Had anyone else asked-even Dongfang Yuejian and the others-Xu Taiping might simply have smiled and then shaken his head.
But perhaps it was because he instinctively sensed that Qi Haitang, standing before him, was like Sister Lingyue, Senior Sister Linglong, Second Senior Brother, and the others from the Seven Peaks: she sincerely cared about him and worried for him.
So when he heard Qi Haitang ask this, his usually placid Heart Lake was suddenly stirred, ripples spreading across it.
Xu Taiping knew perfectly well that this was the greatest flaw in his mindset and Dao Heart.
But Xu Taiping knew just as clearly that this most vulnerable part of him was also what gave him boundless drive on his lone journey on the Great Dao.
Precisely because of this, Xu Taiping had never concealed this most vulnerable side of himself from Fairy Lingyue, Zhao Linglong, and the others.
And so Xu Taiping drew a deep breath, a trace of weariness in his eyes as he nodded to Qi Haitang and said:
"Yes, I did encounter quite a few difficulties."
Xu Taiping smiled faintly and continued:
"There were many times when I felt I might not be able to hold on any longer."
Qi Haitang froze at his words, then felt her eyes grow hot. Once again, she reached out and gently patted Xu Taiping's cheek.
Beside them, Xiang Nantian gave Xu Taiping a long look, then asked tentatively:
"During our travels over the years, your sister-in-law and I once found a secluded paradise, cut off from the world. The people there don't cultivate. Every day, they work at sunrise and rest at sunset."
"If you wish, we can take you there so you can return to the life you once lived."
Xu Taiping smiled and shook his head.
"Though it's