飘零影音

Chapter 186 - Arc 12: Ruyi Xianzhuang | Chapter 186: Affection

Translator: Lynn

Since it was the time for “blind dates” in Ruyi Xianzhuang, Xu Ziqing chose to remain secluded in his small courtyard for the next few days, dedicated to practice.

The energy in this courtyard was robust, indicating the presence of at least a third-order spiritual vein running through it, demonstrating Ruyi Xianzhuang’s thoughtful care for their esteemed guests.

During this period, Xu Ziqing declined to venture out, and Yun Lie also refrained from leaving.

Xu Ziqing understood that perhaps his disarray the previous day had left his senior brother a bit concerned. Even if he explained the reason, his senior brother needed to visit in person to be at ease. It wasn’t due to overconfidence but rather the years of familiarity they shared, allowing him to discern his brother’s demeanor despite the reserved exterior.

So, for three consecutive days, Yun Lie guided Xu Ziqing through various techniques, gradually stabilizing his mood and dispelling restlessness from the initial day.

However, on the afternoon of the third day, the boy servant guarding the door reported the arrival of a Ruyi envoy.

While in a meditative state, Xu Ziqing heard the news, causing the Qingyun needle suspended before him to retract.

His eyes flickered, glancing briefly at his senior brother who stood guard. Rising to his feet, he turned towards the door.

Yun Lie also stood up, offering a courteous gesture. “Please.”

Xu Ziqing briefly debated whether to retreat, but in the end, he chose to stay.

The door soon swung wide open, revealing a woman of cold and proud demeanor. She strode in with an air of confidence, her black robe billowing in the wind, exuding a powerful aura.

Unreserved, she gestured, and the door closed behind her. She proceeded to cast several incantations, effectively sealing the courtyard from the outside.

This woman displayed an astonishing level of audacity and straightforwardness, clearly someone focused on results rather than the process. She was Mu Ronghua, the leader of the Twelve Ruyi Envoys.

Xu Ziqing was taken aback. He had expected either Rui Rou or one of her wishes to visit. The appearance of the cold and aloof Mu Ronghua was a surprise.

Why had she come here?

Given the vast difference in strength, Xu Ziqing didn’t think Mu Ronghua was here for him. The meticulous sealing…there was only one possibility.

Mu Ronghua likely had something to discuss with his senior brother.

Mu Ronghua didn’t exchange pleasantries. She got straight to the point, addressing Yun Lie. “Yun Zhenren, I have something to discuss with you. Could you have your junior brother leave?”

Xu Ziqing thought, “Just as I suspected.” Although he knew it wasn’t appropriate to stay at this moment, he didn’t want to leave so easily. Nonetheless, he understood the gravity of the situation and prepared to retreat to the house.

However, Yun Lie spoke up. “If you have something to discuss, please go ahead.”

Xu Ziqing was momentarily surprised and then delighted. He had never kept secrets from his senior brother before, and now it seemed his senior brother treated him just the same…

Mu Ronghua arched her brows upon hearing this. “You two senior brothers share a deep bond.” Then, her expression suddenly shifted, “Well, let it be. Given our close relationship, if things progress, I’ll have to deal with this junior in the future.” Xu Ziqing swiftly considered and sensed something significant from Mu Ronghua’s words.

Mu Ronghua, having always held a prestigious position and amassed great respect in Ruyi Immortal Village, was straightforward in her actions. Even before Xu Ziqing could deduce her thoughts, she stated directly, “Yun Zhenren, I wish to be your Daoist companion. What are your thoughts?”

Upon hearing this, Xu Ziqing was dumbstruck, feeling as if lightning had struck him, rendering him immobile.

Yun Lie appeared equally surprised, pausing momentarily.

Even after his pause, Mu Ronghua continued, “In accordance with the master’s order, we waited for the six Yunu envoys to find a Daoist partner. Among all the sect cultivators, Daoist Yun, you exhibit immense potential and are considered one of the best. To me, the rest are no more than ants, utterly unmatched.” While her tone was haughty, it stemmed from her profound strength and confidence.

Mu Ronghua, head of the Ruyi envoys and the Ruyi Xianzhuang owner’s sole daughter, had already reached the pinnacle of body cultivation in the late Golden Core stage. Swallowing the Immortal Fruit would swiftly elevate her to the Nascent Soul stage. Settling a Daoist couple with Yun Lie would naturally offer immediate benefits to him.

Furthermore, Mu Ronghua practiced the “Taiyin Pure Water Method,” condensing the Taiyin water in her dantian. Yun Lie followed the “Golden Metal Sword Energy” path. Their complementary approaches could lead to significant progress in cultivation.

Such an opportunity was rare.

Mu Ronghua’s demeanor and appearance were top-notch. If not for Yun Lie’s mastery of the sword intent and his practice of ruthless killing swordsmanship, she likely wouldn’t have taken an interest in this early Golden Core stage cultivator.

While she didn’t sound aggressive, she had these thoughts, hence articulating them.

Logically, uniting with Mu Ronghua would be mutually beneficial, and no outstanding disciple should decline such an offer.

However, Yun Lie stated, “I have no intention of accepting.”

Mu Ronghua, typically as cold as ice, exhibited a flicker of surprise in her eyes upon hearing his words. “You refuse?”

Yun Lie’s countenance remained composed, conveying his decision.

Mu Ronghua regarded Yun Lie with a serious expression, “The Wuling Immortal Sect and my Ruyi Xianzhuang have long held an implicit agreement regarding marriages. Besides strengthening our ties, it’s important to produce more exceptional disciples. As the current ‘big brother’ and ‘big sister,’ our paths align quite well, making it an ideal match. I truly don’t understand why you would decline.”

After a moment’s reflection, she continued, “While you rank fifth on the Tianlong list and I’m thirteenth, though slightly inferior, I’ll attain Nascent Soul soon and won’t disgrace you. With dual cultivation, you’ll rapidly accumulate true energy with my assistance, reaching the peak of the Golden Core stage. After partaking in the Immortal Fruit, you’ll become a Nascent Soul ancestor. Through conception, we can merge our Yin-Yang Dao at the same state, advancing our cultivation by leaps and bounds, enabling us to reign supreme in the Eastern Region.”

“So many advantages… Are you truly unwilling?”

During this moment, Xu Ziqing slowly regained his composure, though he couldn’t fathom why. Despite feeling an unbearable bitterness, he continued to listen to Mu Ronghua’s words.

A tinge of bitterness gnawed at his heart as he contemplated whether he should persuade his senior brother. He believed that this opportunity seemed incredibly promising. If his senior brother agreed, their cultivation would accelerate, and no force could hinder his senior brother’s ascension!

As a junior, Xu Ziqing believed he shared a profound friendship with his senior, seeing him as a father, a brother, a family member, and the most crucial bond in this lifetime. Thus, shouldn’t he be ecstatic for his senior brother? Pondering this, he subconsciously looked at his senior brother once more.

Yun Lie remained composed, stating, “In my path, such a course is unnecessary.”

Xu Ziqing was taken aback; his brother still refused.

Mu Ronghua’s brow furrowed slightly. She had laid out everything, yet Yun Lie stood steadfast, surprising her.

Earlier, Mu Ronghua had heard about Yun Lie’s mastery of swordsmanship, which froze his emotions, leaving him unwavering against the seven emotions and resolute in his beliefs. However, during the time she observed him in the bamboo forest, displaying affection for his junior brother, she realized this person wasn’t heartless. She thought they could have a discussion or two. Today’s events, however, seemed to contradict this.

She hadn’t lied. Many gifted individuals attended the Immortal Fruit Conference, yet only a few made it to the Tianlong Ranking. Most who attained that rank did so after her. Yun Lie’s feat of reaching fifth place on the Tianlong list immediately after forming a Golden Core was an exceptional accumulation, exceedingly rare in thousands of years.

Mu Ronghua herself was a peerless genius. Submitting to someone vastly inferior was not something she could accept. Yet, given the current situation in Ruyi Xianzhuang, as the owner’s only daughter, she needed to enhance her cultivation rapidly. No matter her disdain, she had to make a temporary compromise following her discussion with her mother.

Currently, the fastest way to bolster one’s strength was through dual cultivation with someone with significant potential. Since Mu Ronghua had to find a Daoist partner, she sought the best candidate. Yun Lie caught her attention, prompting her straightforward courtship today.

However, as Yun Lie repeatedly declined, Mu Ronghua chose not to persist. She turned to look at Xu Ziqing, noticing his dazed expression, and began to understand what was happening. When she assessed his aura, things became clearer.

“You’re unwilling. Let’s pretend I never visited today,” Mu Ronghua said as she turned to leave, adding regretfully, “It’s a shame. Your junior brother possesses great potential. If he forms a golden core later, he could be an even better candidate than you.” With those words, she moved, vanishing without a trace.

When Mu Ronghua left, Xu Ziqing remained lost in thought.

Yun Lie turned to him and observed his state. “Ziqing.”

Xu Ziqing responded, still in a daze, “Yes, Shixiong.”

Yun Lie’s gaze shifted slightly, and he spoke, “Your cultivation base is not yet profound. Engaging in dual cultivation with others isn’t beneficial for you. Moreover, dual cultivation should prioritize harmony. If you see it as a means to supplement your cultivation, you’re putting the cart before the horse. You’ve been practicing for a short time; austerity should be your priority. Don’t be short-sighted and jeopardize your path to immortality.”

Xu Ziqing’s heart was a turbulent sea, but Yun Lie’s advice, despite the circumstances, brought a mix of relief and astonishment.

Senior brother, did he entertain thoughts of being drawn in by Mu Ronghua’s words, seeking a female companion for dual cultivation?

Letting out a long breath, Xu Ziqing gazed at Yun Lie with a complex expression, yet the emotions within his heart gradually crystallized.

He felt joy when he saw his senior brother happy; he felt shame when he heard his senior brother reprimand him.

Simply being with his brother each day, practicing in solitude while absorbing a few words of wisdom from him, filled him with happiness.

On the days when his senior brother wasn’t by his side, a sense of emptiness would creep into his heart. In times of danger, his senior brother was always the first thought that crossed his mind.

If it were just that, perhaps he could convince himself that his brother was merely a family member. However, upon learning about the possibility of his brother marrying someone, he felt a bitter, oppressive sorrow. If it were only deep friendship with his seniors, he wouldn’t harbor such possessiveness, nor would he be consumed by sorrow and restlessness over this matter.

Xu Ziqing sighed inwardly; he should have understood his feelings for his senior long ago.

It was a paternal affection, a benefactor’s kindness, a profound love, and an unattainable dream.

Ultimately, it all boiled down to one thing: affection, love, and illusion.

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