Chapter 187 - Arc 12: Ruyi Xianzhuang | Chapter 187: Secret Love

Chapter 187 - Arc 12: Ruyi Xianzhuang | Chapter 187: Secret Love

Translator: Lynn

Suppressing the tumultuous emotions within him, waves flickered in Xu Ziqing’s eyes, and he responded with a customary smile, “Rest assured, Shixiong, I will certainly not pursue this.” Yun Lie nodded, and a softness entered his gaze.

Since Yun Lie declined Mu Ronghua, no one else approached him. However, Xu Ziqing, understanding his feelings for Yun Lie, felt a growing distance in their interactions. He could no longer be as close as before.

After two days like this, Xu Ziqing felt he couldn’t continue in this manner. The closeness to his senior brother made it hard for him to remain composed. So, he devised a plan.

On this particular day, Xu Ziqing stepped out of his room and looked at the stern figure in the courtyard immersed in sword realization. He spoke, “Senior brother, I wish to go outside.”

Yun Lie raised his eyes, “For cultivation?”

Xu Ziqing affirmed, “Yes.”

Yun Lie nodded slightly and then rose.

Seeing this, Xu Ziqing knew his senior brother was prepared to accompany him again. Wasn’t this contrary to his intent? Although he was increasingly moved by his brother’s care, he quickly intervened, saying, “This time, I’ve suddenly felt a longing to go for a walk. Please don’t trouble yourself, Shixiong.” In truth, he desired a solitary journey. Upstodatee from n(0)/ve/lbIn/.(co/m

Yun Lie hesitated.

When Xu Ziqing witnessed this, an array of emotions churned within. Yet, this decision was a result of careful consideration, one he couldn’t alter midway. He recalled the happiness he felt due to his senior brother’s care and believed he needed some time alone to figure out how to act and interact with his senior brother in the future.

Yun Lie gazed at Xu Ziqing for a moment, then sat down cross-legged once more. However, he raised his hand, and a black light was directed at Xu Ziqing.

Xu Ziqing reached out and caught it—an inscribed talisman, weighty and imbued with an enigmatic power. A mere touch made it feel incredibly sharp and dominant. He knew instantly that this was a manifestation of his senior brother’s sword intent. He couldn’t help but feel a rush of warmth. Taking a deep breath, he expressed, “Thank you, Shixiong. I’ll depart now.”

Yun Lie remained silent, entering a meditative state.

Xu Ziqing didn’t delay further and turned to leave. Once outside, he meticulously closed the door.

In the past few days, he was almost always by his senior brother’s side. To prevent his senior brother from catching any hints, he hadn’t allowed himself to consider things. Now, he was seeking a tranquil place to contemplate.

Beyond the courtyard’s gate, the Wanlan Flower World bustled with activity due to the “blind date.” Numerous male and female cultivators strolled together, some already forming connections during their interactions.

Seeing this burgeoning atmosphere of romance, Xu Ziqing’s eyes dimmed momentarily. Employing the wood escape technique, he swiftly vanished into the distance.

Navigating through countless flowers and trees, Xu Ziqing’s heart swelled with emotions, surging bit by bit.

At this moment, a flood of memories concerning his relationship with his senior brothers flashed through Xu Ziqing’s mind.

Ultimately, it stemmed from being seen as someone they relied upon from the start, someone they would always accompany in the future. Yet, despite experiencing two lifetimes, for various reasons, he remained ignorant about love and its true essence.

Therefore, as love grew deeper and deeper, he finally became aware of it. Yet, at this point, he couldn’t extricate himself. He could only conceal a fragment of affection in his heart, unable to halt it, compelling him to savor it in secret.

Feeling overwhelmed, he lost track of how much time he spent contemplating. Xu Ziqing impulsively utilized the wood escape technique, and before he realized it, he had wandered off his path.

For cultivators, whenever they approach a new realm, inner demons are inevitable.

These inner demons are a reflection of the heart and often arise due to emotions.

One can either forget these feelings, sever them, or comprehend the seven emotions. Only by being transparent in all things, unburdened by emotions, can one rid oneself of such inner demons, break through the tribulation, and ascend to a higher level.

This “love” isn’t merely romantic love—it encompasses love among family, friends, confidantes, grievances, and more. Among them, the love and affection between family and friends are the most challenging to comprehend and can cause the most self-inflicted suffering.

Over the years, numerous cultivators and even powerful cultivators were harmed by love and couldn’t transcend this obstacle. In the end, their lives were lost, their paths were extinguished, and their pursuit of immortality was in vain.

When Xu Ziqing asked himself this question, he didn’t let go of his affection for his senior brother; rather, he gained clear insight into this affection and accepted it. Henceforth, the love in his heart would not hinder him but to accompany him forever.

Fortunate, incredibly fortunate.

Even when his cultivation base was still in its infancy, he had seen through his affection for his senior brother and could manage his emotions. Otherwise, as one’s cultivation deepens, encountering the concept of “love” might not be as easily comprehended. If not careful, one might sink deeper and deeper, eventually succumbing to obsession. Ultimately, this would lead to self-destruction and harm to others.

With an improved state of mind, the “Ten Thousand Woods Great Heart Planting Technique” immediately accelerated its operation, even surpassing its previous speed, verging on a frenzy.

Xu Ziqing’s eyes remained tightly shut, devoid of any hint of woodland energy seeping from his form. Instead, it continued to penetrate deep into his being.

At this moment, he still sat within the colossal tree. Strangely, the surrounding aura of the heavens and earth remained unresponsive, and even the tree concealing him exhibited no anomalies.

Had someone been able to peer through the bark, they would have witnessed a young man in a green shirt, his skin displaying a texture reminiscent of tree bark.

It was akin to being pricked by the Qingyun needles.

Xu Ziqing sensed he had entered an unusual state, gradually merging with this ancient tree. He seemed to experience the myriad memories of this millennial giant.

There were moments of joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness, as well as a deep-rooted reluctance toward solitude. Ultimately, it descended into desolation and a somber mood.

This sensation slowly submerged into his consciousness, and Xu Ziqing began to regain his awareness.

Now that his mind was clear, it was time to return. He realized he had been acting strangely these days, and his brother must be quite puzzled. He really shouldn’t have.

Just as he contemplated this, the lines on Xu Ziqing’s face began to fade, and he prepared to exit.

However, in the next instant, a profoundly perilous foreboding swept over him!

An immensely potent spiritual consciousness was scouring in all directions, mighty and expansive, far beyond his ability to resist!

Startled, Xu Ziqing’s dantian surged with energy, his face swiftly acquiring the markings of the tree’s bark. Soon, his body’s surface resembled that of the surrounding trees.

He couldn’t leave; an ominous warning took shape within him. He couldn’t afford to leave at this critical moment.

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