Chapter 70 The Calm Before the Storm

What terrifying thing did Chang Yubai see? Why did he run away so desperately?

This was the first confusion that arose in Li Qingyun's mind.

However, his assessment of strength simply did not allow him to place Chang Yubai in a weaker position. In the blink of an eye, Li Qingyun overturned this idea.

That's not right. Chang Yubai's strength is already at the top level of the Guanwu Continent. Even if all the God Emperors attacked together, they might not be able to make Chang Yubai panic.

It wasn't that Li Qingyun was blindly confident; it was simply that Chang Yubai's talent was too astonishing. Throughout history, no one on the Guanwu Continent could reach even one-tenth of Chang Yubai's level.

Well... I'd say I'm roughly on par with him, but he's still a long way from Qingyun in terms of age and hasn't really developed yet.

That being said, after all the explanations, it only made it harder to guess why Chang Yubai had fled in panic.

When was the last time Chang Yubai pulled this stunt?

Strange, it doesn't seem like much time has passed?

Could it be that this time he also encountered a deep-seated panic, causing him to lose his composure and flee?

Li Qingyun was trying to find clues from Chang Yubai's expression.

Unfortunately, he misunderstood again.

Li Qingyun carefully examined Chang Yubai's expression, only to find that this time it was very different from the panicked escape she remembered.

Now, Chang Yubai, who was carrying him and running away at high speed, showed no sign of fear or confusion. In fact, his eyes were firm and his will was resolute. Even his body was not trembling at all, unlike last time.

Now I understand it even less.

But Li Qingyun is different from Chang Yubai. Li Qingyun has a mouth, which he will use.

"Master?" Li Qingyun called out tentatively in a soft voice.

After he finished shouting, he saw Chang Yubai glance down at him, then look away again as there was no further news.

Okay, that's confirmed. Master Chang is very rational now. Li Qingyun thought to herself, then gave a helpless twitch at the corner of her mouth.

So here's the question: if Chang Yubai wasn't scared out of his wits, then what were they running from?

Could it be the same reason as last time, also because of Li Hongyi?

Speaking of Li Hongyi... where is he?

Li Qingyun's thoughts progressed layer by layer, only stopping at this point. It was this connection that made him realize that one of the usual protagonists in the team was missing.

Li Qingyun: ?

Is that correct?

Before entering Guiyu Island, Chang Yubai had made a firm promise to himself that he would bring Li Hongyi back alive.

However, judging from the current situation, it's uncertain whether Li Hongyi is still alive or not, while he and Chang Yubai seem to be on the verge of collapse.

This doesn't make sense, does it?

Is it really that dangerous?

Li Qingyun's doubts deepened.

Now that we've thought of the key person, we can't help but ask again.

Li Qingyun said, "Master, Li Hongyi..."

Before he could get a clear answer, Chang Yubai abruptly interrupted him with a loud cough.

Especially when Chang Yubai timed it perfectly, turning around guiltily when he pronounced the last word of someone's name, and then suddenly pulling back, it was clear that he had something to hide and was deliberately trying to shut him up.

Li Qingyun's lips twitched again, revealing a forced, insincere smile.

He hadn't yet figured out the reason behind Chang Yubai's actions, but Chang Yubai seemed terrified that he would continue asking questions, and suddenly changed his tone, launching into a long conversation:

"Xiaoyun!"

“Listen to me, we can no longer travel around. I want to find a beautiful, secluded place where we can build our own cave dwelling. From now on, you and I can simply live in seclusion there, meditate and cultivate ourselves, and enjoy our own little world.”

"Even if there are entanglements in the mortal world, there is no need to pursue them anymore. Let the past dissipate like dust and smoke, and treat acquaintances as just passing passersby. If you really can't stand the loneliness, you can also pretend to be an ordinary person and go to town for a visit during your leisure time in the changing seasons, but don't stay too long."

"I've tentatively decided on a courtyard house for the cave dwelling. It's a classic, old-fashioned courtyard, so there's no chance of making a mistake. If you have any new ideas, we can discuss and modify them later. It won't cause any major problems."

"The jade altar for meditation and cultivation must be prepared. Your cultivation is too weak. You really need to intensify your practice and reach the peak as soon as possible."

"I will plant a tree. I haven't decided on the type yet, but it should be a tree that bears a lot of fruit so that it's easy to harvest. That way, I'll have something to do in my spare time."

"I have no experience with animals like chickens, ducks, dogs, and geese, but raising a few would be lively, and building a shed wouldn't be difficult. It's just that their lifespan is a bit of a problem. How about I go out one day and catch a low-level spirit beast to keep as a pet?"

"Don't worry, I've already planned out everything we need for food, clothing, and daily necessities. In the past few years, since we haven't cultivated any farmland in our cave dwelling, we've been eating what we've stored in our mustard seed space, or we've been buying in bulk. We're very wealthy; we can afford to buy enough for hundreds of years at once."

"Well, this should be enough. We can replenish it as needed."

"In short, Xiaoyun, don't worry, I will guide you through this life. As your master, I will definitely protect you!"

Chang Yubai spoke at lightning speed, almost without taking a breath, yet he spoke very coherently and specifically, with logic interwoven into a coherent whole, ultimately creating a scene that was easy to imagine.

In just three minutes, Chang Yubai gave a complete account of his grand life plan.

Li Qingyun stared wide-eyed, unable to hold back a single word.

There's no other reason than that I couldn't get a word in edgewise.

Who is this? Is this still the Chang Yubai he knows?

How come Master Chang can suddenly spout so many words!

The chattering noises rolled around in Li Qingyun's ears. When she finally got some peace and quiet, she discovered that her life had been inexplicably arranged for her.

Li Qingyun endured it all, but in the end, she didn't break off relations and hurl a string of vulgar insults at Chang Yubai.

But he really wanted to offer some words of comfort to Chang Yubai, whose brain was probably malfunctioning at the moment.

Li Qingyun used all his strength to suppress the pent-up frustration in his heart, his smile almost frozen on his face to avoid looking ferocious. Then he looked at Chang Yubai with a deathly smile, trying to find some trace of "joking" on Master Chang's face.

Or it would be good to find evidence that this guy is not Chang Yubai at all.

Chang Yubai seemed to be looking forward to his apprentice's response to his perfect plan, and was blinking as he looked at Li Qingyun.

After exchanging glances, their bright eyes met. Chang Yubai's eyes were full of expectation and determination, while Li Qingyun frowned and turned her head away.

"This is a bit scary," Li Qingyun thought to herself.

What's going on? I actually saw determination in Chang Yubai's eyes?

Is it to show firm conviction over the other party's eloquent speech just now?

Li Qingyun wanted to question it, but he could read the seriousness in his master's expression from Chang Yubai's expression. It was clear that the matter of seclusion was not a spur-of-the-moment decision by Chang Yubai, but a major decision made solemnly after much deliberation.

He knew that Chang Yubai's thought process was always different from ordinary people, and that he always thought very quickly. But every decision has a reason. What could have happened to make someone like Chang Yubai choose to run away?

Chang Yubai, who can firmly face his feelings even when confessing his love, why does he want to escape from the world?

Is this really a decision that one's own master should make?

Li Qingyun swallowed hard, his throat bobbing, and a bizarre thought popped into his head: Could it be that Chang Yubai went to Ghost Island and was possessed by the local ghosts?

So, is the strange Chang Yubai in front of me really the real person?

But upon further reflection, it seemed unlikely. Master Chang possessed the pinnacle of Venerable Martial Realm cultivation; how could a ghost easily possess him?

Even if one were to enter, the soul and body would not be in harmony, and one would be unable to utilize Chang Yubai's abilities.

Moreover, the Black Scale Sword is no pushover; how could it simply stand by and watch its master's core change without making any move?

All the speculations were overturned, and in the end, Li Qingyun could only be more convinced of her initial conclusion—the person in front of her was Chang Yubai himself, and the strange evasive remarks just now were also spoken from Chang Yubai's heart.

How strange!

The Ghost Island trip was too strange. Whether it was Li Hongyi, who had chatted with him in the Ghost Gate, or Chang Yubai, whose personality had changed drastically as if he had been possessed, they were all deserters, unwilling to tell him the truth, unwilling to tell him what strange things were involved behind the collision of the two realms.

Li Qingyun himself didn't care about the truth, but the strange events that had been laid bare before him made it hard for him not to ponder them.

But after much thought, Li Qingyun broke free from this mindset and chose to ask the question that mattered most to her: "Master, is Li Hongyi still alive?"

His purpose in coming to the Great Wilderness was to ensure Li Hongyi's survival.

This was, after all, a matter concerning his own path to enlightenment, and without a definite answer, Li Qingyun felt uneasy.

Chang Yubai blinked when he heard his question, surprised that his disciple would ever skip the topic and not respond.

The question wasn't particularly difficult to answer, and Chang Yubai didn't intend to avoid it, but he didn't answer immediately either. He forced a laugh through his teeth, and in a daze, one could almost hear the grinding of his covered teeth, making it seem as if he was chewing on an enemy.

Chang Yubai's attitude made Li Qingyun feel uneasy for no reason, thinking that the accident in Guiyu was too big and that Li Hongyi was completely dead.

But the next second, Chang Yubai quickly changed the subject, saying coldly, "He's fine."

Li Qingyun: "..."

Li Qingyun: "Really?"

“He is very good!” Chang Yubai replied with great emotion.

Li Qingyun accepted the answer with some skepticism.

Looking at it this way, it seems more like Li Hongyi did something outrageous that displeased Chang Yubai.

But how did Li Hongyi manage to make Chang Yubai want to live in seclusion? It couldn't have been something disgusting, could it?

Li Qingyun fell into deep thought.

Chang Yubai's expression grew colder and colder, making it hard not to connect Li Hongyi from earlier with Li Tiansheng from Ghost Island.

His statement that Li Hongyi was in good condition was certainly not made on a whim or out of thin air.

He personally gave birth to Li Hongyi and watched as Li Hongyi's soul was replaced by Li Tiansheng. Regardless of the differences between the two, from the outside, they clearly share the same body and can be considered equal!

Whether it's a rare case of dual personality or the return of lost memories, since Li Tiansheng is still alive, Li Hongyi, who shares his body, cannot possibly be completely dead!

That's a terrifying monster that can easily regenerate even if its vital organs are shattered!

There is absolutely no one in this world who can do better than the protagonist!

Li Tiansheng! That monster!

Chang Yubai tensed up again, his attitude becoming even more resolute: He must take Xiaoyun away from Li Tiansheng!

Absolutely! It is imperative! It is absolutely necessary!

If there's really no way to avoid it... A cold glint flashed in Chang Yubai's eyes as he stepped on the black-scaled heavy sword that allowed him to fly through the air, and a new idea came to mind.

Li Qingyun: "..." Was Chang Yubai about to explode just now?

He could even smell the rusty anger, but it was instantly withdrawn.

I have no idea what Chang Yubai is thinking every day. I really want to pry it open and take a look.

However, more reassuring than curiosity is the fact that Chang Yubai was able to return to normal on his own initiative.

Li Qingyun wiped the sweat from her palms and silently withdrew her worries.

Well, whoever provoked Chang Yubai, it's best to let him calm down on his own first.

Once Chang Yubai has figured things out and calmed down, it won't be too late to ask about the reasons.

What he's meant to know, he'll always hear. What he's not meant to know, even if Chang Yubai is hypnotized into only telling the truth, he won't reveal to him.

Over the years, these tacit understandings can be developed.

After wiping away the cold sweat, Li Qingyun reached out and grabbed Chang Yubai's hand, their ten fingers pressed tightly together.

He saw a flash of surprise in Chang Yubai's eyes and chuckled to himself.

It seems that Master was quite concerned about his previous distant behavior, and even thought that he wouldn't take the initiative to get closer.

But Chang Yu was wrong. Even though his master wanted to sever their relationship, he, as the disciple, never thought of giving up his feelings.

Amid the other party's astonishment, Li Qingyun spoke softly, responding to Chang Yubai's previous plan: "Okay, I trust Master."

“I accept whatever decision Master makes. I’m willing to go anywhere as long as you’re here.”

"Okay, as long as Master is here, I'm fine with going anywhere."

In an instant, Chang Yubai glimpsed his past life, seeing his former self who was still very flamboyant and unrestrained. At that time, he had just heard Venerable Qingyun's words about renouncing the world. Although he felt it was abrupt, he was the first to express his acceptance.

In this situation, the response was exactly the same.

What did Master say to me after hearing that?

"I will take you safely through this life, until the end of my life."

The exact same words came out of his mouth, and it wasn't until he finished the last word that Chang Yubai realized he wasn't dreaming.

He gave the same answer as the Venerable Qingyun in his previous life.

Chang Yu raised her eyebrows, her heart filled with only surprise.

[Huh?]

...

The two traveled north and arrived at a rocky, rugged place in the desolate wilderness.

Chang Yubai did not think this place was suitable for settling down and living in seclusion. However, it was too late, and they had not yet left the vast area of ​​the Great Wilderness. They could not reach the beautiful mountains and rivers in a day by relying solely on their footing.

Chang Yubai surveyed the distant fluctuations of spiritual energy, confirming that no one would be following. He then set up an isolation array around him to obscure his senses. After some preparation, he took out his shoulders again, his face resolute.

Li Qingyun stood to the side, rarely seeing him so serious, especially with his hands holding the sword, his posture tense. He felt like he had seen this scene somewhere before.

But I can't remember them right now.

Then, in an instant, black and white lights intertwined before my eyes, flashing across my vision like ink painting.

Li Qingyun opened her eyes wide and saw that a crack had been opened in the space in front of her, just big enough for one person to pass through.

"Xiaoyun, let's rest inside tonight."

"Ah? Oh, okay."

Li Qingyun reacted blankly.

Li Qingyun remained silent until they entered the interior of the space.

Chang Yubai seemed to have a new idea and was busy fiddling with something on the side, not noticing his good disciple's dazed expression.

Li Qingyun slowly exhaled a breath of resentment.

"Ha." He laughed silently.

"At least, we've stepped in."

He remembered where Chang Yubai had used this tactic last time.

He also remembered that Chang Yubai carried something extraordinary with him back then, but after creating a different dimension, he never mentioned it again.

It's so hard to guess, Master. Where did you put Grandmaster's remains?

It's so hard to imagine, Master. What could a place that can control the flow of time be used for?

Li Qingyun didn't sleep well all night.

He was mentally exhausted and just wanted to fall asleep immediately, but his biological clock was incredibly punctual, and his mind became even sharper when his eyes were closed.

As dawn broke, Li Qingyun reluctantly got out of bed. After poking Chang Yubai, she learned how to step out of this space.

As the spatial rift opened, the vibrant sunlight shone on her face, making Li Qingyun's cold expression appear even paler.

His original intention was to step out and bask in the sun, using the warm light to alleviate the strange chill in his heart.

However, as soon as his feet touched the ground, he felt a gaze directed at him.

Turning around, Li Qingyun saw someone.

It wasn't a stranger, but I couldn't recognize who it was at first glance. After all, this person looked completely different from how I remembered them.

The newcomer was dressed in handsome black, looking travel-worn, his short cloak covered in dust. He had a faint smile on his face, but upon closer inspection, one could sense a complex emotion in his expression, as if he were about to pour out a great deal of bitterness.

Li Qingyun only dared to recognize who it was after seeing the face. She felt strange, as something seemed out of place.

He spoke with a puzzled look, uttering the name of the person opposite him: "Li Hongyi?"