Little Pink Starfish

On the road, Gu Bai and Qiguan Rui, accompanied by Liu Manluo and Xin’e, rode in a well-appointed carriage heading not toward Haoyang City or Tiandu City, but toward Bailiu City—the final destination of the sibling duo.

Inside the carriage, Qiguan Rui reclined with his head on Gu Bai’s lap, idly twirling a strand of Gu Bai’s black hair. “Gege, how did you deduce the siblings were suspicious?” Qiguan Rui asked casually, though his sharp gaze betrayed his curiosity.

Gu Bai’s heart skipped a beat, but he kept his tone steady. “It was too coincidental.”

The explanation was plausible enough. The small town they had passed through was mostly populated by ordinary folk. While demons lurked in secret, the lack of significant resources meant it rarely attracted martial artists. Ding Xinzhi’s brazen arrogance, combined with the siblings’ distinctive aura, suggested a shared destination.

It wasn’t the most convincing reasoning, but it sufficed. After all, Gu Bai had intervened more out of convenience than anything else. In truth, the decision to follow the siblings was entirely Qiguan Rui’s. His snake gu had transmitted clear signals about the treasure. Gu Bai had merely gone along with the flow.

Qiguan Rui didn’t press further, appearing satisfied with the answer. Gu Bai discreetly wiped away a bead of sweat from his brow. This lunatic is too perceptive… Was that a test or a casual question? Who knows anymore?!

With the two women in the carriage—one lacking intelligence, the other sharp but subdued—the atmosphere remained oddly quiet.

Qiguan Rui wrapped an arm around Gu Bai’s waist and shut his eyes for a nap.

Several uneventful days passed, and they finally reached their destination.

***

Bailiu City was renowned as a city of lakes. Though vast in area, its lord was merely a senior wu jun—a power level similar to Gu Bai’s former strength. The abundance of water deterred treasure seekers, making it an overlooked yet serene locale.

The city’s name was well-earned; the air was thick with a refreshing, water-laden fragrance. Standing amidst its shimmering lakes and rivers, Gu Bai felt a rare sense of calm.

Qiguan Rui, less inclined toward poetic musings, promptly dragged Gu Bai to an inn. Coincidentally, it was the very inn the siblings had selected after scouting the area. Thanks to their superior carriage, Gu Bai and his group arrived first.

Over the next two days, Qiguan Rui ignored the two women entirely, instead taking Gu Bai on a leisurely tour of Bailiu City. The unique scenery and cultural charm intrigued even Gu Bai, who admitted that such excursions were a nice change of pace.

On the third day, as the group descended from their rooms, they encountered the dusty, travel-worn siblings just arriving at the inn.

Feigning surprise, Qiguan Rui greeted them warmly. “Roadmaster Lu, Miss Lu, what a coincidence meeting you here.”

The siblings were indeed startled.

Miss Lu Jia’er blushed instantly. “Qiguan Gongzi, you—why are you here?”

Her brother, Lu Jie, cupped his hands respectfully. “It is unexpected to meet again. May I ask about your companions…?”

Though Qiguan Rui had already impressed them with his charm, the sight of his companions further astonished them. Gu Bai’s dignified presence outshone even Qiguan Rui’s, and the veiled Liu Manluo and Xin’e exuded such poise and beauty that their elegance was unmistakable.

In short, the group was leagues above the so-called elites the siblings were used to in their sect.

Qiguan Rui gave a polite smile. “As they say, better to meet by chance than arrange a meeting. It’s rare to see you again—why not join us for a meal?”

After a brief exchange of glances, the siblings agreed and followed them upstairs.

Given their aim to establish rapport with the siblings, the meal was held in a private second-floor room. Qiguan Rui ordered the inn’s signature dishes and local speciality wines before striking up a conversation with Lu Jie.

Introducing himself as a traveller touring Bailiu City, Qiguan Rui casually revealed Gu Bai’s status as a student of Qingtian Academy, subtly enhancing their group’s prestige.

As expected, Lu Jie’s gaze grew contemplative.

Gu Bai observed Qiguan Rui’s masterful performance: how he steered the conversation, responded to Lu Jia’er’s admiring glances with mild yet polite smiles, and drew out Lu Jie’s trust. By the end of the meal, Lu Jia’er’s infatuation was unmistakable, and Lu Jie’s wariness had completely dissipated.

The lunatic is way too skilled at this… Calming himself, Gu Bai silently sipped his wine and allowed his thoughts to wander.

In the original story, Qiguan Rui had quickly gained the siblings’ trust after rescuing them, even securing their help in accessing the treasure. Now, despite the altered circumstances, the result appeared to be the same. With a few more interactions, the lunatic would undoubtedly earn their loyalty. The treasure they sought required defeating a guardian beast, which the siblings, with their modest strength, couldn’t handle alone. Eventually, they would return to seek Qiguan Rui’s help.

By the time Gu Bai snapped out of his musings, Qiguan Rui had ensured Lu Jie was at ease, and Lu Jia’er was practically brimming with adoration.

Gu Bai set down his chopsticks. Without making a sound, he caught Qiguan Rui’s attention.

“Gege, you’ve eaten so little,” Qiguan Rui said softly. “Please, have some more.”

Gu Bai inclined his head slightly toward the group. “I’ll have some snacks later. I’ll return to my room now.”

Rising gracefully, he departed the room without waiting for a response.