Troublemaker’s Guide to Immortality

Yun Jin munched on her pill "snacks" while eyeing Gu Jinghong. "Why are you spacing out? Spit out whatever you want to say, then get back to work."

Gu Jinghong forcibly tore his gaze away from the glistening pills and reported: "Master, not only was Ye Cheng not punished, but the Sect Master also gifted him a protective jade pendant."

Yun Jin raised an eyebrow. "That pendant's fishy, isn't it?"

She'd sooner believe pigs could fly than that Zhao Wuji would be so magnanimous.

When Ye Cheng surrendered, she'd clearly seen murder flash in Zhao Wuji's eyes!

For him to reward Ye Cheng instead of killing him? That pendant was 100% a trap.

Gu Jinghong, equally familiar with his former master's ways, nodded. "I suspect the same. Ye Cheng is wholly devoted to planting techniques—utterly naive to worldly affairs. If Master could recruit him, with some training, he might prove useful."

Yun Jin studied Gu Jinghong curiously. "You've put real thought into this."

A flicker of joy crossed Gu Jinghong's eyes. "I'm glad to be of service."

It was the first time Yun Jin had praised him directly. The compliment made him unexpectedly pleased… though that satisfaction was quickly followed by a bitter taste.

Was this really the first time she acknowledged him? 

A man he had recommended?

Pursing his lips, Gu Jinghong tasted the irony of shooting himself in the foot.

Yun Jin ignored his emotional rollercoaster. After a brief consideration, she said, "Ye Cheng's purity is rare. If we can save him, we should."

That jade pendant was definitely rigged. She needed to see it herself to be sure.

With the simplified system, she wouldn't even need to speak to Ye Cheng. As long as she got close enough for the system scan, the truth would reveal itself.

"I'll go with you tomorrow," Yun Jin said.

Gu Jinghong bowed his head. "Understood."

"Now take Gun Gun for training," Yun Jin ordered.

The moment "training" was mentioned, Gun Gun leaped onto Gu Jinghong's shoulder with a thud.

Gu Jinghong staggered slightly—the panda had gotten heavier. Its cultivation had skyrocketed from Qi Refining to the verge of Foundation Building.

Gun Gun smirked inwardly.

It would never admit Yun Jin had been feeding it growth-boosting pills.

This human might seem favored, but it was the true darling of its master's heart!

No one could steal its spot!

Just as Gu Jinghong was about to leave with Gun Gun, a voice called from outside.

"Junior Sister Yun, may we have a word?"

Yun Jin raised a brow and looked at Gu Jinghong. "Those two must be here for you. Let them in."

Gu Jinghong's expression didn't shift. "Yes."

Within Zhao Wuji's sect, his best relationship had always been with Zhou Li and Zhou Dai, the two brothers.

Their eldest senior brother, Ruan Jun, was groomed as the future sect master, surrounded by resources and privilege.

He, Zhou Li, and Zhou Dai lived a little better than other disciples, but they still had to complete missions to earn their keep.

The fifth junior brother had been frail since birth. Zhao Wuji had doted on him, sending him to the Baiyu Mountain's healing spring to recover. He had remained there, focused on restoring his body.

Because of their similar struggles, Gu Jinghong had grown close to the Zhou brothers.

But that was in the past.

A servant's loyalty outranked a disciple's bond. Now that he had pledged himself to his master, there was nothing left to say.

Silently, Gu Jinghong opened the door and stepped aside.

"Second Senior Brother." Zhou Li's eyes lit up the moment he saw him.

He opened his mouth to speak, but the icy look on Gu Jinghong's face made him pause.

"Master permits your entry," Gu Jinghong stated flatly.

Hearing him call Yun Jin "Master" so calmly wrenched Zhou Li's heart.

"You—! How could someone as proud as you bow as a slave?!" he burst out. "Wait here, I'll demand Junior Sister Yun—"

"Mind your words," Gu Jinghong cut in coldly. "As Master's servant, my allegiance cannot change."

Zhou Li gaped. His simple mind couldn't fathom anyone willingly becoming a slave—let alone to a Foundation Building junior!

Zhou Dai smoothly intervened: "Second Brother, we're here sincerely. Don't trouble yourself."

With a frosty hum, Gu Jinghong resumed his silent post.

Zhou Dai dragged his fuming brother inside.

Yun Jin glanced over lazily. "Gu Jinghong, we have guests."

"Yes," he replied and moved with practiced ease to pour tea.

Zhou Li watched his once-proud senior brother calmly preparing tea like a servant and felt a chill down his spine. When the tea was served, Zhou Li accepted the cup nervously. He didn't even dare drink it.

"Second Brother… serving tea?!"

Drinking this might shorten his lifespan!

Zhou Dai, however, sipped appreciatively. "Second Brother's tea skills are exceptional."

Gu Jinghong gave a modest nod, his expression betraying a hint of pride.

He'd trained hard to perfect this skill.

Only by excelling in all tasks could he remain useful to his master.

Zhou Li shuddered at the unnatural sight.

"Since when did Second Brother take pride in servitude?!"

"What brings you here?" Yun Jin cut to the chase.

Zhou Dai set down his cup. "We're en route to visit Junior Sister Ye. This is merely a detour."

Yun Jin understood. "Your visit stays between us."

Zhou Dai smiled at her perceptiveness. "We've learned of Second Brother's… situation. Though he erred first, we're grateful you spared his life."

"No need for flattery," Yun Jin said blandly.

"We've brought gifts," Zhou Dai pushed forward a storage pouch. "All we ask is that you show him some kindness."

Before he could elaborate, Yun Jin snatched the pouch and inspected its contents.

Zhou Dai: "..."

Very good. Very straightforward.