Chapter 126. Reaching a “Consensus”

Chapter 126. Reaching a “Consensus”

Lin Nuo got straight to the point, not planning to beat around the bush, and directly brought up the matter of demonic cultivation methods.

Qin Shili was quite surprised to hear this; the cold indifference on her face showed subtle changes.

After all, discussing demonic practices was taboo in the Xuanyun Sect, and any books related to demonic techniques were strictly off-limits. Just trying to buy one would be considered a great sin, let alone practicing it.

Previously, Lin Nuo had emphasized that he wouldn’t speak of her situation and would act as if he had never seen it, letting it slide into oblivion.

Yet now, he was mentioning it unprompted and even said he wanted to teach her.

This was indeed bizarre.

It made no logical sense; after all, he was a disciple renowned for his achievements, celebrated both within the Xuanyun Sect and among the common folk. If he intended to teach her, it meant he would have to be incredibly familiar with demonic cultivation techniques. Furthermore, disciples from orthodox sects were accustomed to their sect’s methods of cultivation, making it extremely difficult to practice demonic techniques. Even if there were manuals, getting started was a challenge.

Qin Shili had experienced this firsthand; despite her confidence in her own understanding, she hadn’t even grasped the basics of demonic cultivation.

Having spent years in the Xuanyun Sect, how could Lin Nuo possibly be versed in demonic practices?

No, it’s possible, since he was indeed an extraordinary man.

Qin Shili asked, “You say you’ll teach me, but you at least know a thing or two, right?”

“A thing or two? No, I’m proficient.”

Lin Nuo replied confidently,

“Teaching you, a beginner, is completely effortless.”

“Even if I believe you can, why would you voluntarily teach me?”

“Because, we are the same kind of people.”

Lin Nuo suddenly revealed a chilling smile.

In truth, he had already confidently assessed Qin Shili’s psychological state.

In his previous life, he was a formidable demon lord who had encountered all kinds of people and their journeys into demonic madness. Among those who were corrupted, there were indeed individuals from prestigious orthodox sects.

They harbored a hint of deviant thoughts for various reasons, such as tragic fates, dissatisfaction with their own cultivation, or mere curiosity. However, due to their identities as reputable members of orthodox sects and a lack of access to demonic techniques, their deviant thoughts were gradually erased with time.

But with the right guidance, they could be led into demonic paths.

There were certainly cases of this, and not just a few.

Like those from the Demon Sect, their forte lay in brainwashing, and they enjoyed steering people towards the demonic path. To think he was once lured into the demonic by disciples of the Demon Sect—after all, in his past life, he had been forced to leave the Xuanyun Sect and, feeling desolate, had no choice but to embrace the demonic and become a lowly apprentice in the Demon Sect. However, he became powerful later and chose to go solo.

He knew Qin Shili was harboring deviant thoughts; with proper guidance, he could lead her into madness.

“What do you mean?”

Qin Shili played coy, pretending not to understand, waiting for Lin Nuo to reveal more.

Lin Nuo continued candidly, “We both belong to the Xuanyun Sect, and this sect shuns demonic techniques, deliberately avoiding the topic. But, I can see that you, like me, actually yearn for this kind of power.”

“You feel that way too?”

Qin Shili was more concerned about Lin Nuo than denying her own thoughts. After all, she knew Lin Nuo was already aware of everything about her; otherwise, he wouldn’t have written to her in that note in “Thousand Years of Solitude.”

So there was no need to hide anything from him; that would only be redundant.

“Mm, yes.”

Lin Nuo nodded; his judgment was indeed correct. When Qin Shili said “also,” it indicated she shared the same mindset.

People with such mentalities sought companions, and for now, he would take on that role and lead her into madness.

Lin Nuo continued, “This isn’t something to be ashamed of; it’s merely a choice. These past few days, keeping this matter hidden must have made it difficult for you. It’s okay; I understand. We’re on the same path, so we should help each other.”

Listening to Lin Nuo’s words, Qin Shili roughly understood his meaning.

As a pillar of strength for the younger generation in the Xuanyun Sect, she shouldn’t harbor deviant thoughts. However, she did long for the abyss, and it troubled her deeply. Even though she was a person who preferred solitude, she still wished to be understood by someone.

Previously, when she received Lin Nuo’s note in the library, she was genuinely pleased. Furthermore, Lin Nuo had set an example during the alchemy room incident, showcasing how to steadfastly hold onto the righteous path while navigating the shadows of the abyss.

She wished to reach his heights, but if she couldn’t even comprehend demonic techniques, how could she traverse the dark abyss on her own?

Now, with Lin Nuo unwilling to interact with her and even preferring to go out alone, she began to doubt whether her thoughts were truly acknowledged by him, or if it was just her own delusion.

Once again, she felt troubled, lost, and the pain of being misunderstood washed over her.

However, now Lin Nuo had straight up told her that they were the same kind of people.

They were far from being the same; he was undoubtedly far superior. While she was still wandering in confusion, he had already ascended to overlook all.

It was merely a courteous expression to make her feel better.

Perhaps he had recognized her confusion, seen her pain of being misunderstood, and wanted to save her by teaching her how to firmly uphold the righteous path while treading the depths of darkness.

Thinking this, her once cold heart began to warm.

For the first time, she felt genuinely cared for. Truth be told, if her deviant thoughts went unrecognized and without guidance, she had no idea what kind of person she might become.

Perhaps someday she would make her deviance public, her reputation tarnished, labeled as an oddity. Or she might end up losing her mind over her musings. She could even act impulsively and vanish without a trace.

In any case, there would be no good outcome.

But now, someone had come to redeem her, and that person was Lin Nuo.

He wouldn’t lead her down the demonic path; after all, he was a person of the righteous path above all else. His past actions had already proven everything.

He merely wished, in his own way, for her to escape her confusion and become a better person.

He was simply caring for her in a different manner, allowing her to experience the feeling of being understood.

Indeed, after feeling understood, the gloom dissipated, and clarity emerged.

With this thought, a faint smile appeared on Qin Shili’s cold face.

As though welcoming the spring breeze, the iceberg shattered.

“Alright.”

Qin Shili agreed to Lin Nuo,

“But the Xuanyun Sect doesn’t allow for the practice of demonic techniques.”

“It’s fine. We’ll have opportunities to practice together outside.”

Lin Nuo extended his right hand,

“Looking forward to our future collaboration.”

“Alright.”

Without hesitation, Qin Shili reached out to clasp Lin Nuo’s hand.

This matter was considered settled.

Lin Nuo: Heh, Qin Shili, with your abilities plus my guidance, you’ll definitely fall into madness in the future.

Qin Shili: I will catch up to you and truly uphold the righteous path while navigating the vast abyss.