Chapter 157: Those Who Strive For It
“The Refining Demon Sect’s power is getting stronger, even a little Demon Woman has such astonishing strength. Everyone must be extra careful in your future actions.”
Right now, Daoist Wu Huai was still recuperating from injuries, and Su Kexin along with Liu Shuqin came to visit him. He used himself as a cautionary tale, passionately persuading them.
They felt the situation was becoming grave; the Refining Demon Sect’s strength undoubtedly threatened the common people. The demonic techniques are extremely vicious and sinister, and more and more people were being misled, joining this evil sect. Most couldn’t handle the martial arts and met tragic ends, while the survivors practiced more advanced techniques, becoming demon disciples who harm the world.
The demonic techniques are a bottomless pit; once one falls in deeply, it’s hard to escape—either facing a tragic death or falling into demonic corruption. It’s incredibly terrifying.
“You two coming to check on our Daoist truly shows your sincerity; on behalf of the Daoist Temple, I express my heartfelt gratitude!”
The Daoists of the temple bowed deeply, offering their respect.
“If you don’t mind, let’s have dinner at the Daoist Temple tonight, we can communicate better this way. Later, we’ll need your help with slaying demons and calming fierce beasts.”
“Not at all, the lives of the common people aren’t just the concern of your esteemed temple; we all care for the world and should not hold back,” Liu Shuqin replied earnestly.
“Exactly! Our master taught us to help those who are weak and uphold justice, there’s no need for seniors to be polite,” Su Kexin added with a light laugh.
The Daoists in the temple welcomed these two ladies from Tianling Mountain quite warmly; they were pretty, kind-hearted, responsible, and quite powerful.
Recently, many places had been in chaos due to fierce beasts, with countless innocent civilians becoming food for these monsters. Various villains took advantage of the chaos to loot, causing significant disorder. Liu Shuqin and Su Kexin were two representatives from Xuanyun Sect here to suppress the fierce beasts and eliminate the wicked.
The temple gathered many enlightened Daoists whose principles matched those of Xuanyun Sect, both groups taking on the responsibility for the world’s common people.
Unfortunately, numerous factions had risen recently—whether from the underworld, the Dark Alliance, or the Refining Demon Sect—these evil organizations were emerging powerfully, wreaking havoc. The temple had paid a heavy price fighting these wicked organizations, and the number of Daoists was dwindling, forcing them to seek help from various sects.
In fact, Xuanyun Sect wasn’t much better off; they had sent out all the disciples they could, most elders were out spreading justice across the land.
Others from various sects had also come to support the temple, but Liu Shuqin and Su Kexin arrived the earliest and even exterminated some fierce magical beasts along the way.
The two agreed to stay and provide support to the Daoists.
As they walked into the yard, they discussed what had just transpired.
“Kexin, this is not your first mission; don’t try to overexert yourself. Those demon disciples are treacherous. Who knows if the chaos with the beasts has anything to do with them?”
“Mm, I understand. Indeed, I heard from Daoist Wu that a little Demon Woman surprisingly became strong and even counterattacked two veteran experts. The demonic techniques are truly frightening,” Su Kexin said with concern, then sighed heavily.
“Speaking of which, I’ve survived so many close calls, all thanks to my Senior Brother. He’s been away for quite some time now; I wonder how he is doing.”
“You don’t need to worry about him; with his strength, he’s probably accomplished great things, gaining fame in some part of the world. As for us, we’ve been beneficiaries of your kindness in past expeditions; now that you’re not here, we should be extra cautious. Let’s prioritize safety over achievements,” Liu Shuqin advised.
“Mm, but it’d be best to accomplish something and make a name for ourselves, otherwise I’d be too far behind my Senior Brother,” Su Kexin chuckled, her smile brightening with thoughts of Lin Nuo.
Liu Shuqin had long noticed that no matter the topic, Su Kexin always managed to tie it back to Lin Nuo, saying nothing but good things—his strength, humility, handsomeness, and all kinds of praise.
The willow leaves fluttered in the courtyard, the river flowed gently by, reminiscent of March in the south. The girl by the banks longed to see her beloved husband return from afar.
Liu Shuqin gently asked, “Kexin, what’s your reason for cultivating?”
“What’s the reason…? Of course, it’s to save the common people,” she replied.
“That’s the grand purpose, but on a smaller scale, wouldn’t you cultivate for someone in particular?”
“Oh, my Senior Brother.”
After just saying to save the world, Su Kexin didn’t hesitate for a moment in naming Lin Nuo.
Liu Shuqin felt a jolt in her heart but maintained her composure.
“Why is that?”
“Because Senior Brother is very strong; he has helped me a lot. From him, I see the qualities of a noble person—strong, humble, not showy, few words yet practical actions, imparting justice into action, uninterested in fame. As his Junior Sister, I should push myself to be like him, a person of character.”
Su Kexin answered earnestly, in her heart, Lin Nuo had surpassed the elders of Xuanyun Sect; he was the one she admired.
It seemed Kexin’s feelings for her Junior Brother were growing stronger.
At Xuanyun Sect, Han Fairy had once said that Su Kexin had a vague crush on Lin Nuo, a typical infatuation for young girls. Over time, she would realize it was a childish emotion.
But now, to Liu Shuqin, it didn’t seem like a childish emotion; the ability to strive for someone made this feeling intensify with age, unlike the simple infatuation between young couples.
In truth, wasn’t she the same?
Becoming stronger for Lin Nuo was no longer simple young love.
…
“Ah-choo!”
Lin Nuo’s nose felt itchy, and he sneezed multiple times.
“Who’s badmouthing me?!”
Lin Nuo rubbed his nose; although the mountain was cold, his body shouldn’t be this affected.
“Master, are you coming down with a cold? How about we soak in the Spirit Spring? I heard that if we hug while soaking, it can strengthen our bodies and improve our cultivation!” Ling Meng said with a bright smile as she approached.
“What kind of nonsense theory is that? Just a few sneezes. I’m not cold. By the way, have you mastered the technique I taught you?”
“I’ve been practicing for a long time. I think I’m about ready. Master, can we train another technique now?”
“Don’t go by what you think; go by what I think. What do you mean ‘about ready’? You’ve just learned a bit of the basics! Come on, since you’re so confident, show me. Use ‘Wind Whirl’!”
“Okay!”
Ling Meng enthusiastically agreed, immediately gathering her energy and waving her hand to perform the technique.
“Ah!”
Suddenly, a black whirlwind shot up from the ground, sweeping Lin Nuo into the air.
What the heck! I told you to show me, not to toss me in the air! At least let me step out of danger first!