[Cult of Immortality? Family of immortals? What does any of those mean? If anyone dares to speak of immortality, it would be the forces, whose history goes as far back as the beginning of time, that control the world!]
Upon Ming Lao's words, every member of the Lin Family was thoroughly flabbergasted. They finally acknowledged their Prime Ancestor's humility with Gu Changge was indeed a great honor given the young master's unimaginable background. In that instant, the Lin Family's respect for Gu Changge grew deeper. After hearing about Gu Changge's origin, they realized that perhaps their Prime Ancestor was probably an insignificant being to him.
[That young man's history is that deep?] Among the crowd, Lin Tian was taken aback and somewhat troubled after hearing Ming Lao's story. Nonetheless, he regained composure quickly.
Since he was in the Overworld, he had to play by its rules. Besides, as the God King, dealing with a mere young man he wouldn't break a sweat, though it would have been a different story were they in the Beyond. Regardless, he sensed something he wanted from the young master earlier. Thus, in order to get himself back to his peak, he would have to get past the obstacle that was Gu Changge.
In the grand hall, while Ming Lao was still catching up with his countless successors, Lin Tian's eyes brightened up before he sneakily left. Concerned that Gu Changge might bear ill intent toward Lin Qiuhan, he intended to tail Gu Changge to investigate.
…
As the river burbled and the fog drifted, with her palms sweating, Lin Qiuhan nervously walked in the front, guiding Gu Changge to a casual walk in the nearby area. She had yet to find a way to calm herself down, fearing that a negligent movement might trigger the young master and upset him. And she felt like a mere mortal who was serving a celestial being.
Gu Changge, on the other hand, seemed rather absent minded, though, his primary objective of interrogating Lin Qiuhan unrevealed.
"Lady Lin, don't be so anxious. Be like Qingge. She's not a tad afraid of me, and would even talk back to me." In a leisurely manner, he cracked a lighthearted joke. If Lin Qiuhan's nervousness were to persist, it would be hard for him to interrogate her.
Hearing that, Su Qingge, who was silently following after him, internally rolled her eyes. [Perhaps Prince Gu is the most fitting to say such shameless words.]
"Qingge? Isn't that the Most Graceful Damsel of Eastern Barren—the Supreme Stygian Saintess, Su Qingge?" At Gu Changge's jest, Lin Qiuhan was indeed less agitated, but she was somewhat surprised.
[Now that I think about it, things surely make sense. It is known that the Most Graceful Damsel of Eastern Barren has been tagging along with a young master for some time, so the mentioned young master must be this Prince Gu right before me. Also, the Most Graceful Damsel of Eastern Barren. Despite living so far away, she managed to leave so many young men fantasizing about her, and she's right in front of me! However, she certainly seems like Prince Gu's personal servant.]
At that moment, her emotions were complicated, and she even found an unexpected jealousy within. [Nevertheless, Prince Gu is quite the pleasant gentleman. Despite his noble position, he doesn't give off the aura of a condescending man. He must have been raised well given how he is as chivalrous as a cavalier from ancient times.]
Thinking that, Lin Qiuhan started to feel relieved. With that, she began to introduce the surrounding scenery to Gu Changge as a smile surged on her impeccable face.
"So that's how it is…" From time to time, Gu Changge would nod to her explanations, bantering with her as he let out amiable, refreshing chuckles. He was absolutely cordial and generous.
In Lin Qiuhan's eyes, Gu Changge, in that instant, resembled a charming, captivating prince. Be it his speech, aura, gesture, or influence, everything about him was so stunning, and she had never encountered anything as such.
As the pride of the Ancient Lin Family, she had seen one too many promising talents. However, comparing them to the young master before her was as if comparing an ember to the radiant moon—they were simply no match for him. Or more precisely, they were simply incomparable. She even felt her heart palpitating and her face blushing whenever she spoke a word to the young master.
Indubitably, Gu Changge noticed her fluster. Although he seemed unaffected, he was actually fascinated as he interacted with Lin Qiuhan. [We've only met and she's already into me. Perhaps it's true that, wherever it is, looks do matter. But that's good. That saves me a lot of trouble.]
Accordingly, Gu Changge went on a tangent and started inquiring about Lin Qiuhan and her family.
[Is Prince Gu asking about me?] Lin Qiuhan was dazed as her heart beat faster.
[Is he perhaps interested in me?] She was slightly shocked as she grew even more skittish.
"I am the eldest daughter of my father, and I also have a few maternal siblings." Very soon, Lin Qiuhan was able to collect her feelings upon Gu Changge's smile, after which she began to talk about her family, including her rascal of a brother—Lin Tian.
Hearing that, Gu Changge was faintly stunned at the familiar term—'rascal.'
All of a sudden, his eyes twitched and caught a figure not far away hastily hiding itself. The movements were subtle, but not enough to hide from his senses. [Lin Tian must be the boy who was constantly observing me from outside of the grand hall.]
"Oh? Rascal of a brother? That's pretty harsh, coming from his elder sister." Gu Changge said while retaining his titter.
Seeing how Gu Changge was interested in the topic, Lin Qiuhan went on, "Everyone sees him the same way. I've always wanted to defend him, but I couldn't find a way to. Tian's mother passed away when he was merely a kid, and Father never treated him with respect. Besides, he doesn't have any strength or Talents within him. Thus, although he's a Direct Disciple, he doesn't actually hold any power in the family."
"What a pitiful child. But he's quite lucky to have a pretty sister like you to take care of him." Gu Changge revealed a light smile.
[I-I'm pretty, he said?] Lin Qiuhan was flustered. She was so joyous her cheeks began to blush.
"Despite all that was said, Tian is quite a tacit boy. He knows I'm worried about him, and even started to study training methods recently." Comforted, Lin Qiuhan warmly beamed.
In response, Gu Changge's casual smile turned into a knowing grin. After listening to Lin Qiuhan, he immediately knew what was going on.
[A rascal teenager's personality shifts in just one night. Now, now. I wonder if he's possessed, or something just rebirthed within him.]