Since that day, Hong Ning had become much calmer. To prevent any further incidents, the three of them set up formations covering several dozen feet in all directions. Bai Ling remained as beautiful and indifferent as ever, showing little outward change. However, he started going out more frequently in search of rare medicinal herbs, and each time he returned, he brought back an abundance of priceless treasures. Hong Ning had no idea where he was obtaining them, but at the moment, she had no mind to investigate. Her only focus was taking care of Wen Xin.
Two months passed in the blink of an eye. After consuming numerous spiritual medicines, Wen Xin’s condition had genuinely improved. In recent days, he had even stopped his usual meditation and cultivation, instead choosing to spend time conversing with his two disciples. The three of them enjoyed these rare moments of harmony together.
Inside the room, Hong Ning carefully carried over a bowl of medicinal soup. “Master.”
Wen Xin sat upright at the table, dressed in fresh robes. He took the bowl but didn’t drink immediately, setting it aside instead. “How many days has Bai Ling been gone?”
Hong Ning quickly replied, “He went to gather herbs. He must have traveled far this time, but he should be back soon.”
Wen Xin nodded. “We already have enough medicine. The weather is hot now, and his powers might be affected. It would be best if he didn’t go out so often.”
Hong Ning said, “Senior Brother is always cautious. Nothing will happen.” Yet despite her words, her eyes couldn’t help but flicker toward the door.
Wen Xin reached out and pulled her closer. “Have you been feeling sad these days?”
Hong Ning knelt beside him, resting her hands on his knee, and laughed. “Why would I be? Immortal Zhong said that Master will one day enter the celestial registry. I just can’t bear to part with you.”
Wen Xin sighed. “I originally thought I would survive this calamity and ascend after another hundred years. Although things didn’t go as expected, shedding this mortal body and achieving immortality still fulfills my lifelong aspiration.”
After a moment of silence, Hong Ning asked, “Once Master becomes a ghost immortal, will he truly have no connection to the mortal world?”
The divide between immortals and mortals was absolute. Lingering attachments to the world of the living would only invite disaster. Wen Xin did not answer. Instead, he reached out and patted her head. “I took you as my disciple because we were fated to meet. I have my own path ahead of me, and you shouldn’t dwell on it. Just live as you always have.”
Sensing his concern, Hong Ning instead smiled. “Don’t worry, Master. I won’t be alone—Senior Brother is still here with me.”
Wen Xin shook his head, hesitating as if he wanted to say something but ultimately remained silent.
Hong Ning didn’t notice his expression. Lowering her eyes, she smiled faintly. “Master raised me for so many years, yet I’ve never properly repaid you. And in my next life, I’ll forget you all completely—how heartless of me. As long as Master doesn’t get angry at me, that’s enough. Why don’t I bow three times to apologize in advance?”
Without waiting for a response, she knelt before Wen Xin and solemnly bowed three times.
Wen Xin sighed helplessly and pulled her up. “I had hoped for you to cultivate immortality, but you…”
“But I was born with a mortal heart—I’m really not suited for cultivation,” Hong Ning murmured, resting her head on his knee. “Why don’t you come find me in the next life and enlighten me again, Master?”
Wen Xin chuckled. “I was thinking the same thing.”
0 Comments