Chapter 7003: Grim

“You figured things out fast.” Li Qiye sat down on a branch and stared leisurely at the ocean of tribulations below.

“Thanks to your guidance.” Desolate Ancestor leaned on his shoulder.

“At the immortal stage, one can only rely on oneself. I merely opened the door for you.” Li Qiye disagreed.

“Your guidance is even more crucial as I try to cross the sea of suffering.” She said.

“The dao heart is what will guide you, the only thing that can.” He said.

“You’re leaving?” She sighed.

“No party lasts forever and most importantly, you don’t need me anymore, I know you can walk far on the path.” He gently patted her head.

“I’m confident, it’s just that you’ve been around all this time.” She said.

“The truth is that I’ve always been a passerby in this world and in your life.” He said.

“That’s rather cruel to say.” She grasped his hand tightly.

“To whom?” Li Qiye smiled.

“To me, but even more so to you.” She stared wistfully at him.

“You should be celebrating instead, you’ll reach the shore very soon.” He said.

“I can’t be happy without you around. The world will be grim in your absence.” She said.

“There are many things left to do, silly girl, you must persevere.” He sighed.

“The truth is that what I want to do and what I think about, there are only a few things.” She stared into his eyes.

“There are times when I envy you.” He touched her cheek and said.

“Why is that, you have surpassed everything?” She asked.

“Because the dao is lonely. To have a guiding lamp is happiness indeed, one can always be vigilant regardless of how far the path is.” He said.

“That is why I need you.” She said.

“I will both be around yet not.” He said.

“You will be here, always.” She placed his hand on her chest and spoke softly.

“I know that you will be able to see me, as long as you move forward.” He stared at the horizon.

“Really?” She appeared to be smiling and crying simultaneously.

“Yes, and that is why I’m envious of you, able to see what you wish.” He said.

“What do you see?” She asked.

“Only me.” He smiled freely: “It’s alright, I’m used to it.”

“Isn’t it time to stop?” She asked.

“I can’t. The farther you go, the more distant the world is from you, so there is no turning back. Even if you stop and return, the world will be the same but you will no longer be you.” He said.

“Right, I can’t go back to Three Immortals anymore. Even if I do, I’m just a passerby.” She said.

“Such quick comprehension.” He praised.

“The passerby’s path has no return, your path.” She said.

“Yes, if there is a way back, that’s the end of the path.” He said.

“Is it the same after leaving Heavenrealm?” She asked.

“Yes, and even after fighting the high heaven.” He nodded.

“So lonely.” Her heart ached for him.

“I chose this path so now, I must walk it. The moment my dao heart wavers, all this would be for naught.” He said: “You have also understood this level, it’s worthy of celebration.”

“I couldn’t understand it back then, unable to sympathize with you.” She said.

“That’s not a bad thing. Life should be full of emotions, that’s the way to feel the warmth of this world. It’s beautiful.” He said.

“When my life started, you were already gazing at the high heaven.” She became emotional.

“And your beautiful life has appeared in mine.” He said.

“Who doesn’t want a beautiful life? Unfortunately, yours is filled with bitterness.” She lamented.

“That’s why I don’t fear death. Nevertheless, I appreciate what I have.” He smiled.

“Is that the reason why you love the mortal world?” She asked.

“Yes, because all of you are a part of it.” He smiled.

“Without your love, the mortal world might not exist.” She said.

“The karma isn’t quite like that, it’s still beautiful because you all are in it. It’s similar to immortals. Although the world shouldn’t have immortals, a few of them are still lovable. Not all are destroyers.” He said.

“To understand, yet still love. Only today have I truly grasped your state of mind.” She said.

“That’s why I take pride in you.” He stroked her hair.

“I owe it to you.” She winked.

“No, it is all due to your perseverance.” He said.

“Without you, there would be no me.” She said firmly. Her gaze sank into his eyes, reaching and illuminating his heart.

Finally, she mustered enough courage to wrap her arms around Li Qiye’s neck and boldly kissed him.

“I’ll keep chasing you, for eternity.” Her eyes brimmed with radiance and intoxication after the passionate kiss.