Gu Qingzhao had a vast estate to manage, so she naturally could not be as carefree as Qin Ming, leaving whenever she pleased.
After reaching the Golden Core Stage, many matters within Mirror Snow Pavilion required her approval. Even the role of helmsman would fall upon her shoulders.
Otherwise, she too would have liked to travel through Great Jin with Qin Ming.
Gu Qingzhao's thoughts drifted. After hesitating for a long while, she finally gathered her courage and asked Qin Ming:
"Fellow Daoist Qin has cultivated for so long and has now reached the Golden Core Middle Stage. Whether in cultivation or reputation, you are no longer what you once were."
"Could it be... that you have no plans to find a Dao companion?"
After saying this, her gaze fell upon Qin Ming. Her expression appeared utterly frank, as though she were merely asking a friend an offhand question.
Yet in truth, her heart was a bundle of nerves.
The instant Gu Qingzhao's words fell—
Qin Ming was briefly stunned as well.
He had not expected Gu Qingzhao to raise the subject so directly.
After pondering for a moment, Qin Ming replied:
"The Immortal Cultivation World is ever-changing. Though the Golden Core Stage has crossed the threshold into the ranks of high-level cultivators, and one might have some say in the Southern Wasteland, looking across the surrounding Immortal Cultivation World, one can only barely protect oneself."
"Only upon reaching the Nascent Soul realm can one gain a secure foothold."
"Therefore, Qin has not given much thought to matters of love between men and women."
"I only wish to seek opportunities and break through to the golden core late stage as soon as possible."
Hearing this, Gu Qingzhao grew somewhat dejected. In her heart, she understood what he meant.
With Qin