The Transmigrator's Cultivation Arc 16: Tai Gu Desert | Chapter 314: Affection

Arc 16: Tai Gu Desert | Chapter 314: Affection

Xu Ziqing’s pupils suddenly contracted. His Shixiong… was getting married?

This news was like a thunderclap, exploding above his head in an instant, truly shocking him to the core.

Before his Shixiong met him, he had no engagement and had never formed any romantic ties. After their encounter, they had been together for years, and he had never seen his Shixiong grow particularly close to anyone… Who exactly was his Shixiong going to marry?

Xu Ziqing’s mind buzzed, and his heart surged with tumultuous emotions, unable to discern what he felt. He was both astonished and panic-stricken, with a vague suspicion that was hard to believe. He felt a confusing mix of sour and bitter… sweet and painful. His heart was in turmoil, and the emotions he experienced were indescribable.

The old man was also shocked upon hearing this, and it showed in his expression. However, being an experienced person, he quickly turned his astonishment into joy: “Are you going to hold a wedding ceremony? I haven’t congratulated you on your great happiness yet. May I ask who your dual cultivation partner is…?” Before he finished speaking, he noticed Yun Lie’s gaze resting on the young man in the green shirt beside him and immediately understood.

The old man quickly laughed and said, “So your partner is here with you, and I still asked that question. How foolish of me.” Being quite perceptive, he boldly asked, “This must be the esteemed disciple of the esteemed one, Xu Ziqing, right?”

Xu Ziqing was still recovering from the shock, and instinctively smiled as he replied, “That’s me. I’ve met you, fellow daoist.”

The old man noticed something off about his expression but didn’t probe further. He said, “Since you two trust me, I’ll guide you both in preparing for all the necessary items. The Execution Sword and I have had years of friendship, so you won’t be at a loss.”

Yun Lie nodded slightly. “Thank you for your trouble.”

The old man laughed heartily and activated the formation.

Suddenly, another black hole opened in the secret chamber, and as they stepped in, they entered a different realm.

Before them was an orchard.

The path of seeking immortality was long and fraught with countless hardships and dangers, where one would encounter many treacherous hearts and devious plots, making it a very lonely journey. It was difficult to truly trust others. However, one person’s strength was insufficient, leading to entanglements between sects and overlapping interests. Moreover, cultivators are not devoid of emotions, and romantic feelings often arise, with beautiful companions frequently by their side. Thus, many people form dual cultivation partnerships. Yet, these partnerships can be categorized into two types.

The first type involves those who are truly devoted to each other, often fully opening themselves to one another and able to trust each other completely, accompanying one another on the path of immortality. However, should one partner die, the surviving one would suffer a tremendous blow; some even develop inner demons due to this, either sinking into despair or seeking revenge before they can continue to progress. Such partnerships are deeply emotional and rely on the bonds of affection, ensuring they are no longer lonely. Typically, their hearts are united, and their cooperation in combat is exceptional, but this also comes with significant risks.

The second type pertains to partnerships formed due to sect entanglements and overlapping interests. For instance, marriages between two sects, or partnerships formed when two individuals have compatible spiritual roots and physiques, among other reasons—not based on love. These dual cultivation partners are unlikely to fully open themselves to each other; they are merely training companions. Trust exists, but love is not pa.s.sionate. Although they are bound by oaths and won’t betray one another, their cooperation cannot compare to that of the first type. If one of them dies, the other can simply find a new partner without the risk of developing inner demons.

Training companions are easy to find, but true friends are rare. The second type of partners often has numerous concubines, while the first type usually has only one pair throughout their lives. Thus, in the vastness of the countless worlds, the second type of partnerships is more common.

At the same time, due to various reasons, the scale of the wedding ceremony can differ for different types of partners.

Firstly, the fruits served to guests at the ceremony are quite significant and are divided into three grades: the first grade has eighty-one types of fruits, the second has forty-nine, and the third has thirty-six. Naturally, the more precious the fruits, the more sincere the heart behind the oath.

For this reason, upon hearing that Yun Lie was getting married, the old man immediately brought him to this orchard.

The old man spoke, “In this orchard, there are a total of two hundred and thirty-two first-grade spirit fruits, three thousand four hundred and eighty second-grade spirit fruits, eight thousand third-grade spirit fruits, and tens of thousands of non-grade spirit fruits—all within this garden for you to choose from.” After speaking, he handed over two jade slips that detailed the prices, types, and attributes, leaving nothing to be desired.

Yun Lie accepted the jade slip and placed one into Xu Ziqing’s hand.

Seeing this, the old man smiled meaningfully. “I won’t disturb you two any longer. Once you’ve made your selection, just send out a strand of true essence, and I will come.” After saying this, he leisurely departed.

Xu Ziqing held the jade slip, still a bit dazed. It wasn’t until he unconsciously probed into the slip with his spiritual sense and saw the dense array of spirit fruits inside that he reacted. He pinched his fingers and stammered, “Shixiong, this is…”

Although Yun Lie noticed something unusual in his expression, he replied, “At the ceremony, there will be spirit fruits to welcome the guests. Since we are getting married, each of us can choose forty fruits. You can pick whatever you like, but just select eight of each element according to the five elements. As for the last one, it should belong to both metal and wood; if you have a preference, just let me know.”

Xu Ziqing understood each word clearly, yet combined, he found it somewhat confusing. His Shixiong clearly did not know his feelings; why was he suddenly insisting on marriage? Thinking back to the intimate moments they shared in the secret treasure realm, his fingertips trembled, and his heart grew increasingly anxious.

Xu Ziqing didn’t know how to express himself, hesitating as he said, “You and I… getting married?” He was undoubtedly overjoyed at the thought of marrying his Shixiong, but what about his Shixiong’s feelings? He should have understood by now that with his Shixiong’s nature, having acted that way with him previously, he wouldn’t be pretending everything was fine—he must want to give him an explanation. However, such an explanation, while aligning with his Shixiong’s disposition, left him feeling somewhat reluctant—if it were merely for the sake of marriage, he wouldn’t have suppressed his feelings so hard. If not for his sincere affection towards his Shixiong, he wouldn’t have slowly plotted and endured for years. Reflecting on this, he fell into silence.

Xu Ziqing sighed internally, unable to suppress a bitter smile. Still clinging to delusions, still clinging to delusions…

Meanwhile, Yun Lie, who knew Xu Ziqing very well, could easily see his unwillingness. At that moment, he frowned slightly. “When I proposed to you that day, you agreed. Now that you refuse, what is the reason?”

Xu Ziqing was taken aback.

…Proposed?

He had no idea when his Shixiong had proposed to him.

Yun Lie noticed the confusion in his eyes and explained, “Before I entered seclusion.”

Xu Ziqing reflected carefully and recalled that his Shixiong had said, “Once you reach the Golden Core stage, we shall hold the grand ceremony.” He had thought it was merely a celebration for reaching the Golden Core and was naturally grateful, responding immediately. But… could it be that his Shixiong’s intention was not that, but rather for the marriage ceremony? How could he have not thought of this?

Seeing that he remembered, Yun Lie continued, “Since we are both mutually fond of each other, we should pledge our marriage.” After a moment’s thought, he added, “Earlier, during my time of temptation, I treated you with disrespect. If that has caused any grievances in your heart, I can wait for several more years until your grievances have all dissipated before proposing again.”

What mutual affection? What disrespect? When had he ever held grievances against his Shixiong? Xu Ziqing’s heart jolted, and his thoughts became increasingly muddled. The way his Shixiong spoke seemed quite different from what he had thought; he had always prided himself on being able to perceive his Shixiong’s feelings, yet now he found himself completely unable to understand.

Even Xu Ziqing, no matter how dull he might be, realized that his communication with his Shixiong seemed to be off in some way. Quickly sorting through his emotions, he immediately spoke, “Shixiong, please wait a moment. I have doubts in my heart, and I hope you can clarify them for me.”

Yun Lie naturally had no objections. “Speak.”

Xu Ziqing then asked, “Shixiong, do you still remember everything that happened after you fell into darkness?”

Yun Lie replied, “I remember.”

Xu Ziqing asked again, “Then why didn’t you bring it up later?”

Yun Lie looked at him and said, “Since our hearts are already connected, there’s no need for many words.”

Xu Ziqing paused and took a deep breath. “Shixiong, do you know… my feelings for you?”

Yun Lie nodded slightly. “You let me do as I wish, which naturally shows you have feelings for me.”

Xu Ziqing felt a bit nervous but gathered his courage. “Then what about your feelings for me…?”

Yun Lie seemed to understand and also nodded. “I indeed have feelings for you.”

Xu Ziqing was taken aback. After a long time, he slowly spoke, “How did you come to know… that you have feelings for me?”

Yun Lie pondered for a moment.

Xu Ziqing’s heart tightened, and his mind went blank.

Yun Lie didn’t hesitate long; it seemed he just thought briefly before answering, “The demonic thoughts are attachments. The demonic thoughts controlled me, and everything I did was driven by my true heart’s attachments. If I had no feelings for you, I wouldn’t have acted so frivolously towards you. However, after falling into darkness, my mind was unclear, and my actions were quite abrupt, which is something I owe you an apology for.”

Xu Ziqing’s face turned crimson, and he finally set his heart at ease. His Shixiong was straightforward and never spoke to him insincerely. Since he said this, he must truly have feelings for him. Yet, he had always thought it would take many years for him to take the initiative to confess his feelings to his Shixiong. Now, however, it was his Shixiong who took the first step—how could he not feel delighted?

After many years of unfulfilled wishes, it was finally coming to fruition. With relief in his heart, Xu Ziqing couldn’t help but smile, “So, does this mean that we are mutually fond of each other?”

Seeing him happy, Yun Lie’s expression softened a bit. “Of course, it is mutual affection.”

Xu Ziqing’s smile deepened. “Then does that mean your proposal counts?”

Yun Lie nodded slightly. “Naturally, it counts.”

Xu Ziqing’s expression finally softened as well. “Since it’s like this, I’ll choose the items for the ceremony with you. Once I reach the Golden Core stage, I will marry you.”

Yun Lie’s aura seemed to grow slightly gentler. “That would be wonderful.”

The two then began to examine the jade slips. Though they stood side by side, they didn’t become overly intimate.

The atmosphere between them remained harmonious, yet there was a hint of something different.

Now, Xu Ziqing’s thoughts were completely clear.

He realized that even though it seemed like their interactions were no different from before, it didn’t mean his Shixiong was trying to distance himself or suppress what happened that day. Rather, it showed that he valued him and couldn’t treat him with the same frivolity he had in his demonic state. In his Shixiong’s eyes, regardless of whether he had fallen into darkness, their close relationship in the demonic realm had already forged a bond. After regaining clarity, it was merely their approach that changed, but their feelings remained the same. He had misunderstood his Shixiong back then.

His Shixiong’s feelings for him might not be as fiery as a blazing fire, but treating him this way showed that he held him in high regard.

Now, all he needed to do was choose the items for the ceremony, and then focus on his cultivation to reach the Golden Core stage as soon as possible… Once he succeeded, he and his Shixiong would be bound by a different kind of fate.

Translator: Lynn

Translations are not 100% correct. Please let me know if there are typos/mistakes in the chapter.

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