Little Pink Starfish

Gu Bai quickly gave orders for Lian Hengwu to be brought to the reception hall.

—In reality, he didn’t even need to issue the command, because Lian Hengwu was a high-level wu jun. Whether or not he would become part of Tiandu City, the head steward, Qin Xubo, would never leave the impression that he had been poorly received.

Thus, Lian Hengwu was already in the reception hall…

Hearing Qin Xubo’s report, Gu Bai silently made a 囧 face.

It seemed that no matter what, he had to go.

So, he stood up and spoke in a cold tone, “Xiaoshan, come with me.”

Qi Guan Rui’s expression was gentle as he responded softly, “Alright, City Lord.”

Qin Xubo glanced at Qi Guan Rui, his gaze becoming increasingly peculiar.

Was the City Lord trusting this person too much?

Then he quickly suppressed his doubts. Since the background check had already been conducted, as long as the City Lord was pleased… it was fine.

Wait, something still seemed off!

As a competent head steward, Qin Xubo firmly repressed his chaotic thoughts, maintaining a respectful and sincere demeanor as he followed behind Gu Bai.

Positioned beside Qi Guan Rui.

The three of them walked in solemn silence—one in front, two behind—all the way to the reception hall.

Inside, a short and thin man, standing at just about seven chi tall, was seated on a large chair. The moment he sensed someone approaching, he immediately stood up, clasped his fists, and smiled. “This must be the City Lord of Tiandu City. Lian has long admired you!”

Gu Bai expressionlessly glanced at him and replied curtly, “Long admired.”

Then, he walked to the main seat. Qi Guan Rui obediently stood behind him, while Qin Xubo took position on the other side, giving instructions for the servants to serve tea.

Seeing Gu Bai, Lian Hengwu immediately dropped his initial trace of disdain.

He had thought that a young genius who had already reached high-level wu jun would be arrogant and look down on others—people like that were easy to provoke, easily manipulated into falling for verbal traps, ultimately becoming mere pawns on the battlefield.

But now that he saw Gu Bai, he realized that while the other party was proud, it was a calm and composed pride. He couldn’t detect the slightest emotional fluctuation in Ziche Shubai’s eyes—it was as if no emotion was there at all. Such a person… was difficult to deal with.

Especially since his request to join, despite coming from a high-level wu jun, had failed to elicit even a flicker of excitement from the City Lord… He quickly adjusted his attitude.

Moreover… Did this City Lord of Tiandu City have a poor impression of him?

While Lian Hengwu was somewhat concerned about this, Gu Bai actually didn’t have a bad impression of him at all.

Because—Lian Hengwu was short!

It was already frustrating enough that the kid he picked up when he was younger had grown half a head taller than him. As an older brother, this was a serious blow to his self-confidence!

Now that he saw Lian Hengwu’s height, he suddenly recalled how he had described him as “of average build” in the novel… and he felt a sense of psychological balance.

It wasn’t that his own genes weren’t good enough. It was Gu Xiaoshan who had grown unnaturally tall!

_{[T/N: RIGHT??]}

Gu Bai glanced at Lian Hengwu and said, “Sit.”

Only then did Lian Hengwu realize that he had already been completely suppressed in terms of presence. His expression subtly changed as he sat down. However, he was a seasoned warrior. He quickly composed himself and smiled, “I assume the City Lord already knows why I am here.”

To directly say he was seeking refuge would be too humiliating. Instead, he hinted at it.

Gu Bai nodded. “Continue.”

Lian Hengwu’s smile stiffened.

The hell? Are you taking me in or not? What the hell does ‘continue’ mean?

But when he looked at Gu Bai again, he met the other party’s pitch-black eyes… and immediately felt a chill run down his spine.

Could it be that Ziche Shubai has already seen through my true intentions?

Lian Hengwu no longer dared to treat him as a mere youth to be deceived.

It seemed that even as a high-level wu jun, he couldn’t just expect the other party to accept him without question—he would have to clearly state his case so the City Lord could assess the benefits before making a decision.

After a moment of careful thought, his expression turned serious.

“Of course, I do have a request as well.”

Gu Bai gave a slight nod, maintaining his noble and aloof demeanor. “Speak.”

This was already him giving Lian Hengwu face.

However, Qi Guan Rui, standing behind Gu Bai, had already darkened his gaze the moment he laid eyes on Lian Hengwu.

Even if this guy turned to ash, he would still recognize him—this was the very culprit who had crippled him overnight, turning him from a genius into a waste!

He had originally planned to go after Lian Hengwu after meeting Ziche Shubai, but unexpectedly, the man had delivered himself straight to his doorstep… and even wanted to seek refuge in Tiandu City?

For a brief moment, countless thoughts flashed through Qi Guan Rui’s mind.

Did Lian Hengwu already know that he had risen again and was now using Tiandu City to oppose him? But then he dismissed the idea—after all, he was only at the junior wu jun level right now. If Lian Hengwu wanted to cripple him again, he could find an opportunity to do so. Except this time, the outcome wouldn’t be as he wished.

Or perhaps… Lian Hengwu was wary of his sudden recovery and dared not act rashly, choosing to borrow a blade to kill instead?

Of course, what he was most interested in was—what decision would Ziche Shubai make?

Sure enough, Lian Hengwu went on to explain his past grudges with the Qi Guan family, explicitly stating that he was willing to devote himself to Tiandu City as long as they would help eliminate that family.

Gu Bai sat high above, lightly tapping a finger on the armrest as if deep in thought.

…In reality, he wasn’t thinking about whether to help at all.

He was just annoyed.

Is this over yet? Damn it, I’m already trying to avoid the protagonist, and you’re forcing me to go up against him?!

If you have a death wish, don’t drag me into it!

Absolutely not happening!

So, feeling extremely vexed, Gu Bai barely waited for Lian Hengwu to finish speaking before responding:

“I refuse.”

Lian Hengwu froze.

He had never expected to be rejected—was there even a reason for this? He had already explained that the Qi Guan family had only one high-level wu jun in their ranks. If the two of them worked together, one could hold that person back while the other easily wiped out the Qi Guan family. Afterward, he, a high-level wu jun, would be completely loyal to Tiandu City—wasn’t this an amazing deal?!

And yet… he was refused?

However, at the moment Gu Bai refused, Qi Guan Rui’s originally cold and sharp gaze softened slightly.

Gu Bai said, “I won’t help you go against Qi Guan Rui.”

Qi Guan Rui raised an eyebrow. In his understanding, Ziche Shubai’s spies should only have gathered general information about the situation.

Gu Bai paused for a moment before continuing, “He has potential.”

Lian Hengwu’s expression instantly turned ugly.

I see. I see!

The City Lord of Tiandu City favors Qi Guan Rui because of his rapid progress and greater potential—no wonder he wasn’t interested in an older high-level wu jun like himself.

What a calculating City Lord!

At this point, the conversation was futile. Lian Hengwu snorted coldly, turned on his heel, and strode out.

There’s no point in humiliating myself any further!

Gu Bai watched him leave and met Qin Xubo’s slightly puzzled gaze. He offered no explanation, simply waving him away.

Once Qin Xubo had left, he heard a familiar voice.

“Gege, about that Qi Guan Rui…”

“I don’t know him!” Gu Bai cut him off decisively.

Qi Guan Rui paused slightly. “…Then?”

Gu Bai turned his head, looked at his “brother” for a moment, hesitated briefly, and then said, “In any case, he’s not easy to deal with. You shouldn’t go up against him.”

Qi Guan Rui obediently nodded in agreement.

But in his eyes, where no one could see, a dark glint flashed.

Ziche Shubai… could he have found something out?

No, if he had truly discovered everything, he would also know his identity.

Yet, it was clear that Ziche Shubai’s attitude towards “Gu Shan” and “Qi Guan Rui” was completely different, even when mentioning them casually.

So, with Ziche Shubai’s abilities and status, why would he hold such regard for a mere direct descendant of an ordinary family?

The way Ziche Shubai was acting now almost made Qi Guan Rui feel as if he already knew that Lian Hengwu was Qi Guan Rui’s enemy, and that the person he had previously mentioned being wary of was actually him, Qi Guan Rui…

However, Qi Guan Rui didn’t say a word about it. Instead, he simply revealed a gentle smile and followed Gu Bai out of the reception hall.

Meanwhile, completely unaware that he had already aroused the protagonist’s suspicions, Gu Bai happily went off to have a meal with his childhood friend.

Finally, Lian Hengwu is dealt with. Wherever he goes next to be slaughtered by the protagonist is none of my concern, as long as it has nothing to do with Tiandu City—hahahaha!

That night, as usual, Qi Guan Rui used his usual method to ensure Gu Bai slept soundly.

Then, he transformed into a twisted serpent-like shadow and swiftly moved beyond the walls of Tiandu City.

Because he had fallen out with Gu Bai, Lian Hengwu hadn’t stayed within the city. Instead, he had gone straight outside to camp for the night.

A few hundred meters away from his tent, Qi Guan Rui emerged from the shadows, sneering. “This certainly makes things easier. I was just wondering… if I had to kill you in the city, how would I explain it to my gege?”

Lian Hengwu, still seething with rage from earlier, was sitting cross-legged inside his tent, preparing to cultivate through the night.

Just as he was about to activate his technique, he suddenly noticed a strange shadow appearing on the fabric of the tent. Instantly alarmed, he shouted, “Who’s there?!”

The moment his voice fell, countless thin black shadows shot towards him, latching onto his body in an instant.

A sharp pain surged through him.

Lian Hengwu was horrified and immediately tried to expel them with his wu qi, but to his shock, the areas where he had been bitten were now leaking his martial energy at an alarming rate!

A cold sweat drenched his body.

Something’s wrong…

A figure suddenly pounced at him. A sharp, excruciating pain exploded in his dantian.

Lian Hengwu wanted to dodge, but the pain was so intense that his wu qi was being completely drained by some unknown force—leaving him utterly powerless.

“Who… are you?” he roared. “If I have to die, at least let me die knowing why!”

Under the pale moonlight, Qi Guan Rui’s face slowly emerged from the darkness.

Lian Hengwu’s eyes widened. “You…”

Qi Guan Rui smiled faintly. “Of course, you wouldn’t bother remembering a mere guard. I simply lowered my head, and you already failed to recognize me.”

So, you deserve to die like a fool.

As his wu qi continued to drain away, Lian Hengwu’s expression remained frozen in disbelief as his body rapidly withered.

In no time at all, all that remained was a dried-up skeleton.

Qi Guan Rui stepped forward and stomped down. With a sharp crack, the bones shattered into dust.

No corpse left behind.

Qi Guan Rui turned and walked out of the tent.

Behind him, the tent crumpled inward under an unseen force—before disintegrating into countless specks of dust…