tln : will be really busy until dec 20th, please be patient with slow release schedule. its apply to my other translated series -Shieru TL-

A True Brother

—

“Chen Dayi, you idiot! What are you standing there for? Save me already!” Gu Xunhe’s fear reached its peak, morphing into anger as he shouted.

Chen Dayi’s legs trembled violently, his face pale as he stammered, “It’s not that I don’t want to, Young Master! I just… I can’t!”

He stole a cautious glance at Qin Gou, who immediately locked eyes with him. Chen Dayi flinched, his entire body spasming in terror.

“You fool! Save me this once, and I promise you’ll have endless cultivation resources for the rest of your life! What else do you want? Say it! Are you so greedy you want me to marry my sister to you? Or do you want me to marry you myself, you idiot?!”

Chen Dayi’s face turned beet red. Gritting his teeth, he charged forward, hoisting Gu Xunhe onto his shoulder without daring to look at Qin Gou. He bolted in the opposite direction.

“Hahaha! Chen Dayi, you’re a true brother! I knew I wasn’t wrong about you!” Gu Xunhe exclaimed, overjoyed to have escaped death.

Panting heavily, Chen Dayi’s voice was strained as he asked, “Young Master, does your promise still stand?”

“Of course! When we return to the sect, you’ll be promoted to a core disciple. Whatever cultivation resources, techniques, or pills you want, just ask. You’re my savior, my greatest benefactor! From now on, if I have meat, you’ll have bones!” Gu Xunhe declared, glancing back to ensure the “Stone Spirit” wasn’t following. He sighed in relief.

“No, Young Master, I wasn’t asking about that. I meant… your promise to marry me! That’s the only reason I mustered the courage to save you!” Chen Dayi said, his expression serious as his hands reflexively brushed Gu Xunhe’s waist.

Gu Xunhe froze, his mouth agape. After a long pause, he screamed at the top of his lungs, “Just kill me already!”

***

Watching the two flee into the distance, Qin Gou finally collapsed to the ground, letting out a bitter laugh. He panted heavily, his body trembling.

Compared to Gu Xunhe, Qin Gou had truly escaped death by a hair’s breadth.

But there was no time to relax. In the gray mist maze, letting one’s guard down was equivalent to courting death. Qin Gou quickly retrieved several spirit pills from his spatial ring, swallowing them whole. He also took out a high-grade spirit stone, channeling its energy to replenish his depleted reserves.

If someone found him in his current state, drained of spiritual energy, he’d be as helpless as a fish on a chopping block.

—

“Tap, tap, tap.”

The sound of light footsteps echoed. Qin Gou’s expression darkened as he accelerated his recovery, forcing the spirit energy from the stone to surge through his meridians. He calculated that he could manage one use of Still Water Reflects the Mirror if necessary.

Lying on the ground, the first thing Qin Gou saw was the intruder’s shoes and lower body. Recognizing the familiar attire, he asked, “Are you Chi Yuchao?”

A sharp blade stopped just above his head.

A young, crisp voice replied, “Who are you? How do you know me?”

Looking up, Qin Gou was surprised to see a girl no older than thirteen or fourteen. She had fiery red hair, and the oversized clothes she wore made her look small and delicate.

“Answer me. Have we met before?” the girl demanded coldly. “If your answer doesn’t satisfy me, you’re dead.”

Qin Gou hesitated. “Who are you? The Chi Yuchao I met was a tall man.”

The girl’s expression remained calm. “Then we have met. Tell me your name and affiliation.”

“Seed Demon Holy Sect. Qin Gou.”

“Qin Gou? You’re the one Sister Feiyan mentioned? Then we’re not enemies.” The girl lowered her blade and crouched beside him. “Don’t resist. I’ll heal you.”

Qin Gou let out a bitter laugh. “Resist? I’d love to, but I can’t.” As the girl placed her hand on his chest, channeling warm spiritual energy into him, he asked, “Who are you, really?”

“I’m Chi Yuchao,” she said flatly. “The man you met before was me, but under my sister Chi Yu’s control. Since you’re with Sister Feiyan, I’ll help you.”

Qin Gou frowned. “What do you mean by ‘under her control’? Are you two sharing one body? But I’ve never heard of dual souls that can change genders…”

The girl’s eyes flashed coldly. “I don’t owe you an explanation.”

Qin Gou: ???

“You said Sister Feiyan mentioned me. Have you seen her in this maze?” he asked.

“Yes.”

“Why aren’t you with her? Is she okay?” Qin Gou asked urgently.

The girl shook her head, smiling. “Sister Feiyan is strong. Do you think she’s as fragile as you? I didn’t stay with her because I’m from Blood Ridge. Everyone here is after the ultimate inheritance of the Forgotten Self Mystic Realm. Out of respect for old ties, we agreed not to fight, but it wouldn’t be appropriate to stick together.”

Qin Gou nodded, relieved.

“If you want to find Sister Feiyan, I can help,” the girl said. She plucked a strand of her red hair, infused it with spiritual energy, and handed it to Qin Gou. The hair straightened and pointed in a specific direction. “This is my unique technique. I marked Sister Feiyan’s whip earlier. With this, you’ll find her quickly.”

“Thank you,” Qin Gou said, taking the hair.

The girl said nothing.

When Qin Gou finally felt the discomfort in his dantian subside, signaling his recovery, the girl withdrew her hand and stood up. “You should be able to protect yourself now. It’s time for us to part ways.”

Qin Gou stood, bowing slightly. “I won’t forget your kindness.”

The girl squinted at him. “You better not.”

Understanding her meaning, Qin Gou chuckled awkwardly and retrieved a small, ornate bottle from his spatial ring. “This is a supreme healing pill, the Taiyi Du’e Pill. As long as you’re still breathing, it can save your life. You used a lot of your spiritual energy to heal me, putting yourself at risk. Take this—it might come in handy.”

The girl accepted the bottle, her expression softening. She suddenly threw her arms around Qin Gou, giving him a tight hug. Patting his back, she said, “You’re a good brother.”

Then, just as quickly, she pushed him away, puffing out her chest with mock seriousness. “But don’t get any ideas. I’m a man, through and through!”