Dao Companions

"So it was Senior Uncle Xuanyun and Senior Uncle Qingyun vying for the position."

Upon reuniting with Li Fan and learning of the changes in Emei, Qin Nanxin couldn't help but sigh.

"I think the incident at Golden Peak was probably related to the position of sect leader. Qingyue, you may not know this, but originally, my Emei sect planned to ascend to another world, with the Three Elders and Four Ancestors presiding over the Golden Peak Ascension Array, and my Qin Family head, Tianjue Dao Lord, in charge."

However, with the sudden disappearance of the Azure Dragon Immortal Lord, it was only a matter of caution that Tianjue Dao Lord had to fill the gap. Naturally, another supreme leader needed to be chosen. But who would have thought that this would lead to such a fierce battle?

As expected, Emei already knew that Canglong was no longer in this realm, and that he probably wouldn't be able to find his way home for at least five hundred years.

Li Fan asked curiously, "Does Emei also have factions, with inner and outer sects fighting each other? I heard that Emei is quite united and forbids disciples from fighting amongst themselves?"

Qin Nanxin nodded and explained, "It is indeed forbidden, but with such a large sect, infighting and factionalism are inevitable. Moreover, just considering the Three Elders and Four Ancestors of Emei, there are already five Daoist Tradition, known in Emei as the four academies of the east, west, south, and north, plus the lineage from the outer mountain. With so many people, conflicts are bound to occur."

Li Fan couldn't help but interrupt, "Excuse me for interrupting, but 'outer mountain' is easy to understand, but 'east, south, west, and north'? What's the significance of that? Is it for setting up an array?"

Qin Nanxin thought for a moment, then shook his head and said, "Oh, actually there's no special explanation. The outer courtyard's Golden Core disciples cultivate Qi Refinement Stage and practice the Five Arts together. The division into courtyards simply refers to the location of the cave dwellings where the various Immortal Lords and Dao Lords will receive the secret teachings. For example, my Qin Family has lived in the eastern part of Mount Emei for generations, so it's called the Eastern Courtyard..."

"Uh, okay, go on."

So Qin Nanxin continued to explain, "My ancestor, along with the two Immortal Lords Cangbai and Tianjue Dao Lord, as well as many of the senior masters of the Tianzi generation, were all orthodox Daoist lineages of the Eastern Academy of Emei, direct descendants of the previous sect leader. They cultivated the ancient method of Qi Refinement Stage passed down by the Profound Maiden, the Great Dao of Limitless Universe."

However, my Eastern Academy lineage has suffered repeated calamities, losing members in battles against the Beichen Sword Sect, the Ten Absolutes God Sect, and the Luo Sect. Now, my Tianjue Dao Lord has no heart for the sect. The ancient methods of the Eastern Academy lineage are no longer suitable for cultivation in this era, and the number of disciples is dwindling. We no longer compete for the empty title of sect leader.

Of the other sects, the Azure Dragon Immortal Lord is a successor of the Outer Mountain Sect. It is said that their sect split off earlier during a struggle for the position of sect leader. Now that the Azure Dragon Immortal Lord has disappeared, it seems that his sect has only found one of his successors in the Outer Mountain. I don't know much about him.

The West Academy lineage is the legacy of Dao Lord Cangming. The West Academy also produced a Daoist prodigy in the past, whose talent and strength were comparable to mine. However, he was Dao Lord Cangming's personal disciple, and all of them perished in the calamity of death, which caused his personality to change drastically. He has been in seclusion on Yuntai Peak for many years.

Currently, only one Han the Divine Lord, who transferred from the South Courtyard, governs the West Courtyard. However, Han the Divine Lord is often away slaying demons and monsters, and has not returned to the mountain for over a hundred years. Therefore, there are no direct elders in the sect who can guide the disciples of the West Courtyard. It is said that she later fell into demonic possession, her Dao heart was corrupted, and she went astray. In the end, she was expelled from the sect and disappeared without a trace. The West Courtyard has since declined."

The Cultivation Method in your West Courtyard are really quite extreme; you either become a Buddha or a demon...

"So, it seems that only the North and South Academies are left vying for the position of sect leader?"

Qin Nanxin shook her head, "No, actually, both Senior Uncle Xuanyun and Senior Uncle Qingyun are disciples of the Southern Academy."

My Emei Sect Leader, Immortal Lord Cangbi, inherits the Northern Academy lineage. The Sect Leader is a Grandmaster of the Five Arts, making him one of the top immortals among the Nine Great Xuan Sects. He is truly a rare and exceptional Chosen One of Heaven.

However, the method he taught was indeed too difficult to master, and almost no one could truly master it. To date, the Northern Academy has only cultivated one Daoist, Ren Nantian. Although he is of the same generation as the Nan, he is considered to be personally taught by the sect leader, and his skills in all aspects far surpass mine. Perhaps in the future he will also have the opportunity to comprehend the Dao and ascend to immortality, thus bringing glory to our Emei sect?

However, according to the number of days the sect leader calculated, the fate of the Emei Daoist Tradition mainly rests on the Southern Academy branch.

The Southern Courtyard lineage is the Daoist Tradition of Cangyun. Ancestor Cangyun suffered a tribulation of love in his past life and wandered through the mortal world for one lifetime, thus falling one generation behind and being considered the last of the Three Elders and Four Ancestors. His personally taught disciples of the "Yun" generation were also one generation behind the "Tian" generation, but they were fortunate enough to have their luck gathered and their fate protected them, thus avoiding the recent calamity of the Luo Sect. Therefore, those in charge of Emei today are almost all the deities of the Southern Courtyard.

Master Xuanyun and Master Cangyun are the two chief disciples of the Seven Great Divine Lords, known as the Three Clouds and Four Heroes. Our Emei Sect Leader Cangbi and Tianjuedai have actually stopped managing affairs for over a hundred years. All matters, large and small, in the sect have long been personally overseen by Ancestor Cangyun.

This expedition to the Ten Ultimate Formation was personally led by Patriarch Cangyun, with only two senior uncles left in charge. But for some reason, they suddenly developed a rift...

Li Fan was speechless. "The Three Clouds and Four Heroes Great Gods!? Goodness, there's also a seven-person group..."

Qin Nanxin smiled and said, "Yes, apart from Xuan Yun, Qing Yun, and Ling Yun, four outstanding talents were indeed deliberately selected, imitating the idea of Three Elders and Four Ancestors. However, the Southern Academy does have the most teachers, and the number of disciples who have entered the Southern Academy from the outer academy to cultivate over the years is also the largest."

Actually, so am I. My master, Lingyunzi, is a disciple of the Southern Academy, the legitimate daughter of Ancestor Cangyun in his previous life. I originally thought that if I couldn't find a path to the Limitless, I would switch to the Southern Academy to cultivate, but I never expected to meet you Qingyue."

Wow, the inner workings of Emei are so complicated! With the east, west, south, north, and outer mountains, it's divided into five Daoist Tradition. Even within the Southern Courtyard, there are various disciples vying for power—the struggles are truly endless...

Li Fan then asked, "Nan Xin, your two senior uncles are both disciples of the Southern Academy, so why did they fight each other? Does Emei also have a tradition of sword duels to compete for the position of sect leader? Could it be that someone doesn't want to ascend to immortality with the Golden Summit?"

Qin Nanxin shook his head. "I graduated from the outer academy and have been cultivating with my master for many years. I don't really know much about the disputes between the elders. My two senior uncles, Xuan Yun and Qing Yun, are both divine lords who have attained enlightenment for a long time, and they are disciples of the same master. Because Cangyun led the other elders on a distant expedition to the Divine Sect, leaving only the two of them to manage the affairs of the sect, it's possible that there are some conflicts of opinion."

However, I remember my master once said that among the two senior uncles, Senior Xuan Yunzi was the eldest disciple personally taught by Patriarch Cangyun world. Later, when Patriarch Cangyun was reincarnated, all the disciples were scattered. In the end, only Senior Uncle Xuanyunzi went through life and death and cultivated in various places. Finally, he reunited with Patriarch Cangyun and continued the master-disciple relationship. It was a wonderful story.

As for Second Martial Uncle Qingyun, he was a direct disciple taken in from the outer courtyard after the founder's death, and was the senior brother of the South Courtyard who was formally selected. Perhaps he was somewhat dissatisfied because Senior Martial Uncle Xuanyun had surpassed him?

As for the arrangements and plans for the Golden Summit Ascension, we disciples who have not yet reached the Nascent Soul Stage have no idea."

Although it's unclear whether Qin Nanxin genuinely didn't know about the Golden Core ascension or simply didn't want to discuss it with outsiders, it's certain that there are genuine conflicts and divisions within the Southern Academy lineage.

Just as Qin Nanxin guessed, Qing Yunzi, who came from a proper academic background, had always harbored resentment towards Senior Brother Xuan Yun, who had been brought in through connections from his previous life. Now that Xuan Yun might actually inherit the position of Emei Sect Leader, wouldn't he jump up and fight for it?

However, even the Cangyun is probably in a difficult position. Look at the Three Clouds and Four Heroes, and he gave his own "Cloud" character to his two eldest disciples, besides his own daughter. That must have been sincere; he probably felt that "you two are my wings," right?

This makes it really difficult for outsiders to interfere. After all, Emei values arithmetic so much and is so wary of destiny. Since the calculations indicate that destiny lies with the Southern Academy lineage, then even if the direct descendants of the Southern Academy fight among themselves, the sect leader and elders can only wait for you to come to a conclusion. After all, who the hell knows whether destiny is in this cloud or that cloud!

Li Fan was also a bit confused, scratching his head as he asked, "Now that something has happened at Emei, Nanxin, what are your plans next? Are you going back to Emei? Or will you stay at Ink Bamboo Mountain and cultivate with me?"

Qin Nanxin replied almost without hesitation, "I came to Ink Bamboo Mountain to cultivate the Limitless Nascent Soul Stage with you, Qingyue!"

My Qin Family possesses many direct lineage secret manuals from the Eastern Academy, but only those at the Nascent Soul Stage can begin cultivation. Now that you have my assistance, why should I go to such lengths to cultivate the Southern Academy's Daoist Tradition?

Besides, from now on, the transmission of the Emei sect will be a matter for the Southern and Northern academies, and the Qin Family has never fought over those things. Naturally, I will cultivate together with you, Qingyue."

That's really straightforward... Qin Nanxin truly is Qin Family; she's completely focused on cultivation. She's probably one of the few companions who can keep up with Li Fan's cultivation progress, right?

Just as Li Fan was making his calculations, Qin Nanxin suddenly grabbed Li Fan hand, startling him and making his mood rise slightly.

"Qingyue, you used many of our sect's most precious treasures, divine pills, and secret medicines to save me this time. I understand your feelings for me, but..."

Huh? What else is there?

"But..." Qin Nanxin hesitated for a moment, then gritted her teeth and said, "But I came to find you only to cultivate together as a couple and work on the Limitless Nascent Soul Stage. I have no intention of forming a romantic relationship or even discussing marriage. Do you understand?"

Li Fan was stunned, while Qin Nanxin was truly straightforward, saying what needed to be said without any of the coyness or hesitation typical of young lovers.

"I, Qin Nanxin pursuing the Great Dao. From a young age, I have been immersed in the Dao at Mount Emei, learning from everything I see and hear. All of this is to emulate the elegance of Profound Maiden Mysterious Maiden of yesteryear, to break through the barriers and ascend to immortality. My Dao heart can no longer tolerate even the slightest bit of personal affection. It would be unfair to you if I did not tell you this clearly."

Furthermore, I have heard many lessons from my master about the past, including the example of Patriarch Cangyun and the lessons learned from the many predecessors who perished in the tribulations of love.

In the past, the ancient Emei teachings emphasized worldly experience, and many exceptionally talented individuals wandered the mortal realm, losing their desire to pursue the Dao. Even a Daoist disciple as brilliant as the founder himself took many detours and was unable to extricate himself from the cycle of rebirth, nearly failing several times. Perhaps this is why he was so close to Master Xuan Yunzi, leading to the karmic consequences we see today?

So... if Qingyue is still willing to form a cultivation partnership with me and help me cultivate, that would be best. But if you are seeking a true love and destiny, I'm afraid I, Qin Nanxin, am truly unable to repay you in kind. If you don't want to be entangled with such a heartless person as me any longer, I can understand..."

Li Fan almost dislocated his jaw.

Why are all the nuns of Emei so devoted to the Great Dao, with pure hearts and few desires, content to live a solitary life with only the flickering lamp and ancient Buddha statue? I was saying, "Let me calm down," but Qin Nanxin is even calmer than me! I never thought... that Li Fan would be taken advantage of like this...

Li Fan was momentarily confused, and under Qin Nanxin's intense gaze, he subconsciously said, "Oh, oh... okay, I understand your feelings, Nanxin. I, Qingyue, am also willing to cultivate the Path of the Limitless Nascent Soul Stage with you..."

"That's good. I am devoted to the Tao, and marriage is not my wish as a person who has transcended worldly affairs."

Qin Nanxin seemed relieved and smiled at him.

"Of course, if you have a wife in the future, I will naturally not appear in front of her and disturb her mood. I will only come to you secretly to cultivate in private."

By the way, although I've lost all my power and can't cultivate with others for the time being, if you want to, I can find a way to cooperate with you...

Holy crap! I was actually hoping you'd be my official wife, and all you wanted was to have sex with me, a mutually beneficial arrangement, a friendship?! What kind of people are these?! What's wrong with this world?!

Li Fan's mood dropped significantly.

It felt as if a sword had struck Li Fan squarely in the heart of youth; the pain almost made him faint. He genuinely wanted to pass out, but the system forced him to calm down and think about the problem.

Well, actually, even without the system's reminder, Li Fan was already aware of the strangeness in his emotions and understood a little.

Although it was just a little, the fact that he had the thought of 'using Lou Guan's secret method to find a way to keep Qin Nanxin by his side' showed that Li Fan was indeed somewhat moved by this woman.

Although he made many excuses for himself, such as worrying that Qin Nanxin was devoted to Emei and wanted to return to protect the Qin Family, thus putting himself in danger; that if Emei and Ink Bamboo Mountain had conflicting interests, Qin Nanxin would inevitably consider the interests of her sect and clan, which would lead to disagreements with Li Fan, her chance encounter as Dao Companion; that cultivating oneself, managing one's family, and governing the world required an assistant; and that he owed the old man Cangsong a debt of gratitude and wanted to save Qin Nanxin's life...

But these are all just excuses.

He was just a simple, selfish man who suddenly had a primal urge to possess this woman named 'Qin Nanxin'.

Seeing Qin Nanxin's expression, which seemed to have breathed a sigh of relief and also as if she had escaped a calamity, Li Fan suddenly understood.

So this is what love's tribulations are like.

So this is what Dao Companion is.

Companions of the Way

What about wealth and glory, what about royal power and hegemony, what about vows of eternal love, what about a peaceful and prosperous world!

It doesn't matter!

I seek nothing else in this world but this Great Way!

This is what a seeker of the Way should be like!

On the contrary, Li Fan himself is still too low in terms of his level of understanding and awareness!

Seeing Qin Nanxin's relieved expression really made him feel a little down!

Don't flatter yourself, Li Fan! She's not some naive, lovesick girl! Qin Nanxin is a steadfast seeker of the Dao! She's the one who truly has no time for romance!

Now, the one who needs to reach a consensus, stabilize one's Dao heart, and overcome this tribulation is precisely yourself!

Li Fan took a deep breath.

He suddenly understood how to use this move.

Let's become Dao Companion... then let's become Dao Companion!

So Li Fan gritted his teeth, raised his hand, and touched his head.

It was as if a drowning person had burst out of the water, the throbbing in their eardrums and the clamor that filled their chest and echoed in their heart suddenly fading away, leaving only complete silence.

That night, when he saw Qin Nanxin lying in a pool of blood, critically injured and on the verge of death, a sudden feeling, like wild grass sprouting from the boy's heart and burning like wildfire, lingered in his heart—a feeling that was superfluous and useless, warm yet painful.

In that instant of touching his head, it was completely wiped away.

Li Fan felt that after that touch, he completely calmed down.

' Li Fan has overcome his emotional tribulation. Li Fan mood cap has increased by 500 points; his current mood is 6.5k/7.1k.'

Phew... So, love tribulations are just like killing tribulations; there's a reward for overcoming them. It's actually quite simple.

This is good. Now that everyone is focused on seeking the Dao, it's easier to communicate. After all, doesn't Qin Nanxin want to ascend to immortality? And who in this world understands ascension better than Li Fan?

Moreover, it's not just about cultivating the Nascent Soul Stage; there's also the Immortal Emperor's Inner Classic, "Ling Shu Su Suwen," or the Emei Outer Mountain lineage of Canglong, and the Tai Su Sha Qi Qian Kun. With Qin Nanxin by his side to assist, it would surely be twice as effective with half the effort.

From now on, let us be fellow practitioners who benefit each other.

So, as if he had just touched his forehead and straightened his hair, Li Fan gave Qin Nanxin a frank and sincere smile.

"Alright, I understand. Then let's become partners and cultivate together. I happen to have a secret technique here; dual cultivation can heal your injuries, Nanxin. How about we study it together? Hmm? Nanxin, why is your face red? Is there something else on your mind...?"

Qin Nanxin suddenly blushed, "Speaking of which, well, Qingyue, when we cultivate together, could you... perhaps be a little different?"

Li Fan, "?"

Qin Nanxin turned her head to the side, fiddling with her hair, "It was... it was when we first met that the boy looked quite good, or maybe a year or two younger, fifteen or sixteen would have been perfect. I really liked him..."

Ah, so she's into younger men... But that's not difficult, just a little change...

"Oh! Okay, that's perfect, that's the best way!"

"No! Let me teach you the method of cultivation first!"

Thus, Qingyue of Ink Bamboo Mountain and Qin Nanxin of Emei became Dao Companion and cultivated together.

Of course, it was just a matter of becoming Dao Companion and cultivating together.