Chapter Fifty-Eight: Power Lost

In the distance, Liu Xin watched as Peng Lei Xiao Xiao departed, her gaze lingering, lost in memories she could not escape.

“Little girl! If you’re so reluctant to part, why not come out and see him off yourself?”

Startled from her reverie, Liu Xin turned to the speaker and offered a graceful bow.

“Good day, Dean Tang. I dislike farewells, so…”

“Haha, parting is just for a better reunion! You’ll see each other again soon! You must work hard, don’t let everyone leave you too far behind! Otherwise, you won’t be able to join them on missions anymore!”

“Yes, Dean, I will do my best!” Liu Xin answered obediently.

“I want to be with Yaoye. I won’t let myself fall behind. I want to help Yaoye and everyone.”

Thinking of all the moments shared with Yaoye and the others, a joyful smile blossomed on Liu Xin’s face.

Tang Ze, seeing her expression, smiled with satisfaction. “Come on now, little lass!”

“Alright! Goodbye, Dean Tang!” After bidding farewell to Tang Ze, Liu Xin returned to Yaoye’s residence.

Seeing Yaoye lying on the bed, Liu Xin took a damp handkerchief and gently wiped his cheeks.

“Yaoye, will you ever accept me?” After tidying up, Liu Xin sat down outside the door.

“How should I walk the road ahead? I must sever all ties with the demon clan! Ah…”

Watching Liu Xin walk away, Old Ding nodded and smiled. “I really don’t know what’s so special about you, you stubborn boy! And yet, you’re so obstinate!”

As dusk approached, the sleeping Yaoye’s spirit began to fluctuate rapidly.

“You brat, how long do you plan to sleep? Wake up already!” Old Ding used the Creation Cauldron to stimulate Yaoye’s soul.

“Mm…” Yaoye’s soul opened its eyes and, still groggy, stretched lazily.

“Huh? Old Ding, have you died too? How can I see you now?”

“Bah! The first thing you do when you wake up is curse this old man? Is that it?”

“Old Ding, are you saying I’m fine now?” Yaoye jumped up excitedly.

“Don’t celebrate too soon! Check your own body and you’ll understand.”

“Eh?” Yaoye quickly examined his condition. He found his demon core had fallen silent, and the surrounding nebula had vanished—everything was barren.

He tried to circulate his cultivation technique, but the spiritual energy around him did not respond at all. Panic set in.

“Old Ding! What’s going on? Why is all the energy in my body gone? Am I a cripple now?”

“Don’t ask me. You chose a path no one’s ever walked before; how am I supposed to help you?” Old Ding spread his hands helplessly.

Yaoye tried everything he could, but his body remained inert. At last, he had to accept the truth and his mood darkened.

Slowly, Yaoye opened his eyes. Thanks to the Creation Cauldron’s help, his physical wounds had fully healed after days of treatment.

“You’re awake, Yaoye? How do you feel? Any discomfort?” Liu Xin asked excitedly, helping him sit up.

“So it’s you, Senior Sister! Thank you for taking care of me like this.”

Liu Xin shook her head happily. “Yaoye, there’s no need to say such things between us! Are you hungry? Should I get you something to eat?”

“Senior Sister, there’s no need. I’m not hungry, I just need to think for a bit. Could you give me some space?”

Troubled by his loss of power, Yaoye failed to notice the change in Liu Xin.

Disappointment and sadness clouded Liu Xin’s face. “Alright then, rest for now. I’ll come see you tomorrow.”

Yaoye nodded, and Liu Xin sighed softly before turning to leave.

“You brat! Do you realize you just hurt that girl’s feelings?”

“Huh? Old Ding, what do you mean by that?”

Old Ding looked at Yaoye, both exasperated and annoyed. “What do I mean? You’re really asking me?”

Suddenly, Old Ding calmed. “Ah, well! At that time, your soul had scattered and you were unconscious. It’s normal you don’t know.”

Yaoye looked utterly confused. “Old Ding, what are you talking about? The more you say, the less I understand!”

“Still unclear? Fine, I’ll spell it out for you. That girl, Liu Xin, has fallen for you!” Old Ding looked at Yaoye with a teasing grin.

“She likes me? Impossible! Old Ding, I’m already troubled enough, don’t joke with me.” Yaoye waved his hand and lowered his head.

Old Ding looked at him in frustration. “Hey! When have I ever lied to you?”

Yaoye looked up at Old Ding, then dropped his head with a self-mocking sigh.

“I’m already a cripple. I don’t deserve her. I’ve decided to leave the academy and find a way to regain my strength.”

Hearing this, Old Ding sighed as well and retreated into the Creation Cauldron.

Yaoye walked into the courtyard and gazed up at the star-filled sky, letting out a gentle sigh.

“What should I do? I can’t see hope or light on the road ahead.”

Yaoye clutched his hair in frustration, sitting alone in the courtyard, lost in a daze.