That's not the PVC, that's the crankcase vent, which is part of the PCV system. I would get a 90* fitting that attaches with a hole and has two lock nuts that has a 1/2" hose barb and call it a day.
I’m not quite sure I follow you. As I understand there is an air breather on one valve cover and then on the other valve cover there is a fitting that connects to the air cleaner. Do you by chance have a picture of what you have done.