Chapter 157 I'm worried about you:
Rong Xie didn't know what to say. Heaven can bear witness that he was not the one who leaked the secrets of the Ruthless Dao Palace.
"I knew it!" Shen Bingsi crossed her arms. "I was hoping that the Ruthless Dao Palace would have some good ideas, but it turns out it's just another waste of time."
"Well... that's not necessarily true."
“I should have guessed it. When I first entered the sect, my master told me that the Wuqing Dao Palace had a method to break through emotional barriers, called killing one's wife to attain enlightenment.”
"Cough cough cough..." Rong Xie thought to himself, so the Grand Elder already knew all along. What kind of secret was that?!
Shen Bingsi suddenly realized something and looked at Rong Xie: "What do you mean, 'not necessarily'?"
“What I mean is,” Rong Xie paused, “isn’t necessarily useless.”
"What do you mean by 'not necessarily useless'?" Shen Bingsi pressed, her gaze fixed on Rong Xie's face.
“It’s just…” Rong Xie was thinking about how to explain when Shen Bing Si interrupted him:
"You don't really think I would do something against you to protect myself, like in your dream, do you?"
Shen Bingsi's tone became very serious, and her gaze also turned solemn as she looked at Rong Xie.
Rong Xie's lips moved slightly: "Of course not..."
Shen Bingsi narrowed her eyes.
Rong Xie avoided his scrutinizing gaze: "Now is not the time to talk about this. In short, Elder Bai's method is definitely different from what you imagine. If there is really no other way, I may try it."
“No,” Shen Bingsi refused quickly and decisively, “I won’t try.”
Rong Xie was surprised that he refused so quickly, and for a moment forgot what he was going to say, staring at him in astonishment.
“I’m surprised you have those kinds of dreams, but sometimes people can’t help but think about scary things,” Shen Bingsi slowly raised her eyes to look at Rong Xie. “You just need to know that in reality, I would never do that, not even if there were a thousand reasons.”
"..."
Shen Bingsi spoke very seriously, his gaze seemingly trying to see into Rong Xie's soul. This was the first time Shen Bingsi had so solemnly mentioned the details of the dream and that sword strike to Rong Xie since he had witnessed the precognitive dream.
Perhaps it was because so much time had passed, but Rong Xie could hardly remember the shock and sadness he felt at the time, and even the pain of the light-emitting white orchid piercing through his body had become faint.
He believed Shen Bingsi's words at this moment; words were a reflection of one's current resolve. However, the world was constantly changing, and a cultivator's life was still long. Would Shen Bingsi, who would encounter the World-Destroying Demon a hundred years later, still think this way? How many things would happen in a hundred years? Everything was in flux. Rong Xie didn't want to distinguish between what was real and what was fake; he only wanted the changes to continue, rather than end prematurely at some point.
“I believe in you, but you have to believe in me too.” Rong Xie took Shen Bingsi’s hand, shook it gently, and then held it. “I know this is difficult, but if there’s really no other way, you have to follow Elder Bai’s method.”
When Shen Bingsi heard the first half of the sentence, his expression improved somewhat, but when he heard the last sentence, his face darkened, and he pulled his hand away from Rong Xie's grasp.
But soon, it was grasped by a pair of warm, cool hands.
“I cannot reveal Elder Bai’s method, but it is definitely not what you imagine.” Rong Xie looked into Shen Bing Si’s eyes.
"..." Shen Bingsi looked back at him, and the two stared at each other for a long time before Shen Bingsi said, "I can't imagine what Elder Bai's method is, and I don't believe Elder Bai either."
"And what about me?" Rong Xie asked, "Don't you trust me either?"
Shen Bingsi's pupils twitched slightly, and she turned her gaze to the side, remaining silent.
Rong Xie sighed.
“If there were no other way, I would not have chosen Elder Bai’s method,” Rong Xie said. “Besides that, there is Elder Hong’s method. According to Elder Bai, that method of resisting the shattering of the Dao Heart is extremely evil and no different from falling into the demonic path.”
“It’s impossible for him to fall into the demonic path,” Shen Bingsi said immediately. “If he did, the Heavenly Mirror would have discovered it immediately! Before me, Brother Jiang served as the Demon Exorcist for a long time, and he never laid a hand on Elder Hong.”
“That was my reaction too,” Rong Xie laughed. “However, what Elder Bai meant by falling into the demonic path might not be what we understand. Rather, it might mean… cough cough, you know about the cultivation methods of the Hehuan Sect, or you might prefer this kind of method that is less risky but doesn’t have a good reputation if it gets out?”
"What?" Shen Bingsi wanted to say that he didn't care about his reputation at all, but when he saw Rong Xie's enigmatic smile, his eyelids twitched twice, and he stopped talking abruptly.
"If you're inclined to this approach, I'll ask around for you whether the Hehuan Sect still accepts disciples who joined later in life, and whether Elder Hong still accepts apprentices, hmm?" Rong Xie's smile gradually turned dangerous.
"..." Shen Bingsi suddenly realized that he was in an extremely dangerous situation. At this moment, whatever he said would be wrong. He could only tentatively ask, "Don't you want to find Elder Hong? Then I won't."
Rong Xie gritted his teeth and said, "Of course we still need to find him. How can we know which method, his or Elder Bai's, is more suitable for you if we don't find out?"
“…I’ll listen to you!” Shen Bingsi was very obedient.
Rong Xie glanced at Shen Bing Si.
It has to be said that although Shen Bingsi was a late bloomer, she was still quite quick-witted. Perhaps it was because sword cultivators had a more acute instinct for danger.
"What's our next move?" Shen Bingsi asked, glancing outside as she spoke, while secretly pulling Rong Xie's hand back.
Rong Xie had grabbed Shen Bingsi's hand in his haste, but now he realized something was wrong. He was about to ask Shen Bingsi if she was alright when he saw her expression change.
"Cough cough cough..." Shen Bingsi turned around, covered her mouth and coughed a lot. When she turned back, her face was obviously a bit ashen.
Rong Xie retreated to the corner, his hands behind his back: "How are you feeling? Should we ask Senior Brother Lu to take a look?"
Shen Bingsi waved her hand, her face pale, and remained silent for a long time.
“Let’s… keep our distance. Before we find a way to deal with the shattered Dao Heart, let’s not think about anything else.” Rong Xie was a little frightened by Shen Bing Si’s expression. “I’m going to find Elder Hong. You stay here for now. I’ll come back for you after I find Elder Hong.”
Shen Bingsi shook her head, and after a long while, said in a hoarse voice, "...I'll go with you."
"No, we shouldn't act together."
However, things did not develop as simply as Rong Xie had imagined.
After Xiaozhi was taken away, Lu Yingqi's condition became very strange. Elder Bai had to go to the Elders' Council to mediate, but he was worried about Lu Yingqi staying there alone, so he ordered Rong Xie and Shen Bingsi to stay where they were and keep an eye on Lu Yingqi.
Rong Xie looked troubled, which Elder Bai noticed. Elder Bai's face darkened: "What, you're going to refuse such a small favor?"
“No, of course I can keep an eye on Senior Brother Lu, but Shen Bingsi’s situation is also very urgent right now. I want to go to the Hehuan Sect to find out more information.” Rong Xie said frankly, “Elder Bai, do you think this is alright? Shen Bingsi can stay and keep an eye on Senior Brother Lu. They are both cultivators of the Ruthless Path, so they can talk to each other. If I stay here, firstly, my cultivation is too low, and secondly, I won’t be able to say anything. It would be superfluous.”
Elder Bai immediately widened his eyes: "What? You're going to the Hehuan Sect to find that traitor?"
Rong Xie looked troubled: "I don't want to do this either, but Shen Bingsi... he heard that Elder Hong has another way, and he seems to prefer the method of the Hehuan Sect."
"Heh," Elder Bai's face showed a mixture of understanding and disdain, "No wonder his Dao heart was shattered. You were too lenient with him. Why did you have to discuss the method with him?"
"Yes, after all, he did it himself, so I can't do it for him." Rong Xie sighed, thinking to himself, Shen Bing Si, you'll have to take the blame for this.
"Wait a minute," Elder Bai suddenly realized something and stared at Rong Xie, "What does it matter to me what method Shen Bingsi wants to use to fight against the shattered Dao Heart? I don't care what you plan to do, you must stay and keep an eye on Ying Qi. Even though you're the best at sweet talk, I'll only feel at ease leaving Ying Qi in your care. Besides, Shen Bingsi is almost at the point of shattering his Dao Heart. Leaving him with Ying Qi would only lead Ying Qi astray, wouldn't it?"
“That’s not quite right.” Rong Xie racked his brains, trying to persuade Elder Bai with some words. “Both positive and negative examples have their value. Senior Brother Lu saw Shen Bingsi’s situation with his own eyes, so he will be more cautious when he encounters similar situations in the future.”
Elder Bai was taken aback, not expecting Rong Xie to bring it up from this angle. He tilted his head and thought for a moment, then muttered, "That makes sense..."
Rong Xie felt relieved. Suddenly, Elder Bai passed by him and waved his sleeve towards the main door. Several beams of white light rushed towards the door and instantly formed a silver-white barrier that spread upwards, downwards, leftwards, and rightwards like ripples on water.
"Elder Bai, what's wrong?" Rong Xie asked anxiously.
"Hmph, do you think I'll be fooled by your sweet talk? You underestimate me too much," Elder Bai sneered. "Now that Shen Bing Si's Dao heart is wavering, she can't break this barrier. You two stay here obediently. Neither of you are allowed to leave until Ying Qi's matter is resolved!"
Rong Xie wanted to plead again, but Elder Bai flicked his sleeve and left, transforming into a beam of white light, passing through the barrier, and disappearing behind the gate. A moment later, a voice echoed from afar:
"Ying Qi, I'm going to Tianji Altar. Rong Xie and that guy surnamed Chen will stay here with you. If you're feeling down, chat with them to cheer yourself up. I'll be back soon! Remember, no matter what Rong Xie says, don't let them leave."
Rong Xie returned to the study in a huff. Shen Bingsi had already sat back on the couch to meditate and regulate her breathing. Seeing him come in with his head down, a rare setback for him, she patted the cushion next to her and said, "Come, sit down."
Rong Xie looked up at Shen Bingsi and said weakly, "Why should I sit? What time is it? How can I sit down? Besides, I have to keep my distance from you now—sigh, I should go and ask Senior Brother Lu for help."
Shen Bingsi's smile vanished again: "Why beg him! You can't disobey your master's orders. The old man sent a message before he left, he won't let you out. Don't beg him!"
"What should we do then?" Rong Xie asked worriedly. "That Shang Gan doesn't seem like an easy opponent, and we don't know when the infighting within the Wuqing Dao Palace will end. Are we just going to stay here forever?"
“You don’t really care whether your friend Xiaozhi or Xiaomiao is… After Old Man Bai brings him back and I’ve finished my meditation, we can leave together. Wouldn’t that be better?” Shen Bingsi knew that Rong Xie cared about Xiaozhi, so he used Xiaozhi as a scapegoat. He didn’t care whether Xiaozhi could come back or not. However, given his current condition, he couldn’t take Rong Xie with him, so he had to delay the process.
“I’m worried about him, but…” Rong Xie clenched his sleeves.
But I'm more worried about you.
Of course, he couldn't say such things. Saying them would only provoke Shen Bingsi and make his backlash even worse. In fact, Rong Xie hardly dared to look at him, afraid of seeing his unusually pale face.
“But there’s no use in us staying here… Never mind, I’m going to find Senior Brother Lu. I won’t disturb your meditation any longer.” Rong Xie turned around and fled like the wind.
Hearing another cough behind him, Rong Xie hardened his heart and walked away step by step until he reached Lu Yingqi's door.
He stood in front of the door for a while until the coughing stopped before he composed himself and raised his hand to knock.
"Enter."
The door opened without any wind, and Lu Yingqi was standing under the window, holding the flying sword he always wore, slowly wiping it with a white cloth. His gaze was fixed on the sword, showing neither joy nor anger, as if he was not worried about Xiaozhi at all.
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[Pigeon] Red envelopes also dropped in this chapter (covers head and squats down)
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