PID Chapter 60

(1/5)

₍ᐢ. .ᐢ₎ ₊˚⊹♡

 

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Chu Jinglan walked to Xiao Mo’s side, naturally taking the food box from his hand and holding it himself.

 

“Ah, Young Master Chu, it’s been a long time!”

 

Dai Zisheng’s tone was extremely excited. He hurriedly introduced to Mu Jian: “Senior Brother, this is the other lifesaver I mentioned before, Young Master Chu Jinglan.”

 

“So it’s our benefactor.” Mu Jian raised his hand in greeting. “I am Mu Jian of the Huanjian Sect. Thank you for helping my junior brother back then.”

 

If Mu Jian could treat Su Baimo, who had once hindered Dai Zisheng’s cultivation, politely, he was naturally very courteous to Chu Jinglan.

 

Dai Zisheng had always remembered how he couldn’t help Chu Jinglan at all back then. Seeing him again today, Chu Jinglan showed no dejection from being crippled, still as graceful as jade and majestic. Moreover… he couldn’t see through Chu Jinglan’s cultivation level.

 

Chu Jinglan’s aura wasn’t that of an ordinary person. Either his cultivation was higher than Dai Zisheng’s, or he wore a magical treasure. Either way, it indicated he was doing well now.

 

If it was the former, could his dantian have been restored? But when Jing Lei’s dantian was repaired, it caused a huge stir and everyone knew. If Chu Jinglan had really succeeded, yet not a bit of news had spread outside, it was unusual.

 

Dai Zisheng thought for a moment and decided not to inquire about this matter.

 

He only said: “When I learned of your situation back then, it was already too late. I’ve always felt guilty for not repaying your kindness. If there’s anything I can do for you now, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

 

Dai Zisheng: “Oh right, you once asked me if there were ways to deal with inner demons. After returning to my sect, I searched the library and copied two books that seemed reliable. I’ve been carrying them, hoping to give them to you if we met.”

 

Dai Zisheng actually remembered the promise he made years ago, probably because he couldn’t repay Chu Jinglan’s kindness during his most difficult time and had always felt regretful. So even for small things, he remembered what he could do.

 

Dai Zisheng quickly took out the handwritten books from his storage device. Chu Jinglan didn’t turn to look at Xiao Mo: “…No need, thank you.”

 

“Don’t refuse, it’s his goodwill.” Xiao Mo smiled and accepted the two books. Dai Zisheng then asked, “And this is?”

 

No wonder they were curious; the two really looked like they were blood-related.

 

Chu Jinglan: “Mo Lan, my close friend.”

 

“Close friend and attendant,” Xiao Mo didn’t forget his role, adding completely, “Pleased to meet you.”

 

Attendant? He didn’t look like one.

 

He wore a rosy glow magical robe—put on him by Chu Jinglan before leaving. Xiao Mo felt he didn’t need it, but Chu Jinglan convinced him with a simple reason: It looks good and suits you.

 

So now Xiao Mo was dressed like a young master from a prominent family, looking precious all over. And the food box was already in Chu Jinglan’s hand. What master would compete with their attendant for chores?

 

The three immediately understood that whether he was an attendant or not, Chu Jinglan certainly treated him well.

 

But Chu Jinglan didn’t see any problem and introduced them to Xiao Mo. Mu Jian had already introduced himself, so he skipped him and only mentioned the other two: “Mo Lan, this is Dai Zisheng of the Huanjian Sect, and Su Baimo of the Su family from Mu City in the lower realm.”

 

Su Baimo then said softly: “I’ve also joined the Huanjian Sect, Brother Jinglan.”

 

Chu Jinglan: “Mm, then he’s Su Baimo of the Huanjian Sect now.”

 

Su Baimo’s eyes were red, with an unknown amount of genuine feeling: “I’ve missed you. How have you been?”

 

Chu Jinglan: “Fine.”

 

Earlier when Dai Zisheng and Mu Jian were chatting, they mentioned that Chu Jinglan and Su Baimo were once engaged but later broke it off. Chu Jinglan showed no emotion at reuniting with an old acquaintance, very calm, while Su Baimo’s expression was rich, looking quite complex.

 

In any case, Chu Jinglan was Dai Zisheng’s lifesaver. Since they met, they should entertain them. Mu Jian suggested: “It’s not convenient to chat long on the street. Why don’t I host, and we go to a restaurant to talk?”

 

Su Baimo and Dai Zisheng immediately nodded, but Chu Jinglan said: “No need, we have matters to attend to later.”

 

Mu Jian and Dai Zisheng paused. If they had things to do, it indeed wasn’t good to keep them. Su Baimo said: “Then where are you staying, Brother Jinglan? When you’re free, we can come find you. You’re here for the Cloud Platform Grand Competition too, right?”

 

His last sentence carried a very subtle probe, as Su Baimo really wanted to know if Chu Jinglan had recovered his cultivation. If Chu Jinglan directly said he was here to compete, it would be certain, but Chu Jinglan might also ignore this question.

 

Su Baimo didn’t dare probe too obviously, fearing he might provoke dislike before getting an answer.

 

But it wasn’t Chu Jinglan who replied, but Xiao Mo: “I’m afraid where we’re staying isn’t convenient for receiving guests. If everyone is going to the competition venue, there will be chances to meet again.”

 

He lightly declined on Chu Jinglan’s behalf, and Chu Jinglan didn’t stop him, clearly agreeing.

 

Su Baimo couldn’t help but glance at Xiao Mo.

 

…answering for his master, is this person really an attendant?

 

Dai Zisheng quickly said: “Then shall we exchange messaging jade seals?”

 

This was acceptable. Chu Jinglan took out his jade tablet and exchanged seals with Dai Zisheng. To be safe, Dai Zisheng also asked for Xiao Mo’s seal.

 

Xiao Mo had just answered on Chu Jinglan’s behalf without any objection from him. Various signs indicated that Chu Jinglan definitely didn’t place him in a servant’s position. Moreover, Xiao Mo seemed more approachable than Chu Jinglan; perhaps it would be easier to inquire about some information from him.

 

After exchanging seals with Dai Zisheng, Su Baimo was about to propose exchanging seals with him too, but Xiao Mo directly bid farewell amiably and turned to leave with Chu Jinglan.

 

He didn’t give Su Baimo a chance at all.

 

Su Baimo was stunned for a moment, then reacted with some embarrassment and annoyance.

 

…He was a step too slow; he should have taken out his jade tablet directly.

 

Xiao Mo walked side by side with Chu Jinglan, asking via mental communication: “You have matters later?”

 

Chu Jinglan, carrying the heavy food box: “Mm, we need to eat all this food.”

 

How is that a matter?

 

Xiao Mo couldn’t help but smile. He reached out to lift the food box lid, picked out two pastries lined with oiled paper for easy handling, put one in his own mouth, and handed the other to Chu Jinglan. Chu Jinglan took it with his free hand.

 

The two hadn’t walked far when this scene fell into the eyes of the three behind them.

 

Su Baimo widened his eyes in disbelief.

 

He had never seen Chu Jinglan so close to anyone before.

 

Others might not think much of their interaction, but Su Baimo knew clearly that Chu Jinglan had never been in such a natural and relaxed state around anyone before. Walking side by side on the street, eating pastries – these small things Chu Jinglan had never done in the lower realm.

 

Who exactly was this Mo Lan? And with such a face… adding a completely different aura to features somewhat similar to Chu Jinglan’s, so handsome, unforgettable at first glance.

 

Su Baimo found himself feeling intense dissatisfaction.

 

Because Chu Jinglan, just standing there, outshone many people in bearing alone. His outstanding temperament and appearance, frosty and unapproachable, yet Su Baimo had once stood so close in the position of fiancé.

 

If Chu Jinglan hadn’t been crippled, he would surely still be by his side, in the most glorious position.

 

Su Baimo suppressed his emotions, telling himself to be rational and calm, to understand what he wanted. If Chu Jinglan was still crippled now, there was nothing to regret about losing the position by his side. But what if he wasn’t, what if he wasn’t…

 

He would try to gain some benefits from Chu Jinglan again.

 

He didn’t know that Xiao Mo was using his inner demon ability to listen to thoughts, and upon hearing Su Baimo’s ideas, he almost choked on his pastry.

 

Xiao Mo hadn’t often used his mind-reading ability, but he couldn’t let Su Baimo create drama with Chu Jinglan, affecting the newly restarted cultivation path and Chu Jinglan’s own life. So he wanted to hear Su Baimo’s current thoughts to see if there was anything they needed to avoid.

 

He didn’t expect to hear such conflicted inner monologue.

 

Chu Jinglan noticed Xiao Mo seemed to be choking, looked around, and saw a tea stall nearby. He went to get Xiao Mo a bowl of spirit honey tea.

 

Xiao Mo drank the sweet water, sighing inwardly: Su Baimo’s thoughts are really unambitious.

 

He clearly can’t let go of Chu Jinglan’s face, but if the other party can’t support him, he wants to both cut ties and feel heartache. The heartache isn’t for Chu Jinglan, but for himself who once stood by Chu Jinglan’s side, feeling glorious at the mention.

 

It’s satisfying his vanity.

 

If Su Baimo dared to think differently, like “When I have the ability, I’ll directly take him by force and keep him for myself to look at,” that would at least show some ambition.

 

Of course, this approach isn’t advisable either. Good people shouldn’t learn from it.

 

Su Baimo only wants others to support him, never thinking of supporting others.

 

This is his kind of “liking” someone.

 

In an intimate relationship, whether friends, family, or lovers, one can love oneself the most, then love others, but you must also give enough sincerity. You need to realize the other person is a human with emotions, not an object.

 

Xiao Mo finished the honey tea and closed off his mind-reading. Su Baimo’s mind now only had messy thoughts and surging emotions, no plans or intentions. Listening further would only torment himself.

 

After all, when mind-reading is activated, everything in the other person’s mind suddenly floods in, which is quite taxing.

 

Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan had already walked out of the three’s sight. Xiao Mo took another pastry from the food box, Chu Jinglan took one more, saying: “You eat the rest, I don’t need any more.”

 

Xiao Mo nodded and started a topic: “Mu Jian is also at early Nascent Soul stage. You might end up facing each other.”

 

In this year, not only Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan had changed. Mu Jian completed his final milestone, succeeding as peak master, and his cultivation broke through from Golden Core to Nascent Soul. Dai Zisheng was still at early Golden Core, but his aura was much more stable. As for Su Baimo, he had reached late Foundation Establishment.

 

The higher the cultivation, the higher the threshold for each major realm. Going from Foundation Establishment to Golden Core wasn’t easy. Moreover, Su Baimo’s secret relationship with that Golden Core cultivator from the Huanjian Sect had also ended.

 

Because that person was caught red-handed in a brothel by his fiancée, causing a huge scandal.

 

In this situation, the Golden Core cultivator didn’t dare let anyone know he still had a relationship within the sect. Coincidentally, Su Baimo also felt that dual cultivation with him wasn’t as effective as before, so he pretended to be considerate, acting as if he had feelings but definitely wouldn’t cause trouble at this time.

 

The Golden Core cultivator might have been truly moved, or perhaps it was hush money, but he gave Su Baimo some good things.

 

Su Baimo was very satisfied: Right, just getting benefits from dual cultivation isn’t enough, it’s best to squeeze out their value as much as possible.

 

Dai Zisheng had also promised that if he could get into the top ten in the early Golden Core competition this time, he would take Su Baimo to the upper realm when he went.

 

Although he was the young master of the Huanjian Sect, they would be very willing to let him take the opportunity to join a major sect in the upper realm. If he made a name for himself later, remembering his original sect and bringing back benefits would be enough.

 

The Huanjian Sect had the same attitude towards Mu Jian, completely trusting him.

 

However, Su Baimo definitely couldn’t enter a new sect as an inner disciple. Dai Zisheng said he would find a way then, seeing how to arrange for Su Baimo. The Huanjian Sect was originally under the Immortal Alliance, making it more convenient to establish connections than for rogue cultivators. He would try all possible applications, trying his best not to let Su Baimo enter as an attendant…

 

Wait, attendant?

 

Su Baimo, who had returned to the inn with Mu Jian and Dai Zisheng, suddenly thought of Mo Lan.

 

Such attire, such attitude, yet calling himself an attendant. Could it be to make it convenient for Chu Jinglan to bring him directly into a sect?

 

Does this mean Chu Jinglan’s cultivation has truly recovered!?

 

This realization stirred up huge waves in Su Baimo’s heart. He didn’t respond even when Dai Zisheng called him twice. Only at the third call, which almost startled him, did he hurriedly look at Dai Zisheng.

 

Dai Zisheng was confused by his reaction: “What’s wrong? Something on your mind?”

 

Su Baimo quickly composed himself, showing a hint of faint sorrow: “Seeing an old acquaintance, it’s hard to keep one’s emotions calm.” He asked, “Did you need something?”

 

“Oh, it’s about Chu Jinglan.” Dai Zisheng said solemnly, “Even if he has truly recovered his cultivation, we shouldn’t mention his affairs to outsiders. Whether to speak of it or not should be his own decision.”

 

Either piece of news would be enough to cause a stir in the cultivation world. Dai Zisheng was genuinely considering Chu Jinglan’s interests.

 

Hearing this, Su Baimo smiled, his eyes curving: “Of course.”

 

Before confirming whether Chu Jinglan had truly recovered his cultivation, he didn’t want to affect his image in Chu Jinglan’s eyes.

 

He didn’t know that Chu Jinglan didn’t care about him at all.

 

If not for their repeated chance encounters and Xiao Mo’s attitude, they would have long since become people with no connection.

 

At this moment, Xiao Mo had just eaten a particularly tasty pastry. His eyes lit up, and he immediately wanted Chu Jinglan to try it too. He had bought two of each flavor, so he picked up the remaining one and held it out to Chu Jinglan: “This one’s delicious, want to try?”

 

He paused, then broke off a small piece, holding it with two fingers: “Just taste it. If you don’t want to eat the whole thing, I’ll finish the rest.”

 

Xiao Mo held his hand quite high, his pale fingertips touching the soft, sweet pastry, somehow making it look even more appetizing. Chu Jinglan turned his head just in time to see this scene.

 

He didn’t know why, but he forgot to raise his own hand and instead leaned slightly forward, directly biting the small piece of pastry.

 

Only after he bit down did he realize what he had done.

 

And Xiao Mo also widened his eyes in surprise.

 

The pastry was so small that Xiao Mo’s fingertips inevitably touched Chu Jinglan’s lips.

 

Both froze simultaneously.

 

Xiao Mo’s fingers quickly withdrew as if burned, while Chu Jinglan immediately straightened his posture. The sweet taste transferred from Xiao Mo’s fingertips to Chu Jinglan’s mouth. For a moment, both seemed to be under a silencing spell, competing in quietness.

 

Xiao Mo raised his hand absently, staring blankly while taking big bites of the pastry in his hand, his mind in chaos wondering who he was and where he was.

 

Shouldn’t Chu Jinglan have reached out to take it? How did he… The lingering warmth of human touch seemed to remain on his lips. Xiao Mo shuddered and hurriedly stuffed the whole pastry into his mouth, taking even bigger bites.

 

Meanwhile, Chu Jinglan slowly chewed the pastry in his mouth, trying to pretend nothing happened, speaking in a natural tone: “…It’s very delicious.”

 

Xiao Mo: “Ah, oh, do you want more of this flavor?”

 

As soon as he finished speaking, Xiao Mo finally came to his senses and stopped mechanically stuffing pastries. He looked down at his hand: he had unknowingly eaten the pastry of that flavor down to just the outer layer.

 

Xiao Mo choked.

 

He lowered his head a bit embarrassedly, seeming to focus entirely on the food box: “I’m sorry, how did I eat it without waiting for your feedback? Wait, let me try to find another particularly good flavor.”

 

When both are embarrassed, if one shows it more obviously, the other tends to calm down first. Seeing Xiao Mo’s actions, the stiffness in Chu Jinglan’s shoulders gradually relaxed.

 

He said: “That purple one looks similar in color to the previous one. Let me try that.”

 

Xiao Mo quickly picked up the purple pastry, this time placing the whole piece in Chu Jinglan’s palm. He took another piece for himself and quietly nibbled on it.

 

Logically, this page should not be mentioned again, letting it naturally pass after the time it takes to drink a cup of tea. But Chu Jinglan, looking at the pastry in his hand, lowered his eyes and said: “I’m sorry.”

 

Xiao Mo, who had been quietly eating, was stunned. After swallowing the food in his mouth, he said dryly: “There’s nothing to apologize for.”

 

“If you felt uncomfortable, then it was my offense,” Chu Jinglan said. “I’m sorry.”

 

Hearing this, Xiao Mo’s body also relaxed, no longer awkward: “It wasn’t to that extent. Just, well, a bit startled. It’s fine.”

 

So he didn’t feel offended or dislike it?

 

[Ding, mental attack successful, +100 points!]

 

Xiao Mo: “…”

 

Although he was almost used to gaining points, sometimes he really couldn’t understand how Chu Jinglan’s emotional value fluctuated!

 

Chu Jinglan himself also felt his earlier action was too strange, but now his gaze was gentle. Knowing Xiao Mo wasn’t disgusted, his mood was inexplicably good.

 

He felt that Xiao Mo’s unclear position in his heart seemed to shift again.

 

It seemed… he was close to seeing clearly where Xiao Mo should be placed.

 

*

 

In the following days, knowing Su Baimo was in the same city, Xiao Mo rarely went out again, and neither did Chu Jinglan.

 

What else would they do with the time before the competition if not cultivate? This wasn’t last-minute cramming, but consolidation and continued progress.

 

On the day the Cloud Platform Grand Competition officially began, people flocked into the celestial valley. White cranes and phoenix birds soared high, and though no music cultivators were visible, heavenly music could be heard along the way. Outside the valley, mist and clouds floated, as if entering a celestial realm.

 

Passing through the valley entrance, a hidden beauty suddenly revealed itself. The jade platforms and high towers appeared, with the celestial ships of the five major powers hovering in the clouds, carrying people from the upper realm. The leading Divided Spirit cultivators stepped on air, descending slowly with an imposing aura.

 

Having already seen various beautiful celestial ships at Lin’an Academy before, Xiao Mo now turned his gaze to the most eye-catching one among them.

 

Pitch black without light, seemingly hiding red, but not in a secretive, beautiful way. Instead, it exuded an ominous and eerie aura—

 

It was the demon race’s flying ship.

 

After the other four human cultivation forces had taken their seats on the high platform and greeted each other, movement finally came from the demon race’s ship.

 

The leader was naturally also at Divided Spirit stage, but this demon’s entrance was very different. He didn’t step down himself, but was carried on a sedan chair by someone, seated regally as he was brought down from the air.

 

It was like he had a sedan bearer or mount.

 

When they sensed the “bearer’s” aura, the righteous cultivators present all changed expression.

 

The undisguised turbid, evil qi on this “bearer” wasn’t that of a demon, but clearly a demonic cultivator!

 

Not only was the Demon Lord gathering demonic cultivators in the demon realm en masse, but he actually blatantly brought a demonic cultivator to the Cloud Platform Grand Competition, directly pointing a finger at the righteous path. What was this, did they want to completely tear off the mask?

 

Even the celestial music suddenly stopped. The breathtakingly beautiful place abruptly fell silent, followed by an explosion of surprise among the cultivators.

 

“A demonic cultivator!?”

 

“What do the demons want to do? Could they be declaring war directly at the competition?”

 

Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan stood in the crowd. Chu Jinglan frowned slightly, inconspicuously moving closer to Xiao Mo.

 

If anything happened, he could react quickly.

 

Everyone’s attention was focused on the demonic cultivator. Suddenly, Xiao Mo sensed a probing gaze locking onto him.

 

The scrutiny was very intense. Xiao Mo’s heart immediately tightened, but he couldn’t directly turn to look at the source of the gaze: because he was ostensibly at Foundation Establishment stage and shouldn’t be so sensitive.

 

Xiao Mo immediately spread his spiritual sense, mixing it among the many others to explore. His spiritual sense was very strong, but he made it seem weak during the exploration to avoid detection.

 

He soon discovered who was staring at him.

 

It was a demon in the crowd, turning an registration token in his hand. It was for the early Nascent Soul group, clearly someone who would be competing soon.

 

Not too far or close to his position.

 

If it were an ordinary moment, being stared at a few times would be normal. But at this crucial time, when everyone else was looking at the high platform, this demon’s behavior was quite odd.

 

Xiao Mo waited for a while, and finding that this person was still staring at him, he finally spoke in the private chat channel: “System, help me scan the demon who’s staring at me, see what his background is.”

 

System: “Scan complete. This person’s identity is disguised, but based on physical form, core, and restored cultivation data, this person is undoubtedly the Demon Lord Fenxiu.”

 

Fenxiu!?

 

The shock on Xiao Mo’s face was momentarily impossible to hide. He almost turned his head directly, but fortunately, this reflexive action was somehow controlled, and he forcibly pinned himself in place.

 

Why would he be at the Cloud Platform Grand Competition in the middle realm? What was he planning to do? And… he had precisely targeted Xiao Mo.

 

Xiao Mo’s expression darkened: Was the look just a coincidence? Or had Fenxiu sensed something and was suspecting his identity?

 

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1 Kofi = 1 Extra Chapter