Special thanks to Teo for help translating this chapter.

“Did you misunderstand something?”

Bai Fanlu knew that after the ‘princess carry’ incident, he would face unwanted public opinion and their torturous interrogation sooner or later. But he didn’t expect for Wang Chongyu to get straight to the point. Like being stabbed with a sharp blade, he was completely caught by surprise.

Bai Fanlu pondered over his words while slowly walking over, to buy himself more time. Then, he noticed what should have been a blank piece of paper on the table, was covered with a painting instead.

“Did you paint this?” Bai Fanlu asked on instinct.

This made the other party’s expression more perplexing. Wang Chongyu maintained his deep voice, “Shixiong, do not joke. I’m not some three-year-old child.”

Bai Fanlu didn’t understand what he meant, so he took a closer look at the painting again. If it wasn’t painted by Wang Chongyu, then who could it be?

The painting depicted a young man dressed in white. The artist captured the person while he was dancing with his blade. The subject had a very handsome and determined face. The key was the lustrous blue fire lotus in the person’s palm—Bi Luo, a magical weapon which was inlaid with god-like divine energy, and one of its kind in this world.

The person in this painting was Yun Zhan.

Why would Wang Chongyu come to Bai Fanlu’s quarters to paint Yun Zhan for no reason? It was obviously illogical.

The brush strokes of this painting were very smooth, as if it was completed in a single setting. Thousands of emotions were captured with the same amount of brush strokes. It was vivid and lifelike, as though the painted person could step out of the paper at any time.

There was no doubt about it, this was painted by the book’s, Bai Fanlu.

Although the novel didn’t mention this, it did touch on Bai Fanlu’s expertise in painting. But what Ban Fanlu didn’t understand was why the paper he saw before was blank?

The way his gaze was fixed on the person in the painting, and the intensity of his frown, was caught by Wang Chongyu, who interpreted the meaning in a different way.

“My apologies, I unlocked the spiritual energy seal on this painting without your permission.”

Oh! Bai Fanlu was startled. So what’s why!

So it was sealed before! Was the book’s Bai Fanlu afraid that others would see it? Bai Fanlu clicked his tongue. Such infatuation! It was a pity they were an ill-matched pair, otherwise, the ‘younger love interest’ and ‘power couple’ tags would have been a shippable CPCouple pairing. Popular internet slang that stands for imaginary lovers or couples in a novel, drama, comic, or real life. Same meaning as ‘shipping’, or support or have a particular interest in a romantic pairing between two characters in a fictional series, often when this relationship is one portrayed by fans rather than depicted in the series itself..

Bai Fanlu cleared his throat, stopped those outrageous thoughts running through his mind, and internally recited ‘Yun Zhan is the biggest scumbag, falling for him means death’ twice.

Then he calmly answered, “It doesn’t matter.”

“Shixiong, did you...really go easy on him?”

Wang Chongyu seemed extremely attached to the painting, as his fingers swept slowly across the paper.

Bai Fanlu failed to understand the question, he only saw Wang Chongyu’s finger pointing at the painted man’s lapel. “This white robe.”

Ban Fanlu finally noticed the issue. While Bi Luo was coloured in the painting, Yun Zhan was not depicted in his blue robes. When he first transmigrated into this world, the Yun Zhan he met was dressed in blue, that was why he didn’t realise that he was the man in the painting.

Wearing white implied the time before Yun Zhan was selected as the acting Sect Leader, but Bi Luo was obtained after the promotion. Didn’t that mean the painting was contradictory?

Moreover, he was injured by Yun Zhan and was bedridden without the ability to move even his hands. It was impossible for him to crawl out of the bed to paint such a piece. This must have been completed before the selection.

Unless, when the book’s Bai Fanlu painted this, he had already predicted that Yun Zhan would be victorious.

This...this emotional expression was very convoluted. Ban Fanlu clicked his tongue again secretly. Luckily, he could react swiftly because of his quick thinking.

“Yun Zhan was already superior by a notch compared to others. If I were to go easy on him, I would only cause myself greater injuries. You’re overthinking it.”

Ban Fanlu knew from the novel that he had deliberately allowed Yun Zhan to win, so this conversation was meaningless.

After some consideration, he decided that he should roll up and keep the painting to prevent further misunderstanding. Actually, what he really wanted to do was to tear up this painting to demonstrate his sincere convictions. However, this was painstakingly created by the book’s Bai Fanlu, so he wasn’t qualified to do as he desired.

Wang Chongyu watched his intense focus as he rolled up the painting. The hands hidden in the sleeves behind his back tightened. “Is this also true in Shixiong’s painting?”

“Huh?” Bai Fanlu didn’t understand his question.

“In Shixiong’s painting, Shizun should be the superior one.”

Ban Fanlu was shocked and the hands rolling up the scroll paused. What do you mean? The other Bai Fanlu also painted Ling Qingzi?

Wang Chongyu stared at Ban Fanlu’s lowered gaze. “I heard from Shizun that you want to descend the mountain with Yun Zhan?”

Since there was no way for Bai Fanlu to examine the other paintings, nor did the novel elaborate, he was glad that Wang Chongyu was willing to take the initiative to shift the topic away from the paintings.

Bai Fanlu tossed the painting into a bamboo tube beside him. “There are unusual activities in the mortal realm and Shizun tasked us to investigate it.”

“That’s all?” Wang Chongyu asked.

Bai Fanlu didn’t understand. Why did he always feel that there was a hidden meaning behind every word?

Wang Chongyu noticed the other party dodging eye contact and came to the wrong conclusion again. “Shidi and shimei are discussing about how you and Yun Zhan...have healed in the Spiritual Spring together, and will become cultivation partners in the future…”

Spiritual Spring again...

Bai Fanlus’s headache returned. He must stay clear of that pool in the future. There was no way for him to wash off the misunderstanding for the third time, even if he jumped into the Qinhuai River秦淮河 the biggest river in Nanjing..

“Shidi…” Bai Fanlu tried very hard to think of an explanation for his current predicament.

Yet all Wang Chongyu did was sigh lightly, and a trace of loneliness appeared on his gentle face. “Shixiong, when did you start acting this unfamiliar towards me?”

Ban Fanlu abruptly recalled how the other Bai Fanlu addressed Wang Chongyu, “Chongyu, my apologies. It...it’s my mistake.”

Wang Chongyu gazed deep into the other man’s eyes and finally came to terms. “I’m aware. Shixiong is still unwell, it’s fine.”

“Chongyu, can you do me a favour?”

The best solution right now was to do something rather than say something. With the centuries of friendship between Bai Fanlu and Wang Chongyu, for Bai Fanlu to take the initiative to ask for help, must have really moved the other party.

“Anything for Shixiong.”

“My sword broke during my fight against Nieyu. Can you forge me a new one?”

“Of course.”

“That’s great, let’s go now.”

Bai Fanlu pulled Wang Chongyu by his arm and he was obediently dragged along without a struggle. The expression on his face gradually restored to its usual peace.

Ban Fanlu never paid much attention to Wang Chongyu. In fact, this character didn’t have much of a presence in the novel. At first, the author described him as a gentleman. Like orchids and bambooGentleman of orchid and bamboo: Referring to the four flower gentlemen in ancient China. Each flower represents different qualities. Bamboo for its lofty elegance. Orchid for its modesty and nobleness., he kept a low-profile, was dependable and concealed his outstanding abilities.. He often helped Ling Qingzi deal with the sect’s internal affairs and the disciples respected him.

However, when Yun Zhan became the Sect Leader, the deep relationship Wang Chongyu had with the Bai Fanlu resulted in his weakened existence. The role which was already insignificant in the novel, soon diminished to a couple of sentences before disappearing without being given a proper conclusion.

Therefore, from Ban Fanlu’s perspective, he was treating the man like an NPCNon-playable character. Usually controlled by the game's AI..

Although the NPC wasn’t important, it made Ban Fanlu suddenly realize another important thing when he walked out the door. If he had been addressing Wang Chongyu incorrectly, then as for Yun Zhan—

It is over. It appears that the book’s BaI Fanlu never addressed Yun Zhan as ‘Shidi’ when they were alone...

So that sentence: Shixiong, you seem to have forgotten something.

Something...what thing...

Yun Zhan’s damned charming voice lingered until Bai Fanlu stepped into Qiong Forest. He racked his brain and wondered what to do when he saw Yun Zhan tomorrow. Should he take the initiative to explain? Or continue to feign ignorance?

Both options didn’t sound very good.

Yun Zhan wasn’t as easy to fool as Wang Chongyu.

“Shixiong, come here. What do you think about this tree trunk?”

Wang Chongyu’s words broke Bai Fanlu’s train of thought. He turned back and saw the other man standing under a tree, waving at him.

The tree trunk before them was pale, and its branches and leaves were slender. There wasn't an obvious difference between this and every other tree in this forest.

Because of his inexperience, Bai Fanlu uttered, “I trust your judgement.”

Wang Chongyu chuckled. “Since you’re departing tomorrow. We can only make do with the trunk of the Xu Tree for your temporary weapon. I’ll search for better materials and forge another using a Yu Tree later on.”

At first, Bai Fanlu wanted to say that any sword would be good enough for self-defence, but he stopped himself from blurting it out. Although he didn’t really want to go down the mountain to accomplish anything proper, it was inappropriate to display it in front of Wang Chongyu.

“That’s fine by me, thank you in advance.”

“Shixiong doesn’t have to be so polite with me. Just wait a moment and I’ll be back soon.”

Wang Chongyu raised his hand, and the leaves from the towering giant tree rustled. Thousands of silvery sparks gathered, then the tree was uprooted, leaving behind a round pit on the ground. On the same spot, a small sapling emerged soon after.

The trees in the Qiong Forest grew and vanished at an unearthly speed. Compared with the century-old trees in the mortal realm, their lifespan was terribly short.

Ban Fanlu went around the tree pit twice. In the blink of an eye, the little tree grew to half the height of an adult.

Wang Chongyu soon returned with a jade in each hand.

“The left one is thin and tough, and the right one is sharp. Which does Shixiong prefer?”

“The left one I guess.”

From the description, it sounded like it wouldn’t break as easily. Hence, it was more suitable for defence. He didn’t want to encounter an incident at another critical moment again.

Wang Chongyu withdrew his right hand and kept his left hand out. “Let’s go to the nearest artefact forging furnace.”

The furnace was beside the Qiong Forest, which was one of four scenic spots in the immortal realm. It stood out because the artefact forging furnace emitted a mysterious, seven-coloured rainbow light whenever a rare divine weapon was created. The interaction of the light with the thousands of trees in this forest created a spectacular scene.

However, this time, they were just forging an ordinary flying sword, so that scenery couldn’t be seen. When Wang Chongyu put the materials into the furnace and had Bai Fanlu channel some of his spiritual energy, the forging process began.

He would be getting a new flying sword in half a day, before he left tomorrow.

“Shixiong, do you remember when Shizun only had you and I as disciples? We would often come here to see the strange old man below.”

The furnace was under the cliff at the edge of the forest, on a prominent mountain platform. On the edge of the mountain platform, there was an old immortal who had resided here for many years. It was rumoured that the old immortal could ascend at any time, but he disdained the idea of it. His lifelong hobby was to keep fanning himself, enjoying wine, and keeping the immortal fire burning in the furnace.

And he himself was also a famous drunkard. If one wanted to have a conversation with the old man, he would only give a single word reply: Wine!

There was also a saying that his unruly behaviour was preventing him from ascending.

But in the end, no one knew for sure.

Bai Fanlu dealt with Wang Chongyu’s words perfunctorily. Of course, he didn’t remember what to reply, because those memories did not belong to him. And the book only had a few lines about this old immortal.

But Wang Chongyu’s nostalgic expression was genuine and enough to evoke a tinge of regret in Bai Fanlu.

“Shixiong is bolder than me and always liked to lie on the edge of the cliff to gaze down. I never had the courage to.”

“Do you still not have the courage?”

They exchanged a look with a smile.

“Give it a try?”

Wang Chongyu approached the edge of the cliff first and was closely followed by Bai Fanlu. Earlier, when tossing the materials into the furnace, they didn’t need to come so close to the edge.

Looking down, there was an immortal mist, and the huge forging furnace was right below, standing at a height of a three to five-storey building. A bright lava-red light could be seen from the furnace’s opening, stirring and rolling at any given time.

Bai Fanlu surveyed the scene, and suddenly, there seemed to be a red shadow which flashed across his eyes. He instinctively stepped back, and his breathing suddenly became rapid.

This artefact forging furnace’s sole purpose in the novel was to boost Bi Luo to a divine weapon, and nothing else.

But what was going on with this feeling of panic…?

“Shixiong? What’s wrong? You look terrible.” Wang Chongyu noticed Bai Fanlu’s strange reaction and reached out to tap his shoulder.

Suddenly, a strong wind passed between them, ruffling Bai Fanlu’s robes and interrupting his thoughts.

But at that moment when his hair covered his eyes, when he could only make things out vaguely, he saw Wang Chongyu lowered his head, frowned and looked at his own hands.

“What’s wrong?” Bai Fanlu asked.

Wang Chongyu raised his head and looked into the distance, as if deep in thoughts

“...Nothing. Since Shixiong has not fully recovered, it’s best for you to stay out of the chilly winds. I’ll take you back first and retrieve the sword later.”

“Alright.” Bai Fanlu nodded, but his heart was not at ease.

The two walked deep into the Qiong Forest, and soon after they left, the white-bearded old immortal beside the forging furnace smiled, “Come out now, they’re gone.”

In the stone cave behind the mountain platform, a man dressed in blue walked out slowly. It was Yun Zhan. As soon as he raised his hand, a jar filled with Hu Xuan Er flew up from his arms.

The old immortal’s movement was swift like a swallow. He jumped into the air and grabbed the jar. Before he sat back down, he had already pulled off the lid and took a hard sniff.

“Fragrant! How fragrant! You have potential. Where did you get this?”

Never mind Tianshu Sect, bringing in wine was an absolute taboo in the entire immortal realm.

Yun Zhan ignored his question and asked, “Where’s the mirror?”

“Ah! Not a problem!”

The old immortal snapped his fingers, and a round mirror appeared before Yun Zhan. There was no reflection shown on the mirror, only a thick, white fog.

There was a saying, ‘humans live among dust but can emerge untainted’. This mirror had a strange name—’Bu Shi ChenAlso refers to untainted/unsoiled/pure.’.

The old immortal took a sip of wine and smacked his lips. Swaying his head, he lay back down, with his cocked foot circling in the air.

“Good wine, such good wine! This is a jar of amazing wine!”

“It’s a pity that there is only one jar. Hehe! One platform is just one platform but two pairs are not two pairs and three realms might not be three realms. All living beings are one and the same.”

“Haha! Interesting, very interesting, hick—!”

Yun Zhan ignored the old man’s nonsense, stood still in front the mirror for a moment, and finally closed his eyes. When he closed his eyes, the thick fog in the mirror gradually dispersed, until a youth’s image slowly emerged...