Can’t the two of you get along?

Gu Haitang maintained her usual calm demeanor as Chu Xuan invited her to sit down and took out a tea set, imitating his master’s way of entertaining guests.

As Haitang watched his leisurely movements, she said, "You know what I want to ask."

Chu Xuan nodded, "Regarding Qingqing’s background, after careful consideration, I feel I shouldn’t hide it from you. I’ll start with how I met her."

With a narrative tone, he recounted his experiences since leaving the mountain.

Of course, any part involving flirting with the Demoness was completely omitted by Chu Xuan, making the story sound more normal.

However, there was a flaw in the story that left Gu Haitang puzzled:

"Why did you travel with her? Just because she tricked you once, you feel forced to keep your promise?"

Chu Xuan couldn’t exactly say he wanted to extract intelligence on the evil cult from Qingqing, so he nodded reluctantly.

Haitang chuckled, "You’re lying to me. You obviously fancy Qingqing’s beauty and couldn’t bear to refuse her."

"Absolutely not. If you don’t believe me, look into my eyes," Chu Xuan replied righteously.

Gu Haitang actually stared for a long moment, then said earnestly, "You do fancy her beauty."

Chu Xuan’s face fell, "If that’s what you think, there’s nothing I can do about it."

Haitang displayed a hint of a smile again, "What about what happened during the day?"

Chu Xuan pondered for a while before replying, "It was just a small gift for friends about to part ways."

Gu Haitang sighed, then suddenly became serious: "Chu Xuan, don’t forget your identity. Associating with demonic outsiders will be detrimental to your future."

From a young age, Gu Haitang was taught that those of the demonic path were all to be killed and exterminated root and branch.

Knowing Qingqing’s demonic origins, her fear and mistrust were palpable.

She completely misunderstood Chu Xuan’s actions, "If this is discovered, not only will you be punished by your sect, it may also affect the reputation of the Cyan Lotus Daoist Palace."

Chu Xuan calmly poured Haitang a cup of clear tea, "In the eyes of certain radicals, our Daoist Palace’s reputation is already gone."

Gu Haitang was stunned; he was clearly referring to the current headmaster, Floating Cloud Zi, who defied all conventions by admitting the Ice Sea Demon Monarch.

Still, she argued, "That’s different; no matter Li Xingchuan’s true intentions, at least he made a show of reform. Can you be sure to persuade Qingqing to leave her sect?"

This time, Chu Xuan fell silent, "I know my limits. Besides, once the Hundred Flowers Banquet is over, we’ll be strangers and probably won’t meet again."

Seeing Chu Xuan’s awareness, Gu Haitang didn’t press further, to avoid provoking him.

In truth, Haitang was very hesitant, as Chu Xuan’s "suspicious level" had significantly increased.

An important criterion for the demon her family had been searching for was whether there was association with demonic outsiders.

Chu Xuan had hit the mark again, and in theory, Gu Haitang should immediately report it to her family, leading to stricter scrutiny and heightened attention from the family leaders.

Although Gu Haitang believed that Chu Xuan couldn’t possibly be any life-extending demon, it might cause him considerable trouble if any misunderstanding or conflict arose...

After much thinking, Gu Haitang decided to keep this matter secret and observe for a while longer.

Chu Xuan shifted the topic, "Miss Gu, two years ago..."

Before he could finish, Gu Haitang suddenly extended two fingers and gently pressed them to his lips, the touch slightly cool.