"You, I truly don't know what you're afraid of," Elder Yun said, gently tapping Yu Mu's forehead with a small branch.
Since officially becoming Yu Mu's master, he seemed to have fulfilled his lifelong wish, including not bothering to compete with the Ziyun Hall anymore.
Moreover, he spent every day with this disciple.
Yet for some reason, he could always sense a faint sadness from him, a feeling that resembled an ancient soul standing on a mountain peak, completely alone. There was also a sense of fear; yet Yu Mu was undeniably powerful! If he suppressed his own realm to match Yu Mu's level, he wouldn't even be able to withstand ten of Yu Mu's strikes!
How could such a strong prodigy feel sadness or fear? Elder Yun couldn't understand.
But every time he meditated and cultivated, it was clear that Yu Mu was trying to draw closer to him. He thought to himself that he wasn't exactly a beauty; what attraction could an old man like him have?
Thinking this way made Elder Yun feel his thoughts were somewhat ridiculous. Perhaps it was a case of being overly concerned about gains and losses.
"Master."
Yu Mu had wiped away the cold sweat from his face and spoke softly: "Disciple is just afraid that on this long path, I might lose something that one should not lose as a human."
"Man can conquer heaven... such is foolish talk. Above the Heavenly Dao lies the Great Dao; the fate and power of cultivators are indeed too insignificant."
"Indeed, insignificant."
Elder Yun lowered his gaze: "But Little Mu, do you know that since the first cultivator appeared in the world, we have been going against the will of heaven? We cultivators contend with others and with heaven and earth for opportunities, for survival, for longer lifespans and greater power. As beings who defy fate, how can we fear the might of heaven and earth? We fight."
As he spoke, Elder Yun playfully ruffled Yu Mu's hair again. He quite liked the expression on this little disciple's face when he was flustered yet unable to retaliate.
"The Great Dao has three thousand paths; but are there not more than three thousand? Each being's heart holds a different path. To protect the path in one's heart, one would rather advance a hundred steps to die than retreat half a step to live. Xiao Mu, do you understand?"
Yu Mu pondered for a moment before finally smiling.
"Thanks to Master's teachings, I understand."
"Rather advance a hundred steps to die than retreat half a step to live..."
Elder Yun was like this; he... was also like this. It was just that Elder Yun had fallen in such a grand manner while his own death felt rather suffocating.
"Once you understand, then focus on your cultivation. If you dare slack off again, I'll beat you!"
Yu Mu: "..."
"Master, if—just if—one day I want to take you away from Yunhe Sect, you can bring along those senior brothers and even those from Xingyun Hall."
"We could go somewhere that may be somewhat cruel but where conflicts are laid bare. Would you... be willing?"
"I wouldn't." Elder Yun rubbed Yu Mu's head again with more force and then gave it a light knock: "Do you still hold any grudges? You are the young master of Yunhe; where do you want to go?"
"And this Yunhe Sect... I know it isn't clean. But it is also my home."
"Then fine; let's pretend I didn't say anything." Yu Mu sighed inwardly.
"Alright, I also didn't hear anything. Cultivate well; in a few days, I'll go out and get some spirit stones." Elder Yun said lightly.
As the top elder of a sect, his salary was already generous. Plus, as one of the top experts in the Northwest, his wealth was quite impressive.
However, ever since Yu Mu moved into his cultivation room, the spirit stones that were originally replaced every six months now had to be replaced every three months.
Little rascal!
Elder Yun looked at Yu Mu, who had closed his eyes again. A hint of helpless affection crossed his old eyes.
The spiritual energy needed for cultivation could rival even his own perfected Nascent Soul! No wonder he was so extraordinary...
Meanwhile, with his eyes closed, Yu Mu was calculating Elder Yun's combat power. If his master didn't break through to the Transformation Stage... with his own mid-Nascent Soul cultivation level, he should be about equal.
If Elder Yun broke through... then things would get troublesome. Should he create some trouble for him? No way! That would be too unfilial.
After all, as a Demon Emperor with principles, such matters that touched upon his bottom line were absolutely unacceptable.
...
Three days later, Elder Yun opened his eyes and exhaled a breath of turbid air filled with confusion.
Had he fallen into demonic delusion? No, when he broke through to the Nascent Soul stage he had severed his heart demon and attained enlightenment; how could there be any demonic obstruction?
But why did it feel like something inexplicable pulled his soul out of comprehension whenever he entered deep understanding? It didn't injure him but was quite uncomfortable!
After glancing at Yu Mu who was peacefully cultivating and had obviously entered deep meditation state, Elder Yun felt relieved; as long as his disciple wasn't affected, it seemed to be his own problem... With confusion in mind, Elder Yun left the cultivation room; it was time to change the spirit stones.
Once Elder Yun's figure disappeared from sight, a small smile curved at the corners of Yu Mu's mouth. His dissipating soul power was still that of an Emperor Demon! It was too easy to play tricks on Elder Yun. Moreover, this was helping his master refine his soul and strengthen comprehension—merit +10086, filial piety +10086!
It didn't count as crossing any lines; if it did cross them... then just lower those lines further down! He also needed to quickly raise his cultivation level; Yunhe Sect... truly was a place fraught with danger. No matter what happened, he had to take his master far away from them.
In the early morning at Yunhe Sect, A thin mist and soft light made the entire sect appear like an ethereal paradise. As Elder Yun walked along the path, many disciples greeted him with surprise and joy.
The Supreme Elder had not appeared for a long time! It seemed he was wholeheartedly focused on teaching the young master, truly a wonderful master-disciple pair. Yu Mu was indeed fortunate to follow this Supreme Elder. Elder Yun smiled kindly, nodding in response.
When they arrived at the Treasure Pavilion of Yunhe Sect, the elder immediately brightened upon seeing Elder Yun.
"Greetings, Supreme Elder."
"Are you here to exchange spirit stones again?"
This was a major customer, spending generously! Unlike those hall masters who were always penny-pinching.
"Yes, three hundred high-grade spirit stones."
Elder Yun maintained his smile as he placed a storage ring on the counter, filled with resources he had obtained from defeating enemies in various secret realms.
"By the way, please bring my previously unclaimed salary as well."
"Certainly, please wait a moment, Supreme Elder."
Before long, Elder Yun's storage ring was filled with spirit stones. Since his last disciple left the sect for training, his salary had accumulated quite a bit. Even if Yu Mu spent a lot, this would last for quite some time.
If it weren't for the significant expense on that spear, he wouldn't have needed to come to the Treasure Pavilion at all.
With this matter settled, Elder Yun prepared to return to his cultivation room. After all... he had almost grasped the insights; even with some lingering demonic obstacles in his heart, he would surely break through to the Transformation Stage within ten years!
However, just as he stepped out of the Treasure Pavilion's door, a figure in white caught his eye. A faint fragrance wafted by, and Elder Yun expressionlessly clasped his fists.
"Elder Fairy Zi Li, you are waiting here for me. Is there something important?"