Immortal Cultivation Above the Divine Realm

After leaving the sect library, Lu Xian decided to return directly to his residence. His steps were slow but heavy, his mind preoccupied with the demonic energy still gnawing at his body. Although his face remained calm, his eyes held an unconcealed unease.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the sect, Qin Chang'er walked briskly along the cobblestone path toward the sect's main hall. The morning sunlight illuminated her blue-and-white robes, which fluttered gently in the mountain breeze.

Inside the main hall, Tian Xuan, the sect master of the Qinlin Sect, sat leisurely on his throne, surrounded by the soft scent of spiritual incense wafting gently from a golden container before him. His face was calm yet dignified, like someone who had witnessed many upheavals in the cultivation world.

Qin Chang'er bowed her head respectfully as she approached him.

"Senior Tian…" she called out in a polite yet firm voice.

Tian Xuan opened his eyes and turned slowly toward her. "What is the matter, Junior Qin?" he asked, his voice deep and calm like the flowing waters of a lake.

"I came to ask for permission…" Qin Chang'er took a breath. "Tomorrow I will go to the Demon Estuary… with Lu Xian."

Tian Xuan's brow furrowed slightly. "The Demon Estuary? The one at the eastern end of Luo State?" he asked, his tone changing slightly to wary.

"Yes, Senior," Chang'er replied firmly. "We will go there to find ingredients for pill concoctions."

Tian Xuan sat up straighter. "You know that place is fraught with danger. Cultivators from other sects also roam there, not just wild beasts. And Lu Xian… may not be able to protect you if something happens."

Chang'er looked directly into the leader's eyes, unwavering. "We have considered this carefully. I trust Lu Xian. And I am not afraid."

Silence fell over the hall.

Tian Xuan finally sighed. "Very well… Since I do not wish to see you disappointed or resentful of the sect's decision… I will allow you to leave."

Chang'er's eyes shone with relief. She bowed deeply. "Thank you, Senior. I promise I'll be careful."

As she was about to leave, Tian Xuan's voice rang out again.

"Wait. I almost forgot… This morning, Su Baijun came to see me."

Chang'er's steps paused.

"He asked me to persuade you… to marry him."

Chang'er paused for a moment, then turned around slowly. Her face remained calm, but her eyes darkened slightly. "Su Baijun? Marry me? I'm sorry, Senior. That's… too soon. I'm not ready yet."

Without waiting for a response, she bowed lightly and left the hall. Her clothes fluttered gently, as if conveying her unwavering resolve.

But outside the hall, someone was waiting for her. Standing in the shadow of a stone pillar, Su Baijun faced her with a confident smile.

"Qin Chang'er…" he greeted. "I'm sure Senior Tian has conveyed my intentions. So… how is it? Are you willing to marry me?"

Chang'er looked at him blankly. "I'm sorry. I… can't accept your request."

Su Baijun's smile began to stiffen. "What do you mean? You're rejecting me?"

"You're a wonderful man, Su Baijun. But... I prefer to be alone," she replied quietly, but firmly.

Su Baijun's expression began to change. "You prefer that lowly disciple? A Lu Xian who can't even raise his cultivation without the help of demonic energy? You're willing to risk your future with someone like him?"

Qin Chang'er stared into his eyes without blinking. "Either him, or you. Right now... my heart is on neither side."

Then she turned and walked away, leaving Su Baijun frozen in seething anger.

"You stupid woman..." he muttered softly, his voice filled with resentment. "One day, you will be mine. Even if the heavens forbid me... I will destroy that sky with my own hands."

He grinned cruelly, his eyes narrowing with hatred. "Lu Xian... You deserve to die."

---

At almost the same time, Lu Xian was resting in his room. He lay on the wooden bed, staring at the ceiling as he caught his breath. Although he appeared calm, his mind couldn't rest. He was thinking about what would happen the next day.

Suddenly, there was a soft knock on the door.

Lu Xian immediately got up and opened the door.

"Senior Qin?" he asked.

Qin Chang'er stood at the door, her smile warm.

"Lu Xian, I've already asked Leader Tian for permission," she said.

"And... what did he say?" Lu Xian asked, somewhat anxiously.

"He gave us permission to leave. We'll leave tomorrow morning."

Lu Xian's face immediately brightened. "Thank you for your efforts, Senior."

However, from behind a distant rooftop, Su Baijun spied on them again. His eyes darkened, calculating.

"We'll be walking for the entire day," Qin Chang'er said.

Lu Xian turned, slightly confused. "Walking? Why not just fly on a sword?"

Chang'er smiled shyly and a little awkwardly. "Because you haven't mastered the sword flying technique yet, right?"

"I can share a sword with you, or perhaps you could teach me that technique," Lu Xian said innocently.

Chang'er's face immediately turned red. "Sharing a sword with me? Ah... no way! That's too... too close!" she said, quickly turning around.

Lu Xian smiled slightly. "Alright, then... walking is fine."

"Then, I'll take my leave," Chang'er said. "Get some rest, Lu Xian. We have a long journey tomorrow."

"Thank you for the information, Senior," Lu Xian replied with a polite bow.

Qin Chang'er smiled before finally walking away, her robes gently swaying in the night breeze.

Lu Xian returned to his room and closed the door. He stared out the window at the clear sky, trying to calm his thoughts. Tomorrow, the journey to the Demon Estuary would begin. He knew it would be no ordinary journey.

And far in the distance, behind the shadow of the roof...

Su Baijun was still standing there. Watching. Spying. Planning.

The journey to Demon Estuary... will not be a peaceful one.