Chapter 59 My Junior Brother's Happy Life (Seventeen) My Junior Brother, Here I Come...

Fifteen years later.

A young man in purple robes and a jade belt broke through to the Golden Core stage in a secret chamber on Zizai Peak. His black hair hung high and his belt was tied around his waist. He was a handsome and dignified young man. This man was Qin Nian'an, who was only twenty years old.

Qin Nian'an took a deep breath, then casually closed the wide-open stone door to the secret chamber. As he moved, the golden bell at his waist jingled clear and melodious.

He hadn't seen his brother for over two years. He wondered how his brother was doing, whether he was still in the clan, and if he missed him.

Just as she was lost in thought, a smiling male voice came from behind her: "An'er, you've emerged from seclusion."

Qin Nian'an turned around abruptly, looked at Song Ce, who was dressed in white not far away, and exclaimed with delight, "Brother!"

Song Ce smiled gently, "You've formed your core?"

Qin Nian'an didn't speak. He gently raised his right hand and used a technique that only Golden Core cultivators could master—"Plucking Leaves and Flying Flowers"—on Song Ce.

"Good, An'er has made something of herself."

Hearing Song Ce's praise, Qin Nian'an was filled with joy, and a bright smile appeared on her face. "Although my cultivation is not even one-tenth as good as yours, I just want to fight alongside you in the future and not hold you back."

Upon hearing this, Song Ce stepped forward, gently patted Qin Nian'an's head, and sighed, "An'er, remember, your diligent cultivation now is for the sake of going further in the future, not for anyone else, including me, do you understand?"

Qin Nian'an shook her head seriously, "No, I cultivate for my brother."

Song Ce smiled and patted Qin Nian'an on the shoulder: "Silly child."

"Brother." Qin Nian'an smiled softly and said affectionately, "Now that I have formed my core and have the ability to protect myself, I wonder if I could go down the mountain to the mainland and see the world?"

Song Ce was taken aback upon hearing this. Although he was reluctant to part with her, he understood that Qin Nian'an had grown up and needed to be tempered, which would greatly benefit her future cultivation path. He nodded, his eyes full of concern: "An'er, the world outside the mountain is complex and ever-changing. You are pure of heart, but people's hearts are unpredictable. You must remember not to be careless."

At this point, Song Ce paused, then turned around and walked towards the small courtyard on Zizai Peak: "An'er, follow me."

Qin Nian'an followed Song Ce back to the courtyard where the two brothers lived. Before he could ask any questions, dozens of storage bags were stuffed into his arms. Each storage bag was thoughtfully labeled with its purpose: there were defensive magic treasures, various talismans, magic robes and artifacts, and cultivation techniques and secret arts. The most eye-catching thing was that a pile of high-grade spirit stones and top-grade spirit stones suddenly appeared on the stone table in the courtyard.

"Brother..." Qin Nian'an held the storage bag in her arms, which was about to slip out of her hands, with a mix of amusement and exasperation. "I'm just going to the mainland to gain some experience. How am I supposed to use all this stuff?"

"How could that be?" Song Ce smiled faintly. "When you were seven or eight years old, you were the most mischievous and naughty. You were always getting your sleeves burned by the Crimson Flame Spirit Bird or having your clothes bitten by the Giant Spirit Rabbit. How could I be at ease? No, that's not enough. Let me find those armor pieces I bought at the auction last time..."

Qin Nian'an's ears turned red upon hearing this, and she whispered in defense, "That was all when I was a child. I'm an adult now."

"No matter how old you are, you're still a child in your brother's eyes." Song Ce thought for a moment, then took out a jade pendant that filled an entire storage bag. "I almost forgot about this, An'er. You must keep this with you carefully. If you encounter any danger, crush it immediately, and your brother will..."

"Show up and rescue me right away?" Qin Nian'an laughed heartily. "Then I might as well take my brother with me on this training trip."

“Yes.” Song Ce nodded seriously. “How come I didn’t think of that? You wait, I’ll go with you. That way, I won’t have to worry about you getting into trouble on the mountain. Not bad, not bad, this is a good idea.”

"Brother!" Qin Nian'an's face flushed slightly, then she took a small step back, activated her spiritual power, and soared into the air on her sword. Song Ce looked up at this and heard the boy's clear voice pierce through the clouds, "I have already arranged to go down the mountain with Lan Ying and Wang Linming today, so I won't trouble you to come along. I will keep the jade pendant safe! Now that I have achieved my Golden Core, it's time for me to go out and see the world on my own. Goodbye, brother!"

As soon as she finished speaking, Qin Nian'an transformed into a streak of light and disappeared without a trace.

“This child—” Song Ce smiled gently as he looked in Qin Nian’an’s direction. He quickly wrote a real life-saving talisman with two fingers together, and with a light wave, the talisman seemed to be guided and chased after the departing Nian’an.

After bidding farewell to her brother, Qin Nian'an arrived at the foot of Hefeng Mountain. Lan Ying and Wang Linming, who were already waiting there, smiled upon seeing Qin Nian'an and quickly stepped forward.

"Nian'an, you've finally decided to leave seclusion. I've been so bored these past two years without you in the sect," Wang Linming complained, giving Qin Nian'an a light punch on the shoulder.

Lan Ying chuckled and said, "Nian An, you've kept us waiting quite a while today. You'll have to treat us to a good drink later."

Qin Nian'an smiled brightly upon hearing this: "Alright! You're in charge today!"

"How is it? Have you reached the Golden Core stage?" Wang Linming asked with a smile.

"He has reached the Golden Core stage."

"Ah, I really envy Nian'an for having an elder brother at the Mahayana stage. If I had one, I would definitely fight against evil and bring peace to the people every day, rob the rich to help the poor, act on behalf of Heaven, punish evil and promote good, and fight against evil..." Wang Linming sighed.

"Stop it." Lan Ying covered her ears, unable to bear it any longer, and interrupted, "You? I think you're just indulging in pleasure and living a life of debauchery."

Wang Linming was momentarily speechless at Lan Ying's words, but then retorted confidently, "Lan Ying, don't ruin my bright and noble image. Besides, I'm just envious of Nian An."

Seeing the two bickering again, Qin Nian'an shook his head helplessly and said, "Alright, alright, senior brothers, let's hurry down the mountain, or the tavern will have to close."

"Right, right, I almost forgot the important matter. Let's go, the three heroes of Qingyun, let's officially set off!" Wang Linming was full of heroic spirit and took the lead in mobilizing his spiritual power to fly on his sword.

Lan Ying and Qin Nian'an smiled upon seeing this and followed closely behind, the three of them flying towards the town at the foot of the mountain on their swords.

Upon reaching the foot of the mountain, Qin Nian'an was filled with curiosity about everything. Before her eyes stretched bustling streets and lively markets, teeming with people. Among them were ordinary people and cultivators disguised as ordinary people.

"How is it? It's been almost three years since you came down the mountain. It's much more lively down there than in our sect, isn't it?" Wang Linming picked up a folding fan from a stall, paid for it, and handed it to Qin Nian'an: "Here, I wish you success in forming your core."

Qin Nian'an raised an eyebrow: "What does this mean?"

"Isn't it obvious?" Wang Linming looked dejected. "Of course it's a congratulatory gift."

"Hahaha!" Even the usually calm and composed Lan Ying couldn't help but laugh out loud at the scene before her. Over the past ten years, the three of them had spent time together, and Lan Ying's personality had gradually become more cheerful and open-minded, no longer the reserved and self-possessed person she once was.

As for the reason, it was not a secret. It was all because when his master, Master Yihua, the leader of Qingyun Sect, broke through to the Nascent Soul Realm, the hidden ailment left in his body was cured by that Mahayana Ancestor. As a result, the heavy burden that he was originally about to take over the position of sect leader was also lifted off his shoulders, and his state of mind was naturally different from before.

"Lan Ying, you're still laughing. I at least have a congratulatory gift, what about you?" Wang Linming scoffed.

"Of course I have one." Lan Ying waved the storage bag in her hand. "Today, let's drink until we drop. It's on me."

"Okay! It's settled then!"

The three of them laughed and joked as they walked briskly toward a restaurant that looked quite lively.

The waiter waiting at the door spotted the three of them immediately and greeted them with a smile: "Esteemed immortals, please come in! We have spacious, comfortable, and quiet private rooms upstairs. Would you like one?"

Upon hearing this, Wang Linming waved his hand and said with a smile, "No need, it's fine right here in the main hall, it'll be much more lively! Waiter, bring us a few jars of your restaurant's strongest wine! As for the dishes, we'll just have your signature dishes!"

"Alright! Please have a seat, esteemed immortals, I'll serve you wine right away!" the waiter replied, turning and quickly leaving.

In the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, several jars of fine wine and some local specialties were placed on the table. Wang Linming couldn't wait to pick up a wine jar, fill his own, Qin Nian'an's, and Lan Ying's cups, and then raised his cup and said, "Come, to celebrate Nian'an's emergence from seclusion today, and to celebrate the three of us gathering here today, cheers!"

"good!"

After the three of them drank it all in one gulp, Qin Nian'an felt a warm current flow down his throat, and his whole body felt warmed by the wine. He couldn't help but exclaim, "Good wine!"

Just then, a discordant, mocking voice suddenly came from the side.

"Where did this country bumpkin come from? He's so noisy."

The three of them frowned in unison and looked in the direction of the sound. They saw a handsome young man dressed in fine clothes sitting at the next table, surrounded by several servants who were looking at them with disdain.

Qin Nian'an and Lan Ying exchanged a glance. This person was dressed as a young man in purple clothes. Although he looked relaxed, a hint of coquettishness could still be seen between his brows. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a girl.

Upon hearing this, Wang Linming's face instantly darkened. He stood up abruptly, stared at the boy, and said, "What do you mean by that? Who are you calling a country bumpkin?"

The young woman sneered and said slowly, "Whoever argues with me, I'll talk to them. Look at you all, dressed so shabbily, shouting and yelling over a drink, what are you if not country bumpkins?" As she spoke, she unfolded a folding fan with a "whoosh" and pretended to be graceful.

Lan Ying frowned upon seeing this, reached out and tugged at Wang Linming's sleeve, and said softly, "Why bother with her? Let's just drink, there's no need to get angry with someone like her."

Wang Linming snorted upon hearing this, and then sat down.

The boy laughed and said, "Tch, how ridiculous."

Qin Nian'an held down Wang Linming, whose face was flushed, and looked calmly at the young man, saying indifferently, "Fellow Daoist, we are all here to eat and drink. Why do you have to speak so hurtfully? The three of us have no grudge against you, so please be more polite."

"Polite?" The young man's expression changed slightly when he saw that the three of them were not going to back down, but he quickly regained his arrogant look: "Even if I'm not polite, what can you do to me?"

"I can't take it anymore..." Wang Linming quickly mobilized the spiritual energy in his body, and instantly, the spiritual energy condensed into a sharp force that shot towards the boy.

Upon seeing this, the servants beside the young man rushed forward, wanting to shield their master from the attack.

However, although Wang Linming seemed unreliable, he was now a Golden Core cultivator, and his angry attack was not something these Foundation Establishment attendants could easily stop. The force of his attack instantly broke through the hastily set-up defenses of the attendants and headed straight for the young man.

The boy's eyes widened in shock, his arrogance vanishing instantly, replaced by panic. She hurriedly tried to get up and dodge, but found that the energy had dispersed, leaving her with no way to escape.

Just as the energy was about to strike her, suddenly, a dark shadow flashed by, and a black-clad cultivator suddenly appeared in front of the boy. With a gentle wave of his hand, Wang Linming's energy was easily neutralized.

Upon seeing this, Wang Linming was startled. Qin Nian'an and Lan Ying also immediately stood up, looking warily at the black-clad cultivator in front of them.

"Hmph! Just a mere Golden Core cultivator..." the black-clad cultivator said coldly, his eyes casually sweeping over the three of them, but his expression changed when he saw Qin Nian'an, and he abruptly stopped speaking.

"I wonder if this gentleman is Qin Nian'an?" The black-clad cultivator asked cautiously, hiding the frightened-looking boy behind him.

"It is indeed me." Qin Nian'an nodded. He was certain that he had never seen this person before, but how did this person know his name?

Upon hearing this, the black-clad cultivator took a deep breath, stepped forward, and forced a smile: "Young friend Qin, this matter was indeed started by my unworthy disciple. Please don't take it to heart, fellow young friends. Huan'er, apologize to the young friends."

Cheng Huan'er was used to being arrogant and domineering, so after hearing her master's words, she felt she had lost face. For the first time, she muttered indignantly, "Do they even deserve an apology from me?"

"You!" Wang Linming roared.

"Huan'er, don't make me say it a second time," the black-clad cultivator said, his face darkening.

"Master, please don't be angry... Fellow Daoists, I'm sorry, it was my rudeness." Cheng Huan'er said somewhat reluctantly.

Seeing that Cheng Huan'er had obediently apologized, the black-clad cultivator didn't want to linger any longer. He nodded to Qin Nian'an and said, "Young friend Qin, it was my fault for failing to properly teach your disciples. I'll put the food and drink on my tab today as an apology. Let's just let this matter drop."

The three exchanged glances, and Wang Linming snorted, "Fellow Daoist is quite polite, but you'll have to discipline your disciples properly in the future to prevent them from causing trouble again."

"I'll remember what you say, young friend." With that, the black-clad cultivator led Cheng Huan'er and his attendants away from the restaurant.

"Master!" After the group had walked away, Cheng Huan'er quickly stepped forward and called out cautiously.

"Hmph! I've spoiled you rotten. You're all looks and no brains! Do I have to teach you again who you can and can't mess with? I met that cultivator surnamed Qin a few years ago. He has a Mahayana stage elder brother backing him up. Do you think you can afford to mess with someone like that?" the black-clad cultivator said coldly.

"Huan'er... Huan'er knows she was wrong." Cheng Huan'er bit her lip and hurriedly knelt on the ground.

"Get up! I've noticed you've been rather impatient lately, and I fear there might be some trouble on your path of cultivation. Come to my cave tonight, and I'll give you some proper guidance," the black-clad cultivator said calmly.

“This…” Cheng Huan’er hesitated.

"What? Are you unwilling?" the black-clad cultivator asked calmly.

"I dare not... Huan'er thanks Master." A look of fear flashed across Cheng Huan'er's face as she lowered her head and replied in a trembling voice.

At this moment, Qin Nian'an and the other two sat back down in their seats.

Wang Linming's anger had not completely subsided. He snorted and said, "If it weren't for that black-clad cultivator who stepped in to smooth things over, that arrogant brat would have been taught a lesson today."

Lan Ying smiled helplessly and poured Wang Linming a glass of wine: "Alright, alright, Linming, don't be angry anymore, let's continue drinking. But, you did say something wrong just now."

"What did you say?"

"That wasn't some spoiled brat; it was clearly a female cultivator disguised as a man," Lan Ying said with a smile.

"Even if she's a female cultivator, she's still an annoying girl! But I really can't understand how this black-clad cultivator knows Nian An? And why is he being so polite to her?" Wang Linming asked, puzzled.

Lan Ying turned her head and said, "I was just thinking about this too. This person must have met Nian An's elder brother before?"

Qin Nian'an frowned slightly upon hearing this, lost in thought. Although his elder brother was at the Mahayana stage, he always kept a low profile and had no recollection of this black-clad cultivator.

"Forget it, don't think about it anymore, it'll only cause you more trouble," Lan Ying patted Qin Nian'an's shoulder and said in a low voice.

"How about... we go investigate tonight?" Wang Linming chuckled.

Qin Nian'an shook his head and said seriously, "Linming, we must not act rashly. Since that black-clad cultivator was able to easily neutralize your attack, his cultivation level must be above ours. Moreover, since he knows me, he must know something about us. If we go to investigate rashly, we may be in danger."

“Linming, Nian’an is right. We must not act impulsively when we go down the mountain for training. It’s not too late to make plans after we find more clues,” Lan Ying also advised.

Although Wang Linming disliked the girl somewhat, he knew that Nian An and Lan Ying had a point, so he nodded and said, "Then I'll listen to you."

"Now that you mention it, I remember." Qin Nian'an clapped his hands and took out two sets of protective armor and two life-protecting jade pendants from his storage bag, handing them to Wang Linming and Lan Ying: "These are gifts from my brother. Once you wear them, as long as your cultivation level is not above my brother's, no one can hurt you."

Upon hearing this, Wang Linming and Lan Ying's eyes lit up: "Since it was given by Brother Nian'an, then we won't stand on ceremony."

As dusk fell, all three were slightly tipsy. Suddenly, a commotion arose outside the restaurant, seemingly an argument. Wang Linming immediately perked up, standing up and saying, "Nian'an, Lan Ying, let's go see what's going on."

Qin Nian'an and Lan Ying exchanged a smile and then followed Wang Linming out of the restaurant.

On the street outside the restaurant, a group of cultivators dressed in the uniform robes of the One Sword Pavilion were surrounding a young man in a blue robe made of brocade. The young man seemed to have an eye ailment, as a white silk ribbon was tightly binding his eyes.

The taller of the two cultivators was grabbing the boy by the collar and said menacingly, "Boy, you'd better hand over what you stole from me, or else..." The cultivator snorted coldly, his threat quite obvious.

The boy was pale and struggled, but couldn't break free: "Fellow Daoist, I didn't steal anything from you."

"You're still trying to deny it? My storage bag was clearly tied properly around my waist. It disappeared after you passed by me. If you didn't steal it, who else could it be?" the cultivator said angrily.

“So many people walked past you just now, and you dared to grab a blind boy. What, are you bullying the weak and fearing the strong?” Wang Linming stepped forward and said.

The cultivator was taken aback upon hearing this. He turned around and saw Qin Nian'an and the other two. A hint of caution flashed in his eyes: "Who are you? I advise you not to meddle in things that are none of your business!"

Qin Nian'an also stepped forward, "In broad daylight, can you really conclude that he stole your things based solely on your word?"

"Or are you saying you didn't lose anything at all, and are just trying to frame someone to extort money? I had no idea that the disciples of One Sword Pavilion were engaging in such shady dealings?" Lan Ying said with a smile.

Seeing his senior brother being questioned by the three of them, he was momentarily speechless. Then, a domineering cultivator stepped forward and argued forcefully, "Our One Sword Pavilion would never wrong an innocent person, but it is a fact that my senior brother's storage bag is missing. He was the only one who passed by us just now! It must be him!"

“Maybe someone stole it when you weren’t looking and then framed this person?” Wang Linming said coldly.

The imposing cultivator was about to say something more when he was stopped by the taller cultivator. "I'm just unlucky today. Consider this storage bag as food for the dogs! I don't care! Let's go!"

After the group from Yijian Pavilion had gone some distance, the blue-robed youth hurriedly bowed to the three of them, then took his leave and headed in the opposite direction.

"Don't you think this person... looks a bit like that female cultivator from today?" Lan Ying pondered, carefully watching the departing figure of the blue-robed youth.

"Huh? I didn't notice," Wang Linming said.

"Um... I didn't think so either," Qin Nian'an said awkwardly.

"Anyway, we have nothing to do right now, so why don't we just follow them and take a look?" Wang Linming took out three breath-concealing talismans from his storage bag. "I begged my master to make these for me last time. They can completely conceal a cultivator's aura. Unless their cultivation level is two realms higher than ours, they definitely won't be able to detect us."

Qin Nian'an: "..."

Lan Ying: "...How did you manage to persuade the usually serious Elder Duming to make this kind of talisman for you?"

"I cannot reveal it, for I have a brilliant plan," Wang Linming said smugly.

After the three of them affixed the breathing talisman, they carefully followed behind the blue-robed youth.

The boy didn't notice them. He wandered through a dark alley, and at the very back of the alley, he pushed open a door and carefully went inside.

Could this be the boy's home? The three exchanged a glance and carefully leaped onto the high wall.

"Ah Huan, today is the fifteenth, have you returned?" the boy whispered.

The only response he received was a gentle breeze.

"Haven't they come back yet?" Following his memory, the boy arrived at the jujube tree and sat down cross-legged on the ground with a normal expression.

The three hid on the wall, and Wang Linming whispered, "Who is he waiting for so late?"

"Waiting for someone." Lan Ying made a small joke.

Upon hearing this, Wang Linming punched his shoulder: "This Ah Huan, could she be that female cultivator from today?"

“Let’s just wait and see,” Qin Nian’an said.

They waited for two hours.

Just then, a very light footstep sound came from the alley entrance. The three looked in the direction of the sound and saw the female Taoist priest they had met in the restaurant during the day hurrying towards them.

She looked rather disheveled. Her men's clothing was loose and baggy, and the hairpin in her hair was askew. What shocked the three of them the most was that there were still red marks on her neck.

With just one glance, they knew what the female cultivator had just experienced.

"Brother, I'm here." Cheng Huan'er pushed open the wooden door with trembling hands and said to the boy under the jujube tree.

"Ah Huan, it's alright, I just arrived too." The boy in blue stood up and took out a storage bag from his pocket: "These are the elixirs and spirit stones that Elder You gave me a few days ago. My aptitude isn't good, so you should have them, Ah Huan."

Cheng Huan'er took the storage bag with trembling hands, large tears falling from her eyes. Although Cheng Jing couldn't see clearly, he heard a low nasal sound.

"Ah Huan, what's wrong?" Cheng Jing stepped forward anxiously and asked hurriedly.

"No, brother." Cheng Huan'er forced a smile, but the smile was more painful than a grimace. "Master treats me so well. Today, Master personally...taught me swordsmanship, which is why I'm a little late. Brother, how does Elder You treat you?"

"I'm doing great! Since I was transferred to Qidao Peak, Elder You has given me a cultivation technique that allows me to see inwards. Although I can only see a general outline, I don't fall down as often as before," Cheng Jing said gently.

Upon hearing that Cheng Jing could make out the general outline, Cheng Huan'er quickly tidied her somewhat messy hair. "Brother, please stop sending me spirit herbs and spirit stones. Keep them for yourself! I don't need them."

“Ah Huan, you have good potential. Listen to your brother and keep it.”

"Um."

After the brief moment of tenderness between the Cheng siblings, Cheng Huan'er pursed her lips and closed her eyes briefly: "Brother, I... have to go. Today I still need to go back and study... sword techniques."

"Alright, Ah Huan, take your time going back. Your brother is also returning to the sect today. Let's meet again on the next fifteenth," Cheng Jing said reluctantly.

Cheng Huan'er couldn't hold back any longer, and tears streamed down her face. She softly hummed in agreement and turned to leave, retracing her steps.

Cheng Jing gazed in the direction his sister had left for a long time before finally flying away from the Cheng family courtyard on his sword.

The three exchanged glances, and Lan Ying was the first to speak: "What should we say next?"

"Sigh, I suddenly feel sorry for Ah Huan," Wang Linming sighed.

"Shall we follow them and take a look?" Qin Nian'an said.

"Nian'an, you and Lan Ying said today that you shouldn't act rashly or impulsively, how come you changed your mind overnight?" Wang Linming teased.

"You just said that this girl is quite pitiful. Lan Ying, what do you think?" Qin Nian'an asked.

"Walk."

The three followed Cheng Huan'er all the way to a high-walled courtyard. Cheng Huan'er walked to the innermost courtyard and obediently knelt on the ground: "Master, your disciple is late."

"Um."

The door to the house suddenly opened, and the black-clad cultivator stepped out slowly, coaxing in a low voice, "Who did you go to see so late?"

"No...no one," Cheng Huan'er said in a trembling voice.

"Huan'er, you know me. I hate being lied to more than anything in my life." The black-clad monk suddenly reached out and grabbed her by the neck, dragging her into the house as he did so, asking, "Where did you go the last time? Who did you see?"

Cheng Huan'er's face flushed red as the black-clad cultivator gripped her neck. She tried her best to break free from the iron grip, but she couldn't. She managed to squeeze out a few words: "Master...Master, I really didn't...lie to you. I just...just went out for some fresh air."

The black-clad cultivator abruptly threw Cheng Huan'er into the room, then slammed the door shut with a bang.

High above the wall, Lan Ying and the other two hid in the shadows. Wang Linming clenched his fists tightly: "This man doesn't seem like a master at all! He's clearly a madman!"

"Shh, Linming, don't rush, let's check the situation first," Lan Ying whispered a reminder.

Inside the house at this moment.

The black-clad cultivator had his back to Cheng Huan'er and said in an icy voice, "Huan'er, I saw that you have exceptional talent and have nurtured you with great care. But what have you done? All you do is think about running away from home, hmm?"

Upon hearing this, Cheng Huan'er struggled to her feet, knelt on the ground, and her voice trembled with tears. Having served this man for many years, she knew exactly what expression could elicit his pity: "Master, Huan'er was wrong, Huan'er will never dare to do it again. Disciple... Huan'er has always remembered the kindness Master has shown me, and has never dared to have any disloyal thoughts."

As expected, the black-clad cultivator slowly turned around, a barely perceptible hint of heartache flashing in his eyes, but it was quickly replaced by indifference: "Since you know you were wrong, then your master will forgive you this time. However..."

"Thank you, Master. Huan'er understands." Cheng Huan'er lowered her head, not daring to resist in the slightest, and crawled to the side of the black-robed cultivator...

The black-clad cultivator looked at her obedient appearance, sighed softly, and then gently stroked the top of her head: "Huan'er, I'm doing this all for your own good. The outside continent is too dangerous. Only by staying by my side can you be safe and sound."

"Huan'er knows."

Seeing the room gradually heating up, the three of them changed their expressions and carefully jumped off the wall. Just a second ago, Cheng Huan'er was pleading with a sob in her voice, but the next second, the black-clad cultivator suddenly screamed and his body began to disintegrate inch by inch.

"Master, what's wrong?" Cheng Huan'er rushed towards the black-clad cultivator, but a faint, almost imperceptible smile appeared on her lips.

"It's a Soul-Killing Formation! Retreat quickly!" Lan Ying shouted.

Qin Nian'an was already prepared. The Swift Travel Talisman in his palm was quickly affixed to the backs of Lan Ying and Wang Linming. In just a moment, the three of them disappeared from the spot.

"Hmph, you're quick on your feet."

Just as Cheng Huan'er finished committing the act of murdering her master, her brother Cheng Jing returned to Qidao Peak.

You Songgan, who had long since resigned from his position as sect leader, was admiring the Luo Ying Flower in Yunju. Ten years ago, he had spent a great deal of effort to barely obtain such a plant.

He still remembered the day Wudao came to his Qidao Peak with a face full of anger, questioning him about his true intentions.

What do you mean? Didn't he make it very clear? Since everyone on the mainland knows what he truly wants, why should he suffer the torment of longing?

Yu Songgan carefully observed the look of disgust and anger on Wudao's face, and couldn't help but recall how intimate and dependent Wudao had been on him in the dream. He could no longer resist stepping forward and grabbing Wudao's wrist tightly. Sure enough, it was as delicate and warm as in the dream.

He heard himself laughing as he said, "Since you call me filthy today, then I'll be filthy this once."

Thinking of this, You Songgan couldn't help but smile faintly.

"Elder." Cheng Jing quickly stepped forward and bowed.

"Is everything done?" You Songgan asked.

"Yes, Elder."

"Then go ahead."

Cheng Jing bowed again before turning around and making his way to a cave in the back of the mountain, which was heavily fortified.

At this moment, on the jade bed in the cave, a figure was sitting cross-legged in meditation.

Cheng Jing knew that this person must have originally had some cultivation, but somehow he lost all of it and is now no different from an ordinary person. He relies on the health-preserving pills sent by his master to prolong his life every year.

"Who?" Wudao, who was meditating, heard the sound of the stone wall outside the cave being opened. He turned around abruptly and shouted.

Upon hearing this, Cheng Jing immediately knelt down and respectfully said, "Senior, this disciple is here on the orders of the elder to deliver some clothes and pills to you."

"Alright," Wu Dao said calmly.

Cheng Jing could only make out a rough outline at the moment, so he couldn't see clearly what the person on the jade bed was like now.

Wu Dao wore a thin robe, revealing a slightly protruding Adam's apple on his smooth neck and delicate collarbones that were faintly visible beneath the robe. Further down, his fair skin was carefully concealed by the slanted opening of the garment.

If someone who knew Elder Wudao were here, they would immediately notice the dramatic change in him.

She still has the familiar long eyebrows and phoenix eyes, but her face now has a slightly more heroic air than a woman's. However, if you look closely, she also has a softer look than before.

Wu Dao glanced at the white jade bottle not far away, a flash of fierceness crossing his eyes. After Cheng Jing put away his clothes, Wu Dao bowed and slowly withdrew.

One step, two steps, three steps... Elder Wudao tightly gripped an invisibility spell in his hand, carefully following behind Cheng Jing. Almost there, almost there.

Once I get out of this cave, I'll have a chance to escape this place.

As usual, Cheng Jing slowly walked out of the cave. He was completely unaware that someone was following him.

Wu Dao gripped the invisibility spell tightly in his hand, holding his breath and following three steps behind him. He took each step cautiously, afraid of making a mistake and alerting Cheng Jing ahead.

Finally, they reached the edge of the barrier.

A faint blue light emanated from Cheng Jing's fingertips, a technique Wu Dao would never forget, even in death—this was the unique technique for breaking restrictions belonging to the You Songgan lineage.

Once... once the restriction is lifted and we pass through it, everything will be over.

At this moment, a mountain breeze carrying the faint fragrance of Luo Ying flower wafted over, and Wu Dao's blood almost froze—this scent was exactly the same as the health-preserving pill that You Songgan had given him.

"Greetings, Senior Brother Cheng." The patrolling disciple on Qidao Peak walked over quickly, and Wudao instinctively pressed himself against the rock wall behind him.

"Mm." Cheng Jing smiled and returned the greeting.

After the patrolling disciples left, Wudao carefully continued to follow behind Cheng Jing.

"Click".

Just as Cheng Jing reached out to touch the last barrier, Wu Dao swiftly flashed to Cheng Jing's left and charged forward—however, he forgot that he had already lost all his cultivation and could not easily pass through this barrier, even though it had been broken.

With a loud "bang," Wudao was bounced back by an invisible wall and crashed heavily to the ground. The invisibility spell in his hand floated gently beside him due to the impact of the wall.

"Who?" Cheng Jing turned around instantly, and as soon as he turned his head, he saw a vague figure lying on the ground.

He stepped forward to examine it closely, then suddenly took a large step back and stammered, "Senior...?"

"Heh." Wudao struggled to get up from the ground. "Aren't you Tianmang?"

"I... this disciple can smell your scent, senior." Cheng Jing stepped forward and bowed helplessly, saying, "Senior, before the elders arrive, you should obediently go back."

"Go back?" Wu Dao repeated slowly, "Unless I die."

"Senior, why are you doing this to yourself..." Cheng Jing said, trying to help him up.

Just then, a figure slowly walked out from not far away. You Songgan stepped forward and looked down at Wudao, who was curled up on the ground: "Where do you want to go?"

Wu Dao chuckled but remained silent.

Seeing this, You Songgan frowned slightly and sighed, "Everything I'm doing now is for your own good. You've lost all your cultivation now, and only by staying by my side can I protect you. Why don't you understand?"

"For my own good?" Wu Dao sneered. "You just want to keep me by your side to satisfy your shameful desires!"

You Songgan's expression remained unchanged. "For your sake, I have resigned from my position as sect leader. From now on, we can live a good life together."

"roll!"

"Why are you so disobedient? You should be my wife." A trace of nostalgia flashed in You Songgan's eyes: "Since that's the case, then I can only lock you up even tighter. One day, you will understand my good intentions."

“Elder…” Cheng Jing stood aside, watching this scene with a pang of pity. He was about to plead for mercy when You Songgan waved his hand, interrupting him: “Get out while I’m still in a good mood.”

"Yes, Elder." Cheng Jing looked at the curled-up silhouette on the ground, pursed his lips, nodded, and turned to leave.

At this moment, only You Songgan and Wudao remained outside the cave.

You Songgan slowly squatted down, wanting to reach out and touch Wudao's face, but Wudao turned his head away.

"It's alright." You Songgan smiled, waved his hand, and a ring of shimmering blue light appeared outside the cave. Then he quickly formed hand seals, and soon the blue restriction spread across the entire Qidao Peak.

"Don't worry, from now on, unless I die, you will never escape Qidao Peak, never... escape from my side, not even a step."

After saying that, You Song made a simple binding spell, firmly trapping Wu Dao. In the past, Wu Dao Zhenren, who was an elder of a sect, could now be trapped so tightly by a simple binding spell.

"As long as you behave, I'll treat you well." After saying this, You Songgan gently bent down, picked up Wudao, and walked towards the cave...

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Author's Note: [Crying emoji] I'm exhausted from writing three chapters in one! One more chapter and my junior brother's story is finished! [Cheering emoji] Thank you Lele for the nutrient solution! Thank you again to all my lovely readers for your continued support! Thank you! [Shrug emoji]