50: No, what is this?

"Gu Yuan, I just heard someone say they saw the Jin Mie Cult's jin mie imperial carriage. Are they arriving today?"

Yun Qingci took a sip of her ice cream, a look of enjoyment spreading across her face.

That tuft of hair swayed along with her, looking incredibly cute.

Seeing her gluttonous appearance, Gu Yuan chuckled and pulled out a tissue to wipe the cream from the corner of her mouth.

"Probably. Revered Master mentioned it to me today as well. I wonder what will happen today."

Gu Yuan said with a hint of worry.

After all, he knew Chi Lin very well, so no matter what she did, it would be considered normal.

But because of that, things would be difficult for Gu Yuan.

Thinking of this, Gu Yuan's thoughts turned to Xia Gehuang.

That night, she had told him many secrets.

However, instead of resolving the confusion in Gu Yuan's heart, it only increased.

Afterward, she said she would come to the venue when the Qiong Yue Grand Assembly began, and then she disappeared.

Gu Yuan could only let her be; after all, this big shot came and went like a shadow. It would be strange if she actually stayed put.

Yun Qingci's pretty face flushed slightly.

This guy, I didn't say he could wipe my mouth!

Hmph... "Speaking of which, how are things going with Fairy Xi Nian? Don't forget our bet, hehe."

Yun Qingci suddenly remembered this and specifically reminded him.

Hearing this, Gu Yuan couldn't help but feel amused.

Heh, if this Little Noodle hadn't mentioned it, he would have almost forgotten.

Yet she actually took the initiative to remind him.

Well, Little Noodle still has quite a bit of integrity.

It's just... Gu Yuan thought about how he had already rolled around in the sheets with Xi Nian that night, doing everything they should and shouldn't have done.

The bet he made with Little Noodle was to have Xi Nian hug him of her own accord.

Hmm... this was way too easy. Did this count as tricking a child?

Gu Yuan felt a bit reluctant to bully Little Noodle now.

But who would have thought that seeing him silent, Yun Qingci would say quite seriously:

"Gu Yuan, you can't back out. We made a promise, so neither of us can go back on it, got it?"

Uh... Gu Yuan blinked and then nodded.

Fine, since Little Noodle is delivering herself to his door so proactively, this doesn't count as him bullying her, right?

After getting Gu Yuan's confirmation, Yun Qingci nodded in satisfaction.

Then, as if thinking of something, she let out a mischievous laugh.

"There's no time like the present. Gu Yuan, let's do it today. I'll go call Xi Nian over right now!"

Ah?

Gu Yuan blinked.

Wait, is Little Noodle in such a rush to lose?

Before he could say anything, Yun Qingci dashed out of the courtyard like a flash.

Gu Yuan shook his head helplessly. Why did it feel like Little Noodle was becoming more and more human-like?

When they first met, she felt like a serious and rigid Little Noodle.

So methodical, just like a little robot.

But as they spent more time together, Gu Yuan felt more and more that Little Noodle had become much cuter.

Well, this could be considered his contribution, right?

Gu Yuan shook his head and then ate his dessert while waiting for Little Noodle to return.

Not long after, Gu Yuan saw Little Noodle dragging Xi Nian along.

Looking at Xi Nian's conflicted expression and the way she shyly turned her head away the moment she saw him, Gu Yuan couldn't help but chuckle.

Ever since their deep exchange last time, this girl had been avoiding him, staying inside the Secluded Bamboo Forest Residence.

But now it was fine; wasn't she still dragged here by Little Noodle?

Eh, speaking of which, Little Noodle seems to have been constantly assisting him... As expected of you, Little Noodle!

As for Xi Nian, she felt extremely ashamed at this moment.

After that night, she had been too embarrassed to see Gu Yuan again.

After all, that bad fellow had bullied her so much, and... with so many Junior Sisters watching, she couldn't afford to act too close to Gu Yuan.

Otherwise, heaven knows how much it would affect their Dao Hearts.

Their own cold and aloof Saintess going to get all lovey-dovey with the Young Sect Master of the Jade Moon Sect.

Xi Nian didn't dare imagine the reaction of her Junior Sisters if they saw such a scene.

So, Xi Nian's original plan was to hide until the Qiong Yue Grand Assembly ended before... before seeing Gu Yuan one more time.

But now, she had been dragged to Gu Yuan's place by the Descendant of the Sword Immortal from the Liyue Sword Sect.

Xi Nian had some prior knowledge about this Descendant of the Sword Immortal.

B-but according to her understanding, the Descendant of the Sword Immortal shouldn't have this kind of personality.

"Xi Nian, quick, come with me. I'll take you to extort Gu Yuan once. It's going to be a great show!"

These were the words Yun Qingci said after rushing to the Taiyi Dao Sect's residence and seeing her.

Then, before Xi Nian could react, she was directly dragged away.

Leaving behind a group of bewildered Junior Sisters.

"Xi Nian, why is your face so red? Are you okay?"

After pulling Xi Nian into Gu Yuan's courtyard, Yun Qingci suddenly noticed her face was flushed and asked out of concern.

And Xi Nian was currently looking at Gu Yuan's smirking face; how could she maintain her usual composure?

Or to put it another way, every time she saw Gu Yuan, it was impossible for her state of mind to remain calm!

"I-I'm fine. Um, right, Miss Yun, what 'great show' were you talking about?"

Xi Nian coughed lightly and changed the subject, asking curiously.

Yun Qingci chuckled at those words and pulled Xi Nian right in front of Gu Yuan.

"Xi Nian, you can just call me Qing Ci! Hehe, Gu Yuan, I've brought Xi Nian over. Just admit defeat and serve this lady tea and water!"

Yun Qingci stood with her hands on her hips, her face full of pride, as if victory was already in her grasp.

The tuft of Little Noodle on her head also swayed back and forth, looking extremely cute.

Oh-ho~

Gu Yuan glanced at Little Noodle with amusement and then looked at Xi Nian.

Facing Gu Yuan's meaningful gaze, Xi Nian's face burned, and she forced herself to stay calm, saying:

"Um... Qing Ci, what is this about...?"

"Oh, it's like this..."

Yun Qingci suddenly realized she hadn't explained things clearly to Xi Nian yet, so she recounted the whole story to her.

"So that's how it is. Hehe, Xi Nian, don't you think Gu Yuan is bound to lose? As the Saintess of the Taiyi Dao Sect, how could you possibly... possibly... HUH!???"

Yun Qingci was originally talking to Xi Nian with her hands on her hips, looking like she had already won.

But the next second, she watched with wide eyes as this cold and aloof Saintess went straight ahead and hugged Gu Yuan.

She even... pressed her cheek against Gu Yuan's chest.

Wait, what is this? Huh!???

Yun Qingci was stunned, even rubbing her eyes to confirm if this was real.