Setting Out (6)

Shen Yuxi sat alone neither too near nor too far from the bonfire, at the edge of its halo of light yet seeming to stand apart from everyone else.

The leaping flames cast shifting light and shadow across his refined profile, making his already indifferent expression all the more unfathomable. An invisible barrier seemed to surround him, causing the other disciples to instinctively keep just the right distance from him.

The inner disciples who knew his identity did so out of reverence, while the uninformed outer disciples simply felt that this "senior brother from Beast Spirit Peak" possessed an aura too cold and aloof to approach.

Yet within this naturally formed "vacuum," Gu Jingzhao walked over with perfect composure. Without the slightest hesitation, he brushed aside his robes and sat down, so openly at ease that it seemed he had always belonged there.

This action made quite a few disciples, who had been secretly watching Shen Yuxi's movements, suck in sharp breaths and cry out inwardly.

That was Second Senior Brother! Second Senior Brother, who was a walking block of ice so long as one did not entertain wild thoughts in one's heart!

Even though they had glimpsed the amusing side of him that was utterly different from his outward appearance, those who truly dared to go up to him and chat casually remained few and far between.

It was not that they did not wish to get close to him. Rather, in the hearts of most disciples, Second Senior Brother was like the bright moon above the nine heavens—his clear radiance should shine everywhere, yet he should remain forever out of reach.

But Gu Jingzhao clearly did not see it that way.

Though his first formal meeting with Second Senior Brother had been unpleasant, upon reflection, Gu Jingzhao felt