Chapter 37 Part 2

Very troublesome.

Lian Yunzhi had already begun considering where to go after leaving Lin Xian Sect.

Fu Qing saw through Lian Yunzhi’s thoughts and said earnestly, “Nowhere is better than staying in Lin Xian Sect. You’d be all alone out there, eyed by who knows how many people. Lin Xian Sect has top-tier techniques and resources. You could cultivate in peace without worldly disturbances.”

At the mention of cultivation, Lian Yunzhi wavered somewhat.

He might not die if he left, but he would certainly be disturbed and unable to cultivate properly.

Fu Qing paused, then said, “I know you’re unwilling to casually take a master, but besides apprenticing, there’s another way to stay in the sect.”

Lian Yunzhi looked up.

Fu Qing coughed lightly. “Well… how about finding a Dao Companion? If you form a Dao bond with a Lin Xian Sect disciple, the sect will not only protect you but give you treatment equal to a personal disciple. But the companion must be an important figure in Lin Xian Sect, like the Sect Leader’s Son or something…”

“Me?” Fang Tianxin pointed at his nose, eyes wide, then furrowed his brow in thought and nodded solemnly. “I’m willing.”

He looked ready to sacrifice his personal happiness for his good brother.

Lian Yunzhi: “…”

Fu Qing knocked hard on his head. “Who said it was your turn? I meant your three older brothers.”

Lian Yunzhi: “Three?”

Fu Qing nodded. “Yes, they’re all willing. You can pick one.”

Lian Yunzhi: “…”

Fu Qing: “Actually, there are plenty of options—daughters of other elders, personal disciples of the Sect Leader or elders… You can meet them all. In the cultivation world, strength rules. Since you beat Ling Tian, many of his admirers have turned to you. Right now, in Lin Xian Sect, nine out of any ten people you point to would be willing to become your Dao Companion…”

Seeing Lian Yunzhi’s expression remain unchanged, even showing a hint of annoyance, Fu Qing sighed, stepped forward, patted his shoulder, and advised earnestly, “You don’t have to be so resistant to finding a new Dao Companion. How does that saying go? The way to forget a broken sword is to buy a new spirit sword. I know you’re hurting now, but the pain is temporary. Once you find someone new, you’ll slowly forget the old one and those past events. Feelings can be cultivated over time. You have to look forward—hiss!”

Halfway through, Fang Tianxin suddenly smashed the Image-Retaining Pearl in his hand against the back of Fu Qing’s head. Fu Qing winced in pain, clutched his head, and slowly squatted down.

“Xiao Xin! What are you doing?” He looked at Fang Tianxin.

Fang Tianxin stared blankly at his hand, as if unable to comprehend his own actions. “I… I don’t know. I felt possessed just now…”

Lian Yunzhi and Fu Qing both frowned.

The two first extended their divine sense to scan Fang Tianxin’s body, then successively grabbed his arm and injected spiritual power to probe inside.

Fu Qing looked at Lian Yunzhi. “Did you see the problem?”

Lian Yunzhi nodded. “The spiritual power in his body has become mottled, mixed with black mist.”

Fu Qing: “Your body now…?”

Lian Yunzhi: “Much better. If I meditate once more, I can purify his spiritual power tomorrow if things go well.”

Fang Tianxin shivered. “What’s wrong? Was I really possessed? So scary. Why don’t you tie me up? What if I go mad and kill you both…”

Fu Qing chuckled and patted his head. “Enough with the wild thoughts. A Foundation Establishment like you— who could you kill?”

Fang Tianxin: “…”

Just then, the barrier around Songqing Peak suddenly stirred. Immediately after, a hastily written calling card flew to Fu Qing.

Fu Qing opened it, frowned, and waved his hand to open the barrier.

Almost as soon as the barrier opened, a Void Refining cultivator appeared hurriedly before the three, followed by a large group of people.

“Elder Zhen,” Fu Qing performed a disciple’s salute to the Void Refining cultivator. “Why have you come to my place?”

Elder Zhen wasted no words and got straight to the point. “How did you all come out of the Lost River in Xiaoze State? Where’s Xiao Jing? He went missing with Fang Tianxin—why didn’t he return with you?”

Sorrow appeared on Fu Qing’s face. “I’ve already reported this in detail to the Sect Leader. He said he would explain it personally to everyone…”

Elder Zhen: “Tell me now!”

Fu Qing lowered his head and said softly, “…Xiao Xin and the others were drawn into the Illusion Realm beneath the Lost River. Later, the Illusion Realm collapsed unexpectedly. We barely escaped with our lives. Besides us… no one else came out.”

“Impossible!” Elder Zhen denied through gritted teeth. He tremblingly pulled a soul lamp from his bosom. “Look, look at Xiao Jing’s soul lamp…”

Lian Yunzhi had never seen a soul lamp and looked over upon hearing this, but the lamp was extinguished.

Fu Qing glanced at it, about to offer condolences, when his gaze suddenly froze.