206 - Destroyer of Ice and Fire

Under the astonished gaze of Lin Yuxue, Ning Songwu sat up from the grass and stretched lazily. "Cultivating immortality is about seeking the Dao. What is Shijie’s Dao?" Lin Yuxue was taken aback for a moment. "Why are you asking this, Shimei?" "Just curious. When I first met you, I thought you were a bit bashful. But once we got familiar, I realized you're a bit of a madwoman. I can't find what you care about." Lin Yuxue felt a bit displeased with the term "madwoman." Her expression twitched slightly, but she didn’t lose her temper. "Back when I started cultivating, it was to escape a marriage. After escaping, I was coaxed by my master to come to Cangjun Mountain. But it's been so long since then—my parents, who forced me into the marriage, have long passed away." Ning Songwu suddenly felt curious. "May I ask Shijie how old you are?" Lin Yuxue tilted her head, thinking. "Hmm, almost 200 years old, I think." Oh wow, another elder added to the ranks. Ning Songwu felt Lin Yuxue suddenly seemed very benevolent. But it made sense, given that for mortals, everyone here on Cangjun Mountain seemed like immortals. However, Ning Songwu could never quite fit in; she wanted more to be just an ordinary human. "So, Shijie, why do you pursue the Dao? Is it for longevity? And what is it about longevity that you desire?" "Oh my! Why such a roundabout way of asking? My cultivation... it's because I want to watch over someone." When Lin Yuxue said this, her tone was incredibly gentle, reminiscent of when Ning Songwu first met her. Ning Songwu couldn't help but warn her, "Shijie, are you cultivating for someone else? What if that person can't reciprocate your feelings? Won't constant effort without reward drown you in pain? In the end, is it all worth it?" A flicker of pain crossed Lin Yuxue's face, but then she quickly returned to her bold and carefree demeanor. She slapped Ning Songwu's back heartily, pretending to scold her like an elder. "Why are you asking so many questions, little one? You've never been in love—wait, have you? What happened with Shishu? It looks intense!" Ning Songwu's expression changed, and all thoughts of cultivation and effort were cast aside. She clenched her right fist and swung it toward Lin Yuxue's face. "Prepare to die!" Lin Yuxue dodged swiftly, flying into the air with a whoosh. "Hey! Don't be shy, good Shimei! It looks like your path to counterattack is a long one. I'm rooting for you!" What nonsense is this! Ning Songwu felt a mix of shame and anger. Even though she had the cultivation base, she didn't know any spells. She could only roar in frustration. "Get lost!" "Ning Songwu." A cold voice extinguished Ning Songwu's rage. She stiffly turned around and saw a figure in green. Oh no, I forgot Master is out of seclusion. How much of the conversation did she overhear? Ning Songwu slowly shuffled in front of Ran Fanyin, stammering. "M-Master, when did you come?" "Not long ago." Ning Songwu quietly observed Ran Fanyin’s expression. Seeing her usual calm and indifferent look, without a trace of anger, Ning Songwu secretly sighed in relief. Wait, even if overheard, it's Lin Yuxue who should be punished, not me. Why am I so worried? Ning Songwu was increasingly baffled by herself. While Ning Songwu was still lost in her own thoughts, Ran Fanyin suddenly spoke again. "What does 'counterattack' mean? Did you and Lin Shizhi have an argument?" Ran Fanyin looked genuinely puzzled, her eyes sparkling with a strong desire for answers as she gazed at her obedient disciple. Don't be curious about weird things!!! Ning Songwu screamed inwardly, sweating bullets, and suddenly came up with an explanation. "Counterattack means that I can't beat Shijie now, but when I become stronger, I will be able to. Shijie was just encouraging me to improve. Yes, that's it!" "Ah, I see," Ran Fanyin said, understanding dawning on her face. "Then come with me to learn spells. I've consulted my junior brother, and with your constitution, you’ll need strong abilities to protect yourself; otherwise, you'll be in great danger." Ning Songwu caught onto the crux of her words. "Why would I be in danger?" "The Devourer Spirit Body is perfect for storing spiritual power, but it also attracts monsters the most. In other words, to monsters, you are the most delicious food." So that's how it is. Ning Songwu followed behind Ran Fanyin, her expression somewhat downcast. Ran Fanyin noticed and promised in a calm voice. "Don't be afraid; I will protect you." Ning Songwu was taken aback, a warm current surging uncontrollably in her heart, making her eyes sting with tears. But the emotion felt too real, and Ning Songwu did not want to show it. She smiled brightly. "Yes! After all, Master is the most amazing person in the world!" Master, oh Master, did you know that someone once made such a promise to me? She kept it but then left me forever, making me like a wandering soul alone in this world. Is seeking the Dao really about pursuing the Dao? What is it that I seek? Perhaps it's merely living for the sake of living. The downhill path was shaded by shimmering trees, with sunlight dappling through intertwined branches, casting mottled shadows on the figure in green. A few bird calls from afar made the Morning Farewell Peak even more serene. Ning Songwu recalled her conversation with Lin Yuxue earlier and softly asked again, "Master, what is your pursuit of Dao?" She expected Ran Fanyin to say something grand about the common people or the happiness of humanity. But Ran Fanyin simply stopped, a look of confusion flashing in her eyes. "I don't know." Don't know? How could that be the answer? "Come on, it’s getting late. You haven't finished your training for today." Ran Fanyin clearly didn't want to discuss the topic further. Ning Songwu sensibly refrained from asking more, pretending to be her usual self. "Hahaha! Master, I’m just a registered disciple; I don’t need to work so hard." "...My junior brother and I discussed it. You will become my true disciple." Ran Fanyin hadn't initially intended to take on a disciple. She was used to solitude and wasn't accustomed to interacting with people. Someone once told her that too many bonds would lead to more worries, making decisions hesitant, and her sword dull. But having already taken this first step, she felt the responsibility to see it through.