What a Coincidence

Gu Feiyan was so shocked that she couldn’t speak for a long time. Qin Gou couldn’t help but ask, “Wasn’t Senior Sister planning to fight me?”

Gu Feiyan’s dazed eyes regained focus, and she replied, “I’m scared.”

“Scared?” Qin Gou found her response utterly baffling.

“I’m afraid I might accidentally kill you,” Gu Feiyan said, blinking. Her beautiful black-and-white eyes shimmered faintly with a soft pink hue.

Sensing that something was off, Qin Gou quickly said, “If Senior Sister isn’t planning to stop me, I’ll take my leave.”

He swiftly packed his brushes and canvas into his spatial ring. Taking a few cautious steps back to confirm that Gu Feiyan wasn’t going to attack, he turned and left.

“Interesting,” Gu Feiyan muttered, placing her hands on her hips. “Does he really think such little tricks can escape my eyes?”

“He desires something deeply, and it’s related to me.”

“Could it be that he doesn’t want to paint me because of some unspeakable reason?”

“What exactly is he afraid of?”

Gu Feiyan narrowed her eyes, deep in thought. “Perhaps my reputation in the sect has been too demonized, and he’s intimidated… Wait. If he desires me, does that mean he’s not actually a ‘chubby enthusiast’?!”

As if uncovering a monumental secret, Gu Feiyan covered her mouth in silent astonishment.

***

Back at Konglan Valley.

As someone who had “coincidentally” encountered the most dangerous and infamous demoness of the sect, Gu Feiyan, and returned unscathed, Qin Gou was hailed by the chubby Chen Keshai as a “true warrior.”

A few days later, Qin Gou received the second and third layers of the Green Emperor Scroll from Elder Yuan Zhen, along with his own spiritual gathering cave. Although he was officially just an ordinary inner disciple, the treatment he received was nothing short of extraordinary.

For instance, his cave was located in the best area of the sect, equipped with a top-tier spiritual gathering formation. The surrounding area was so exclusive that no inner disciple dared to trespass, as his neighbors were all highly respected elders with real authority. The preferential treatment was glaringly obvious.

“Brother Qin, this spiritual gathering cave was specially arranged for you by the sect. Is it really okay for me to tag along and benefit from it?” Chen Keshai asked, scratching his head sheepishly.

Qin Gou waved his hand with a smile. “You’re my servant disciple now. Training with me is perfectly reasonable.”

Chen Keshai grinned. “Even as a servant disciple, I’m enjoying better treatment than Brother Shen Tianyin and the other regular disciples.”

“Of course. Following Master Qin has its perks,” Qin Gou said with a faint smile. “Focus on your cultivation here. I’m going out to explore and familiarize myself with the area.”

Adjusting his green robe, Qin Gou stepped out of the cave.

***

“What are you doing here?”

The moment he stepped outside, a familiar voice greeted him. To his surprise, it was none other than Gu Feiyan.

Gu Feiyan looked at him with mild surprise. “This isn’t a place you can casually visit, is it?”

Qin Gou clasped his hands behind his back and smiled. “What a coincidence, Senior Sister.”

“Coincidence?” Gu Feiyan raised an eyebrow playfully. “Lurking outside someone’s cave doesn’t count as a coincidence.”

“I’m not sure what you mean, Senior Sister,” Qin Gou replied, puzzled.

Gu Feiyan pointed toward a nearby cave. “That’s my cave. If you’re here to apologize, you’ve come to the wrong place.”

Following her gaze, Qin Gou saw a cave surrounded by blooming flowers, located less than fifty meters from his own.

“You misunderstand, Senior Sister,” Qin Gou said with a laugh. “I wasn’t specifically looking for you.”

Gu Feiyan’s eyes sparkled mischievously. “Even better. So, how do you plan to win me over now?”

“I don’t understand what you mean, Senior Sister.”

“You’ve trespassed into a restricted area, and I’m the only one who knows. If you don’t want to face punishment from the sect, you’d better bribe me,” Gu Feiyan said, her bright eyes glinting. “At this point, one painting won’t be enough. I want to see more of your artistic skills.”

“Beautiful,” Qin Gou suddenly said.

Gu Feiyan froze, confused. “Are you… complimenting me?”

“I’m saying Senior Sister’s imagination is beautiful, but unfortunately, unrealistic,” Qin Gou said with a sly grin.

Gu Feiyan’s eyes widened. “Are you mocking me? You may be talented, but the sect won’t forgive trespassers.”

“You misunderstand again, Senior Sister,” Qin Gou said with a shrug. He pulled out an ancient ring given to him by Elder Yuan Zhen and used it to open the door to his cave, proving his ownership.

“This is your cave? Impossible! This cave has been sealed for countless years. Why would the sect assign it to you?” Gu Feiyan’s beautiful eyes were filled with disbelief.

“The sect assigned me a cave when I became an inner disciple. It’s only natural,” Qin Gou explained.

“Are you joking?” Gu Feiyan said, her voice tinged with amusement. “Do you even know what this cave represents? It was once used by Gu Jinghong, the current Sect Master. After he became Sect Master, it was sealed and left untouched.”

“It seems I’ve underestimated you. Your talents and disguises aren’t your only strengths,” Gu Feiyan said, her gaze locking onto Qin Gou’s. Her tone was cold, but her words carried a hint of admiration.

“What?” Qin Gou was stunned. *She can see through the ‘Perfect Disguise Talisman’?*

***

“Yaner, what are you doing here? And who is this young man… oh?!”

A melodious voice interrupted them. Turning, they saw a stunning woman approaching, her every movement exuding grace and charm. It was Duanmu Shuiyu.

For a moment, the three of them stood frozen, locked in an awkward silence.