Chapter 470: Senior Brother, Elder Sister
The purple Spirit Wall restriction shattered like glass.
Immediately after, two light knocks came from outside the hall door.
*Bang, bang…*
Taishang Wusun, clad in a golden kasaya, pushed the door open and scanned the hall. Seeing that only the tribute offerings had been eaten, he seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, his shoulders slowly dropping as he crossed the threshold.
“Benefactor Ye, congratulations…”
Taishang Wusun seemed to want to congratulate Ye Anping on forming his Nascent Soul.
But as soon as he spoke, he smelled a strange odor in the room. His brow furrowed slightly, and he immediately clasped his hands together, staring at Ye Anping.
“Amitabha, amitabha. Benefactor Ye, please abide by the seven ‘precepts’ and cultivate one ‘color’ of righteousness.”
Ye Anping immediately understood and showed a hint of embarrassment on his face. He then stood up, clasped his hands together like Taishang Wusun, and nodded in apology.
Next, he took a spirit bead from his Storage Bag and walked over, offering it with cupped hands.
“Although I don’t believe in Buddhism, I did form my Nascent Soul here. This is a Golden Element Spirit Bead I found in the Central Domain some years ago. Please consider it a humble offering to the Triple Gem, and a prayer for the protection of the celestial Buddha. I hope you will accept it, Venerable Sir.”
This was Taishang Wusun’s first time speaking with Ye Anping. He had previously thought that since Si Xuanji took a liking to this young man, his personality must be similar to hers. However, this gesture changed his mind.
“Your thoughtfulness is appreciated. I shall then…”
Taishang Wusun was about to accept it but suddenly noticed Si Xuanji, pouting and propping her chin, watching him from the side. There was a clear message in her gaze: “If you dare to take his things, I’ll feed you lard.”
He hesitated for a moment, then shook his head.
“Your thoughtfulness is enough. Benefactor Ye, please take the spirit bead back.”
Ye Anping quickly tried to push it back. “No, no, no, Venerable Zhizhen, please accept it…”
Taishang Wusun pushed it back. “There’s no need. A pure Buddhist heart cannot accept material wealth.”
After three attempts to give and three attempts to refuse, Ye Anping sighed slightly. He walked to the tribute table and placed the spirit bead into the golden dish where the sunflower seeds had been.
“Then I shall leave it here. However, it will not be considered as received by hand.”
Following this, he bowed deeply with cupped hands.
“I shall take my leave now.”
“Then this humble monk thanks Benefactor Ye…”
Si Xuanji watched Ye Anping’s demeanor and sighed softly. She floated up and, like a sloth, perched on Ye Anping’s shoulder, clamping his neck with her small legs.
“Bald donkey, you’re so rustic. Why not redecorate? I can lend you some craftsmen from the Xuan Xing Sect?”
“…Fairy Dan Yue’s intentions are appreciated, but this humble monk is content.”
“Then next time I bring him here for Deity Transformation, remember to prepare a bed for me in advance. Such a large temple, and not a place to lie down.”
“…”
Ye Anping sighed helplessly, looked up at Si Xuanji on his shoulder, bowed again with cupped hands, and then, carrying Si Xuanji, walked out of the temple gate, looking up at the sky.
It was noon, and the sky above the Ask Immortal Sea was layered with clouds, a vast expanse of azure.
After reaching the Great Perfection of Nascent Soul, his senses had become much clearer. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, letting the slightly salty sea breeze expel the turbid air from his body. He then looked up at Si Xuanji, who was perched on his shoulder, a hint of helplessness in his eyes.
Si Xuanji bent over, lowering her head. “What? Staring at me like this…”
“Can’t I look at my beautiful cultivation partner?”
Si Xuanji pursed her lips and smiled, pinching his cheek.
“Such a smooth talker…”
“Heh…”
Ye Anping shrugged slightly, then summoned a small flying boat from his Storage Bag. Hugging the two dangling legs in front of him, he hopped on, and the boat ascended into the sky.
Once the flying boat reached above the clouds, Ye Anping stabilized it. He took out a teapot and sunflower seeds, then settled Si Xuanji in the small cabin in the middle before sitting down to boil water for tea.
Si Xuanji propped her chin, watching Ye Anping’s tea-making efforts. After a long while, she spoke.
“You have no arrogance at all; you’re just like a little scholar.”
Ye Anping was silent for a moment, then replied.
“A little scholar wouldn’t be able to make a Void Realm cultivator groan for three months…”
?
Si Xuanji blinked slightly, her face involuntarily turning a little red. She flicked his forehead from a distance, causing Ye Anping’s head to tilt. “Hmph~”
Ye Anping touched the back of his head helplessly.
“Now, among the immortal families, there are only you, Venerable Zhizhen, and Sun Juehu as Void Realm cultivators. As for demonic cultivators, even though Rong Liuyan and Meiyun Lu are gone, there are still Gui Muqi, Yu Yan, and four others.”
“There’s also a fox in the Central Domain.”
“Fox Mu’s stance is ultimately neutral. Even if he acknowledges Yun Luo’s Mysterious Dragon bloodline, he would only help Yun Luo, not you.”
Ye Anping, holding the boiled teapot, sat at the table. After pouring tea for Si Xuanji, he began to shell sunflower seeds, offering the kernels to her.
“Xuanji, if you want to eliminate all threats and unify the five domains, you will need Venerable Zhizhen’s assistance. Venerable Zhizhen cultivates the Buddhist path, free from desires. In my opinion, he is a good friend.”
Hearing this, Si Xuanji propped her cheeks and sighed.
“You can know a person’s face but not their heart. Anping, how can you be sure that bald donkey has no wicked intentions? He might put on a show to your face while plotting behind your back.”
Si Xuanji locked her gaze onto Ye Anping’s eyes, her tone becoming slightly more serious.
“Moreover, in my opinion, that bald donkey’s temper is too good; it’s more like he’s faking it.”
Ye Anping knew Si Xuanji’s temperament. Her heart was as small as her pet tiger.
Furthermore, people who were excessively good-tempered were often more cunning; only a very small portion were genuinely placid.
It wasn’t difficult to understand why Si Xuanji didn’t trust Taishang Wusun.
However, from what he knew, Taishang Wusun, true to the name of the ‘Wu Nian Sect’ (Sect of No Thoughts), had never intended to oppose Si Xuanji or anyone else.
“I actually think Venerable Zhizhen is quite good.”
Her Yin-Yang eyes gazed at Ye Anping’s face before slowly closing.
Si Xuanji exhaled softly and smiled.
“Since you say so, I’ll take it into consideration.”
Ye Anping seemed slightly surprised.
“You’ll listen just because I said it?”
“After all these years, you are my cultivation partner, aren’t you?” Si Xuanji poked his forehead. “It’s just a little trust; why wouldn’t I give it? Anping, don’t forget, you are my cultivation partner now.”
“Mm…”
Si Xuanji moved from the opposite side of the table and sat in his lap, using him as a chair. Leaning against his chest, she closed her eyes and dozed off, listening to his heartbeat.
“Sleep for a while…”
Ye Anping naturally did not dare to refuse. He let her sleep in his arms, listening to the sound of the wind outside the cabin, holding Si Xuanji, and silently peeling the sunflower seed shells for her.
The flying boat tore through the air, parting the clouds and leaving ripples.
Before long, the sun had set beyond the horizon, and the stars and moon gradually appeared in the sky curtain.
As if timing it, Si Xuanji slowly opened her eyes. She looked up at the picturesque star river through the skylight of the cabin and sighed softly. She then looked at Ye Anping, who had his eyes closed and was circulating his Qi. She reached out and fiddled with his bangs.
“Hm?”
Ye Anping sensed her and slowly opened his eyes. “Not sleeping anymore?”
“I’ll sleep later. I’m curious about your plans.”
“Xuanji, you mean…”
Si Xuanji reached out towards the star river and pointed to two stars orbiting a particularly dark and hard-to-see star. “Tian Shu and Tian Sha.”
“…”
Ye Anping was silent for a moment. He had indeed considered this issue.
Gu Mingxin and Feng Yu Die were utterly incompatible. Each held the “Heavenly Scroll of the Dao” and the “Tian Mo Book Scroll,” respectively. From birth, they were sworn enemies at opposite poles.
Initially, he thought that once Gu Mingxin died, this enmity would be severed.
But looking back now, he realized a significant problem.
The “Tian Mo Book Scroll” and the “Heavenly Scroll of the Dao” were essentially just inheritances.
If Gu Mingxin died, Xue E and the “Tian Mo Book Scroll” would naturally disappear and pass to the next owner of the “Tian Mo Book Scroll.” That person, based on Gu Mingxin’s experiences recorded in the scroll, would continue to be his enemy, and Feng Yu Die’s enemy.
Gu Mingxin’s current disadvantages were almost entirely due to Ye Anping’s understanding of him.
If Gu Mingxin died, he wouldn’t know who the next owner of the “Tian Mo Book Scroll” would be. It would then be Ye Anping and Feng Yu Die who suffered.
This was likely why Si Xuanji had given Gu Mingxin the bell, to remind him of this principle.
Ye Anping smiled and shrugged.
“Xuanji, you gave Gu’eru a bell. I can understand what you mean.”
“The world’s conflict arises from Tian Shu and Tian Sha, two destined stars. Their victory or defeat determines the rise and fall of immortals and demons. Yet, you have a destiny that defies the stars, so I wondered if you could anchor their fates.”
“It’s a bit difficult, but it can be tried.”
Ye Anping shrugged slightly.
“However, it requires Feng Yu Die and Gu Mingxin to get along well. I’ve managed to get the three Yun sisters to get along harmoniously. It might be a bit harder with them, but it’s not impossible.”
Si Xuanji pouted and shook her head. She reached out and teased Gu Mingxin’s left hand, which was hanging behind Ye Anping’s belt.
The left hand felt the woman’s index finger and fiercely bared its teeth to grab, but Si Xuanji skillfully retracted her hand and dodged.
“Not cute at all; quite fierce…”
“After all, she’s a demonic cultivator.”
Ye Anping sighed helplessly and tugged Gu Mingxin’s left hand, urging her to be still.
*Snap—*
After being nudged, Gu Mingxin’s left hand seemed wronged. It squeezed Ye Anping’s clothes slightly before relaxing and remaining still.
Ye Anping sighed slightly, pondered for a moment, and asked with some embarrassment.
“Xuanji, should I inform Yun Luo first?”
“Hm?” Si Xuanji blinked, then suddenly pursed her lips like a cat, poked Ye Anping’s face, and asked with a mischievous smile, “You want me and Yun Luo to share a bed so soon?”
?
Ye Anping was somewhat embarrassed and retorted.
“Uh, I didn’t say that…”
Si Xuanji relaxed her eyes and said.
“When the time comes, I’ll tell them myself. I have no interest in competing for favor with those little girls. I’ll sleep for a while… wake me when we’re near Xuan Xing Sect.”
Ye Anping nodded, took out a blanket, and covered her chest. He let Si Xuanji use his shoulder as a pillow and also closed his eyes, continuing to pilot the flying boat while circulating his Qi.
As stars shifted and time flew, a month passed in the blink of an eye.
The flying boat glided nearly ten thousand miles from Ask Immortal Sea in the southernmost part of the Southern Domain. After passing by Taibai Sect, Ye Anping specifically returned to Taibai Sect to see Zu Yuan and share the good news of his Nascent Soul formation. He even specially prepared a rather sumptuous meal for Zu Yuan as a token of his gratitude.
As they neared Xuan Xing Sect, Si Xuanji reluctantly kissed him. Then, her figure dispersed into starlight, and she returned on her own, telling him not to rush and to take his time.
After all, regarding his relationship with Si Xuanji, it was best to reveal it to the elders of Xuan Xing Sect gradually, like boiling a frog in warm water. There was no need to cause a regional sensation.
…
At the third watch under the moon, Ye Anping flew alone on his sword and landed in the marketplace of Xuan Xing Sect, intending to browse around and gather information about any major events in the Western Regions recently.
If he followed the game’s storyline, after the Taibai Sect incident in the Southern Domain, the demonic cultivators would be thwarted and unable to cause much trouble for a while. Taibai Sect, without Zu Yuan, would also not be able to make significant moves for a while.
It was like the Imperial Sect in the Central Domain; after the main storyline, numerous side quests would appear in the Southern Domain.
However, he didn’t plan to undertake them. For now, he needed to recuperate. At the very least, he had to help his junior sister form her Nascent Soul first.
With his junior sister’s innate Pure Water Extreme Spiritual Root, forming her Nascent Soul was a foregone conclusion. Moreover, there were so many supreme Heavenly Treasures that Brother Liang had “plucked” from the secret vault of the Imperial Sect’s Nancheng City. These were now hidden in a secret cave dwelling near Xuan Xing Sect, and only he, Liang Zhu, and Ye Wan’er knew its exact location.
Ye Anping walked through the marketplace like a tourist, concealing his aura.
Suddenly, a young boy in the outer disciple uniform of Xuan Xing Sect, holding a fairy daily news, ran along the street, shouting:
—”Extra! Extra! The Young Master of Hundred Lotus Sect has achieved Nascent Soul Great Perfection! In one month, a Dual Cultivation ceremony will be held at Hundred Lotus Sect to marry his cultivation partner!!”
?
He didn’t even know he was supposed to hold a Dual Cultivation ceremony…
Ye Anping was stunned. He took out a spirit stone from his Storage Bag, and using his spiritual power, sent it into the child’s robe. He also took a copy of the newspaper and unfolded it.
The front page prominently displayed the news of his marriage to Pei Lianxue.
As he happened to be walking past a restaurant, Ye Anping overheard several female cultivators on the second-floor windows talking about the matter.
“By the way, who is this Pei Lianxue? I’ve never heard of her…”
“She’s so lucky to be favored by the Young Master of Hundred Lotus Sect. I wonder how beautiful she is…”
“I heard she’s supposedly Young Master Ye’s junior sister, and they grew up together.”
“Sigh~ childhood sweethearts… I’m so envious. She won’t have to worry about spirit stones anymore…”
…
Listening to the envious chatter of the women, Ye Anping felt a mix of emotions. But then, he suddenly thought of something.
—Does Feng Yu Die know about this?
Given Feng Yu Die’s in-game history of “stealing the groom,”
Ye Anping couldn’t help but wonder if he should make ten roasted chickens for her on the wedding day and tie her up in a cave dwelling…
“My mother probably made the arrangements herself without asking. Although it’s not a big problem, there’s no need to make such a fuss… sigh…”
Just as Ye Anping was contemplating this and preparing to rush back to the Three-Bay House, he suddenly heard a woman’s light call from behind.
“Anping?”
Ye Anping froze upon hearing the voice, then turned around.
He saw a woman in the inner disciple uniform of Xuan Xing Sect, carrying several bundles, standing blankly and looking in his direction.
The woman had black hair cascading down her back, and was at the early stage of Core Formation. A spirit sword sealed in a black scabbard was slung across her back, and her exposed wrist was wrapped in bandages, indicating an injury.
“Senior Sister Bai…”
“Ah~~ Anping…”
Seeing that Ye Anping still recognized her despite the passage of time, Bai Yuexin’s eyes welled up with tears. She immediately forgot about the proper etiquette for addressing a senior and, without a word, flung her arms open and rushed towards him. However, just as she was about to embrace Ye Anping, she suddenly came to her senses and stopped.
“Ah… Senior Ye?”
“You and I don’t need such formality, Elder Sister. If you want to hug me, go ahead…”
Hearing this, Bai Yuexin stopped caring about formalities. She directly pulled Ye Anping into her embrace, tightly gripping his shoulders. She lifted Ye Anping and spun him around several times.
“Ah~~ Anping! I missed you so much!!”
…
