Arc 14: Dayan Empire | Chapter 247: Heart Troubles
Translator: Lynn
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As soon as these words were spoken, it felt as if frost had formed in the building. The boy in blue immediately shivered, and the smug smile froze on his face.
An indescribable sense of danger made him momentarily abandon his desire to win.
…murderous intent.
There was a sense of danger, but no immediate threat of killing. However, the young man in blue was cautious, knowing that the world was unpredictable. Though there was no immediate threat, who could say it wouldn’t escalate? It was just an auction item of uncertain value, not worth risking revenge over. Being a Golden Core cultivator, he knew better than to gamble on uncertain possibilities. Realizing he couldn’t handle the person who bid, he refrained from continuing the competition.
The rest had already given up when the young man in blue bid against Xu Ziqing, and no one spoke now.
With the young man in blue silent, the kit naturally went to the highest bidder.
Xu Ziqing was stunned for a moment, then his heart warmed. He turned to Yun Lie and said, “Thank you, Shixiong, for your help.” After a moment’s thought, he took out a storage bag from his storage ring, which contained a bag of spirit stones, and handed it to Yun Lie. “This contains about 55,000 low-grade spirit stones. Please accept it. I will gather the remaining 45,000 in the future and return them to you, Shixiong.”
Though he wished to stay close to his Shixiong, he knew he couldn’t rely on him too much. His affection for his Shixiong was sincere and pure, and he couldn’t take his kindness for granted. He was genuinely grateful for Shixiong’s assistance.
Yun Lie glanced at him and said, “Keep it with you.”
Xu Ziqing was slightly startled and was about to speak.
Yun Lie continued, “Your cultivation base is still weak, and the spirit stone can provide sufficient spiritual energy.”
Xu Ziqing paused, then took back the storage bag. He smiled wryly, knowing that once his Shixiong mentioned his lack of cultivation, he had no grounds to argue.
Ever since he fell in love with his Shixiong, Xu Ziqing had become increasingly aware of the distance between them. Despite his hard work, closing the gap between their cultivation levels seemed nearly impossible. Sometimes he regretted not being born earlier and not meeting his Shixiong sooner. However, he realized that if he had been born earlier, he might not have met his Shixiong at all, or even if they had met, they might not have become close. So, he suppressed this regret.
While cultivating in the palace, the aura was strong, but it wasn’t like Wuling Immortal Sect. Xuan Ze had a third-order spirit vein, but it was concentrated under the courtyard where King Tiancheng lived. The surrounding courtyards were given to casual cultivators and Nascent Soul guests. Those who stayed with their fellow senior disciples, like Xu Ziqing, couldn’t enjoy that kind of treatment.
Xu Ziqing, who used to live with Yun Lie at Xiaolu Peak and chose to open his cave where the aura was strongest, found the aura in Prince Tiancheng’s mansion acceptable but not as pure. Therefore, he had to use spirit stones and set up a spirit gathering array to concentrate the spirit energy in the palace and make it more vigorous.
Thinking of this, Xu Ziqing felt indebted to his Shixiong again. Although he understood that a man shouldn’t worry about small details and was determined to repay his Shixiong in the future, he still felt he hadn’t done enough. He sighed, thinking that if he were a woman, he could offer himself to his Shixiong, but as a man, he needed to consider this matter carefully. Even though he already had feelings for his Shixiong, offering himself would only fulfill his own desire, not necessarily repaying his Shixiong’s kindness.
Xu Ziqing’s entanglement stemmed from his past life, where he was sickly and felt like a burden to his family. This made him more sensitive and thoughtful than most men. In this life, with a healthy body and on the path to immortality, he wanted to rely on his own efforts, but he was always protected by his Shixiong. He felt both grateful and inadequate, fearing he hadn’t done enough for his Shixiong.
Thus, his past and present thoughts intertwined, and he became momentarily lost in his reflections.
Suddenly, a cold hum reverberated through his consciousness, snapping him out of his reverie.
It was his Shixiong, calling out, “Ziqing.”
Startled, Xu Ziqing felt as if cold water had been poured over him, waking him up instantly. He looked up to see Yun Lie handing him the embroidery kit, and he immediately understood.
Yun Lie had noticed Xu Ziqing’s distracted state, despite his calm expression. Knowing him well, Yun Lie could see the melancholy in his eyes. He didn’t disturb Xu Ziqing until the Mystery Auction items were sent over, and seeing that Xu Ziqing was still lost in thought, he called out to him and handed him the kit.
Xu Ziqing quickly took the kit and put it into his storage bag.
When Xuan Ze and the others witnessed this scene, they were struck by the deep affection between these siblings. For disciples who had never experienced the bond of a master-disciple relationship, seeing their mutual respect and support stirred envy in their hearts.
Some couldn’t help but think, “If only I had a teacher and a senior like them, someone to respect and love, and to walk hand in hand with!”
Yet, amidst these thoughts, Yun Lie’s voice echoed calmly and icily in Xu Ziqing’s mind once more, bringing him a profound sense of reassurance, like a steadfast pillar in the sky.
“I want to know,” Yun Lie’s voice transmitted, “how long have you been cultivating?”
Xu Ziqing couldn’t explain why, but he answered honestly, “Twelve years.”
“And how long have I been with you?” Yun Lie asked.
Xu Ziqing’s throat tightened as he replied solemnly, “It’s also been twelve years.”
Yun Lie nodded slightly and continued, “What is the lifespan of a Golden Core Daoist?”
At that moment, Xu Ziqing had a realization: “A Golden Core Daoist’s lifespan is eight hundred years.”
There was a moment of silence before Yun Lie spoke again, “I have practiced the ruthless killing swordsmanship for decades and never had a friend.”
Somehow, Xu Ziqing couldn’t help but smile faintly, “Although I have made acquaintances, in the end, I only have one true friend. Yun Ge1Before being cultivator under Yun Lie’s master, Xu Ziqing called him Yun Ge (Brother Yun), and now Shixiong, are the most significant.”
Finally, Yun Lie stated, “Your cultivation is still young, and mine spans decades. Regardless of whether it’s the flourishing Golden Core or the waves on the journey to immortality, it’s insignificant. The path to immortality is perilous and challenging. If I help you today, there will come a time when you will assist me. Ziqing, don’t be impatient.”
These words touched Xu Ziqing deeply, almost bringing tears to his eyes. After a long silence, he lowered his head slightly and murmured, “Shixiong, I’ve caused you worry.”
Given Yun Lie’s usual demeanor, these words were truly heartfelt and sincere.
Despite Xu Ziqing’s early resolve to repay his Shixiong when he achieved greater heights, he couldn’t shake the unease in his heart—not about his own talents, but about his fear of falling behind his Shixiong’s rapid progress.
Yet, even now, when his Shixiong could comfort him despite his own emotional struggles, Xu Ziqing realized something profound in his heart.
“To owe, and to owe more deeply, is a blessing.”
Besides the affection and loyalty towards his Shixiong, Xu Ziqing understood that the ultimate price might someday be his life, and strangely, he found a certain perfection in that prospect.
Immortal cultivators, whether following the natural order or defying it, were inherently selfish, grasping at the heavens and earth in pursuit of eternal life. Even in forming friendships, they always maintained a superiority complex.
Trusting his life to his closest kin and brother had not been easy for Xu Ziqing. Because of this, his emotions were somewhat detached now. From now on, he would act with greater caution, yet also with a fearless resolve.
After clearing away the lingering doubts in his heart, Xu Ziqing’s eyes held a faint smile.
Despite his recent exchange with Shixiong, the Mystery Auction had not yet concluded. The last item had just been auctioned, signaling the end of the gathering.
Xuan Ze’s group of confidants and guests promptly secured their acquisitions and departed, each accompanied by beautiful attendants.
Yun Lie and Xu Ziqing also left discreetly, having focused solely on acquiring the embroidered kit without inspecting its contents on the spot.
Outside the venue, Xu Ziqing remained alert, recalling his earlier encounter near the ghost gate. He relied on instinct to scan the surroundings, hoping to spot someone familiar. Yet, despite his efforts, he found nothing until a sudden pang of intuition drew his gaze in a particular direction.
“Hmm?” Seeing nothing amiss, Xu Ziqing felt perplexed. However, before he could investigate further, several ominous figures cloaked in black emerged stealthily nearby, radiating hostility even from a distance.
Frowning slightly, Xu Ziqing avoided escalating the situation or attracting undue attention from the Ghost Spirit Sect. He nonchalantly averted his gaze and subtly adjusted his course, signaling to Yun Lie to depart swiftly.
Returning to Prince Tiancheng’s Mansion, Xuanze retired to review his acquisitions without engaging in prolonged farewells. The rest of the entourage dispersed quietly, sensing the tension in the air.
Accompanying Yun Lie back to their quarters, Xu Ziqing prepared to unlock the restrictions on the kit. Recognizing his current limitations, he relied on Yun Lie’s expertise for assistance.
Inside the courtyard, they dismissed the attending servants and settled opposite each other.
With a gesture, Xu Ziqing revealed the brocade bag, its intricate patterns shimmering in the faint light.
Seeing this, Yun Lie extended a finger and touched the designated spot.
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1Before being cultivator under Yun Lie’s master, Xu Ziqing called him Yun Ge (Brother Yun)