“I never would’ve thought that in just two years, you’d grow into this. I couldn’t even recognize you at first.”
Shen Mu looked at the lovely girl sitting back at the table, silently pouring himself another cup of clear wine, marveling in his heart at how much a woman can change.
In just about two years, that frail, malnourished little girl had blossomed into this radiant, beautiful figure.
So much so that he didn’t recognize her at first.
But meeting again proved that they were indeed fated.
It also confirmed… that his idea back then of “teaching someone to fish” was the right one.
“I owe it all to you, Brother Shen Mu, for teaching me the Qi Refining technique back then, letting me step into the world of cultivators and gain the strength to survive in this world.”
“Otherwise, I might not have lived to see you today.”
Jiang Ning’er propped her head up, her eyes fixed solely on him, her delicate face brimming with gentle affection, as if gazing at her most cherished treasure.
“By the way, you said you’re a wandering cultivator now. What about your family…?”
At the mention of “family,” Jiang Ning’er’s expression faltered briefly, but she quickly regained her composure, saying calmly, “They all passed away from illness. I buried them myself.”
“Is that so…”
Shen Mu’s gaze lowered slightly, not lingering on the heavy topic for her. He shifted the conversation, asking, “What are your plans for the future?”
“Take it one step at a time, I guess. I’ve got some troubles on my tail right now, so I need to figure out how to deal with them first.”
“Troubles?”
Shen Mu pondered for a moment. “Pursuers? Or enemies hunting you?”
“Some evil cultivators… a bunch of sneaky rats who can’t stand the light of day.” Jiang Ning’er pursed her lips, her disdain for them palpable.
If not for their pursuit, she might’ve been able to join the Wind Spirit Immortal Sect under her true female identity and stay by his side openly.
She wouldn’t have to yearn for him day and night or pretend to be a stranger when facing him.
“What kind of people are they?”
“They wear all black, with weird, grotesque masks. You can’t see their faces.”
“What about their strength?” Shen Mu pressed further.
“The ones chasing me are all in the Qi Refining Realm, but I don’t know about the leaders.”
In truth, the evil cultivators pursuing her weren’t just at the Qi Refining Realm.
But to put Shen Mu at ease, she chose not to reveal the full extent of the situation.
Her approach worked—Shen Mu didn’t show much worry.
Good. If it’s just a bunch of Qi Refining evil cultivators, their leader’s cultivation likely won’t exceed Golden Core. It’s not a powerful evil sect, so no need to pay too much attention.
Shen Mu quietly analyzed, concluding that the evil sect chasing her wasn’t too strong, which eased his mind for now.
After all, he had a peak Soul Transformation Realm master backing him, giving him some confidence to face trouble outside.
“Forget those annoying guys.”
Jiang Ning’er crossed her arms on the table, her face full of concern and curiosity. “What’s Brother Shen Mu doing in Tianjian City?”
“Nothing much, just traveling for some training and seeking opportunities.”
“With my talent and aptitude… whether I can successfully reach Foundation Establishment is a big question.”
Hearing this, Jiang Ning’er pursed her lips, a trace of heartache in her eyes.
If Brother Shen Mu couldn’t reach Foundation Establishment, in a hundred years, he’d end up like them…
No! I absolutely won’t let that happen!
Without hesitation, she pulled out a pill bottle and pushed it toward Shen Mu. “This is a Foundation Establishment Pill. If you need it, take it, Brother Shen Mu.”
“But if I take it, what about you…?”
“It’s fine. I can get another Foundation Establishment Pill, but I only have one Brother Shen Mu.” Jiang Ning’er smiled brightly, warm as spring sunlight, deeply touching.
Shen Mu glanced at her flawless, radiant smile, feeling the gentle affection she radiated. His heart wrestled with conflict.
If I accept…
A Foundation Establishment Pill from a fourteen-year-old late-stage Qi Refining wandering cultivator was no ordinary gift.
It meant she placed him at the highest priority in her heart, willing to sacrifice her future for him.
If he accepted, as long as he had any conscience left, he couldn’t refuse her future requests.
But if he didn’t accept, it might make her think he was rejecting her gift.
Truly a dilemma.
“…”
After a brief internal struggle, Shen Mu pushed the pill bottle back to her, giving a gentle smile. “No need. I appreciate your kindness.”
“No matter what, I, Shen, can’t just live off a little girl’s generosity.”
“If I accepted, what would my fellow disciples say about me?”
He still felt that her current situation needed the pill more than he did.
No matter what, he couldn’t use her future as a stepping stone for his own.
Back then, his kindness toward her wasn’t meant for this kind of “repayment” today.
“Mmm…”
“Alright… If Brother Shen Mu doesn’t want it, Ning’er won’t insist.” Jiang Ning’er brushed her hand, taking the pill bottle back.
Though she felt a tinge of regret, she was more struck by a sense of fortune.
Having wandered the deceitful, selfish cultivation world for a while, she increasingly felt that a man like her Brother Shen Mu was a rare gem, one in a million.
She liked him even more.
“I’ve rested and chatted enough. It’s time for me to go and continue my journey.”
“Waiter, the bill!”
Shen Mu stood, calling over the inn’s waiter to settle the tab.
“Sir, your total is one hundred fourteen wen.”
“Keep the change.”
Clink.
Shen Mu placed a silver ingot on the table, not lingering, and turned to leave.
The girl’s gaze lingered for three breaths before she hurriedly stood and followed…
As Shen Mu stepped out of the inn, she darted in front of him, her hands wrapping around his neck, her face slightly flushed as she stood on tiptoe…
Smack~
With a soft sound, the girl left a faint, moist kiss mark on his cheek, a special “mark.”
“Brother Shen Mu, if we meet again next time, you have to spend some proper time with me.”
Shen Mu looked at the beautiful girl, her fair cheeks tinged with a blush, and froze for a few seconds…
Then, his lips curved slightly, and he nodded in agreement.
“Mm, next time for sure.”
After this parting, who knew when they’d meet again…
If fate allowed them to cross paths again, he’d definitely…
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