Li Xuanyi nodded. "There is no higher or lower Dao—only the heart. Fighting you showed me another possibility beyond the sword Dao."
"Junior Brother Lin, once we enter Falling Star Valley, would you be willing to travel with me?"
Seeing the doubt on Lin Ye's face, he immediately explained, "Falling Star Valley is fraught with danger. There are the perils inherent to the secret realm itself, as well as the struggles among all factions. I need an ally with proven strength."
Lin Ye swiftly weighed the matter in his heart. Li Xuanyi's strength was unfathomable, and he was familiar with the secret realm's inner workings. His status could also spare them much trouble. Yet traveling together carried no small risks as well.
"Why does Senior Brother not choose a fellow disciple or someone else?"
"Among my fellow disciples, those whose temperaments align with mine lack sufficient strength. As for outsiders..." Li Xuanyi shook his head slightly. "The human heart is unfathomable. I can see that Junior Brother is not one to forget righteousness at the sight of profit. We bear no old grudges, and we came to know one another through the Dao. That makes you all the more worthy of trust."
"Traveling together is fine, but we must first lay down three rules."
"Please, Junior Brother."
"The opportunities within the secret realm shall depend on each person's own abilities. Whoever obtains something first, it belongs to them. Should cooperation be necessary, rewards shall be distributed according to contribution. Any disputes will be settled through discussion; we must not turn against one another over them.
"If danger strikes, we must work together with one heart and must not deliberately abandon a companion. If things truly cannot be done, we may each flee for our lives, and neither shall hold it