231 - We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real?

### Chapter 231: Only Fools Believe in Men Si Li raised her head, gazing at the expanse of the night sky. Stars were studded across the heavens, forming a dazzling river of stars. Like scattered shards of silver, they adorned the sky in silence. The Milky Way, cloaked in a gentle glow, flowed slowly from the northeast to the southwest. Occasionally, a shooting star would streak across, trailing a faint wisp of light as it silently plummeted behind the distant mountains. Everything in the starry sky was mirrored in Si Li's eyes, but within her gaze, a trace of helplessness flickered. She spoke slowly, her tone laced with bitter self-mockery: "I once thought my master cared for me as if I were his own daughter. In reality, he merely saw me as a tool." Si Li turned her head, smiling at Wang Xin. "Although I've been appointed as a candidate for the Holy Son, my master knows I can't possibly compete against the others. In recent days, he not only interacted with other candidates, but even approached some ascension realm cultivators. He plans to sell me for a good price when I reach the Jade Realm. On the surface, he claims it's for my own good, but in truth, he only wishes to trade me for greater benefits. Instead of being treated like merchandise waiting to be auctioned off, Why shouldn't I choose a cultivator as my own partner?" As she spoke, Si Li's smile was captivating, laced with natural charm. She glanced at Xiao Mo, who rested with his eyes closed in the distance. Si Li wasn’t sure if Xiao Mo heard what she said. But even if he did, it didn't really matter to her. Si Li withdrew her gaze, turning to Wang Xin, "In comparison, Young Master Xiao is handsome, vibrant with life, and remarkably talented. Cultivating with him wouldn't hinder me; rather, it would be immensely beneficial. Especially over the past few days, I've noticed that Young Master Xiao is different from other men. He has a scholarly elegance reminiscent of a Central Plains scholar, which I find immensely appealing. The more I interact with Young Master Xiao, the more I want to serve him well~" "..." Wang Xin didn't respond, her clear eyes blinking as she gazed at Si Li. "What is it, Wang Xin?" Si Li chuckled softly. "Isn't what I've said the truth?" "It is the truth," Wang Xin nodded, though a hint of confusion lingered in her eyes, "Yet, it feels slightly odd." "What feels odd?" Si Li inquired with a smile. "I'm not sure..." Wang Xin lowered her head. "You have a bit of resistance towards Xiao Mo. It's not that you dislike him; rather, it's as though you have a distaste for all men. Yet you keep convincing yourself—Xiao Mo is a decent person, and entrusting yourself to him is the best choice." "That's accurate." Si Li smiled again. "Like I said before, I've never held men in high regard. Even my own father wanted to sell me. I don’t know Xiao Mo well, so naturally, I remain cautious around him. As for disrobing and exposing myself before him, trying to entice Xiao Mo, that stems from this caution. In my view, only by entrusting my body to him, cultivating together, and linking our paths, will I genuinely trust him. Because this cultivation method allows me to sense whether he loves or hates me after dual cultivation." "There's no need," Wang Xin shook her head. "What do you mean there's no need?" Si Li maintained her smile. "Even if you don't cultivate with Xiao Mo, as long as you don't harm him, Xiao Mo won't harm you either." Wang Xin looked earnestly into Si Li's enchanting eyes. "Though Xiao Mo has a temper, he means what he says. If he promises to have you manage the Wandao Sect in the future, he will ensure your protection; no one will harm you." "Wang Xin truly has faith in Young Master Xiao." Si Li's lips curled with a trace of sarcasm, "But this is just because you can perceive others' hearts, Wang Xin. And people's hearts, especially men's hearts, are prone to change." "But... I can't read Xiao Mo's heart." Wang Xin lowered her head, a hint of disappointment passing through her eyes. "Can't see?" Si Li's expression turned slightly surprised. "Yes, I can see everyone's thoughts, except his," Wang Xin fiddled with her small hands, "Sometimes, I wish I could understand what Xiao Mo is thinking. That way, I wouldn't accidentally upset him." Looking at this pure-hearted Buddhist maiden, Si Li did not think Wang Xin was lying: "You can't read his thoughts yet you stay by his side? Aren’t you afraid he might harbor intentions towards your treasured heart? Aren’t you afraid he might harm you?" "I’m not." Wang Xin shook her head, "Xiao Mo won't harm me. Even if that day comes, it doesn't matter, because I'll just pretend I don't know." "…" Si Li's gaze was complex as she looked at the woman before her. What transpired between the two that would cause this Buddhist saint to be so devoted to Xiao Mo? Nonetheless, after expressing her inner thoughts, Si Li felt much more relieved. It was the first time she had shared these matters with someone. And that, with a Buddhist disciple she'd known for less than half a month. Si Li wasn't sure why. Perhaps it was because Wang Xin's heart, with its myriad of insights, was impossible to hide from, she decided not to try. Or perhaps it was due to Wang Xin’s eyes. Her eyes were as pure as freshly melted snow. With just one look, you feel as though you can confide anything to her, knowing she wouldn't betray or harm you. "If I were a man, I would really fall for you," Si Li said to Wang Xin with a smile. "Oh," Wang Xin responded with a soft sound, nodded, and continued to place a stone on the small fish graves, "I'm going to rest now, you should rest well too." "Goodnight." Si Li waved her hand. Even after Wang Xin departed, she remained by the riverbank, gazing skyward. Tonight's sky seemed more beautiful than any she’d seen before. It was only after a long while that Si Li redirected her gaze from the sky to Xiao Mo. Xiao Mo continued to meditate with closed eyes, as if he were asleep. Wang Xin picked up a cloak, draping it over Xiao Mo, while tending the fire before him to make it warmer. Having done all this, Wang Xin watched him with wide eyes, seemingly never tire of looking. "Trust him?" Si Li looked at Xiao Mo, shaking her head with a smile. "Wang Xin really has faith. Men, such creatures. Only fools believe in them." (End of Chapter)