Transmigration: The Peerless Immortal Husband

The days Gu Yao spent with Valley Master Hu were filled with discussions on alchemy and refining pills. To outsiders, such days might seem monotonous, but the two of them found great joy in their shared passion, thoroughly enjoying themselves.

Valley Master Hu, deeply appreciative of Gu Yao’s talent, noticed that while Gu Yao had learned from a renowned master, he still lacked a solid foundation in some areas. Without hesitation, he provided detailed guidance, helping Gu Yao deepen his understanding of basic alchemy principles and theories. Similarly, Gu Yao’s innovative and unconventional approach to alchemy opened a new window for Valley Master Hu, inspiring him. He believed that if he took time in seclusion to digest these ideas and incorporate them into his own practice, his skills would rise to a new level.

Valley Master Hu saw Gu Yao as a cherished younger friend, lamenting only that Gu Yao had not joined Cuiyan Valley. Nevertheless, he gave Gu Yao a special token of access, allowing him to enter Cuiyan Valley at any time.

Gu Yao was equally grateful to Valley Master Hu for his open-mindedness, lack of sectarian bias, and willingness to share knowledge generously. Hu’s rigorous yet receptive attitude toward alchemy made it easy for him to embrace Gu Yao’s perspectives. Valley Master Hu was, in many ways, an ideal scholar-alchemist. Compared to Senior Xu Chen, who had a much higher starting point and for whom the fundamentals had long become second nature, Valley Master Hu excelled at breaking down and explaining the basics. From him, Gu Yao learned a great deal.

“Valley Master Hu,” Gu Yao said after some thought, “I’ve heard that you’ve never stopped searching for your grandson. Have there been any recent leads?”

Valley Master Hu, who had been immersed in alchemical discussions, immediately snapped out of it, his face clouded with frustration. “It’s my failure as a grandfather,” he said bitterly. “I’ve yet to find any trace of him. Both the disciples in the valley and the City Lord’s Mansion in Shifang City have searched far and wide, but to no avail. If only Weicai had even a fraction of your talent…”

It was clear that Valley Master Hu deeply regretted that his grandson had not inherited his aptitude for alchemy. “You and Weicai are of similar age. If there’s ever a chance for him to spend a few days with you and learn from your steadiness, I’d be satisfied as an old man.”

Gu Yao couldn’t help but smile wryly. This grandfather-grandson pair left him at a loss for words—both concerned for the other, yet unable to communicate, leading to endless misunderstandings and their current estrangement.

Valley Master Hu didn’t realize that his grandson was right under his nose. However, as he had spent more time with the “little chubby one” (Xiao Pangzi), he chose to respect the latter’s wishes in this matter. Still, he planned to lend Xiao Pangzi a helping hand from the sidelines whenever possible.

“Valley Master Hu,” Gu Yao said respectfully, “forgive me for asking something presumptuous. When I was in Shifang City, I heard numerous rumors about your grandson. Most claimed that his character was questionable, that he was unruly and indulgent, squandering spirit stones on revelry. Some even accused him of secretly selling stolen pills to acquire more resources. Strangely, no one seemed to doubt these rumors. But the truth is, at that time, I was the one secretly selling pills in Shifang City. My improper actions inadvertently caused your grandson to bear the blame. Because of this, I’ve always doubted that his character is as bad as the rumors suggest. Why, then, did such a reputation spread so widely about him?”

Valley Master Hu froze for a moment. After learning of Gu Yao’s alchemical prowess, he had already guessed that the person responsible for his grandson’s infamy was Gu Yao. Yet he bore no resentment toward Gu Yao, as it wasn’t he who spread the rumors, and Shifang City was no bastion of virtue. Still, thinking about his grandson, Valley Master Hu sighed deeply and said, “Weicai was indeed a bit unruly, and I neglected to discipline him properly. However, his true nature…”

At this point, Valley Master Hu couldn’t continue. Could he claim that his grandson was inherently bad? No, he couldn’t. He recalled the letter Weicai had sent to the City Lord’s Mansion in Shifang City, reassuring him not to worry. The care and concern for his grandfather were evident in that letter.

“You think the rumors about Weicai are unfounded?” Valley Master Hu asked.

Gu Yao smiled. “I simply feel that someone of his status but with average talent isn’t unique. Yet, it’s rare for someone like him to have such a poor reputation so widely known. From what I’ve heard, his actions don’t seem particularly malicious. Valley Master Hu, pardon my boldness, but you should know your grandson best.”

At first, Valley Master Hu felt a flicker of hope, believing his grandson might not be as bad as he’d feared. But Gu Yao’s next words left him ashamed. He had failed Weicai, often leaving him in the care of others while focusing on his work.

Valley Master Hu waved his hand and said, “No, you’re right. As his grandfather, I should be the one who understands him best. Over the years, I’ve neglected him, but it’s time I take responsibility for certain matters myself.”

When Gu Yao and Valley Master Hu finally emerged from the alchemy chamber, their appearance caused a stir. Peak Master Lin and Elder Gan hurried over. Gu Yao, who had just been conversing with Valley Master Hu with a smile, immediately stepped back, adopting a respectful posture befitting a junior.

Valley Master Hu initially felt this wasn’t necessary but suddenly remembered Gu Yao’s earlier words about his grandson. Reflecting on his own actions, he began to question whether his assumptions had contributed to the current estrangement with Weicai.

As soon as news spread that Gu Yao and Valley Master Hu had concluded their seclusion, Elder Yi rushed from Sword Peak to bring Chi Changye and Gu Yao to his domain. Before Peak Master Lin could even say a few words to Gu Yao, he discovered the latter had already left. This left Peak Master Lin visibly annoyed. Elder Yi’s disregard for The Pill Peak was too blatant.

“Master…” Ling Qi said worriedly, glancing at Peak Master Lin.

Peak Master Lin waved his hand dismissively and asked, “I heard that Valley Master Hu gave Gu Yao a special access token for Cuiyan Valley. Can you confirm it’s in Gu Yao’s possession?”

“Yes,” Ling Qi replied. Gu Yao had not hidden this fact, as the token offered him a measure of security. Without Valley Master Hu’s support, The Pill Peak might not have let him go so easily this time.

Peak Master Lin’s eyes darkened as if deep in thought. Finally, he said, “Let him be. Gu Yao’s presence won’t significantly threaten The Pill Peak’s status. If anything, his presence should motivate you all. Don’t think that just because you’re my disciples, you can rest easy and disregard others.”

“Yes, Master,” Ling Qi responded. He also understood that if The Pill Peak didn’t restrain itself, there would be even more discontent toward it within Tianfu Academy.

Compared to the bustling Pill Peak, Sword Peak appeared desolate. Elder Yi himself was a firm believer in austere cultivation and disdained indulgence, so the scenery on Sword Peak could only be described as barren. Standing atop Sword Peak, Gu Yao felt the cold wind slicing past his ears, evoking a feeling of bleak finality.

Sword Peak was the most remote among the peaks, and it was unlikely that anyone would visit without a specific reason. Behind Sword Peak lay the academy’s forbidden Sword Pavilion, and Sword Peak also served as a guardian for this sacred area.

Elder Yi gave the two of them a thorough tour of Sword Peak. Despite being called a “peak,” it consisted of multiple summits, many of which were unoccupied. Generously, Elder Yi told them to pick any summit to settle on.

Chi Changye glanced at Gu Yao, who was following him, and said with a faint smile, “Elder Yi, there’s no need to trouble yourself. Xiao Yao can continue staying at the courtyard in the Outer Academy. This environment is not suitable for his alchemy.” Sword Peak had remnants of sword energy scattered throughout; it would be impossible for an alchemist to refine pills here without being affected.

Elder Yi looked at Gu Yao, who wore an innocent expression, and lazily waved his hand. “Fine, do as you wish. But Chi, you’d better familiarize yourself with Sword Peak as soon as possible. As for the Sword Pavilion, you can decide when to explore it. I’ve noticed you lack a suitable sword. Let me tell you, if you can pass through the Sword Pavilion, you’ll find the perfect sword for yourself in there. Many are envious of what’s inside, but entering is easy, while leaving unscathed is another matter entirely. That’s why the treasures inside remain untouched.”

A glint of amusement flashed in Chi Changye’s eyes. Was Elder Yi trying a roundabout way to encourage him? It was effective, as Chi Changye did indeed need a sword to accompany him in battle and growth. He nodded and said, “Very well. I’ll choose the right time to venture in.”

Elder Yi seemed pleased. As for Gu Yao, he decided to let him come and go freely. It was clear to him that Chi Changye valued Gu Yao greatly, and perhaps having Gu Yao around might attract more talented sword cultivators to join Sword Peak.

After introducing Chi Changye to the remaining members of Sword Peak and letting them get acquainted, Elder Yi left the two to their own devices. Being a firm believer in grueling cultivation, Elder Yi thought that only through rigorous practice could a swordsman truly excel. However, it was clear Chi Changye didn’t conform to this philosophy. Hadn’t he ventured into the Qiuqiu Mountain Range and emerged as a Foundation Establishment cultivator? Now that he had reached this stage, his internal injuries shouldn’t be too severe anymore. Most importantly, Elder Yi had heard of Chi Changye’s earth-shattering sword strike, which filled him with pride. He truly was a sword genius discovered by Elder Yi himself.

Back at their courtyard, Gu Yao and Chi Changye found Tian Feirong and Xiao Pangzi staring helplessly at a pile of gifts. These were sent under various pretenses to both Gu Yao and Chi Changye. Some had even been secretly passed to Tian Feirong and Xiao Pangzi, hoping they’d say a few good words on behalf of the gift-givers or help pull some strings.

Tian Feirong never imagined he’d one day be overwhelmed by receiving gifts. The offerings varied in value, but their combined volume was astonishing. If this had happened back when he first left Yuanyang Town, seeing such a pile of gifts would have left him so excited his heart might have stopped.

When Gu Yao and Chi Changye returned, Tian Feirong was the happiest of the group. He quickly jumped up and handed a list to Gu Yao. “Hurry, take a look. These are all for you two. Check it yourselves. Ah, when will I ever have a day like this?”

Despite indulging in the thrill of receiving so many gifts, the disappointment was clear—it wasn’t for him. These were gifts sent for Gu Yao and Chi Changye, and he had merely been acting as their proxy.

The two took a glance at the list. Most of the names were unfamiliar, but a few stood out, such as Lu Qiusheng, who had sent a collection of rare and exotic herbs that suited Gu Yao’s interests perfectly.

“There are even people from the Mad Snake Gang sending gifts?” Gu Yao said in surprise. If not for seeing their name on the list, he would have nearly forgotten the existence of that group.