Chapter 168 – Master, do you choose to die or to perish? (9)
The thunder-element spiritual herb is extremely rare and hard to come by. It was likely brought back incidentally by Yan Luo during her recent travels… although Yun Ze didn’t think it was specifically meant for him.
He figured it was just a coincidence…
Thinking this, Yun Ze smiled excitedly, “Thank you, Master.”
The young boy, approaching ten years old, looked even more exquisite and adorable due to his spiritual training.
Yan Luo nodded, her eyes lowered, carefully observing Yun Ze’s expression.
The more she observed, the more she felt something was off. Yun Ze wasn’t exhibiting the kind of nervousness one would expect; instead, he seemed relaxed, even a bit casual, as if playing an interesting game. However, the gleam in his eyes when he accepted the herb was not something a child should have.
It seemed that indeed…
The two fell silent for a while, each lost in their own thoughts. Yan Luo finally spoke again, “Focus on your cultivation. I can’t guide you in using thunder-element spiritual power. If you have any questions, you can ask the Third Elder at Leiyun Peak. I’ve already informed him in advance. For anything else, you can seek out Lin Qing.”
Yan Luo’s voice was pleasant, like the sound of a clear spring, falling gently and unhurriedly on Yun Ze’s ears as she explained what would follow.
After listening for a while, Yun Ze frowned slightly, his eyes showing a hint of panic. He tugged at Yan Luo’s robe, tilting his head and speaking with a touch of alarm in his voice.
“What does Master mean? Having someone else teach me? Is it because I chose to cultivate the thunder element… so you won’t teach me anymore? I can switch back, I can focus on the water element…”
Yun Ze’s lips were tightly pressed, his small hand gently shaking Yan Luo’s robe.
How did it come to this? Yan Luo frowned slightly, finally placing his hand on Yun Ze’s head to stop him from continuing. Seeing Yun Ze slightly stunned, he continued, “You are my disciple. Why wouldn’t I continue to teach you?”
This question was asked as if it were a matter of course.
Yun Ze choked slightly and lowered his head, “Then what is Master…”
“I need to go into seclusion for a period of time, maybe five or six years, or as long as ten years. Focus on your cultivation and try not to leave Lingyun Sect.”
With such a spiritual root, although hidden, if encountered by a powerful being, it could lead to trouble if he couldn’t protect himself.
“Master… you’re going into seclusion now?” Yun Ze’s eyes were full of surprise, and his grip on Yan Luo’s robe loosened slightly.
“Yes,” Yan Luo nodded, withdrawing his hand. He blinked and continued, “Don’t overthink it, lest you invite inner demons. Stay focused on the Dao.”
“Yes… I understand.” Yun Ze paused slightly, then looked up with an unclear emotion in his eyes, “Is Master about to make a breakthrough?”
Yan Luo didn’t intend to hide it from him and nodded, “Yes, but it’s not yet time to ascend. Don’t worry.”
Yun Ze nodded, his lips curving into an obedient smile. Whatever he thought of next made his smile even brighter, “Then… congratulations, Master.”
Yan Luo nodded slightly. Although her face showed no emotion, the aura around him softened considerably. Without saying more, she stepped onto a pale blue stream of light heading towards the secluded cultivation spot in the back mountain.
Yun Ze watched Yan Luo’s figure disappear, and his smile faded a bit, his eyes filled with curiosity and contemplation. He looked at the thunder-element herb in his hand, and lifted his other hand to gently stroke his fingertips, as if savoring the sensation he felt earlier.