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"Do you not know, or are you unwilling to speak?" Yibai asked.
"I..." Dragon Maiden Ao Ling hesitated for a while, unsure of how to respond.
"Be at ease and speak your mind. Upon entering this Tianzhun Hall, you are like my half-disciple. If there is anything troubling you, I will support you, and no one can disturb your thoughts. Speak freely."
Yibai noticed that the Dragon Maiden was reluctant to talk and, after a moment of silence, he encouraged her as such.
"Heavenly Lord, you, can I really speak?" Dragon Maiden Ao Ling hesitated for a long time.
"Of course, you can," Yibai nodded.
"Heavenly Lord, I, I, I want to cultivate on my own," Dragon Maiden Ao Ling stuttered and finally disclosed.
"Cultivate on your own, why is that?" Yibai asked puzzled.
"Heavenly Lord, I don't want to be bound anymore." Dragon Maiden Ao Ling knelt down and spoke earnestly.
"Why do you feel bound?" Yibai inquired with confusion.
