CHAPTER 32 Life is not an easy path, may you succeed and be carven into a jade.

Hearing the sound of Qin Yan’s footsteps, Fu Changling hurriedly closed his eyes in fright.

He made up his mind that if Qin Yan were to throw him out, he will…he will just make his bed on the floor outside.

More thoughts came from him as he quietly slept there, that since the Reaching Moon Palace was so huge, there might be a chance that Qin Yan might not even have discovered him.

Thinking in such a manner, Fu Changling felt more at ease. He listened as the footsteps drew close. The sound of the other person’s footsteps was somewhat strange; they sounded extremely unsteady, unlike Qin Yan’s usual footsteps. Fu Changling listened carefully for a while and felt slightly worried; he instantly stood up. As he quietly tiptoed out, he hid behind a huge pergola as he secretly watched the other person come in.

It was Qin Yan, but he seemed to appear a little different from his ordinary self. His face was flushed and he seemed somewhat fatigued as he supported himself on the side of the pillar. There was a smell of alcohol permeating from him. Fu Changling looked at him for a moment, and immediately realised that this person had been drinking.

Fu Changling was not too surprised by this sight. In those days, when he was trying to assassinate Qin Yan, he had previously observed Qin Yan in secret for a year. This person was fond of drinking wine, especially when he was drinking quietly in places where he was alone. Contrary to what others would expect, this was true. However, he was very cautious every time he drank; having only one bottle every time to ensure that would be the only amount he would be drinking. So, he seldom drank in such a manner.

Qin Yan stood there for a moment to take a rest before he started walking forward again. Fu Changling watched nervously as Qin Yan staggered forward. His body acted faster than his brain, as he stooped his waist to rush out and support Qin Yan with his hands.

Qin Yan found himself held by a person, so he slowly raised his eyes. Those constantly clear and bright eyes fixed themselves on Fu Changling attentively. Fu Changling supported him but he was somewhat nervous. His heart was beating faster in dread that Qin Yan might send him flying with a slap. But he still held onto himself, and swallowed as he said, “Shixiong…”

“It’s you… I see.”

Qin Yan seemed to have recognised him almost precisely, but Fu Changling was not too sure about it. Even if it seemed like he already recognised who he was, he was still somewhat tense. Qin Yan quietly looked at him, as if trying to figure out something and after a while, he suddenly pushed him away and walked ahead by himself. Seeing that he hadn’t hit him, Fu Changling’s heart was relieved for the most part. He hurriedly caught up to him and helped him to walk to the bed. He helped him on one side as he said, “Shixiong, where did you go? How did you get so drunk? Did you eat something after drinking? How much did you drink to have come to this state?”

Qin Yan didn’t answer him as Fu Changling helped him onto the bed. Qin Yan reclined on the bed, closing his eyes and tightly wrinkling his brows.

Fu Changling examined his expression and knew that he was feeling unwell. He took off his shoes, covered him with a quilt and went to pour some warm water. He carefully wiped his face as he said, “Did you throw up after drinking? If you don’t throw up you’ll feel very sick.”

As he spoke, he leaned forward to sniff. He couldn’t help smiling after recognising the wine and said, “Even for a wine like the Inebriated Gods, you dare to carelessly drink so much. You are truly very bold. ”

Qin Yan apparently didn’t wish to pay him any attention and turned his body to face the wall. Seeing his childish actions, Fu Changling couldn’t help laughing. He lowered his head and wiped his fingers. For some reason, after realising that at this moment, Qin Yan will not listen to whatever he said, he became bolder and gently said, “Did you drink by yourself? Why did you drink so much? You probably went to drink by yourself, after all, you always drink wine alone to drown your sorrows. This manner of drinking isn’t good for you. Hereafter, if you want to drink, come find me, I will accompany you. Drinking in this way will not harm your health.”

“Shifu...”

Fu Changling was stunned as Qin Yan whispered. Soon after, he heard Qin Yan say hoarsely, “Shifu, it’s been a long time since you drank wine with me.”

Hearing this, Fu Changling reluctantly smiled. He lowered his head to cleanly wipe the crevice of his fingers and smiled as he said, “So it turns out you learned to drink wine from your shifu. I’ll say, how do you look so prim and proper, yet you have such excellent capacity to hold your liquor?”

“Shifu...” Qin Yan curled up and said in a low voice, “I’m sorry… I… I should’ve treated you better… I’m sorry...”

Fu Changling’s movements halted.

He suddenly discovered that he was actually not as generous as he had imagined. Facing a Qin Yan who didn’t have him in his heart, and a Qin Yan who was thinking of someone else, it seemed, he really was at a loss what to do.

He wiped Qin Yan’s hands clean and properly covered him with the quilt, speaking in a low voice, “I will go get you hangover soup. You sleep well first.”

Qin Yan didn’t respond to him. Fu Changling got up and after walking around all over the Reaching Moon Palace, he finally found the kitchen. He started a fire, added water and rummaged out a hangover pill from his spiritual pouch, tossing it into the water. He watched as the colour of the hangover pill slowly dissipated in the water and felt an odd, silent emotion brewing inside of him; like this hangover pill, slowly dissolving and quietly fermenting within as it spread all over.

He cooked the hangover soup and carried it back. He used two bowls to repeatedly pour the hangover soup back and forth, and lightly checked its temperature. Only after it reached a suitable temperature, he brought it to Qin Yan’s side. He helped Qin Yan up and fed him the hangover soup. Qin Yan would occasionally open his eyes to look at him, and then, close them again. Once he was done feeding him the hangover soup, Fu Changling covered him with the quilt and turned to look at the moon in the sky. The moonlight inclined downwards, from outside the entrance of the Reaching Moon Palace, tranquil like water. Fu Changling suddenly didn’t want to leave. In his previous life, he had slept in this house for many nights. At that time, he reconstructed this house in the Heavenly Palace of Hongmeng, but that person was no longer there. But tonight, it wasn’t not the same.

Qin Yan is alive, he is still fine and able to stay by his side.

Fu Changling walked over to the side of the moon arch door and sat down to lean against it. Then, he noticed that the floor to his side was somewhat different. He stared at the small fissure on the floor, reached out to knock on it and realised that the inside seemed to be empty. He got up at once, a little curious as he reached out to buckle the floor and discovered a small, man-made hole dug underneath it. There were a few wine jars placed inside. Fu Changling laughed after taking a look and understood that these were secretly hidden away in the Reaching Moon Palace by Qin Yan.

“Since I’ve found it, I get to keep it.”

Fu Changling took the wine out of the floor and re-closed the top. He opened the wine cork and sniffed the odour.

Inebriated Gods.

This was a very strong wine. People who rarely drink wine would not be able to handle this.

He found that this person, Qin Yan, truly always had a strong temper, strong swordsmanship and a strong personality. Even the wine that he drank was the strongest kind.

He heaved a sigh, feeling like he had committed a crime. It wasn’t easy to fall for such a person, neither was it easy to be fell for as such a person. But the most touching thing about humankind was that they were all like moths, born to be fiercely passionate.

Fu Changling leaned against the moon arch door as he drank the wine. He glanced at Qin Yan, who was lying not far away, and then turned to look at the clouds and the moon outside.

He couldn’t help reminiscing back to many years ago when he drank with Qin Yan for the first time.

It was not long after the entire Fu Clan was exterminated, the Heavenly Palace of Hongmeng was seized by the demonic cultivators. He had rushed to the rescue of the Heavenly Palace of Hongmeng on orders, but met with an ambush on the way.

Qin Yan had been hunting after him for an entire month. That month, he had been hiding in every corner he could find. One day he had disguised himself as a beggar sitting outside the entrance of a tavern, and happened to come across Qin Yan. There wasn’t enough time for him to escape so he could only sit in the same place, and continue pretending to be an ordinary beggar.

Qin Yan came over carrying his sword but didn’t notice him, so he walked straight into the tavern.

In the light drizzle that day, pedestrians came and went. Qin Yan sat on a table next to the outermost balustrade outside the tavern; it was the only thing that separated him from Fu Changling.

Fu Changling did not dare to move. He quietly watched the rain pattering on the long eaves outside. Qin Yan ordered a jar of wine, and wordlessly poured the wine for himself.

Fu Changling listened to the sound of rain and the wine pouring. After quite a while, the person inside abruptly used his sword to raise a cup of wine, and passed it to him.

“It’s cold and rainy.” Qin Yan’s voice was a little gruff. “Have a cup of wine.”

Fu Changling was slightly taken aback. He didn’t know if Qin Yan had recognised him. At that time, it would’ve been too conspicuous if he declined. So, he could only accept the wine and quietly express his thanks.

The two finished their cups of wine in silence. Fu Changling furtively glanced at him.

That day, Qin Yan seemed to appear a little different. Although he was quiet and aloof as usual, when he sat in that place, there was a rather indefinable forlornness and sorrow.

He did not drink much, only half a jar, and after he finished drinking he stood up, quietly saying, “There is still half a jar left on the table. Thank you for being here today.”

Fu Changling did not know if he had spoken to him, so he didn’t dare to reply. He only watched as Qin Yan stood up, carrying his sword as he opened an umbrella, and walked into the rain, alone.

His figure blended with the rain and mist like a painting of mountains and rivers, blurring from his vision. Fu Changling turned his head to look at the wine jar on the table. He stood up, held the wine jar and shook it, discovering that there was really still half a jar remaining.

Not long after Qin Yan left, white flowers filled the entire sky as they descended. Fu Changling lifted his head and heard the sound of a little bell coming from a distant place, mingling with the clear singing voice of children. At that moment, along with the entire sky filled with the white flowers, it seemed like the whole world was enshrouded in a silent sorrow.

Household after household came out and looked towards the song coming from afar. All the cultivators present stood up without any exception, and placed both their hands together with their middle finger folded. Then, they lowered their heads, following this lingering air of sorrow that belonged exclusively to Yunze as they mourned the dead.

Xie Yuqing of the Heavenly Palace of Hongmeng was dead, leaving behind a huge fire that burned for an entire month. Apart from the few survivors of the Heavenly Palace of Hongmeng, everyone else burned in the huge fire with no remains. On the day the huge fire was extinguished, the disciples of the Heavenly Palace of Hongmeng could only build a cenotaph and bury them uphill on the very same day.

It wasn’t until Fu Changling heard those singing voices that he realised it was the day of the funeral of the numerous disciples of the Heavenly Palace of Hongmeng who had perished.

So, he raised his cup and turned his head, watching Qin Yan walking into the distance under the umbrella. When everyone else was bowing their heads in silent mourning, he alone went against the crowd. This action was clearly considered to be rude, but at that moment, Fu Changling didn’t know why he felt a little dysphoric.

Fu Changling drank a mouthful of wine and turned to look at the moon in the sky, feeling somewhat depressed.

These days, he would sometimes wonder, when was it that he truly began having feelings for Qin Yan. How did he manage to put Yanming behind him, and harbour this person in this heart?

But now that he thought about it, he discovered that he and Qin Yan had time and again met with little encounters like this, and every time he turned to look back, only the shadow of this person greeted him.

It’s just that in those days, he had a different opinion of this person; and after recalling that back, he had another opinion.

For instance, during that time, he wondered why Qin Yan drank a jar of wine by himself on the day of the funeral procession of the Heavenly Palace of Hongmeng. He guessed that even if Qin Yan was a monster, he still had some conscience and that he would be grieving.

But now that he thought about it, he felt a little uncertain.

If Avici itself was not opened by Qin Yan, then was Jiang Yebai killed by Qin Yan? Did he also betray the Heavenly Palace of Hongmeng?

In that year, based on Yanming’s attitude towards his shifu, and now, when Qin Yan was still missing Jiang Yebai even as he was drunk, was he truly capable of killing Jiang Yebai?

Fu Changling closed his eyes as he very carefully sorted out his thoughts.

Last night, at the rear of the mountain, Qin Yan told those people that three months back they had assigned him to assassinate Master Daoist Lingxu of Qingkong Sect. The Heavenly Palace of Hongmeng sending for an assassination of a Daoist Master, this was absolutely a secret order and could not be known by any outsiders.

The Hidden Realm of Xuanji opened in the rear mountain of the Heavenly Palace of Hongmeng.

That year, in the Hidden Realm of Xuanji, Yanming told him that he had strayed into the Hidden Realm of Xuanji while carrying out sect duties, and after they met, Yanming never told him of his true identity.

In this sequence, in the previous life, what happened to Qin Yan was most probably three months ago when he was sent to assassinate Master Daoist Lingxu. This was a secret sect duty, so he could not expose his identity at any time. Then, when he returned to the Heavenly Palace of Hongmeng after carrying out his task, for unknown reasons, he entered the Forbidden Lands of the Spiritual Mountain and eventually ended up straying into the Hidden Realm of Xuanji and running into him there.

Given Qin Yan’s prudent nature, because he was still carrying out sect duties, he chose to use a pseudonym before figuring out who Fu Changling was exactly. Then, while in the Hidden Realm of Xuanji, he and Qin Yan developed sentiments for each other. He did not understand what this sentiment was but he was certain about one thing: that is, when they finally left the Hidden Realm of Xuanji, he rescued them at the cost of shattering his golden core. This matter made Qin Yan feel guilty towards him.

For this reason, Qin Yan went to the Golden Light Temple to be punished. After a year, Qin Yan came down from the Golden Light Temple and went to fetch the Flower of Rebirth for him, and delivered it to him. He probably received serious injuries therefore. Qin Yan couldn’t attend the discussions of battle at Stage of Lords in the second year.

After that, he proposed a challenge to Qin Yan via a letter, and invited him to fight at the Bridge of Reincarnation. However, before he could rush there the demonic cultivators unexpectedly assassinated Fu Yushu, and consequently, he didn’t go.

Qin Yan waited for him at the Bridge of Reincarnation for seven days.

Seven days later, Qin Yan returned to the Heavenly Palace of Hongmeng and then Jiang Yebai was found dead. Qin Yan was accused of being the murderer and the entire realm of Immortals hunted for him.

As a well-respected, all-powerful ascension stage cultivator of his generation, Jiang Yebai had died in the hands of his disciple. He had heard that the reason behind this was because, at that time, Jiang Yebai was going to make a breakthrough, and advance in the ranks, so Qin Yan seized the opportunity to attack him.

The moment he thought of this, he suddenly froze.

He held the wine jar as his hands trembled. He took a sip from the wine, telling himself that there was no need to be afraid in such a manner.

He once thought, if Qin Yan truly loved him or perhaps, once had truly loved him; why did he never tell him?

For so many long years, stretching along the path of time, why didn’t Qin Yan reveal a single hint? Even if he had other plans, why hadn’t he revealed that he liked him even at least a little bit?

But at this moment, he felt as if he had gotten a glimpse of some kind of an answer.

If Qin Yan wasn’t the one who killed Jiang Yebai, then that could only prove that when Jiang Yebai was going through his breakthrough, Qin Yan had chosen to come and wait for him at the Bridge of Reincarnation.

Because of his absence, Jiang Yebai died.

Fu Changling’s hand trembled. He didn’t know why, but he suddenly thought of himself if he were in Qin Yan’s place.

If he neglected his companion of ten years for the first love in his youth; to fail to realize that Jiang Yebai needed help, to fail noticing his single moment of weakness as he went to the Bridge of Reincarnation filled with eagerness to meet the one person he loved.

Yet, that person hadn’t come. But it wasn’t only that—after his return, he received the news of the death of the person he cherished most, and that they had died in vain, while he had become the murderer’s scapegoat.

In that case, regardless of whether or not that person was in the wrong, it felt like a sin.

For thirty years, Fu Changling did not dare to admit that he had feelings for a murderer who had killed his family. If Jiang Yebai died due to Qin Yan’s negligence, how could he admit his feelings for Fu Changling?

These feelings had ruined Qin Yan and also the person he cherished most dearly.

These feelings are a sin, they are the shackles of his life. Perhaps, every time he thought of them, it made him feel sick.

He didn’t say anything back then, never spoke out unto death. Maybe from the very start, he had already decided to bring these feelings to the grave. Never thought of starting, and never thought of ending. Even if one day Fu Changling got to know and accepted it, he will decisively refuse.

Perhaps, the moment Jiang Yebai died, it was the event that marked the end of their relationship.

As Fu Changling thought of this, he finished the final sip of the wine and chuckled softly. “Absurd.”

He supported himself and staggered to his feet.

All of these were his guesses; it was not possible to have so many coincidences in this world. What if his speculations were all wrong?

These are all affairs from the previous life. He never knew what had happened. He didn’t need to feel sorrowful because of these things that couldn’t be judged as righteous or wrong.

Fu Changling took a deep breath, and slowly calmed his emotions. He walked to Qin Yan’s side and lowered his head to look at him.

After drinking the hangover soup, Qin Yan was obviously much more comfortable. His back was facing him, and he fell asleep with his body huddled like a child.

Fu Changling stooped down to tuck him properly with the quilt, and then quietly looked at him. After a long time, he hoarsely said, “It’s all in the past.”

He couldn’t help smiling after speaking out.

He found that, in the end, he was unable to persuade himself.

But when he came a little closer to Qin Yan, he felt much more comfortable. The fact that Qin Yan was at his side calmed him down. He crouched to lean his head against Qin Yan’s bedside, and spoke in a low voice, “Actually, this is also good. I know how much you have suffered, and how many sins you have endured. The more I know, the better I can protect you.”

“You can be at ease.” He couldn’t help smiling. “In this life, your shifu will be fine. He won’t die, and there won’t be a need for you to drink by yourself.”

After Fu Changling finished speaking, he leaned against Qin Yan’s side. Qin Yan’s body seemed to have this scentless smell that wafted in the air, making him feel at ease.

He felt somewhat sleepy, but he did not dare to fall asleep there. So he pushed himself up, and quietly went back to his room.

After he walked out, Qin Yan slowly opened his eyes.

He looked at the bare white wall, and after a long time, closed his eyes again as if nothing had happened.

After returning to his room, Fu Changling looked at the roof for a long time before closing his eyes.

“Only tonight.”

He told himself that all these emotions are only for one night. Starting tomorrow, he has to be the Fu Changling of this life again.

A person cannot allow themselves to be destroyed by their emotions.

This was the most important thing he had learned in the past forty years of his life.

Only after midnight, Fu Changling slowly went to sleep. On the second day, he was awakened by Yun Yu’s voice early in the morning. “Shen Xiufan! Shen Xiufan, quickly wake up!”

“Ah...” Fu Changling opened his eyes in a daze. He saw Yun Yu and said with pain, “Yun Shixiong, what are you doing?”

“What am I doing?”

Yun Yu was shocked. “Did you not see what’s the time? It’s the Graduation Ceremony today! Do you want to sleep to death?!”

Hearing this, Fu Changling turned his head to glance outside, and saw that the sun had still not risen. “Yun Shixiong, does the Graduation Ceremony of the Heavenly Palace of Hongmeng start this early? Is Shifu...” he gasped, “already up?”

“Whether the Palace Lord is awake or not isn’t important.” Yun Yu dragged Fu Changling off the bed. “You have to go and wait. Hurry up.”

After speaking, Yun Yu pushed Fu Changling to the side of the table, and placed the palace clothes of the Heavenly Palace of Hongmeng on the table, urging, “Now, I’m going to see Shixiong, you wash and dress up properly without delay. If you dare to disgrace Shixiong, I will kill you!”

After Yun Yu finished speaking aggressively, Fu Changling sighed.

He thought that this kid Yun Yu, has truly accomplished the pinnacle of bullying the weak and fearing the strong. At that time, in Shangguan Manor when he called him Young Master Fu, he was still somewhat cute. Now look at him, what fierce manners!

Fu Changling picked up the palace clothes of the Heavenly Palace of Hongmeng, wrinkled his nose at how the pale colour completely contradicted his aesthetics; but as the thought that these clothes were the same as Qin Yan’s crossed his mind, he couldn’t help feeling cheerful, and felt that it wasn’t as unsightly.

He hurriedly got up to wash and dress, tied his hair and changed his clothes. His clothes were embroidered with white cranes like Qin Yan’s. He guessed that white cranes were the symbol of the Lasting Moon Peak, and orchids were the symbol of the Bright Mulberry Peak. Therefore, his and Qin Yan’s clothes were embroidered with white cranes, and Yun Yu’s clothes were embroidered with orchids.

When Fu Changling thought that his and Qin Yan’s clothes were most alike, and his identity was also more intimate compared to Yun Yu’s, he was at once in excellent spirits. He changed his clothes properly and went out. After waiting for a while at the entrance, he saw Yun Yu coming out first. He greeted Fu Changling, and soon after said, “Dashixiong said he’ll wait for shifu to come together. Let’s leave first.”

Fu Changling nodded.

“Oh! Also,” Yun Yu continued. “Shixiong said, you have to throw that trash out of the Reaching Moon Palace, or else, he will come back today and throw it for you instead.”

“Isn’t...isn’t it a little unreasonable?” Fu Changling was a little anxious hearing this. “Even if you want to drive me out, shouldn’t you wait till I have built my own residence? ”

“Don’t tell me about this.” Yun Yu waved his hand, raising his royal sword. “Go talk to Dashixiong yourself. You can see for yourself if he will help you throw it out right away or not.”

Hearing this, Fu Changling caught up with Yun Yu and anxiously said, “Yun Yu Shixiong, I know that you’re a good person. Please help me think of a solution.”

“Forget it. I still want to be able to step into the Reaching Moon Palace.”

Yun Yu rolled his eyes. Fu Changling pondered, and soon after cheerfully said, “Then you tell me, is it alright to give Shixiong a present or not?”

“Give a present?” Yun Yu was somewhat baffled. “What present do you want to give?”

“For instance, give him a few jars of wine or something. If Shixiong is happy, maybe he’ll let me stay?”

“You can give something,” Yun Yu unhurriedly said. “But don’t give wine. Shixiong doesn’t drink.”

Fu Changling was taken aback hearing this.

“Shixiong doesn’t drink?”

“Not only that he doesn’t drink, he also forbids it.” Yun Yu turned his head to warn Fu Changling. “Palace Lord Jiang loves to drink, and everytime Shixiong goes there, he confiscates all the wine. You too, be careful when you drink in the Lasting Moon Peak, or else with that furniture, you’ll also be thrown out.”

As the two were talking, they arrived at the main hall of the Heavenly Palace of Hongmeng. The deacon disciples of all the peaks were standing outside with all their peak members. The crowds of people standing filled the entire plaza.

Yun Yu took Fu Changling and squeezed to the front row, then he told Fu Changling, “You stand here, I have to go and command.”

Yun Yu ran off after speaking, taking Yun Yang, and began commanding everyone to stand properly.

Fu Changling and Shangguan Mingyan were standing together. Fu Changling glanced at Yun Yu, and couldn’t help sighing ruefully. “Yun Yu Shixiong is truly gifted in many ways, there’s nothing he couldn’t do.”

“If there are immortal cultivators to ask,” Shangguan Mingyan smiled. “Naturally, there are people to do these things.”

“Then what about you?”

Fu Changling turned to look at him. Shangguan Mingyan was somewhat puzzled. “What?”

“Why did you come to the Heavenly Palace of Hongmeng?”

Fu Changling’s fan hit his palm. Shangguan Mingyan paused, then slowly said, “I want vengeance.”

“Revenge?” Fu Changling pursed his brows. “I’ve heard that your family suffered the calamity of a wraith. Didn’t Palace Lord Jiang already kill that wraith?”

“Wraith?” Shangguan Mingyan sneered. After a moment, he shook his head. “Brother Shen, there are some things you don’t know.”

“Oh?”

Fu Changling pressed the fan to the side of his lips. “For example?”

Shangguan Mingyan sighed, and didn’t speak much. But since Shangguan Mingyan didn’t speak, Fu Changling also understood that in this matter, someone had clearly used Shangguan Manor as a pawn. It was very likely that purple-clothed woman who visited their manor back in that year and destroyed Shangguan Hong’s array; or, it could be the person who gave Shangguan Hong the Avici’s technique. No one could tell who was behind this.

The two were chatting as everyone stood properly. After a while, the sound of a bell ringing came from a distance, and soon after, everyone fell into a silence. Then they saw a few splendid sword glares as a few people came on flying swords from each peak. The shadows of two people were taking the lead; it was Qin Yan and Xie Yuqing. The two people stood holding their swords, and turning around together, they held their swords with one hand horizontally against their forehead, and kneeling down on one knee, they spoke in unison, “Drive back evil and aid the righteous path, defend them as one.”

After speaking, everyone followed after Qin Yan and Xie Yuqing’s movements, kneeling down on one knee and loudly saying, “Hongmeng disciples, you are cordially welcomed to the main hall.”

This ceremony came too abruptly, Fu Changling didn’t have enough time to do anything, so he blended in with the crowd and knelt down with Shangguan Mingyan. After that, Fu Changling saw the entrance of the main hall above slowly opening. Then, Qin Yan and Xie Yuqing walked in together as Yun Yu and Yun Yang followed to stand up on either side, taking Qin Yan and Xie Yuqing’s positions on either side of the entrance.

Not long after, Jiang Yebai’s voice came from the inner room. “The thirty-second generation disciple of the Heavenly Palace of Hongmeng, Shen Xiufan, please enter the hall.”

The name Shen Xiufan made Fu Changling a little confused. Only after Shangguan Mingyan gave him a push, he hurriedly got up.

Everyone watched him attentively. Fu Changling felt like he was in a trance.

It was not that he hadn’t been watched like this before. For almost fifteen years, he stood at the top of Yunze as the Number One Daoist Immortal. No matter which place he went to, he was the focal point of everyone’s attention.

But those gazes were different from the ones at this moment.

The lights in the eyes of these young people were filled with joy and hope. They’d never seen despair and pain, not having gone through rain and snow, or wind and frost. The people who looked at him later on held reverence in their eyes as they pushed all their hopes on him; because except for him, no one was there to give their life to Yunze.

He vaguely recognised a few shadows from the faces of several people. These people were the few from the Heavenly Palace of Hongmeng who later survived and always served at the front lines.

He felt sour in his heart. He slowly walked forward, and when he saw Qin Yan straight ahead, this feeling reached its peak.

Qin Yan stood behind Jiang Yebai, his jade sword suspended at his waist, wearing a jade guan and white clothes. Jiang Yebai stood on a tall stand, wearing blue clothes and a jade guan, quietly gazing at him.

Fu Changling walked over and kneeled in front of Jiang Yebai.

“From this day on, you’re my apprentice.” Jiang Yebai’s voice was calm. Qin Yan took a box from the side, and handed it over to Jiang Yebai. Jiang Yebai took the sword and passed it to Fu Changling. “This is the Qingya sword that your master gives you as a present. In the days to come, life is boundless, I hope you defend your heart as one. ”

Fu Changling received the sword with both his hands, lowered his head, and earnestly said, “This disciple will remember master’s teachings.”

After he spoke, Fu Changling raised the sword and lowered his head to bow towards Jiang Yebai.

After he raised his head, the disciple on the side came and took the sword case. Fu Changling turned his body to look at Qin Yan standing at the side.

Qin Yan quietly watched him, and after a long time, he took out a jade pendant from his sleeve. That pendant seemed to appear a little shabby with a smooth surface, as if it had been fumbled by him for many years.

“This is Shixiong’s welcome gift.”

Fu Changling looked at the jade pendant, and couldn’t help the little heat gathering at the corner of his eyes.

This was the jade that Qin Yan had placed into Fu Changling’s palm after he degenerated to the demonic path and exterminated the Fu Clan in the previous life.

Time suddenly paused as he looked at Qin Yan, barely managing to squeeze out a smile.

“Why did Shixiong give me this jade pendant?”

Why give him the same jade pendant in two lifetimes?

Qin Yan’s movements halted. He lifted his eyes, and there was a slight fluctuation in his always clear and cold eyes.

He gazed at him, opened his lips, and slowly said, “Shidi, people are like jades.”

Fu Changling was slightly stunned. He saw Qin Yan drooping his eyes soon after, restraining his voice, and continuing, “Only when they are chiselled and carved by knives and axes, weathered through the hundred pains of life and death, could they acknowledge their truest strength.”

“In this life, regardless of life or death, joy or sorrow; I hope that Shidi will not abandon the path of righteousness, that you will not betray your true nature, and never forget the reason you started out for. ”

“Life is not an easy path,” Qin Yan quietly looked at him, “may you succeed and be carven into a jade.”