Chapter Sixty: Lin Xueyou's Sincere Heart

Chapter Sixty: Lin Xueyou Opens Her Heart

The two of them sat shoulder to shoulder on the grass, gazing out over the lake.

Lin Xueyou spoke, “Li Hao, do you realize that all your abilities are extraordinary, beyond the bounds of common sense? Little brother, I have no intention of prying into your secrets—if there are things you’d rather not share, then don’t feel obliged.”

Though she said this, Lin Xueyou still hoped Li Hao would be honest with her. It was not calculation that drove her, but concern.

Li Hao pondered for a moment before replying, “Sister Xueyou, what exactly do you mean? I’m not sure where to begin.”

“For instance, your cultivation progresses too swiftly!”

“That, I truly don’t know. My previous breakthroughs weren’t nearly so rapid as they have been recently. Honestly, I can’t say why—it feels as though everything is a matter of fate and coincidence.”

Lin Xueyou asked, “Do you understand the details of raising your realm?”

Li Hao answered, “The best way to improve one’s realm is to refine the laws of heaven and earth through one’s own efforts. If that’s insufficient, then medicinal pills can help.”

“You’re right. Even if raising your cultivation relies on refining the laws of heaven and earth, there are different approaches. Take two cultivators—one advances steadily and methodically, the other rushes impatiently. Their speeds differ: the steady one may lag behind at first, while the impatient one advances quickly. Early on, the impatient cultivator will take the lead, but in the later stages, their roles reverse. The steady cultivator’s realm grows ever higher, while the impatient one encounters countless minor problems and eventually stalls, never advancing again. That’s why many gifted cultivators enjoy smooth progress at first, but face obstacles and hardship later on.”

Hearing Lin Xueyou’s words, Li Hao realized she genuinely cared for him.

“Thank you, Sister Xueyou, for your guidance. I’ll be mindful of it.”

Lin Xueyou continued, “And did you know? The restorative power you just displayed surpasses that of many cultivators at the Return to Origin Realm.”

Li Hao thought for a moment, then said, “Sister Xueyou, that power may have come from a special array I happened upon during a breakthrough—purely by fortune.”

Lin Xueyou nodded, then added, “Li Hao, there’s an old saying: ‘A common man is innocent, but bearing a treasure is a crime.’ For us cultivators, it means those of ill intent will scheme to use you if they discover your unique abilities. If they can’t use you, they’ll harm you, even steal from you directly. May I say something, though I’m unsure if I ought to?”

Li Hao replied, “Please, Sister Xueyou, speak freely.”

Lin Xueyou went on, “Very well. I think it’s best not to use those superhuman abilities unless absolutely necessary. Otherwise, they may bring you much unexpected trouble.”

“Li Hao thanks you once again, Sister, for your wise counsel. I’ll forever remember your words today.”

Lin Xueyou looked at Li Hao and nodded, her heart filled with satisfaction.

She had more to say. “Li Hao, your nine avatars are extraordinary. I worry that in the future, powerful figures will take an interest in them, which could endanger you. My advice: unless absolutely necessary, refrain from using your avatars. And when you must, think carefully beforehand.”

“I’ll remember everything you’ve said, Sister Xueyou. Thank you!”

Listening to Lin Xueyou open her heart to him, Li Hao was deeply moved. Though he had only just left the Valley of Hundred Herbs and hadn’t faced any great storms, everyone around him was genuine and kind.

At that moment, Li Hao made a silent vow: in this life, he must never let down these friends who cared for him. As he pondered this, a wry smile tugged at his lips and he shook his head.

Sitting to his right, Lin Xueyou noticed Li Hao’s inexplicable gesture and was curious, but she said nothing. She thought: if Li Hao wanted to share, he would do so whether she asked or not; if he did not wish to, asking would be meaningless.

“Sister Xueyou!”

Li Hao suddenly called out. Lin Xueyou, hearing him, turned her charming almond eyes toward him, puzzled. “Hm?”

Li Hao continued, “I’ve suffered misfortune since childhood. Ever since I can remember, I’ve had no family. But at the Valley of Hundred Herbs, Yao’er, Sister Xuemei, Grandpa Baicao, Uncle Lu Feng, Aunt Qin—everyone treats me as their own kin. For years, I’ve lived in comfort and abundance, but I still yearn for true family. I never intended to achieve great deeds here; I only wanted to grow up and search for the family I lost. But later, I met a quirky elder in the valley who became a good friend. Then, accompanying Yao’er to Li Shui City for fun, I accidentally won ten thousand Soul Coins in the arena. I was robbed by Kui Hu, Li Zhan, and Qin Zhen, had a scuffle, and—can you believe it?—ended up making three new friends. Isn’t that laughable?”

As Li Hao spoke, he himself laughed. Lin Xueyou found it quite intriguing.

She then said, “It sounds like there’s more to the story, but it’s refreshing nonetheless.”

Lin Xueyou smiled at Li Hao. Truth be told, her beauty rivaled that of Lu Xuemei; her sincere smile was captivating, leaving Li Hao momentarily dazed and in high spirits.

He lingered in that state for a moment before gathering himself. “Later, I promised Yao’er we’d join the selection for the Gathering of Heroes at the Palace of Ten Thousand Treasures. I met Brother Lu Zhengtian and Brother Lin Huashu—they’re true friends, and also family to me here.”

Lin Xueyou interjected, “My brother—well, to me as his sister, he’s good. He seems carefree and uninhibited, living on his own terms. He loves me dearly—I know I often outsmart and bully him at home, but I’m also sure he lets me get away with it because he cares. I’m not really overstepping; I simply enjoy this familial dynamic—it makes me feel safe inside.”

“Li Hao, do you think I’m unreasonable for saying all this?”

Li Hao gave her a sincere smile. “Not at all. Sister Xueyou, the bond between you and Brother Huashu is precious. I don’t even know if I’ll ever have the fortune to have a sister. Perhaps, when I find my mother, I’ll ask her to give me a sister or a brother.”

Lin Xueyou burst out laughing, her face radiant. Suddenly, the boy before her seemed childlike and amusing. She didn’t realize that, at this moment, she’d abandoned all pretense before Li Hao.

After the laughter faded, she adjusted her robe and smiled warmly at him. “Then I wish you get your heart’s desire soon, Li Hao.”

Li Hao exclaimed, “Now that I have Sister Xueyou, I truly feel blessed. Perhaps all of you are Heaven’s compensation for the unfair fate I suffered. I thank you all—and you especially, Sister Xueyou.”

Lin Xueyou saw the sincerity on Li Hao’s face and heard his heartfelt gratitude. She was moved to tears, quickly wiping her eyes to regain composure, then gave him a knowing smile. “Li Hao, no matter what happens, your sister will always be by your side.”

Hearing her promise, so honest and profound, Li Hao was overwhelmed and suddenly drew Lin Xueyou into his arms. Caught off guard, Lin Xueyou was tightly embraced, flustered by his unexpected gesture. It was the first time she’d ever been held by a man; she was nervous and at a loss, stunned for a moment before calming her emotions and gently patting Li Hao’s strong back.

She had intended to push him away, but when she raised her hand, she felt reluctant. Instead, she instinctively patted his back, a change she herself found inexplicable.

Gradually, Lin Xueyou’s emotions settled, and she allowed the younger boy to hold her quietly. Li Hao embraced her for a few breaths, his feelings slowly calming, before letting her go.

Li Hao had no idea what came over him—he couldn’t control himself, and just found himself hugging Lin Xueyou. Once released, he blushed deeply with embarrassment.

Not far away, Xiao Jiu watched the scene unfold and thought, “Miss Xueyou and the young master really are a perfect match. The young master is impressive—he managed to embrace her so quickly.”

Xiao Jiu even gave Li Hao a silent thumbs-up.

He’d barely thought this when Li Hao sensed his presence, turning his gaze in Xiao Jiu’s direction. Li Hao mused, “That rascal—so nosy, spying on me. I’ll have to teach him a lesson.”

Xiao Jiu saw Li Hao’s gaze and panicked. “Oh no, the young master spotted me.”

Lin Xueyou noticed Li Hao’s attention and asked curiously, “What are you looking at, Li Hao?”

Li Hao replied with an awkward laugh, “Nothing, nothing—I was just admiring the scenery.”

Lin Xueyou was skeptical, but didn’t press further.

“Sister Xueyou, waiting here isn’t much use. Let’s head out and see if we find any surprises.”

After hugging her, neither spoke much, and the atmosphere grew thick.

Lin Xueyou answered offhandedly, “Alright.”

Xiao Jiu, when following Li Hao, always slacked off unless something special arose. Among them, he was the most idle. In the past, even when Li Hao faced danger, Xiao Jiu could solve it effortlessly. It was nothing like following the Divine Lord Li Yang, when, unless there was a battle, there was nothing to do and boredom set in. But whenever a fight broke out, it shook the heavens and earth, shattering mountains and rivers, eclipsing sun and moon.

Now, if he wanted to see battles as fierce as those times, who knows how many years of Li Hao’s growth it would take. Xiao Jiu sensed Li Hao’s uniqueness—his future would surely not be peaceful.

Li Hao and Lin Xueyou had barely walked a short distance when Xiao Jiu trotted after them, deliberately slowing his pace and taking several minutes to catch up. When he finally joined Li Hao and Lin Xueyou, he avoided Li Hao’s gaze, only relaxing when he realized Li Hao wouldn’t scold him. And so, the three pressed forward, undaunted.