibo. Especially today, after we return to Cang Qiong Mountain, you will properly apologize for besieging the mountain and damaging the hall last time.”

An apology, of course, wouldn’t be just words. He’d have to compensate for all the damaged public facilities at the original price. That was the bare minimum of sincerity!

Luo Binghe, casually clearing the breakfast dishes, said offhandedly, “We don’t need to return to Cang Qiong Mountain today.”

Shen Qingqiu: “What did you say?”

Luo Binghe said, “I said, if Shizun truly wishes to see our various… shishu and shibo, we don’t need to return to Cang Qiong Mountain. We can change direction and head straight for Zhao Hua Temple instead.”

When the words “Zhao Hua Temple” left his lips, the system sent a prompt: [“Zhao Hua Temple” mission officially issued! Issuer: Luo Binghe. Please choose whether to accept!]

The mission issuer was actually Luo Binghe himself?!

Shen Qingqiu narrowed his eyes. “How do you know about this?”

Luo Binghe said, “Shizun will know once we go. Best to leave before Liu… Shishu returns.”

No sooner had he spoken than the door crashed open, and Liu Qingge strode back in.

He didn’t spare Luo Binghe a glance, addressing Shen Qingqiu directly. “Change of plans. We’re not returning to Cang Qiong Mountain today. We’re going to Zhao Hua Temple.”

Shen Qingqiu stood. “Has something happened?”

Liu Qingge said grimly, “Something has happened. News came after midnight last night. Many sect leaders have been invited to Zhao Hua Temple for discussions today. Cang Qiong Mountain Sect is among them. The cultivation families in this city have already set out.”

On the way to Zhao Hua Temple, their path took them past Jin Lan City.

Several years had passed. Who knew what had become of that once-bustling commercial capital after the calamity it suffered? If they weren’t in such a hurry, Shen Qingqiu would have definitely descended through the thick clouds to take a look.

Not long past Jin Lan City lay Zhao Hua Temple.

The majestic temple was nestled on the side of an ancient, verdant mountain. Originally a serene and secluded ancient monastery, today it was bustling with noise and activity, figures scurrying about, with groups of flying swords constantly streaming in and out from the mountainside.

The three of them stopped at the base of the stone steps leading up to the Great Hero Hall. Liu Qingge said to Shen Qingqiu, “Come with me to see the Sect Leader.”

Shen Qingqiu was about to nod when Luo Binghe stepped up beside him. Given the young man's… complicated status, his presence here was a sensitive matter. "Best stay out of sight for now," Shen Qingqiu advised quietly. "No need to give the assembled leaders a convenient target."

"Let them target me if they wish," Luo Binghe replied, utterly unconcerned. "Where my master goes, I follow."

Another one who won't listen to reason. If he were recognized, it would spawn a host of unnecessary complications. "Junior Brother Liu," Shen Qingqiu said, turning. "Go on ahead. I'll catch up."

Liu Qingge shot a cold glance at the pair of them before leaping up the stone steps, a streak of light heading to rejoin the Cang Qiong Mountain Sect delegation.

When he chose to, Luo Binghe could make himself seem perfectly harmless. Mingling with the bustling crowd, he looked like nothing more than an exceptionally handsome disciple from some respectable sect. As for Shen Qingqiu himself, apart from that rather infamous appearance in Jinlan City years ago, he'd been buried and out of the public eye for so long that the odds of recognition were slim…

The plaza before the main hall was packed, ring upon ring of cultivators forming a human wall. In years past, the most arrogant and numerous would have been disciples from Huan Hua Palace. But now, branded a heretical sect, they were pointedly excluded—not a single invite had been sent, and not one of their robes was in sight.

Presiding from the Center of the great hall were several abbots of Zhao Hua Temple. Master Wuchen stood among them. Shen Qingqiu looked closer and realized the monk's lower legs were both crafted from wood, prosthetic limbs allowing him to stand and walk as normal.

The Cang Qiong Mountain Sect, led by Yue Qingyuan, was seated to one side. Liu Qingge had just taken his place behind the sect leader, leaning down to whisper a report. Yue Qingyuan's expression shifted, and he lifted his head slightly, his gaze sweeping the hall. Beside Master Wuchen stood the temple's presiding abbot, Abbot Wang.

The old monk, his brows and beard the color of frost, brought his hands together. His voice, deep and resonant, filled the vast space with startling clarity.

"This old monk will be direct."

"How many among you," he asked, "dreamed the same dream two nights ago?"