"You scoundrel, damn you! I, Yang Gang, will never reconcile with you as long as I live!"
Yang Gang roared furiously. Xuanjian Peak used to be such a warm and harmonious place, but now he understood—it was no longer peaceful. Though it hadn’t reached the level of life-and-death crisis, problems were definitely brewing.
Things were about to get turbulent.
Inside the courtyard.
Chen Zhiyu picked his teeth with satisfaction, showing a look of total contentment. "Junior Brother, since you’re new to Taiwu Immortal Sect, you must find many things unfamiliar. I’ve been here longer than you, obviously I should take care of you. From now on, if I’m free, I’ll visit you to eat and hang out together."
"How about it? Do you welcome me?"
To be blunt: your cooking skills are great, I really appreciate it. In the future, I’ll join you here for meals.
"Haha, of course! Most welcome! Brother Chen visiting my humble abode is truly a great honor!" Lin Fan said with a laugh.
Turns out he had intended to pick trouble with me, but was instead captivated by my cooking. How amusing. If only I had data on everyone’s weaknesses, it’d be like playing a strategy game.
Now he knew how to win over Chen Zhiyu—with food.
Coincidentally, Lin Fan wasn’t very familiar with Taiwu Immortal Sect. Having Chen Zhiyu to show him around would be perfect for asking about things he didn’t yet know.
After chatting with Chen Zhiyu for a while, he finally left.
By then, the day was moving toward evening.
Lin Fan lay on his bed, pondering.
But at least he had motivation in life—to grow stronger. After all, this was the world of cultivation. If you were strong, you’d be everyone’s ultimate boss.
Gradually, his eyelids drooped as he drifted into sleep.
Yang Gang suddenly opened his eyes. It wasn’t that he hadn’t slept well, but every morning, he’d feel a burning fire ignite in his chest. Yet today, that fire seemed distinctly weaker.
He didn’t think much of it.
He dismissed it as a one-off occurrence.
For Yang Gang, the most painful part of rising every morning was washing his face. He had to be extremely gentle, because if his pressure was too firm, he’d burst his pimples, and pus would ooze out—disgusting indeed.
It was a source of deep anguish for him.
In the past, he’d had feelings for someone, but ever since his facial skin deteriorated , he didn’t dare reveal his emotions.
Low self-esteem, clearly.
Yang Gang habitually picked up a mirror to inspect his face. He was about to recoil in disgust at his appearance, but then suddenly, he noticed something odd.
His pimples had visibly decreased compared to yesterday.
"Eh? What’s going on here?"
Yang Gang became deeply concerned and meticulously inspected his face in the mirror, leaving no spot unchecked.
When he finally put the mirror down, his expression showed astonishment. He muttered to himself, wondering what could have caused such an improvement. It was already rare for the condition not to worsen, let alone to see signs of recovery.
The thought of being able to heal rekindled a fire in Yang Gang’s heart—a hope that had long been extinguished now burned anew.
What exactly did I do yesterday?
Yang Gang pondered deeply, replaying the events of the previous day in his mind.
"In the morning, I was busy cultivating. Then, Junior Sister Xi brought a devious person back here, which infuriated me. I stayed angry most of the day and didn’t do much else."
After reflecting, he couldn’t pinpoint anything particularly unique that had happened.
Yesterday, the only thing he ingested was a cup of wine from Lin Fan. That was the sole item he consumed; he hadn’t touched anything else.
Yang Gang’s thoughts became chaotic. If it was truly because of the wine, that would be incredibly awkward. He’d rather attribute it to something else than admit it might have been due to Lin Fan’s wine.
If it really was that wine... where would he even put his dignity?
"If fixing my face is an option, then what use is dignity!"
Yang Gang had suffered long enough from his facial woes. Though he often pretended to be confident, he was actually consumed with self-doubt and even a touch of inferiority.
Looking at the other brothers and juniors around him, all of them had smooth and fair skin. Compared to them, he always felt inadequate, especially when standing next to them.
Without delay, he rushed toward Lin Fan’s residence.
Yang Gang paced back and forth, head down, fidgeting nervously as he rehearsed the upcoming interaction in his head.
"Junior Brother, yesterday I misunderstood you. Please, be magnanimous and forgive me, alright?"
Saying that would completely destroy his dignity.
"Junior Brother, do you happen to have more of that wine from yesterday?"
No, that’s too direct. After the argument yesterday, coming today to ask for wine would clearly reveal ulterior motives.
Lin Fan opened his door, saw Yang Gang standing outside, and his heart skipped a beat.
Why is he staring at me this early in the morning? Is this kind of grudge really necessary?
Yang Gang froze upon noticing Lin Fan, panic flashing across his face, and he turned to leave immediately.
Apparently, he hadn’t yet figured out how to face Lin Fan.
Lin Fan thought of stopping him, but reconsidered, shaking his head with confusion. What was this all about?
Lin Fan lay reclined in his room, too lazy to step outside. Considering Yang Gang’s morning visit, he must still be lurking somewhere watching him.
So Lin Fan decided against venturing out—if Yang Gang wanted to watch him, let him.
Someone knocked on the courtyard door.
Lin Fan flipped up from his bed, landed on the floor, and opened the door, only to find Yang Gang standing outside the courtyard gate. His expression seemed slightly different from usual—there was a blend of embarrassment and a hint of anticipation.
"Brother Yang, what are you doing here? If I’ve offended you, you don’t need to keep following me ! Just give me a break, alright?"
Lin Fan was exasperated.
At this rate, he’d have to move cautiously as long as Yang Gang kept stalking him.
Without hesitating, he opened the courtyard gate and ushered Yang Gang inside. "Brother Yang, let’s make it easier for you: If you’re so determined to monitor me, why not move in and live together? That way you can keep an eye on me every day. What do you say?"
Standing inside the courtyard, Yang Gang’s expression was thoroughly uncomfortable. He struggled internally, debating.
Who cares about dignity?
If losing it meant fixing his face, then dignity was worth nothing.
Finally, he spoke. "Um... Junior Brother Lin, hear me out first." Yang Gang took a deep breath, steadied himself, and managed a smile that he thought was friendly.
When Lin Fan saw that smile, his instincts screamed danger. Was this guy plotting something?
"Junior Brother, I was too harsh on you yesterday. It was all a misunderstanding, and I feel really guilty about it. I couldn’t sleep a wink last night, so I’ve come to apologize. I hope you can forgive me."
Yang Gang spoke with genuine sincerity.
This left Lin Fan utterly bewildered.
What on earth does this guy want?
Yesterday he was fuming with rage, and now he’s pulling a complete one-eighty? Is this how people change overnight?
Whatever he’s planning, bring it on.
Lin Fan had never feared anyone.
"Brother Yang, there’s no need for this," Lin Fan replied. "Misunderstandings happen—it’s water under the bridge. I appreciate the sentiment, but if there’s nothing urgent, Brother Yang should carry on with his day. I don’t have much going on here."
Seeing Lin Fan trying to send him away, Yang Gang hesitated before throwing caution to the wind. "Um... Junior Brother, could I have some more of that wine from yesterday?"