After transmigrating into the body of the protagonist's childhood friend, he was targeted by a

Yu Linzhou paused, his tone mocking: "You don't even have a physical form, how can you help?"

"I can make you stronger!" Seeing his hesitation, the demonic energy became even more eager, its voice carrying a hint of seduction. "As long as you are willing to merge with me, whatever you want, I can satisfy you."

"Power, authority, wealth—then you'll have any beauty you desire. The person you like will fall for you, be subservient to you, and humble themselves before you."

Yu Linzhou remained silent for a moment.

The demonic energy thought he was finally moved and was about to continue its seduction when it saw Yu Linzhou raise his hand, and the spiritual power at his fingertips suddenly surged, completely enveloping it from head to toe.

Yu Linzhou's voice was icy: "What kind of thing are you, daring to make the person I like grovel? I thought you could say something useful, but you're just wasting my time."

The demonic energy let out a shrill scream, twisting and shrinking in the dark purple flames before finally vanishing into nothingness.

Yu Linzhou withdrew his hand and patted off non-existent dust from his cuffs: "You clueless idiot, you still have the nerve to show your face in public."

However, his mood became serious.

He had lived for tens of thousands of years, and his willpower was unmatched by ordinary people, yet even so, demonic energy still managed to exploit his weaknesses.

How long can those cultivators and mortals who are inherently wicked and weak-willed resist such temptation?

The Grand Elder's concerns are probably overly conservative.

If this trend continues, the demons' return may not be far off.

Just as Yu Linzhou was about to take a step, the communication token at his waist suddenly lit up.

With a flick of his finger, Steward Liu's voice came from the other end of the token: "Master, Patriarch Wen requests an audience, saying he has important matters to discuss with you in person."

Yu Linzhou was already annoyed, and upon hearing the words "Patriarch Wen," his expression darkened even further: "I won't see him. Let him die."

Manager Liu responded with a calm "Yes," and was about to cut off the transmission when Yu Linzhou's voice came from the token again: "Wait."

"Is there anything else you need, Master?"

Yu Linzhou thought for a moment: "Does that Wen fellow have a Devouring Ant? Try to get it from him."

Steward Liu: "...Yes."

……

Lin Zhixu saw Luo Yiyan again half a month later.

His gaze slid from Luo Yiyan's face down to her collarbone, which was barely concealed by her collar, before subtly shifting away.

He wasn't deliberately scrutinizing him; it's just that after knowing certain things, he always felt that something was different about this person.

However, there is one thing he has to admit: as expected of the main characters in the cultivation world, they are indeed exceptionally gifted.

Luo Yiyan felt a chill run down her spine under his gaze and subconsciously took half a step back.

He already had something to hide, and being stared at like that by Lin Zhixu made him even more guilty. He couldn't help but touch his face and ask, "Why are you looking at me like that? Is there something wrong with me?"

Lin Zhixu looked away. "No. I just think you're pretty amazing."

Luo Yiyan was completely bewildered by Lin Zhixu's seemingly random praise. He felt that the "amazing" Lin Zhixu was referring to wasn't the kind of amazing he was thinking of.

Lin Zhixu then changed the subject: "How is Immortal Venerable Wucang now?"

Luo Yiyan's gaze drifted away guiltily, her voice muffled: "He... is much better. He can get out of bed now."

He'd been thinking for the past few days about how to face Yan Lingcang. He couldn't understand what their relationship was anymore.

Does he like Yan Lingcang?

It seems so.

But he had always thought that he liked Lin Zhixu.

Looking back now, his feelings for Lin Zhixu were different from those for Yan Lingcang.

He never imagined having anything intimate with Lin Zhixu.

But he would blush and his heart would race when he was with Yan Lingcang.

But they were master and apprentice.

In the mortal world, a romantic relationship between a master and disciple is against human ethics and morality; it will be condemned and ostracized by everyone.

He didn't know if these rules still held true in the cultivation world, and he was even ashamed to tell Lin Zhixu these thoughts.

Luo Yiyan hesitated before speaking, "Zhixu, I want to ask you a question."

Lin Zhixu nodded, indicating that he was listening.

"Well... I have a friend. Because of an accident, he ended up with his teacher. He's very distressed now, not knowing how to face that teacher in the future, nor how to tell his friends."

What a clever "making friends out of thin air" move.

Lin Zhixu: "You... oh, your friend, does he like that teacher?"

Luo Yiyan was confused: "I should...like it, right?"

Lin Zhixu: "If you like someone, why be troubled? If both people have feelings for each other, being together will be a natural progression."

Luo Yiyan said, "But they are master and disciple..."

Lin Zhixu said, "Cultivators have long lifespans and don't have as many rules as mortals. There are senior and junior brothers and sisters who are together, and there are also senior and junior uncles and nephews who are together."

"As for master-disciple partnerships, although they are rare, they do exist. In the cultivation world, strength is paramount. As long as you are strong enough, no one dares to interfere in your private affairs."

Luo Yiyan seemed to understand something, her eyes clearing considerably. "That does seem to make sense. Thank you, I know what to do now."

Lin Zhixu: "...Isn't he your friend?"

Luo Yiyan realized what was happening and quickly explained, "Yes, yes, it's my friend. What I mean is, I'll tell my friend what you told me today. He'll definitely know what to do after he hears it."

Lin Zhixu: "..."

Just as Luo Yiyan was feeling embarrassed by his slip of the tongue, he suddenly felt a slight tremor at his waist. He looked down and tapped the communication card, and Yan Lingcang's cold and brief voice came through: "Where are you? Return immediately."

He paused for a moment, then turned to Lin Zhixu with an embarrassed smile, his eyes brightening considerably: "My master is looking for me, I'll be going now."

Lin Zhixu nodded.

Watching his departing figure, Lin Zhixu thought of Yu Linzhou.

It has been half a month since he rejected Yu Linzhou, and he hasn't seen him even once.

Was she really hurt by his words?

Surely not? He's a dignified immortal, he's just heartbroken, it's not like he's still not over it after half a month... right?

……

Yu Linzhou was no longer angry.

When did Yu Linzhou become so thin-skinned? It's just that he was rejected once, what's the big deal?

Lin Zhixu didn't like anyone else. He pestered her day after day and month after month, and no one else could get close to her. One day he would be able to warm that cold and hard heart.

Anyway, what he has no shortage of is patience and thick skin.

Having figured this out, he dressed himself up smartly and went to find Lin Zhixu with great confidence.

They had only gone halfway when they bumped into Yan Lingcang.

Yan Lingcang drew his long sword, its blade reflecting the moonlight with a cool, clear glow.

His face was expressionless, but his eyes were filled with murderous intent: "Come and fight."

Yu Linzhou: "..."

We've forgotten about that.