Feng Shui Chapter 175: Entanglement

After sending the unwelcome third wheel away, Chen Xiao and Xi Yunqing strolled along the beach, bathed in the golden-red glow of the setting sun. Side by side, their shoulders brushed occasionally, and every now and then their eyes met with involuntary smiles.

They walked along the shore for quite some time. Around them, cultivators hurried past, but the two moved at their own unhurried pace, lost in their own world.

When the sun finally disappeared below the horizon, Xi Yunqing glanced at the darkening sky and turned to Chen Xiao. “Let’s head back." he said in a voice low and pleasingly deep.

Chen Xiao nodded. The two then made their way back.

As they returned, the other cultivators no longer ignored them like before. Instead, strange looks were cast their way, curious, puzzled, maybe even a little judgmental.

Yumen Shuijing, near Yingxian Island, was the largest training ground in the nearby waters. Since it was the only island with a landing spot for rest, cultivators returning late would naturally come ashore here. Everyone was rushing back at dusk, so these two slowpokes stood out even more.

Their leisurely walk was cut short, and they quickened their pace to reach the camp.

That night, lying in their tent, Chen Xiao asked, “In the cultivation world, is a relationship like ours really so strange?”

Xi Yunqing answered, “Same-sex couples are still rare, so it’s natural to attract odd stares. Don’t mind it, Brother Xiao. It won’t affect anything important. No matter what happens, I’ve got your back.”

In the cultivation realm, people either spend their lives without romance, alone to the end, or face three possible outcomes after falling in love: First, mutual affection that doesn’t hinder cultivation. Second, a failed romance where one cuts ties cleanly and gains clarity, causing no harm to their progress. The worst is when a failed relationship leaves emotional knots that disrupt cultivation, and in severe cases, even cause regression in their realm.

Chen Xiao whispered softly, “I don’t care. Whatever comes, I’ll face it with you, side by side.” From the moment they became a couple, he was determined to stand strong against any storm the future might bring.

Their heads leaned close together as they whispered through the night. It wasn’t that they didn’t want some closeness, but just outside the camp, the beach was frequented by passersby, making privacy impossible.

The following days unfolded just as Chen Xiao had hoped, a blissful, almost immortal ease. It was easily the most carefree time he’d had in this life or the last. Together, they explored the mountain and sea, inseparable. If not for their set schedule, Chen Xiao wouldn’t have wanted to leave.

He felt a surge of vitality and strength, both body and spirit greatly improved. It proved that proper rest was crucial for what lay ahead.

Climbing up the rope ladder from the sea onto the ship, his skin glistened as if freshly polished. Tong Nuonuo, who had stayed on the island for the same seven days, watched him with confusion. Why did Chen Xiao look like he had been pampered by a meticulous caretaker, while she didn’t have nearly as good a state?

Back in Linglang Valley for some rest, with a day to spare before his appointment with Li and Zhou, Chen Xiao showed little loyalty and left Tong Nuonuo and Tang Ru behind, heading off with Xi Yunqing to the Drunken Immortal Tavern for tea and food.

The winery was famous for its seafood, but after so many days of eating it, Chen Xiao ordered just the usual dishes. Money wasn’t an issue for either of them, so they picked the best private room.

As they ate, a sudden ruckus outside caught Chen Xiao’s attention.

He raised an eyebrow, setting down his chopsticks. “What’s going on? Did something happen?”

Xi Yunqing stood and moved to the window. Chen Xiao followed, looking out to see a crowd gathering near the winery, voices raised in heated discussion.

The noisy throng’s words were indistinct from inside the room.

Xi Yunqing pulled the cord to summon a waiter. Soon, a young man wearing a brown short jacket entered and asked, “Guests summoned me. How may I assist?”

Chen Xiao nodded toward the window. “Why the commotion outside?”

The waiter bowed apologetically. “Sorry to disturb your meal. The date for the contest between Qianxiu Workshop and Wanjin Pavilion was just announced, it will be three days from now. Some rogue cultivators plan to confront Master Hu of the Pavilion to demand justice for one of their own who got entangled in trouble.”

Xi Yunqing motioned for the waiter to continue. “A rogue cultivator got caught up in this? What happened?”

The waiter straightened and explained, “There was a conflict between disciples of the two factions. An unrelated rogue cultivator happened to be present and was seriously injured in the fight. It’s feared his spiritual root was destroyed, and his cultivation level completely ruined.”

Chen Xiao’s eyes widened. “If the main spiritual root is destroyed, that means he can’t cultivate anymore?”

The waiter nodded gravely. “Exactly. That rogue is somewhat popular on Yingxian Island, so many sympathize with him and want to hold Wanjin Pavilion accountable.”

Frowning, Chen Xiao asked, “Is the Pavilion refusing to compensate?”

The waiter was vague. “Rumor has it, yes. But…” Chen Xiao cut in, pulling out a spiritual pearl and placing it on the table. With a light flick, the pearl rolled over and landed neatly in the waiter’s outstretched palm.

After receiving the tip, the waiter couldn’t stop smiling. He said, “Word has it there’s more to this. Wanjin Pavilion is preparing for the upcoming contest and has closed its doors to outsiders. No matter how much these freelance cultivators make a fuss, they won’t pay any attention. Also, the involved stray cultivator apparently has some ties with Qianxiu Workshop. During the duel, he barged in and angered the disciples of Wanjin Pavilion, it wasn’t exactly an accidental injury.”

Hearing the full story, Chen Xiao immediately lost interest in the matter. Xi Yunqing told the waiter, “Close the window and leave.”

Even after the window was shut, the noise outside could still be heard faintly. Originally planning to relax here until the afternoon, Chen Xiao and Xi Yunqing had no choice but to change locations for something quieter.

The next day, even within Linglang Valley, the impact of the contest between Qianxiu Workshop and Wanjin Pavilion was palpable. Since yesterday, many cultivators had arrived from other regions, filling up most of the valley’s lodgings. Chen Xiao couldn’t help but be impressed, this event was almost like a grand festival.

However, not everyone had the privilege to witness it. The contest venue was closed off, and only invited guests could attend. It was obvious that those invited were prestigious figures from the Tai Shen Zhong Tian Realm, either powerful cultivators or nobles.

During breakfast, Xi Yunqing suddenly said, “Today I’m going to visit an old acquaintance from my sect. I’ll see if I can secure a few spots to watch the contest nearby.”

Upon hearing this, Tong Nuonuo immediately perked up. “It would be amazing to see it in person! Over all these years, I’ve only ever heard about it, never actually witnessed it.”

Tang Ru nodded as well. “It would be good to broaden our horizons. Brother Xi, please take care of it.”

Xi Yunqing replied calmly, “No need for thanks, Daoist Tang.” He glanced at Chen Xiao, who said, “Go ahead, Big Brother. Today I’ll meet with Li Yuzhou with Nuonuo and Arou. I’ll come back after that.”

Just the previous night, numerous important figures with high status and cultivation had arrived. Anyone with sense wouldn’t be wandering around outside at this time, no one wanted to accidentally offend someone they couldn’t afford to.

Xi Yunqing wasn’t worried about offending anyone himself; he was just concerned Chen Xiao might get into trouble without him around.

The three left Linglang Valley and waited outside the Zhen Cao Hall near the agreed meeting time, chatting casually as they waited. After a while, Chen Xiao frowned, estimating that Li Yuzhou was already late.

“Li Yuzhou hasn’t shown up yet, and the time’s passed." Chen Xiao said worriedly.

Tang Ru said, “Maybe something delayed him, let’s wait a bit longer.”

Tong Nuonuo asked, “Do you know where he lives?”

Chen Xiao shook his head helplessly. “I should’ve asked last time.”

With nowhere else to go, they continued to wait. After about half an hour, Li Yuzhou came rushing over, drenched in sweat.

As he ran, he called out, “Brother Xiao, sorry! Sorry! I got held up, ”

Chen Xiao sighed in relief and shook his head. “It’s fine. You’re here now.”

Li Yuzhou caught his breath and immediately asked, “Do you still have the Ice Velvet Grass I sold you last time?”

Chen Xiao looked confused. “No, I sold it all to Zhen Cao Hall.”

Li Yuzhou, holding on to a faint hope, didn’t press the matter further after hearing that. He didn’t bring a storage bag but carried a large medicine box with him. Opening it, he said, “I’ve prepared the elixirs you asked for last time. Plus, I have some new ones, and a few powders that aren’t powerful but have special effects.”

Li Yuzhou’s medicine box was packed full of bottles, which amazed Chen Xiao. Besides the usual expensive elixirs, Li Yuzhou introduced several powders with unique effects. One, in particular, could cause people to talk in their sleep, quite an unusual and amusing trick.

Chen Xiao selected the new elixirs and a few special powders, then settled the bill with Li Yuzhou.

Li Yuzhou held his medicine box and said awkwardly, “Brother Xiao, could you take the rest of these elixirs? I can give you a discount.”

Chen Xiao glanced at him and asked, “What’s the matter? Are you in urgent need of money?”

Li Yuzhou was straightforward. “Exactly. A close friend of mine was seriously injured and needs money for treatment.”

Chen Xiao thought it was quite the coincidence and cautiously asked, “Is your friend the same cultivator who got caught up in the duel between Qianxiu Workshop and Wanjin Pavilion?”

Li Yuzhou paused, then nodded. “So you know him, Brother Xiao. Yes, it’s Liu Lang.”

Hearing the name, Chen Xiao immediately recalled the owner of the Qingsong Hall he had met during that duel.