Chapter 70: Chapter 70: Back Then I Was Still Young

To be honest, this really caught Chu Xuan off guard. What does "a private discussion" mean? Is it just a private interaction?

Not only him, but also the disciples of Zichen were all shocked.

They had never seen Senior Sister Gu actively invite a man to be alone in private. Could it be that she really intends to become Dao Companions with him?

"No way!"

Chu Xuan hadn’t even answered yet when Chen Yusheng stepped out to stop it. After speaking, he seemed to realize his tone was a bit too excited, so he switched to a smiling face and spoke in a gentle tone:

"The main reason for coming this time is to exchange cultivation insights with the fellow Daoists of the Daoist Palace."

"Since it’s an exchange, it naturally involves everyone discussing together to maximize the harvest of insights."

The round-faced disciple next to him echoed, "It’s better to enjoy together than alone. Since Daoist Chu is the headmaster’s esteemed disciple, he must have many profound insights. We hope you won’t hesitate to enlighten us."

Although Chen Yusheng is from a noble background, he usually pays attention to gathering supporters. At this moment, everyone saw his intention and cooperated by speaking up. They just wanted them to stay.

How could Jiang Yiyi stand it?!

She had been holding back her urge to speak for a long time, and she finally couldn’t resist stepping forward and loudly said, "Silence!"

"What do you all think this place is? A marketplace?"

The crowd was silenced by her and was a bit confused, wondering why this person’s tone seemed so high and mighty?

But Gu Haitang watched her performance with great interest.

Chu Xuan secretly felt uneasy, thinking he still needed to privately communicate with Jiang Yiyi, advising her to hold back, or else some intelligent people in the crowd might pick up on something, which could be troublesome.

"Let me tell you, this is Cyan Lotus Daoist Palace. We are the hosts, and guests should behave like guests."

"Now, our Chu, Master Brother Chu, wants to have a private conversation with Miss Gu. You all don’t need to make excuses; it’s not like we’re asking you to go."

"Don’t think I don’t know, you’ve all received favors from this pretty boy, but you shouldn’t be too selfish. Consider Haitang’s happiness."

"If your interference ruins her lifelong happiness, can you afford the consequences?"

Seeing the ancestor’s words getting more and more outrageous, Chu Xuan quickly stepped forward to cover her mouth and dragged her over.

He smiled and said, "I apologize, our disciple here has some mental issues and often says astonishing things. Please bear with us."

Chen Yusheng, who was called "pretty boy," didn’t look too happy.

It was also his first time encountering someone like Jiang Yiyi, who spoke so straightforwardly and even excessively, almost pointing at his nose to curse him.

Jiang Yiyi struggled a few times, and upon seeing Ye Xingming somehow pull out a rope and hand it to her master brother, she settled down quietly.

Speaking of it, Little Junior Brother is already sixteen this year. Compared to three years ago, he’s gotten a bit handsomer, and he naturally carries a spirited young aura.

A few female disciples of Zichen, besides sneaking looks at Chu Xuan, also secretly glanced at him a few times.

At this moment, Chen Yusheng coughed, and just when he was about to continue speaking, Gu Haitang, who had finished watching the drama, calmly said, "Do you all think you can represent me?"

The disciples of Zichen quickly shook their heads, expressing they didn’t dare.

Senior Sister Gu’s prestige within the sect was even stronger than that of Senior Sister, and no one dared to disobey her words. Seeing her determination now, finally, no one dared to speak up again.

Chen Yusheng wanted to struggle a bit more, but after seeing Gu Haitang’s indifferent gaze, he lowered his head in despondence.

In the end, he could only secretly send a message, reminding her, "Senior Sister, be careful of this person and don’t forget he’s Hehuan Sect-born; what if he knows some evil techniques..."

"Overall, if anything happens, immediately send an alarming message, and I’ll come to rescue you right away."

Gu Haitang said nothing in response and just smiled at Chu Xuan, "I wonder if you would be willing to oblige?" 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Chu Xuan hesitated for a moment, Jiang Yiyi next to him kept sending him signals, silently mouthing the word "agree."

Alright then, Chu Xuan didn’t much want to stay here mixing with such a large group, so he’ll just appreciate some peace.

With this thought, he nodded to Gu Haitang, and they walked into the forest side by side.

...

In the quiet forest, a man and a woman walked side by side, neither taking the initiative to speak.

They didn’t know how long it had been when finally Gu Haitang spoke first, "Brother Chu, I’m curious, are you really from the Hehuan Sect?"

Chu Xuan never expected the first words out of her mouth would be this.

This made him feel a bit dizzy; was his "reputation" that widespread? Or had some meddling little brat told the guests?

In that instant, Chu Xuan even had a momentary urge to just let things go.

But then he calmly said, "Yes, I was very young at the time."

After all, Chu Xuan had already decided there was no possibility of this alliance, so letting her think he’s some kind of rogue was fine too.

That answer similarly was completely unexpected to Gu Haitang. She froze for a moment, then smiled, "You’re lying to me."

"Why do you say that?" Chu Xuan clasped his hands behind his back and replied nonchalantly.

Gu Haitang looked at Chu Xuan with curiosity, "You don’t want the alliance, do you?"

"Faced with such a question, regardless of whether true or false, if Brother Chu had intentions of alliance, he should deny and argue."

"Then you’re mistaken. This is a strategy of feigned disinterest to lure the enemy. See, now you’re caught; you probably think I’m certainly not Hehuan Sect-born but a pure and upright person."

"I won’t lie to you, Miss Gu, your reactions were all within my expectations." Chu Xuan said with a serious tone.

Gu Haitang laughed even more happily, "You’re quite an interesting person."

Only then did Chu Xuan discover she wasn’t as aloof and cold as he imagined, and her smile was quite beautiful.

Gu Haitang asked again, "What sect did you originally belong to? I heard you were expelled from your sect, is it true?"

Chu Xuan didn’t answer, he just continued walking forward in silence.

"Seems I was rash, I hope Brother Chu won’t mind." Gu Haitang said with a hint of apology.

After that, she no longer asked Chu Xuan about everything, and instead talked about various ordinary matters with him, like life at Cyan Lotus Daoist Palace, or challenges and insights in cultivation.

Chu Xuan responded intermittently, seeming somewhat distracted.

Gu Haitang felt unsatisfied and was about to draw back his attention when suddenly, a sweet bird song came from the forest nearby.

Chu Xuan abruptly stopped in his tracks, not knowing why, since coming up the mountain, every time he heard the song of the nightingale, he felt a nameless sadness.

Initially, Chu Xuan thought it was related to Ji Mingyu, but later realized it was completely unrelated.