Xie Tingbai's emotions rarely showed on his face for more than a fleeting moment.
When he looked at Xu Wanci again, the smile on his lips had returned to its usual gentle warmth.
He took a step forward, shielding her from the glaring sunlight—and incidentally blocking Ji Wang from view—before speaking in a composed tone:
"The sun is too harsh today. It’s not conducive to recovery."
"You should rest indoors."
Apart from her obsession with cultivation, Xu Wanci was, in many ways, an ideal patient.
Hearing Xie Tingbai’s words, she neither questioned nor resisted. Instead, she obediently turned and retreated into her room.
After all, to her, there was little difference between being inside or outside.
Xie Tingbai watched her compliant demeanor, his fingers twitching almost imperceptibly as his gaze softened further.
Clutching the freshly refined medicinal pills in his hand, he cast a cold glance at the unwelcome figure lingering in the distance before following her inside.
When the courtyard was left with only Ji Wang, the flush on his ears gradually faded, and the crimson mole on his neck seemed to dull slightly.
As if uncomfortable, he frowned and adjusted the collar of his outer robe—only to immediately smooth out the creases with meticulous care. Then, wordlessly, he retreated to a corner, his eyes fixed intently on the door.
Ning Menglan had been busy lately, fending off subtle probes from other sects.
The leaders of the Ten Great Sects practically hounded him daily, their conversations inevitably circling back to the ancient battlefield or Xu Wanci within three to five sentences, as if afraid he might miss their implications.
Their elders were even more direct, sending formal invitations to the Taiqing Sect under the guise of "fostering camaraderie."
A joke—they hadn’t interacted in nearly a century! What camaraderie was there to foster?
His biggest headache each day was finding plausible excuses to decline these visits.
When Ning Menglan arrived at the Sword Peak today, he learned that Xu Wanci’s injuries had healed enough for her to wield spiritual energy again.
But before he could rejoice, he was hit with news that struck him like a thunderbolt:
"Wanci, you’re… leaving the sect to travel?!" he asked, voice trembling faintly.
Xu Wanci nodded earnestly.
"Sect Leader, the Seventh Elder confirmed my injuries are no longer an issue. Only my divine sense needs nourishment through pills."
"Since that’s the case, there’s no difference between staying in the sect or venturing out. I might as well use this time to seek opportunities for recovery."
Ning Menglan’s frown deepened.
"Wanci, your divine sense would fully heal within months if you stayed. Why chase uncertain opportunities elsewhere?"
He sighed. "It’s not that I want to stop you, but the outside world is fraught with danger. One misstep could lead to disaster."
"You’ve just recovered from severe injuries. Resting here is far safer and more convenient."
His worries weren’t unfounded—Xu Wanci’s recent excursions had left him traumatized:
The first time she left on a sect mission, she stumbled into an ancient formation and returned gravely wounded.
Then, half a month ago at the ancient battlefield, despite countless sect elders watching, her divine sense and dantian were both severely damaged.
This time, her injuries were so critical that even with Xie Tingbai’s care, it took a month before she could barely channel spiritual energy.
Even within the sect, he constantly feared some calamity might befall her. If she left…
At the thought, Ning Menglan paled.
Xu Wanci was the Taiqing Sect’s most treasured disciple now. She couldn’t afford another injury!
Xu Wanci met his gaze, her voice soft but resolute.
"Sect Leader, months… are too long."
To her, such a span was unbearable.
Ning Menglan exhaled quietly.
He knew why she was so desperate to cultivate.
But that very desperation only heightened his concern.
"Wanci," he tried again, "your wounds aren’t fully healed. At least wait another half-month. If you still wish to go then, I won’t stop you."
Xu Wanci bowed deeply.
"Please don’t worry, Sect Leader. I’ll do everything to survive now—I won’t recklessly court danger."
"I beg for your permission."
Seeing her determination, Ning Menglan realized further resistance was futile.
Once Xu Wanci set her mind to something, even his authority as Sect Leader couldn’t sway her.
He couldn’t forcibly confine her to the sect.
Besides, the Taiqing Sect’s resources alone couldn’t fully restore her divine sea.
Her urgency was understandable—she had something to fight for.
Fine. As long as she clung to survival, traveling wasn’t the end of the world.
He’d just have to prepare extensively.
His eyes flicked toward Ji Wang in the shadows.
With the Venerable of Extreme Clouds guarding her, at least she’d be safe from mortal peril.
After steeling himself for another half-cup of tea’s worth of time, he finally relented with a sigh.
"Since your decision is firm, I won’t dissuade you further."
"But—" His tone sharpened. "The outside world is nothing like the Taiqing Sect. I’ll prepare protective artifacts and pills. Don’t refuse them."
Xu Wanci blinked slowly before bowing again.
"Thank you, Sect Leader."
---
The next day, Ning Menglan stood before the flying vessel, his expression a mix of reluctance and worry.
He drew a steadying breath, struggling to maintain his stern facade, though his voice betrayed a fatherly ache.
"Wanci… must you really go?"
Noticing his red-rimmed eyes, Xu Wanci asked cautiously,
"Sect Leader, are you alright?"
"This venerable one is fine," he replied with a strained smile. "Just troubled by nightmares last night. It’s nothing."
He inhaled deeply, then launched into a grave litany of instructions:
"Wanci, you must take care out there. Prioritize safety above all—never take unnecessary risks."
"If you encounter anything beyond your means, crush the teleportation talisman in your pouch. The Third Elder will arrive instantly—"
After exhausting every conceivable precaution, his gaze drifted once more to Ji Wang. A sigh escaped him.
The Venerable of Extreme Clouds was peerless in strength. With him present, few could threaten Xu Wanci.
But would he actually tend to her needs?
The journey would be long, and Xu Wanci’s body hadn’t fully recovered. Without proper care, what if her wounds worsened?
His brow furrowed at the thought.
In a few days, it would be time for the Jiang family's Cold Pool to open, and both Jiang Ze and Jiang Qiuning had been summoned back by the family.
Chu Qingchuan was away on a mission, while Shen Wenxin was currently in secluded cultivation...
At this rate, there were very few people left to accompany Xu Wanci on her travels.
Just then, a voice tinged with amusement sounded beside her:
"Sect Master, what troubles you so?"
Ning Menglan turned, a flicker of delight in her eyes:
"Tingbai?"
Xie Tingbai stood there in his cyan robes, the faint bamboo patterns at the hem subtly visible as he moved. He paused and clasped his hands in greeting, his every motion exuding an effortless grace:
"Tingbai greets the Sect Master."
Ning Menglan quickly lifted him with a surge of spiritual energy, her voice cautious yet hopeful:
"Tingbai, are you...?"
Xie Tingbai let out a resigned sigh:
"As a medicine master, it is only right that I accompany a patient who has yet to fully recover."
"This way, I can monitor her condition and adjust the treatment as needed."
Relief finally softened Ning Menglan's expression. She patted Xie Tingbai's shoulder, her voice warm with gratitude:
"Excellent, truly excellent."
"Then I leave her in your care during this time."
Aboard the flying vessel.
Xie Tingbai stood at a distance, his expression coolly detached as he observed the scene before him.
He had always preferred to remain on the periphery, quietly discerning the hidden selfishness and desires buried deep within people's hearts.
So, it was effortless for him to notice Ji Wang's regard for Xu Wanci.
It was unmistakable—so blatant it might as well have been declared to the world.
Was it truly just because of the Immortal Venerable Qingyan?
Xie Tingbai's grip tightened imperceptibly around the bitter-cold ginseng in his hand, a faint trace of mockery curling his lips:
Or was the Immortal Venerable merely an excuse to deceive even himself?
He lowered his gaze slightly, veiling the shadows in his eyes.
Ji Wang stood silently beside Xu Wanci.
Dressed in a crimson martial robe, the dark gold belt cinched at his waist accentuated his slender yet undeniably powerful frame.
The robe's neckline dipped slightly, revealing delicate collarbones and a crimson mole beneath—mirroring the one at the side of his neck.
His once ever-present Ji Cloud Blade had now transformed into an earring, resting quietly against his earlobe.
His entire demeanor had turned restrained, with no trace left of his former ferocity. Instead, he resembled nothing more than an obedient, delicate youth, his gaze fixed intently on the figure before him.
He was aware of Xie Tingbai's scrutiny from afar, but it mattered little to him.
As long as Xie Tingbai posed no threat to Xu Wanci, his presence was inconsequential.
In this world, the only person who had ever mattered to him was the Immortal Venerable.
Now, it was Xu Wanci.
He would protect her in the Immortal Venerable's stead—ensure no harm ever befell her.
Recalling how Xu Wanci had spent her days lately, staring blankly at the illusory tree in the courtyard without a trace of joy, his lips pressed together faintly:
He would also... make her happy again.
But...
Ji Wang's gaze lingered on Xu Wanci, who had not spared him a single glance since boarding the vessel, wholly absorbed in her cultivation. His lips thinned imperceptibly.
Xu Wanci had long grown accustomed to the weight of others' gazes—and to disregarding them entirely as she focused on her practice.
Lately, she had been recuperating, rarely circulating her spiritual energy, let alone cultivating.
Though she maintained an outward calm, inwardly, she had been restless for some time.
Since arriving in the cultivation world, danger had pursued her relentlessly, growing only more perilous with time.
She could not control others, so the only option was to strengthen herself.
Every passing moment was precious to her.
The moment she stepped onto the flying vessel, she had settled into meditation, channeling her spiritual energy.
One hour, two hours, three hours...
Watching Xu Wanci persist in her cultivation, Ji Wang's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly.
He knelt silently on one knee, a hand braced against his leg as he studied her with unconcealed concern.
Xu Wanci had only just recovered from her illness—her first attempt at circulating spiritual energy should have been gradual. Prolonged cultivation like this could harm her body.
Yet, seeing her unwavering focus, his hand hovered uncertainly, unwilling to disturb her.
At last, Xie Tingbai set aside the spiritual herb in his hand.
Since their return from the Endless Illusion Realm, he had witnessed Xu Wanci's relentless cultivation.
Day and night, as if possessed.
Upon learning that there was a sliver of hope for that person's survival, she had thrown herself into it with everything she had.
And now, it was no different.
Xie Tingbai glanced at Xu Wanci, still deep in meditation. With a flick of his fingers, a vial of Spirit-Calming Pills materialized in his palm.
Though he was a master alchemist, never before had he treated a patient with such meticulous care—one who followed his instructions yet left him increasingly helpless.
Over time, he had grown accustomed to keeping his attention fixed on her, monitoring the flow of her spiritual energy.
He approached and held a pill to her lips, his voice tinged with rare resignation:
"After taking this, rest for half an hour."
Xu Wanci finally opened her eyes. She looked up at Xie Tingbai, blinking slowly before accepting the pill with her right hand and swallowing it obediently.
Despite the pill's sharp bitterness, her expression remained unchanged.
She merely thanked him quietly:
"My gratitude, Seventh Elder."
Xie Tingbai offered no reply, simply retreating to his previous spot.
He knew she would not resume cultivation for the next half-hour.
Ji Wang exhaled faintly in relief as Xu Wanci finally ceased her practice.
Rising to his feet, he wordlessly returned to his position three paces away.
Half an hour later.
Precisely on time, Xu Wanci resumed her meditation.
Two hours passed before Ji Wang could bear it no longer.
He stepped forward and seated himself beside her.
Studying her still-pale profile, he hesitated before speaking abruptly:
"Six hundred years ago, a flood dragon wreaked havoc along the Jade Hall River. Even with a Transcendent Realm expert guarding the city, none could subdue it—each clash ended in retreat."
"Just as the city was about to be swallowed by the dragon's tidal fury, the Immortal Venerable Qingyan happened to pass by and vanquished it with a single strike."
"The dragon was instantly subdued, powerless to resist."
In the past, recounting this would have ignited fervent reverence in his voice. But now, his tone was cautious, his gaze never leaving the figure beside him.
When he saw her stop her cultivation, an unfamiliar emotion suddenly surged in his heart.
This emotion was far too complex—he couldn’t untangle it, nor did he want to.
Softening his voice, he continued,
"That city is Luolong City. The aftershocks of Immortal Venerable Qingyan’s strike lingered for a century. During those hundred years, many cultivators, when their cultivation stagnated, would go to the Yutang River to seek enlightenment."
Xu Wanci opened her eyes and turned her head for the first time to look at the person beside her.
Her voice, though light, carried an immeasurable weight of sorrow:
"That was... a very, very long time ago."
"In Luolong City now, there are probably few who still remember."
Ji Wang listened to her sigh-like words and, for some reason, felt a bitter taste rise in his throat.
He didn’t know how to make someone happy, so he could only silently take out a Shoulong fruit from his storage pouch and carefully offer it to Xu Wanci.
"This is a Shoulong fruit from Luolong City. Though only a third-grade spirit fruit, it carries the hopes and dreams the city’s people once held for the future."
"Would you like to try it?"
Xu Wanci hesitated for a moment before accepting the fruit. She lowered her head and took a small bite.
"It’s so sweet," she murmured.
Sweet?
Ji Wang stared at her, his gaze fixed and complicated.
But Shoulong fruits were famously sour.
At that moment, the emotion in his heart felt even more sour than the fruit.
Right then, he wasn’t thinking about praising her unwavering devotion to Immortal Venerable Qingyan.
Instead, he thought... missing someone like this must be exhausting.
If the Immortal Venerable were still here, he would surely only wish for her to be happy.
Seeing the unconscious anticipation in Xu Wanci’s eyes, Ji Wang fell silent for a beat before speaking again, recounting all he knew of the Immortal Venerable’s deeds.
This was the first time Xu Wanci had heard stories of Immortal Venerable Qingyan from someone else’s perspective.
The Taiqing Sect had sealed away all records of the Immortal Venerable, and others hardly dared to speak his name.
Now that Ji Wang fully believed her connection to the Immortal Venerable, she no longer needed to guard her words.
She listened intently—to tales of the man who, centuries ago, commanded the cultivation world with a single word, whose mere gesture could shake the realm to its core.
When she heard how silence would blanket hundreds of miles around him, how even the cicadas dared not chirp in his presence, the corners of her lips lifted slightly, her voice tinged with fond exasperation:
"He wasn’t that intimidating."
"He... smiled often."
