Chapter 374: The Matter of Love

Chapter 374 -200: The Matter of Love

For cultivators, from the moment they establish their Dao foundation, every advancement brings astonishing changes. At the highest levels, even a single small step represents a world of difference.

Heaven knows how much effort Qin Dengxiao had expended rushing to the East Sea in search of the Immortal Mansion, traveling day and night through countless detours. But now, carried by Xuzhuang’s light, he sped high above the clouds, feeling as if ten thousand miles of landscape had shrunk to a mere foot. In just a few hours, he could already see the summit of Chongyun Peak jutting out from the distant sea of clouds.

Descending from the clouds, Xuzhuang glanced toward the Celestial Pool and noticed Lieyun was not there. With a brief finger divination, he realized that today was the day of Zhou Jun’s Golden Core Grand Ceremony, which, by the looks of the hour, was just about to conclude.

‘That wretched creature must have gone to watch the excitement.’ Xuzhuang shook his head, led Qin Dengxiao straight into his residence, and after taking a seat, summoned Xue Yuren. “Yu Ren,” he asked, “has the congratulatory gift for Nephew Zhou’s Golden Core Grand Ceremony been sent?”

Xue Yuren replied, “The two young masters went to attend the ceremony today and delivered the gift as well.”

Xuzhuang nodded slightly and gave another order. “Later, go to the Upper Dharma Hall in my name and request a decree ordering Dengxiao to choose a day to enter a ten-year seclusion in the Beiji Pavilion.”

He was not joking about punishing Qin Dengxiao with ten years of seclusion in the Beiji Pavilion. Of course, it was not a true punishment. Rather, given Qin Dengxiao’s current condition, the proper path for him was to eliminate all external distractions, focus on his cultivation, and await his opportunity.

And the Beiji Pavilion was not only austere, but it was also a treasured location for cultivation, making it undoubtedly the perfect place for Qin Dengxiao.

Although Qin Dengxiao did not understand the reasoning, he was completely obedient to Xuzhuang’s arrangements. Hearing the order, he simply replied with a respectful “Yes.”

After settling matters with Qin Dengxiao, Xuzhuang pondered for a moment. Since there were no urgent matters at the Jade Cauldron Hall, he decided to stay in his residence. He then added, “When Changfeng and Hao’Er return, have them come see me.”

Xue Yuren acknowledged the order and gracefully departed.

——

「On Dubhe Peak, inside the great hall.」

The Golden Core Grand Ceremony was indeed coming to a close. After Zhou Jun paid his respects to everyone, the guests began to depart in an orderly manner.

Li Changfeng, Yuan Hao, and You Jin’Er were seated together. As guests from the host sect, they were in no hurry to leave and continued to trade toasts. Yuan Hao even suggested they wait for Zhou Jun to join them later for another round of celebratory drinks, but a voice suddenly called out from the side.

Everyone looked over and saw Qiao Feifeng approaching in ceremonial robes. He gave a slight nod to Li Changfeng and Yuan Hao before saying, “Junior Sister You, I have something to say to you. Please come outside with me for a moment.”

You Jin’Er hesitated briefly, murmured something to Li Changfeng, and then replied, “Yes, Senior Brother Qiao.” She stood and followed him out of the great hall.

“Eh?” Lieyun suddenly poked his head out of Li Changfeng’s collar. “Xiaolizi, why is your woman calling a True Disciple from the Taixuan Sect ‘Senior Brother’?”

“There’s something you don’t know, Junior Martial Uncle Lieyun,” Yuan Hao chimed in from the side. “Sister-in-law is also from the Taixuan Sect! I never would have thought that Senior Brother’s trip to the West Su Continent would end with him stealing away a True Disciple fairy from the Taixuan Sect…”

“Is that so,” Lieyun murmured, then a wild idea struck him. “They’re sect brother and sister, so what could they have to say that they can’t say in public? Don’t tell me that kid is Xiaolizi’s love rival!”

Lieyun’s interest was suddenly piqued. Wiggling his brows, he urged, “Xiaolizi, hurry and follow them! Eavesdrop! I’ll conceal your aura. That kid from the Taixuan Sect has already perfected the golden mercury stage and is about to form his Nascent Soul. You definitely can’t get close on your own…”

Li Changfeng replied helplessly, “Junior Martial Uncle Lieyun, it’s one thing to tease me, but this involves a True Disciple of the Taixuan Sect. You can’t just spout nonsense.”

Lieyun asked sheepishly, “You’re not curious what they’re talking about?”

Li Changfeng said calmly, “I am curious. But I’m not the type to resort to eavesdropping. If it’s something I’m meant to know, Jin’Er will tell me herself.”

“Boring.” Lieyun smacked his lips and called out, “Xiaoyuanzi, hand over those Spirit Fruits in front of you for this Venerable One to try. And look, there are leftover Spirit Fruits on that other table. Bring those over too. Don’t let them go to waste…”

…

Outside the great hall, Qiao Feifeng led You Jin’Er to a secluded spot. “The Golden Core Grand Ceremony is over,” he said. “I’ll be returning to the sect immediately. Will you be coming with me, Junior Sister?”

You Jin’Er answered without much hesitation, “I wasn’t part of the official delegation, so I won’t be returning to the sect with you to report, Senior Brother.”

Qiao Feifeng was not surprised. He glanced at You Jin’Er and said suddenly, “Master allowed you to travel, Junior Sister, because your destiny wasn’t to be found within the sect. But who would have thought you would find yourself a husband out here…”

He paused for a moment before adding coolly, “And a mere Refining Cultivator, at that.”

You Jin’Er’s brow furrowed. “I was simply following my heart. What difference does it make whether he’s a Refining Cultivator, a Nascent Soul Venerable, or a common mortal?”

Qiao Feifeng frowned. “That may be so, but you are our revered Master’s personal disciple, with a Top-grade Golden Core. You are destined to reach the Nascent Soul realm, and you even have a chance at achieving eternal life.”

“He is only a Refining Cultivator. His future prospects are slim at best. How long can he truly accompany you…?”

You Jin’Er cut him off. “I’ve already said, it wouldn’t matter even if he were a common mortal.”

“If we can walk the path of the Great Dao together, that would be ideal. A span of two thousand years can already be considered a lifetime together. And even if Li Lang never progresses beyond the Refining stage, spending two hundred years by his side would still be a joy.”

“If you have nothing else of importance to say, Senior Brother, then I shall take my leave.”

Qiao Feifeng was silent for a moment before saying coolly, “Master’s lecture is in a few days. Be sure to return to the sect in time.”

You Jin’Er nodded slightly and turned to leave without another word.

Qiao Feifeng muttered to himself, ‘Indulging in fleeting pleasure… isn’t she afraid it will all turn to dust and form an obstacle in her heart when the time of grief comes?’

‘Indeed, when it comes to love, no one is an exception.’

Feeling he had said everything he could as her senior brother, Qiao Feifeng couldn’t help but shake his head.

When You Jin’Er returned to the great hall, she found that all the guests had departed, and Li Changfeng and Yuan Hao were waiting for her out front.

Seeing her return, Li Changfeng stepped forward and asked, “Jin’Er, what did Fellow Daoist Qiao say to you?”

You Jin’Er gave a small smile. “Senior Brother Qiao just asked if I would be returning to the sect with him.”

“I see.” Li Changfeng’s expression didn’t change as he asked, “And what are your thoughts, Jin’Er?”

“I’ve only been here in Tai Su with you for a few days, my Li Lang! Of course I refused,” You Jin’Er said with a playful pout. She paused, then added, “However, Master’s decennial lecture is coming up soon, so I do need to return to the sect for that.”

“A personal lecture from the Taixuan Profound True Monarch?” Li Changfeng said quickly. “You absolutely cannot miss that.”

You Jin’Er nodded, then suddenly asked, “My Li Lang, would you be willing to return to the sect with me to meet my Master?”

“What?” Li Changfeng was taken aback. “Meet the Taixuan Profound True Monarch?”

“That’s right. Master’s kindness to me is like giving me a new life. Now that I’ve found a good husband…” A blush crept onto You Jin’Er’s face as she spoke. “It’s only natural that I bring you to meet him for his approval.”

“What you say is right, Jin’Er…” Though he said this, Li Changfeng, a disciple of the Tai Su Sect, had never even dreamed of meeting their own Pure Yang True Monarch. The pressure he suddenly felt was as heavy as a mountain.