Chapter 101: Polishing and Refinement

Recently, Rong Ling had been restless, troubled by Wu’s departure, and for reasons he could not quite name, found himself drawn to the Luo Star Realm. He even invented a convenient excuse for himself: every time he followed Han Su, it seemed as though many problems were solved. Because Han Su carried his Immortal Palace within her, he could, if he wished, locate her at any moment… Ahem, she probably had no idea. Thus, when the group entered and then left his former abode, he witnessed it all.

This cave mansion had been his last before ascending and bore much of his sentiment. Yet, for those who pursue the Dao, no residence is truly cherished. Every cultivator must continually venture out, seek fortunes, and sometimes face mortal peril. If one cherished possessions as mortals do, wouldn’t that become a burden? What lingered in the cave mansion were years and memories. If he perished and it was discovered, naturally it would be looted—everyone endured such, so there was nothing to be angry or anxious about.

But since he was alive… it felt as though someone had trespassed into his home. Clearly, those people thought much the same. Though it sounded like a casual remark, everyone present had lived for centuries as Nascent Soul Lords; they all understood the power hidden in that statement. The newcomer stood far above them in cultivation, and by implication, must be the true master of that cave mansion—the Realm Lord of Luo Star from tens of thousands of years ago. He was still alive?

A being of such prowess could annihilate them all with a mere wave, yet here they were, bickering over how to plunder his dwelling. One could imagine their anxiety.

As the distant voice drew near, Rong Ling appeared in flowing white robes, suddenly manifesting as if traversing the void with a single stride, stopping mid-air above them, gazing down.

“Immortal Lord, I was the one who broke the array at the entrance. The others merely followed me inside. Forgive me…” Han Su was the first to step forward and apologize.

Rong Ling of course knew she’d unlocked the array, for he had taught her those very formations. No matter what Han Su did with his cave mansion, he felt not the slightest displeasure. Moreover, she was fulfilling someone’s request, and sought nothing for herself; upon entering, she realized her mistake and wished to leave. How could he blame her?

He naturally raised his hand, gently lifting Han Su with a soft force.

Lord Yuheng also stepped forward to salute. “Years ago, I happened upon traces of an array here and assumed the cave had been abandoned. I recruited a few companions to explore. Immortal Lord, I beg forgiveness.”

The others, no longer concerned about whether Yuheng was seeking favor for his junior sister, hurried forward to pay their respects.

Though Rong Ling felt a slight displeasure, the group had wisely withdrawn and he let it go. Seeing their accusations aimed at Han Su, he spoke to resolve the situation for her and Yuheng. Since all had apologized, he said, “You may leave. The two from Yaohua Sect will stay.”

The three exchanged anxious glances, unsure whether staying was a blessing or a curse for Han Su and Yuheng, but had no grounds to question it. Not daring to linger, they quickly summoned their flying artifacts and departed. As for how they would report seeing a Realm Lord… that was another matter entirely.

Yuheng assumed that, having been left behind, punishment awaited, and prepared to shoulder all blame. Seeing this, Han Su was moved, and the two began deferring responsibility to one another, only making Rong Ling more irritable. With a sweep of his sleeve…

Yuheng felt a powerful gust, unable to steady himself. He tried to anchor his weight, but had no time to act; after a dizzy spell, he regained his senses a hundred miles away.

He recalled the expression of Junior Sister Huai Zhen and the sequence of events when the Immortal Lord appeared, and belatedly realized that the two already knew each other. Knowing his junior sister was safe, he hurried back to his sect to inform the master about the Realm Lord.

After sending Yuheng away, Rong Ling felt secretly relieved, but seeing Han Su’s startled expression, grew slightly annoyed. He gritted his teeth inwardly, turned toward the cave mansion, and said, “If you wish to enter, follow me.”

Even Han Su, slow as she was, could sense Rong Ling’s displeasure and obediently followed, composing words to apologize. Unconsciously, she entered the cave mansion, passed through its exquisite courtyard, and arrived at the inner hall.

The inner hall comprised four rooms; Rong Ling did not pause, but led her through each in turn.

“During my Grand Ascension, there was a period of leisure where I suddenly lost sight of my future. I couldn’t understand why I worked so hard at cultivation—if daily life consisted only of training and duels, immortality seemed meaningless.

So, I abandoned the idea of transcending tribulation to become immortal, found this beautiful place, and spent many years building a peerless, magnificent cave mansion.

It didn’t need to be luxurious, but every inch, every corner, every tree was chosen and crafted by my own hand.

I forsook cultivation during that period. After the mansion was complete, I devoted myself to channeling heavenly light, setting arrays, designing illusions outside.

When all was done, I read, painted, refined pills, crafted artifacts, and savored each pastime aside from meditation.

I even spent years forging this bed.”

As he finished, Han Su saw the bed he spoke of. Passing through the pill refining room, study, and small hall, they arrived at the innermost chamber. Apart from the golden plum lamp—just as in the Immortal Palace—the room contained only a huge bed. Its materials were exquisite, its design grand; atop lay thick, plush padding made from some unknown beast’s fur, inviting one to tumble upon it.

“Once the bed was finished, I never slept on it. Though I spent centuries without cultivating, all I accomplished in those years more than compensated for a millennium’s worth of cultivation in terms of inner peace.

The moment the bed was complete, divine light summoned me, and I ascended.”

Rong Ling rarely reminisced about such distant past, even more rarely shared it. Yet, speaking to her now, recounting what had happened here, he felt a faint, belated regret.

He sighed softly, his gaze swept Han Su’s face, seeing curiosity and admiration in her eyes. Suddenly, he wanted to say much more—stories never told to anyone else.

“You…”

“Immortal Lord, shall we go outside?”

“Huh?” Rong Ling looked at Han Su’s flushed face, belatedly realizing that chatting with a young woman before such a massive bed was indeed inappropriate. His own cheeks warmed, and he quickly strode out to the small hall.

Han Su followed step by step. For a moment, neither knew how to begin.

Finally, Han Su broke the awkward silence. “Immortal Lord, what did you want to ask me?”

“Er, your senior brother just now… he seems quite fond of you.”

“Ah? Oh, Senior Brother Yuheng? He’s indeed very kind. No one in Yaohua Sect dislikes him.”

“And you… do you like him?”

“Immortal Lord… that’s such a strange question. By the way, how did you happen to appear just as we were about to ‘rob’ your mansion?”

Having heard of Lord Yuheng’s unknown past, realizing he wasn’t born as a Celestial—he too had endured a rebellious and decadent period (though his idleness ultimately led to ascension)—Han Su felt the distance between herself and Rong Ling had lessened. Her speech became less formal, more intimate.

Rong Ling sensed this change immediately; though Han Su dodged his question, he was delighted.

“I came to find you.”

“Ah? Why?”

The matter of the Tongtian Mirror weighed heavily on her, so as soon as Rong Ling spoke, she thought of it and her face paled.

Rong Ling, unaware of her concerns, saw her reaction and recalled the earlier evaded topic. A dull ache struck his heart. He no longer wished to speak or ask anything. Turning away, he struggled to steady his voice. “You may return.”

Han Su, anxiously awaiting a mention of the Tongtian Mirror, was left baffled by his abrupt dismissal. “But—?”

Rong Ling did not let her finish, gently waved his hand.

Han Su felt herself swept by a breeze, passing through the study, the pill room, the courtyard, the cave entrance, the poisonous forest, and was softly set down in a safe spot outside. Only then did the wind fade. Having suffered the same fate as Yuheng?

What was this—at his beck and call, dismissed at a whim?

Han Su could not distinguish whether she felt sad or wronged; her heart was tangled with emotions she could not describe. Though she never held much hope for him, being treated so brusquely was enough to make her despondent for a long time. She even resolved never to indulge in any fantasies about him again.

In truth, neither had ever truly moved their hearts or felt affection. Unaware, they endured the restless longing and confusion common to those new to matters of love. One was a little insecure, the other a little proud; many words, if not spoken, might never be understood by the other.

What a pity they did not realize—if only one had spoken…