A prophecy fulfilled.
The moment Chu Mingwei returned to Yilan Peak with Xiao Lingyu, opened the barrier, and saw Wu Yunzi’s darkened expression, that was the only thought that flashed through his mind.
No matter how gently he had comforted Xiao Lingyu earlier—saying they might see Wu Yunzi upon returning—deep down, Chu Mingwei had sincerely hoped Wu Yunzi would remain in seclusion a while longer. Especially considering how the man had always obstructed his relationship with his junior brother.
When Wu Yunzi chose to go into seclusion, Chu Mingwei had been the happiest of all. He had wasted no time moving into Yilan Peak, gradually taking up the most important place in Xiao Lingyu’s life. Eating together, sleeping together day after day—he had almost forgotten that the greatest obstacle between them still existed.
Occasionally, Wu Yunzi would cross his mind. But in the world of cultivation, a single seclusion lasting decades or even centuries was nothing unusual. By the time Wu Yunzi came out, he would have no choice but to accept things as they were.
With that assumption, Chu Mingwei had never imagined Wu Yunzi would emerge so soon.
And since he had already met his master and the others earlier—none of whom mentioned Wu Yunzi’s return—he had no reason to suspect it.
So when he saw him now, even Chu Mingwei froze for a moment, caught completely off guard.
“Master!”
If Chu Mingwei felt shock, then for Xiao Lingyu, Wu Yunzi’s appearance was pure joy. Unfortunately, before he could express it, a fierce pressure surged forth like a tidal wave.
Nascent Soul!
The thought flashed through Wu Yunzi’s mind. In the next instant, he moved—sidestepping Xiao Lingyu and lunging straight at Chu Mingwei.
Reacting instinctively, Chu Mingwei released a surge of spiritual pressure to resist—but the moment Wu Yunzi closed in, he forcibly suppressed it, choosing instead to endure the incoming force. He staggered back several steps before barely managing to steady himself.
Even though Chu Mingwei’s aura had only flared for an instant, Wu Yunzi still felt it.
“Peak Nascent Soul?”
A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes—but it didn’t stop him. He immediately slammed Chu Mingwei to the ground and began beating him without mercy.
Poor Chu Mingwei—even at the peak of Nascent Soul—could only suppress all his power and endure the blows with his physical body.
This was the second time Xiao Lingyu had witnessed his master’s ferocity. He stood quietly to the side, not daring to say a word. If he spoke now, it would only make things worse. Watching his master grow more and more enthusiastic with each strike, Xiao Lingyu’s heart ached—but he could only console himself.
Master is getting older… letting him vent a bit isn’t a bad thing. Consider it senior brother’s contribution.
With Xiao Lingyu staying silent and Chu Mingwei refusing to resist, Wu Yunzi showed no restraint. Blow after blow landed without mercy. If not for remembering Ling Xiaozi’s words—that the sect needed Chu Mingwei for many matters—he would have beaten him into a pulp for months.
Wu Yunzi was truly furious.
His precious disciple was only sixteen—how dare Chu Mingwei!
The more he thought about it, the harder he struck. Deliberately avoiding the face, he targeted only places hidden beneath clothing.
After a long while, finally tired, Wu Yunzi stopped. He stood there with a dark expression, glaring at Chu Mingwei without a word.
Chu Mingwei endured the pain without circulating spiritual energy to heal. Standing respectfully before him, he even forced out a proper excuse, “Thank you, Martial Uncle, for your guidance.”
“Hmph!”
Wu Yunzi snorted coldly.
Chu Mingwei smiled bitterly inwardly but remained respectful. “Martial Uncle and Lingyu have not seen each other for many days. You must have much to discuss. If there is no further instruction, this disciple will take his leave.”
“Leave?” Wu Yunzi’s voice turned cold. “Where do you think you’re going?”
“To Haotian Peak,” Chu Mingwei replied.
Wu Yunzi snapped, “Weren’t you quite comfortable living on Yilan Peak while I was in seclusion? Why go back now?”
The moment those words fell, both Chu Mingwei and Xiao Lingyu stared at him in shock.
For a brief second, Chu Mingwei even wondered if he had misheard.
Wu Yunzi kept a stern face, avoiding his gaze, and turned to Xiao Lingyu. “Lingyu, come with me.”
Xiao Lingyu obediently followed, casting a worried glance back before leaving. Chu Mingwei smiled reassuringly, signaling that he was fine.
Once Wu Yunzi was out of sight, Chu Mingwei finally let out a long breath.
So it wasn’t a hallucination—Wu Yunzi had tacitly allowed him to stay.
Circulating his spiritual energy once, the soreness from the beating vanished instantly. Smiling faintly, he thought—compared to last time, Martial Uncle had gone easy. It looked brutal, but it was all superficial.
Returning to his small courtyard, Chu Mingwei quickly pieced everything together. His master must have explained the crisis of the lower realm to Wu Yunzi—that was why, even in his anger, he had held back.
Sitting quietly, Chu Mingwei let his divine sense spread across the entire Yilan Peak, focusing on the main hall where Xiao Lingyu was.
Despite his worries, Wu Yunzi did not scold Xiao Lingyu. He simply sat there in silence, lost in thought, while Xiao Lingyu stood quietly below.
Wu Yunzi looked at his obedient disciple, emotions flashing through his eyes—relief, reluctance, affection.
Ten years had passed in the blink of an eye.
He still remembered the first time he saw Xiao Lingyu—a small child, articulate and well-behaved, barely reaching his thigh. Soft and warm in his arms. From that moment, he had cherished him.
Over the years, he had poured all his care into this disciple, keeping him close every day, afraid he might suffer even the slightest grievance.
Now, that child had grown into a refined young man—gentle, thoughtful, and extraordinarily talented. Wu Yunzi had long regarded him as his own son, wishing he could shield him from all harm.
And yet—before he could fully enjoy that bond—
Chu Mingwei had stolen him away.
At the thought, Wu Yunzi’s expression twisted.
Before entering seclusion, he had agreed to their dao partnership. But Xiao Lingyu was still young—he had hoped to keep him by his side a few more years.
Who would have thought that in such a short time, Chu Mingwei would… make things irreversible?
Lingyu was only sixteen. He didn’t even understand such matters—if not for Chu Mingwei’s deliberate seduction, how could he have ended up in dual cultivation with him?
The more Wu Yunzi thought about it, the angrier he became. But remembering Ling Xiaozi’s words, he suppressed his fury and finally asked,
“Yu’er, how does Chu Mingwei treat you?”
Xiao Lingyu had been nervous the whole time. Though Wu Yunzi allowed Chu Mingwei to stay, it was clear he was unhappy. Having long regarded Wu Yunzi as his only family, Xiao Lingyu didn’t want any conflict between them.
Hearing the question, he answered seriously, “Senior brother treats me very well.”
Wu Yunzi snorted. Of course he did—how could he dare not?
After a moment, he asked again, “Yu’er, do you want to be with him?”
Caught off guard by the directness, Xiao Lingyu flushed slightly—but still answered honestly, “Yes.” Then added, “But not now. Right now, I want to stay by Master’s side.”
Those words extinguished Wu Yunzi’s anger completely.
For the first time since seeing him, a smile appeared on his face. “That’s enough.”
Seeing the genuine affection in Xiao Lingyu’s expression, Wu Yunzi felt deeply comforted.
So what if it was Chu Mingwei?
In Lingyu’s heart, he still came first.
His expression softened further. “I had hoped to keep you by my side a few more years. But since your feelings are so deep, I won’t be the villain who separates you. Just remember—if he ever treats you poorly, come to me. I will stand up for you.”
“Master!” Xiao Lingyu hadn’t expected him to relent so easily. “I still want to stay with you a few more years.”
Wu Yunzi smiled. “You may think so—but Mingwei certainly won’t agree. He’s already at the peak of Nascent Soul. I’m no match for him now.”
He spoke lightly, half in jest.
Xiao Lingyu, recalling the earlier beating, struggled to keep a straight face.
Wu Yunzi sighed softly. Thinking of his disciple leaving him one day, a trace of sadness crept into his expression.
Xiao Lingyu felt it immediately and quickly insisted he wanted to stay longer.
Wu Yunzi shook his head gently. “The lower realm is on the verge of collapse. We cultivators could die at any time. I would rather you be with the one you love, without regrets.”
His expression grew heavy.
Xiao Lingyu tried to reassure him, but Wu Yunzi only sighed. The world had been declining for too long. Even the Chu Tian Secret Realm might not survive forever.
Xiao Lingyu fell silent.
Elsewhere, Chu Mingwei listened through his divine sense, his heart finally at ease.
Whatever happened in the future—at least for now, nothing stood between him and his junior brother.
As for the dangers ahead…
Feeling the immense power within him, lightning faintly flickering in his eyes, Chu Mingwei looked toward the sky.
If he advanced one more step, he would become a true god.
When that time came—no matter the cost—he would protect Xiao Lingyu.
Lowering his gaze, he concealed the growing desire in his heart—
the pull toward the Heavenly Mechanism Disc.