Chapter Thirty-Eight: Setting Out on the Path of Cultivation!

Lu Zhe and Xue Ling’er stood among the mountains for a long while, unaware that, in the distance, another quietly watched their every move—Xue Fei’er, holding the little monkey, Xiao Bai.

At this moment, Xue Fei’er cradled Xiao Bai in her arms, standing hidden amidst a grove not far away. Her figure concealed among the trees, she silently observed the two figures on the mountainside.

“Chirp, chirp, chirp,” the little monkey, restless in the silence, let out two cries.

Xue Fei’er lowered her head and gently stroked Xiao Bai’s head. “Xiao Bai, do you think he likes my sister?” she murmured softly.

“Chirp, chirp,” Xiao Bai screeched again, whether he understood or not.

Xue Fei’er glanced toward Lu Zhe, a trace of sorrow in her expression. She whispered, “My sister is so beautiful; it’s only natural he would like her.”

“Chirp, chirp,” Xiao Bai cried again. Xue Fei’er looked down at him, sighing softly, “How foolish of me, confiding in a monkey.”

With that, she hugged Xiao Bai tighter and slipped away from the grove, descending the mountain from the other side.

Lu Zhe gently placed his hand atop Xue Ling’er’s arms, which were wrapped around his waist. Instantly, a sensation, smooth and icy, traveled from her hand into his heart, startling him. He quickly said, “Your hands are so cold, let go, don’t freeze them any further.”

Xue Ling’er nodded, a smile appearing at her lips, and withdrew her arms.

Lu Zhe didn’t turn to look at her, instead gazing quietly at the mountains. “Why do you care so much about me?” he asked calmly.

Xue Ling’er raised her brows slightly and replied, “Because you once saved me.”

Lu Zhe was surprised. Saved her? He had no memory of such a thing.

“You must be mistaken,” he said lightly. “I never saved you.”

Xue Ling’er smiled quietly, saying nothing.

Suddenly, Lu Zhe recalled the incident at Old Liu’s house a year ago—the assassin. Upon careful recollection, he realized he had merely thrown a stool, hardly heroic enough to win Xue Ling’er’s affection. Could it really have been just that? If so, she was too easily deceived.

He slowly turned around. Xue Ling’er stood behind him in a pale violet robe, smiling gently.

“This…” Lu Zhe’s mind was a mess as he gazed at her beautiful face, unable to find words.

“Uh… oh!” Lu Zhe seemed to remember something and said, “It’s cold, let’s head down.”

Xue Ling’er smiled faintly, as lovely as a lily in a frosty night.

Lu Zhe stopped looking at her, hurried down the mountain, calling, “Let’s go, Master must be waiting for me.”

Xue Ling’er smiled softly and followed.

In the main hall of the You family estate, Elder Ye and Old Liu sat together, happily discussing matters.

Suddenly, footsteps sounded outside. Both looked up to see Lu Zhe and Xue Ling’er enter.

“Master, Uncle Liu,” Lu Zhe greeted, bowing respectfully.

Elder Ye nodded at Lu Zhe.

Suddenly, Elder Ye stood, walked over to Lu Zhe, and said, “Zhe’er, prepare yourself. We leave tomorrow.”

Lu Zhe raised his brows. “Where are we going?”

Elder Ye’s green scarf shifted slightly as he replied, “You’ll know when we get there. And…”

Lu Zhe gave a bitter smile. “Are you not coming with me?”

Elder Ye shook his head. “No, this time I’m going with you.”

Lu Zhe was delighted. “Really, Master?”

Elder Ye nodded and glanced at Old Liu. “Fatty, where’s my room? I’m going to rest.”

Old Liu’s eyes widened. “What did you say?”

Elder Ye ignored him, leaving the hall. Old Liu cursed as he rose and walked out, and then faint sounds of swearing and clanging metal could be heard, followed by Old Liu shouting, “It’s been ages since we sparred—let’s have a good fight today!” It seemed the two had started brawling.

Lu Zhe showed a helpless expression, then left the hall as well.

Night fell. Lu Zhe sat on his bed, quietly absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth, transforming it into his own power.

He exhaled deeply, slowly opened his eyes.

The window creaked open, and silver moonlight poured inside. Lu Zhe gazed at the moon hanging in the distant sky, recalling his time at the abandoned temple, lying on the grassy field with the ragged Xiao Hui, watching the bright moon in silence.

“Xiao Hui,” Lu Zhe whispered to the moon.

“Chirp, chirp,” came a sound as Xiao Bai the monkey leapt from the window sill, tail wagging, staring at Lu Zhe.

Lu Zhe glanced at him and smiled wryly. “Had enough fun?”

Xiao Bai scratched his head, seeming embarrassed.

“Xiao Bai, Xiao Bai,” came an urgent voice. Lu Zhe looked toward the sound to find Xue Fei’er, dressed in pink, calling.

“So here you are,” Xue Fei’er panted as she reached the window, looking at Xiao Bai crouched on the sill.

She raised her head and met Lu Zhe’s smiling face.

Her cheeks flushed slightly at the sight of his smiling countenance, the silver moonlight reflecting on him, making him appear even more handsome.

“Chirp, chirp,” Xiao Bai grinned, tail wagging, then quickly climbed onto Lu Zhe’s shoulder.

Lu Zhe propped himself on the window ledge, leapt out, landing on the grassy lawn. The scent of earth filled his nose, and he took a deep breath.

“So late and you’re still playing with Xiao Bai?” he said to Xue Fei’er, smiling gently.

“Yes,” Xue Fei’er replied, as carefree as any boy.

Lu Zhe smiled faintly and strode to the stone pavilion nearby, sitting on a stone bench.

Xue Fei’er followed, but once inside, she insisted Lu Zhe hand over Xiao Bai.

Unable to resist, Lu Zhe took Xiao Bai from his shoulder and placed him on the stone table, noticing that the monkey’s eyes were dull and his eyelids drooped, looking sleepy.

Lu Zhe smiled softly and placed Xiao Bai in his lap. “He’s tired, let him rest.”

Xue Fei’er glanced at Xiao Bai and nodded, but her disappointment was plain on her beautiful face.

Lu Zhe picked up the teapot from the table, poured himself a cup of water, and was about to drink when Xue Fei’er, gazing at the moon, asked, “Do you like my sister?”

“Pfft—”

The water Lu Zhe had just sipped sprayed from his mouth, choking him so that he coughed several times before recovering.

“What—what did you say?” Lu Zhe asked, blushing.

“Come on, don’t pretend,” Xue Fei’er said boldly.

She looked at the bright moon in the sky and, in a tone as if she had weathered many hardships, said, “Don’t disappoint my sister, or you’ll see what I’ll do to you.”

Lu Zhe laughed heartily. “Do you even know what ‘liking’ means?” he teased.

With that, he ignored the indignant Xue Fei’er and returned to his room.

But that night, Lu Zhe did not sleep.

In the morning, sunlight streamed into Lu Zhe’s room. He rose, glanced around, and spoke to himself, “Today…”

He opened the door and stepped outside. In the early morning, aside from the servants cleaning and cooking, the You family estate was deserted. Lu Zhe walked through building after building, along corridors, finally arriving at the main gate, where Elder Ye stood with hands behind his back, eyes closed in quiet meditation.

Sensing something, Elder Ye slowly opened his eyes and looked at Lu Zhe. He reached for his waist and flicked his fingers, sending something flying toward Lu Zhe.

Lu Zhe caught it—an ivory-colored storage ring.

“This is your ring. There are some essentials inside,” Elder Ye said quietly.

Lu Zhe curled his lip and reluctantly put the lowest-grade ring on his finger.

Elder Ye glanced at him, then touched his own left pinky. A faint green light flashed, and a bundle of clothes appeared in his hand.

He tossed the clothes to Lu Zhe. “Look at you, ragged and shabby. Change into these.”

Lu Zhe examined the clothes. They weren’t green but black. He unfolded them and several more garments fell out. Picking them up, he saw a complete set: a fitted yet comfortable undershirt and pants, excellent for swift movement and combat, and a high-collared, floor-length coat that could envelop the whole body. The ensemble was striking, showing Elder Ye’s careful consideration.

Lu Zhe went to a secluded spot and changed.

Dressed in the new attire, Lu Zhe returned to Elder Ye, who nodded approvingly. “Fits well.”

With a sweep of his green robe, Elder Ye called out, “Let’s go.”

Lu Zhe nodded and quickly followed.

Above, a majestic eagle soared, wings spread wide, gliding through the boundless blue sky…