Morning arrived swiftly, and another night of cultivation saw Lu Bingxuan's progress surging forward. His spiritual energy now resembled an ocean, pushing his cultivation to the eighth level of Qi Refinement. The pace far exceeded his expectations, thanks to the Xuanming Dao Body's unparalleled efficiency.
Only five levels separated him from Qi Refinement's pinnacle. Once he condensed his spiritual energy into liquid form and opened his Violet Palace, he would reach Foundation Establishment.
For him, no external aids like Foundation Establishment Pills were necessary. His Heavenly Root and Dao Body were sufficient. For those with mid- or low-grade roots, such pills were indispensable, as breaking through without them was nearly impossible.
Just as Lu Bingxuan prepared to continue, his token buzzed with an alert—two unfamiliar presences had entered his island.
Checking through the token, he recognized Luo Lingmiao and another woman, presumably her senior sister. Deciding it was better to avoid unnecessary confrontation, he released the restrictions on the island, allowing them entry.
"Senior Sister, I'll go alone. You can return," Luo Lingmiao said softly, her voice firm yet laced with apprehension.
"This… alright," Qianhua reluctantly agreed. "But be careful. If that Daozi tries anything, let me know. Even if he's a Daozi, I'll teach him a lesson for you!"
Luo Lingmiao smiled faintly. "Don't worry, Senior Sister. I'll be fine."
Once Qianhua flew off in her light, Luo Lingmiao exhaled deeply, trying to steady her nerves before stepping into the Seventh Pavilion.
Her knowledge of Dao Bodies had expanded significantly since yesterday, thanks to her master's brief explanations. She now understood their rarity and strength, and that those who awakened them were destined to surpass even Heavenly Roots with time.
Pushing open the door, Luo Lingmiao's usual cold demeanor gave way to a visible tension.
Her newly transformed hair, a blend of white and black, added a celestial aura to her presence. Though clad in the standard black sect robes, her figure gave the attire a distinct charm. The fitted design emphasized her graceful curves, hinting at the limits of the fabric's adaptive properties.
"Gr… Greetings, Senior Brother," Luo Lingmiao stammered, stealing glances at Lu Bingxuan's figure. The Dao aura surrounding him was captivating, tugging at her instincts like a siren's call.
"You're too polite," Lu Bingxuan replied, his tone calm yet inwardly puzzled. Why had she come? He vaguely remembered Wuyun Elder's suggestion about dual cultivation, but the reasoning behind it still eluded him.
"What in the world have they been scheming?!" he wondered. The masters' misunderstandings were bad enough, but now it seemed Luo Lingmiao had been caught up in their assumptions.
"Senior Brother, may I ask… why did you choose me?" Luo Lingmiao's voice trembled as she finally voiced her question.
"Why did I choose you?! I'd like to know that too!" Lu Bingxuan internally screamed, his expression betraying nothing.
He stood, striding toward the window and gazing out at the moonlit sea. His calm demeanor left Luo Lingmiao momentarily entranced.
But beneath his tranquil exterior, his thoughts raced:
"What kind of nonsense is this? Why would anyone think I chose her? I didn't choose anything! How am I supposed to spin this?"
Breaking the silence, he asked, "Do you think we share any similarities?"
"Similarities?" Luo Lingmiao blinked, her confusion evident. "But Senior Brother, you're a Heavenly Root cultivator with a Dao Body. We…"
She trailed off, her words catching in her throat as memories surfaced.
She recalled the rumors about Lu Bingxuan's transformation—how he had entered the sect as a penniless wanderer, no better than a beggar. And yet, within days, he had ascended to the title of Daozi, his once-mortal existence now a distant memory.
"Back in the mundane world," Lu Bingxuan began, his voice calm yet resolute, "I wandered for five years, facing life's coldest cruelties. Death loomed over me many times, yet I never gave in. I don't believe in fate—I change it!"
Turning to face her, his gaze pierced into hers. "The true tragedy isn't failure—it's being so numb that you forget how to resist."
Luo Lingmiao's eyes widened, and she found herself unable to meet his gaze. Guilt and self-doubt welled up as her thoughts raced. Was he speaking about himself, or was he chastising her?
"I… I'm not like you, Senior Brother. I can't do it," she murmured, her voice faltering.
"You're right," Lu Bingxuan replied bluntly. "You're not me. That's why you need to try even harder."
Stepping forward, his tone sharpened. "You think you can't because it's hard? It's hard because you think you can't!"
"Don't let fear decide your path. Either take that first step now or stay where you are forever."
Luo Lingmiao trembled, her head bowed as tears glistened in her eyes. The truths Lu Bingxuan spoke hit her like a sword, each word cutting through her doubts and fears.
No one had ever spoken to her this way—direct, unyielding, and yet strangely empowering.
For a fleeting moment, she wasn't the noble princess shackled by duty, nor the sect disciple grappling with expectations. She was simply a young girl, lost and searching for strength.
"Was that too much?" Lu Bingxuan wondered silently, sweat beading on his brow.
He had unleashed every motivational phrase he could think of, hoping something would stick. His only consolation was that it seemed to have worked—Luo Lingmiao hadn't stormed out in tears yet.
"Senior Brother… I…" Luo Lingmiao's voice wavered as she looked up at him, her expression filled with newfound determination.
"...I will try."
Lu Bingxuan exhaled, relief flooding through him.
"Good. Now, let's all pretend this conversation never happened."