Arc 14: Dayan Empire | Chapter 240: A Crush

Arc 14: Dayan Empire | Chapter 240: A Crush

Translator: Lynn

Since the incident on the Wild Beast Plains three years ago, Xu Ziqing and his Shixiong Yun Lie received an invitation from Xuan Ze Xiang to explore the secret repository. However, the repository wouldn’t open until five years later. While five years might seem insignificant in the grand scheme of immortality cultivation, Xu Ziqing preferred to focus on rigorous practice rather than aimless wandering.

Nevertheless, they chose not to return to their sect.

The adventures they embarked upon during their training were personal endeavors, requiring no notification to the sect. Besides, the discovery of Heavenly Secret Realm was of such monumental importance that the sect leadership likely already knew about it. Follow the latest novels on no/velbin(.)com

Traditionally, for such significant events, the sect leader would assemble a team of elders and elite cultivators above the Nascent Soul stage to seek benefits on behalf of the sect. Disciples like Yun Lie and Xu Ziqing, who had yet to attain significant power, would not be among them and thus would not receive summoning orders from the sect master.

In light of this, the two followed Prince Tiancheng Xuan Ze to the palace in the Dayan Empire’s capital. They considered it a temporary residence rather than a sect affiliation.

Upon arrival, Xuan Ze treated them with great care. Impressed by Yun Lie’s swordsmanship, Xi Lin, the swordsman, held him in high regard and willingly vacated his courtyard for Yun Lie to inhabit. Meanwhile, Xi Lin focused on rigorous practice in a nearby thatched hut, occasionally engaging Yun Lie in discussions on swordsmanship or brief sparring sessions in the courtyard.

Observing the budding camaraderie between his shixiong and Xi Lin, Xu Ziqing dedicated himself to practice in another nearby courtyard. He possessed wood energy, which, if exerted to its fullest, could inadvertently affect his senior brother’s progress. Hence, maintaining a slight distance seemed prudent.

Intermittent periods of seclusion followed.

Since the skirmish on the Wild Beast Plains, Xu Ziqing had refined his technique with Rongjin significantly, and the Qingyun Needle had undergone some transformations. Yet, certain aspects of combat experience remained undigested. With the impending unveiling of Heavenly Secret Realm, Xu Ziqing felt a growing sense of urgency, realizing the need to redouble his efforts in practice.

Of course, his diligence yielded favorable results.

Following a rigorous training regimen, Xu Ziqing not only enhanced his combat prowess but also achieved another breakthrough within a year, progressing from the early to the middle stage of Golden Core Formation stage.

However, instead of finding joy in his rapid advancement, Xu Ziqing felt a sense of unease creeping over him.

While his cultivation speed had been respectable even in the spiritually barren small world, the swift progression in the broader world seemed somewhat unnatural. It felt peculiar to him that he could ascend through the Golden Core Formation Stage so swiftly, and potentially even achieve further breakthroughs in short order.

Swift cultivation advancements typically led to one outcome: unstable realms.

Xu Ziqing attributed much of this instability to Rongjin, his natal tree. As Rongjin strengthened, it supplied him with more wood energy, hastening his cultivation. However, this needs stronger suppression of Rongjin to maintain balance.

Currently, while Xu Ziqing’s cultivation had improved, his ability to control it had not kept pace. This left him vulnerable to instability and collapse under certain stimuli.

In response, over the remaining two years, Xu Ziqing ceased further cultivation advancement. Even when absorbing wood energy, he directed it towards refining his magical powers.

His experiences on the battlefield had afforded him a deeper understanding of refining the Qingyun Needle, reinforcing his determination to stabilize his realm. Through relentless training, he gradually dispelled the unease stemming from his rapid ascension.

Despite his affectionate feelings, his shixiong seemed oblivious to them. While this realization might have caused heartache for others, Xu Ziqing found his shixiong’s lack of awareness rather endearing. He occasionally pondered how his shixiong would react if he ever discovered these feelings.

However, during their private moments, his eyes burned with intensity, refusing to conceal his emotions. Yet, his shixiong remained oblivious, serious as ever—an impenetrable fortress, a frozen ice lump. It vexed him and made him chuckle at the same time. After contemplating for a while, Xu Ziqing sighed inwardly, and a gentler expression graced his face.

...or whatever.

If it doesn’t open up, it won’t open up. If it can’t be cured, it won’t be cured. Despite this, he believed his shixiong excelled in everything, leaving no room for complaints. Fortunately, his shixiong treated him much better than others, so even if his feelings went unnoticed, it never left him disheartened.

Not long after, Bi Ruyan departed and returned with another tray of food, this time for Xu Ziqing.

Differing from Yun Lie, Xu Ziqing, being a Golden Core Formation stage cultivator, didn’t rely on grains for sustenance. While Golden Core cultivators could eat regular food, he, during seclusions, resorted to pills to curb hunger. In other times, palace cooks spared no effort in preparing delectable dishes for him, a treatment rivaling that of the esteemed Golden Core stage disciples under Prince Tiancheng.

Soon, an array of golden cups and jade dishes adorned the table, holding a variety of exquisite dishes. Fruits and vegetables exuded vibrant auras, and even the meat selections showcased the tenderest and smoothest parts. The cuisine surpassed the quality of top-notch dishes in ordinary restaurants.

Xu Ziqing picked up silver chopsticks, smiling at Bi Ruyan. “I can manage by myself. If you’re busy, feel free to attend to your matters. There’s no need for you to entertain me.”

Bi Ruyan, slightly perplexed, wondered if this was a polite way to suggest she leave. She responded, “This maid will return later to collect the utensils. Please enjoy your meal. If you have any instructions, please inform the boy at the door.”

Xu Ziqing nodded with a smile, and Bi Ruyan bowed before departing.

Then, Xu Ziqing picked up a chopstick with vegetables, placed it in a small bowl, and pushed it toward his senior brother, saying, “Shixiong, although I don’t need to eat, this dish is quite delightful. It’s not bad to savor it once in a while.” Yun Lie nodded, finishing the golden liver and chalcedony before delving into the new dish.

Observing, Xu Ziqing smiled and inquired, “What do you think, shixiong?”

Yun Lie replied, “It’s okay.”

Undeterred, Xu Ziqing picked up another dish and offered it to Yun Lie, who continued to partake.

This pattern repeated, with Xu Ziqing asking “How is it” each time and Yun Lie consistently responding, “It’s okay.” Xu Ziqing sampled various dishes, and Yun Lie tasted each one.

As the meal progressed, Xu Ziqing felt more at ease, eventually picking up chopsticks to eat himself. Despite not feeling hungry due to an extended period of seclusion, he couldn’t resist the allure of the exquisite dishes before him and indulged in the feast.

Throughout the meal, Xu Ziqing’s smile remained unchanged. He had always faced his feelings for his senior brother with composure, always eager to extend courtesy. Even though his senior brother remained oblivious to his affections, the unintentional responses provided a form of acknowledgment. Many harbor secret loves in this world, but few are as fortunate as him. How could he not be overjoyed?

When the meal concluded, Xu Ziqing set down his chopsticks and summoned someone to clean up.

However, another person entered with the cleaning staff.

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