Chapter 177 - Arc 12: Ruyi Xianzhuang | Chapter 177: Restless

Chapter 177 - Arc 12: Ruyi Xianzhuang | Chapter 177: Restless

Translator: Lynn

Xu Ziqing settled back into his seat, the unfinished go game awaiting his senior brother’s return for its continuation.

Deep in thought about the go game, he examined the many moves. However, he found it difficult to concentrate and felt a sense of confusion, unable to focus. Go was meant to be a lively exchange with a close companion, but now he was the sole participant—where was the enjoyment in that? With this realization, he gently placed the go pieces back into the box.

After sitting for a while, a flood of thoughts overwhelmed Xu Ziqing. They swirled in his mind, tangled like threads, making it hard to pinpoint their origin. A sense of suffocation crept in, and he couldn’t quite fathom why.

Neither playing go nor attempting to meditate brought ease. Unable to force his thoughts, in alignment with the principles of the way of immortality he cultivated, which emphasized peace and nature, he decided to let go. Although his senior brother had advised against leaving, a brief stroll in the yard should be harmless. The vastness of the sky and earth often provided solace, dispelling the inexplicable heaviness he had felt earlier.

With his mind made up, Xu Ziqing opened the door and stepped into the small courtyard.

The stars adorned the night sky, casting their brilliance upon the many rare flowers and trees in the courtyard. The fragrant air filled with invigorating aura was revitalizing and refreshing.

During his walk, memories from ten years ago came flooding back.

Back then, he was just a son of a branch family in the Haotian Small World, a somewhat valuable but still marginal figure in terms of status. He believed he would lead a simple life in a mountain village, farming for the rest of his days—a far cry from the cultivation world he now lived in.

Recollection led him to that first night when he left the farm, finding shelter in a small courtyard. That time, though tranquil, the courtyard lacked the elegance and refinement of his current abode.

Reflecting on the journey from an inexperienced kid, a reborn country boy, to his present status as a direct disciple of a second-rank immortal sect in the vast world, a peak foundation establishment cultivator, he couldn’t help but marvel at the immense difference in circumstances. It was a disparity akin to comparing heaven and earth, prompting heartfelt sighs.

In less than a year, he had faced challenges and met the “Brother Yun” from back then, now his senior brother—an evolving tale of camaraderie. Reflecting on all these years, a sense of bewilderment washed over him.

Abruptly, Xu Ziqing’s heart stirred, prompting him to raise his gaze.

Beyond the courtyard gate, a man in white approached unhurriedly. Though the evening light graced him, it failed to diminish his distant aura, still exuding cold detachment.

Instinctively, Xu Ziqing glanced around, but he couldn’t spot anyone else.

The man stepped into the courtyard, noticed Xu Ziqing standing amidst the flowers and trees, and remarked, “Is go not holding your interest?”

As he spoke, a trace of softness flickered in his eyes, and his overall demeanor seemed to soften slightly.

Observing this, Xu Ziqing couldn’t help but smile. “I was feeling a bit stifled thinking too hard in my room, so I ventured out to await my brother.”

Yun Lie simply acknowledged with a faint sound and resumed his path.

Smiling once more, Xu Ziqing suggested, “Now that my brother is back, shall we continue the go game?”

With that, he made way for Yun Lie to enter. Ne/w novel chapters are published on no/vel(/bin(.)co/m

Yun Lie didn’t utter a word but returned to his previous spot.

Xu Ziqing’s countenance relaxed, and as he surveyed the go board, his go strategy suddenly crystallized.

As Xu Ziqing moved forward, thoughts began to fill his mind.

Yet, they hadn’t traversed even half a mile when voices reached their ears.

Curious, Xu Ziqing glanced in that direction, spotting a group of men surrounding a woman, all heading in the opposite direction.

Observing closely, the woman possessed charming features, a captivating figure, and a certain coquettishness in her expressions. The men accompanying her were equally robust and valiant, though curiously, they were all innate warriors, not cultivators.

Perhaps engrossed for a while, the woman quickly met his gaze.

He felt a captivating allure in her eyes, full of expression, as if she carried a myriad of sentiments and emotions. It evoked a sense of compassion.

In the midst of his slight bewilderment, Xu Ziqing suddenly felt a chill enveloping him, making him immediately alert. The source of this murderous aura was none other than his senior brother.

A shiver ran down Xu Ziqing’s spine as he swiftly regained his senses.

He realized he had unknowingly crumpled his senior brother’s sleeve, a testament to his distraction.

Feeling embarrassed, he contemplated releasing the sleeve he had manipulated, concerned about embarrassing his senior brother if he did so. Caught in this dilemma, he was uncertain how to proceed.

However, Yun Lie broke the silence, stating, “This girl practices the ‘Sunu’s Fascination Method,’ captivating people with mere expressions, luring them into fascination. You need to exercise caution.”

Xu Ziqing felt a wave of shame, acknowledging his impolite curiosity that led to this situation. He resolved, “Thank you for the guidance, Shixiong. I will certainly be more mindful in the future.”

Yun Lie nodded in agreement and imparted, “You cannot resist a golden core cultivator like her; that’s normal. But with determination and perpetual vigilance, you won’t fall so easily.”

This further deepened Xu Ziqing’s embarrassment as he affirmed, “You’re right, Shixiong. Your teachings are invaluable.”

Yet, Yun Lie’s strict adherence to discipline and his care for this junior are showcased in his guidance.

It’s rumored that the woman was a Golden Core Daoist. Xu Ziqing had only given her a brief glance—never probing with his spiritual sense and never displaying any obsession. However, the woman utilized such an enticing technique, hinting at preying on the vulnerable.

Had Xu Ziqing not maintained his integrity, showing no intent to defile the female cultivator, and if Yun Lie hadn’t awakened Xu Ziqing with his murderous aura just in time, she would have ensnared Xu Ziqing, a mere foundation-building cultivator. This act could have proved fatal. It would plant inner demons, complicating future breakthroughs. More critically, it could sow an insatiable yearning in the soul, altering one’s temperament and making them susceptible to the seven emotions and six desires—a troublesome condition to overcome.

Initially, Xu Ziqing believed he had erred and deserved reprimanding from his senior brother. Little did he know that a life-altering twist occurred at this crucial moment, nearly jeopardizing half of his foundation due to the actions of another.

It wasn’t until Yun Lie finished instructing him and detailed the repercussions that fear set in, and he became even more cautious of this highly skilled female cultivator.

Meanwhile, the female cultivator, noticing that Xu Ziqing had awakened quite effortlessly, expressed a soft “huh” and then gazed at him tenderly, adding a hint of charm to her eyes and brows.

Yet, Xu Ziqing remained vigilant. He maintained his composure, resisting her advances longer than before.

At this point, Yun Lie didn’t allow the other party to proceed in this manner. Upon lifting his gaze, an invisible force seemed to scatter.

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