Chapter 50: Restlessness

Within the bathroom, steam billowed and shadows danced, the water surging and swirling in the tub. After a bout of passion, Li Guanxuan and Qin Jiyue soaked together in the bath.

“Why haven’t you broken through to the ninth level of Qi Refining yet?” Li Guanxuan wrapped the beauty in his arms, asking with a hint of puzzlement. By rights, Qin Jiyue should have reached the peak of the ninth Qi Refining level last year, yet she still hadn’t broken through. His heart was full of questions.

Nestled in the embrace of her beloved, Qin Jiyue’s face was serene, her voice soft as silk, “I’ve been using all the immortal energy to enhance the aptitude of my Wind and Sword spirit roots. I plan to wait until they reach the highest quality, then make a single breakthrough to the peak of Qi Refining, and complete my Foundation Establishment.”

Li Guanxuan was speechless.

Look at the ease with which someone with superior spirit roots speaks—so casual about reaching the peak, so nonchalant about Foundation Establishment. Compared to himself… He could only sigh inwardly, his mood darkening. He couldn’t help but pat Qin Jiyue’s shapely hips, stepping out of the bath.

Qin Jiyue instantly understood his meaning, casting him a playful, reproachful glance, but obediently placed her hands on the edge of the tub.

Day and night passed.

Returning to the tub, Qin Jiyue felt his warm hands growing restless again. Her delicate frame tensed, and she chided, “Enough, that’s enough. Go find my sister later.”

“It’s nowhere near enough,” Li Guanxuan replied solemnly, shaking his head.

Qin Jiyue looked at him curiously. “What’s gotten into you lately? Why do you want so much?”

“It’s probably because my cultivation has broken through,” Li Guanxuan offered as an excuse.

“Don’t—don’t move!” Qin Jiyue grew anxious, pleading, “I really can’t take it anymore. Go find my sister, she’s a body cultivator and much stronger than me in this respect.”

“She’s not that much stronger; you two are about equal,” Li Guanxuan said with a chuckle, but he didn’t press further. In a gentle voice, he continued, “Brother Zheng sent word—Qing’an City is nearly in complete chaos now. Though the Valley of the Falling Moon’s sect master managed to surprise the major powers with an elite force, before overwhelming strength, her schemes mean little. In four or five years, the Valley of the Falling Moon may cease to exist as a force.”

“The sect master is a good person, just a bit too greedy,” Qin Jiyue sighed.

She’s not like the sect master of Joy Mountain, who knows how to let go. If it belongs to her, she clings to it no matter what, unwilling to release it even in death.

She herself had been like that once, but after Li Guanxuan’s guidance, she gradually awakened. Her mindset had been thoroughly changed by him.

“Sometimes, character determines fate,” Li Guanxuan said calmly, unconcerned about the Valley of the Falling Moon’s fate.

“Brother Zheng also mentioned in his letter that he’s now a shopkeeper in the northwestern border city of Great Heng. It’s about ten thousand miles from Shanggu City—we could visit him sometime.”

Li Guanxuan smiled. “He also shared some news. He suspects the Demon Clan’s southern incursion isn’t about occupying the Immortal Ruins, but has some other design.”

“That’s not something I could know,” Qin Jiyue shrugged, her fragrant shoulders rising. “Qin Wuji and I have some standing in the Demon Clan, but not too much. That’s all the information I have. If you want more, when the Demon Clan breaches the gates and enters the city, I can help you look into it.”

“There’s no need; as long as it doesn’t threaten our lives, it’s none of our concern,” Li Guanxuan shook his head.

He understood clearly. The Demon Clan’s schemes were not for Qi Refining cultivators like him to meddle in. Asking about things one shouldn’t only breeds fear and undermines the Dao heart.

Step by step, steady cultivation—that was what Li Guanxuan should focus on now.

However…

Recently, word of the Demon Clan’s southern movement had reached Shanggu City. Many believed their entry into the Immortal Ruins was only a matter of time; Tianya City wouldn’t hold out much longer.

“I suspect the Demon Clan will have more people living and settling in the Immortal Ruins, getting the cultivators here used to their presence…” Qin Jiyue narrowed her eyes, analyzing. “A massacre and city slaughter to instill terror isn’t what they want. They just want a land where their descendants can survive. The mighty ones here surely know this—it depends on their choices. Judging by the current situation, the stalemate at Tianya City likely means negotiations. I expect there will be many demon cultivators in the Immortal Ruins in the future.”

At this, Qin Jiyue stretched lazily, smiling. In that case, she would no longer have to conceal her identity.

Li Guanxuan had no opinion on this. Whether demon or orthodox cultivator, they were all people, both good and bad. Their paths differed only slightly.

As the saying goes, all changes return to their origin.

Ultimately, cultivators on any path seek longevity above all else.

...

Two months later, Li Guanxuan sat drinking with Zuo Xiao, a city defense soldier, hearing that the mighty ones of the Immortal Ruins had made peace with the Demon Clan. From now on, many demon cultivators would take root and live in the Immortal Ruins.

Some sighed and lamented; others were indifferent.

Those who sighed feared fewer resources in the future, and potential conflicts with the Demon Clan.

Those who were indifferent felt life would be much the same as before. The changes might affect the Foundation Establishment and Core Formation masters; for humble Qi Refining cultivators like them, life would go on as usual.

After eating and drinking, Zuo Xiao paid the bill, prompting Li Guanxuan to protest, “Brother Zuo, I was supposed to treat—”

“A single meal is nothing. Befriending a late-stage Qi Refining cultivator is worth it,” Zuo Xiao laughed. “No need for formality, Brother Li. We’ve known each other for years—there’ll be plenty more meals, and you’ll have your turn to treat.”

“Very well,” Li Guanxuan smiled, nodding. He took out a premium protective talisman and handed it over, speaking softly, “I’ve heard Shanggu City has been restless lately. As a city defense soldier, you must have a talisman for protection. You must accept this; please don’t refuse.”

“You…” Zuo Xiao saw the earnest look on Li Guanxuan’s face and knew he couldn’t decline. Accepting the talisman, he cupped his fists, “Brother Li, I’ll remember your kindness.”

Shanggu City had indeed been unsettled lately. Since the news that demon cultivators would settle in the Immortal Ruins, many people with complex backgrounds had arrived.

As a city defense soldier, Zuo Xiao had dealt with more than twenty cases of magical duels and injuries—he’d even been hurt himself once.

So this premium talisman was truly a lifesaver for him.

...

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