Chapter 54: The Dao and Emotion

“So, if we find Yao Lian, we can find the evil cultivator from last night?” Gong Yunxuan stroked his chin thoughtfully.

“Possibly,” Xiao Lin nodded, then shook his head. “But I still advise you not to hold onto hope. Do you really think that if she led you astray, her method of deduction is just for show? It was all intentional.”

“If she truly wanted to hide, even a Golden Core expert would struggle to leave a trace on her. It would be nearly impossible to track her down.”

Gong Yunxuan frowned. “But the Tianji Sect is one of the Five Saints of the righteous path…”

He still believed that the disciples of the Tianji Sect wouldn’t stoop that low.

Then Han Chen said calmly, “Whether righteous or demonic, it ultimately comes down to the ‘Dao.’ What’s this notion of a struggle between good and evil? At its root, it’s a contest of Dao. The Tianji Sect’s divine calculations account for heaven, earth, and man... that is their Dao.”

“They’ve charted a path of survival for countless common folk, which is why they are revered as righteous. But in truth, this only aligns with their own Dao path. If the demonic path sought their calculations, would they refuse?”

“That…” Gong Yunxuan hesitated. Their Five Luminaries Palace operated similarly, almost sparing no cost for the Dao of the Five Elements.

Perhaps the mark of absolute righteousness is never killing common folk.

They would fight and kill when conflicts arose with other righteous factions.

But is the avoidance of killing commoners truly for righteousness, or is it fear that the so-called Heavenly Dao watches, and harming mortals would taint their Dao path?

No one knows.

Even Sword Mountain might not be as righteous as it seems…

Lost in thought, Gong Yunxuan glanced at Xiao Lin, and the idea abruptly ceased.

Here stood someone exceedingly righteous.

“The requests from demonic practitioners probably wouldn’t be calculated. If it harms common folk, it would inevitably affect the Dao path,” Gong Yunxuan reasoned.

Han Chen nodded slightly. “But if the requested task, once calculated, leads one to enter the Dao and achieve great success in Tianji, what harm is there in the impact?”

Gong Yunxuan fell silent.

Not to mention the Tianji Sect.

If an evil cultivator truly asked him for help, promising five sacred relics of the Five Luminaries upon success, he might even kill common folk for it…

Though that was impossible.

Han Chen sighed softly. “Therefore, it’s better to say that the Dao of Tianji is both righteous and demonic; it simply never publicizes the calculations made for the demonic path.”

Xiao Lin listened silently, somewhat lost in thought.

Because he knew Han Chen’s words were true.

Not to mention other righteous paths willing to sacrifice everything for the Dao, he himself had one such person close by.

To witness the pinnacle of swordsmanship, he had created a fallen sword immortal.

If not for his intervention, this figure would have been the world-class final boss, but now he was almost treated like a minor enemy to be farmed.

Though with two lives, he would have to be dealt with again.

Fortunately, Shen Wuyai had come to his senses and chose to sacrifice himself for the world’s people and to atone for his mistakes.

If even he could do that, what about others?

Hmm, come to think of it, could the love-struck antics of Li Changhe and the others in this world be called the “Path of Love”?

Seeking to reach the end of the path of love by destroying the world might just make sense…

Is this how the creators designed it, or did it naturally complete itself after becoming its own world?

My head feels itchy—I need to think harder...

Xiao Lin shook his head and decided not to ponder further.

Han Chen was about to say more, but Xiao Lin interrupted, “No need for thanks. I’m also trying to escape this predicament. Why not discuss how to deal with it?”

Han Chen and the others hesitated; they had indeed come to express gratitude and had been anticipated.

But with Xiao Lin speaking first, there was nothing more to add, so he asked, “What do you think, Brother Xiao?”

“Call for reinforcements,” Xiao Lin replied without hesitation. “This matter has already exceeded our capabilities. If we still overestimate ourselves, failure would be minor compared to the casualties among the common people.”

Han Chen nodded. “I have already summoned the elders of our sect; they should be on their way.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Lin and Han Chen exchanged a glance—surprise quickly giving way to smiles.

Their understanding of the Dao and their methods were nearly identical; could they be kindred spirits?

Only Gong Yunxuan looked utterly baffled.

“You two are so in sync, it’s a bit awkward for me!”

He had no choice but to say, “I’ll request support shortly.”

“Just don’t bring your young master over.”

Gong Yunxuan blinked in confusion.

Xiao Lin didn’t explain and said, “Before that, let’s do what we need to do. Those evil cultivators are in hiding, and we can’t find them. If we press too hard, they might act out of desperation.”

Most importantly, he knew what the fallen sword immortal intended.

Until then, the common folk were safe.

Han Chen stood. “If that’s the case, I’ll take my leave for now.”

Gong Yunxuan followed closely. “Farewell.”

Leaving Xiao Lin and Gu Jianyao seated on the bed.

She hadn’t spoken a word since the beginning; last night’s emotional turmoil seemed like just an illusion.

Xiao Lin watched her for a while and said, “Senior sister, let’s go.”

Gu Jianyao turned to look at him.

Xiao Lin smiled. “Wanyun City is a large city. Having toured the smaller towns and villages, how could we not walk around here?”

Gu Jianyao nodded slightly.

Dawn was breaking; Wanyun was already awake.

Steam rose from steamers, oil crackled in frying pans, vendors shouted about fresh fruits, pedestrians jostled each other, and the air mixed scents of food and bustling market noise—a vivid fragrance of mortal life.

Xiao Lin and Gu Jianyao walked side by side through the streets. The bloodshed and madness of last night felt truly like a dream.

As they walked, Xiao Lin suddenly stopped, tugged on Gu Jianyao’s sleeve, and dashed into a shop.

“Senior sister, come.”

Gu Jianyao silently followed inside.

They had been strolling like this for days.

She wasn’t interested in most things, but whenever Xiao Lin showed interest, she would glance, buy, or tag along.

Only this time, stepping inside, Gu Jianyao inexplicably felt a trace of reluctance.

Before her lay all kinds of exquisite new clothes—silky satin, dazzling and endless.

Most importantly, they were all female styles…

Gu Jianyao instinctively wanted to turn away, but a hand caught hers. Xiao Lin smiled warmly, “Senior sister, where are you going?”

Gu Jianyao hesitated, “I-I… just to browse.”

Xiao Lin was amused. “Isn’t this just browsing?”

His gaze fell on Gu Jianyao’s figure. “You’ve worn sword garments for over ten years; it’s time you had a set of clothes unique to you. The small towns didn’t have anything that suited your aura, but here there’s just the place. You must try.”

A female vendor nearby chimed in with a smile, “Indeed, Miss looks lovely even in plain clothes. Imagine how beautiful you’d be in our new outfits.”

Without waiting for Gu Jianyao to refuse, Xiao Lin had already picked up a set and handed it to the vendor. “Take her in to try them on.”

Then, a sword-obsessed cultivator in the late Foundation Establishment stage—who would be no match even for Xiao Lin if they fought—was half-pushed, half-led, dazed and mute, into the fitting room.

Xiao Lin watched the scene with a smile.

It still wasn’t enough; to ensure everything was foolproof, he needed to leave Gu Jianyao with even more beautiful memories.

Since the original story revolved around love, and family affection might not suffice, what if he added a hint of deeper feeling…

Could it become more profound?

Since he vowed to protect her for life, he had to give it a try.