TBR CH25

Regardless of whether Wusui was willing or not, he had to smile as he sent the items out.  

The usual guest-receiving formalities still had to be followed, given that Gu Shishu and Fu Tingxue held special statuses.  

Although it was not an appropriate time for a grand celebration, Wusui still arranged a banquet to observe proper etiquette.  

Even though he was extremely reluctant in his heart, he had to put on an eager expression and invite the Demon Lord and the Immortal Lord to stay at the Yao palace for a night.  

Fortunately, Gu Shishu exchanged a few polite words and declined the offer.  

Wusui quietly let out a breath of relief, then turned his probing gaze toward the Immortal Lord, though he already knew the answer in his heart.  

As expected, Fu Tingxue followed the Demon Lord’s lead and agreed with his decision.  

After observing them for so long, Wusui had long realized that the Immortal Lord and the Demon Lord never had differing opinions.  

For ordinary decisions, the Immortal Lord simply gave a slight nod as a sign of approval.  

Gu Shishu was not only the Demon Lord of the Demon Realm but also a shrewd businessman who would not allow any agreements to put Fu Tingxue at a disadvantage. Negotiating with him even made Wusui feel uneasy.  

As for important decisions, Gu Shishu would always let Fu Tingxue speak first, handing him the right to decide from the start.  

Thinking about this in detail, it was an extremely dangerous matter.  

However, just like humans, Yaos also had a desire for gossip.  

Seeing that Gu Shishu was about to leave, having even taken away a large collection of treasures and artifacts on behalf of the Immortal Lord, Wusui could not hold back and finally asked:  

“Pardon my offense, but… the Demon Lord and Immortal Lord do not seem as distant as the outside world claims. May I ask, what is the relationship between you two?”  

Gu Shishu was not angry, but he also did not answer immediately. Instead, he lifted his eyes and looked at Fu Tingxue with a questioning gaze.  

Fu Tingxue had been keeping his eyes lowered, but upon being looked at in this way, the icy colors in his eyes softened slightly, revealing a trace of confusion and helplessness.  

He pressed his lips together and hesitated without speaking.  

It seemed as if he was waiting for Gu Shishu to answer first.  

Wusui could not help but think: Is this such a difficult question to answer?  

Well… it was possible. After all, if the two lords of the realms had some secret connection, it would be a matter of great significance to the entire world. Being cautious was only natural.  

But what kind of relationship could it be? Considering their interactions in front of him—  

The Yao King suddenly held his breath, his pupils contracting tightly as a storm raged within his heart.  

A shocking thought flashed through his mind. The more he thought about it, the more certain he became, until he completely convinced himself.  

So, they were that kind of relationship!  

It was Gu Shishu who spoke first. Perhaps noticing Fu Tingxue’s difficulty, he gave him a slight reassuring smile before turning to Wusui and saying:  

“Fu Tingxue and I are old friends.”  

“Oh.”  

Wusui nodded absentmindedly, still deeply shaken by his own realization and completely unconvinced by Gu Shishu’s words.  

“Indeed, for the Demon Lord and Immortal Lord to share such… profound affection, it is truly a blessing for the world.”  

He pretended to remain composed, but his words unconsciously betrayed his thoughts.  

The Yao King’s choice of words was strangely peculiar.  

Gu Shishu silently repeated the phrase “profound affection” in his mind but had not yet found anything amiss when he caught sight of Fu Tingxue, who, upon hearing the words “old friend,” slightly turned his head and gave him a small smile.  

His smile was beautiful.  

So, Gu Shishu no longer paid any attention to the Yao King.  

At the very least, after spending half the day together, he was certain that the future Yao King was an ambitious and capable individual who also had a strong sense of self-preservation. He had already realized that cooperating with them brought far greater benefits than opposing them.  

That was enough. Gu Shishu had no interest in deciphering his deeper thoughts.  

After all, he could not even fully understand his own thoughts at the moment.  

—

Gu Shishu had never quite figured out his current feelings toward Fu Tingxue.  

Their connection began at the Ascension Ceremony.  

At that time, Gu Shishu held a low status, but he was more confident and determined than ever before. He had the greatest talent among all disciples, could perform the most exquisite techniques, and would become an exceptional cultivator.  

So, he deserved the best teacher.  

The young and ambitious disciple lifted his gaze toward the highest seat among the crowd, where the revered master sat. He knew that the Sword Sovereign of Qingcheng was unmatched in strength and was currently the foremost figure in the immortal sects.  

And… he looked at the immortal, as radiant as the moon and as cold as snow, his eyes burning with intensity as they met the other’s frosty gaze.  

He was truly beautiful.  

The process of being accepted as a disciple went exactly as he had expected.  

The moment their eyes met, the Immortal Lord looked away. But soon after, he announced that Gu Shishu would be his first disciple. Everything unfolded naturally, and Gu Shishu moved into Little Bamboo Peak.  

Little Bamboo Peak was independent but not isolated.  

Such an excellent place for cultivation housed only the two of them.  

At that time, it felt like a dream. Everyone sent their congratulations. Some expressed envy, but Gu Shishu indeed had the talent to justify his position.  

The elders were particularly delighted, believing that since the Immortal Lord had finally accepted a disciple, the cultivation world had a promising successor.  

And Fu Tingxue was far better than anyone Gu Shishu had met in his life.  

The Immortal Lord taught him without reservation. Gu Shishu was his first disciple, so he did not quite know how to interact with a student. As a result, their daily lives were not just that of master and disciple.  

Of course, like any teacher, he taught him swordsmanship, incantations, and formations. They made many transmission talismans and carried them at all times, always ready for use.  

Gu Shishu was a gifted student who learned at an extraordinary pace. This left them with plenty of free time.  

Fu Tingxue did not know what to do with this time. Gu Shishu thought it was a shame—such a cold and distant immortal had never experienced strong emotions, nor had he developed an appreciation for the world.  

That was fine, Gu Shishu thought. I can teach him.  

By then, he had already begun to like Fu Tingxue.  

He taught him how to observe the cycle of life in the plants of Little Bamboo Peak. When the Immortal Lord dismissed it as the natural order, Gu Shishu simply smiled and quoted, “Even grass and trees are cherished in their greenness.” He taught him how to express his emotions—eventually, even how to recognize them. He brewed pear blossom wine for ten whole years and, when it was finally ready, invited Fu Tingxue to share a drink.  

The Immortal Lord did not drink alcohol.  

He had never had a sip before.  

Yet after a moment of hesitation, he picked up the cup, unwilling to reject the goodwill Gu Shishu had spent years preparing.  

Fu Tingxue took his first sip of wine in this lifetime. The liquid barely touched his tongue before a burning sensation spread down his throat.  

Gu Shishu watched as a flicker of confusion appeared in the immortal’s eyes. He pursed his lips, swallowed his first taste of alcohol in thousands of years, and then coughed lightly, seemingly unaccustomed to the warmth that surged from his lips to his core.  

Fu Tingxue’s lips were often pale, just like his personality—cold and distant.  

But now, stained with wine, they appeared soft and flushed.  

Gu Shishu poured himself a cup as well.  

Pear blossom wine was strong at first taste but left a gentle aftertaste, reminiscent of delicate white petals.  

Watching the Immortal Lord frown at the remaining half a cup of wine, Gu Shishu smiled and asked:  

“Master, do you dislike it?”  

“No,” Fu Tingxue replied quickly, then seemed to regret his answer.  

“…I’m just not used to it.”  

He took another small sip. This time, prepared for the burn, he did not choke.  

Gu Shishu saw a subtle brightness appear in Fu Tingxue’s eyes, as if he had finally discovered the hidden sweetness beyond the bitterness.

He and Gu Shishu sat facing each other and each took a few more sips.  

Staring at the liquor in his cup, the immortal spoke softly.  

“I like it.”  

Gu Shishu suddenly heard Fu Tingxue speak, then realized that the immortal, drinking for the first time, might not hold his liquor well. He had already gotten drunk quickly—his gaze was now hazy, like half-melting ice.  

Gu Shishu couldn’t help but chuckle.  

“Immortal Venerable, you’re drunk. I’ll help you back to rest.”  

He stepped forward to support Fu Tingxue, and Fu Tingxue, as if very obedient, placed his hand on him. His hand was no longer as cold as it usually was but instead carried a slight warmth.  

However, as he stood up, he accidentally knocked over his cup. The clear liquor spilled across the white jade table, spreading a sweet fragrance.  

Gu Shishu wanted to let go of him to pick up the cup.  

But Fu Tingxue seemed unwilling to let him go. Half of his body leaned against Gu Shishu, and as he looked at the fallen cup, he seemed to have something to express. In the end, he only murmured softly:  

“I like it.”  

Gu Shishu listened carefully, but all he heard was that one phrase. He couldn’t help but feel amused, yet at the same time, a slight bitterness welled up within him.  

Just a cup of wine—how could it earn two declarations of liking from the Immortal Venerable? How absurd.  

But when he looked into Fu Tingxue’s eyes, his heart stirred slightly.  

The Immortal Venerable turned to look at him as well.  

It was like ice melting into spring water, like peach blossoms covering snow. His eyes held no wine, no intoxication—only Gu Shishu alone.  

Gu Shishu’s voice was hoarse. He didn’t know what to ask, so he could only ask:  

“Just now, you meant… you like the wine?”  

Fu Tingxue stared at him with what seemed like a hint of reproach and didn’t answer.  

Was he truly drunk?  

For the first time, Gu Shishu realized that even a cold and distant person could stir such reckless thoughts in his heart.  

Gu Shishu pressed down on Fu Tingxue’s hand. The other lowered his eyes and ignored him, as if dissatisfied with his response.  

Then, suddenly, he felt warm, damp breath brush against his ear, accompanied by a low and cautious whisper:  

“Does the Immortal Venerable want to hear me say… I like you?”  

The clarity and chill in those eyes rippled like disturbed spring water.  

Gu Shishu had not been certain before, but now that he had spoken the words, he found he had no regrets at all.  

He nearly embraced him, gently repeating by his white jade-like earlobe:  

“I like you.”  

Gu Shishu felt as if he were drunk too.  

Because Fu Tingxue—his moon and his crane—tilted his head slightly. His hair, cold as frost, scattered against Gu Shishu’s chest, like a delicate ink wash painting. The onlooker outside the painting had boldly spoken his confession, yet the immortal within did not shy away.  

Not only did he not avoid it, but his lips gently touched his skin, leaving behind a mark.  

It was a kiss.  

—  

And now?  

Gu Shishu tried to convince himself otherwise but couldn’t bear to. Fu Tingxue had not changed—he never had.  

He should have realized it long ago.  

When Fu Tingxue drank with him and forgot himself, he should have been suspicious. When they stood across opposing battle lines, if he had paid attention, he could have seen the deepest sorrow hidden in the immortal’s eyes. But he hadn’t.  

Until just now, he had only harbored doubts—never daring to be certain.  

That was why he had kept testing the waters, breaking through years of estrangement, feigning closeness to observe his reactions.  

But in the process, the Demon Lord suddenly realized—there had never been as much distance between them as he had imagined.  

He and Fu Tingxue had always been in perfect harmony.  

Just moments ago, when he watched the other lower his gaze with a faint smile, his long lashes quivering, he saw the familiar coldness in his eyes.  

Yet this time, hidden within was the subtlest of emotions.  

Fu Tingxue was genuinely happy—even though Gu Shishu had only introduced them to the Yao King as “old friends.” That already sounded close enough.  

But beneath his fluttering lashes, there was also a fragmented loneliness.  

They had never been just old friends.  

From the very first day, they had been drawn to each other. Once, they had been the closest people in the world, whispering every word of love to one another.  

But now, “old friends” had become the most dignified label they could use.  

Gu Shishu understood this feeling. He knew Fu Tingxue was trying to force himself to accept it.  

But he couldn’t.  

The immortal was smiling, yet his eyes held a fleeting trace of self-mockery—as if laughing at his own greed.  

And that same emotion had flickered like a spark within the Demon Lord’s heart just now.  

Dissatisfaction. Unattainable longing. Unwillingness to let go.  

These were the emotions most often felt for a lover.  

No…  

It wasn’t just a fleeting moment.  

From the very moment he decided to test Fu Tingxue, the Demon Lord had already stepped willingly back into his love.  

He finally realized—whether the other responded or not, this love had never disappeared.  

And now, it was stronger than ever, declaring its existence.  

Did that mean he had lost?  

Gu Shishu vaguely wondered but did not take his eyes off the immortal.  

In the end, he could never forget him.  

He could never let go.  

But what did it matter?  

Right now, he only wanted to kiss him.