Transmigration: The Peerless Immortal Husband

When Steward Qi and Liu Yue arrived, Gu Yao was lazily leaning against Chi Changye, holding a book from the Pill Pavilion in his hands, completely absorbed in it. Chi Changye occasionally adjusted his position to make Gu Yao more comfortable. When Steward Qi and Liu Yue entered, they were both surprised and exchanged a glance of mutual understanding, realizing that the two of them shared this kind of relationship.

They were already aware of the events in Jiangyun City, and now seeing the relationship between the two, they couldn’t help but find those past incidents rather amusing. No wonder these individuals were so impatient to stay in Jiangyun City, casually throwing out some pills before leaving with ease.

The two of them had no discriminatory thoughts about men forming Daoist partnerships with other men. As long as they remained loyal to each other and didn’t waver, that was enough. For example, Liu Yue felt that the Daoist partnership model of her parents was the one she most admired. If she couldn’t achieve that, she would rather pursue the Great Dao on her own.

Moreover, in this cultivation world, only cultivation families that maintained their bloodline heritage would care about the union of men and women to produce offspring. However, once a cultivator gained absolute strength and control over the family, those old rules became meaningless.

Furthermore, the stronger a cultivator became, the less likely they were to have children. So for those top-tier experts, who would care whether their partners were men or women? Even if they were demons or ghosts, it wouldn’t matter. Anyone who meddled in that would be wasting their time, as this world was ultimately one where strength spoke the loudest.

Liu Yue saw that Master Yao was indeed young, and so was Chang Ye, which meant that they both had started cultivating at a young age, maintaining the appearance they had at that time. When Gu Yao was reminded by Chi Changye that guests had arrived, he was pulled out of the world of his pill books. His gaze was still dazed when he looked at the newcomers, taking a while to react before his eyes cleared.

Liu Yue couldn’t help but smile. From this, she could tell that Gu Yao truly trusted Chi Changye with all his heart, which was why he let down his guard and was completely unaware of his surroundings. She knew that Gu Yao was not usually like this. Before he had formed his golden core, he and a few others had teamed up to eliminate the people sent by the Mu family, and he had spent quite some time living with demon cultivators in the vast mountain range.

Gu Yao blushed slightly, quickly stood up, and cupped his hands in greeting to Steward Qi, saying, “Ah, Steward Qi, I didn’t realize you had arrived. My apologies for the lack of hospitality. Please, have a seat.” He then deliberately glanced at Liu Yue. His spiritual sense was quite strong, and he clearly sensed the oddness in her expression. However, he didn’t pay it much attention, as the people Steward Qi brought were ones he trusted.

Steward Qi found the situation amusing. He thought that being so absorbed in alchemy to the point of obsession must be why Gu Yao was like this. It seemed that he truly loved the art of alchemy, not just using it as a means to gain fame. For example, Li Qi from the Changxian Sect, who he suspected might have stolen the formula for the Spirit-Refining Pill, only made him look down on the person even more.

Steward Qi leisurely walked over to a stone table and sat down. They were currently positioned next to a hanging waterfall. The powerful sound of rushing water could be heard, but it was isolated by a formation, so it did not disturb their conversation.

“The four of you truly have great interest. It’s rare to see cultivators combining cultivation with leisure so seamlessly.” Of course, when they had entered, it had been with the approval of the little fatty, who had pointed them to a seat, and then left them to their own devices. This carefree lifestyle made Steward Qi somewhat envious.

With outsiders present, Chi Changye maintained a cold and aloof demeanor. However, he took the initiative to pour tea for Steward Qi and Liu Yue, and also brought out a plate of spirit fruits, acting as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Liu Yue, however, saw that both of them seemed completely unaffected by this, as though it was the most normal thing in the world, which made her twitch her lips in amusement.

Gu Yao smiled and said, “Steward Qi, don’t you combine the joys of business with cultivation as well? Or do you merely see business as a task that must be completed?”

Steward Qi paused for a moment, then burst into hearty laughter. Interesting, truly interesting! With a little mindfulness, one could find traces of cultivation in all aspects of life. It wasn’t necessary to meditate in seclusion to practice cultivation.

This way of cultivation could actually be called cultivation of the heart, which was beneficial for improving a cultivator’s realm. Just those few words made Steward Qi feel that his stagnant cultivation was subtly loosening up.

“Master Yao has such refined tastes, but the world is full of cultivators who are busy and mundane. How many of them can reach the level of Master Yao?” Steward Qi continued, “I came this time to ask what Master Yao thinks of the Changxian Sect and that Master Li Qi.”

As soon as these words were spoken, both Chi Changye and Gu Yao exchanged a look, followed by another glance, silently conveying the same thought: “So, they finally suspect the pill formula we gave them.” This had been expected. If nothing happened for a long time, they wouldn’t continue pursuing it.

Gu Yao smiled playfully. “The Changxian Sect? Us, a few minor Golden Core cultivators, how could we have the ability to contend with the Changxian Sect? As for Master Li Qi, I’ve never dealt with him. He’s probably just someone who seeks fame by using others’ achievements.”

Steward Qi laughed again, louder this time. Earlier, when he saw Gu Yao absorbed in alchemy books, he thought he was a true alchemy fanatic, someone who might not be good at other things. But now, seeing Gu Yao’s other side, it was clear that he was smart and even shrewd in other aspects of life. He wasn’t someone who could be easily fooled.

Liu Yue’s eyes flashed with interest. Now, she was more intrigued by Gu Yao than by Chi Changye. If Gu Yao could help her father, that would be even better. Liu Yue felt a surge of hope inside.

Perhaps it was her intense gaze that caught Chi Changye’s cold look. Liu Yue couldn’t help but twitch her lips. She hadn’t meant to interfere with their relationship, but it seemed this person was quite possessive.

“Why do you say that Master Li Qi is merely seeking fame, Master Yao?” Steward Qi asked with interest, his tone suggesting he was determined to get to the bottom of things.

Chi Changye glanced at him impatiently. Why all the secrecy in their words? He straightforwardly took out two pill formulas and pushed them in front of Steward Qi. “Here, take a look for yourself.”

Steward Qi lowered his head to examine the formulas. The more he looked, the more serious his expression became. Liu Yue, curious as well, leaned in to take a look. Steward Qi didn’t stop her, which further confirmed to Gu Yao and Chi Changye that this female cultivator was no ordinary person.

The two formulas were significant. One was the original Qingchen Pill formula, which had been confirmed in Tianlin Continent. It was the same formula given to the Lord’s mansion of Shifang City and Changxian Sect—it was the foundation. Without it, there wouldn’t be the current Spirit-Refining Pill. The second formula was the upgraded version of the Qingchen Pill, which could also be considered the Spirit-Refining Pill.

Neither of them had a talent for alchemy, but they could still understand the formulas, especially since the first one clearly bore the words “Qingchen Pill.” The second formula, with its higher value, made Steward Qi even more certain. Master Yao was the true owner of the Qingchen Pill. No, more precisely, Master Yao was the true creator of the Qingchen Pill.

“So, the Spirit-Refining Pill is actually a stolen imitation of the Qingchen Pill formula, and its true owner is you, Master Yao?” Steward Qi asked, though it was more of a statement than a question. His tone was filled with certainty, and he grew more impressed with Gu Yao’s alchemy skills. The problem with the Qingchen Pill formula was that while the ingredients were numerous and varied, their overall cost wasn’t very high. If the formula were to be mass-produced, ordinary cultivators would be able to afford it.

Gu Yao nodded in response to Steward Qi’s expectant gaze. “That’s right. The Qingchen Pill was developed with the help of several other alchemists. The formula was reluctantly handed over to Changxian Sect. When I found out that the Spirit-Refining Pill had the same effects and that it was created by the alchemists of Changxian Sect, I thought I might find like-minded people. Maybe we could exchange insights and verify it together.”

Steward Qi laughed. He didn’t believe this explanation at all. He was willing to bet that once the formula was handed over to Changxian Sect, Gu Yao must have already anticipated this outcome. Seeing how calm and composed Gu Yao remained, Steward Qi couldn’t help but admire his cool-headedness.

Steward Qi didn’t ask about the previous relationship between Gu Yao and Changxian Sect that would lead him to entrust such an important formula to them. Instead, he asked, “So, Master Yao, how do you and Daoist Chang plan to deal with the Changxian Sect?”

Gu Yao stroked his chin. “Deal with them? We definitely can’t face them head-on. That would be like using an egg to strike a rock. When we lack strength, the best option is to avoid them as much as possible. But when the opportunity arises, we can try to cause some trouble for Changxian Sect by disrupting their plans. By the way, Steward Qi, are you here on behalf of the Lord’s mansion of Baihe City? Does Lord Liu share the same opinion?”

Steward Qi glanced at Chi Changye with a strange look, but saw him sitting calmly, allowing Gu Yao to take charge. It was clear that whatever Gu Yao said, he would follow. Steward Qi couldn’t help but laugh and said, “I can’t believe you two haven’t heard of the enmity between our Lord’s mansion and the Changxian Sect. Unless the young master of Changxian Sect is willing to give up his plans, there’s no room for reconciliation between us.”

“Don’t laugh at us, but neither our Lord nor the Lord’s Dao partner would ever sacrifice the young lady to further their own goals. However, just like you, we cannot directly challenge Changxian Sect. What we can do is subtly sabotage their plans. After the auction of the Spirit-Refining Pill formula, we heard that the Sect Master of Changxian Sect was furious. Many alchemists were arrested and interrogated, with the Sect Master determined to find out who leaked the formula. That made us quite pleased.”

Gu Yao and Chi Changye had already heard some of this information because Tian Feirong and the little fatty had specially gone out to gather intelligence afterward.

Now, the Spirit-Refining Pill is no longer exclusive to the Changxian Sect. Some major merchant guilds have bought it and are already publicly selling the Spirit-Refining Pill in their stores.

There are also certain sects and forces quietly making their own batches of the pill, for use by their internal disciples. This has indeed disrupted the Changxian Sect’s plans to profit from the Spirit-Refining Pill.

It’s important to know that some forces had been negotiating with Changxian Sect, hoping to give up a portion of their benefits in exchange for the Changxian Sect providing the Spirit-Refining Pill. They had hoped to take control of this golden egg-laying goose, but after the news of the formula auction came out, those forces immediately turned their backs and distanced themselves from the Changxian Sect. This, of course, infuriated the Changxian Sect.