Watching the Mountain

Back when Little Xiyue was around, she insisted he eat with her every day. Then it was Senior Sister Yue. Now, he was alone again.

He couldn’t help but feel that after so many partings, he was becoming a bit sentimental, like an empty-nester.

He then walked into the secret chamber. Looking at the Phoenix Egg on the formation platform, he let out another sigh.

Fortunately, Little Xiyue would be back.

So, he wasn’t really an empty-nester after all.

*

*

*

Not long after Yue Qingyu left, another person came to find Xu Ran to say goodbye.

It was Hao Miaomiao, who had joined the Sect a few years ago. Her Cultivation had now reached the Qi Cultivation Third Layer.

She had come to Xu Ran to bid farewell, saying she was leaving the Sect to go to the Mortal World.

She felt that Xu Ran’s previous advice made a lot of sense. Since beginning her cultivation, she had come to realize that Daoist Techniques weren’t omnipotent. To eradicate all the world’s diseases, one had to rely on the strength of mortals themselves.

So, she planned to travel the world, healing the sick and saving people while collecting all the medical texts she could find. Along the way, she would also experience the local customs and gain experience.

Xu Ran was somewhat surprised to hear her plan.

"You’re only at the Qi Cultivation Third Layer. It’s too dangerous to go out alone. Besides, realizing your ambitions will surely take a very long time. Shouldn’t you focus on raising your Cultivation first, secure a long lifespan, and then try again?"

Hao Miaomiao shook her head and replied:

"I’m going to the Mortal World, so it won’t be dangerous. As for what you said about raising my Cultivation, Senior, I’ve thought about that too. With my talent, I’d be lucky just to reach Foundation Establishment. Higher Realms, even through the easier path of the Flying Immortal Stream, are basically hopeless for me."

"If I keep telling myself to go only after I’ve raised my Cultivation, I’m afraid that when the time comes, I’ll no longer have the courage to take that first step. My resolve is strong now, so it’s best I set out right away."

"As for whether I can ultimately achieve my ideal, it doesn’t matter. As long as I act on my beliefs, that’s enough."

"My ancestors came from an ordinary family. Later, with your help, Senior, we came to live a wealthy life. But that doesn’t change the fact that I am, at my core, an ordinary person."

"And since I’m an ordinary person, I shouldn’t make extraordinary demands of myself."

Xu Ran looked at the determined Hao Miaomiao and fell silent.

This was a pure soul, just like Master Xuan Zhen and the others before her—perhaps even purer.

Driven purely by the desire to live out her ideals.

After a moment of thought, he took out some Elixirs and Spirit Talismans and gave them to her. He hesitated for a moment, then took out a Golden Core—the very one the Little Witch had given him.

’I was born in the Mortal Realm myself. I can consider this a way of giving back for my time in the Mortal World.’

Hao Miaomiao didn’t refuse. She gave him a deep, formal bow, then silently turned and left.

After Hao Miaomiao left, Xu Ran went to check on Wang Zhenye and found him cultivating diligently.

Seeing Xu Ran, he explained the reason for his hard work. "Senior, you don’t know, but back in the Instructor Hall, I made a vow: until I break through to Foundation Establishment, I will not engage in the affairs of men and women."

His face flushed red as he said with a determined tone, "I’m getting really pent-up, so I have to cultivate hard and break through as soon as possible."

Xu Ran was momentarily stunned. He stared at Wang Zhenye’s fiercely desperate gaze and shook his head lightly.

’Hm. In a way, he was a pure soul too.’

’Purely for the sake of his own pleasure and enjoyment.’