Chapter 128 Separation Test, Choice of Heart
The Yaoguang Palace Master noticed their hesitation and reluctance, but she didn't rush them, simply waiting quietly. As an old monster who had lived for countless years, she knew that forced melons would not be sweet. Only by letting them figure it out on their own could they avoid any flaws in their Dao Heart.
Envoy Yunying and the others also stood silently by, the atmosphere stagnant for a moment. In the square in front of Xuannv Palace, only the gurgling sound of flowing water and the distant ethereal sound of immortals further accentuated the silence.
Qin Yixuan clutched the heavy jade slip, her heart swirling with struggle. This seemingly light jade slip carried the mission and expectations of the ages. Accepting the inheritance meant great power, the ability to control one's own destiny, the ability to help Ye Li fight powerful enemies, and the ability to shoulder one's own responsibilities.
She could clearly feel the call from the jade slip, a resonance of her essence, a call to duty. The goddess essence within her leaped with joy, yearning for a return to wholeness. This was her innate responsibility, unshirkable.
But it also meant a long separation from the person who had already become part of her life. Dozens or even hundreds of years, which is a lifetime for mortals, might not be that long for a cultivator, but the thought of not being able to see Ye Li for such a long time made her heart ache so much that she couldn't breathe.
She couldn't imagine how she would get through the days without Ye Li. Over the time they'd spent together, Ye Li had become the most important person in her life. That woman, with a stern exterior and a gentle heart, always showed up when she needed her most, shielding her from the elements and offering her unwavering support.
Ye Li watched the struggle and pain in Qin Yixuan's eyes, and her heart ached. More than anyone else, she hoped that Qin Yixuan would become powerful, able to control the mysterious origin and no longer be troubled by it. She also knew that the Nine Heavens Palace and the Xuannv inheritance were the best, perhaps only, path for Qin Yixuan.
The loneliness and betrayal she experienced in her past life made her cherish the warmth and companionship of this life even more. Li Zun had traversed her life, but had never experienced true love. It wasn't until she met Qin Yixuan that her frozen heart truly melted.
But precisely because of this cherishment, she couldn't let her selfish desires hinder Qin Yixuan's growth and future. She knew the importance of strength. Without sufficient strength, she couldn't even protect the important people. Just like in her previous life, she would end up being abandoned by everyone and even died.
The Yaoguang Palace Master suddenly spoke: "The path of cultivation is inherently lonely. If you want to reach the pinnacle, you must learn to endure loneliness. This is especially true for the path of the Mysterious Lady. This is your destiny, and also your glory."
Her words were like a warning bell, echoing in Qin Yixuan's heart. Yes, the path of cultivation is never easy. If you want to gain something, you must pay the corresponding price.
Qin Yixuan looked up at Ye Li, tears welling in her eyes: "Ye Li, I..."
"Go, Yixuan." Ye Li took a deep breath, suppressing her reluctance. Her voice was calm and firm. She stepped forward, gently embraced Qin Yixuan, and whispered in her ear, "This is your path, your responsibility. I will wait for you."
Simple words, yet they contained the deepest understanding and support. Qin Yixuan's tears instantly burst forth, and she hugged Ye Li tightly, as if to merge herself into her flesh and blood. This embrace was so intense, so reluctant, that it moved everyone present.
"But... a hundred years... is too long..." She choked with sobs, her voice breaking, "I'm afraid... I'm afraid that when I get out, everything will be different..."
This was her deepest fear. A hundred years was enough time for so many things to change. She was afraid that by the time she emerged from confinement, Ye Li would no longer be there, or... already have someone else in her heart.
Ye Li gently stroked her hair, his tone gentle but filled with unquestionable conviction: "For us cultivators, a hundred years is but a blink of an eye. I will work hard to cultivate and become stronger, strong enough to clear all obstacles. When you emerge from seclusion, I will give you a safe and secure place. Trust me."
She let go of Qin Yixuan, stared into her eyes, and said word by word: "When you have achieved great success and return, we will stand side by side at the summit of the spiritual world, never to be separated again."
This promise, like the most resolute oath, shattered the last of Qin Yixuan's anxiety and hesitation. She looked into Ye Li's eyes, as deep as the sea of stars, which now reflected only her own face. There was a gentleness and determination in them that she had never seen before.
Yes, she should believe in Ye Li and their love. If they can't even withstand this little test, how can they talk about everlasting love?
"Okay! I believe you!" She wiped away her tears, her eyes rekindled with determination and brilliance. "I will complete the inheritance as soon as possible and come out to find you! You must be well too. Don't get hurt. Don't... forget me."
At the end, her voice choked up again. She was the one who was leaving, yet she still had to tell the other person not to forget her. This conflicting feeling made her want to laugh and cry at the same time.
"Never." Ye Li's lips curled up in a shallow but very real arc. It was a smile she rarely showed, but at this moment it was so natural. "You are the most important person in my life. How could I forget you?"
The two smiled at each other. Though still filled with sadness, they were filled with hope and confidence for the future. This bond, strengthened and clearer by the test of separation, had transcended worldly constraints and reached the realm of a shared destiny, aspiring to become a true companion.
The Yaoguang Palace Master watched this scene, a faint trace of relief seemingly visible on her blurred face. Love, while a profoundly trying word, is also the most refining of the Dao heart. Only by enduring this test can one reveal the preciousness of true love and the unwavering resolve of the Dao.
She recalled a time, long, long ago, when she had faced a similar choice. The responsibilities she shouldered forced her to part with her beloved. The pain was still fresh in her memory. But it was also that experience that perfected her Dao heart, ultimately enabling her to rule the Heavenly Palace and protect this world.
Envoy Yunying and the two deacons, Qinglan and Chisong, also expressed deep emotion. Finding a true partner on the path of cultivation is not easy, and even fewer can withstand the test of separation. This young couple before them showed them the power of true love.
"Now that you've made your decision, prepare to accept the inheritance." Yaoguang Palace Master said, "The Mysterious Lady Secret Realm has been opened, awaiting its master."
Qin Yixuan took a deep breath and took one last look at Ye Li, imprinting her image deeply in her heart. She didn't know when they would meet again, but she believed that when they met again, they would both become better versions of themselves.
Ye Li also looked at her deeply, as if to remember this moment forever. The road ahead was long, but she was not alone, because she knew that somewhere, there was someone working hard for their future.
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