15 No Luggage

A group of people soared on their swords toward the southern town of Luo, and the mortals below all looked up in reverence, kneeling on the ground and respectfully addressing them as “Immortal Masters!”

Yet such scenes were commonplace to cultivators. Towns under the protection of the Xuanyuan Sect usually had dedicated immortal clans, who often had some connection to the sect.

“Only five years ago did the Mu family from Luo Town send someone here,” Ji Guanqi said. “But his talent was mediocre, and after testing, he became an outer disciple. Two years ago, on a mission, he was killed by an evil cultivator.” Ji Guanqi had previously studied the case files in his past life, so he quickly recalled the details of the Mu family. “That evil cultivator was an unregistered rogue, and when the law enforcement team found him, he exploded on the spot, so there’s little information about him.”

“Perhaps this time they’re seeking revenge on the Mu family,” Ji Guanqi warned after some thought.

In fact, in his previous life, investigation revealed that the evil cultivator’s sect had sought vengeance on the Mu family, resulting in their massacre. These ruthless evildoers not only slaughtered the Mu family but also ravaged the town, attempting to refine the entire Luo Town into a hell on earth. At that time, Ji Guanqi led forces to annihilate them, and the matter should have ended there. However, their cultivation techniques fell into the hands of Xiao Tangqing, which later triggered his descent into demonic madness.

Recalling this, Ji Guanqi glanced back at the three trailing behind him before withdrawing his gaze.

“Why is he staring at me?” Qiao You, who had been speaking with Xi Yao, suddenly felt a gaze from ahead. Looking up, his eyes met Ji Guanqi’s, who promptly averted his eyes. Qiao You frowned in dissatisfaction. “What’s with that look?”

“You’ve been treating him worse lately,” Xiao Tangqing said.

Qiao You looked at him puzzled, then sneered, “Shouldn’t I be asking you that? Why have you been treating him better recently?”

Just as they were about to argue, Xi Yao quickly intervened, “Senior brothers, please don’t quarrel. Our master is still ahead.”

Only then did the tension ease.

Originally, they planned to reach Luo Town in three days, but Wu Xingbai’s pace was quite fast—though for him, it was already slow. The disciples behind were exhausted. Ji Guanqi glanced at them and said, “Master, as night approaches, perhaps we should find a town to rest.”

Since Ji Guanqi suggested it, Wu Xingbai agreed.

Their resting place was a rather remote small town with few passing cultivators, so when Wu Xingbai and the group appeared, it caused quite a stir. Ji Guanqi immediately found the largest inn, taking the entire establishment for their party—neither more nor less.

“One room for Master, two per room for the disciples and three junior brothers, and three to a room for the others,” Ji Guanqi told the innkeeper as he handed over silver coins. “Please prepare hot water, thank you.”

For the innkeeper, this was a windfall, and he happily pocketed the silver, assuring, “Young master, leave it to me.”

They stored their belongings in the Space Bags in perfect order.

Wu Xingbai was placed in the best room, but when distributing the remaining rooms, a bit of dispute arose. Qiao You bluntly declared, “I’m not staying with Ji Guanqi. Just looking at him annoys me—do I have to sleep in the same room?”

Ji Guanqi had anticipated this and said, “There are only two rooms left. How about you three share one, and I take the other?”

“Why should I?” Qiao You’s eyes widened angrily. “You and Xiao Tangqing share a room, and I’ll stay with Xi Yao.”

Xiao Tangqing frowned. Though he had recently been somewhat friendlier to Ji Guanqi, it didn’t mean he wanted to share a room with him—he certainly didn’t want to hear Ji Guanqi’s noisy voice every day.

“Senior brother,” Xi Yao suddenly said, “If you don’t mind, I’d like to room with you.”

“You don’t know him...” Qiao You started to protest but was silenced by Xi Yao, who said, “Someone has to room with senior brother.”

Ji Guanqi felt as if no one wanted him.

And looking at the current situation, that seemed exactly the case.

Before Ji Guanqi could respond, they heard a door open upstairs. All three looked up to see Wu Xingbai standing at the door of the third-floor ‘Heaven’ room, coldly demanding, “Where are my clothes?”

Everyone’s clothes were stored in their own Space Bags. This caught their attention, and all eyes turned to Ji Guanqi. Wu Xingbai’s expression showed surprise, and Ji Guanqi asked, “Master, did you lose your Space Bag?”

Wu Xingbai paused, then said, “I didn’t bring it.”

Ji Guanqi’s face showed embarrassment. “My Space Bag only contains my own things. I thought you had your own.”

In other words, Ji Guanqi hadn’t prepared any luggage for Wu Xingbai, nor had he reminded him. Now, with nothing in sight, Wu Xingbai would have to make do.

Wu Xingbai stood silently, lowering his eyes on his meticulous eldest disciple. This slip puzzled him, yet he sensed something subtle—a feeling that matters were gradually slipping beyond his control.

The others also looked at Ji Guanqi. Qiao You was the first to react, accusing, “Ji Guanqi, what’s going on? Master’s things—uh uh—”

He was immediately silenced.

Only Wu Xingbai had the power to mute him, which baffled Qiao You.

“If Master needs anything, I believe Qiao You’s Space Bag has plenty,” Ji Guanqi smiled faintly, seemingly unintentional. “I’m sure Brother Qiao would be happy to share.”

Qiao You glared at Ji Guanqi but then immediately dropped to one knee. He didn’t know what he had done wrong, but since Wu Xingbai silenced him, he had no choice but to admit fault.

“Hmph,” Wu Xingbai said coldly. Ji Guanqi was unfazed. After a brief standoff, he promptly knelt halfway. “Master, please do not be angry. I beg your pardon.”

The man knelt before him, neither humble nor arrogant, with a Space Bag at his waist that caught the eye. Wu Xingbai’s gaze lingered on Ji Guanqi for a moment before saying, “You will room with me, Guanqi. The three of you will share two rooms.”

He then turned and entered his room, utterly disregarding the impact of his words on the four.

“Why should you get all the good things?” Qiao You’s first act after being unmuted was to confront Ji Guanqi, teeth gritted. “You’ve always packed Master’s Space Bag and handled his luggage. Now you say you didn’t? Are you doing this on purpose just to room with Master?”

“You want to room with Master?” Ji Guanqi ignored Qiao You’s words except for that key phrase.

Qiao You shook his head quickly. “No way.”

Ji Guanqi: ...

Qiao You realized he had been too obvious and hurriedly added, “If Master wants you to, I won’t disobey him. But just so you know, we leave tomorrow morning—you’ll only get to room with Master for one night at most.”

Feeling his words might be ambiguous, he tried to clarify further, but Xiao Tangqing, unable to stand it, said, “Since Master has decided, then follow his arrangement. Senior brother, rest early. We still have to travel tomorrow.”

In the end, Qiao You roomed with Xi Yao, and Xiao Tangqing took a room alone.

Late at night, Wu Xingbai sat cross-legged on his bed. Suddenly opening his eyes, he said, “Why are you standing outside the door and not coming in?”

“I guard the door for you, Master, so you can cultivate in peace,” Ji Guanqi replied, sword in hand, leaning against the doorframe. He gazed into the dense night, respectfully adding, “Please rest early, Master. We still need you to lead us tomorrow.”

He appeared profoundly respectful, as if revering Wu Xingbai like a deity, never daring to be negligent.

“Come in,” Wu Xingbai rose and opened the door, meeting Ji Guanqi’s surprised look. “Come in and rest.”

But Ji Guanqi did not enter, remaining outside the door, bowing slightly. “I dare not overstep, Master. Please rest early. We still have a journey ahead tomorrow.”

His demeanor was reverent, as though treating Wu Xingbai with utmost respect.

“Guanqi,” Wu Xingbai said after a moment of silence. “When we return to the Xuanyuan Sect, you will move to the South Hall.”

Ji Guanqi straightened, sword in hand, looking at Wu Xingbai with some confusion.

“Qingluan refuses to eat the food I feed it. It’s grown thin,” Wu Xingbai lowered his gaze. “That was your gift to me. You should take responsibility.”

Wu Xingbai didn’t know why he suddenly mentioned Qingluan, but he recalled that ever since Ji Guanqi’s death, the bird had refused food and water until one day it crashed into the cliff’s stone wall, emitting a final mournful cry before falling into the abyss, vanishing without a trace.

“As you command, Master,” Ji Guanqi said respectfully.

Wu Xingbai felt the man before him was both the same and yet somehow different. He couldn’t describe the feeling but sensed unease.

Indeed, something had changed—at least, the Ji Guanqi he remembered would never have neglected to prepare Wu Xingbai’s luggage.