The good news wasn't just for Hao Yu. Inside her room, Li Xue also noticed a change.
"Hmm?" Li Xue gradually opened her eyes after meditating in a lotus pose for nine hours straight. There were numerous gray-colored crystals that seemed to have been sucked out of their lives.
Li Xue looked at her hands while examining her body. "This is truly an opportunity. I could actually make another breakthrough to 9-Star within a week."
This advancement completely broke her common sense. During her stay in the sect, she had a hard time increasing her strength.
"Sure, the Spiritual Qi in the sect is much denser compared to this place, but I don't have any cultivation resources there. I've gone on several missions, but they don't give many resources. Compared to the dense Spiritual Qi in the sect, having limitless cultivation resources seems to be much faster."
"Of course, it's going to be extremely expensive, but I guess this is what they mean by going out to seek a fortunate encounter."
"If I cultivate in the sect, I don't know if I can reach 8-Star with just cultivating alone…" Li Xue looked down, contemplating.
On the one hand, greed started crawling inside her heart. On the other hand, she remembered Hao Yu's plan.
If she actually stayed in this place and stole more cultivation resources from others, she could break through to the Foundation Establishment Stage sooner or later. But if she returned to the sect, she would gain Elder Ren's favor.
It was a bit hard to choose.
After a moment of silence, Li Xue couldn't help but let out a long sigh. "Either way, I have to return to the sect. Being a loose cultivator might be nice, but if I keep stealing people's resources, I might become an actual criminal, hunted by all the sects. So, I should return to the sect even though it will lower my pace."
"Still, there should be some time for someone to reach this place. I have enough resources to reach 9-Star. I guess, I will speed up my progress and advance before that person comes…"
Before Li Xue continued her cultivation, a certain scene flashed in her mind.
At that time, Hao Yu had given her the plans after someone came to escort her back to the sect. They had to be separated again because Hao Yu had to remain unseen by others.
But before he left, Hao Yu actually cupped his hands and said with a sad smile. "I'm sorry but this is where we're going to part. I can't help you anymore than this. Still, I wish that my help can open up a path for you to grow in the future."
Li Xue was dumbfounded. Hao Yu's sad expression looked as if he wanted to cry. Obviously, she didn't want this separation as well.
During the whole ordeal, Hao Yu had helped her so much and gave her all this opportunity. It could be said that he had taken care of her completely.
His actions, his efforts, and his feelings had stuck in her heart. Without her knowing it, Hao Yu's figure had been planted in her heart.
Yet, they had to be separated because one was an official while the other was a cultivator.
Of course, there were a lot of stories between cultivators and common people who had married. However, most of them ended tragically. The common people would most likely die first, either from old age or targeted by their enemies.
As cultivators, they would definitely have an enemy whether they intended or not. And the common people wouldn't be able to do it.
However, it was a different case if their partner was an official, especially a high-ranking one. They would be granted special protection by the dynasty.
When Li Xue thought about it, she couldn't help but say, "Hao Yu… Our meeting is short, but I believe that we can meet again in the future. I have promised to you that I will tell you a lot about cultivators, right? I will definitely return."
Hao Yu widened his eyes as though he was shocked. Li Xue must be talking about the questions that Hao Yu asked regarding the strength of a Foundation Establishment Expert or above them.
Hearing about their strength would allow him to create a plan that could actually kill them.
Hao Yu looked like he was moved while saying, "Li Xue… you…"
Li Xue moved closer to Hao Yu and said, "I promise that I will return. I… I will definitely cultivate well so that I can protect you in the future."
Hao Yu's expression became pained. "No, we can't do this. If we do this, I'll just hinder you back. I don't want to be someone that chains you down… I only wish you can soar to the sky like that of a dragon."
After Noel's flowery words, Li Xue's heart completely melted. She shook her head and held Noel's hands. "Please. You are not a burden. You're the one who gives me all this, so don't think too lowly of yourself."
"Li Xue…" Hao Yu looked into her eyes.
"Hao Yu…" Li Xue looked back.
They were silent for a moment as if transmitting their feelings.
Eventually, Hao Yu said, "I'll keep fighting. I'll definitely become a big official… big enough that you won't feel embarrassed when you're with me."
"I will also become a great cultivator, strong enough to protect you." Li Xue nodded with a serious expression.
Hao Yu and Li Xue soon smiled at each other as they confirmed their mutual feelings.
"Unfortunately, I can't stay here any longer for now. I have to go back now." Hao Yu sighed, becoming sad again.
"Yeah. There will be a lot of opportunities to meet. Maybe, I'll be the one visiting you first."
Hao Yu nodded. He straightened his back and cupped his hands once again. "I wish the fortune blesses you with its presence."
"You too." Li Xue gracefully cupped her hands.
After bidding their farewell, Hao Yu began to walk away before any soldiers noticed his movements.
It was normal at first, but after Hao Yu left the forest, he couldn't help but scratch the hands that Li Xue touched earlier as if his skin was irritated. Li Xue didn't realize that Hao Yu had never made physical contact with her the entire time. And including the words he said to the magistrate, this reaction might be the indication of what Hao Yu truly meant.