Mortal: Li Feiyu, who came from the realm of a supreme being

Only two people remained inside.

Xin Ruyin forced herself to remain calm, but dared not meet Han Yunshu's gaze.

Han Yunshu, however, acted as if nothing had happened. He sat down on the stone bench with a calm expression and even picked up the teapot that Xiaomei had just put down, pouring half a cup of slightly cooled tea for each of them.

She gently pushed one of the cups towards Xin Ruyin before raising her eyes, a faint smile playing on her lips: "Just now, Brother Li and I were simply practicing a technique together in the cave. The fusion of our true energy was a bit too loud, and we didn't mean to disturb you, fellow Daoist. There's no need for you to be so nervous, Fellow Daoist Xin."

Practicing martial arts? Xin Ruyin was stunned.

Although she was inexperienced in matters of the heart, she was by no means an ignorant and naive girl.

The faint fluctuations of energy emanating from within the barrier, and the candid scene glimpsed in that fleeting moment, could not be explained by ordinary training.

She instinctively wanted to retort, but when she met Han Yunshu's clear yet all-seeing eyes, she swallowed the words back.

Han Yunshu said no more, took out a thin book with only a few pages from his sleeve, which was neither gold nor jade, placed it on the stone table, and pushed it toward Xin Ruyin.

"This technique is unique and profound, and it has greatly benefited my martial arts cultivation." Han Yunshu's voice was calm, revealing little emotion. "I observe that the 'Mingyu Technique' you practice controls Yin and cold. This method is balanced and harmonious, and the way of Yin and Yang complementing each other may inspire you and help you improve your cultivation. If you are interested, you may also practice it together."

Xin Ruyin was puzzled, and hesitantly took the booklet, slowly turning the pages.

At first glance, the first two pages seemed to contain profound theories on the circulation of qi and blood, and the interaction between internal and external forces. Although they were exquisite, they appeared to be different from ordinary dual cultivation methods.

When she saw the two distinct systems of true qi circulation clearly outlined on the third page, along with the words "fusion of spirit and qi, joint participation in the Great Dao" in the side notes, her mind went blank and suddenly became clear.

The implications of Han Yunshu's actions are self-evident.

Xin Ruyin felt her mind was in turmoil, and her fingers tightened slightly as she gripped the thin book.

To be fair, she only felt admiration for Li Feiyu's cultivation and methods, and gratitude for his protection; she had absolutely no romantic feelings for him.

Given her aloof and cold nature, it is absolutely impossible for her to compromise and share her Daoist partner for such a "great future".

The word "no" almost slipped out.

However, as if by some strange twist of fate, she raised her eyes and asked in a dry voice, "Senior Han and Senior Li...aren't they Daoist partners? What...is the meaning behind this?"

Han Yunshu's expression remained unchanged. He picked up his teacup, took a sip, and then said calmly, "Brother Li and I genuinely admire Fellow Daoist Xin's extraordinary talent, which is why we sincerely invited you. This world is so vast, with countless beautiful sights. Fellow Daoist Xin possesses unparalleled talent; are you truly willing to be confined to one corner of the world for the rest of your life, unable to fully appreciate it, because of the limitations of this physical body?"

She put down her teacup, her gaze calmly settling on Xin Ruyin's face, and continued, "As for Brother Li and me, it wouldn't be wrong to call us Daoist partners. However, we are both martial artists who have struggled in the mortal world, relying on our fists and schemes to survive. What we seek is not the transcendent immortality of living on dew and detachment from worldly desires. Fellow Daoist's Dragon Roar Body is extremely troublesome. We can extend your life and build your foundation, but if you want your path to continue uninterrupted, to form your Core and even reach the Nascent Soul stage, it will be no easy task. The effort required is immeasurable. We are just ordinary people, only willing to invest anything for our loved ones."

Xin Ruyin remained silent.

Han Yunshu's words were frank and almost straightforward, without any hypocritical embellishment, and also gave her room for choice.

She was not unmoved by the wider world, the possibility of alleviating or even utilizing the Dragon Roar Body, and the protection and guidance of those two unfathomable individuals.

only……

She lowered her head, her voice barely audible: "The world is vast, and although I am afflicted with a chronic illness, I still yearn to seek the truth. However... I am aware of your kindness, seniors. But this matter... is of great importance, and I am ashamed, fearing that I may... fail to live up to your expectations."

After he finished speaking, the stone chamber fell silent.

The faint smile on Han Yunshu's face slowly faded away like the tide.

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She did not get angry, but simply looked at Xin Ruyin quietly, the gentleness in her eyes gradually replaced by a calm scrutiny.

That gaze wasn't sharp, but it carried a heavy weight, as if it could penetrate the skin and reach the depths of her soul, measuring the value of every bit of her hesitation and persistence.

A silent pressure spread, and time seemed to stretch out for a long time at that moment.

Xin Ruyin could hear her heart pounding anxiously in her chest.

After a long silence, Han Yunshu let out a barely audible sigh, breaking the silence.

"It's alright." She stood up, her voice regaining its initial calmness, but lacking its previous warmth. "Everyone has their own ambitions, and we cannot force them. Fellow Daoist Xin, just focus on your cultivation here. After you reach Foundation Establishment, there will still be matters that require your assistance. Once we have settled our debts, you are free to seek your own path to immortality."

After saying that, she stopped looking at Xin Ruyin, turned around and walked towards the door with a calm and composed gait, as if none of the probing and conversation had ever happened.

Just as her hand was about to touch the door—

"Senior Han, please wait!"

Xin Ruyin blurted out, her voice carrying an urgency she herself was unaware of.

She gripped the thin book tightly in her hand, her fingertips turning slightly white from the force.

Her pride and her desire for the future were locked in a fierce battle within her. She could clearly sense that if Han Yunshu were to step out of that door now, the door to a certain possibility would be completely closed to her.

Li Feiyu may not pursue the matter, but that rare trust and intimacy that transcends simple employment is probably hard to find again.

Han Yunshu stopped in her tracks but did not turn around.

Xin Ruyin took a deep breath, forcing herself to calm down, but her rapid speech still betrayed the turmoil in her heart: "It's not that Ruyin is ungrateful or self-pitying... it's just that Ruyin feels only respect and gratitude towards the two seniors, and has absolutely no disrespectful or intimate thoughts. This matter... this matter concerns my Dao heart and true nature, and Ruyin... truly finds it difficult to..."

Her words ended there, the unspoken meaning particularly clear in the silence—a difficult choice, and an uneasy agreement.

Han Yunshu finally turned around slowly, her gaze returning to Xin Ruyin's tense face.

This time, there was no pressure of scrutiny in her eyes; instead, a faint look, almost like understanding and... tolerance, flashed across them.

"I understand." Han Yunshu's voice softened slightly. "This is no small matter; it truly requires mutual consent and a clear understanding of the Dao. This book, 'The Cantong Qi'..." Her gaze swept over the thin book in Xin Ruyin's hand. "You can keep it and study it. Whenever you understand it or have any questions, you can come to me or Brother Li at any time."

She paused, then added meaningfully, "Brother Li often says that forced relationships are never sweet. We're protecting you because we value your talent, not anything else. Don't feel burdened by this."

After speaking, Han Yunshu nodded slightly and then truly pushed open the door and left, leaving Xin Ruyin alone standing in the room under the bright light of the pearl.

She looked at the slightly cool book in her hand, her heart surging with emotion, unable to calm down for a long time.