Hong Ning busied herself without pausing, answering absentmindedly before picking up the medicine bowl and heading toward the door.
Bai Ling reached out and caught her wrist. “I will come back in two years.”
“I know.” Hong Ning nodded and walked out.
Wen Xin’s departure did not bring any drastic changes. Life went on as usual. The thatched cottage, though quieter than before, remained the same. Other than a lingering sense of solitude, it was as if nothing had happened. The only difference was that things had become more distant and polite between them. Bai Ling never mentioned leaving again, and while Hong Ning occasionally found herself lost in thought, she did not neglect her practice.
She had found the handwritten scroll among Wen Xin’s belongings and started following the cultivation methods written inside. Since she had previously trained in Taoist techniques, the process did not seem too difficult.
The summer weather changed rapidly. At noon, the sun blazed relentlessly, yet by the afternoon, thick clouds had gathered, darkening the sky. The air was heavy with humidity, and the shrill cries of cicadas filled the surroundings, making the atmosphere stifling and oppressive.
Hong Ning attempted to meditate but found herself increasingly restless. Unable to endure it any longer, she took a few gulps of cool water and sat on a chair, fanning herself with her hand.
The room felt inexplicably empty, and with it, a deeper sense of loneliness crept in.
Her gaze wandered over every object in the room, tracing each familiar detail.
This place had once housed three people. Now, only two remained.
And before long, there might only be one left.
Bai Ling had followed Wen Xin in cultivation. Now that Wen Xin was gone, it was no surprise that Bai Ling would leave too. But after living together for over ten years, did he truly feel nothing at all about parting ways?
Leaving or staying—such arbitrary choices. They had already seen through life and death, so parting must not have been difficult for them.
Perhaps, from beginning to end, she was the only one who couldn’t let go.
She was the only one who still struggled with attachments, unable to comprehend the fleeting nature of reunions and separations.
She really wasn’t suited for cultivating immortality.
Hong Ning took a deep breath and walked back to her seat, sitting cross-legged once more. If she committed to something, she would see it through to the end—that much perseverance she had. At the very least, there was one person who would always protect her.
Just then, Bai Ling pushed the door open and walked in.
A faint pain tightened in her chest, but Hong Ning greeted him with a smile. “Senior Brother.”
Bai Ling raised his hand and placed a small black wooden box on the table. “I refined these using the herbs from before. Take one every ten days—it may help with your cultivation.”
Hong Ning had learned alchemy from Wen Xin and was preparing to enter a fasting cultivation regimen. Hearing this, she nodded. “Thank you.”
Bai Ling paused slightly, then turned to look at her.
For a long moment, neither of them spoke.
Outside the window, the sky had darkened, casting the room into heavy shadows. The air felt thick and stifling, making it hard to breathe.
Finally, Hong Ning broke the silence with a soft voice. “When do you plan to leave?”
Bai Ling was quiet for a moment before replying, “I’ll wait a little longer.”
Hong Ning said, “When the time comes, remember to tell me.”
Bai Ling nodded.
Perhaps it was because of the dim lighting, but his usually striking features seemed blurred, leaving only those bright eyes—gazing at her so intently that it made her heart tremble.
She let out a slow breath, trying not to overthink things. Turning her head toward the window, she smiled. “It’s going to rain soon. The water will be muddy tomorrow, so I’d better wash my clothes now while I can.” She picked up the wooden basin and hurriedly walked out.
Bai Ling hesitated as if wanting to say something, but in the end, he only stood there in silence, watching her figure disappear.
“How much longer do you intend to linger here?”
A voice, deep and commanding, suddenly echoed through the room.
At some point, a tall, imposing man had appeared inside.
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