Comforting Someone

Bian Chunchou was the first to notice Wen the Scroll King slowing down. It was not because he was particularly observant, but because—

The Scroll King was recuperating without reading. This was simply unscientific! Had the sun risen in the west today?

"Wen Xuxu, tell me honestly. Did something... go wrong with your cultivation?" Otherwise, why would he not even enjoy reading anymore? That was not right.

Wen Xu, who was rarely taking it easy and letting his mind go blank: ...Was I really that hardworking before?

"No. Don't overthink it."

But Bian Chunchou thought even further. "Really? Don't be embarrassed. My lips are sealed, you know. The senior brother next door just came to gossip with me about Senior Brother Huang from Founding Peak, and I didn't tell anyone else."

Wen Xu: "...Is that so?"

"Of course. You're not an outsider, are you?" Bian Chunchou proudly patted his chest. "But Senior Brother Huang really is outrageous. He actually spread word outside that the three of us joined forces to defeat an Evil Cultivator at the peak of Foundation Establishment. Good thing I quashed the rumor early, or the misunderstanding would have been huge."

Wen Xu could not help feeling curious. "How did you quash it?"

"Do you know how to most effectively stop an outrageous Yan rumor?"

After pondering for a moment, Wen Xu said, "Make up an even more outrageous Yan rumor to bury it?"

Bian Chunchou slapped his thigh hard. "Exactly! A-Xu is the one who knows me best, so I..."

Wen Xu, after hearing the even bigger Yan rumor: ...

"Why are you making that face? Just tell me—is it outrageous enough? Is it big enough?"

Wen Xu silently nodded. *...That worked too, I suppose. Even his made-up story had struck dead center. Chunchou really did