Out of fear of death, Invest Everything into Health-Chapter 208 - 123: Shackles and the Monkey Mind

"I hope so."

...

After bidding farewell to Mei Jinqiu, Fan Wubing ran into Ye Yixian on his way back.

Ye Yixian had come specifically to say goodbye, which surprised him a bit. This esteemed Crown Prince of Great Li, who was expected to become the future Great Li King, did he really need to come all this way just to bid farewell?

"I initially wanted to get to know Fellow Daoist Fan better, perhaps by having a few drinks together," Ye Yixian said with some regret. "Unfortunately, the timing isn't right. In January, Fellow Daoist Fan has important matters, and by February... I must return, as a Crown Prince cannot stay away for too long."

"Crown Prince Li, you give me too much credit."

Ye Yixian laughed and said, "However, it's not as if there was no gain. During this month at the Eternal Immortal Sect, I've heard many interesting stories about Fellow Daoist Fan and witnessed the thriving scene at Enlightenment Peak. It was indeed a pleasant leisure time."

Fan Wubing thought, so you didn't come to listen to Zhu Zixuan's teachings, then. It makes sense—being the Crown Prince of Great Li, you've likely heard lectures from figures like Zhu Zixuan in Changsheng Continent before, no need to come all this way for that.

He could somewhat sense that this Crown Prince wished to establish connections. But, how to put it, Fan Wubing wasn't very fond of getting too involved with people in positions of power. Fu Manman's father, the Canglang Monarch, had also told him this.

However, getting to know him could perhaps help prepare for future trips to Changsheng Continent.

On the path of farewell, Fan Wubing also spoke with Ye Yixian about many things, from cultivation to life, from ambitions to future plans.

All the way to the Great Li Flying Ship hovering over Peace Peak.

Ye Yixian smiled and said, "Since Fellow Daoist Fan intends to visit Changsheng Continent someday, don't forget to stop by Great Li, so I can properly fulfill my duties as a host."

Fan Wubing cupped his hands, "Crown Prince, we'll meet again if it is meant to be."

Ye Yixian boarded the Great Li Flying Ship. Once it took to the sky, blazing immortal flame erupted from its tail, disappearing into the horizon in an instant.

...

Once he had nothing urgent to do, it felt very quiet.

Fan Wubing hadn't had such leisure in a while and couldn't help but recall the past decade— a solitary, even desolate life on Enlightenment Peak. Every day was the same.

Perhaps this was the daily life on the Immortal Path; after all, it couldn't be about fighting and killing every day.

Just like Luo Qingyao said, the immortal path is bitterly cold... the immortal path is bitterly cold...

He met with a few friends, showed some concern, and chatted for a while.

As the sun hung low over the distant mountains, Fan Wubing walked towards Enlightenment Peak.

On the path outside the mountain gate, a girl blocked his way. She stood ahead, the evening breeze brushing her cheeks, the setting sun surrounding her, her dark green dress like willow branches steeped in the night, revealing a rare sense of vulnerability in her.

Such a scene took Fan Wubing by surprise. It suddenly reminded him of a year ago, at the same time, on the same path, when he first met Luo Qingyao.

Back then, Luo Qingyao approached him with hopeful expectations, blocking his path with a girl's delicate demeanor and shyness, saying to him, "Senior Brother Fan, the immortal path is bitterly cold, the journey difficult, why don't we support each other and keep each other warm?"

And now, here she was again, standing in front of him. Everything seemed the same, yet somehow different.

Her gaze had changed, now filled with softness and melancholy.

Her expression had also changed, wrapped in strands of sadness.

What she said had changed too, "Senior Brother. I... I have to go back."

Fan Wubing's heart skipped a beat. After a long silence, he asked, "Back to Changsheng Continent?"

"Yeah." She lowered her head.

No, something was off.

In the past, at this moment, she would definitely be pouting, repeatedly expressing how reluctant she was, insisting that she would come back someday.

But now, she said nothing.

This indicated... she wasn't being forced to leave; she was choosing to leave on her own.

Fan Wubing took a few steps forward and asked, "Why the sudden decision to go back?"

Luo Qingyao seemed startled and quickly took a few steps back. 𝑓𝘳𝘦𝑒𝑤𝑒𝘣𝘯ℴ𝘷𝘦𝓁.𝑐𝑜𝑚

This action left Fan Wubing momentarily stunned. He didn't quite understand, "Did I do something wrong?"

"No. Senior Brother did nothing wrong." Luo Qingyao didn't want any misunderstandings. She took a deep breath, "I just feel that perhaps it's time to put away the playful heart and focus on cultivating."

"Playful." Fan Wubing lowered his gaze slightly. After a brief silence, he smiled and said, "Isn't that a good thing? Seeing you so down, I thought something bad had happened."

"Is that so?" Luo Qingyao asked with her lips pursed.

"What?"

"Senior Brother…" Luo Qingyao suddenly smiled, "Yeah, Senior Brother is right. This isn't a bad thing. I shouldn't feel down; I should feel happy instead."

She looked happy.

No, she wasn't happy at all.

No matter how well she faked it, Fan Wubing could still see right through it.

The facade named "happiness" was worn on her face, put there for him.

Fan Wubing knew that she would immediately do whatever expression he wanted to see on her. She had always been like this, placing "Senior Brother's matters" before her own. Many times, he felt this girl was too much of a love-struck fool, silly and naive, smiling at compliments and crying at scoldings.

"Qingyao."

In her eyes, a desire suddenly arose.

Fan Wubing knew what she wanted to hear him say now, something like hoping she'd stay. He also knew that if he really said it, she would stay without hesitation.

But, that wouldn't be right.

He didn't want Luo Qingyao to stay; he wanted her to go to the stage that truly belonged to her and perform to her heart's content.

This was a kind of expectation from a Senior Brother.