Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Sect Leader Shangguan maintained his usual proper and polite demeanor, yet Rong Yu inexplicably sensed a deep preoccupation within him. Moreover, he seemed entirely unfazed by Rong Yu’s earlier smile, as if lost in thoughts of far greater importance.

It appeared his words were true—he genuinely had something significant to discuss.

Rong Yu braced himself, ready to engage with Sect Leader Shangguan. The sect leader gestured for him to sit, then, while rinsing a cup and pouring tea, casually inquired with feigned concern, “Last night, Elder Wang mentioned Lu Shitu was unwell. How is he now?”

Caught off guard, Rong Yu’s expression momentarily stiffened. He quickly composed himself, nodding as he replied, “My young disciple merely had a bit too much to drink. You needn’t trouble yourself, Sect Leader.”

As expected, the sect leader showed little genuine concern, nodding briefly before continuing, “Actually, what I wished to discuss with you, *Junior Brother*, is precisely about Lu Shitu.”

“Have you ever considered why Lu Shitu managed to obtain a divine sword in the Immortal Sword Secret Realm this time? You must be aware of the immense value of Golden Wu's Unrestricted Night and the exceptionally high standards it demands of its successor.”

*Isn’t that obvious?* Rong Yu thought to himself. *Of course I know why—it’s because I meticulously orchestrated every step for him.*

Yet, outwardly, he remained impassive, simply responding, “I imagine it must be due to his extraordinary destiny and exceptional talent. That must be why Golden Wu's Unrestricted Night chose him.”

But the sect leader shook his head. “If it were merely that simple, I would not be posing this question today.”

“Then, is there some other issue?” Rong Yu asked, mentally adding, *Shangguan Goudan?*

Sect Leader Shangguan looked directly at Rong Yu, his gaze seemingly sincere and gentle, as if entirely devoted to Rong Yu’s well-being. “*Junior Brother*, I fear it may be that he is truly connected to the divine artifact, the Twelve Floors, which is why he obtained Golden Wu's Unrestricted Night.”

“Although we cannot confirm whether the artifact remains in its original place, it was indeed Lu Shitu who disturbed its seal—an unprecedented event. Moreover, there is one matter I have yet to share with you.”

Rong Yu listened patiently, though his mind had already drifted. At this last remark, however, he perked up, adopting a serious and earnest expression as he asked, “What matter?”

The sect leader leaned closer and said, “I once used star divination to deduce that Lu Shitu has been inextricably linked to the Twelve Floors since birth.”

This time, Rong Yu was genuinely startled, momentarily forgetting his usual aversion to the sect leader. A flurry of thoughts raced through his mind, and he blurted out, “Is that true?”

Seemingly pleased with his reaction, the sect leader looked at him closely and replied softly, “Naturally.”

Rong Yu’s mind raced, but he suppressed various ideas for the moment, focusing instead: *What does he want me to do? What is his objective?*

There was no way Sect Leader Shangguan truly trusted him—Rong Yu had never expected to hear the unvarnished truth from him. Yet this statement seemed too plausible, as if it connected many loose ends he had vaguely sensed before.

The sect leader continued, “When I initially opposed you taking him as a disciple, it was precisely for this reason. Those entangled with the Twelve Floors are destined to be a lone star of calamity, portending great misfortune. I was concerned about you getting too close to him.”

*Hmm… why bring this up again? This is utterly ridiculous. Besides, why mention it now of all times? Claiming it’s for my sake—who would believe that? You’re just suspicious now that Lu Shitu has obtained a divine sword and want to take some action. How hypocritical, Shangguan Goudan.*

Rong Yu’s lips twitched, but he maintained a calm facade and said solemnly, “I see. Thank you for your concern, Sect Leader.”

Sect Leader Shangguan shook his head. “No need to be so formal, *Junior Brother*. Therefore, I believe it might be more appropriate to return Lu Shitu to my care.”

*Whoa, so direct?*

But Rong Yu was prepared. He replied earnestly, “This matter is indeed significant. However, I must ask for your understanding—I cannot send him away just yet. Firstly, I made a blood oath to help him win the Sect Tournament two years from now, and that vow cannot be broken. Secondly, it won’t be long before Shitu goes to Kaiyang Realm to receive the sword mantra. This matter…”

Rong Yu paused meaningfully at this point. The sect leader immediately understood, nodding gently. “I was inconsiderate. Then, *Junior Brother*, you will have to bear the burden of guiding him for two more years. We can make further plans after that.”

Having a disciple qualify for Kaiyang Realm was a great honor—one that had elevated Elder Lingxiao’s status. By implying that he had painstakingly nurtured Lu Shitu only to potentially lose the credit, Rong Yu had presented an argument that was difficult to refute. He doubted the sect leader could press further after such a statement.

Not only had he managed to keep his disciple, but he had also gained some valuable information. Rong Yu felt quite satisfied. Just then, his eyes fell on an object resting on the table.

It was a jade pot, but clearly no ordinary one—spiritual energy swirled around it, marking it as a high-grade magical artifact. Moreover, its appearance was familiar; it seemed to be the very artifact Rong Yu had heard of—the “Frostheart Pot.”

*Wait, this Frostheart Pot… it’s perfect for Lu Shitu’s current situation!* It was a spatial magic tool capable of holding people, with a concentration of spiritual energy ideal for tempering spiritual roots—perfect for Lu Shitu to use during his recovery.

The blue-robed man from earlier must have been negotiating with the sect leader over this very artifact. The sect leader had just acquired it, and now Rong Yu had stumbled upon it—what a fortunate coincidence.

As Rong Yu’s gaze lingered on the Frostheart Pot, the sect leader noticed immediately. His expression stiffened almost imperceptibly, and his hand twitched toward the pot before stilling.

Sure enough, Rong Yu smiled and said, “Sect Leader *Senior Brother*, it seems our sect’s treasury has grown even more abundant.”

Hearing the address “Senior Brother,” the sect leader immediately showed a trace of resignation, even a hint of pleading. “*Junior Brother*, this time, perhaps…”

Rong Yu continued cheerfully, “Sect Leader *Senior Brother*, since Shitu obtained the finest sword in the Immortal Sword Secret Realm, the sect will soon hold a banquet and award him. The reward, as usual, will be the privilege of selecting a treasure from the treasury, won’t it?”

The sect leader’s expression remained stiff for a long moment before he finally sighed and waved a hand. “Do as you please, *Junior Brother*.”

Rong Yu was thrilled. The last time, he had openly taken the Golden Thread Garment from the sect leader in the same manner. Whether the sect leader genuinely regretted parting with it or was merely feigning generosity, Rong Yu had claimed it through legitimate means—there was no reason for refusal.

A short while later, Rong Yu walked out of the sect leader’s room, Frostheart Pot in hand. As he left, he caught sight of a figure flashing by in the corner—likely a disciple who happened to be passing by.

Returning to his quarters, he found Lu Shitu busy inside. Lu Shitu seemed preoccupied, but when he looked up and saw Rong Yu, he paused and asked, “Master… did something good happen?”

Only then did Rong Yu realize a trace of his earlier amusement still lingered on his face. He held up the jade pot for Lu Shitu to see and said with a smile, “See what I brought back for you?”

His tone was entirely that of cajoling a child, yet Lu Shitu showed no displeasure. Instead, his expression softened slightly.

When Lu Shitu shook his head, Rong Yu casually tossed the pot to him. “This is the Frostheart Pot. Keep it safe. Once we return to the peak, you can use it to help rebuild your spiritual roots.”

However, Lu Shitu’s expression stiffened inexplicably. He nodded but showed little joy, silently storing the pot away with care.

Noticing his demeanor, Rong Yu recalled their somewhat strained conversation from that morning. Though he didn’t understand the reason, he could sense Lu Shitu’s low spirits. After a moment’s thought, he waved him over. “Shitu, come here.”

As Lu Shitu approached, Rong Yu leaned in and whispered by his ear, “I just learned something. The sect leader’s real name is *Shangguan Goudan*.”

After saying this, Rong Yu couldn’t hold back. He pulled back and burst into laughter. *I can’t help it—this is just too hilarious! Such a glistening jade-like gentleman! The sect leader, who cares so much about his image, actually has such an earthy name! How did he keep a straight face earlier? Hahahahaha…*

Rong Yu’s fair, noble face lit up with a radiant smile, his peach-blossom eyes curving with mirth. The usual aloof, sharp, and unapproachable aura around him vanished completely.

Lu Shitu stood frozen, his breath catching for a moment. The warm breath by his ear seemed to linger, and the faint, unique scent of Rong Yu still hung in the air. Watching Rong Yu’s smile, he felt an inexplicable itch in his heart—a warmth and satisfaction that was hard to put into words.

After his laughter subsided, Rong Yu remembered to maintain his dignified image. He coughed lightly, schooling his expression before looking up at Lu Shitu. Sure enough, Lu Shitu’s mood seemed much improved, a hint of warmth in his eyes and an unconscious smile tugging at his lips.

*As expected, I knew no one would find this unfunny!*

He didn’t notice the faint trace of obsession in Lu Shitu’s gaze.

Lu Shitu seemed to ponder something before adding, “Though… it does make some sense.”

Rong Yu asked casually, “Hmm?”

Lu Shitu wore a thoughtful expression. “When I was at Shouzhong Peak, I heard some things about the sect leader.”

Rong Yu perked up, waving a hand to set up a barrier. “Tell me.”

Lu Shitu nodded earnestly. “The sect leader isn’t from a sect lineage or a prominent family. Rumor has it he came from a remote mountain village. He seems to have health issues—always taking medicine, supposedly due to a congenital condition.”

At this, Rong Yu understood. “I’ve heard that in the mortal world, if a child is born weak and sickly, they’re given a humble name in hopes they’ll survive and thrive.” This included practices like giving boys feminine names—something he’d encountered in his own world.

Lu Shitu nodded, his fingers unconsciously twisting slightly as he replied with a hint of amusement, “Exactly as you say, Master.”

Rong Yu felt a strange sense of pride, as if he’d been praised by his disciple. But his mind quickly returned to a lingering doubt: *In the original story, the sect leader’s background—including his name—was never elaborated on. Yet in this world, he has such a detailed backstory.*

*So, was this world truly created by that author who only knew how to wishful think?*

Moreover, Rong Yu had long been puzzled: if this world truly existed, why would the Chosen One be someone like Jiang Ziliu, who was so fundamentally incompetent at everything? It made no sense at all.

And then there was Lu Shitu... what was this fate of being a celestial loner destined for calamity?

Rong Yu’s gaze fell on Lu Shitu, who was diligently continuing to pack up Rong Yu’s things in preparation for their return to the mountain.

Author’s Note: Seeing how happy everyone was in the comments yesterday, I made a Sect Leader Shangguan meme and posted it on Weibo, hahahahaha!

(Also, the cover artist fixed Shifu’s hairline. I’ve posted the updated image on Weibo too—please stop teasing him about it from now on, hahahaha!)