Lan Mengqin hadn't expected Gu Xun to suddenly confess his feelings for her. Caught completely off guard, she nearly had a brain freeze before finally managing to reason with him.
"Wait... Did you misunderstand something?"
Gu Xun rolled his eyes inwardly. Dong Qianqiu knew Lan Mengqin had misinterpreted his words.
When Dong Qianqiu had changed her attitude toward Gu Xun, he'd used the same line, so she understood exactly what it meant.
"No need to explain. I know it's because this lady's charm is too overwhelming—you've fallen for me. It's all my fault."
Lan Mengqin, however, had retreated into her own world, leaving Gu Xun feeling a chill run down his spine.
"Such a cliché girl. So annoying."
"How am I delusional?"
Seeing this, Gu Xun chose to ignore Lan Mengqin. When Lan Mengqin realized he wasn't acknowledging her, she instantly flared up. How despicable—he was resorting to silent treatment! You're so low!
But Lan Mengqin couldn't do anything about it. Frustrated, she started eating.
"Hmph! Ignoring me? Just wait till I devour all your spirit power!"
Lan Mengqin resolved to eat Gu Xun's food until he collapsed in exhaustion as revenge. Little did she know, the food came from his inventory and didn't consume any spirit power at all.
"Huh? After eating this, the plate and bones vanish instantly? So convenient! No need to clear the table or wash dishes."
Lan Mengqin found Gu Xun's food-type spirit skill incredibly user-friendly—so convenient and practical.
"Not bad, I guess. I'm lazy, can't be bothered with washing dishes or clearing the table."
Gu Xun replied indifferently. Lan Mengqin looked at him in surprise and said.
"Young Master, you finally spoke? Getting you to say anything is no easy feat."
Seeing Gu Xun, who had been giving her the silent treatment, finally speak, Lan Mengqin immediately teased him. Gu Xun shot her a glance before pulling out a plate of tri-colored dumplings.
"Eat."
He took one and pushed the plate toward Dong Qianqiu, then stated simply.
The plate held exactly three dumplings—one each for Gu Xun, Dong Qianqiu, and Lan Mengqin.
"Thanks."
"Young Master, you've got the main course, soup, vegetables, meat... and even dessert?!"
After thanking him, Dong Qianqiu happily took one and began eating. Lan Mengqin, ever the social butterfly, also grabbed one and started munching.
The moment the plate emptied, it vanished. Lan Mengqin took a bite, her eyes instantly lighting up.
"Delicious! Soft, sticky, sweet—a true delicacy!"
Hearing the praise, Gu Xun felt naturally pleased. However, whenever he engaged Lan Mengqin in conversation, it inevitably turned into a never-ending chatter. Thus, Gu Xun chose to continue his silent treatment toward her.
After lunch came nap time, and Gu Xun stayed in the pavilion with Dong Qianqiu.
"Qianqiu, aren't you going back to the dorm?"
Lan Mengqin looked puzzled when Dong Qianqiu showed no intention of returning. Dong Qianqiu nodded in response.
"Yeah, I'm not going back. It's nice here."
Hearing Dong Qianqiu's words, Lan Mengqin shot a glance at Gu Xun, her eyes brimming with disbelief.
"Well then, go keep your little sweetheart company. I'm off~"
Lan Mengqin's gossipy stare made Dong Qianqiu's cheeks flush bright red. Before Dong Qianqiu could react, Lan Mengqin had already headed back to the dormitory.
Watching Lan Mengqin's receding figure, Dong Qianqiu nervously glanced at Gu Xun. Seeing no unusual reaction from him—just sitting nearby enjoying the breeze—she exhaled in relief.
"Gu... Gu Xun?"
"Hmm?"
At that moment, Dong Qianqiu softly called out to Gu Xun. He responded gently, still leaning back in his chair, cool air enveloping him.
"It's just that Sister Mengqin... she can be a bit scatterbrained and tends to blurt out some... startling remarks."
"Just listen to those words. Don't take them seriously. Besides, Sister Mengqin is actually a really good person."
Dong Qianqiu still felt a mix of embarrassment and worry about Lan Mengqin calling Gu Xun her "little sweetheart."
"I know."
Gu Xun acknowledged the remark. Seeing his indifference, Dong Qianqiu breathed a sigh of relief. The two then continued relaxing in the pavilion, while Dong Qianqiu took advantage of the increased cultivation efficiency to practice.
Soon afternoon arrived. Gu Xun, Dong Qianqiu, and Lan Mengqin met up and headed to the gymnasium together.
"Our afternoon class is ancient martial arts. I wonder what combat techniques we'll learn."
Lan Mengqin looked forward to the afternoon session. Gu Xun paused briefly at her words before resuming their walk.
"Master, you're approaching the Silver Dragon King."
Gu Xun suddenly heard Di Tian's telepathic transmission and gave a slight nod. Di Tian remained profoundly astonished.
He never imagined the Master could even foresee the Silver Dragon King coming to teach at this academy—truly worthy of his title!
And it's precisely this class. Our Master finally feels more dependable this time!
Gazing at the remarkably reliable Gu Xun, Di Tian nearly wept with joy. From the very start, he'd gifted him the Position of a God King, built a lightning-proof tower, and aided the spirit beast clan through their heavenly tribulation.
Then there was planting the Golden Ancient Tree, acquiring such a vast chunk of Life Gold, reviving the auspicious beast—all these deeds pushed Di Tian's admiration for Gu Xun to the peak of fervent devotion.
The faith once utterly drained by the Silver Dragon King now shone brightly anew, reignited by Gu Xun.