Chapter 11

“Ah, almost forgot. Without a special medallion, a practitioner can’t use their cultivation base in the Leng Bing Realm.”

“Hm?”

Hearing this, Long Hua looks to Bai Wen with a questioning look, to which, the latter answers—

“Lao Long, your cultivation methods and divine arts are from a different world. The laws of this world aren’t able to apply itself to you—since everything was set up with the Everlasting Spirit Realm as a basis.”

“I see.”

Although this sounds good at first, it also means that Long Hua cannot use any of the cultivation methods, or divine arts that originate from the Everlasting Spirit Realm—so long as he is inside of the Leng Bing Realm.

(Hmm. Shouldn’t be too big of a deal, since I’ll gradually recall everything that shizun had taught me with each breakthrough. But… Not being able to properly delve into the cultivation methods, and divine arts of this world, rather disappointing.)

Returning their attention to the discussion at hand, Zhen Huai asks Yao Ying—

“What exactly do you have in there?”

“Grandfather gave me a copy of the Cloud Ink Incantation.”

With a gleam of great interest, Zhen Huai smiles faintly, whereas Bai Wen remarks—

“Yun family’s core cultivation method, is it? That is definitely an item of great value. It’s said to be split into a Yin portion and a Yang portion. Females cultivate the Yin portion, whereas males cultivate the Yang portion.”

(A cultivation method based off Yin and Yang elements, is it? …Martial Emperor’s Step is also based off the idea of Yin and Yang. What if I…?)

Contemplating about what Bai Wen had just said, Long Hua constricts his eyes with a hint of interest.

“May I see the ring?”

“Su-”

“…Little girl, the people gathered here are all as sly as foxes, especially the merchant—who will nab at every opportunity to make money. Once you give him the ring, he may not return it.”

Before Yao Ying answers fully, Nuo’er cuts her off, to which, Zhen Huai reacts with a bitter smile, and remarks—

“That’s something that only a third-rate merchant would do.”

“With how inexperienced this little girl is, it’s not appropriate to bully her so much—even if it’s so that she may learn something. In the first place, how old are all of you to be putting on such an attitude in front of a child?”

(Adding my previous life, I’m probably well over 1,000 years old…)

(Over 150 at this point.)

(About 70 odd years of age now, I think?)

(Hmm, brother and I were born almost a year apart. I’m probably 70ish now?)

Facing Nuo’er’s sharp tone and gleam—Long Hua, Bai Wen, Zhen Huai, and Zhen Rong turns their face away awkwardly, as they count up their age.

“…Ah, Lady Yao Ying is probably hungry. I’ll go have the canteen make something.”

Cleverly, excusing herself with this, Zhen Rong heads for the exit.

(That little sister of mine is getting shrewder by the day…)

Directing a pleading look to Nuo’er, who seems to be more caring than the others, Yao Ying asks—

“Then, what should I do?”

“Simply entrust it to someone other than the merchant. Although you need help, it doesn’t need to come from the merchant directly. In fact, having a third-party that can interpret difficult questions while speaking for you in the negotiation process is a better approach.”

Saying this, Nuo’er looks at Bai Wen with a disapproving gaze before—

“Though I say that, your choice of an attorney is rather limited.”

Shifting her eyes towards Long Hua.

As all eyes fall towards him, Long Hua emerges from his contemplation, and turns to Yao Ying, to say—

“Your choice. I’m not your guardian, so I won’t be responsible for the consequences of your choices.”

“…”

Making her decision after a brief moment, Yao Ying walks over to Long Hua, and presents to him the storage ring.

Taking the storage ring, Long Hua uses his divine senses to peek into it. There aren’t that many items inside, but there is a jade slip that stuck out to him.

Touching the jade slip with his divine senses, Long Hua sees the details of the Cloud Ink Incantation. Just as Bai Wen had said, it is indeed divided into two portions, both of which, are written onto this jade slip.

(Hmm.)

Making his decision quickly, Long Hua takes the jade slip out of the ring.

“Well then?”

“I’ve never seen the original incantation, but this should be genuine.”

Answering as such to Zhen Huai’s question, Long Hua returns the ring and jade slip to Yao Ying before asking—

“So, what sort of help is Zhen-laoban able to give her in exchange for the incantation?”

“The clothes she’s wearing, the water she used to shower herself, and the medicines used to soothe her wounds, aren’t exactly free.”

Hearing this, Yao Ying’s complexion pales, while thinking—

(So this is what grandfather meant—when he mentioned how adults are all scum…?)

“Is that all?”

“Course not. Her most concerning issue right now is getting a place to sleep in, and having access to food—all of which can be provided for. However-”

“Zhen-laoban isn’t willing to provide such commodities to her forever.”

Nodding to this, Zhen Huai says—

“Indeed, one of the things that I hate the most is losing money. So then, Long-xiong, I can see that you’re also interested in the incantation. How much are you offering me for it?”

“I knew something was up when you had me stay for a while longer.”

In response to this, Zhen Huai smiles.

From the very beginning, Zhen Huai had no real interest in the Cloud Ink Incantation; what he really wanted were the new divine arts that Long Hua had recalled.

And even if Long Hua wasn’t willing to speak up for Yao Ying, gaining the Cloud Ink Incantation for cheap, would have still been a major profit.

Turning to Nuo’er, Long Hua says—

“Lady Nuo’er.”

“Just Nuo’er is fine.”

“Then Nuo’er, are you willing to grant this little girl shelter?”

“Ah?”

Looking between Long Hua and Nuo’er, Bai Wen wishes to say something, since he’s the actual owner of the condo unit—that Nuo’er is staying in.

“This matter-”

Turning to Nuo’er, only to be met with a sharp glare, Bai Wen turns silent, while dropping his shoulders.

“Sheltering her isn’t an issue. However, rent must still be paid. As for the price of the rent… I can accept NWDs.”

With this settled, Long Hua turns back to Zhen Huai, and asks—

“How much is one cultivation method, or divine art worth in other commodities?”

“I can at least provide her with food expenses for half a year.”

Shrugging a shoulder to this, Long Hua turns to Yao Ying, and explains—

“NWDs are the mortal currency of this world. Meaning, you need to get a job of some kind to pay for the rent.”

Upon Yao Ying responding with a nod, Zhen Huai slides a blank jade slip towards Long Hua from across the table.

Picking up the jade slip, Long Hua inscribes the Tranquil Heart Incantation onto it—along with an explanation of its function.

“Take it.”

“Let’s see then.”

Receiving the jade slip—that is uncaringly slid over, Zhen Huai uses his divine senses to look at the details, and rather quickly his expression turns odd.

Chapter 12

“Long-xiong, you…? This is…?”

Raising his head towards Long Hua, Zhen Huai has a difficult time formulating his words, to which, the latter replies—

“Something the matter, Zhen-laoban? It’s a well-known cultivation method from my hometown.”

“Who would want a cultivation method like this?!”

Asking this, Zhen Huai slides the jade slip to Bai Wen, and reading through the jade slip’s contents—

“Ahahaha!”

Bai Wen immediately bursts into laughter.

Straightening his back, Long Hua explains—

“The originator of this incantation was a male practitioner with a pure Yang physique. He was extremely talented as well, but due to his physique, female practitioners of indecent origins would attempt to seduce him at every turn. As he didn’t wish to be bothered by vixens—who wanted to turn him into a furnace, he created this incantation to get rid of all his worldly desires. In the end, he was said to have achieved a powerful realm of cultivation and enlightenment at the loss of his libido. People hailed him as the most gentlemanly man to ever exist. By the way, in my hometown people often call this incantation, the “Lone Dog Incantation.” I wonder why?”

Hearing Long Hua’s explanation, Zhen Huai twitches an eye—not knowing whether any of the nonsense that came from the former’s mouth is genuine, or not. However, the latter does know that—

“Isn’t it because anyone who cultivated this ended up being single for life?!”

“Hahaha, Lao Zhen, this cultivation method can be learned by anyone, it has- hahaha!”

Raising the pitch of his voice, Zhen Huai shouts at Long Hua—whereas Bai Wen’s laughter increases in volume.

“Pure Yang physique? Vixen? Furnace? Hm?”

“Little girl, you need not know anything about those topics at your current age.”

Towards Yao Ying’s curiosity, Nuo’er replies as such, while shaking her head.

(So, it was the legendary Lone Dog Incantation that he’s selling…? Wait…)

Having been in the Zang Luo Realm as well, Tian Cheng naturally knows about this incantation.

(Practice of this incantation allows one to maintain a tranquil state of mind under all circumstances—at the consequence of losing one’s libido, as they aim for higher mastery…)

Realizing that Long Hua intends to practice this incantation, to keep a cool head when dealing with women, the Tian Cheng—inside of the dreamscape, turns pale.

(I need to get him into this dreamscape sooner…! If he finishes cultivating this incantation, it’s going to be insanely difficult for me to put him under my leash!)

With her decision made, Tian Cheng plans to have Long Hua come into the dreamscape tonight.

Ignoring the fuming look on Zhen Huai’s face, Long Hua says—

“Zhen-laoban, our contract states, you’re willing to buy any cultivation methods, or divine arts for 10,000 spirit stones—regardless of their level.”

“I…!”

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

Before he fully rises to a stand, Zhen Huai stops himself, and reaches for his teacup. Ignoring the temperature of the tea, he down the contents in one gulp.

(Surnamed Long, you prick…!)

As Zhen Huai grinds his teeth together, Long Hua folds his arms, and raises his left leg to cross it over his right, and asks—

“Now then, are you a third-rate contract-breaking merchant, or are you a first-rate merchant—who keeps their words?”

“Lao Zhen, you often say-”

“Lao Bai, shut your trap.”

Ignoring Bai Wen, who is wiping away the tear in his right eye, Zhen Huai glares at Long Hua.

Eventually, Zhen Huai sighs, and shakes his head, while replying—

“Your Lone Dog Incantation… I’ll buy it. Now, get out of my face.”

“Good doing business with you, Zhen-laoban. As an expression of good will, you can sell that cultivation method to anyone without letting me know first.”

“………Many thanks.”

Enduring the urge to throw up a mouthful of blood, Zhen Huai forces out a convincing smile.

“Tian Cheng, let’s leave.”

“Understood.”

Rising from his seat, Long Hua cups his hands—before turning towards Yao Ying.

Leaving Bai Wen’s side, Nuo’er comes over to Yao Ying’s side, and says—

“Little girl, it’s appropriate to give thanks to someone who has helped you.”

“Thank you.”

Turning to Long Hua, Yao Ying gives her thanks, and awkwardly presents the jade slip to him.

“Merely an exchange of equal value.”

Taking the jade slip, Long Hua stores it away in his storage pouch. And together with Tian Cheng, he leaves the lotus garden.

“Little girl, let’s go to the canteen. Those two seem to have quite a bit to discuss.”

Glancing at Bai Wen and Zhen Huai once, Nuo’er takes Yao Ying’s hand, and leads her towards the exit—without waiting for Yao Ying to reply.

Left with Zhen Huai, Bai Wen downs a cup of tea, before asking—

“Lao Zhen, does your face hurt? This slap from Lao Long really wasn’t light.”

“Does your face hurt from laughing so much, Lao Bai?”

“A bit. Ai, Lone Dog Incantation, whoever came up with this joke was a genius.”

Heaving a heavy sigh, Zhen Huai frowns, and remarks—

“This surnamed Long isn’t going to make it easy for me.”

“Course not.”

As Zhen Huai refills his cup, Bai Wen chuckles, and says—

“Your contract with him only talked about the cultivation method, and the divine arts’ level. It never talked about their function. If you just brought that up as an excuse, you could have refused to buy that Lone Dog Incantation from him.”

“I know.”

“Then why didn’t you?”

Taking a sip of tea, Zhen Huai answers—

“Unlike you two—who had your conscience eaten by dogs, I actually pity that little girl a bit.”

“Doing things in such a roundabout way. Lao Zhen, you’re someone who speaks harshly, but is actually quite soft on the inside. A person like you-”

“Isn’t fit to be a merchant. I know this as well.”

Setting the cup down, Zhen Huai adds—

“The common definition of having both prosperity and wealth, is to be able to shower oneself in luxury. However, to me, my definition of having both prosperity and wealth—is to be able to live out a life with the people that I care about by my side.”

Taken by surprise, Bai Wen parts his lips with a wide eye, and remarks—

“…Lao Zhen, I never took you for such a romantic idealist.”

“Sometimes, I really think of myself as a hypocrite. The common purpose of a business is to make money—mostly so, that the person up top is able to live in comfort. However, I’m making money for the sake of my bloodline branch’s elders and juniors.”

Letting out a chuckle of self-mockery, Zhen Huai sighs, and adds—

“As the owner of this business—that was started for my family, I also need to make sure to pay my employees their dues. I have too many places to spend money, and resources on—so much so that it’s never enough. At times, I really do envy the clansmen of other branches—who are able to indulge in their selfishness.”

Closing his eye, Bai Wen sighs with a hint of envy, and remarks—

“…You and Lao Long, both have deep attachments to something. I… Can’t say I do.”

“Lao Bai… I hope when you realize your own attachments, you’ll become mature enough to take that cloth off your face.”

“Hah… I hate the color of the eye beneath this cloth. Hard to say, if I’ll ever come to accept it.”

“…”

Not knowing how to continue this discussion with such a topic, Zhen Huai can only choose to change it, and asks—

“Lao Bai, do you think the sects that focus on Buddhist Dao cultivation, would be interested in this Lone Dog Incantation?”

Choking out a laugh, Bai Wen answers—

“They probably would, especially the more hardcore, and straight-laced monks among them.”

Chapter 13

“Wait.”

“Hm?”

Just as Long Hua is about to use the village’s magic array to return to the city, he is stopped by Nuo’er.

As for Yao Ying, who should have been with Nuo’er—she is nowhere to be seen.

“I asked that little girl to head to the canteen on her own. Can I… Call you, Long-shao?”

“Go ahead.”

As Long Hua turns to face Nuo’er, Tian Cheng takes three steps back, while the former asks—

“So, what can I help you with?”

“Thank you.”

“Hm?”

Towards the sudden words of gratitude, Long Hua is at a slight loss.

“For that little girl?”

Shaking her head, Nuo’er answers—

“It’s for Bai Wen.”

“I don’t recall doing anything for him.”

“He hasn’t had a laugh like that in a while. And he’s been smiling with sincerity ever since he’s met you.”

“Uh?”

Hearing this, all of a sudden, Long Hua can’t help but feel a hint of discomfort.

Understanding Long Hua’s concern, Nuo’er chuckles with a hand near her mouth, and replies—

“He doesn’t swing that way as far as I’m aware of. In any case, I just want you to know that he does see you as… An acquaintance? If possible, I hope you can continue to get along with him—despite his troublesome personality.”

More confused than ever, Long Hua can’t help but ask—

“The words you’re saying are rather… Riddle like. What is it that you truly want to ask of me?”

Towards this question, Nuo’er smiles with a hint of being troubled—very much akin to a mother, who has a troublesome time dealing with her own child, who refuses to grow up.

“There are some things that I cannot talk to you about right now. Perhaps… When you meet my siblings, you’ll have a clue as to what I’m trying to say here today?”

Unsure of this herself, Nuo’er’s tone contains a hint of doubt, to which, Long Hua replies—

“Hmm. Well, I’ll keep your words in mind.”

“Thank you.”

Performing a subtle bow, Nuo’er turns around, and heads in the direction of the canteen, while Tian Cheng remarks—

“A strange girl, is she not, master?”

“Strange, but not in a bad way. In any case, let’s return.”

………

Upon returning to the yacht—

(…Why?)

“…”

Seeing Long Hua seated on the bed in lotus posture, and is already cultivating the Tranquil Heart Incantation, the Tian Cheng—inside of the dreamscape, can only choose to look on with a hint of despair in her eyes.

(Wait, wait, a cultivation method isn’t something—that can be raised to great mastery in a single night. So long as he hasn’t reached that stage, I can still-)

“…!”

Upon Long Hua snapping his azure-colored eyes open, Tian Cheng is stunned for a moment before—

(Why?! Are you that intent on never getting married?! Are you that set on staying a virgin for life?! You’re going to end up a laughingstock among men at this rate!)

Going off on a rant within the dreamscape.

It hasn’t even been 15 minutes since Long Hua had started to cultivate the incantation; and yet, the clear blue glow emanating from his eyes—shows that he has attained at least a decent level of mastery over it.

“This is easier than I thought to cultivate. Shouldn’t even take a full month.”

(What do you mean it’s easier to cultivate than you thought?! Shouldn’t even take a full month?! How about you just shave that head of yours right now?!)

Clasping her head in her hands, the Tian Cheng—within the dreamscape, is at a loss as to how she can make everything seem natural, for Long Hua to fall asleep, before dragging him into her domain.

“Ai…”

Heaving a sigh, Long Hua raises his right hand slightly.

Rotating his cultivation base, along with the Tranquil Heart Incantation, sword Qi gathers on top of his palm.

Condensing the gathered sword Qi together, Long Hua gradually attempts to mold it into the shape of a flower, the true form of “Flowers within the Mist.”

(The hell is this?! This Lone Dog Incantation actually had a function like this?!)

Seeing the flower formed of sword Qi slowly coming into being, the Tian Cheng—within the dreamscape, widens her eyes.

“…Uh.”

Almost as soon as the flower’s form is on the verge of completion, it collapses, causing Long Hua to frown, while thinking—

(Hmm. If my mastery of this incantation increases, my sword Qi should become more refined as well—due to me having a tranquil state of mind when using it.)

With Long Hua having failed to achieve his desired result, Tian Cheng sees this as an opportunity to have him take a break, as she asks—

“Master, how about taking a proper rest?”

“Hmm.”

Thinking about the Cloud Ink Incantation, which is still in his storage pouch, Long Hua isn’t too keen on taking a break just yet.

However, with there being plans for tomorrow, it might actually be wise to do so.

“I suppose, a proper rest is needed for tomorrow.”

Chapter 14

Taking Tian Cheng’s advice to rest for the night to heart, Long Hua did tuck himself into bed.

And the next time he regains his awareness—

“…?”

He finds himself within an endless void of white space—that is reminiscent of the world inside of his spiritual sea, if the landmass didn’t exist.

“Welcome.”

In a gentle manner, as if speaking to a frightened child, a voice calls out to him.

“…”

Turning around, Long Hua sees a figure shrouded in light. No, it might even be appropriate to say that the body of this figure is composed entirely out of light—making it impossible to see their exact appearance, and face.

However, judging by the pitch of this person’s voice, this entity of light should be female, to which, Long Hua asks—

“Who are you?”

Immediately, Long Hua raises his guard, and actively rotates the Tranquil Heart Incantation—causing his eyes to give off a clear blue glow.

In response to this reaction, Tian Cheng thought—

(Already on guard?)

Narrowing her eyes beneath the veil of light that shrouds her, Tian Cheng answers—

“If I said—I’m an acquaintance of Dao He Tian Xue’s, would you believe me?”

While asking this, Tian Cheng sends out a black and white symbol—designed in the form of a ten-tailed fox.

“Shizun’s personal crest?”

Under the effects of the Tranquil Heart Incantation, Long Hua’s state of surprise lasts for but a brief instance.

Examining the personal crest, and detecting a familiar trace of divine sense on it, Long Hua knew that this had come from his shizun directly.

As if its entire purpose had been to make contact with Long Hua, the crest dissipates into particles of light—the moment it touches the tip of his finger.

“Where is he right now?”

With a blunt tone, Tian Cheng answers—

“Who knows? All I was told—was to come and find you, and provide you with some assistance.”

“…”

Towards Tian Cheng’s answer, dissatisfaction is all but evident on Long Hua’s face, to which, Tian Cheng replies—

“Young man. My contract with Dao He Tian Xue prevents me from disclosing to you—any of the things that occurred to you in your past life. And besides, do you really have the time to be concerned with whatever Dao He Tian Xue is doing at this time? The Zang Luo Realm isn’t reachable with your current strength. Compared to the you—during your previous life, you’re nothing right now, especially so when you have nearly gotten yourself killed. Had that doll of yours not saved your sorry rear at the last moment, your situation could have gotten a lot worse.”

“…”

Unable to rotate the Tranquil Heart Incantation properly when taunted like this, clear frustration and irritation can be seen on Long Hua’s face. However, he doesn’t try to deny Tian Cheng’s claims.

Drawing in a deep breath of air and exhaling, Long Hua relaxes his shoulders.

He doesn’t have the strength to return to the Zang Luo Realm at this time, and he barely has the strength to keep himself alive in the Leng Bing Realm—where much of this world’s dangers are still unclear to him.

Right now—

(What I should focus on, is rebuilding my strength and surpassing the me from my previous life. This isn’t the time to be taking it easy and resting. Even if the spirit Qi in this world is limited, there’re plenty of other things that I can cultivate outside of it—while I’m still stabilizing my cultivation base after a breakthrough. My sword Qi originates from the sword intent of sharpness, precision, and flexibility; there’s no rule saying that I can’t add another attribute to it. Martial arts are another thing that can be honed further. There’s also that Cloud Ink Incantation, I can use it as the basis of a different cultivation method—to add the elements of Yin and Yang into my strikes. As for my curse… I need to do as much research as possible on it. From what I can recall, I’ve had this curse even in my previous life.)

Parting her lips beneath the light veil, Tian Cheng looks to Long Hua, who is silently contemplating these matters with a sharp gleam in his eyes.

As a feeling of bad premonition wells up in her heart, Tian Cheng thought—

(Something’s wrong… What is up with that fire in his eyes? He’s…-?)

Clenching his right hand into a fist, Long Hua remarks—

“I still have a lot of things to deal with. I shouldn’t be resting right now.”

Stating this with quiet determination, and turning away from Tian Cheng, Long Hua’s body begins to turn faint.

“………”

“…”

Completely stunned in place by Long Hua’s behavior, Tian Cheng is unable to say anything until his presence has thoroughly vanished from the dreamscape.

“This, I, he, that…- Aaaaaahhh! The hell is this?! Th-This script is utterly wrong! Wh-What kind of attitude was that?!”

Pulling at her own hair, Tian Cheng screams.

“If this was a dating sim game from the Earthborn Elementals’ Realm, shouldn’t he be engaging in a conversation with me right now? I even showed him his shizun’s crest, and told him—I’m an acquaintance of Dao He Tian Xue’s, and was sent here to assist him! Shouldn’t he have at least asked me—what kind of assistance could I provide before leaving?!”

Waving her right hand, Tian Cheng brings up a projection of the outside world.

Once more, Long Hua is seated in lotus posture—on the bed, cultivating.

Chapter 15

“…”

Opening the magenta-colored eyes of her vessel, Tian Cheng stares intently at Long Hua.

As time passes minute by minute, a full hour eventually goes by, and—

“…?”

Reopening his eyes, Long Hua is surprised to see Tian Cheng staring at him so intently. The light being emitted from her eyes due to her being an android—only serves to make her stare even more terrifying in the dark.

Staring awkwardly back at Tian Cheng, Long Hua asks—

“…Is something the matter?”

Controlling her tone, Tian Cheng says through her vessel—

“Didn’t master plan to sleep?”

“I want to prioritize raising my mastery over what I currently have available. Now that I’m in the Foundation Establishment realm equivalent of my main cultivation method, I can do with sleeping only once a week.”

Being presented with such an argument, Tian Cheng has a difficult time coming up with a counter, whereas Long Hua adds—

“I don’t know what the future will bring. But the best way to prevent being thrown into a pinch—is to have enough personal strength to fall back on. If I die in this realm, things will become much more difficult.”

(Dammit, quit making such a convincing argument…)

Grinding her teeth together inside of the dreamscape, Tian Cheng thinks up a reply quickly, and remarks—

“…Master’s change in behavior was rather abrupt. Did something happen while you were asleep for 30 minutes and 48 seconds?”

“………”

(C’mon talk about the figure you met just now!)

Seeing Long Hua’s expression of contemplation, Tian Cheng has her vessel bend forward, and level its face to the same height as the former.

Eventually, Long Hua says—

“I… Met a person, who claims to be an acquaintance of my shizun’s.”

“…”

“…”

As silence looms between them—

(Continue talking, dammit!)

Having her vessel tilt its head, Tian Cheng inwardly shouts at Long Hua to continue talking, to which, the latter awkwardly explains—

“She asked me—if I really had the time to be concerned with what my shizun was doing, and how I didn’t have the strength to return to the Zang Luo Realm right now. She’s right about all those things, compared to the me in my previous life, I’m definitely not as powerful as I once was. …Because of all that-”

(Ah… So this is what people meant by lifting up a boulder, and smashing their own foot with it…)

Having learned what this expression means by committing it to herself, Tian Cheng makes a face of bitterness—inside of the dreamscape.

Straightening the back of her vessel, she asks—

“Did she say, why she came to you?”

“She said, she was sent to assist me.”

“Assist? Did she say, how she could assist you?”

“………I didn’t ask.”

(I know, you didn’t.)

As Long Hua looks away awkwardly, Tian Cheng holds back her anger, and asks—

“Why?”

“I… Felt like she’s a bit… Shady?”

“How?”

“Her entire body is shrouded in light, and you can’t even see her face. Wouldn’t any sane person think there’s something off about her?”

“…”

Stunned into silence, Tian Cheng really can’t say anything back, while thinking—

(Revealing my true identity to him…)

Thinking of this, the Tian Cheng—inside of the dreamscape, frowns.

(Being able to use this vessel as another identity, means I can observe him through another lens; losing it—would be very inconvenient. Especially so when he had cultivated that Lone Dog Incantation… It will be much more difficult to get him to lower his guard using my identity, as the Tai Xuan Emperor.)

Having met Long Hua as the Tai Xuan Emperor in his previous life, Tian Cheng isn’t very confident in herself—in being able to create a relationship that can be considered close between them; for during their meeting with Dao He Tian Xue nearby, she had outright said—that she wished to take over his body the moment he dies.

(If he ever recalls my face as the Tai Xuan Emperor, and looks at my vessel with suspicion…)

Thinking hard about this eventuality, the Tai Xuan Emperor heaves a heavy sigh.

(Between my vessel and I, the only differences are the hair color, the maturity of the face, and the sigil… Well, I suppose—since he has the Divine Weapon of Tai Xuan on him, I could just say that my vessel is modeled after the Tai Xuan Emperor because of it? Then I can continue to claim that my vessel, and I aren’t the same person—even if he’ll be suspicious of my identity in the dreamscape?)

“Tian Cheng?”

Snapping her attention back to reality at Long Hua’s calling, Tian Cheng blinks her vessel’s eyes a couple of times, and replies—

“I suppose she is shady, but merely asking her a couple of questions about what she can provide isn’t harmful.”

“…I guess?”

Seeing the hesitation in Long Hua’s eyes, the Tai Xuan Emperor glares at the former through her vessel’s emotionless eyes.

(Alright, surnamed *, this is because you’ve forced my hand.)

Through her vessel, the Tai Xuan Emperor says—

“While master was drunk, you said—you’re afraid of not being able to get out of this realm. Afraid of whatever curse your shizun had mentioned. Afraid of stumbling, and falling on the path you chose. Afraid of your shizun not being there to give you advice. Afraid of your cultivation base not being able to progress quick enough.”

“…”

Having his dark history from a drunken night told to him out loud, is far from pleasant, to which, the Tai Xuan Emperor adds—

“If I am unable to be the one that master confides in, then I sincerely hope that you will be able to find someone that you can.”