Chapter 15: Brothers Across Lifetimes

As events unfolded, Lingxin Sect was no longer the principal party involved. Zhan Renjie, leader of the Xuanming Sect, erupted in fury on the spot, severely punishing the instigator. He assured all sect leaders that Xuanming would strictly honor the Stone Severing Pact. Afterwards, he specially dispatched a Daoist Supervisor to Lingxin Sect to offer apologies to Yue Songting. Seizing this opportunity to step down gracefully, Yue Songting accepted, and from then on, disciples of the Xuanming Sect behaved much more prudently.

These developments were all within Gu Pinglin's expectations, so he paid them little mind, devoting himself instead to preparing for the sect initiation competition.

The initiation competition was a simple sparring contest where participants were to stop at the point of victory. Lingxin Sect only accepted disciples after careful screening, selecting those with talent and affinity for the Dao. After half a year of cultivation, the junior disciples had developed some foundational skills. This competition served as an assessment; disciples who failed to meet the standard would be relegated to the outer sect. Outer sect disciples found it extremely difficult to enter the core of the sect, and thus had limited prospects in cultivation. Consequently, everyone was nervous. Most disciples were self-aware, not aspiring to become the sect leader's personal disciple, but merely hoping to remain within the sect.

Clouds obscured the sun, and a cool breeze rustled the trees and grass surrounding the sparring grounds.

One swift stroke determined the victor. Gu Pinglin landed gracefully, turned to his opponent, and smiled faintly. "Your concession."

His opponent conceded with a respectful cupped-hand salute and leaped off the platform.

On the viewing stand, Yue Songting had indeed taken notice of him, nodding approvingly.

To prevent accidents during the competition, Chang Jinxin, Ren Ping, and others were overseeing the matches. However, as the junior disciples were relatively new to swordsmanship, accidental injuries were unavoidable. Yet, in each of Gu Pinglin's bouts, he judged the limit perfectly—just enough to win without injuring his opponent, and without appearing arrogant. This mastery of restraint was indeed rare.

While innate talent was undoubtedly paramount in the eyes of other sect leaders, Gu Pinglin understood Yue Songting best. The sect leader placed the utmost importance on character, particularly admiring disciples who acted with steadiness and discretion. After all, he was choosing a potential future sect leader this time and would be even more meticulous.

Duan Qingming's cultivation had already surpassed the fifth level of the Naying realm upon his entry. Once this became public knowledge, no one dared to challenge him voluntarily. Geniuses, regardless of sect, were cherished and protected. Exceptionally invited onto the viewing stand, he stood beside Yue Songting, occasionally exchanging a few words with a smile. Yue Songting listened, stroking his beard and nodding.

Gu Pinglin remained expressionless but subtly pursed his lips.

He's deliberately provoking me, Gu Pinglin thought. Clearly, Master has already been fooled by him.

The idea that Duan Qingming held any genuine respect or concern for Lingxin Sect was utterly impossible. If this madman became the sect leader's personal disciple, the likelihood of him inheriting the leadership in the future would be overwhelming. Chen Qian, Chang Jinxin, Bu Shui Han… none would be a match for him.

Lingxin Sect could not fall into his hands.

No other challengers came forth. Ren Ping, smiling, declared the results. Gu Pinglin respectfully saluted Yue Songting on the viewing stand before exiting the competition grounds.

Facing him, Bu Shui Han nodded in greeting.

Bu Shui Han had changed attire today. He wore a tight-sleeved white robe embroidered with pale blue floral patterns at the cuffs. Around his waist was a pale blue demon silk belt, enhanced to gather spiritual energy. A small silver crown, adorned with moonstone, adorned his head, and he wore pale blue wind-striding boots embroidered with cloud patterns. This ensemble accentuated his vibrant, heroic bearing.

As Gu Pinglin approached, Bu Shui Han gave a low snort. "You've actually reached the second level of Naying already?"

Gu Pinglin replied, "Won't be long before I surpass you, Senior Brother. Jealous?"

"Rubbish!" Bu Shui Han lifted his handsome face proudly. "You still have a long way to go!"

Noticing Bu Shui Han's good mood, an idea sparked in Gu Pinglin's mind. He smiled and said, "Congratulations on your breakthrough, Senior Brother."

After three years of arduous training, Bu Shui Han had finally reached the second stage of the Spirit Refinement Realm. Elated, he didn't catch Gu Pinglin's implication. "So you heard? Catching up to me is impossible now. But your aptitude is also good. Work hard, and one day you'll achieve much."

"Thank you, Senior Brother," Gu Pinglin replied.

Bu Shui Han glanced around. Seeing everyone's attention fixed on the sparring grounds, he lowered his voice. "Come with me."

As Gu Pinglin's matches for the day were over, the two slipped away quietly. Reaching a secluded spot, Bu Shui Han stopped, turned, and handed Gu Pinglin a jade vial.

Gu Pinglin was slightly surprised but had a rough guess. "Medicine pills?"

Bu Shui Han appeared somewhat awkward, attempting nonchalance. "Acquired them before. They're useless to me now. These are Meridian-Opening Pills. Taking one or two won't harm you."

Pills aiding in breaking through cultivation bottlenecks were precious. Meridian-Opening Pills were commonly used at lower levels. That single pill likely cost him years of accumulated merit points. Gu Pinglin's gaze lowered slightly. In his past life, to help Gu Pinglin break through to the second level of Spirit Refinement, Bu Shui Han had traded a precious spirit iron he'd treasured for years at the Sea Market to acquire many valuable auxiliary pills. This proud and self-assured youth showed no reservations towards a brother he recognized.

Gu Pinglin, of lowly birth and having suffered discrimination since childhood without paternal or fraternal care, had regarded Bu Shui Han as an elder brother. His death had driven Gu Pinglin to irrationality, leading to a grave mistake.

The sight of the pills stirred memories. Gu Pinglin inhaled softly and quickly regained composure.

Bu Shui Han mistook his silence for hesitation. "You have good aptitude and more caution than I. Master will surely favor you. Though…" Though using pills wouldn't bring him level with Duan Qingming. Bu Shui Han tactfully changed tack to avoid discouraging him. "… as long as you work hard, Master will see it. That Duan fellow harbors ill intentions, humph."

Gu Pinglin couldn't help but chuckle at this.

Bu Shui Han seemed to harbor an innate hostility towards Duan Qingming. Perhaps it was the instinctive repulsion sincerity felt towards hypocrisy.

Pills that aided breakthroughs were typically reserved for those who had reached their limit in the Dao or whose lifespan was nearing its end. After all, they offered a shortcut; cultivation gained that way could never match solidly built foundations. An unstable foundation severely impacted one's future Dao path. Hence, ordinary cultivators avoided them. However, low-level pills like Meridian-Opening Pills were less consequential. Diligent cultivation afterward could compensate for their shortcomings. Moreover, Gu Pinglin possessed the Creation Secret Art. He who could repair a ruined dantian and severed meridians had nothing to fear from a mere breakthrough pill.

Gu Pinglin accepted the pills without expressing thanks. "I will strive."

Bu Shui Han, visibly relieved, was about to speak when he sensed a presence. His expression instantly darkened as he whirled around and barked, "Who's there?!"

"My apologies," Duan Qingming emerged from behind a rock formation. "I was looking for Xiao Jiu (Little Nine). I didn't expect Senior Brother Bu to be here as well. Unwilling to disturb, I thought it best to step aside. It wasn't my intent to eavesdrop."

"Eavesdrop all you want," Bu Shui Han retorted coldly, undeterred. He turned to Gu Pinglin. "Keep those pills secure. If anyone asks, say I gave them to you."

Gu Pinglin smiled faintly. "Understood."

Duan Qingming, unoffended, smiled gracefully. "It seems Senior Brother Bu holds quite the misunderstanding towards me."

Bu Shui Han gave a cold humph and strode away.

.

Duan Qingming walked to Gu Pinglin's side, turning to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with him as they watched Bu Shui Han depart. In contrast to Bu Shui Han's attire, Duan Qingming wore a voluminous ink-black robe, woven from specially treated ice silk that faintly shimmered with a vermilion hue. The lapels were open, revealing a black water-serpent hide belt at his waist. Such attire would be far too heavy and ornate for an ordinary youth, yet his tall frame wore the wide robe with an air of effortless grace.

A black silk ribbon with scarlet patterns held back his long hair. One strand fell perfectly beside his temple, its scarlet shadow echoing the subtle red at the corner of his eye, emphasizing their elongated shape.

Gu Pinglin spoke first. "How was the eavesdropping?"

Duan Qingming retracted his gaze. "Rather unpleasant. Didn't you see his expression? He looked ready to devour me."

Gu Pinglin had undoubtedly sensed Duan Qingming's presence. Hearing this, he found it slightly amusing. Duan Qingming might be cold-blooded, might disregard worldly morals, but stooping to undignified acts like eavesdropping was beneath him. Sharing a similar core of pride, Gu Pinglin understood this better than anyone.

"You sought me?" Gu Pinglin asked.

Duan Qingming acknowledged with an "mh," but didn't address it directly. Instead, he turned his head, his gaze settling on the jade vial in Gu Pinglin's hand with apparent interest.

Gu Pinglin stated plainly, "Meridian-Opening Pills. What about them?"

Duan Qingming naturally took the vial from Gu Pinglin's hand and examined it. "Bu Shui Han is quite generous towards you."

Gu Pinglin didn't mind, replying pointedly, "Sincerity offered in true friendship naturally begets sincerity in return."

In his past life, Duan Qingming appeared to travel extensively, possessing a humble facade and adept at manipulating hearts, effortlessly fitting in wherever he went. Yet, Gu Pinglin suspected that in Duan Qingming's eyes, others were mere ants to be toyed with. Who could match his intellect, his swordsmanship? Who truly stood shoulder-to-shoulder with him? How many truly understood him? Born into a treacherous noble clan, joining the might-makes-right Xuanming Sect—how much genuine sincerity could he have ever encountered? His extreme nature drove him to seek worthy opponents and relentless excitement at any cost.

Perhaps genius was truly destined for loneliness.

Gu Pinglin, who had self-destructed to his death in that past life, now wondered: What became of him afterward? What storms did he stir? What havoc did he wreak...?

Lost in thought, Gu Pinglin failed to notice Duan Qingming observing him, a flicker of light passing through those narrow eyes. "You intend to use them?"

Gu Pinglin snapped back to the present. "What of it?"

"Such low-grade breakthrough pills? The Duan family produces hundreds of bottles annually. There are far more potent auxiliary pills for higher realms," Duan Qingming paused deliberately. "Yet I have never ingested a single grain."

His commitment to the Dao rejected shortcuts. That he, born into such a family, could maintain such unwavering Dao Heart against temptation was indeed remarkable.

However, his intent in bringing this up now...

Gu Pinglin raised an eyebrow. "Are you suggesting I shouldn't use them?"

Duan Qingming said, "Having yielded once, one can yield twice. Gu Xiao Jiu, once you experience the benefits such pills bestow, are you certain you could resist the lure of the next?"

Gu Pinglin laughed softly. "You abstain out of fear of such temptation yourself?"

"A Meridian-Opening Pill changes nothing. Compromising the greater path for a minor gain is not the choice of a wise man."

"Falling easily for a ploy, abandoning a chance—that would be true folly."

"It seems you genuinely aspire to be Yue Songting's disciple and are resolved to defeat me," Duan Qingming chuckled, tossing the vial back to him. "'Sincerity offered in true friendship'? Having secured a sincere senior brother, do you now yearn for a sincere Master as well?"

Such sentiments were likely laughable in his eyes. Gu Pinglin chose to end this line of conversation. "After cultivating two years longer than I, do you fear my using a pill?"

"By consuming the pill your 'sincere' senior brother gave you," Duan Qingming replied, leaning close to tap Gu Pinglin's cheek lightly, his tone condescending, "you will lose. You'll lose more swiftly." With a flick of his wide sleeve, he drifted away.

That familiar tone grated. Gu Pinglin frowned slightly, consciously banishing unwelcome memories as he watched the ink-black hem of the robe vanish behind the rocks. Only then did he stride forward.

Just outside the competition grounds, a disciple spotted him. "Junior Brother Gu, a letter has arrived for you from home."