Chapter 10: Fanyin Ling Chenmu's eyes reflected their embrace...
Gu Congxing frowned secretly. This time, the mission was not hidden; its cruelty was self-evident.
Gu Congxing suspected that the last side quest was just a disguise of "Hexu Dahuanglu" to lure him into meeting Tiaotiao.
As if in response to the system task, the silver light on the stone slab died down, and a tall, azure figure floated over.
The person who came turned out to be the eldest senior brother Lan Jue.
"Second Junior Brother, Wanshi Hall has issued a demon-slaying mission. Do you want to go with me?"
Gu Congxing raised his eyebrows in surprise when he heard the question from his senior brother.
It’s nothing, the eldest brother has never asked me to carry out a mission together.
Looking back on his two lives, Gu Congxing realized that he was used to being alone. Even with Master Zhuoguang, who held a very important position in his heart, he was not very close to him.
The eldest brother had always been dignified, gentle, and approachable, and within the sect, he commanded the support of hundreds. Gu Congxing was one of those "hundreds."
But privately, in Zhuoguang Peak, the two were always busy and in a hurry, and compared with their other brothers, they were only slightly familiar with each other.
So Gu Congxing was not surprised when his practice of forbidden techniques in his previous life was exposed and his senior brother expelled him from the sect.
...I'm not unhappy at all, he thought.
"Brother, why did you come to see me?"
"Several new inner sect disciples have signed up for this Xuan-level mission. Elder Shen believes this mission is perfect for them as their first demon-slaying experience, so he has directly assigned all of them to participate..."
Missions at the Wanshi Hall are divided into four levels: Heaven, Earth, Mysterious, and Yellow. Heaven-level missions are extremely dangerous and are only for Nascent Soul cultivators. Yellow-level missions are safe and can be undertaken even by Qi Refining disciples.
Xuan-level tasks are indeed the most suitable for those foundation-building disciples who have just entered the inner sect to gain experience.
Gu Congxing gazed and thought, and asked, "Wendao Peak's Wanshi Hall, Elder Shen, is a strict person, and he will not let so many disciples take risks."
But according to the system's prompts, this mission is clearly life-threatening, so how could it be only at the Xuan level?
"Although Elder Shen has appointed me to lead the team, there are ten of us this time. I'm afraid I'm not strong enough to handle it alone, so I'd like you to help."
Lan Jue spoke in a relaxed tone, without any pressure, his amber eyes filled with earnestness. Few could refuse such a person.
——Gu Congxing is the same.
Anyway, the purpose is to perform system tasks.
Thinking this, he turned his eyes away and stopped looking at Lan Jue.
"Understood. When do we leave?"
"After ten days, Junior Brother can still make some preparations." Lan Jue said gently, "I hope that after this experience, Junior Brother will gain some insights and successfully form a golden elixir."
Gu Congxing was surprised when he heard this.
My cultivation has recently stagnated at the Great Perfection of Foundation Establishment. If I have the opportunity, I can successfully achieve Dan Formation. Could it be that this is why Senior Brother is looking for me to go on a mission together?
"Where are you two going together? Can you take me with you?"
A brisk voice was heard, and Gu Congxing and Lan Jue both turned around, only to see Zhong Ming standing under the shadow of a tree not far away, his little face hidden in the shadows.
The moment he looked into Gu Congxing's eyes, his eyes lit up and he quickly flew into the arms of his second senior brother.
"Second Brother, I haven't seen you for a long time. I miss you so much!"
Embracing the familiar warmth, Gu Congxing smiled happily. However, just as he was about to reach out and stroke Zhong Ming's back as usual, he caught a glimpse of Lan Jue's meaningful smile out of the corner of his eye.
"cough!"
Gu Congxing suddenly withdrew his hand, cleared his throat, and pulled Zhong Ming out of his arms. Facing Zhong Ming's dissatisfied gaze, he pretended to be serious and said, "Junior brother, please don't behave so rudely. Why don't you say hello to Senior Brother?"
Zhong Ming pouted, looking quite unhappy, but still turned around and saluted Lan Jue politely.
Lan Jue wasn't surprised at all. Instead, he blinked and gave a sly smile, "There's an old poem that says 'One day without seeing you feels like three autumns.' I didn't understand it before, but now I know its true meaning."
Zhong Ming's face flushed red at these words, and Gu Congxing's face also became hot and he coughed again.
"Brother, please stop teasing me. I'm not even fifteen yet..."
But Zhong Ming immediately retorted: "Senior Brother, I am already fifteen! I will be sixteen soon!" He is no longer a child!
"What?! When?" Gu Congxing's voice was a little louder because of surprise.
"It should be before going to the auction? It's not a big deal, so I didn't tell my senior brother."
"Can……"
Gu Congxing was about to say something else when he saw Lan Jue receive a jade slip for transmitting sound. After listening attentively, he said goodbye to his two junior brothers.
"Elder Shen must have come to me to discuss the details of this demon-slaying mission. Junior brother, I'll give you a gift later. This is the year of tidying up one's hair in the human world, and it holds special significance."
He turned to Gu Congxing and said, "Second Junior Brother, whether Junior Brother wants to participate in this mission is up to you to decide."
After saying this, he flew towards the main peak of Wendao on his sword without waiting for the two to respond.
"Oh, right, the demon-slaying mission."
Having been interrupted, Zhong Ming's initial question remained unanswered. He leaned in front of Gu Congxing, his dark golden eyes blinking.
"Brother, can you let me go with you?"
Faced with this eye attack, Gu Congxing was about to nod in response, but then reason prevailed and he swallowed the word "OK".
That was a close call. When did my junior brother develop the skill of acting so cute and coquettish?
"Although this mission seems ordinary, it is actually dangerous." Gu Congxing thought about the system's task prompts and always felt that this trip would not be easy.
"But I have already established my foundation and learned wood-type skills, so I won't be a drag."
"Of course. You have always been diligent in your training and are already a leader among this group of disciples."
Seeing Zhong Ming's brows light up at this affirmation, Gu Congxing changed the subject: "Therefore, compared to this mission, I hope you can participate in the sect competition in a month."
"Not to mention that it's still unknown how long this mission will take, traveling is not convenient for preparing for the competition. Wouldn't it be a shame if Junior Brother missed the chance to show off his talents in the sect competition?"
"Besides, the Immortal Sect Competition will be held in a year, and I will also participate then. Junior brother, don't you want to join me in the arena and have a good fight with the newcomers from various sects?"
This statement really diverted Zhong Ming's attention. He thought for a moment and then revealed a smug smile, appearing even more energetic.
"I understand! Brother, then you must come back soon and watch me win!"
"That's natural."
Gu Congxing smiled and rubbed Zhong Ming's head, then like a magic trick, he took out a black gold bell and shook it in front of Zhong Ming.
"Ring-ling——"
It was not the crisp bell sound imagined, but rather the sound of the Buddhist bells in the temple.
Zhong Ming took it and saw that it was shining brightly, with fish-scale-like spots on it. It was soft to the touch and obviously not an ordinary item.
"Brother, what kind of treasure is this?"
"This is the Sanqing Bell that I refined. It combines Buddhist instruments. Perhaps it would be more appropriate to call it the 'Fanyin Bell' now." Gu Congxing said with a smile, "But it doesn't matter what I call it. Just know that this is a birthday gift for you."
Zhong Ming suddenly looked up, his eyes full of disbelief.
"For me?!"
He had never received such a valuable gift in his entire life... No, it would be more accurate to say that he had never received a gift on his birthday before.
Zhong Ming was both surprised and delighted, holding the Sanskrit bell in his hands, not knowing what to do. Seeing him like this, Gu Congxing couldn't help but rub his head.
"After being refined, this item can resist high-level illusions and demonic barriers. If you are attacked by an illusion and your mind is unstable, little brother, just shake this bell and it will bring you back to reality."
After Gu Congxing said this, he was expecting his junior brother to shyly thank him, but he saw that the young man in front of him had his head buried, tightly clutching the bell and remained silent.
This... is it because he doesn't like it? Is he sad?
Gu Congxing knew that his gift-giving was always inappropriate, so he asked softly, "Junior Brother, this Brahma Bell really isn't pretty enough. If you don't like it—huh?!"
Before he could finish his words, the young man in front of him rushed over, rubbing his cheek against Gu Congxing's neck, his voice trembling.
"I like it! I really like it—!"
Whether it is Fanyinling or the second senior brother.
He loves them all to death.
Gu Congxing breathed a sigh of relief and gently hugged the boy's body.
They didn't notice that a silver-white figure was standing in the distance, his icy blue eyes reflecting their tightly embrace. He stroked the ice crystals in his palm, closed his eyes, and left silently.
***
Lan Jue drew up a list of people participating in the mission, and after submitting it to Wanshitang, he received a message from his master.
It’s really strange. Master doesn’t often summon me. Is there something urgent?
Arriving at the Ice Palace, as expected, only a white figure could be seen in the empty hall - Chen Mu did not like to be served, and the disciples such as the cleaning boys had already been sent away.
"Master, what do you want to see me about?"
Shen Mu was playing with the sword tassel, his slender fingers stroking the star jade, making his fingertips look even whiter.
Lan Jue noticed that his master's sword tassel had been replaced. Looking at the spiritual weapon with restrained light wrapped in black ice, his eyes turned slightly.
Chen Mu asked, "Do you feel that your two junior brothers are different from before?"
"It is indeed very different. Both of them have made great progress in their cultivation, and their relationship is very close."
"Yes. During this journey, don't forget to teach your junior brother the principle of Supreme Forgetfulness."
Hearing this, Lan Jue staggered and looked up suddenly.
Why do Master's words sound like those of an old father worried about his beloved son being taken away? Is he trying to break up a couple?
Lan Jue tried hard to suppress his laughter, but he still couldn't help laughing, and said to his master who looked indifferent:
"Master, in my opinion, Junior Brother is just relying on Mu Ru. They are still young and ignorant, how can they know what love is?"
Shen Mu was silent, as if he agreed with what he said.
Then he asked again: "Do you think Congxing is different from before?"
Lan Jue stroked his chin and thought, "Indeed. Second Junior Brother's eyes look at people differently now, as if they contain some deep thoughts..."
When people see his eyes, they can't help but feel pity.
"He may have encountered something, but he refuses to speak. During this trip, you can help him resolve some of it."
"Disciple obeys the order."
Shen Mu nodded, stared at the disciple in front of him for a moment, and condensed an ice crystal sword: "I will suppress my cultivation to the late Jindan stage, can you defeat me?"
The change of tone was indeed a bit too quick, but Lan Jue drew his sword as usual and held it across his chest.
"Master, please teach me!"
****
In the blink of an eye, ten days had passed. Gu Congxing and ten inner disciples gathered in front of the sect, waiting for the arrival of the eldest brother Lan Jue.
The disciples gathered in groups of three or four, whispering to each other. But when Gu Congxing turned his gaze, they all trembled and dared not say a word.
Is it necessary to be so scared?
Gu Congxing looked at these quail-like junior brothers and sisters and couldn't help but miss his junior brother Zhong Ming.
When he was leaving, the child came to see him off. He was obviously reluctant but he still pretended to be strong. He was so adorable.
I left him some secret manuals of martial arts, hoping that they would help him win the inner sect competition.
"My fellow apprentices, I've been waiting for a long time."
A gentle voice sounded, and Lan Jue flew over and landed next to Gu Congxing very naturally.
Suddenly, someone appeared beside him, a figure standing there. The faint fragrance of winter plum blossoms reached his nose. Gu Congxing turned his head away indifferently, seeming a little uncomfortable.
But he didn't move an inch.
"This time we will go to the border of Central Continent to eliminate the Nightmare Tapirs. Although this is a Mystical-level mission, you must not take it lightly. If you encounter a crisis, you must not act alone."
All the disciples nodded in agreement. Lan Jue looked around and stepped onto the flying sword.
"Let's go! Follow me to Qingsang Manor!"
Gu Congxing immediately followed on his sword. Lan Jue seemed to have slowed down unintentionally and gradually walked side by side with Gu Congxing. The two talked in a low voice and did not notice the surprised looks of the disciples behind them.
——It is rumored that Gu Congxing is a vicious and evil person, and has a cold relationship with Senior Brother Lan Jue. It seems that this is just a rumor.
"Cong Xing, do you remember the blood demon that attacked you before?"
"I remember. Brother, do you have any clues?"
"I don't know where he went, but I found out something else..."
Lan Jue's expression was somewhat solemn. "The one who appeared in Zhongzhou this time was only a clone. The blood demon Chongyuan, his original form was one of the five great demons of the demon race."
"Five great demons?!"
The demon race is different from the demon race. They are transformed from creatures between heaven and earth. Even though the demon realm is in the Western Wilderness, there are still a large number of demon races in the world of cultivation. They are different in race and have both good and evil, and different personalities.
The cultivation world didn't care much about the ordinary demons, allowing them to thrive as long as they didn't commit any evil. However, the cultivators forbade the five major demons from leaving the Savage West, and the Tianlin Sect was in charge of supervising them.
There is no other reason, it is because the five monsters are too powerful, and some of them are violent and vicious. If they are released, I am afraid that they will cause another bloody storm.
A strong wind blew, Lan Jue's black hair fluttered, and his amber eyes looked ahead.
"Among the five great demons, the Plague Demon has long been slain. It is said that the two great demons, the Lord of Hell and the Marquis of Sound, are now ruling the Western Wasteland. The Dream Demon is second in rank, and the Blood Demon is relatively unknown."
Gu Congxing knew Lan Jue was well-read, but he hadn't expected him to be so knowledgeable about the demon race. He couldn't help but feel a bit horrified when he thought that the blood demon, a mere clone, had already reached the Nascent Soul stage.
"Brother, do you think the blood demon will make a comeback?"
"I severely injured his clone, so he probably won't venture out again in the short term. But Junior Brother, you still need to be more vigilant."
Gu Congxing nodded, wondering what the blood demon's intention was in attacking Tiao Tiao.
With a slight thought, he released it from the mustard seed.
Suddenly being pulled out of the mustard seed space, Chi had already fallen into Gu Congxing's arms when he reacted. He was about to leap down according to inertia, but suddenly found that he was thousands of feet high in the sky.
It paused for a few seconds, and finally raised its head in a noble and cold manner and stopped moving.
The furry tail swept and wrapped around Gu Congxing's arm.
Gu Congxing: Tiaotiao actually let me hug her!
He felt somewhat flattered and hugged Chi tighter, rubbing his cheek against its soft head - just as he remembered, it was a reassuring touch.
Lan Jue blinked and couldn't help but chuckle.
"This monster is quite interesting. I wonder who it resembles."
Before Gu Congxing could respond, Lan Jue uttered "Ah" again and teased:
"If my junior brother saw it, he would probably rush over and pull it away, then beg you for a hug with tears in his eyes."
Gu Congxing: "..."
On the other side, Zhong Ming was in Gu Congxing's house and suddenly sneezed.
He rubbed his nose, looked around the room, and lowered his eyelids dejectedly.
He had been here many times before, but each time it was with his senior brother. The two of them leaned on each other, sometimes drinking tea together, sometimes reading secret manuals together, and time flew by.
Without my senior brother here, this huge house feels a bit deserted.
He followed Gu Congxing's instructions before leaving and found the martial arts manual left for him on the carved lacquer wooden shelf. Just as he was about to leave, he caught a glimpse of a familiar yellow in his peripheral vision.
"Records of the Great Wilderness of Hexu"?
At that time, my senior brother was holding this book and I was reading it beside him...
He reached out to take it, but unexpectedly, as soon as he touched the book, the yellowed pages were suddenly blown open by the wind, making a rustling sound. Zhong Ming's fingers touched the footer of the page and it was cut, and blood beads merged into the black words.
"This!" Zhong Ming was shocked and took a step back in a hurry, but unexpectedly tripped over the table.
There was a loud "bang" and all the objects and books on the table were scattered on the ground, making a mess.
Zhong Ming hurriedly squatted down to pick it up, but caught a glimpse of a particularly conspicuous line of words - Senior Brother, where are you escaping?
?
Zhong Ming frowned in confusion: "What is this?"
He picked up the book, but saw another storybook underneath. There were only eight big words written on the cover: Junior brother has a supernatural physique.
Zhong Ming: “……?” Could it be a secret book on body refining?
Thinking this way, although he always felt that something was wrong, Zhong Ming still started to look through it.
“???”
How did this junior brother overpower his senior brother?
He wants to practice?
What? He actually has the Lu Ding physique! Lu Ding's cultivation method -
The next page turned out to be an illustration of two overlapping white figures, their clothes half-removed. Their movements were so lifelike that they jumped off the page...
“!!! This, this is——”
Zhong Ming's cheeks flushed red. He was about to throw the book out when he heard a loud "bang". The door was suddenly broken open and a frosty figure stepped in.
Chen Mu looked around and seemed a little confused when he saw the panicked Zhong Ming. Then his eyes were fixed on a certain storybook.
"Master's Secret Night".
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Lingyao: No need to thank me, good people do things without leaving a name. ^-^
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