Little Pink Starfish

Upon arriving at the inn, Gu Bai and Qiguan Rui were immediately led to the finest guest room. Yet, Qiguan Rui kept pointing out various issues, ordering the innkeeper to tidy things up. Following closely behind, Liu Manluo’s lips twitched, her charming smile frozen on her face—even a delicate young lady wouldn’t be this fussy!

Qiguan Rui was so engrossed in his nitpicking that Liu Manluo found herself completely ignored. Unable to tolerate it any longer, she excused herself to the neighbouring room.

Under Qiguan Rui’s signal, Xin’e followed suit.

Once the two women disappeared from sight, Qiguan Rui dismissed the innkeeper and finally stopped his fussing.

Gu Bai: … Hmph. Using me as a foil, huh? Having fun, are you?

Qiguan Rui sidled closer and threw an arm around Gu Bai’s shoulder. “Gege, that woman is truly insufferable.”

Gu Bai: In the original story, you seemed to enjoy her company just fine. Ha.

Qiguan Rui sighed. “It must be because I’m not good enough. Otherwise, why does gege always glance at these women but never spare me a second look?”

Gu Bai felt utterly drained. This is beyond ridiculous! I create a well-rounded character, glance at her once, and suddenly it’s a big deal? Is your obsession so intense that I can’t even look around without upsetting you? What kind of lunatic territoriality is this?!

Qiguan Rui gazed at him wistfully. “Oh well, as long as gege holds me in his heart, that’s enough for me.”

Gu Bai’s hairs stood on end. This maniac was growing clingier and more dramatic. Wasn’t he more refined in the original story? What is happening here? Not only is the lunatic evolving, but he’s also becoming unnervingly over-the-top!

After venting his grievances, Qiguan Rui’s expression turned serious. “Gege, you won’t blame me for suggesting that we go undercover, will you?”

Caught off guard, Gu Bai quickly refocused. He shook his head. “I won’t. We can’t stay on the Demon Domain Island forever, anyway.”

Qiguan Rui nodded. “That’s what I thought. We came here to investigate how those demons are causing trouble. Now that I’ve planted plenty of spies, there’s no need for us to involve ourselves directly. The Lingwu Continent has numerous experts. Even though the Demon Realm Island has a sizeable population, they can’t topple the continent so easily. Liu Wuheng might be ambitious, but he’s only cunning in petty ways. His impatience guarantees failure unless he plans for another few centuries. I don’t want gege entangled in this mess.”

—This lunatic is being unusually candid…

Gu Bai understood the logic. In the original story, the five elders of the Demon Realm were nothing more than fodder, stepping stones, or lackeys. None of them were true leaders. Otherwise, Qiguan Rui wouldn’t have relied solely on his bloodline to become the Demon Emperor. Even the original Qiguan Rui had spent centuries developing the demon forces and nurturing powerful fighters before launching an assault on the Lingwu Continent. At this point, Liu Wuheng’s attempt to stir up trouble with some magic-hiding potion was laughable.

Though Gu Bai was stuck with a tagalong, the lunatic ensured that the tagalong wouldn’t slow them down. Besides, Gu Bai hadn’t truly become a demon. Qiguan Rui could change his form freely, and his status as the Lord of Tiandu City was firmly established. There were plenty of books to read at Qingtian Academy, his martial prowess still had room to grow, and his lifespan was extendable.

Even better, the lunatic seemed unlikely to suddenly devour him. This relatively stress-free life was, frankly, the most relaxing Gu Bai had experienced since transmigrating—despite the occasional, ahem, strenuous activities, bouts of shamelessness, and broken moral boundaries.

As his mind raced with thoughts, Gu Bai maintained his impassive expression and said, “Let’s head back to Tiandu City, settle Liu Manluo, and then return to Qingtian Academy.”

Qiguan Rui smiled gently and affectionately nuzzled Gu Bai’s face. “Gege and I truly share a connection… our thoughts align perfectly.”

That night, nothing unusual occurred. When Gu Bai awoke, he found himself in an embrace. The irreversible nature of certain habits dawned on him, and he felt a deep shame for finding such mornings oddly comforting. Then, as the lunatic handed him his clothes and tea, someone knocked on the door.

It was, as expected, Liu Manluo. Veil removed and dressed in fine attire; she entered with Xin’e trailing behind. Compared to her, Xin’e’s beauty seemed muted, making her appear more like a young maid.

Liu Manluo offered a gentle smile. “Did you sleep well?”

Qiguan Rui responded with a softer smile. “Thanks to the lady’s blessings, we slept very well.”

Thus, the group descended for breakfast.

The inn’s second floor, partitioned with screens for privacy, offered a peaceful atmosphere. Below, the bustling ground floor was crowded with merchants and commoners.

Since the innkeeper was obedient, they were seated discreetly, unnoticed by others. Naturally, as guests from the Demon Domain Island, they were served the best and most delicious food.

Liu Manluo watched Qiguan Rui serve Gu Bai meticulously while Gu Bai fussed over every detail, displaying his fastidiousness and cleanliness. Her smile froze once more. However, her expression didn’t remain frozen for long.

In places frequented by protagonists, tranquillity was rare. Predictably, a commotion erupted on the ground floor of the inn.

A figure flew across several tables, crashing onto another, upending dishes and angering diners. A man drew his sword, while the group responsible for the chaos—led by an arrogant young noble—sneered, their postures dripping with entitlement.

The noble scoffed at the swordsman, “Consider yourself honoured that I flipped your table. Stay quiet, or else…” His eyes fell on a petite, pretty girl beside the swordsman. With a lecherous grin, he added, “Hand over the girl, and I might let this slide.”

Predictably, the swordsman was enraged, and the girl glared fiercely.

Thus began the classic scenario: an arrogant noble provoking conflict, a protective swordsman shielding the girl, and an inevitable showdown that would wreck the inn.

Gu Bai silently observed. Of course, the plot revolves around the lunatic…

Below, the noble, the swordsman, and the girl formed the classic “event-triggering” trio. The noble was typically from a prominent but dysfunctional family. Depending on the situation, he might reform and become the protagonist’s loyal follower or serve as cannon fodder.

In this instance, the noble was Ding Xinzhi, a spoilt child from a middling martial city. Frustrated by mediocrity, he sought treasure to enhance himself. While passing through the town, he caused a scene over dissatisfaction with his meal.

The swordsman and the girl were likely siblings and sect members, holding a key item necessary for unlocking the treasure Ding Xinzhi sought.

Soon enough, chaos erupted. Ding Xinzhi’s men attacked, the swordsman defended, and the girl was cornered.

At that moment, a soft voice reached Gu Bai’s ear. “Gege, what are you watching?”

Gu Bai remained expressionless. “Injustice against women.”

Qiguan Rui sighed. “Gege has grown softer.”

Gu Bai stayed stoic, but his thoughts churned. Fine, I know my own world. These girls are ruthless too. Rescuing them might backfire. But how else can I secure the plot treasures? My martial prowess has plateaued, and I could use a boost!

In the original story, Qiguan Rui would’ve heroically intervened, gaining their trust, resources, and a power boost. But Qiguan Rui no longer showed interest in women. It was up to Gu Bai.

Seeing Gu Bai’s gaze lingering below, Qiguan Rui sighed and leapt downstairs.

What followed was predictable. Qiguan Rui resolved the conflict effortlessly, compensated the innkeeper, charmed the siblings, and sent Ding Xinzhi away humiliated but secretly impressed.

Gu Bai noticed the faint shadow of a snake gu lingering behind Ding Xinzhi. A useful little tool indeed.

Returning upstairs, Qiguan Rui smiled warmly. “Gege, was I satisfactory?”

Gu Bai nodded. “You did well.”

Qiguan Rui’s smile grew tender.

Beside them, Liu Manluo’s smile froze again.