PID Chapter 87

(5/5)

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In his past life, Xiao Mo had protected the chaos energy during its infancy stage. After restarting the world, that energy had already begun transforming into a new Heaven’s Will—it simply went into hiding to secretly gather strength. This time around, protecting it and defeating the old Heaven’s Will should be easier than before.

 

As Xiao Mo looked at Chu Jinglan’s face, his resolve grew even stronger. His gaze became calm and unwavering.

 

When Chu Jinglan opened his eyes, he found Xiao Mo staring at him intently, seemingly lost in thought.

 

Slowly, Chu Jinglan shifted his gaze toward Xiao Mo, expecting him to snap out of it or look away. But contrary to his expectations, Xiao Mo merely blinked and smiled at him.

 

Faced with that smile, any trace of coldness in Chu Jinglan’s expression melted away. His brows softened as he asked, “What are you thinking about?”

 

Xiao Mo replied casually, “Nothing much—just daydreaming.”

 

In truth, he had just been revising several versions of the message he planned to leave behind for Chu Jinglan. The central idea remained the same; only the wording varied slightly.

 

Turns out there’s something even more painstaking than writing essays for exams—crafting a farewell message.

 

At the same time, Xiao Mo had also come to terms with another realization. Given his current relationship with Chu Jinglan, describing it as mere friendship seemed insufficient. If this was the place he wanted to return to, then naturally, it had to feel like home—and family was the most fitting term.

 

Xiao Mo felt deeply comforted by this thought.

 

Chu Jinglan noticed a subtle change in Xiao Mo’s gaze toward him—it seemed softer somehow. Though it wasn’t obvious enough for him to be certain, he felt it was likely a positive shift. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be so gentle.

 

Chu Jinglan felt comforted as well.

 

In short, both of them were in good spirits.

 

As the sun rose over the sea, the three Divided Spirit cultivators began their activities early. The disciples didn’t dare slack off either; after briefly circulating their spiritual energy for cultivation practice, they set out on another day of searching for floating markers.

 

Some floating markers were frustrating because their runes couldn’t be fully deciphered. Yet to meet their quotas, disciples had no choice but to collect them anyway—even if it meant accumulating more restrictions. What started as simple movements gradually turned into burdensome tasks akin to running with weights.

 

Of course, some disciples opted to abandon markers whose runes couldn’t be completely dispelled and moved on to search for others instead. However, this approach led to fewer available markers overall since their regeneration wasn’t instantaneous. Competition grew fiercer as a result.

 

Meanwhile, Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan faced no such obstacles. Their teamwork during battles had become increasingly seamless—completely in sync—and their luck was good too. Aside from the forced hand-holding marker they’d encountered earlier, they hadn’t come across any other peculiar runes.

 

Yesterday, Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan still needed occasional voice transmissions to coordinate their movements. But by today, they didn’t need them at all—their bound hands posed no hindrance whatsoever. In fact, they had developed new combo techniques that were smooth and fluid—a perfect harmony.

 

While retrieving a floating marker from a tree trunk, the final rune unleashed several bursts of spiritual energy as it was broken. Xiao Mo immediately pressed down on Chu Jinglan’s hand; understanding his intent instantly, Chu Jinglan used his strength to propel Xiao Mo forward. The two rotated mid-air and switched positions seamlessly, avoiding the spiritual energy while Xiao Mo deftly hooked the floating marker back toward them.

 

Then Chu Jinglan pulled Xiao Mo back toward him with a firm tug.

 

The rotational force from earlier had been strong enough that when pulling Xiao Mo back in, Chu Jinglan instinctively placed a hand around Xiao Mo’s waist to steady him.

 

Now standing close to Chu Jinglan, Xiao Mo raised the floating marker and waved it lightly in front of him with a playful grin: “Done.”

 

Chu Jinglan’s gaze lingered on Xiao Mo’s carefree and cheerful expression—the springlike ease radiating from him seemed infectious. Lowering his hand from Xiao Mo’s waist, Chu Jinglan found his tone unconsciously softened as well: “Mm.”

 

The tightly clasped hands had become such a habit and felt so natural that when the rune’s effect disappeared after three days, neither Xiao Mo nor Chu Jinglan immediately noticed.

 

They continued standing in the crowd, still holding hands, until Chang Daozi announced: “Training on the second floor is complete. Proceed to the third floor.”

 

Both Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan froze for a moment, belatedly realizing that their hands were now free to separate.

 

Around them, the other disciples had all returned to normal. Yue Ming’s speech no longer carried the chirping sound of a baby chick. Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan tentatively moved their fingers, testing their grip. The binding force was gone, and there was no longer any pressure on their fingers.

 

Almost simultaneously, both Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan tilted their heads slightly, their peripheral vision meeting. For some reason, neither of them immediately turned away this time.

 

Maintaining that brief eye contact, their fingers loosened slightly—but strangely, even Xiao Mo didn’t fully let go right away.

 

The act of relaxing their grip didn’t grant immediate freedom to their hands; instead, it felt as though they were separating something that inherently belonged together—difficult and filled with reluctance.

 

Yue Ming, now fully recovered and feeling refreshed, strolled past them leisurely from behind. “Let’s go! What are you two standing around here for?”

 

Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan broke eye contact and replied in unison: “Mm.”

 

Their intertwined fingers slowly released and fell to their sides.

 

Xiao Mo’s palm felt strangely empty, the lingering warmth of human touch gradually dissipating. Beneath his sleeve, his hand instinctively curled into his palm—whether to recapture the sensation of holding something or to preserve the fleeting warmth, even he wasn’t sure.

 

For a moment, he genuinely felt uncomfortable.

 

It’s fine, Xiao Mo thought to himself. This is normal—it’ll pass in a while.

 

As the group stepped onto the third floor and walked only a few steps forward, Chang Daozi turned back to glance at Chu Jinglan. After sizing him up briefly, his gaze lit up with satisfaction: “Not bad—mid-stage Nascent Soul already.”

 

Just now, Chu Jinglan had broken through to mid-stage Nascent Soul.

 

The hand that had separated from Xiao Mo was still lightly clenched under his sleeve. Upon hearing Chang Daozi’s words, Chu Jinglan raised his hand and cupped his fists respectfully: “Yes. Thank you for the sect’s guidance.”

 

Yue Ming groaned nearby in frustration: “You beat me again! Unbelievable!”

 

The three Divided Spirit cultivators laughed heartily—they were delighted to see Chu Jinglan’s growth.

 

The third floor contained a cave dwelling left behind by an ancestor of the Wang family. It featured unique trials that only selected individuals could enter. Yingyue Sect ignored other locations on this floor and headed straight for the trial site. The area was bustling with activity as disciples from various sects gathered. Some exchanged seemingly polite greetings while engaging in veiled passive-aggressive conversations.

 

For example:

 

“Oh dear! None of your disciples were chosen to enter the trial? Such a pity! But we only had two selected ourselves—not many at all! Haha.”

 

Or:

 

“Some people might get lucky enough to enter the trial—but even if they do, their cultivation won’t improve anyway! Right, brother? Haha.”

 

When Yingyue Sect arrived, naturally, they drew attention from others nearby. However, no one rushed forward to greet them immediately; everyone waited for them to handle official matters first.

 

The trial here could only be experienced once per person. What awaited those who entered was uncertain—it could be an individual trial or chaotic combat among some participants. Yue Ming had already entered this trial during his previous ascent of the tower and therefore couldn’t participate again.

 

Chang Daozi announced: “Disciples who have never entered before—step forward and give it a try.”

 

The disciples stepped forward in response, touching the glowing barrier at the trial’s entrance one by one. If the light flashed, they were allowed entry; otherwise, they couldn’t proceed. After everyone had tried, only three disciples were able to enter—including Chu Jinglan.

 

Xiao Mo was not among them.

 

Chang Daozi said, “You may proceed.”

 

Chu Jinglan withdrew his hand from the barrier and turned to look at Xiao Mo.

 

Xiao Mo smiled lightly and said, “Go on. The sooner you go, the sooner you’ll return. I’ll wait for you here.”

 

Chu Jinglan nodded and turned to enter the trial.

 

Xiao Mo watched until Chu Jinglan’s figure disappeared into the entrance. He rubbed his fingers together absentmindedly. After three days of being forcibly bound together, the lingering sensation was stronger than he’d expected. Even now, with Chu Jinglan gone, he still wasn’t quite used to it. To distract himself, he placed his flute in his palm and ran his fingers over it whenever he felt uncomfortable.

 

Nearby, the Divided Spirit cultivators waiting for their disciples finally approached Chang Daozi and his companions to exchange greetings.

 

Their conversation inevitably revolved around Chu Jinglan.

 

“So that’s your new disciple, Chu Jinglan? He seems impressive. You’re lucky to have him.”

 

Chang Daozi replied humbly, “Yes, we’re very fortunate that he chose to join us.”

 

“I wonder if he’ll be as enduringly talented as Moon Lord was back in the day.”

 

Though the words sounded like a casual remark, the tone carried a subtle edge. Chang Daozi, a seasoned veteran of such exchanges, didn’t so much as bat an eye as he responded: “His talent already surpasses Moon Lord’s. How far he goes from here depends entirely on him.”

 

The other person chuckled lightly and added: “I’ve also heard that Chu Jinglan has a demonic Dao companion?”

 

Ah, Xiao Mo thought as he listened in. So this is where they try to strike a nerve.

 

Another Divided Spirit cultivator from Yingyue Sect chimed in: “That’s right! The young couple is deeply in love, and our entire sect fully supports them. They’re doing wonderfully! So if anyone’s thinking of using marriage alliances to win him over—they might as well give up!”

 

Xiao Mo listened to the back-and-forth banter but kept his eyes fixed on the trial’s entrance.

 

He wondered how long Chu Jinglan’s trial would last.

 

Thinking about it now—ever since becoming an inner demon—aside from their time apart during the Lower Realm’s Mu Mountain secret realm, had he and Chu Jinglan ever been separated for more than half a day?

 

Yet now that they were apart again, it felt just like when they had let go of each other’s hands earlier—strangely unsettling.

 

Too clingy, Xiao Mo told himself with lowered eyes. It’s no good—and it’s odd.

 

After a while, Xiao Mo glanced at the entrance again: I wonder what kind of trial Chu Jinglan is facing.

 

A little later, after exchanging a few words with Yue Ming, Xiao Mo finally shifted his focus away from the entrance.

 

However, deep within the secret realm, Chu Jinglan suddenly heard a voice—not from his surroundings but seemingly coming from… his shoulder?

 

“Chu Jinglan, how’s your trial going?”

 

Chu Jinglan paused mid-step and turned his head to see a tiny black inner demon perched on his shoulder.

 

Xiao Mo had split off a fragment of his spiritual consciousness to form this miniature inner demon—a figure that only Chu Jinglan could see.

 

The tiny inner demon sat comfortably on Chu Jinglan’s shoulder. As Chu Jinglan gazed at the miniature figure, Xiao Mo—both as the inner demon and his true self outside the trial—felt momentarily frozen, unsure of how to respond.

 

When Xiao Mo tilted his head to look at Chu Jinglan, he was caught off guard and found himself staring into Chu Jinglan’s deep, captivating eyes.

 

In those eyes, there was the bloom of spring flowers stretching for miles, ripples in a tranquil emerald pond, snow-capped mountains illuminated by the rising sun, and golden peaks glowing with majestic brilliance.

 

Both the inner demon and Xiao Mo’s real body outside the trial were stunned.

 

A sudden urge to retreat surged within Xiao Mo. The Dongqing Pearl in his chest pulsed violently, its aura colliding repeatedly like a heartbeat that refused to settle.

 

I have to say something, Xiao Mo thought desperately. I need to break this atmosphere—otherwise, I might drown in that gaze.

 

The inner demon stammered: “I-I didn’t have anything else to do outside, so I thought I’d come in and see if there was any new scenery…”

 

Chu Jinglan’s gaze remained unchanged as he replied simply: “Mm.”

 

Xiao Mo suddenly found himself unable to continue speaking. The inner demon clutched a small part of Chu Jinglan’s collar—not to steady itself but because Xiao Mo felt genuinely flustered.

 

Chu Jinglan raised his hand and infused a bit of spiritual energy into the inner demon’s form—not only shielding it from the wind but also ensuring it could sit more securely on his shoulder.

 

“This is a combat trial. Only one winner is allowed,” Chu Jinglan said as he unsheathed his sword. “I’ll defeat them.”

 

“I won’t keep you waiting long.”

 

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1 Kofi = 1 Extra Chapter