Chapter 694: Sold Out

Within the hot spring pool, two figures soaked quietly in the water, separated by layers of drifting mist.

It felt rather strange. Their souls had once merged, their minds had been in sync, and they had endured countless trials together until now. Yet they seemed distant, as if an unseen gap had opened between them.

The forefather's teaching echoed in his mind again.

"Young people often fail to understand something simple. Communication matters. Speaking openly prevents misunderstandings."

Wang Sheng felt that, as a man and Yaoyun's sword master, he could not just let this awkward tension linger. "Yaoyun, I think I already know about what you have been hiding from me."

The sword spirit answered softly, "

Oh.

"

She seemingly shifted a little in the water.

He frowned. "So it's true?"

Her tone weakened a little, showing a hint of her low spirits. "

Mm.

"

He paused, then asked, "Did you choose me as your sword master because of that?"

Like a girl who felt wronged but did not know how to put it into words, she softly and gently replied from beyond the mist, "It was only half of the reason."

"And the other half?" He smiled. "Was it because I am at least somewhat easy on the eyes?"

There was once a man named Conversation. After meeting Wang Sheng, he died abruptly.

Wang Sheng rubbed his forehead. In a situation like this, he truly had no idea what to say.

Should I talk about the future? Maybe tell her that I will work hard to restore the Heavenly Court? Or say that since I have no memory of the past, we might as well let it go? That I will forgive what the Immortal Emperor had done to me in a previous life, or even earlier ones? Maybe I should just change the topic.

For some reason, he suddenly felt that he and his senior sister really were a perfect match. When they were together, there was no need to think too much. Just being there was enough.

At that moment, he heard water splash. He instinctively looked ahead and saw a hazy figure moving through the mist. Yaoyun was walking toward him. Her thin gauze dress emitted a faint, immortal light, ensuring she didn't give him an improper sight.

She sat down just a

chi

away beside him. With the mist no longer blocking his view, he could clearly see the smoothness of her skin.

Ahem. It's just my sword beside me. It's just my sword beside me. It's just my sword...

Softly, she asked, "What are you going to do from now on? I originally planned to tell you everything after you reached the Golden Immortal Realm. I did not expect Divine Guardian Wang to stir things up like this. Do you hate... my father?"

Wang Sheng shrugged. "I do not feel much, to be honest. It all seems very distant to me. I do not feel lacking in anything right now, except that my senior sister cannot stay by my side all the time. I also see no reason to bring this up again in the future.

"That so-called sacred spirit or chosen one is just a path that others have created. I am Wang Sheng. I cultivate in my own Dao and walk my own path. Even if others have set up the path I walk now, I will just pretend I do not know and keep moving forward."

Yaoyun frowned. "Are you really content with just that?"

He smiled. "Why wouldn't I be? Nothing is more important than living in the present. Besides, the Immortal Emperor has already passed away.

"If he were standing in front of me, I might actually settle those old debts if I could remember the past and feel the resentment and anger from back then. However, I can't remember anything. It's better to just leave the past behind and not burden myself with it. Now, stop dwelling on it. Here I am, the one who suffered, comforting you, the daughter of the one responsible."

Yaoyun pursed her lips slightly and stared at the water, lost in thought. "I still feel like I should make it up to you somehow. After all, my father harmed you in your previous life and sealed you in the Realm of Exiled Immortals."

Wang Sheng thought for a moment. If he wanted to break this awkward atmosphere, he needed something bold. Hence, he said, "How about you offer yourself in marriage to repay your father's debt?"

"

Bah!

You lecher! If Hua Qing saw you being so frivolous, she would definitely divorce you!"

Immortal light swirled around Yaoyun. In an instant, she transformed into Spiritless and floated on the water. She hummed proudly, and a clear sword cry followed. "How about now, Lord Sword Master? Shall I offer myself to you in this form instead?"

Wang Sheng was momentarily speechless. "

Ha ha,

very funny. I think you're just trying to vent your feelings."

Her tone had finally become lively again. "

Hmph!

You and Hua Qing are already husband and wife. When she's not around, I will keep a close eye on you!"

Wang Sheng's eyes narrowed as he smiled. Though Yaoyun had not fully returned to her normal self, the awkward tension was gone.

He leaned back comfortably in the hot spring and casually grabbed his sword by the hilt. "Stay still and behave. I will clean you myself."

"Y-you dare?!"

"You're just a sword. What is there to be shy about? I hold you all the time anyway."

"Th-this is not the same!"

"Why are you getting nervous? The hot-spring water here contains many rare minerals. It's good for you. Now, stop overthinking. Cleaning and polishing a sword is a form of respect."

"

Bah!

Pervert! No!

Aah!

Sword energy slice!"

Flashes of sword radiance filled the mist. A certain sword cultivator shouted in anger as he fled along the water, covering himself.

The duo playfully chased each other around the pool. Yaoyun did not dare take human form again, while Wang Sheng grabbed a brush and whetstone, chasing his own immortal sword.

Inside the Qiankun Ring, the little cyan dragon within the Dragon Sword sighed quietly.

So this is the life of a sword.

***

After bathing, the gloom in Wang Sheng's heart had completely vanished. After slipping into a soft linen robe and cloth shoes, he lightly walked along a corridor.

Two immortal maidens ahead carried lanterns to guide the way. Behind him, Yaoyun blended perfectly into the surroundings in her pale-pink palace dress.

He was led into a flower hall for a meal. Since they had not prepared a portion for Yaoyun earlier, the young maidens were in a flurry of activity.

Before long, Wang Sheng and Yaoyun sat behind two low tables, three

zhang

apart. Dish after dish was served. As young maidens drifted gracefully into the hall, several female immortals in flowing garments played music and sang behind a screen.

Their sleeves flowed like clouds as they danced.

The music stirred the heart, rising and falling like clouds among glowing hues.

Wang Sheng watched the performance, then glanced at the delicacies before him. Though there was no dragon liver or phoenix marrow, every dish was exquisite. He had never seen many of them before.

The moment he took a bite, he felt as if his entire life until now had been wasted. His taste buds awakened, and a strange sense of emotion welled up within him.

He even felt a little homesick.

If only I could bring these dishes back for Mom, Dad, and Xiaomiao. Erm, on second thought, even Xiaomiao won't be able to handle them.

Every ingredient here was filled with immense spiritual power. Even just one bite would likely make a mortal suffer.

Wang Sheng took another sip of the unknown immortal wine. Instantly, every pore in his body seemingly opened. A shiver ran through him, followed by a hazy warmth, then a drifting sense of bliss.

The feeling lasted only a moment before he quickly regained clarity.

The wine, dishes, and performance probably cost a Six-Aperture Dao Comprehension Pellet or two.

He had once thought that the Qiling Immortal Sect was already a major power within the endless space, able to amass immense wealth through alchemical pills alone. However, visiting the bustling and dazzling Qiluo Celestial Realm made him realize otherwise. The service industry really did bring in money faster than the manufacturing industry.

Halfway through the banquet, Chun Yangzi strolled in. He moved a table over and sat beside Wang Sheng, chatting and joking with him.

Yaoyun curled her lips at the sight. Instead of retreating again, she fixed Chun Yangzi with a warning gaze. Her expression clearly said, "Try corrupting my sword master and see what happens!"

Holding his cup, Chun Yangzi muttered, "All good now? You look reenergized, Thirteenth."

Wang Sheng sighed. "It took quite a bit of effort."

He picked up a slice of jade-green cucumber and chewed it with a crisp crunch.

This is a cucumber, right? It looks a bit fancy, though.

"I see. I was planning to let you experience the gentle side first, then show you something more lively. Seems like that will not work now."

Chun Yangzi leaned back, propping himself up with one arm and holding a jug of wine in the other hand. His robe was slightly open at the chest, making him look carefree and unrestrained.

"We'll stay here for three days, then I will take you somewhere even better."

"Forefa—Brother Lu, I actually want to head back soon."

"Why the rush? The thirteen qi stars will be fine," Chun Yangzi said as if he could read Wang Sheng's thoughts. "It was not easy getting you out here. I should at least bring you to a few more stops. Fei Yu, do you know how vast the endless space truly is? Do you know how wondrous this boundless universe can be? Set aside all those conflicts and grudges. Living freely in this world is a beautiful thing.

Haha... Hahaha!

"

Wang Sheng smiled. "I would like to be as carefree as you, Brother Lu, but I'm still far too weak. Moreover, compared to wandering everywhere, I would rather stay with my family and friends."

"You still have too many ties, but that is fine." His eyes seemed to reflect the endless space as he raised his wine jug. Softly, he said, "Look, Fei Yu. Do you know what is most heartbreaking in this world? It is watching the beauty of youth fading and leaving you as your hair turns white. It is seeing old friends pass away, never to meet again.

"If you want to reach greater heights, you must accept and understand all forms of life. One day, the people around you will no longer answer you. One day, you will feel yourself drifting alone in this thriving world. Great beings or fleeting insects, all are just passersby. All are just observers.

Haaaa...

"

Wang Sheng chuckled. "Then why not choose one or two among your many immortal confidantes, and free yourself from loneliness?"

"Well..." Chun Yangzi straightened. He replied in a serious tone, "Would that not be too dull? A long road with only one or two companions cannot compare to constantly seeking out new wonders."

"Brother Lu, that way of thinking seems a bit improper..."

"Oh? Is it? So more wonders simply mean more women?"

At that moment, a cold aura brushed past Wang Sheng and wrapped itself around Chun Yangzi.

Chun Yangzi shuddered. He turned toward the doorway, his expression darkening at once.

Outside the flower hall stood a figure cloaked in black. The sudden pressure they released made Wang Sheng, Yaoyun, and all the maidens in the area freeze.

A powerful being!

"Lu! Dong! Bin! So you really did come here! You've kept me waiting long enough!"

Cracks of thunder rang out as lightning appeared behind the cloaked person.

At that moment, Wang Sheng felt someone grab his shoulder. Right after, he was flung into the air.

"My good grand-disciple, hold them off for now! I will come save you in a bit!"