Chapter 215: Where Is the Place to Return To
Half a month later, at the entrance of the sect.
"Please, just stay and play for two more days before leaving!"
Qinghe clutched Xie Lingyu's sleeve and pleaded with an earnest expression. "Really, just two more days."
Xie Lingyu's expression was cold. "If you want to play, you can stay and play yourself. I never said I had to drag you back to the Tianyan Sect."
Qinghe was not foolish. If Xie Lingyu really returned alone, it was uncertain whether it would even be able to step out of the Tianyan Sect again next time.
Xie Lingyu was sharp-tongued but soft-hearted. If she stayed to accompany Qinghe, then when Bai Laolao caused trouble, Xie Lingyu would genuinely help Qinghe smooth things over.
Unlike Bai Laolao, whose mouth was hard and whose heart was even harder. When she said she would cut off the horns, Qinghe had not even had time to react before the two horns on its head had already rolled onto the ground.
If Bai Laolao saw Xie Lingyu return to the Tianyan Sect alone, she would probably rush over that very day to capture it. By then, it would likely be mocked again by that black-hearted brat.
How hateful.
Why were other people's masters so good at cooking, and other people's sects so fun?
And it had finally made a close friend—Chen Baiqing.
Although she was young, she was truly adorable.
She brewed tea well and spoke pleasantly, often saying exactly what Qinghe wanted to hear.
Every time Qinghe chatted idly with Chen Baiqing, it felt like basking in a spring breeze, as though its soul had been cleansed.
If Chen Baiqing had not declined tactfully, Qinghe would have loved to stick with her even at night.
Chen Baiqing's manner of speaking and doing things was completely unlike that of a child.
At times, Qinghe even wondered whether Chen Baiqing was actually a demon that had transformed into human form.
How hateful.
Where did that black-hearted brat find such a well-behaved little disciple? It really wanted to hug her back to the Tianyan Sect.
If such a good Chen Baiqing were led astray by Chu Xingchen and became black-hearted, would Qinghe not cry itself to death?
It could only pretend to be silly and muddle through. "Lingyu, just two more days, alright?"
"You have already used this excuse three times." Xie Lingyu reached out and slapped away Qinghe's small hand that was gripping her sleeve. "You can also choose not to return to the Tianyan Sect. Go ask Chu Xingchen whether his sect lacks a Nascent Soul–stage flood dragon to guard the gate."
Hearing this, Qinghe looked toward Chu Xingchen standing to the side. His disciples were all gathered beside him, and even Ning Qianqian stood at the very back, stretching his small head to curiously watch the scene.
It first glanced at the faint smile at the corner of Chu Xingchen's mouth. This black-hearted brat was truly hateful.
Then, Qinghe's gaze shifted to its close friend.
There was no obvious expression on Chen Baiqing's small face, and her eyes did not seem to change much.
But Qinghe was certain.
Chen Baiqing must be reluctant for it to return to the Tianyan Sect. This was the spiritual connection between close friends.
After all, those joyful moments over these days were still vivid in Qinghe's memory.
Watching Little Baiqing revise her grilled fish technique many times.
From grilling one fish by herself, to the great progress of grilling two fish to get one fish.
Although Qinghe did not quite understand what the fun was, Chen Baiqing's happiness had now become Qinghe's happiness.
Qinghe turned back again and said with a reluctant tone, "Little Baiqing still wants me to play for two more days."
"Heh." Xie Lingyu let out a cold laugh and did not plan to waste any more words, turning to leave.
Seeing this, Qinghe hurriedly threw out its final trump card. "Then if Chu Xingchen wants you to stay and play a few more days, are you still leaving?"
"Of course I am leaving."
Xie Lingyu answered without the slightest hesitation.
She was a cultivator of the Tianyan Sect, a true disciple who inherited Bai Xuanling's legacy.
Xie Lingyu had no reason to stay in Yuzhou City, nor any reason to remain here. She had her own path to walk.
She had her own mission and responsibilities, and countless eyes were focused on her.
At least for now, Chu Xingchen was still far from enough to make Xie Lingyu put all of this aside, and far from enough to make her stop moving forward.
Xie Lingyu also had her own pride. Moreover, Chu Xingchen's cultivation had risen to a level she could no longer quite comprehend.
This kind of speed was somewhat unsettling, but it truly placed pressure on her.
She had already been delayed longer than other geniuses. What Xie Lingyu needed to do was catch up with all her strength.
Bai Xuanling's illustrious reputation in Central Continent should not be completely squandered in her hands.
What was more, the current Chu Xingchen would surely meet his again in Central Continent.
When they met again, he would certainly not be someone who could only stand at a distance and watch Chu Xingchen fight.
This place was not ninety thousand li away, nor was it the beginning of Xie Lingyu's inferiority.
Chu Xingchen had made Xie Lingyu see him in a new light. Then it was time for Xie Lingyu to make Chu Xingchen see her in a new light as well.
Qinghe stared blankly at Xie Lingyu, who looked calm and showed not the slightest reluctance.
It then glanced sideways at Chu Xingchen, only to find that his expression was equally calm, as though he had long anticipated Xie Lingyu's response.
Xie Lingyu did not say much more to Qinghe. She looked toward Chu Xingchen and the others, and a rare gentle smile appeared on her face.
"These days have been very enjoyable with all of you. If you have the chance, come to the Tianyan Sect as guests, and let me play host for once."
"We will!" Li Yingling smiled and waved.
Li Xing Tian had not experienced many farewells. Lacking experience in how to say goodbye, he only cupped his hands in salute.
Chen Baiqing revealed a sweet smile and gently waved. "Remember to come often."
Cui Hao and Lin Luoyu were not very familiar with Xie Lingyu. Unlike the first three disciples, they had only had limited contact with her.
Xie Lingyu's temperament was somewhat cold, so there had not been much interaction, sometimes more like that between a senior and juniors.
Cui Hao simply followed his second senior brother's example and smiled while cupping his hands, and Lin Luoyu cupped her hands as well.
Chu Xingchen did not speak. He only smiled and nodded.
Seeing that the situation was already decided, Qinghe could only wave toward Chen Baiqing despite its reluctance, preparing to say goodbye.
It said with lingering attachment, "Little Baiqing, I will come find you to play again after some time!"
Chen Baiqing nodded cooperatively and revealed an equally reluctant expression.
Chu Xingchen looked at Chen Baiqing's expression, then at Qinghe wearing the same expression.
Her third disciple should be showing genuine emotion, not treating Qinghe like a hooked fish, right?
Well… probably not?
Chu Xingchen reached out and rubbed Chen Baiqing's head, then looked toward Xie Lingyu and Qinghe.
"Until we meet again."
Xie Lingyu nodded, then turned and transformed into a streak of rainbow light, departing.
Qinghe waved once more with reluctance, then seriously reminded Chu Xingchen, "Do not lead Little Baiqing astray!"
After speaking, before Chu Xingchen could reply, Qinghe turned and chased after Xie Lingyu.
Watching the two leave, Chu Xingchen reached out and rubbed Chen Baiqing's small head.
"How did you get along with Qinghe? Did you deliberately try to build a good relationship with it?"
Chen Baiqing nodded gently.
"Yes. I put in a bit of thought. After all, it was a guest. But Qinghe is quite interesting and rather amusing."
Chu Xingchen nodded lightly. As long as the interaction was friendly, that was enough.
As the farewell ended, those gathered at the entrance also dispersed, each going to do what they wished—whether cultivating or idling away time.
Chu Xingchen stretched lazily and strolled toward the main hall at an unhurried pace.
Li Xing Tian followed behind his master.
After walking for a while.
Li Xing Tian looked at his master's back, the words stuck in his throat still difficult to speak.
Before he could decide how to say it, his master's voice came from ahead.
"You want to go out and roam again?"
Li Xing Tian looked toward Chu Xingchen and saw a faint smile on his master's face.
Chu Xingchen stopped and turned to look at Li Xing Tian.
"There is no need to think too much. If you want to go, then go. A sect is not a cage."
"It is support, and it is a place to return to."
Li Xing Tian did not speak. He simply answered his master's words with a slightly stiff, yet heartfelt and genuine smile.
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