NOVEL NEXT Chapter 20 - Xu Chen, Who Is Staying Over
The jade tablet space originally only contained a spiritual field and a well, but now the space had expanded, and beside the field, there was also a house.
Gu Yao hesitated for a moment before deciding to go in and take a look. Since it was already settled in his spiritual sea, whether good or bad, there was no avoiding it.
Gu Yao’s consciousness drifted inside, and he found that the house, which appeared ordinary from the outside, was quite different on the inside. He had entered the lowest level, and for now, he could only stay there. Just as he was about to explore further, he suddenly heard a soft “huh” sound. Instantly, his body tensed, and his hair stood on end.
“Who? Who’s in here?”
The voice was definitely from another person. The thought that someone might be residing in his spiritual sea immediately shattered Gu Yao’s composure. Who knew if this person would eventually replace him? After all, his current situation was quite passive, like someone on the verge of being possessed.
“Didn’t expect such a weak and mediocre cultivator, but you’re lucky, gathering three parts in your hands,” the voice continued. Following the sound, a phantom-like figure seemed to traverse through space and appeared in the lowest level of the space where Gu Yao was. Gu Yao’s first impression was that this was a handsome man, the kind whose beauty transcended gender, almost androgynous. His aura was ethereal and otherworldly, as though untouched by any impurities. However, in that moment, Gu Yao was not interested in admiring his beauty. His mind was filled only with caution and vigilance.
“Who are you? Why are you in my spiritual sea?” Gu Yao demanded.
“That’s what I should be asking you. It was clearly you who brought me into your spiritual sea,” the beautiful man said, waving his hand. A chair appeared, and the man floated down into it, giving Gu Yao a smirk, as if amused.
“Are you in that iron piece? Did the iron piece transform into this house? Can’t you leave?” Gu Yao frowned and asked. In the original jade tablet space, he could receive vague information, but here, it felt as if he was being blocked off. It was clear that this must be the work of this person.
The handsome man suddenly showed a look of sorrow: “Do you think I want to stay in here? It’s because my physical body was destroyed, and I’m left with only my soul. I have no choice but to rely on this treasure to survive. If I leave, my soul will naturally dissipate.”
Gu Yao felt a chill run down his spine from the expression: “I don’t care whether you dissipate or not. I just know that no one would want a stranger living in their spiritual sea.”
“Then I swear to the heavens that I will never have the intention of possessing your body. By the way, what’s your name? How should I address you? I can’t just call you ‘kid.’ Let me introduce myself first—my name is Xu Chen. You can call me Senior Xu.” Xu Chen first made a solemn vow, then blinked his beautiful eyes as he looked at Gu Yao, awaiting his response.
“My name is Gu Yao… Wait, you…” Gu Yao’s hair stood on end again. Looking into this person’s eyes, he instinctively blurted out his name. He hated this feeling of losing control.
Xu Chen clapped his hands: “As expected, you do have some abilities. Seeing how poor your cultivation and talent are, yet you possess such an expansive spiritual sea, it’s clear that your innate soul power is far stronger than an ordinary cultivator’s. You’re not completely without merit. Don’t worry, even though I just swore, unless I want my soul to scatter, I won’t try to possess your body. Besides, I have no interest in your poor talents.”
Gu Yao’s expression darkened. He did believe the vow, as cultivators seldom make oaths. A cultivator’s power is bound by the rules of heaven and earth, and oaths are part of that. But being despised for his poor talent was another matter entirely.
“So, what exactly do you want to do? You can’t stay here forever, right? Will you know everything I do or think from now on?” This guy clearly used to be a strong cultivator. Even though the danger of possession was removed, being constantly watched by such a powerful person made Gu Yao uncomfortable.
“Kid, I’m staying in your spiritual sea space as a favor to you. How many cultivators would want me to notice them? I wouldn’t even care to look at them. You’re really unaware of your good fortune. Don’t worry, I’m not interested in spying on your every move. I’m afraid I’ll get eye strain.” Xu Chen gritted his teeth. As a high-level cultivator and a beautiful man, being so despised made him equally unhappy. This kid was so ungrateful. Of course, he wouldn’t tell Gu Yao that without his permission, Xu Chen could only move around within this house and the space outside.
“Rest assured, I won’t stay in your place for nothing. As a senior, I’m offering to guide you a little, which will help you avoid many detours. I see you’ve planted some random spirit herbs outside. You must want to learn alchemy, right? Perfect. I’m an alchemist. And do you know where this place is?”
“Please, Senior, guide me,” Gu Yao’s heart lifted, and his tone became much more respectful. He had stumbled upon an alchemist, just what he needed.
Xu Chen displayed a look of “this child is teachable.” Gu Yao would eventually understand the situation here, because the true master now was Gu Yao, not Xu Chen. Xu Chen even felt a bit jealous of Gu Yao’s good luck: “This place is the Pill Pavilion. As far as I know, it has nine levels, each corresponding to a rank of alchemist. You should know about alchemist ranks, right?”