"Yes. A paradise beyond the world may be wonderful, but in the end, it has nothing to do with you."
Qin He handed the empty food box back to Long Qingyao and gazed at the girl, his tone deepening. "Our status as master and disciple was an agreement between your ancestor and me. Now I ask you: are you willing to take me as your master?"
"You must understand that the benefits of becoming my disciple are uncertain, but having the whole world as your enemy is a certainty. Whatever path you choose, follow your heart. When I emerge from seclusion seven days from now, I will hear your answer."
With that, Qin He turned toward the cave abode. His ink-black sleeves brushed the hanging vines, stirring loose a few petals beaded with morning dew.
Long Qingyao watched his retreating figure. It felt as though the mountain wind had scraped across her heart, leaving it in utter turmoil.
Cooking smoke was already rising from the village, and Uncle Li's calls for the young men to fetch water drifted faintly over. A peaceful life lay right before her.
Yet her parents' dying gazes, the huddled figures of her clansmen, and Qin He's tall, straight back as he stood before her to shield her suddenly collided in her mind.
Just as Qin He was about to step into the cave abode's shadow, Long Qingyao drew a deep breath. Her clear voice trembled, yet carried extraordinary resolve. "I am willing!"
Qin He stopped. The patch of sunlight on his shoulder shifted. Without looking back, he spoke, his voice carried over by the mountain wind. "Then prepare a meal for the discipleship ceremony seven days from now. Four dishes and a soup will suffice."
The moment Qin He entered the cave abode, the