Extra Chapter — Those Days After (Part Two)
The day Chu Mingwei left arrived quickly.
Unlike the dramatic scenes described in the cultivation world’s storybooks—where the heavens changed color and thunder tribulations descended from the nine skies—there was nothing particularly extraordinary in the phenomena that day. Only a golden beam of light pierced through the clouds and fell upon Chu Mingwei. His entire body was enveloped in golden radiance, and under everyone’s gaze, he ascended along the pillar of light into the clouds until he could no longer be seen.
Because Chu Mingwei would be the first person from the lower realm to reach the new world, the entire cultivation world’s attention was focused on him. As soon as his ascension date was confirmed, powerful figures from all sects rushed to Yun Tian Sect, merely to observe this moment up close and prepare for their own ascension in advance. Thus, surrounding Chu Mingwei that day were not only disciples of Yun Tian Sect, but also Nascent Soul experts from across the cultivation world, regardless of faction.
As Chu Mingwei departed, many gazes, intentional or otherwise, fell upon Xiao Lingyu, who stood quietly behind Wu Yunzi. Everyone knew of the relationship between Chu Mingwei and Xiao Lingyu, and knew how deep their bond was. Yet no matter how deep a relationship, it could not overcome a vast gap in cultivation. Now that Chu Mingwei had gone to another world, even if Xiao Lingyu’s talent was extraordinary, it would still take a long time for him to reach the Nascent Soul stage and ascend. Thinking of this, many looked at Xiao Lingyu with a trace of pity.
Xiao Lingyu stood there calmly, his expression indifferent as he gazed at Chu Mingwei’s departing figure, ignoring the various looks around him.
Once the golden pillar of light completely disappeared, everyone finally confirmed that Chu Mingwei had truly left. Along with this came countless transmission talismans flying across the skies of the cultivation world, and an unprecedented fervor for cultivation. Amid such excitement, the news that Xiao Lingyu had gone into seclusion alone in the back mountain of Yun Tian Sect vanished quietly like a drop of water into the sea.
At the time that news spread, Xiao Lingyu was already carrying Zhu Yurong through the void, heading toward the Chu Tian Secret Realm.
“Little monster, did you pack all of little pig’s snacks?”
“Little monster, did you steal the frost grass from the spirit garden for little pig?”
“Little monster, did you bring the clothes Uncle Bai made for little pig?”
Each time Zhu Yurong asked, Xiao Lingyu nodded quickly. Only after confirming everything was packed did Zhu Yurong settle contentedly into Xiao Lingyu’s arms, staring intently at the seven or eight storage pouches hanging from Xiao Lingyu’s waist—all of which belonged to him.
Xiao Lingyu caught a glimpse of Zhu Yurong’s expression and softened, gently patting his head.
Zhu Yurong nuzzled him ingratiatingly. “Little monster, is little pig going to stay with Old Ghost Head?”
Xiao Lingyu gave a soft “mm.” “Just temporarily. I’ll come pick you up soon.”
Zhu Yurong nodded vigorously. “Little monster, come quickly. Little pig will miss you.”
Hearing his soft, childish voice, Xiao Lingyu smiled faintly.
Following the marks left by Qing Ming, Xiao Lingyu soon found the Chu Tian Secret Realm.
Seeing Old Ghost Head excitedly take Zhu Yurong, Xiao Lingyu then handed over the long string of storage pouches from his body, patiently explaining what each one contained.
Not far away, Jing Zhan stood watching. Seeing Zhu Yurong hugging a pile of storage pouches with a satisfied smile, he felt an inexplicable softness in his heart and revealed a gentle expression he himself did not notice.
Xiao Lingyu faintly sensed Jing Zhan’s gaze and turned—just in time to see that trace of gentleness on his face.
He froze.
Since meeting Jing Zhan, Xiao Lingyu had never seen such an expression—only cold smiles or mockery. He glanced strangely at Old Ghost Head beside him; Jing Zhan’s gaze seemed to linger there.
A horrifying thought surfaced—could Jing Zhan like Old Ghost Head?
Because Old Ghost Head was with Qing Ming, was that why Jing Zhan always showed such disdain?
Xiao Lingyu shook his head violently. Looking at Old Ghost Head, aside from that face, he couldn’t think of anything that would attract Jing Zhan. That couldn’t be it… right?
When he looked again, Jing Zhan had already returned to his usual expressionless face.
Xiao Lingyu let out a quiet breath. As expected, that gentleness must have been his imagination.
After settling Zhu Yurong with Old Ghost Head, Xiao Lingyu didn’t linger and hurried off toward the world where Chu Mingwei was.
Several hours later, Xiao Lingyu stood within the new world.
He quietly looked up. In the vast starry sea, a bright moon hung, radiating gentle light. Behind him, a deep green pool shimmered faintly through mist condensed from spiritual energy. Around it stood several strangely shaped trees, specks of glowing light flickering among their branches. White mist enveloped everything, creating a breathtaking scene.
Xiao Lingyu took a deep breath of the rich spiritual energy and lay down on the soft grass beneath him. Gazing at the brilliant starry sky, his divine sense slowly spread outward, faintly touching the vibrant life force within this world.
Instinctively, he closed his eyes, sensing that energy. From afar, he seemed like a vortex, drawing in the surrounding white mist, his breathing rising and falling in resonance with the world.
When Chu Mingwei arrived, this was the scene he saw.
Under the moonlight, Xiao Lingyu was enveloped in mist, his body faintly glowing as though bathed in moonlight.
Chu Mingwei stood at a distance, reluctant to step forward. Yet Xiao Lingyu sensed his presence and slowly opened his eyes.
“Senior Brother?”
Chu Mingwei responded softly and walked toward him step by step under the moonlight. Seeing Xiao Lingyu’s smiling face, his gaze darkened slightly as he sat beside him, habitually pulling him into his arms.
Xiao Lingyu leaned against him, feeling the familiar presence, stretching lazily in contentment.
The night grew quiet.
When morning light finally broke, gentle and soft, Chu Mingwei looked tenderly at the person in his arms and pressed a light kiss to Xiao Lingyu’s forehead.
Chu Mingwei thought—
the junior brother in his arms would be the most treasured person of his life.