“What?”
The copper bell at his waist jingled, a sound especially distinct in this silent atmosphere. Immortal Sovereign Chongyi paused, instinctively looking down. Thinking he had misheard, he couldn’t help but ask again.
What answered him was the youth’s passionate and undisguised gaze.
“I am willing to become Dao Companions with Xuning Gege.”
Yu Heng spoke once more. There was no regret, nor the slightest retreat. He spoke even louder and more firmly than before, yet remained unnervingly calm, as if this were the most ordinary matter in the world.
Immortal Sovereign Chongyi felt scorched by that gaze. His long lashes trembled slightly, and he was momentarily speechless.
However, the words startled Jiang Xuning, who had been dazed until now.
Dao Companion.
Even though he was not a cultivator, he knew exactly what those two words represented.
In the book he had read, it was mentioned that for a cultivator, the path to immortality was not simple; it could even be described as arduous. Spiritual roots merely granted one the qualification to step through the threshold. True cultivation relies on one’s own repeated realizations, understanding, breaking through, and understanding again. The dangers encountered during this process were countless, and many were cut down halfway.
Yet, that was not the most terrifying part. Everyone knew that the path to immortality was not only difficult but also extremely long. Loneliness would shroud a person, and the further one went, the easier it was to waver. This was also the most critical moment; with the slightest lapse in concentration, a cultivator’s previous efforts would be wasted, resulting in Qi Deviation or the scattering of one’s soul a tragic and lamentable end.
Because of this, looking across the entire cultivation world, those who could truly succeed were few and far between.
Consequently, many people thought of ways to cope, and becoming “Dao Companions” was one such method.
It was similar to marriage between men and women in the mortal world, yet not quite the same. The former was merely a contract on paper, while the latter was a true connection of fates. The life lines of two people would be merged into one; from then on, they would share one heart and one mind, never to be parted. Furthermore, once the bond was formed, there was no chance for regret. Even if they tried to forcibly break it, both would lose half their lives, and their path to immortality would be severed. Therefore, even if cultivators wished to become Dao Companions, it was a decision made after long and deep consideration, for fear that the loss would outweigh the gain.
Whether it was a mortal marriage or a Dao partnership, the only commonality was that the two must truly be fond of each other for it to last.
Jiang Xuning naturally did not believe Yu Heng was “fond” of him. After all, in his past life, the day he died was precisely the day of the bonding ceremony between Yu Heng and Huo Ling. As for why things had turned out like this, he was completely bewildered.
However, the confusion didn’t last long. He soon realized the truth because he suddenly remembered something else written in that book: those who become Dao Companions not only share their thoughts but can also share their lifespan.
Yu Heng wanted to use this method to save him. Realizing this, Jiang Xuning’s face changed immediately. He did not want A-Heng to sacrifice himself for him; it was wrong, and he was unwilling.
“Nonsense. This is no laughing matter.”
The usually gentle Immortal Sovereign Chongyi now carried a hint of sternness. He was not one to meddle in others’ business, but this was a grave matter. Even though he practiced the Way of Heartlessness, he had heard enough about Dao Companions to know the severity of the relationship.
If it were another cultivator, it might be one thing, but a mortal involved created a different situation. Long ago, he knew his second disciple possessed extraordinary talent; with diligent cultivation, he would surely achieve great things in the future. But now, the boy wanted to give away half his lifespan for nothing, making the road ahead treacherous. Even though he didn’t see his two disciples often, they were his disciples after all, and he felt a pang of heartache for them.
Putting those concerns aside, what worried him even more was that a mortal youth had no power to protect himself. Unlike a cultivator, once he fell into the hands of others, he would be like fish on a cutting board. At that time, he would become his second disciple’s greatest weakness. The Sovereign didn’t intend to target the youth personally, but the two were simply not a good match. Not only was it of no benefit to his second disciple, but even the youth though his life might be extended for a time would likely never find peace.
Jiang Xuning also understood this logic. Following the Sovereign’s lead, he reached out to pull Yu Heng up. “A-Heng, I know you mean well…”
He was about to persuade him, but before the words could leave his mouth, the youth suddenly interrupted.
“I am not making a joke. I am serious.”
Yu Heng spoke again, not wavering in the slightest due to the Sovereign’s words. His gaze was burning, just as it had been before. Coupled with his naturally exquisite features, his serious expression only made him look even more beautiful. His eyes flickered slightly; anyone unaware of the circumstances would truly believe he was deeply in love, full of devotion, and couldn’t help but drown in it.
But Jiang Xuning knew better, so he remained exceptionally clear-headed.
On the other hand, the Immortal Sovereign clearly hadn’t expected his second disciple to be so obstinate on this matter. For a moment, he didn’t know where to start. He sighed and stopped speaking.
The atmosphere fell into a heavy silence once more, until a voice rang out, breaking the deadlock.
“Master.”
The person called out softly. It was Huo Ling, who hadn’t said a word until now. At this moment, he looked calm. Watching the group, he said slowly:
“I have another way.”