(glimpse)
Qin Kaiyi had spent an eternity navigating this unfamiliar world, and finally, he reaped a solitary benefit: the delicate lotus lines etched onto his face.
“What’s the purpose of this transformation?” he murmured, his voice barely reaching the tiny consciousness residing within him—Yan Gu, the elusive spirit. “Sooner or later, Shen Feixiao will hunt me down.” Yan Gu, curled into a protective ball within the vast sea of knowledge, responded in a small voice: “Don’t blame me if you end up dead, Qin Kaiyi. I can only conceal those lotus lines. But if you foolishly unleash demonic qi and attract danger, it’s not my fault.”
“Relax,” Qin Kaiyi retorted, instantly losing his good mood. He hadn’t forgotten the elusive insect whose tracks had vanished. “I won’t rely on you again. If I do, then I’m a complete idiot.”
Yan Gu remained speechless, unable to mount a defense. Indeed, it was his oversight. Who could have foreseen that Zi Yangpei’s poison would manifest in such peculiar ways?
After a refreshing bath, Qin Kaiyi retrieved a pristine set of clothes from his storage ring. He gazed into the distance, then executed a simple hand seal, propelling himself toward the Lingshan Sect’s main hall.
His strength remained veiled; he dared not reveal too much. The hand seal he employed was basic, unassuming. Soon, he arrived at the main hall, adjusting his white attire mid-flight. Intent on visiting Qing Xuzi, he continued along the designated path.
However, just as he neared Qing Xuzi’s residence, a sudden figure seized Qin Kaiyi’s attention. The young man walked alongside another Lingshan Sect disciple. Qin Kaiyi hesitated, uncertain if this was the person he sought.
As the youth brushed past him, Qin Kaiyi’s gaze lingered. The stranger, expressionless, turned to face him. Their eyes met, and the corners of the youth’s mouth curved into an attractive arc. “Shixiong,” he said, his voice devoid of emotion. "Long time no see."
Qin Kaiyi’s heart raced as he faced the impossible. Even though he had mentally prepared himself, the shock still reverberated through his veins. He “you”’d Shen Feixiao repeatedly, as if trying to anchor himself in reality.
“I am Shen Feixiao,” the man replied calmly. His figure bore little resemblance to the youth Qin Kaiyi remembered. “Shixiong, in these six years, I’ve been living very well.”
Qin Kaiyi’s mind spun, words deserting him. Regardless of Shen Feixiao’s composed greeting, he remained silent. His entire being felt frozen, eyes locked on the man before him—Shen Feixiao, a ghost from the past who had returned to haunt him. The lotus lines on Qin Kaiyi’s face seemed to pulse, echoing the tumult within his heart.
Qin Kaiyi lost all his words at this moment, and regardless of what Shen Feixiao said he gave no response. His whole person almost petrified, and just like this he stared at Shen Feixiao without being able to say anything.
Qin Kaiyi had mentally prepared himself, but the sight of the seemingly unfamiliar Shen Feixiao still sent a shiver down his spine. He knew Shen Feixiao would grow into his own, but he hadn’t anticipated this level of transformation—so well that even gods and men would be indignant.
“Shixiong?” Shen Feixiao’s soft voice interrupted Qin Kaiyi’s dazed state. “What’s wrong?”
“… Nothing.” The words escaped Qin Kaiyi’s mouth after an eternity. Gazing at Shen Feixiao, he felt an inexplicable urge to retreat. “Shidi, you’re safe, then?”
“All thanks to shixiong’s blessings,” Shen Feixiao replied, his expression subdued. “I encountered a passerby in the mountains and managed to escape.”
“Truly, that’s wonderful.” Qin Kaiyi wanted to say more, but the words remained trapped. He chided himself inwardly—he was Shen Feixiao’s shixiong, not some enigmatic masked stranger.
“Shixiong, are you seeking out shifu?” Shen Feixiao’s demeanor remained unchanged. “Unfortunately, shifu entered seclusion a month ago. It’ll be many days before he emerges.”
“Seclusion?” Qin Kaiyi’s shock reverberated. This plot didn’t align with his memories of the novel. What secrets lay hidden in these unexpected twists?
“Yes,” Shen Feixiao confirmed, observing Qin Kaiyi’s disbelieving expression. His smile held a hint of malice. “Since shixiong emerged from seclusion, as a shidi, I must extend proper greetings.”
“You’re too polite,” Qin Kaiyi replied, his unease growing. Shen Feixiao’s slight smile sent shivers down his spine. Memories of the sable’s dream haunted him. He hastily declined Shen Feixiao’s “greetings.”
“Since shixiong insists, I won’t impose further.” Shen Feixiao’s words held an edge, and he let Qin Kaiyi go without further discussion.
“Then I’ll take my leave.” An inexplicable premonition gnawed at Qin Kaiyi. He glanced at the transformed Shen Feixiao and the unfamiliar Lingshan Sect disciple, then turned away without hesitation.
As Qin Kaiyi distanced himself, the Lingshan Sect disciple beside Shen Feixiao erupted in raucous laughter. He rocked back and forth, teetering on the brink of tears.
“Is it that amusing?” Shen Feixiao’s expression shifted abruptly. Gone was the flower-like smile; in its place stood an icy resolve.