With this question out of the way, Qiu Ling and Jing Yi went about their day almost as usual. Or in other words, Jing Yi cultivated for some time while Qiu Ling waited next to him, wondering if it had really been a good idea to leave that realm.
Unfortunately, there was no way to return back there as long as Jinde or Leng Jin Yu didn't open it for them. They hadn't told him just what it was that opened the realm but it was obvious that he wouldn't be able to get inside without their help. Well, originally, it had only been for these two anyway.
The longer he thought about it, the more worried Qiu Ling grew though. Back then, they had fled into the realm because those people from the Chun Feng Sect had been after them and trying to hurt his beloved. Now, when they had gotten out, he hadn't seen anything of them and most likely, they weren't there either but that didn't mean that they had given up yet.
It might very well be that they had just left because the Sect Master and had thrown them out. But as far as he had understood, the Sect Master was now in closed-door cultivation. That only left his own Master to deal with these matters.
Maybe the Chun Feng Sect would use that as an excuse to come knocking on their doors again? He couldn't let that happen! Although he didn't mind fighting against them, they were well-equipped to deal with people like him. And if Jing Yi somehow got separated from him … No, he didn't even want to imagine that. It was much better if they never had another run-in with them.
Qiu Ling couldn't help but dwell on that idea for a moment longer. Not running into them … If the Chun Feng Sect were to go after them, they would certainly do so at the Yun Zou Sect. So it would be for the best if they left. It would be even better if they left for someplace where the Chun Feng Sect would never search for them. Some place they would stay far away from.
Qiu Ling looked at Jing Yi who was currently seated in the lotus position and had his eyes closed. This focused, his beloved looked especially cute. There wasn't any difference to his face compared to a few years ago since he had stopped aging but he seemed a little more mature. The contrast between these things seemed to add something more to him.
He knew that Jing Yi was eager to make more experiences. Maybe that would be a good reason to take him away from here and do something else? He was sure that Jing Yi wouldn't refuse that. It was just that they had already been discouraged from doing so. He would need to give him some good excuse or Jing Yi would immediately pick up on the fact that he was just doing this because he didn't want to get involved with these matters. Or …
Qiu Ling looked away, a hint of a guilty conscience emerging. He couldn't help but be torn. He wanted Jing Yi to be happy but he also wanted him to be safe. He wanted to be a good lover but he also couldn't help but feel that he was right this time.
While Qiu Ling continued to worry about it by himself, Jing Yi stopped cultivating and opened his eyes. He took a moment to find back to himself and then turned to the person next to him, wanting to tell him that he had finished. When he saw Qiu Ling's expression … He couldn't help but sigh to himself. Hadn't they just talked about this? Why was he still not talking to him and instead keeping things to himself?
Jing Yi tried to give Qiu Ling the benefit of the doubt and just assumed that he hadn't said anything because he didn't want to disturb him while he was cultivating. Now, he had finished though so if he prompted him, Qiu Ling should tell him.
He cleared his throat and then gave Qiu Ling a smile when he looked over. "I think I should stop cultivating for today. It also wouldn't be nice to have you keep to yourself all the time." He looked at him intently, waiting for him to bring it up.
Qiu Ling nodded slowly in response. "Right. It wouldn't be good to … just cultivate all the time." Unfortunately, he still couldn't make up his mind if he should bring up his idea or not. This would've been a very good opportunity though. Actually, he felt a bit reluctant to let go of it.
Jing Yi continued to look at him questioningly. "You look like you want to say something."
Qiu Ling's gaze shifted around but he finally reached out and grabbed Jing Yi's hands, looking at him intently. "My love, how about going to visit mother-in-law again?"
Jing Yi stared at him dumbfounded. This was what had made Qiu Ling look that worried? Was there any problem with visiting his mother? "Just that?"
Qiu Ling raised his brows, trying not to look suspicious. "What else could it be?"
"Then why did you look as if you had done something wrong?"
Qiu Ling's mind churned and he finally gave a wry smile. "Well, they said that they didn't want us to go on missions. But I mean you wouldn't really be in danger with me there and it's just going to visit your mother, isn't it? I was just not sure if you would like the idea."
Jing Yi heaved a sigh of relief. So it had just been that. In that case, he didn't have to worry. He squeezed Qiu Ling's hand and gave him a smile to reassure him. "I think that's a wonderful idea. My mother would certainly be very happy to see us again. It's been quite some time since we were there the last time. So why not? Anyway, it's better than just staying in this house, isn't it?"
Qiu Ling nodded eagerly, inwardly congratulating himself. It seemed that his little ploy hadn't been discovered at all.