Chapter 121: Lovers Fated Not to Be Together

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Wuliu Zhengying was not Ling Xiao’s backup plan, yet he inherited Ling Xiao’s fate and endured the hardships Ling Xiao was meant to face. Logically, since Ling Xiao was no longer the Child of Destiny, the World Will should have allowed the backup to rise, but Wang Li received no such information. Ling Xiao and Zhou Qian had been quietly training in the Pure Yang Temple, yet no backup had appeared outside, causing Wang Li to doubt Sheng Ye’s assumptions; perhaps the World Will was not as foolish as he thought.

Wang Li wanted to observe Ling Xiao’s fortune and opportunities over the past few years, to see how he had changed without the protagonist’s aura, hoping it would provide him some insight. It wasn’t mere gossip—he was eager to savor Ling Xiao’s story. Absolutely not!

Ling Xiao looked somewhat embarrassed; Wang Li could see the outcome without him saying a word. “Steward Wang, many are waiting for you at the gate. Let’s talk as we walk,” Ling Xiao said reluctantly, struggling with how to explain his situation with Xiao Rou to Wang Li.

“Are they the ones from the third phase of the chosen?” Wang Li asked.

“Yes,” Ling Xiao nodded. “Originally, the mountain gate was closed, not allowing anyone in. But the sect leader heard they had appointments with the steward, so he let them in. Those who arrived early have waited for you ten years.”

Wang Li smiled. “Sorry to keep them waiting. Let’s hurry inside and settle these matters.”

Ling Xiao was now responsible for patrolling the outer defense array of the mountain and used his token to open the gate. The elder guarding the gate recognized Wang Li and happily let them in.

Along the way, Ling Xiao recounted his experiences over the years.

Once a top-ranking prodigy on the Talent List, wielding the holy weapon Severance Sword, he naturally attracted the attention of Master Liuguang, who provided him with abundant cultivation resources and a superior-grade spiritual cultivation method. Others also noticed this extraordinary, stout youth. His life had been smooth sailing, rising to the position of outer sect disciplinary elder in Pure Yang Temple, becoming a mid-level cadre in the sect.

Two years ago, Ling Xiao was either secluded in cultivation or dealing with challengers, neglecting to propose to the inner sect. When he finally remembered, he rallied over a thousand former candidates to propose to Xiao Rou’s master, seeking to become her Dao companion.

Xiao Rou’s master had high hopes for Ling Xiao and immediately agreed.

Ling Xiao happily went to see Xiao Rou, believing that with his reputation, status, talent, and strength, winning the coveted celestial maiden’s heart would be a mere formality.

But reality was harsh… Xiao Rou had secretly become the Dao companion of an inner sect disciple. Affectionate and sincere, Ling Xiao unwittingly became the third party...

Not only was he heartbroken, but he also became a laughingstock, suffering social death almost instantly. Ling Xiao’s ordeal could be summed up in one phrase—a table full of tragedies.

Fortunately, his misfortune was confined to romance; in other areas, he thrived. These past years saw him rise steadily—from outer sect elder to steward of the Hall of Reflection, and this year, one of the mountain’s protectors, directly entering the sect’s core—a meteoric ascent.

Wang Li nodded in understanding.

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Such is the balance of gain and loss.

Master Liuguang was fair; taking something meant proper compensation.

“You need not be saddened. There are plenty of blossoms across the horizon. You and Xiao Rou simply lacked fate; she missed out on a potential dragon beneath the surface.”

Wang Li comforted him before shifting the conversation. “When did Xiao Rou become a Dao companion to someone else?”

The question was somewhat insensitive, touching a sore spot.

Yet Ling Xiao respected Wang Li and, despite the pain, answered the impolite inquiry.

“Around the second year after the selection ended.”

“When did you hand over the Severance Sword to the sect?”

“Also the second year after the selection.”

“When did Wuliu Zhengying acquire the Severance Sword?”

“About the same time.”

No escaping it!

Wang Li thought, indeed, the Child of Destiny was a tragic figure!

“Then congratulations are in order,” Wang Li said with a smile.

Ling Xiao was puzzled. “I am foolish; I do not understand your meaning, Steward.”

“Ha! Return to being yourself… Just be your true self!”

Wang Li arrived at the scripture repository in high spirits.

This confirmed that the scheme could be broken!

This was crucial—it meant that even if he fell into a trap, there was a chance to escape!

Very good, excellent!

Ling Xiao didn’t understand Wang Li’s joy but didn’t question it. A man of Wang Li’s stature always thought differently.

Wang Li did not meet those waiting for him immediately but first upgraded Ling Xiao’s “Soul Subjugation Technique” and his current earth-grade cultivation method “Heart Refining Technique.”

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He also handed Ling Xiao his own cultivated version of “Soul Subjugation Technique.”

This technique held great potential, and Wang Li hoped Ling Xiao would not abandon it.

Receiving the upgraded methods, Ling Xiao was deeply grateful.

Wang Li then invited those waiting for him one by one.

These prodigies were no longer the same as before; although their realms hadn’t advanced as much as during the selection relic period, their progress was rapid, and their cultivation methods had nearly reached their limits.

They faced two choices: either switch to higher-level methods or wait for Wang Li to upgrade and refine their current ones.

Switching cultivation methods was difficult; finding a suitable one was a challenge. How much easier it was to wait for Wang Li’s upgrades!

This was why they preferred to wait rather than change methods.

Prodigies had their pride; their own cultivation methods were the best!

Thirty-two disciples, all from the righteous path, awaited Wang Li. The disciples from the demonic sect dared not openly approach Wang Li in Pure Yang Temple.

Having cut off their opportunities, Wang Li was generous in compensation, upgrading all their methods to the pinnacle of earth-grade.

The thirty-two were deeply grateful.

They knew that even if Wang Li hadn’t intervened at the selection’s end, their fortunes couldn’t compare to these perfected, earth-grade methods.

Wang Li provided the most suitable techniques, saving them the trouble of switching and also gifting them the upgraded “Thunderous Justice Volume.” What more could they ask for?

After seeing off the last, Wang Li entered the scripture repository, left the recorded methods, over a hundred playback devices, twenty phonographs, and even the crafting method for spirit stone cards.

Having done this, Wang Li went to the sect leader’s hall, ready to take his leave.

Master Liuguang asked no questions, fully granting Wang Li the promised benefits and personally escorted him out of the mountain gate.

On Yao Xue Peak, Wang Li gazed at the names on the Talent List, feeling deeply moved.

Once a humble apprentice on the verge of death, he was now a renowned senior figure.

“Life is truly unpredictable!” Wang Li sighed.