During the morning class, Zhuang Tian covered some basic knowledge, obviously tailored for new students. Chu Binghuan and Mu Rongsa didn't need to listen, the main focus of the supplementary class was Hua Che and Lin Yan.

Of course, Hua Che didn't need it either Thus, this lecture was basically for Lin Yan.

"The attributes of cultivators in the world are diverse. In the immortal path, there are sword cultivators, music cultivators, medical cultivators, and beast masters; in the demonic path, there are demonic cultivators and ghost cultivators; there is also a category of demonic beast cultivators. If they wholeheartedly pursue the immortal path, they are righteous; if they indulge in bloodshed and killing, they are demons," Zhuang Tian said seriously, "Good and evil cannot coexist, and one thought can differentiate between immortals and demons. They must not cross the boundary."

"Nowadays, each sect specializes in different areas. The Shangqing Immortal Sect is primarily sword cultivation, the Yuntian Shuijing Sect is focused on medical cultivation, the Yeyou Mansion specializes in music cultivation, and the Fengming Valley specializes in beast mastery."

"As for me, I am a beast tamer, controlling spiritual beasts and communicating with them. It is said that the top-tier beast masters can communicate with ancient divine beasts through their minds, form blood covenants with them, and fight side by side."

"You need to think carefully about what path to pursue, choose the one that suits you, and your journey will be smooth. Otherwise, it will be difficult every step of the way," Zhuang Tian looked at his students and smiled, "Tianyu cultivates the medical path, Zhaoyao cultivates the sword path, what about Qingkong and Xiao Yan?"

Lin Yan leaned on his chin, thought for a moment before saying, "Cultivating alone feels lonely. I want a companion like Master."

Zhuang Tian smiled kindly, "Do you also want to be a spiritual beast master?"

Lin Yan nodded seriously, "I've been taking care of my younger siblings since I was young. I believe I can also take care of cats and dogs."

Hua Che chuckled and patted Lin Yan's shoulder, "Ninth junior brother, spiritual pets are not ordinary beings. They have big temperaments. They can fly and breathe fire. Are you up for it?"

Lin Yan was confident in himself, "I can do it."

Hua Che said, "Since you have two eggs, when they hatch, you can establish a blood bond with them!"

Zhuang Tian asked, "Don't worry about others, what about you?"

"Me?" Hua Che lazily twirled his teacup, "I haven't decided yet."

Zhuang Tian pondered for a moment, "Yuan'er said when you fought with Zuo Qi, you used a hole flute. Is that your spiritual weapon? If so, are you cultivating the path of music?"

Actually, Hua Che was still more inclined towards the path of the sword. After all, he had been practicing it for decades, and he knew its intricacies very well. In this lifetime, with his past experience, he could avoid detours and focus on the essence.

However, the path of the sword was extremely arduous, each step bringing about inner demons. Because they were invincible in battles, they naturally harboured ominous signs. From the moment they embarked on the path of the sword, they sowed the seeds of inner demons in their souls.

In contrast, the path of music was much more peaceful.

They cultivated the mind, pacified the spirit, and transcended the world. Throughout history, there were many instances of sword cultivators falling into demonic paths, while music cultivators were rare.

That was right, if it wasn't for conforming to the style of the Shangqing Immortal Sect in his previous life, he wouldn't have chosen the path of the sword.

Hua Che put down his teacup and said obediently, "If Master thinks I'm suitable for music cultivation, then I'll learn music!"

Zhuang Tian smiled approvingly, "Good. After choosing a primary path, you can choose a secondary one. For example, Tianyu primarily cultivates the medical path, but his swordsmanship is also outstanding. Sword cultivation is ultimately the strongest for cultivators. You should also diligently practice swordsmanship in your daily life for physical fitness."

"You've just started cultivation, and you're still young. Don't secretly practice adult fasting. Eat well and grow your body."

"The rules of the Lingxiao disciples: respect your master and the dao. When drinking water, be aware of its origin. Do not associate with villains, do not betray trust and righteousness. Since you four have just started, copy the rules one hundred times when you return to your rooms, and engrave the words into your heart."

"Huh?" Hua Che grimaced, suddenly hesitating, "Master, can't we avoid copying the book for once? I can remember it."

Zhuang Tian replied, "Writing once is better than reading ten times. Do you understand this principle?"

Hua Che struggled, "There are only twenty words in total, I can remember them without writing."

Zhuang Tian remained adamant, "Even with just twenty words, copying them a hundred times won't take up much paper."

Hua Che: "Why waste the sect's ink? Hehe, right?"

Zhuang Tian laughed cheerfully, "Since your sixth senior brother returned from collecting rent down the mountain and triumphantly came back, our Lingxiao Hall has changed a lot, a little ink won't matter."

Hua Che: "..."

Whether it was an illusion or not, he inadvertently turned his head and seemed to see Chu Binghuan smiling.

Zhuang Tian rambled on all morning and finally got to the point after lunch. Since Lin Yan hadn't started Qi cultivation yet, Zhuang Tian instructed Wen Yuan to train him individually while he himself was teaching the other disciples.

While copying the rules, Hua Che tried to summon his sword “Gentle Breeze” again, but without success. It even made him suspect if Gentle Breeze eavesdropped and thought he had chosen Embracing Snow and didn't want it anymore, thus grumbling in a corner.

For two weeks in a row, Hua Che finally realized what was happening ; his cultivation level was too low, and he couldn't temporarily summon his ancient sword!

Three days later, Zhuang Tian called Hua Che and the others to the Lingxiao Pavilion and said, "There are rules in the sect. You must not disobey the orders of the sect leader or go out at will. Once you start cultivating, your lifespan will multiply. I'll give you four a seven-day break to visit your parents and siblings. A day in the mountains is worth a thousand years in the world. You never know when you'll meet again. If you want to officially embark on the immortal path, you must first sever mundane attachments, otherwise, advancing in cultivation will give rise to inner demons."

They understood the reasoning.

However, only Hua Che and Lin Yan really needed it.

Chu Binghuan and Mu Rongsa's entire families were cultivators, so there was no need for such farewells.

"I don't want to go home and be nagged by my dad again," Mu Rongsa ran to Lin Yan, "How about I go with you? Where do you live?"

Lin Yan naturally welcomed his friends to his home: "I have a lot of siblings at home, so don't mind the noise."

"The more people, the livelier it is!" Mu Rongsa grinned and pulled Lin Yan along. Suddenly, he thought of something and pulled Hua Che aside, "Brother Hua, about you and Seventh Junior Brother... I'm just an outsider, but you should talk to him clearly. If you want to break up, do it cleanly, if you want to be together, do it quickly. You've been avoiding him for half a month, and it looks exhausting."

Hua Che absentmindedly replied, "I know."

Everyone went their separate ways.

*

Chu Binghuan, without informing anyone, took the initiative to enter the Lingxiao Hall. He should have visited his family first.

After half a day of flying on his sword, he returned to the Yuntian Shuijing Sect and was respectfully welcomed into the Yuntian Pavilion by the maidservants.

Before entering the door, a maid reminded him anxiously, "Young master, the Lady is furious."

As expected.

Chu Binghuan took a deep breath, exhaled slowly, and entered. He bowed to Lin Yan sitting in the main seat, "Mother."

"You finally know to come back!" Lin Yan couldn't contain her anger, her pearls and jades rattling as she spoke, "You entered the Lingxiao Hall without a word, didn't even send a message for half a month. What are you up to!"

Chu Binghuan lifted his robes and knelt down, "Binghuan acted on his own, Mei Cailian, please forgive me."

"Hmph, if you were really afraid of making me angry, you wouldn't have joined the Lingxiao Hall!" Mei Cailian stood up angrily, "Isn't the Shangqing Immortal Sect good enough? Why didn't you go there?"

Chu Binghuan replied, "The Shangqing Immortal Sect does not have what I seek."

"Is that so! Instead of going to the top immortal sect, you went to such a declining place to waste your time. Are you insane?" Mei Cailian slammed the table, "You've forsaken the first immortal sect for what?"

Chu Binghuan bit his lip and remained silent.

Mei Cailian suddenly sneered, "Don't think I don't know what's on your mind. When that day the surname Hua called off the engagement and left, you followed him. Now that he's studying in the Lingxiao Hall, you followed him there, not because the Lingxiao Hall is so good, but because Hua Qingkong is there, isn't that right!"

Chu Binghuan lowered his head and said in a deep voice, "Yes."

"You!" Mei Cailian’s delicate face gradually twisted, her hands trembling with anger, "Go, go to the ancestral hall and kneel there, let the ancestors see the absurd things you've done! For a man, you've abandoned your future, you've abandoned the prospects of the family!"

Chu Binghuan stood up, but instead of going to the ancestral hall, he looked directly at Mei Cailian and said, "You wanted me to join the Shangqing Immortal Sect to make the Yuntian Shuijing Sect the number one immortal sect. Mei Cailian, isn't the current position of the Yuntian Shuijing Sect high enough? Isn't your status noble enough? I don't owe the Chu family anything. Don't think you can control my thoughts."

He had repaid what was owed in the previous life! The glory of the family, the status of the Yuntian Shuijing Sect, he had achieved it all.

In this lifetime, he just wanted to be himself.

Hejust wanted to retrieve the treasures he lost in my previous life!

"I'm fine in the Lingxiao Hall. Master Zhuang is kind and gentle, and my senior brothers are friendly and affectionate. I really like it there. The rules of the sect prohibit casual outings, so please take care of yourself, mother." Chu Binghuan turned and walked away.

Mei Cailian’s complexion faded, "Binghuan! Come back to me! If you don't strive for advancement and give up on yourself, how can you snatch the Yuntian Shuijing Sect back from your uncle? Do you want us, the orphans and widows, to always rely on others?"

Uncle Chu Changfeng was never a power-hungry person, and Chu Binghuan himself didn't care about the Yuntian Shuijing Sect at all.

His heart was in Hangzhou.

This ancient city, full of poetic charm, was bustling with activity. Passing by the charming West Lake, traversing bustling streets, suddenly looking back...

The person he longed for was there, amidst the flickering lights.

*

Hua Che took a sip of wine.

Chu Binghuan stood still.

Amidst the light and shadow, amidst the hustle and bustle, Hua Che stood at the end of the street in a red robe, elegant as a cloud, ethereal as a dream.

Chu Binghuan hurried over.

He saw Hua Che holding a wine jug, his face slightly flushed, as if startled and coughing repeatedly, tears glistening at the corners of his eyes.

Chu Binghuan's heart stirred. He reached out to wipe away the tears, but before he could touch them, Hua Che wiped them away with his sleeve.

Chu Binghuan had to retract his hand. He looked deeply at Hua Che and couldn't help but ask, "Why didn't you go back..."

Home.

Where did Hua Che have a home?

Chu Binghuan's eyes showed a trace of heartache, while Hua Che's heart trembled slightly. He quickly put on a nonchalant look, "Isn't it nice to have no relatives in the world? The world belongs to me alone, free from the pain of separation and loss, isn't that great?"

Chu Binghuan said, "There is."

"Huh?"

"Aren't I your relative?" Chu Binghuan took out a jade pendant from his pocket, engraved with the words "Qingkong," a token given by Hua Che's grandmother years ago.

Chu Binghuan continued, "You are not alone."

 

Translator : DarNan