Chapter 564 – To Be Unfazed By Emotion (1/2)

A warm breeze arrived. The wind chimes jingled, and the lotus leaves rose and fell.

Li Qingshan had never seen Gu Yanying with an expression like that. Of course, it was not like they had met a lot of times in the first place. He was curious what could make her so solemn.

Gu Yanying stood on the side of the terrace with her hands behind her back. “In the past, outside the Boundless mountains, someone had once said something to me. Back then, I didn’t give a reply, as that person did not particularly care about my reply, but right now, I think it’s best if I give a clear reply.”

Outside the boundless mountains! Li Qingshan recalled it. There, he had confessed to Gu Yanying in front of countless people.

Back then, a great difference still existed between their strength, but today, never had they been so close before. Even if a difference still existed, it was not insurmountable. As a matter of fact, Li Qingshan was even confident that he would surpass her sooner or later and become stronger than her.

Then, what would her reply right now be?

Li Qingshan could not help but become rather eager. He checked his surroundings again and felt like he was extremely close to success.

Gu Yanying bent over slightly. “Thank you for your interest, but I can’t accept it unfortunately.”

So she’s specially called me out just to put me in the friend zone.

Li Qingshan grinned and had no idea how to react. Although he had vaguely guessed this result, he still felt rather disappointed. He said, “It’s fine. I’m still too weak!”

“You’re so weak that you can rival a Corpse King in terms of brute strength with only a single heavenly tribulation. Your luck well surpasses mine, and the rate at which you grow is even more startling. I’m confident that your future strength will definitely exceed mine, just…”

Gu Yanying spoke extremely sincerely. She was definitely not trying to brush him aside. She paused there and dipped her index finger in the tea, writing six words on the table.

“To be unfazed by emotion,” Li Qingshan murmured.

Gu Yanying said, “In times of need, we can provide one another with mutual help and relief. We can support each other today, but if any of us leaves the other behind in the future, there’s no need to be overly attached. Even a parting of life and death could be dismissed with a single smile.”

“That’s reasonable!” Li Qingshan nodded. As it turned out, it was not emotionlessness, but being unfazed by emotion.

For a moment, Li Qingshan had no idea what to say. This woman clearly had something that needed his assistance. Even if he would not agree to it, she could avoid the topic altogether and make use of his affection towards her. Yet, she had to draw a clear boundary between them, leaving absolutely no room for any ambiguous feelings.

As a matter of fact, if he refused to give up on his feelings for her, it would be downright impossible for them to work together. He could not help but grieve for Hua Chengzan. His infatuation and regretlessness might have been able to move any woman in the world, but it was completely useless against her.

“You may have a fortuitous encounter and a legacy, but your foundations are too shallow. For example, the many resources from underground. You have always struggled with converting them into your own strength. There’s also the issue of your identity. It can fall apart at any time right now. You won’t be able to hide it from observant and perceptive people forever. I think I can help you out in many of these aspects.”

Seeing how Li Qingshan remained silent, Gu Yanying thought he was still hesitating, so she increased her bargaining chip, solemnly persuading him to give up on meaningless emotions so that he could focus on pursuing the great path of cultivation.

“I accept, but not because of the various conditions you’ve offered. If others have no interest in me, I’m not one to become entangled with them. I’m going to be a person with a family very soon. Don’t overestimate your charm.”

“Alright. You really are a man I admire.”

Gu Yanying smiled and immediately switched out the tea for alcohol. She filled their cups to the brim before clinking hers with Li Qingshan’s, downing it all in one gulp.

Li Qingshan said, “You can tell me just what you need my help with now.”

“Now’s not the time. You will obviously know by then. I feel like as long as I give you some time, you’ll become even more powerful. By then, the chances of success will become greater too.”

“If you only help me out with a pile of trifles, yet want me to risk my life needlessly when the time comes, wouldn’t it be very difficult for me to accept?”

“There shouldn’t be any life-threatening danger. If there is danger, I will state it clearly. You are more than welcome to turn me down. There’s no need to feel embarrassed either, as I won’t insist on a single request. If you are tied down by the favours you owe and do something against your convictions, you probably can’t blame anyone else either.”

“Alright then!”

Li Qingshan did not lose anything and gained a powerful support instead. The way they cooperated was for her to deliver the goods first before accepting payment. If he felt like it was not worth it, he could even decline paying. There was nothing he could be displeased about, but she left him slightly dissatisfied by not viewing him as a man.

The two of them stood side by side, gazing at the endless lotus pads.

Gu Yanying suddenly said, “I won’t fall in love with anyone, if that makes you a little happier.”

“I’m in a much better mood now.” Li Qingshan glanced at her.

Gu Yanying smiled. “That’s good then. Sigh, female cultivators just have it tougher than men. Their tribulations of attachments are the heaviest, making it extremely easy for them to adversely impact their cultivation. Even I’m unable to transcend my own gender. As a result, it’s best if I just avoid the danger altogether without being involved in this matter.”

Li Qingshan fell silent for a while before asking, “What if you can’t uphold what you’ve said?”

Gu Yanying only smiled. She raised her head and gazed at the white clouds drifting past on the horizon. A question like that was not worth answering at all!

Li Qingshan gazed at the side of her face. He could not help but admit that her charm was truly extraordinary.