Xiao Hei blinked, glanced at his expressionless master, then at the annoyed crowd, and without hesitation leapt into Ying Jiuhua’s arms, pouting, “Master, what are you saying? Didn’t we agree? I like Elder Xiao. Whether I marry him or he marries me, of course I’ll go with Elder Xiao to Yuntian Sect!”
The moment Xiao Hei spoke, the previously tense crowd twitched at the corners of their mouths. Chu Mingwei’s gaze flickered with a complex expression as he looked at the black-clad youth before him. In the cultivation world, male-male pairings as Dao companions were quite common. After all, cultivators lived long lives, and it could be lonely to be alone. Cultivation itself was harsh; most female cultivators couldn’t survive the path to longevity and often faced the grief of watching companions’ lives end repeatedly. Many male cultivators, therefore, chose male companions.
In Chu Mingwei’s mind, his junior disciple was still young—not even at the age to consider such matters. Furthermore, his junior was extraordinarily talented and radiant; in his eyes, no one could be worthy of him. Yet this sudden young man brazenly claimed he wanted to marry his junior disciple—how could that be allowed? Not to mention, the youth was from the Demonic Sect, and heaven and demon were never at peace. The youth’s temperament was wicked, making him entirely unfit for the junior disciple. No matter what, Chu Mingwei could not allow them to become Dao companions. Whether Chu Mingwei’s objection stemmed from these reasons—or from some deeper, unacknowledged feelings—was something even he did not dare to explore.
Putting aside Chu Mingwei’s inner thoughts, the immediate tension on the scene eased slightly because of Xiao Hei’s words. Ying Jiuhua looked utterly helpless at his mischievous disciple; any plan he had to provoke the Yuntian Sect and thereby destroy Xiao Hei’s hopes had been entirely thwarted by that single remark. Seeing Ying Jiuhua’s softened expression, Xiao Hei turned smilingly to Xiao Lingyu, who was about to speak, but Chu Mingwei cut in, “If Elder Ying has no other matters, we shall be taking our leave. As for Elder Ying’s disciples, I hope you will manage them properly.”
With that, he reached out and took Xiao Lingyu’s hand, leaving with her past Ying Jiuhua, while bolts of lightning flared to protect their vital spots behind them. Meng Fan and Bai Qian exchanged glances, remaining vigilant as they followed.
Xiao Lingyu obediently allowed Chu Mingwei to lead him away, without uttering a single word. From Xiao Hei’s sudden appearance to the confrontation, and now Chu Mingwei’s refusal on his behalf, events had unfolded too quickly; Xiao Lingyu had no idea what expression to wear.
The usually silent Old Ghost suddenly piped up, “That youth… is he the little black-haired kid who used to cry and say he wanted to marry you? Never thought he’d remember it all these years.”
Xiao Lingyu was utterly speechless, not bothering to respond.
Old Ghost continued, “Back then, none of the street urchins at the Land Temple had cultivation potential, yet today I see Xiao Hei already at the Refining Realm. How curious.”
Xiao Lingyu spoke up this time, “What’s so strange? Haven’t you seen who Xiao Hei’s master is? Ying Jiuhua is the Supreme Elder of the Ageless Hall. The Ageless Hall, also called the Hall of Life, recruits disciples without considering potential. Talent is welcome, but lack thereof isn’t a problem. The Ageless Hall’s techniques are exceptionally ruthless; their disciples are notorious in the cultivation world for bloodthirsty Bodhi. They advance by seizing other cultivators’ Dao hearts and using techniques that drain power to strengthen themselves. I haven’t seen Xiao Hei since he was six in my previous life, but I’m certain Ying Jiuhua never had a disciple named Xiao Hei. This time, because of me, he fell to the demonic path yet received Ying Jiuhua’s protection. Whether that’s good or bad… I can’t say.”
Old Ghost, who had been about to comment, surprisingly fell silent. Though puzzled, Xiao Lingyu had no time for idle chatter; Chu Mingwei was already leading him back to their small residence with the clear intention of having a long conversation.
Xiao Lingyu felt a pang of guilt, though quickly dismissed it. In the cultivation world, male Dao companions were normal; moreover, he was shocked by Xiao Hei’s boldness. Surely, his senior brother wouldn’t scold him over this.
Adjusting his mindset, Xiao Lingyu looked calmly at Chu Mingwei, who in turn was unsure how to speak, watching his junior disciple’s seemingly indifferent expression. Did he understand, or not? Chu Mingwei worried: if he didn’t explain, perhaps Xiao Hei might take advantage of the half-understanding of a young, curious teenager. What was the mindset of a youth in puberty?
Xiao Lingyu blinked at Chu Mingwei’s twisted expressions—sometimes worried, sometimes fierce—unable to discern what was running through his senior brother’s mind.
Chu Mingwei had intended to educate his beloved junior on matters of future companions, but ended up performing a one-man expression show, while the intended pupil watched with fascination. So this was what senior brother’s face could do!
As their eyes met in this silent exchange, a violent spiritual fluctuation erupted in the outskirts of Wucheng. Both turned instinctively toward it. Chu Mingwei was the first to react, summoning the Qinglin Sword to pull Xiao Lingyu up and casting a sound-transmission talisman to Meng Fan, heading directly for the source. Meng Fan and Bai Qian quickly followed. Soon, streaks of light appeared all over Wucheng, all tracing back to the same direction of the spiritual fluctuation.
Standing by Chu Mingwei, Xiao Lingyu focused on the outskirts. Ten years ago, when ascending to the Refining Realm, Old Ghost had guided him to a spiritual vein from that direction, as well as an unexpected spiritual essence. Now, the fluctuations were from the same area—what could be happening?
Xiao Lingyu had wanted to discuss this with Old Ghost, but after telling him about the Ageless Hall, Old Ghost had fallen silent and ignored his calls. Sighing, Xiao Lingyu felt the spiritual energy growing stronger as they approached the outskirts, the air itself thick with power. The closer they got, the more magical instruments streaked through the sky. Suddenly, a streak of light ahead halted midair. Xiao Lingyu looked up in shock.
Ahead, the previously blue, cloudless sky was torn by a massive rift. Dark clouds swirled within, exuding thick spiritual energy. Occasional fierce winds surged outward, causing fluctuations in the surrounding energy. As the rift widened, the scenery inside became visible: a verdant, low mountain, enveloped in a milky-white aura so dense it seemed to drip. Pavilions and towers dotted the mountain, trees and flowers in full bloom—a perfectly preserved ancient immortal’s cave residence.
“Send word to the sect immediately!”
“An ancient immortal’s cave residence, truly!”
Chaos erupted as cultivators on various flying devices gathered, mostly wandering cultivators clustered in cautious groups. Meng Fan and Bai Qian stayed close, while Leng Hanyuan and Xu Xuan also arrived. Xiao Lingyu noticed Leng Hanyuan’s fingers trembling—a subconscious reaction to something related to him. How could this be? Perhaps Leng Hanyuan had received some intelligence previously hidden from him.
The flying cultivators were ecstatic outwardly, but inwardly Leng Hanyuan sneered. What ancient immortal’s cave residence? It was merely a disguised beauty. His eyes gleamed with determination toward the treasure within.
Nearby, several black-robed cultivators silently observed. The leader manipulated a strange circular device, palm-sized and covered with odd inscriptions, its center a vivid red needle spinning rapidly. The others seemed wholly absorbed by the device, ignoring the rift entirely. After a long moment, the leader nodded to his companions, who revealed excited, eager expressions.
Xiao Lingyu caught a glimpse of the black-robed figures. One figure seemed vaguely familiar, triggering a complex expression.
“Senior Brother Chu?”
A crisp voice called from the side. A beautiful woman in pale yellow robes, appearing around twenty, flew over with several disciples of varying ages.
Chu Mingwei smiled warmly, clearly familiar. “Senior Sister Su.”
Meng Fan and the others also greeted her. After introductions, Chu Mingwei gestured toward Xiao Lingyu. “This is Senior Sister Su Wan of Xuankun Sect.”
Xiao Lingyu smiled politely. “Greetings, Senior Sister Su!”
Su Wan teased as she noticed Chu Mingwei shielding Xiao Lingyu closely, “This must be Yuntian Sect’s Junior Brother Xiao. Even in Xuankun Sect, I’d heard Senior Brother Chu has a beloved junior. Seeing him in person, it’s true.”
Xiao Lingyu lowered his head shyly. Su Wan had been a rival in his previous life. Female cultivators were scarce, especially those of high rank. Moreover, Yuntian Sect had once planned a union with Xuankun Sect, pairing Leng Hanyuan with Su Wan—a plan that had ultimately failed, thanks to a few unknown interventions.
With introductions complete, they realized Xuankun Sect had been specially invited by the Ancient Sword Sect alongside the wandering cultivators. Chu Mingwei’s gaze swept to the distant Ageless Hall and Ghost Spirit Sect. The presence of the three immortal sects was natural; the appearance of the Demonic Sect raised suspicion.
Chu Mingwei’s eyes fell on Xiao Hei, smiling mischievously from afar, and his expression immediately darkened as he slightly shifted his body to shield him. Ying Jiuhua noticed Chu Mingwei’s possessive gesture and smiled knowingly.