A Demonstration of Love

I cannot comprehend it…

The Ghost Grass shook its head, responding,

“Understanding this so-called ‘love,’ especially when it transcends species, proves exceedingly difficult.”

Ah, well…

Xiao Miao, observing the Ghost Grass’s earnest expression, found herself utterly at a loss for a solution.

However, Qin Yan, at this juncture, seemed to have an idea.

He cleared his throat softly before speaking:

“Have you ever heard the story of Liang Zhu?”

The Ghost Grass listened, then shook its head.

It was, of course, impossible for it to have heard of any story of Liang Zhu.

It waited for Qin Yan’s next words.

Xiao Miao did the same, her gaze fixed on Qin Yan.

“A long, long time ago, there lived a person named Zhu Yingtai…

…Later, Liang Shanbo’s family fell into poverty, and Zhu Yingtai was promised to another.

Overwhelmed with grief, Liang Shanbo died.

When Zhu Yingtai’s wedding palanquin passed by Liang Shanbo’s tomb, sudden lightning flashed, thunder roared, and winds surged.

The tomb of Liang Shanbo split open.

Zhu Yingtai heard Liang Shanbo call her name from within, and without hesitation, she leaped into the grave.

Moments later, the rain ceased, the sky cleared, and a pair of beautiful butterflies fluttered gracefully from the tomb.”

After approximately the time it took for a few sticks of incense to burn, Qin Yan concluded his tale.

A profound silence settled in the air.

Xiao Miao found herself deeply moved, her eyes growing moist, while the Ghost Grass remained utterly silent.

A moment later, it spoke with a sigh of profound admiration:

“This story is far superior to any I have ever encountered.”

‘That’s hardly surprising,’ Qin Yan mused inwardly.

‘If it weren’t so moving, it wouldn’t have been passed down through generations.’

He then proceeded to recount the tale of the White Snake Lady, plunging both the grass and the person into another spell of silence.

As he finished, Qin Yan himself felt a stir of emotion.

He could not help but recite:

“He recited the famous lines: ‘What is love, that it can make people pledge their lives unto death?’“

As the Ghost Grass heard this poignant couplet serve as the conclusion to both stories, a sense of vexation welled within its core.

A surge of murky qi swirled through its spiritual consciousness.

‘Oh, how could you be so cruel, Fahai!’ it lamented.

“‘Alas, these are merely your stories.

You use others’ answers to respond to me.

I do not accept this answer!'”

The Ghost Grass shook its head at this point, moving closer to Qin Yan.

Qin Yan found himself at a loss for words.

What was love?

If asked to provide a truly profound answer, he genuinely lacked a story that could encapsulate its essence.

Indeed, only a great philosopher could truly answer such a question.

“In that case, you two are a man and a woman, and you already know each other.

Why don’t you simply get together?”

The Ghost Grass posed a question that left them both struggling for a reply.

In its simplistic understanding, love merely entailed a man and a woman being together.

Yet, was love truly so superficial?

Could the mere proximity of two individuals magically conjure this elusive emotion?

Such a notion was clearly preposterous.

While physical attraction might spark passion between two attractive people, it would never equate to true love.

This suggestion left both Qin Yan and Xiao Miao feeling slightly awkward.

They exchanged glances.

While they held a favorable impression of each other, it was merely an initial liking, far from the profound depths of love.

‘Putting a man and a woman together like that isn’t love; it’s bloody breeding!’

“Indeed, love is not such a simple thing after all,” the Ghost Grass commented, seemingly sensing the awkwardness between them, its voice carrying a touch of wistful insight.

“However, I do have a method…”

“What method?”

Qin Yan asked, looking at the Ghost Grass before him.

“Wait for me a moment…”

The Ghost Grass said, then departed from the cave, vanishing to an unknown destination.

Thus, only Qin Yan and Xiao Miao remained in the cave, along with Xiao Li, who was perched on Qin Yan’s shoulder.

Having been silent until now, she finally could not resist complaining:

“Good heavens, what is this world coming to?

Even a spirit plant is discussing love!”

This complaint struck Qin Yan as grating.

He gently — as if she weighed no more than a feather — picked up Xiao Li from his shoulder, then vigorously rubbed her cat ears, hoping to alleviate the frustration of his wasted efforts.

“That Ghost Grass truly talks nonsense.”

Xiao Miao still seemed embarrassed by the Ghost Grass’s earlier words.

‘What did it mean, ‘the two of you together’?’ she thought.

‘Could a person even say such a thing?’

‘Well, it’s just a plant, after all.’

Qin Yan nodded subtly, observing Xiao Miao before him until she grew somewhat self-conscious.

“Is there something on my face?”

Xiao Miao finally could not help but ask.

“No, I merely suspect that the Ghost Grass will continue to try and make a point out of you and me.”

Qin Yan shook his head, then glanced at Xiao Li in his arms.

The reason he had been observing the young woman earlier was that, after much deliberation, no matter how the Ghost Grass tried to manipulate the situation—even if it meant trapping them in a room from which they couldn’t escape without achieving some particular outcome—he wouldn’t be at a disadvantage!

“Qin Yan has a point…” Xiao Miao felt even more embarrassed by his words.

“If the Ghost Grass’s next suggestion is too outrageous, I absolutely will not force you to comply.”

Qin Yan merely shrugged indifferently at her statement.

Following the young woman, he had already acquired numerous fortuitous encounters, such as the metal fragment and the willow branch.

If something truly had to be done, he would assess the situation when the time came.

In less than a moment, the Ghost Grass returned, accompanied by a small, delicate pink mushroom.

Seemingly sensing their gazes, the mushroom instantly recoiled, much like a turtle retracting its head.

“Little Pink Mushroom, there’s no need to be afraid.

I merely require your assistance with a small favor.”

The Ghost Grass said.

“Oh~”

The Little Pink Mushroom replied.

The Ghost Grass then turned to Qin Yan and Xiao Miao and declared:

“This Little Pink Mushroom possesses the ability to immerse people in dreams.

I wish for you both to demonstrate what love is.”

‘So, this is the Ghost Grass’s true intention,’ Qin Yan realized.

‘Simply listening to stories isn’t enough; it wants to witness a live demonstration, like watching a play.’

“This…” Xiao Miao looked utterly astonished, inquiring, “How exactly do we demonstrate this?”

“That is not for you to worry about,” the Ghost Grass replied.

“If you satisfy me, I will reward you.

You wished for my leaf, did you not?

I will give it to you then.

As for this young man, what do you desire?”

‘What did Qin Yan desire?’

He genuinely found himself wanting for nothing, possessing everything he needed.

His primary reason for aligning with Xiao Miao was his conviction that she was the chosen one, the Child of Destiny.

What he truly sought was the girl’s friendship.

Xiao Miao was clearly tempted by the offer, prompting Qin Yan to speak:

“I, too, would like a leaf from you.”

“Very well,” the Ghost Grass nodded.

“Later, when I mature, I am currently at the Third Turn.

Should I reach the Fifth, Seventh, or Ninth Turn in the future, you may also request my leaves.”

‘Just a spirit plant that’s read too many books,’ Qin Yan thought, ‘and quite adept at painting grand illusions.’