Chapter 28 (Double Update)

Chapter 28: Two Chapters Combined

After the disciples escorted Jiang Ziliu away, Lu Shitu turned back, giving him an inscrutable, icy stare.

"Jiang Ziliu, if I discover that it was you behind that incident..."

Lu Shitu ceased looking at him, turning instead to face the now fully sealed Immortal Monument.

Rong Yu’s words echoed in his ears: “Shitu, it’s highly probable that you and Jiang Ziliu will find yourselves at the same destination—the Immortal Monument. But there’s no need to rush. He cannot claim your sword, so let him be.”

“Once he has taken his sword, the one that truly belongs to you will emerge. In this matter, you might even find yourself indebted to him.”

“Do you recall my instruction to cultivate to the fourth level of the Vajra Spirit Refining Art? You must employ the techniques of the fourth level, using your solidified primordial spirit to force your way into the Immortal Monument. Only then will you have the opportunity to obtain that sword.”

Lu Shitu extended his hand, gently caressing the Immortal Monument before him. Each time, every event unfolded precisely as his master had foretold. His master had not truly ascended to immortality, so how could he possess such foresight?

Master, what secrets do you conceal that remain unknown to me?

Lu Shitu closed his eyes and began to execute the fourth-level technique. He had practiced it with such mastery that soon, his primordial spirit began to enter the Immortal Monument.

Strangely, the once unyielding Immortal Monument now yielded like tofu, allowing his primordial spirit to pass through effortlessly.

The figure in white battle robes reappeared in the distance, and once again, spoke: “Who approaches these grounds?”

Lu Shitu replied earnestly, “Your junior is Lu Shitu.”

The figure continued, “For what purpose?”

“To seek a sword.”

“Why do you seek a sword?”

Lu Shitu answered deliberately, word by word, “To protect someone.”

The figure paused, as if momentarily stunned. In the next instant, visions flashed through Lu Shitu’s mind.

A general in white, wielding a heavy black-gold sword, fought valiantly on the battlefield, single-handedly holding back thousands of enemy troops. Beside him was a young man, inseparable, whose sole focus was to protect the general, deflecting every overt and covert attack.

Yet, in the subsequent scene, the young man lay in a pool of blood. The general in white frantically tried to staunch his wounds, but the blood flowed ceaselessly. Then, the young man gently pressed down on his hand.

Pale from blood loss, the young man’s expression remained serene, a faint smile gracing his lips as he said, “General, I am content. This life was, after all, saved by you.”

The general gazed at him, gripping the young man’s hand tightly, as if clinging to a final sliver of hope, and murmured softly, “Don't say any more…”

“You wish to protect all under heaven, but my only desire is to protect you alone.”

The scene shifted, and in the next moment, the Immortal Monument crashed to the ground, merging with the mountains and rivers of the secret realm. Contrary to popular legend, this monument was erected by General Zhao Xijing for his subordinate.

And Zhao Xijing himself became forever bound within the Immortal Monument by those very words.

In the next moment, the Immortal Monument shattered!

This time, it didn’t merely open a “door”; its entire structure began to collapse. The continuous roar suggested that the entire world was crumbling with it.

Amidst the shaking earth and trembling heavens, Lu Shitu walked steadily, step by step. Following the white figure, he proceeded deeper into the Immortal Monument, where he saw a heavy sword embedded at its very core.

Forged from black gold, the sword was profoundly dark, with golden light shimmering through its weighty form. It exuded unparalleled majesty and power, possessing an aura so potent it felt comparable to a thousand armies, instilling in those who beheld it an urge to submit.

This was the personal sword of Zhao Xijing, the foremost general of antiquity. This was the true divine blade—“Golden Wu’s Unrestricted Night.”

The world believed that “Blaze,” a near-divine sword, was the finest blade in the Immortal Sword Secret Realm, unaware that a true divine sword lay hidden behind it!

The white figure took up Golden Wu’s Unrestricted Night and turned to approach Lu Shitu. Lu Shitu reverently extended both hands to receive the sword.

The golden light on the sword shimmered for an instant, acknowledging its new master.

Immediately afterward, the collapse of the Immortal Monument accelerated dramatically. Lu Shitu felt a sudden disorientation before his eyes, and when he opened them again, he found himself ejected from the Immortal Monument’s area, now on another mountain.

All that remained in his ears was a sigh: “Go. Do what you desire, and leave no regrets.”

The Immortal Monument, along with the entire mountain, collapsed with a thunderous roar!

The entire secret realm shook as if sensing something profound. All the swords vibrated and hummed in unison, their resonant cries filling the air endlessly.

Meanwhile, Jiang Ziliu and the others were at the foot of the mountain. Alarmed by the sudden collapse behind them, they panicked and began running forward in small groups.

Jiang Ziliu, still immersed in his excitement, was abruptly left behind and felt somewhat disoriented. Then, the ground beneath him swayed, and he stumbled, nearly falling before barely regaining his balance.

His expression immediately darkened, tinged with surprise. He turned to look back and wondered, “Why did it only start collapsing now, after so much time has passed?”

Disciples who had reached a safe distance nearby finally remembered him and called out, “Senior Brother Jiang, hurry over here! It’s dangerous there!”

One disciple, puzzled by the tremors, asked, “What’s happening?”

Others replied, “It must be because Senior Brother Jiang took the best spirit sword!”

“Senior Brother Jiang truly caused quite a stir this time. Look at this shaking—the secret realm is almost collapsing. After Senior Brother Jiang leaves, he’s definitely going to become famous!”

A disciple laughed and said, “Indeed, Senior Brother Jiang, when you achieve greatness, do not forget us!”

While they were speaking, Jiang Ziliu hurried to catch up with them. The earthquake had aggravated the leg injury he sustained during the Qingxu Peak trial, causing a sharp pain as he walked and making him grimace. Hearing their flattery, his expression improved.

After the disciples returned to the boat, Lu Shitu soon arrived as well. He was still empty-handed, calm and unhurried.

Seeing him like this, Jiang Ziliu couldn’t resist taunting, “Well, if it isn’t Senior Brother Lu. Returning with a full harvest, I see?”

The surrounding disciples laughed.

Lu Shitu didn’t even glance at him and boarded the boat on his own.

You Weiwan, who had been waiting anxiously on the boat, hurried forward to greet Lu Shitu, her expression concerned. She said hesitantly, “Senior Brother Lu, this… what will we do when we reach the secret realm’s exit…”

Lu Shitu smiled at her reassuringly. “Don’t worry. I’ll be fine.”

He then asked, “How about you, Junior Sister?”

Setting aside her worries for the moment, You Weiwan took out her sword from her Qiankun Bag to show Lu Shitu. It was a flexible wooden sword that at first glance resembled a vine. Upon closer inspection, its material wasn’t ordinary wood but a rare spirit material.

This was a famous and highly sought-after wood-attribute spirit sword named “Jade Cutter.”

As a wood spiritual root possessor, obtaining such a sword was ideal for her. Lu Shitu felt genuinely happy for her and smiled sincerely. “Congratulations, Junior Sister.”

You Weiwan thanked him, though her worry remained evident.

Jiang Ziliu watched their exchange and sneered inwardly: Just wait. When we reach the exit of the secret realm, Lu Shitu, with no sword in hand, will find himself in dire straits.

Once all the disciples were aboard, the boat began moving slowly again.

The mountains on either side gradually faded, disappearing into the background. Once more, the world was left with only the mirror-still expanse of water and the magnificent sky where the sun and moon shone together.

Lu Shitu lowered his gaze to the starlight and the glow of the sunset reflected on the water below the boat, his dark eyes taking on a brilliant cast. He thought of Zhao Xijing and that young man, recalling the words "leave no regrets," and unconsciously tightened his grip on the jade ring at his chest.

Visions flashed before his eyes: Rong Yu being swallowed whole by the Torch Dragon in the mountains, Rong Yu pierced through the chest by a sword, Rong Yu barely clinging to life in a water prison...

These were all scenes he had witnessed in his inner demons. Ever since Rong Yu had nearly been injured that time, his inner demons had completely transformed—no longer about being humiliated by others or abandoned by Rong Yu, but instead becoming a series of terrifying illusions showing Rong Yu getting hurt.

The young man lying in a pool of blood just now had triggered Lu Shitu's memories of these horrifying visions. Again and again, Rong Yu, right before his eyes...

Lu Shitu closed his eyes, feeling a dull ache in his chest. But he would no longer simply fear as he had before.

"No matter the cost, I will not leave such regrets."

Soon, the boat sailed into a heavy fog, and after an unknown length of time, gradually approached the shore.

From afar, Lu Shitu instinctively looked toward the shore, hoping to spot Rong Yu among the dense crowd.

However, as an ordinary mortal with ordinary senses, he couldn’t see clearly and had to suppress his anxiety, quietly waiting for the boat to dock.

This time, the boat did not head toward the port from which they had departed but instead sailed toward another part of the shore. If you looked closely, the air here seemed different, shimmering faintly as light refracted through it, suggesting the presence of an invisible barrier forming a gateway.

The disciples began disembarking one by one. The first disciple in line stepped up to the "barrier gate," suddenly raised his sword, and slashed fiercely at the barrier!

A transparent slit appeared in the barrier, just large enough for one person to pass through. The disciple looked somewhat disappointed but had no choice but to step through.

Outside, fellow disciples from his sect comforted him: "Senior Brother, just being able to enter the Immortal Sword Secret Realm is already impressive. Even the most ordinary sword obtained there is far better than any from the outside world. Don’t be disheartened."

The disciple smiled in relief and handed his sword to the others to see.

Jiang Ziliu, suppressing his excitement, strode to the front of the line, eager to be the first to disembark and present his sword. The disciples behind him glared angrily but fell silent upon seeing the "Blaze" in Jiang Ziliu’s hand.

Well, what could they do? The strong prevailed.

Jiang Ziliu drew Blaze and struck the barrier with all his might!

The barrier shuddered, seemingly unable to withstand such powerful sword energy. In an instant, the "barrier gate" split open with a large gap.

Everyone, both inside and outside the barrier, fell silent for a moment. The next instant, disciples of the Taixu Sword Sect erupted into excited cheers, sharing in the glory.

"Senior Brother Jiang! Senior Brother Jiang! Senior Brother Jiang!" Gradually, everyone began cheering for him.

The Immortal Sword Secret Realm had not produced such a powerful sword in many years.

Meanwhile, among the elders waiting on the side, Elder Lingxiao laughed heartily. Elders from his own sect and others congratulated him: "Is this your personal disciple? You’ve truly taught an outstanding student!"

The sect leader’s gaze also drifted calmly toward Rong Yu.

Though Rong Yu had full confidence in Lu Shitu, love breeds worry. His deep concern made him extremely nervous. He watched the barrier gate anxiously, waiting for Lu Shitu to emerge, much like a parent waiting for their child outside an exam hall.

Wang Yi laughed behind him: "Xiao Yu, no need to worry. Since he’s your disciple, he must be exceptional. Besides, even if he fails, I have plenty of famous doctors and spiritual medicines here. I guarantee your disciple will leave on his feet, even if he has to be carried out."

Rong Yu broke into a cold sweat: ...

Thank you very much for your kindness, but... jinx, hello! Jinx, goodbye!

Just then, Wang Yi’s surprised voice came from behind: "Qingyang Sword Venerable? What brings you here?" His tone held a reverence that struck Rong Yu as odd.

Wang Yi, in terms of seniority and cultivation, was arguably the foremost figure in this world. Who was this Qingyang Sword Venerable to elicit such respect from him?

Whether it was due to Wang Yi’s words or something they saw, all the cultivators from various sects present gradually fell silent. In the blink of an eye, the once noisy shore became so quiet one could hear a pin drop.

An unfamiliar, authoritative voice spoke up with satisfaction from behind: "His name is Jiang Ziliu? Excellent. He is qualified to return with me to Kaiyang Realm."

Rong Yu was startled and immediately turned to look, thinking: Kaiyang Realm? Isn’t that...

On the second floor of a nearby pavilion stood a man, his hair tied high, eyes slightly closed, his expression frosty and intimidating, yet clearly indicating his high cultivation level. He wore a silver robe, dignified and luxurious, but entirely unlike the style of this world.

Upon hearing this, everyone gasped in shock. Wang Yi was the first to exclaim: "Qingyang Sword Venerable, are you saying what you mentioned before is true? You truly intend to select the most talented disciple from the secret realm trial and take them to Kaiyang Realm to teach sword techniques?"

The Sword Venerable nodded impassively: "Exactly."

The crowd was truly astonished now:

"What?? A Sword Venerable from Kaiyang Realm??"

"Heavens, am I dreaming? The disciples of this Immortal Sword Secret Realm are incredibly fortunate!"

Many began congratulating Jiang Ziliu: "Senior Brother Jiang, this opportunity is surely yours! To have a chance to go to Kaiyang Realm—you must tell us junior brothers what it’s like!"

"With this move, Junior Jiang will likely be taken as a disciple by a sect in Kaiyang Realm. His future is truly boundless!"

They spoke as if the selection was already decided. But then again, who could be stronger than Jiang Ziliu, who had already obtained "Blaze"?

Jiang Ziliu basked in the attention, responding to each congratulation, and then raised his eyes to look at Rong Yu nearby, flashing a provocative smile.

See? Your disciple isn’t even worth one of my hairs! Just wait—he might not even make it out!

Rong Yu’s mind was in turmoil, his expression grim. Kaiyang Realm was another world among the three thousand minor realms, said to be rich in spiritual energy, where even chickens and dogs could ascend. Within the Taixu Sword Sect, Elder Lingxiao was most famous for having taught a disciple who went to Kaiyang Realm, which was why so many disciples sought to study under him each year.

But in the original story, Kaiyang Realm only appeared in the later stages, as a new map opened by the protagonist Jiang Ziliu. This time... why was it different??

The more Rong Yu thought, the more uneasy he felt: Kaiyang Realm was solely related to Jiang Ziliu and had nothing to do with Lu Shitu. Could it be that this time it really wouldn’t work? That Lu Shitu wouldn’t obtain that sword? Was the plot unchangeable? Would it forcefully correct itself after deviating from the original?

He was completely lost in his thoughts until the people around him suddenly cried out in shock: "What’s happening??"

"How could this be??"

Startled by the noise, Rong Yu instinctively looked up and suddenly saw Lu Shitu.

The black-clad youth held a heavy sword, as if he had just finished a swing, and was calmly returning it to a resting position. Though the sword could be called crude, his movements were graceful, like a nobleman slowly closing a book after reading. After returning the sword, he lifted his head calmly and continued forward.

And the "barrier gate" before him had completely vanished!

Among the many sect elders and leaders present, those with extensive knowledge quickly recognized it: "Golden Wu's Unrestricted Night?"

"How is that possible? It couldn’t be Golden Wu's Unrestricted Night, could it??"

"Which sect does this cultivator belong to??"

Jiang Ziliu stood dumbfounded, utterly incredulous, rooted to the spot. Those who had just praised him were also stunned.

Though everyone had seen Lu Shitu carve such a large opening in the barrier gate, most disciples had never seen Golden Wu's Unrestricted Night—after all, it was a divine sword far beyond their reach.

The disciples looked around in confusion, asking each other: "How could this sword...?"

"What’s the origin of this sword?"

An extremely excited elder, frustrated by their ignorance, couldn’t help but say: "This generation of disciples is lacking! How can they not recognize this? This sword is called Golden Wu's Unrestricted Night—a divine sword! Since the fall of the immortals, who has seen a divine sword in all these millennia?"

A sect leader looked at Lu Shitu with great admiration, stroking his beard and sighing leisurely: "The future truly belongs to these young people..."

The leader of another of the Five Great Immortal Sects remained silent for a long while, his gaze fixed intently on the Golden Wu's Night Without Restriction. After a moment, he finally let out a sigh and said with a slow smile, "The sealed barrier of the Eternal Sorrow Abyss will likely be passed down directly between this master and disciple now. It will be a celebrated tale indeed."

This top-tier master of the current era actually declared outright that Lu Shitu would become the number one expert in the future.

The disciples were sent reeling by these successive remarks, and they couldn't help but look at the Golden Wu's Night Without Restriction and its wielder, Lu Shitu, with eyes that had drastically changed from before.

"A divine sword??? Is that really a divine sword?"

"Could it be fake? Would the sect leaders lie to you?"

"Heavens! In my lifetime, I actually got to see a divine sword! It was worth it, truly worth it. Coming here was really worth it..."

The disciples erupted in excitement, their gazes toward Lu Shitu were now fervent and reverent—even including many disciples of the Taixu Sword Sect who had previously mocked him.

Meanwhile, Jiang Ziliu, surrounded by all this praise, his face had darkened completely. He gripped his sword tightly, as if clutching his last lifeline, the veins on his hand bulging.

Impossible... absolutely impossible!

Amidst the shock and ensuing discussion, Lu Shitu's expression remained unchanged. He seemed to have spotted Rong Yu from the moment he disembarked, and walked step by step, resolutely, until he stood before Rong Yu.

Only then did Rong Yu snap out of his daze, his heart surged with emotion: He did it! He actually did it!

Everything had gone so smoothly it felt like a dream. Rong Yu was so excited he was momentarily speechless. Instead, he just gave Lu Shitu's shoulder a firm pat.

Lu Shitu simply smiled at Rong Yu as usual and said, "Master, I'm back."

He said it so calmly, so naturally, as if he had just returned from a routine mission down the mountain, or as if it were only right that he should bring back the sword Rong Yu had asked him to retrieve.

Rong Yu was too busy staring excitedly at the sword in Lu Shitu's hand to notice that Lu Shitu wasn't looking at the sword or anyone else, but was gazing intently at him.

Just then, a sudden gust of wind swept past them. Rong Yu turned to see that the Qingyang Sword Venerable had actually descended from upstairs and walked straight up to Lu Shitu. Gazing at the sword in Lu Shitu's hand, the Qingyang Sword Venerable finally opened his eyes fully, his expression was visibly moved: "Could this be... the Golden Wu's Night Without Restriction?"

This was a divine sword whose reputation had even reached the ears of the Sword Venerable from the Open Yang Realm.

The Qingyang Sword Venerable's dramatic reaction was like a slap in the face to Jiang Ziliu. Jiang Ziliu's expression indeed looked as if he had been struck hard, completely stunned.

This reaction from the Qingyang Sword Venerable served two purposes: first, it confirmed the divine status of the sword in Lu Shitu's hand, and second, it made clear who was superior between Lu Shitu and Jiang Ziliu.

The "Blaze" that Jiang Ziliu had obtained was indeed good, but it was far from exceptional. There were plenty of fine swords in the world on par with "Blaze."

But the "Golden Wu's Night Without Restriction" was a divine sword—the only divine sword known to exist in the world today.

Everyone soon recovered from their initial shock, and many began casting mocking and scornful looks toward Jiang Ziliu. Whispers started to spread: "Did you see how arrogant he was earlier? Did he really think he was that great?"

"I remember now! No wonder there was such a huge commotion in the secret realm earlier. I really thought it was caused by that mere 'Blaze,' but it turns out it was because the Golden Wu's Night Without Restriction had emerged!"

"Oh, right! And that guy seemed so proud of himself earlier. Did he really think he was responsible for it? Did he actually believe he could cause such a stir? Hahahaha..."

"Tch, I've been wanting to say this—I heard he was just a lowly servant in the Taixu Sword Sect. He got lucky and was noticed by an elder, and now he actually thinks he's something special..."

"So that's how it is! I never liked him from the start. I thought earlier that the spot was really going to him. Tsk tsk, sure enough, people like him just aren't up to par..."

Those disciples who had earlier been certain that Jiang Ziliu would be chosen by the Qingyang Sword Venerable now felt somewhat awkward and unconsciously distanced themselves from Jiang Ziliu.

Jiang Ziliu's status among the disciples had already been precarious. Just when there seemed to be a slight improvement, everything was completely ruined again.

Rong Yu faintly heard some of these comments and understood the situation perfectly. He raised his head and looked directly at Jiang Ziliu. When Jiang Ziliu instinctively met his gaze, Rong Yu gave him a thoroughly contemptuous smile.

Weren't you so cocky earlier? Didn't you think you were the greatest? Didn't you look down on Lu Shitu, thinking he was trash compared to you?

And weren't you just smirking at me a moment ago?

Jiang Ziliu saw Rong Yu's smile clearly, and his expression immediately changed, turning pale and then flushed, as if he were about to have a heart attack on the spot.

But that wasn't the end. Rong Yu turned his gaze away and suddenly spoke to the Qingyang Sword Venerable: "Sword Venerable, may I ask if my humble disciple is qualified to accompany you back to the Open Yang Realm?" He was essentially asking the Qingyang Sword Venerable who would actually receive the opportunity.

The Qingyang Sword Venerable finally tore his gaze away from the Golden Wu's Night Without Restriction and actually bowed slightly to Rong Yu, saying seriously, "I have long heard of Fellow Daoist Rong Yu's reputation, but I never expected your disciple to be so exceptional as well. Qualified? More than qualified. I earnestly request that Fellow Daoist Rong Yu allow your disciple to join our sect. To have such an outstanding junior inherit our sword techniques would be our great fortune."

At this, everyone truly fell silent. Even the previously exuberant elders were stunned.

After a long moment, someone who finally processed the words gasped sharply.

The next instant, the crowd truly erupted.

Excited disciples couldn't help but shout spontaneously: "Senior Brother Lu! Senior Brother Lu! Senior Brother Lu!"

More and more people joined in, cheering for Lu Shitu with growing fervor and unity.

Rong Yu was also surprised. People from the Open Yang Realm were like celestial beings to this world, yet now...

He returned the bow, replying happily, "That would be wonderful. Thank you, Sword Venerable."

His disciple had truly achieved greatness.

Jiang Ziliu's face was already extremely dark, and upon hearing this, combined with the overt and covert looks from everyone else, he nearly went mad. The pitying and mocking gazes of the disciples felt like knives stabbing into his heart, piercing through his immense vanity.

His fists clenched tighter and tighter, his teeth gritted so hard it seemed they might shatter. Resentment and bitterness welled up inside him until he felt he might vomit blood.

He gripped his sword increasingly tightly, and his resentment and unwillingness seemed to transmit to the blade. The ancient sword, possessing a spirit, began to tremble within its scabbard, emitting clear, sharp clashing sounds as if it, too, were enraged.

Jiang Ziliu's dissatisfaction with the sword he had obtained, his discontent and resentment, naturally transferred to the blade. A renowned sword, now in the hands of a three-spiritual-root Golden Core cultivator who looked down upon it—the sword spirit seemed equally angered.

Jiang Ziliu suddenly felt a wave of dizziness, as if struck by an invisible fist. Then, a sharp pain exploded in his head.

His vision went black, and he fainted.

That night, the largest restaurant in Westzhou City was reserved by the City Lord, Wang Yi, to host a celebration banquet for the disciples returning triumphantly from the secret realm.

There had never been such a tradition in previous years. But this year, with the emergence of a divine sword and this sudden turn of events, it was clear whom the banquet was really for.

At the banquet, the Qingyang Sword Venerable was the guest of honor, naturally seated in the center. Wang Yi, as the host, sat beside him, which was also normal. However, Rong Yu and Lu Shitu were seated right next to the Venerable, at the head of the table. The leaders of the major sword sects could only take seats further down.

Those with sharp eyes understood the situation immediately. Many socially adept individuals soon went to toast Rong Yu, their words full of praise for him raising such an excellent disciple. In such moments, no one seemed to remember that Lu Shitu was still technically a mortal.

Rong Yu was genuinely happy that night and accepted every toast, drinking heartily.

Under normal circumstances, he would have complained: I can't believe even here I can't escape the dreaded culture of banquet toasts!

He glanced at Lu Shitu and felt a sense of pride and joy, akin to what he felt leading successful projects in his previous, three-dimensional life.

In the original storyline, within the Immortal Sword Secret Realm, Lu Shitu, like Jiang Ziliu, was guided by the "Blaze" to the location of the "Immortal's Stele." However, Lu Shitu possessed a pseudo-fire spiritual root and had to undergo extremely arduous trials to get there. The protagonist, Jiang Ziliu, already had a pure fire spiritual root and practically cheated his way there with little effort.

Both were aiming for the fire-attributed "Blaze," but Jiang Ziliu reached it one step ahead of Lu Shitu and took the "Blaze" right before his eyes.

Thus, Lu Shitu returned empty-handed and, furthermore, suffered a backlash from the secret realm's barrier near the exit, almost failing to escape.

Thinking of this and looking at Lu Shitu now—composed, sitting calmly at the table, occasionally glancing at Rong Yu with a gentle gaze—Rong Yu felt that Lu Shitu was like a pearl containing hidden brilliance. He didn't draw excessive attention, but once noticed, it was hard to look away.

Rong Yu thought, now, he had truly, genuinely changed everything. From here on, Lu Shitu's path of cultivation would be smooth and bright.

At that moment, Jiang Ziliu suddenly walked over. For some reason, his previous expressions disappeared, replaced even by a faint smile as he raised his wine cup to congratulate Lu Shitu.

Jiang Ziliu’s smile seemed slightly stiff as he said, “Senior Brother Lu, congratulations.”

As he drew near, an odd scent drifted over—like burning pine wood, yet carrying the chill of melting snow.

Rong Yu, feeling uneasy, did not allow him to get too close to Lu Shitu. He stepped in front of Lu Shitu, his tone impatient and cold, saying, “That’s thoughtful of you, but Shitu is a bit drunk. I’ll drink this cup on his behalf.”

With that, Rong Yu merely brought the cup to his lips for a symbolic sip, not actually drinking, giving Jiang Ziliu zero respect.

Somehow, Jiang Ziliu seemed completely unbothered this time. He chugged his drink, stood there for another moment, and then left.

Rong Yu watched his back as he walked away, baffled, thinking to himself, "Has the male lead suddenly changed his nature?"

His earlier action toward Jiang Ziliu had also carried a hint of provocation, yet Jiang Ziliu remained totally unshaken, entirely different from his daytime self, as if he were a different person.

Before Rong Yu could think more about it, Wang Yi pulled him back to the banquet table: “Xiao Yu, where are you off to? Come on, a few cups in and you’re already calling it quits?”

Everyone kept eating and drinking.

After a while, Lu Shitu suddenly slumped and leaned against Rong Yu, his arm wrapping around Rong Yu’s waist.

Startled, Rong Yu quickly held him to prevent him from falling and asked in a hushed voice, “Shitu? What’s wrong?”

Lu Shitu’s face was nearly buried in Rong Yu’s chest as he mumbled slowly, “Shizun… you smell so nice…”

Rong Yu: ???

Author’s Note: Nice move, pretty boy (just kidding).