As Lu Beixue left, the commotion finally came to a temporary end. Only Wang Dafu remained at the scene, somewhat involved in the matter.

Wang Dafu enjoyed making friends and was familiar with many outer disciples. Naturally, many disciples approached him to chat and gather information.

"Wang Dafu, I heard you moved to the inner area yesterday. Congratulations!"

"Hahaha, just luck, just luck," Wang Dafu replied with a smile.

"Ah, when I first met you, Wang Dafu, I knew you were destined for great fortune," another disciple flattered.

"Hahaha, you're too kind," Wang Dafu thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere, even though many were just paying lip service.

After some flattery, someone finally got to the point.

"By the way, Wang Dao Companion, you seem to know that young man just now. Who is he?"

Wang Dafu patted his belly, assuming an air of wisdom. "Him? That's Li Qinghai Dao Companion, closely connected with Elder Jian Jiu."

The disciples were shocked. "So he's associated with the righteous Elder Jian Jiu. No wonder his character is so noble."

Wang Dafu snorted lightly, "Of course, Li Qinghai Dao Companion's character is beyond doubt. Every time I'm with him, I feel ashamed of myself."

While praising Li Qinghai, Wang Dafu was also subtly letting everyone know about his close relationship with Li Qinghai, implying they often spent time together. As expected, upon hearing this, many people looked at Wang Dafu with newfound respect.

"Wang Dao Companion, why did I see Li Qinghai Dao Companion looking so serious and unhappy when he left?"

"Yes, I was also puzzled. Why wasn't Li Qinghai Dao Companion happy to have survived? Does he wish for death?"

Faced with everyone's confusion, Wang Dafu's eyes darted around, quickly coming up with an explanation. He wore a look of disappointment. "You all still don't understand, do you?"

Everyone was bewildered.

What should they understand?

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

Wang Dafu sighed lightly, "Alas, Li Qinghai Dao Companion looked so serious and unhappy because, throughout this whole affair, not a single person stood up. He witnessed the coldness of the world and couldn't hide his sorrow."

At that moment, all the disciples unconsciously lowered their heads in shame and embarrassment.

What a compassionate Li Qinghai!

Seeing this, Wang Dafu breathed a sigh of relief, thinking he had successfully muddled through. I'm so wise. If Junior Brother Li finds out, he'll surely thank me.

"Alas, take care of yourselves!" Wang Dafu sighed, shook his head, and left. He walked a few steps, then hurriedly quickened his pace, sneaking away, afraid he might slip up and reveal his true self.

Meanwhile, Li Qinghai returned to the Green Bamboo Residence. On his way back, he kept consoling himself. It's okay, failure is the mother of success. A small failure can't defeat the future Heavenly Emperor. Dying isn't easy; there are still many great opportunities waiting for me.

Back in his small wooden house, Li Qinghai was no longer upset. On the contrary, he was filled with renewed determination. He sat by the table, resting his chin on his hand, reviewing what had just happened. He needed to figure out where things went wrong, preventing his death.

As he pondered, he suddenly remembered he had forgotten to read the Book of Good Fortune earlier. So he took a look.

[You faced a Foundation Establishment cultivator and unexpectedly survived. It's a miracle.]

[Your presence inadvertently saved a future influential figure in the cultivation world.]

[Your cycle of fortune has changed.]

[In your next reincarnation, you will receive fortune, become a child of destiny, and avoid misfortune.]

An influential figure? Lu Beixue? Impossible. Isn't that beauty's aptitude quite poor? No matter, it has nothing to do with me. The most important thing is that I've gained another fortune. Avoiding misfortune. Looks like another protagonist's exclusive halo.

Die! I must die!!

Just as Li Qinghai was feeling agitated, a voice came from outside.

"Li Dao Companion."

This voice, it seemed to be Lu Beixue?

Li Qinghai always kept his distance from women, especially beautiful ones, because he knew love was a stumbling block on his path to cultivation. If he fell for someone, he might not want to die. Such a thing must never happen.

So Li Qinghai originally planned to pretend he hadn't heard. However, after reading the Book of Good Fortune's description, he became curious about Lu Beixue and wanted to see what was so special about her.

Li Qinghai stepped out of the wooden house, walked to the fence, and opened the gate. Before him stood Lu Beixue, her graceful figure poised elegantly.

It was worth mentioning that Li Qinghai's yard was planted with spiritual herbs, and the entire Green Bamboo Residence was automatically protected by a formation, with a transparent shield covering it. Lu Beixue couldn't enter, so they talked through the shield.

"Thank you, Li Dao Companion, for stepping forward earlier," Lu Beixue expressed her gratitude.

"You're welcome, it was nothing."

Then, Lu Beixue took out a bottle of elixirs from her sleeve. "Please accept this, Li Dao Companion."

"What is this?" Li Qinghai asked.

"Inside the bottle is a Qi Condensing Elixir. Please accept it."

Li Qinghai shook his head repeatedly. "It's too valuable, I can't accept it."

Li Qinghai didn't want it. As a mortal, it was already hard enough to die. If he successfully condensed Qi and became a Qi Refining cultivator, wouldn't it be even harder to die?

Seeing Li Qinghai refuse, Lu Beixue couldn't hide her admiration for him. For an outer disciple who hadn't yet condensed Qi, a Qi Condensing Elixir could save them months of farming time. Such an important elixir, yet Li Qinghai was indifferent.

But Lu Beixue didn't like owing favors. Moreover, she had a good impression of Li Qinghai and hoped he could condense Qi soon. So, she was determined to give him the elixir.

"Li Dao Companion, I know your nature. You helped me without ulterior motives. But the Qi Condensing Elixir represents my gratitude. Please accept it," Lu Beixue said sincerely.

"…"

Li Qinghai's mouth twitched slightly. What do you know…

"Lu Dao Companion, I… really can't accept it."

"If Li Dao Companion doesn't accept it, I'll stand here and not leave until you do."

"…"

Li Qinghai almost spat blood in frustration. You cold and proud Lu Beixue, resorting to such tactics.

Stand if you want, don't leave if you don't want to.

I, Li Qinghai, won't indulge you just because you're a beauty.

With a heart of stone, Li Qinghai took a step back and closed the gate.

"???"

Lu Beixue stared at the closed gate, her lips parted, momentarily speechless.