The atmosphere in the hall was a bit tense.
Tian Fangfang glanced at the two figures and then at the silent Gu Baiying. He decided to step in and smooth things over, smiling as he said, “So this young brother is also one of Junior Sister’s people. But it seems the young brother doesn’t look too well. Are you feeling unwell? Should I have my junior brother take a look? My junior brother is quite skilled in medicine.”
Disease Demon shook his head, his eyes misting up. “There’s no need for the immortal to trouble yourself. I have had this condition since I was young. When I arrived at Chaos Hall, Her Highness was concerned and had many elixirs and herbs sought for me. Unfortunately, my body is uncooperative, and I have failed to live up to Her Highness’s good intentions.”
His words were a subtle boast, which immediately caused Gu Baiying’s face to stiffen again.
At this moment, a voice came from within the hall, “Disease Demon, why are you here crying and whining again? The young princess will only be more distressed when he sees you.”
Accompanying this voice was a strong smell of alcohol. Two figures emerged from the hall: one was a handsome and tall man in yellow robes, holding a thick rope in his hand, beside him was a man holding a wine jug. This man wasn’t as striking as the previous ones, but his features had a casual and unrestrained quality. When he smiled, it was like a fine old wine—deep and flavorful, the more you looked, the more appealing it became.
Lantern Ghost said with a smile, “This is General Rope
1 and Wine Demon. They are also people of Chaos Hall.”
Even though Tian Fangfang was usually quite smooth, he was momentarily startled by the variety of people in the palace, murmuring, “They really are all so different.”
As the two approached, General Rope scrutinized Gu Baiying with disdain and sneered, “This is the newcomer about to join Chaos Hall? Another useless pretty boy. How boring!”
“Don’t be rude to Immortal Gu,” Lantern Ghost admonished.
“What immortals and mortals? We’re all in Chaos Hall now, so why pretend to be so high and mighty?” General Rope sneered. “You should be the ones worried, not me. After all, this pretty boy is quite handsome and has come to compete for the princess’ favor, naturally taking away some of the her attention from you. It’s different for me. In this hall, only I can play games with the princess.”
Lantern Ghost looked at Gu Baiying with a headache and apologized on behalf of General Rope, “Immortal Gu, he’s always been like this, but he doesn’t mean any harm. You’ll get to know him better over time. He’s actually a good person.”
“What game?” Gu Baiying interrupted Lanter Ghost, looking at General Rope.
General Rope flicked the thick rope in his hand. “Of course, it’s rope games. Pretty boys like you wouldn’t understand. There are many tricks with this rope.”
“Cough, cough, cough.” Tian Fangfang choked.
Gu Baiying glared coldly at General Rope.
“You’re talking nonsense again. Immortal Gu is now a member of our Hall. If you scare him, it won’t be good to explain to Her Highness.” A man and a woman walked in from outside. The man was dressed in a green gauze robe, elegant and graceful, with an overly fair complexion. It seemed as if he had just bathed, and water droplets from his chin rolled into his robe, leaving behind a hint of alluring crystal clarity. The woman beside him was wearing a light purple long dress, with long hair reaching the ground, a moon-like face and flower-like features, gentle and shy.
The green-clad man spoke, while the beautiful woman bowed to everyone, saying, “You are here to wait for Her Highness, aren’t you? I am Consort Shu, and this is Water Lord.”
“Aren’t you a woman?” Men Dong was momentarily stunned. “Could it be…”
“Women can serve Her Highness too,” Consort Shu said with smiling eyes, looking at Meng Ying. “This fairy is extraordinarily beautiful, a rare beauty even in Heishi City. If you want to come to Chaos Hall…”
“She doesn’t want to,” Mu Cengxiao quickly stepped in front of Meng Ying.
“Is that so?” Consort Shu smiled sweetly. “That is indeed a bit of a pity.”
This motley crew standing in the already vibrant hall was a strain on the eyes. Tian Fangfang exclaimed, “There are people of all ages and genders here, your place is quite lively, Junior Sister.”
“Just like the seven colors of the rainbow,” Men Dong whispered, secretly nudging Gu Baiying’s arm, “Uncle Master, you’re the missing white.”
Gu Baiying gritted his teeth, “Shut up.”
“Actually, the Demon Queen had mentioned Immortal Gu to us before,” Lantern Ghost said with a smile. “As a member of a sect, Immortal Gu might have reservations about joining our Hall. However, what you’re worried about is probably unnecessary. The princess is gentle and considerate. As someone who is a dragon among men and a prodigy, and with the bond you share from your time together on Gufeng Mountain, you will not be mistreated in Chaos Hall.”
“As for us…” Lantern Ghost placed the lantern he was holding on the table. “Along with Lord Shuang, the seven of us get along harmoniously and are like family. Since Immortal Gu has joined Chaos Hall, you are one of us now, and we will treat you as our own family.”
His words were sincere, as if he genuinely wished for Chaos Hall to gain another friend, but they only made Gu Baiying’s expression darker.
The hall fell silent, and no one spoke. Men Dong and Tian Fangfang dared not say anything, while Mimi squatted on the ground, looking at this person and that.
After a while, Gu Baiying spoke. His expression was indifferent, his eyes deeply shaded, without a hint of warmth. “Thank you for your kindness, but it’s not necessary.”
“I have no intention of joining Chaos Hall.”
He stood in the hall, his posture straight, his voice calm, yet it evoked a sudden sense of sympathy.
It was only natural. This young man had always been proud and arrogant, with an extremely strong sense of self-esteem. He was considered a shining star in the Taiyan Sect. Now, not only was he being treated as a future consort, but he had also witnessed firsthand the fullness of his beloved’s harem and the traces of their happiness. Even the most broad-minded man would probably feel suffocated at this moment.
The ghost carrying the lantern shrugged, as if he had expected Gu Baiying to react this way. He then smiled and said, “If that’s the case, I can’t force you. Please rest in the hall for a while. The princess should be back soon.”
Consort Shu stepped forward again, her voice soft as she inquired of the Taiyan Sect members, “Esteemed cultivators, I will go prepare some tea and snacks for you. Lord Xiao Shuang has brought back a lot of fine tea from Duzhou, which is popular among sect members. We have Zhenmei Rain Tea, Jinshui Cuifeng, Dongbai Chunya, and Jiangshan Green Peony. What would you like to have?”
Men Dong glanced secretly at Gu Baiying who was sitting silently to the side and muttered under his breath , “You might as well give him a cup of vinegar.”
“What?” Consort Shu asked, puzzled.
“Nothing,” Tian Fangfang responded with a smile, “Anything will do.”
Consort Shu smiled and said, “Alright, please wait a moment. The tea and snacks will be ready soon.”
*
Previously General Lan