PID Chapter 119

of course we can’t stop now that the ending is so close
Thank you Lily for the kofi and with this wave of updates we’re gonna complete the novel
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(3/5)

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The answer was no.

 

Dual cultivation within the sea of consciousness would indeed aid Chu Jinglan’s spiritual consciousness recovery and integration. Xiao Mo couldn’t refuse such a compelling reason.

 

After hesitating for a moment—his heart still pounding nervously—he reluctantly agreed.

 

…Let’s try?

 

Xiao Mo received the dual cultivation technique within the sea of consciousness and learned how to circulate his spiritual energy during the process. He and Chu Jinglan first adjusted their respective states of spiritual consciousness.

 

One was water-aligned; the other ice-aligned. As they began activating their spiritual energy within the sea of consciousness, faint halos surrounded both of them, giving their figures a soft and gentle glow.

 

Unlike their defenseless forms in the inner palace, where even slight contact left them dazed and unable to use techniques properly, they were now in a more controlled state. Still, their amplified senses meant that any touch between their spiritual consciousnesses…

 

As Chu Jinglan approached Xiao Mo, he tentatively touched his hand first.

 

The warmth of their hands meeting sent an electric jolt through them both—a tingling sensation that spread from their fingertips across their entire bodies. Xiao Mo’s hand trembled instantly as he gritted his teeth to suppress the muffled groan threatening to escape his throat.

 

He looked up at Chu Jinglan and saw that his lips were tightly pressed together as well. The only reason he wasn’t trembling was because he was better at enduring than Xiao Mo.

 

Suddenly, Xiao Mo felt that agreeing to this might have been… a bit too hasty.

 

…If just touching hands made them tremble like this, what would happen next?

 

Chu Jinglan’s fingers slid up and clasped Xiao Mo’s hand. The electrifying pleasure coursing through his body was something he felt just as intensely. His gaze darkened—rather than letting these small sparks flicker across their bodies bit by bit, it was better to let the storm explode all at once, fierce and unrestrained.

 

Without hesitation, Chu Jinglan pulled Xiao Mo into his arms and kissed him deeply.

 

The two fell into the flower field together, their trembling figures surrounded by quivering petals. Chu Jinglan transformed the scene of the night-blooming cereus flowers, laying down a thick carpet of petals on the ground. Xiao Mo’s dark hair spilled across the vibrant blossoms.

 

The man before him was the cause of his complete loss of strength, yet Xiao Mo trembled as he tried to embrace him. This soul-stirring, mind-drowning vortex of passion left him no escape.

 

In the sea of consciousness, their clothing could have disappeared instantly—but someone clearly preferred peeling away each layer slowly.

 

The delicate fall of robes revealed white jade against a bed of flowers—a sight so exquisite it seemed like nature’s masterpiece.

 

Xiao Mo heard his own uncontrollable voice filling the air, his cheeks burning red with embarrassment. But there was no stopping it—the soft moans escaped relentlessly as fireworks exploded in his vision. His body melted like water, sinking into the flower field.

 

Ice met water; water wrapped around ice.

 

Within the sea of consciousness, a golden chain materialized on Xiao Mo’s wrist. Chu Jinglan gazed at Xiao Mo’s dazed eyes and unsteady breaths before pulling the chain and extending it. He wrapped it gently around Xiao Mo’s delicate, crane-like neck and then looped it around his own.

 

Entwined like mandarin ducks with their necks crossed—they were bound together for this lifetime, never to separate again.

 

Soft petals adorned Xiao Mo’s jet-black hair and brushed against his porcelain-white skin. Chu Jinglan reached into the night-blooming cereus field and lifted one slender ankle into his hand.

 

Xiao Mo struggled to hold onto a sliver of clarity so that their spiritual energy and dual cultivation technique could flow properly. He instinctively tried to pull his foot back, but Chu Jinglan didn’t let him retreat.

 

“The technique is already… running on its own,” Chu Jinglan said in a steady voice. “You can allow yourself to indulge more.”

 

Xiao Mo’s tightly pressed lips parted slightly as he gasped for breath. His autumn-like eyes shimmered with confusion and helplessness as he looked at Chu Jinglan.

 

With their spiritual consciousnesses connected, they could fully share each other’s feelings—even without speaking a single word. Each could understand every thought in the other’s heart completely.

 

Xiao Mo felt the emotions swirling within Chu Jinglan—the pain from three hundred years of loneliness eroding his soul day by day; the helplessness and despair; the struggle and madness. But he also felt the endless tenderness born from longing—the gentle affection hidden like treasures in quiet corners—and even… the pure-hearted boy from three hundred years ago who had first fallen in love.

 

That boy had carried his heart for his beloved through the passage of time step by step.

 

People change with time, but here was his old love standing right before him.

 

With all fragments of spiritual consciousness finally restored, Chu Jinglan no longer needed to return to who he once was. He had become whole—reclaiming every part of himself—and he was simply Chu Jinglan.

 

The inner demon that had plagued him for so long truly disappeared in this moment.

 

Xiao Mo’s eyes reddened as he whispered: “I don’t want to be your inner demon anymore.”

 

Chu Jinglan understood—because he could feel Xiao Mo’s emotions toward him just as clearly.

 

Like a wanderer returning home after drifting through heaven and earth, Xiao Mo had tied his heart entirely to Chu Jinglan. He lit a lamp beside him—the light illuminating Chu Jinglan’s path back home.

 

In the vast expanse of three thousand worlds, Xiao Mo only wished to walk hand in hand with Chu Jinglan.

 

He no longer wanted to hurt Chu Jinglan, no longer wanted to be his inner demon—he only wanted to be his Dao companion, his beloved.

 

Xiao Mo let go of the last shred of his rational mind, allowing it to slip away and indulging himself completely.

 

The thick petals scattered across the ground were disturbed by their movements, trembling and swaying in a mesmerizing display.

 

The passage of time within the sea of consciousness flowed differently from the outside world. Xiao Mo had no idea how long had passed or how he had been pulled out of that realm.

 

He had truly passed out.

 

It wasn’t that his spiritual consciousness wasn’t strong enough—on the contrary, the stronger the spiritual consciousness, the more detailed and overwhelming the sensations became. He simply couldn’t endure it anymore.

 

When Xiao Mo woke up, he was back within his own body.

 

His awareness slowly returned, but he still felt hazy and languid. He lacked energy; even his consciousness felt soft and unwilling to move. Lying there without opening his eyes, he could still feel lingering sensations tugging gently at the depths of his mind. His fingers trembled slightly, and even his thoughts quivered along with them.

 

Ah, it’s over—I’m back.

 

He had embraced all of Chu Jinglan’s emotions—the ones spoken aloud and those left unexpressed—accepting them completely. It was a good thing. But beyond that… dual cultivation through spiritual consciousness was far too intense.

 

One session was equivalent to… no, it couldn’t even be compared to physical experiences. The sensations from spiritual consciousness were incomparable to anything physical.

 

It was pleasurable—but being so overwhelmingly consumed that even one’s consciousness was swallowed up felt far too out of control.

 

Never again, Xiao Mo thought. This time had been for helping Chu Jinglan integrate his spiritual consciousness and heal—it was important work. But he couldn’t handle this method anymore; they couldn’t keep doing this in the future.

 

As his awareness gradually sharpened, Xiao Mo’s thoughts finally began to settle on other matters. When he fully regained clarity, he suddenly jolted awake with alarm and opened his eyes abruptly.

 

How long have I slept? Did I miss the opening of the Tianyuan Secret Realm?!

 

As soon as Xiao Mo opened his eyes, he saw Chu Jinglan sitting by the headboard, gently combing through his hair with his fingers. “Awake?”

 

Chu Jinglan’s voice carried a deep and satisfied magnetism that made Xiao Mo’s fingers curl instinctively. His hoarse voice followed: “What time is it?”

 

Chu Jinglan understood what he was worried about and reassured him: “The Tianyuan Secret Realm opens tomorrow.”

 

Xiao Mo exhaled deeply in relief.

 

Having woken up earlier than Xiao Mo, Chu Jinglan had set up a barrier around their courtyard so that no one could disturb them during their dual cultivation session. After waking, Qiuqiu delivered Yue Ming’s message: Fenxiu had been successfully escorted to Yaori Sect and locked in its dungeon. He would be executed three days later during the signing ceremony between human cultivators and demons.

 

Xiao Mo commented lightly: “The signing ceremony between humans and demons is a big event—but we won’t be attending.”

 

Chu Jinglan nodded. “Mm.”

 

Chu Jinglan’s fingers slid through Xiao Mo’s hair repeatedly until Xiao Mo couldn’t help but laugh softly: “It tickles.”

 

The lingering sensations from their spiritual connection were still deeply imprinted in Xiao Mo’s bones—they hadn’t fully faded yet. Feeling too lazy to move, he didn’t bother dodging Chu Jinglan’s touch.

 

Chu Jinglan twirled a strand of Xiao Mo’s hair around his finger before bringing it to his lips for a kiss. “The guest list for our Dao companion ceremony has been finalized. If there’s anything you want prepared for it, let me know ahead of time.”

 

Xiao Mo paused for a moment and said, “You’ve reminded me—I’m still not sure about what needs to be prepared for the ceremony.”

 

For most people, marriage is a grand occasion, worth investing time and effort into navigating its intricate processes. Every detail and small gesture carries an air of joy. In the cultivation world, the Dao companion ceremony for cultivators is even more complex, with countless traditions and practices to consider.

 

Yan Chun had previously helped organize a Dao companion ceremony for another couple and was well-versed in the various procedures. As a result, assisting Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan was something he could handle with ease.

 

But Xiao Mo felt it wouldn’t be right to leave everything to him. “Once we return from the secret realm, let’s go take a look together,” he suggested.

 

Familiarizing themselves with the process and preparing things together seemed like the best approach.

 

Although Chu Jinglan was Xianzun, Du-E Sect didn’t have servants or disciples who could manage every task. Aside from Yan Chun, Chu Xia, and Mo Zhi, there were only sword puppets waiting for orders.

 

In the past, when Chu Jinglan had been alone, he hadn’t thought much of it. But now, it felt a bit too quiet.

 

Chu Jinglan said calmly, “Once you’ve seen all eighty-one peaks, Du-E Sect will officially open its doors to new disciples.”

 

While Chu Jinglan himself wouldn’t take on any students directly, he planned to share his sword manuals. Yan Chun, Chu Xia, and Mo Zhi would count as the second generation of disciples within the sect. New recruits would be recorded as part of their lineage moving forward.

 

The once aloof and solitary Xianzun was finally going to become a true founder of a sect.

 

Xiao Mo smiled brightly: “Sounds great! I can help guide those whose cultivation level is lower than mine.”

 

He was also looking forward to exploring the scenery of all eighty-one peaks.

 

Xiao Mo pressed his fingers lightly against Chu Jinglan’s wrist to check his recovery status. It was excellent—better than expected. Finally able to relax after worrying for so long, Xiao Mo leaned into Chu Jinglan’s embrace. It felt like they had walked an incredibly long road together, but now Chu Jinglan no longer had to endure disturbances and could enjoy a peaceful state of mind.

 

Xiao Mo silently promised himself that he would ensure Chu Jinglan remained at ease forever.

 

“By the way,” Xiao Mo said suddenly.

 

Chu Jinglan’s demeanor was calm and serene—his voice now gentle rather than sharp: “Hmm?”

 

Xiao Mo raised a finger and waved it playfully: “No more dual cultivation through spiritual consciousness—I can’t handle it anymore.”

 

Chu Jinglan’s gaze paused briefly but didn’t respond verbally.

 

Xiao Mo narrowed his eyes suspiciously: “Why aren’t you saying anything? Your silence feels like you’re not agreeing.”

 

Chu Jinglan quietly shifted his gaze away.

 

Xiao Mo: “…”

 

Xiao Mo: “…I mean it! No more! Whatever reason you come up with next time—I won’t agree!”

 

Chu Jinglan’s response was simply to continue gently combing Xiao Mo’s hair.

 

The gesture was light, but it made Xiao Mo feel increasingly nervous.

 

…He thought nervously while silently making up his mind—never again.

 

But as for what might happen in the future… who could say for sure?

 

The next day, the Tianyuan Secret Realm opened, and Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan entered together.

 

Although they wore different faces in the eyes of others due to their disguised identities, their attire was anything but casual. Xiao Mo wore a crimson robe with golden silk ribbons tying back his ponytail—radiant and breathtakingly beautiful. Chu Jinglan donned an ice-blue robe—elegant, serene, and exuding an ethereal aura.

 

From their perspective, they could see each other’s true appearances—their beauty reaching heights that felt almost divine. Even though others couldn’t see their real faces, their refined demeanor and presence still drew curious glances from those around them.

 

Upon entering the secret realm, participants were randomly teleported to different locations—meaning there was a high chance Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan would be separated initially. However, thanks to their Dao companion mark, they could sense each other’s location. They agreed beforehand to meet up first before searching for items within the realm.

 

After finding the necessary items, Xiao Mo planned to continue training within the secret realm to improve his cultivation.

 

The entrance to the Tianyuan Secret Realm remained open for more than half a day, giving participants plenty of time. However, Xiao Mo and Chu Jinglan were unaware that shortly after they entered the secret realm, trouble arose within Yaori Sect.

 

Fenxiu had vanished from the dungeon.

 

News quickly spread among the cultivators stationed at Yaori Sect, and the sect master was furious. The dungeon had been heavily guarded, with intentional gaps left as bait to trap any would-be rescuers. Yet somehow, Fenxiu had escaped—an embarrassing blow to their reputation.

 

For someone to pull off such a stealthy rescue without being detected, they had to be highly skilled at concealment and at least at mid-stage Great Perfection cultivation.

 

“I don’t know who took Fenxiu,” the sect master growled, “but the sect’s mountain-sealing formation is active. Unless they’re at Return to Void stage, there’s no way they can leave Yaori Sect’s territory!”

 

This reassurance calmed the gathered cultivators somewhat. However, despite thoroughly searching every corner of Yaori Sect, they couldn’t find Fenxiu anywhere.

 

It was baffling—where could he possibly be hiding?

 

Jun Bushu, still recovering from his injuries, hadn’t performed divination immediately. But seeing how things were unfolding, it seemed he would have to step in after all. Sighing weakly, he raised his hand and asked for Fenxiu’s belongings so he could calculate his location.

 

Before Jun Bushu could act, Wang Yichen pressed his folding fan against Jun Bushu’s hand and stopped him. “There’s no need for you to perform divination while injured—I think I already know.”

 

Everyone turned their attention to Wang Yichen.

 

Wang Yichen’s mind worked quickly as he explained: “Ladies and gentlemen, Yaori Sect’s mountain-sealing formation was designed with guidance from Xianzun Chu himself. The formation hasn’t been broken, so there’s no way anyone has left the sect’s territory. But perhaps we’ve overlooked something—there happens to be a place within Yaori Sect’s boundaries that could serve as a hiding spot and is currently exempt from searches.”

 

“Recently?” Yue Ming asked in surprise before realizing what Wang Yichen meant. “Are you saying Fenxiu’s rescuer took him into the Tianyuan Secret Realm!?”

 

Wang Yichen confirmed Yue Ming’s guess: “It has to be there—doesn’t it?”

 

 

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1 Kofi = 1 Extra Chapter