Chapter 194 Ambition Fades:
"Aren't you planning to move back?" Shen Bingsi stared intently at Rong Xie, her gaze burning as if she wanted to burn a hole in his face.
“Yes,” Rong Xie said easily, “Actually, it’s quite nice in Lan Yuan. You can be free and go wherever you want, eat whatever you want, and do whatever you want. It’s very convenient, and it’s also close to Shengjing.”
As she spoke, Rong Xie became expectant, her face glowing with anticipation: "I moved to Lanyuan, so close to Shengjing, and I've never been there! Captain Zhao and Lu Yinglin invited me several times, but I didn't go. Back then, I was busy raising money to redeem the sword, cutting back on expenses and not daring to have any extra spending. Now it's different. The sword is back, and I have savings. I can buy that house in Lanyuan. I've also taken over the work at Steward Wang's place. I only need to go there for a meeting every ten days, and I can freely allocate the rest of my time. I also have many famous historical sites I want to visit..."
Rong Xie became more and more excited as he spoke, completely unaware of Shen Bingsi's expression beside him. It wasn't until Shen Bingsi coughed, interrupting Rong Xie's reverie, that Rong Xie noticed Shen Bingsi was turned to the side, propping her head up with one hand, her lips tightly pursed, the line of her lips drawn out to both sides, looking at him with dissatisfaction.
"What's wrong? Why the expression?" Rong Xie asked, puzzled. "Is there something you're unhappy with about my plan?"
"And me?" Shen Bingsi pointed to herself. "Where am I in your plan?"
Rong Xie thought for a moment and said, "My plan is like this. As for your plan, of course you can decide it yourself. If you want to participate in my plan, then you can participate. If you don't want to participate, then you don't have to participate. If our plans overlap, then we'll do them together. If there are separate things we need to do, such as cultivation, carrying out missions, or exploring with the treasure hunting team, then we'll do them separately."
Shen Bingsi looked at Rong Xie in surprise: "Is that really what you think?"
“Of course, it’s true.” Rong Xie put on a serious expression. “During the time I’ve been away from Huanxue Manor, I’ve found that I seem to be more suited to life outside. If I were to come back and stay in the manor 360 days a year, although it would be very comfortable, it would be too boring. The outside world is vast—Haizhou, Shengjing, Liujin City… there are so many interesting places, it would be such a pity if I hadn’t been there. Once I learn the art of sword flight, I want to travel all over the world by myself. I want to see where the ends of the earth are and what they look like. How can those who know sword flight just stay in one place to practice? It’s unimaginable. If it were me, I would want to be flying in the sky all day long…”
Shen Bingsi was surprised that Rong Xie would suddenly share so many visions for the future. Clearly, Rong Xie hadn't just said it on a whim; he had been planning it in his mind for a long time. It was only now that the two of them had settled down and were enjoying some leisure time that Rong Xie was able to share them.
This was different from what Shen Bingsi had imagined.
...
But so what?
Rong Xie's happy smile was genuine, and the light of longing in his eyes was so vivid. This was the Rong Xie that Shen Bingsi wanted to see: a free and unrestrained Rong Xie living the life he loved.
“Alright.” Shen Bingsi let out a long breath, her gaze lowered, as if she were making a difficult decision. “Since your plan is like this, then my plan…”
Rong Xie opened his eyes wide, waiting to hear Shen Bingsi's lofty ambitions. As the protagonist of the Book of Fate, the Dragon Pride who saves the world, Shen Bingsi must have some extraordinary plans. Even if he changed his cultivation path from the Path of Ruthlessness to another, it would not stop him from advancing on his path of cultivation.
"It's about sticking to you." Shen Bingsi finished catching her breath, looked up, and smiled at Rong Xie.
"Hmm...hmm?" Rong Xie thought he had misheard. "Stuck to me?"
“Yes,” Shen Bingsi nodded. “Wherever you go, I’ll go. If you go to Shengjing to eat, drink, and have fun, I’ll go to Shengjing to eat, drink, and have fun too. If you live in Lanyuan, I’ll live in Lanyuan too. Anyway, I’m no longer the hope of the Ruthless Path. I can’t inherit my master’s mantle or my position in the Mirror Palace. I’m free of worries, so of course I can do whatever I want.”
This time it was Rong Xie's turn to be surprised.
Although he also hoped that Shen Bingsi would be with him, he did not want to force her to change her plans. Now, they were both cultivators with long lifespans, and they no longer had to choose one of several lifestyles like ordinary people. They could live the life they wanted, and if they got tired of it, they could change to another one. Anyway, they had plenty of time.
"What, you don't want to come with me?" Shen Bingsi waited for a long time but didn't get Rong Xie's answer, and suddenly became anxious.
“No, I was just thinking… It’s rare for the Demon-Slaying Sword Saint to say something like that. Shouldn’t you take it upon yourself to improve your cultivation and slay demons?” Rong Xie said with a smile.
“That doesn’t stop me. I can stay with you all the time while improving my cultivation and slaying demons,” Shen Bingsi said, twirling Rong Xie’s hair with her fingers. “Besides, I can also help you improve your cultivation.”
Rong Xie realized what he meant, and her ears burned. She nudged him and said, "I've noticed that ever since you got rid of the backlash from your Dao Heart, you've become increasingly unrestrained with your words."
"Actually, from the past to now, I have never changed. I say whatever comes to mind," Shen Bingsi said frankly.
Rong Xie looked down at him and thought, "Yes, this is the Shen Bing Si I know. Others may find his bluntness uncomfortable, but Rong Xie likes it. There are very few people in this world who can speak frankly, and even fewer who are consistent in word and deed."
Shen Bingsi raised his head, his gaze open and unhindered, like the moonlight on a clear night.
In the dim light of the luminous pearl, their eyes met in the air, and the same thought arose in their hearts: no matter what the future held, having this person made their life complete.
The next morning, Shen Bingsi received a letter from Yunfeng informing him of the time and location of the Grand Elder's memorial ceremony and telling him to prepare. He was not required to preside over the ceremony, as it would be presided over by Sect Master Xue and the Grand Elder's eldest disciple. He only needed to attend.
To prevent Shen Bingsi from being unaware of how ordinary people attend funerals, Elder Yunfeng specifically reminded him to ask Rong Xie or someone else.
Shen Bingsi read the letter as she walked out of the bedroom courtyard.
As soon as they came out, the three younger ones shouted in unison, "Good morning, Master! Welcome back, Master!"
Shen Bingsi was startled and looked at the side of the road. Ropes were hung between every two trees, and the quilts that had been collected yesterday were being hung out to dry. Rong Xie had already finished washing the quilts with the three children and was now hanging them one by one on the ropes.
“Uh,” Shen Bingsi looked at the three of them and nodded, “Good morning.”
The three younger ones were surprised that Shen Bingsi would actually return their greeting, and they looked at each other in surprise, then started whispering among themselves.
"The head of the manor has really changed his ways."
"That's amazing! So even the head of the manor can be a human being."
"...You don't think I can't hear you, do you?" Shen Bingsi's face darkened.
"The Great Master heard that!" "The Great Master's cultivation is still intact!" "Terrifying!" The three children scattered in a panic.
Rong Xie watched from the side and couldn't help but find it amusing.
Seeing Rong Xie smiling happily, Shen Bingsi stepped forward and said, "Have you thought this through? If you go to Lanyuan, you won't have any more fun with those three."
“If they’re willing, they can come with me to Lanyuan,” Rong Xie said with a smile.
Shen Bingsi pursed his lips. He didn't want three little tagalongs following him everywhere. One advantage of going to Lanyuan was that it would send Wang Mu away, allowing them to have some alone time...
"Now look what's happened, those three ran away, and there's no one to hang up the rest of the clothes." Rong Xie pointed to the laundry tub next to him.
Shen Bingsi readily accepted the task.
The clothes, carrying the fresh scent of soapberry, slipped through my fingers. I shook them, hung them up to dry, and their refreshing fragrance wafted out.
Sunlight shines through the fabric, revealing its texture in every detail.
When Shen Bingsi was still the Demon-Slaying Sword Saint, she naturally had no interest in experiencing these things. Now that she has fallen to the Qi Refining stage, she is able to feel them. A strange sense of satisfaction rises from her heart. Being an ordinary cultivator with low cultivation seems not so bad.
Just like this morning, he slept until the sun shone into the room before waking up.
Since my spiritual power returned to the Qi Refining stage, I've been sleeping much better than before. Last night, I chatted with Rong Xie until late into the night. When I woke up today, I didn't know where I was. I stared at the ceiling of the bed for a while before I remembered.
"Well, Elder Yunfeng wrote a letter? What did it say?" Rong Xie approached Shen Bingsi and casually ran his fingers through the wrinkled clothes that had been hanging out to dry, making them neat and tidy.
“Master’s memorial ceremony will be held the day after tomorrow, presided over by Sect Leader Xue and Senior Brother. I’m just attending as an observer; I don’t need to say anything,” Shen Bingsi said. “How did you manage that?”
"What?" Rong Xie noticed Shen Bingsi looking at the clothes. "Oh, this is very simple. As long as you know how the clothes are sewn together, just follow the fold lines."
Rong Xie demonstrated for Shen Bingsi. Shen Bingsi picked up a piece of clothing from the washbasin and imitated Rong Xie's movements, smoothing and shaking it. The clothes looked much more relaxed when hung up to dry.
"You've got a knack for it," Shen Bingsi praised.
"This is nothing. Once you recover your spiritual power, it'll just be a matter of a fire spirit," Rong Xie said with a smile.
“Then I won’t be able to smell that fragrance,” Shen Bingsi closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and touched the clothesline again. “I also won’t be able to feel the warmth of the sun on my hands.”
Rong Xie looked at him.
“Actually, being an ordinary cultivator is quite good.” Shen Bingsi said thoughtfully, looking at the clothesline.
Rong Xie wanted to say something, but ultimately said nothing.
Rong Xie and Shen Bingsi spent two impeccable days at Huanxue Manor, as if they had returned to the past.
On the third day, Shen Bingsi went to the main peak to participate in the Grand Elder's sacrificial ceremony.
Rong Xie was worried about Shen Bingsi, so he prepared a lot of talismans and stuffed them into the pockets that were easiest for Shen Bingsi to take out. He also hung the communication jade pendant with the character "Rong" engraved on it in the most easily accessible position on Shen Bingsi's left hand. His right hand was his sword-wielding hand, so it was naturally not allowed to be occupied.
Rong Xie piloted the Yunmeng small boat and took Shen Bingsi to the main peak, where he handed her over to Elder Yunfeng.
"Young friend Rong, there's no need to worry. That was just something I said casually that day. Today's ceremony is filled with powerful figures, and besides, we have a protective formation for the mountain. We won't let any demons get close no matter what," Elder Yunfeng reassured Rong Xie when he saw his nervousness.
"I understand, thank you Elder Yunfeng," Rong Xie said.
Even so, Rong Xie still stood at the entrance of the main hall, watching Shen Bingsi walk in before turning around and walking to the square in front of the hall.
The ceremony was held in the main hall of the main peak, and only the sect leader and elders of the Lingjing Sect and the disciples of the Wushang Immortal Mountain lineage participated. After bidding farewell to the Grand Elder's robes, they would come out and announce the event to the cultivators from all walks of life gathered in the square in front of the hall.
At this time, many cultivators had gathered in the square in front of the hall, including disciples of the Spirit Mirror Sect and representatives from other sects.
The throng of people suddenly turned towards the back of the heavenly steps, parting to make way for a handsome young man with a full beard. He led a group of disciples towards the main hall, seemingly heading in.
Rong Xie stared at the man with a puzzled look, wondering why there was such an unfamiliar elder in the sect.
"This is the eldest disciple of the Grand Elder." "The senior brother of the Supreme Immortal Mountain."
The various discussions reached Rong Xie's ears.
Rong Xie suddenly realized that this was the Supreme Immortal Mountain Senior Brother that Elder Yunfeng had mentioned, who had traveled a long way to preside over the Grand Elder's sacrificial ceremony.
This person, whose Daoist name was Ling Kui, had limited talent. He left Wushang Immortal Mountain at a young age and founded a new sect. All his disciples were required to cultivate the Dao of Ruthlessness. Although he did not make a name for himself, he was still respected by people in the cultivation world because of his reputation as the senior disciple of Wushang Immortal Mountain.
Because he left Wushang Immortal Mountain very early, he was already gone when Rong Xie and Shen Bingsi entered the sect, and they had never seen Ling Kui in person.
Unexpectedly, he saw him at the Grand Elder's ceremony. Rong Xie couldn't help but take a few more glances. Ling Kui noticed Rong Xie's gaze, glanced at his face, and quickly turned away, walking into the main hall through the middle of the main entrance.
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