Seeing that Daoist Gu remained motionless for a long while, Li Fuyuan knew that fear lingered in his heart, that he was afraid the things he worried about were real.
He said, "There is no need for you to fear some deviation. This is something you must face sooner or later. And acting here with me, you need not concern yourself with such matters. Even if you were to transform into a chaos monster, I could rescue you beforehand. But I must remind you of one thing: if you truly become tainted by the aura of chaos, then even if I can preserve your life, you will never be able to return to Celestial Xia."
Daoist Gu nodded. "This disciple understands." It seemed he had finally made up his mind to take this step. After thinking for a moment, he said with a self-mocking smile, "Though I have always regarded myself as the senior brother, after coming here, I have rarely asked after my junior brothers and sisters. May I ask, Senior, how are they...?"
Li Fuyuan said, "The capable remain, the incapable leave—nothing more than that. Since I gave my word, I will keep them safe. Not a single one has yet suffered contamination."
After some thought, Daoist Gu asked, "May I ask, Senior, how is Junior Sister Yu?" His concern for Yu Xueshan stemmed from his wish to know how this junior sister, who had never "worked hard" and was even somewhat perfunctory in her cultivation, was doing now.
"Her?" Li Fuyuan chuckled. "It is still hard to say. It will be quite some time before we see whether she achieves anything. Rather than concerning yourself with others, you should pay more attention to yourself."
Daoist Gu gave an acknowledgment and said no more, immediately sitting down again.