The Night in the Cave

That night.

In a natural cave nestled within the mountains.

Qin Yan gazed at Fangyuan, who was seated across from him in meditation.

Since the incident at the demon city, more than two months had passed.

The demon city had been completely destroyed by Shizun’s formidable might, a single sword slash seemingly shattering the entire city into fragments, much like a mirror smashed on the ground.

At the time, his gaze was fixed on Yu Qingxuan.

By the time he came to his senses, Xiao Miao and Fangyuan had already vanished without a trace.

As to why they could escape under Qin Nianci’s watchful eye, it was because this late-stage core formation cultivator understood that a person’s path involves not only friends but also enemies, and matters that one cannot yet comprehend.

These were the karmic ties bound to her disciple, Qin Yan, and she chose not to interfere.

Later, Qin Yan had inquired of his master about the matter of the love bug.

The response he received was somewhat surprising—

The so-called love bug, also known as the deep-rooted love bug, is a unique dual cultivation method from the lands of the Miao people, much like planting a seed in the earth and nurturing it to bloom into the most vibrant of flowers.

For the cultivator afflicted by the love bug, there are only benefits and no drawbacks.

Moreover, as Fangyuan had previously mentioned, the women of the Miao people only have one love bug in their lifetime, and it is not easily formed.

What is love, that it should make people pledge their lives to each other?

”Fangyuan, why are you here?” Qin Yan asked.

”A little opportunity,” Fangyuan replied, opening her eyes to look at Qin Yan.

‘The Eight Trigrams of the Heavens, with one hidden, although the major sects and clans control access to the Qingmiao Secret Treasure, there are still paths that remain unknown to all.’

”Oh? Is that so?” Qin Yan was taken aback. If Fangyuan knew of such a path, the information alone would be a valuable commodity to sell to anyone.

”Does Qin Yan want to know?” Fangyuan’s lips curved into a smile as she watched Qin Yan’s expression.

She rose and sat beside him, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.

”If you want to know, then lean in, for this is a secret.”

Qin Yan was merely curious, but not particularly interested. Compared to this, he was more concerned about Fangyuan’s affairs.

Though he had some inklings…

‘Qin Yan is thinking about me?’ Fangyuan seemed to sense Qin Yan’s emotions.

Despite her young age, she was already a beauty in the making.

Her fox-like eyes blinked as she leaned in closer, her body instinctively responding to the proximity of the handsome cultivator.

After all, who wouldn’t want to be closer to a handsome man?

But Qin Yan was simply too alluring.

”I don’t understand.” Qin Yan looked at the girl, whose eyes held a glimmer of desire, which was normal given his good looks, but the hint of affection was perplexing.

Looking back, their first encounter was in that secret realm, where the girl had kissed him forcefully and planted the love bug, leading to the explosive conflict in the demon city.

Based on the investigations of himself and Xiao Miao, it would take some time to uncover the truth.

There was an uncanny sense that the girl possessed foresight.

”Don’t understand?” Fangyuan’s lips curved into a smile.

”Why bother being troubled? Ask, and I’ll tell you everything. Let me reveal the source of it all.”

The cave was safe and comfortable, with no interruptions from outsiders.

Fangyuan extended her right hand in front of Qin Yan, and a ‘creak’ echoed through the cave, like the sound of a cicada, emanating a powerful aura.

”Five hundred years ago, I had spiritual power but no insect companion. It was you, Qin Yan, who helped me. I sought immortality and freedom, never imagining that a male cultivator could captivate my heart so deeply.”

Fangyuan’s simple words carried profound meaning.

Qin Yan stared at the cicada, stunned, until Fangyuan withdrew her hand. Despite his suspicions, he never expected the girl to reveal everything so openly.

”You’re not afraid I’ll take your insect?” Qin Yan asked.

”You can’t defeat me.’‘ Fangyuan shook her head, a smile playing on her lips.

Qin Yan raised an eyebrow, but Fangyuan’s words held truth, given her ability to instantly kill a semi-golden core bird demon.

‘Then why aren’t you afraid I’ll tell my master or the sect, and take your insect?’ Qin Yan’s words carried a hint of defiance.

”Qin Yan, you must decide: do you want an enemy or a friend?” Fangyuan’s face showed no fear, and she regained control of the conversation.

Given the girl’s ruthless methods, having her as an enemy would be risky.

As for why Fangyuan had confided in him, she was confident that in this life, she could do better than in her previous one, not just in terms of cultivation, but also in Qin Yan’s eyes.

If Qin Yan sought to take her insect, then a weight would be lifted from her heart, and she would no longer have a ‘Qin Yan’ as a white moonlight fairy, but a sworn enemy.

This was a clever move, ensuring that Fangyuan would not be at a disadvantage, regardless of the outcome.

Sincerity was always a powerful tool.

Because she sought not only Qin Yan’s body but also his soul and spirit.

Qin Yan fell silent, taken aback by the girl’s candidness, his thoughts shifting.

He met her gaze, seeing no trace of fear.

‘Drip… drip…’

The sound of water droplets echoed in the quiet cave.

”Okay, Qin Yan, I know what you’re thinking. Since I’ve returned, I understand more than you can imagine. You don’t need to guard against me or worry. I’ve shown you my sincerity.”

Fangyuan stood up and continued,”From ancient times, the path of love has been difficult, but on the path of cultivation, every step is a challenge. Overcome them all, and you shall prevail. I know you have no feelings for me now, but what of it? On the path of cultivation, clarity of mind is all that matters.”

Listen to this, is this even human? Qin Yan’s mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, the weight of the information overwhelming him. He looked at the girl, her hands behind her back.

If he could see her face, he might have noticed a mysterious smile.

Having lived twice, no one understood human nature better than she. Her sincerity, coupled with an air of nonchalance, had already boosted her impression in Qin Yan’s mind, leaving him in a state of confusion.

And confusion is the first step towards falling in love.

Now, she had firmly planted herself in Qin Yan’s heart, from the beginning to now, a stark contrast that must have left a deep impression on him.